After much searching, prayer, grumbling and complaining, i finally found someone who wants to go sailing away with me. Ms. Lynne Girard*. She says it's 'something she's always wanted to do.' Sail off into the sunset...in search of happy ever after. I guess it's a good thing i came along here in Sarasota Florida?
*Lynne's info at the end of this Post.
To all of you who have been hounding me today and yesterday. (actually for several days now) I'm sorry that i didnt write sooner. I have been busy: packing, sorting and helping Lynne get organized. It's taken about 7 trips to Goodwill - so far - to get to this relaxed stage, where i can take a minute and jot some notes. In just a second Lynne and i have to gather more of her precious items and carry them over to her mom's garage for storage. It's not over yet, but the massive piles of "stuff" all over the apartment have thinned to a few scattered boxes here and there. This process started by going to the boat and removing some of MY stuff to make room for hers. Both of us had to adjust quickly on the fly to make this work. (stay tuned - this might become good drama?)
People currently asking for updates:
Buzzy Wicker
David Cox
John Daniel
Dolores my girl, West Marine, Kemah TX*
Sister Lynn - amarillo
Sister Jane - seattle
Tommy Bonds
Craig Yakel
My Daddy Bill
Carol, Lynne's Mom
*Dolores called me yesterday - "Skippy, we miss you. When are you coming back?" Dolores is 'the' cashier at the West Marine in Kemah, Texas and my personal favorite! She is talking about retiring soon and going global in an RV. kisses in the wind to her... XOXOXOXOD
FUNNY STORY ALERT: Today Lynne and i were running countless errands and discussed how, tomorrow her Mother and 2 'mom friends' were coming to the boat for an inspection tour. I am saying how we will need to insure everything is ship shape so her mother will not worry about the readiness of either the vessel or crew. "Let's make sure everything is perfect for their inspection..." Lynne says, "we should go to the boat and check all the expiration dates on your cans of food in the pantry." (perhaps its only funny to me? but if Lynne is MOST worried about the expiration dates on the Lima Beans, she may not yet understand all the challenges we face? maybe she should inspect the boat more closely? or me?)
The latest, CURRENT PLAN is for us to start our voyage on Monday, 12/12 sailing from Sarasota to Venice FL. (then on down the coast in little learning baby hops: sarasota, venice, gasparilla, naples, shark river, and finally to marathon, Fl.)
Thanks in advance for your encouragement and advice going forward. I'm sure i'll need it! Warmest from the shores of Florida at Christmas time. xoxox Skip
*Lynne Girard: originally from Farber, Mo. but living in Florida for a few decades working in customer service. Lynne worked a number of years in the Propane Industry through the south; MO, IL, IA, GA, FL. Finally switching over to the insurance field the last nine years. She has current Health, Life and Variable Annuity designation and is a Licensed Insurance Agent.
