Winter, 2013

Our winter started on December 20 when we flew to Maine
for Christmas.  As we left Ft. Myers early a.m. we saw lots of people coming in with shorts and t-shirts.  We were dressed in our warmest coats, sweatshirts and pants.  We don’t own boots so wore tennis shoes. Arrival in Portland Maine was a shock!  We very quickly went to LL Bean and
purchased some heavier close but not boots.  That somewhat helped for our three week stay.  We did less exploring, some more shopping and lots of family time. 
Christmas was different for us as we haven’t been around little boys who explode with excitement and want to spend time playing with each new toy. As Jeanette and Teresa are sewers, we had fun making some napkins, and preparing some quilting projects.  Dave saw a lot of TV.  (Sorry no
pictures – to busy being kids!)  We returned to FL on Jan. 9 and quickly thawed out.  After the cold of ME we were glad to have highs in the 80’s.  We attended a Gold Looper reunion on Hutchinson Island mid-January and then started
our season of family visits so relatives can see Eloise (Dave’s Aunt). We also started planning next summer’s
boat trip – a circumnavigation of Lake Superior.  This is an adventure that we have wanted to do.  We completed 4
webinars, borrowed and bought charts so we can plan more specific anchorages.  Barb also saw friends from WI in mid-February and had a great time exploring the Ringling Circus
Museum.  Jeanette came down and we went to a wonderful quilt show which jump started quilting projects for both of
us. Besides these activities we spent much time cleaning house, cooking and driving over to Ft. Lauderdale to see Eloise.  We had northern friends over for dinner before everyone migrates north for summer.  March ended faster than we knew was possible.   Spring is on the way.  We attach a couple of pictures of Hallelujah. The boat is undergoing repairs and upgrades. The pictures show some of the work that is being completed – new awl grip paint and windows on main deck and some cabinet changes.  The boat should look great when we get there in June :)    

New Galley cabinet.

WI friends at Ringling Circus Museum Feb

front window before repairs

front window after repairs.