My grandchildren Jared and Abby at Cherry Point.
Monday we had a cab pick us up early to take us into Easton to get a rental car for our trips and use around the marina. We had the cab pick us up at 715 and we gt our car early and drove to Lancaster, PA to the celebration services for my sister's husband who passed on May 4 at 70 years from pancreatic cancer. He was content to be at peace and gone home. At the services I ran into a high school classmate and his family whom I haven't seen in at least 30 years. Nice to hear how well he has done after suffering shrapnel injuries in Viet Nam. Very happy for him.
Tuesday we got back to the boat and got ready for our trip to Chicago and work the yard needed to do while we were gone. Wednesday we headed out and spent our first night on land in several weeks after the passages we had just completed.
The nights since we got back into the US have required some adjustment but the first night on the road in a hotel was comfortable but not. I woke up constantly because the usual noises and feelings were missing and I had to remind myself where we were. When we finally got up in the morning it took a little while to fully get into the travel mode. Even now almost a week later I still expect to feel rocking and hear the rigging sounds and each morning is an adjustment. About the time I get used ot it we will be back on the boat. I can't wait!
We made it to Chicago on Thursday 12 May and in time to spend time with Linda's dad on his 96th birthday. So we made it from the Bahamas to Chicago in time to celebrate another special day. On Friday night Linda's family got together with him at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria to celebrate the birthday. So great to be part of such a special celebration.
Linda's brother Stuart and his wife Debbie Lee.
Linda's nephews Ben and Abe Lee and Abe's girlfriend Cindy.
Linda's sister Ruth, her friend Jerry Miller and niece Sheri Van Overloop.
Linda's dad celebrating 96 years.
While we are here we are visiting with other friends and family that we don't see very often. One of the first questions asked is what is it like living on a boat or what about storms. Most folks have little or no concept of what living on a boat is like. But as different as it is it is very easy to get used to. In fact now it is hard to imagine living back on land. We are staying with Linda's sister and life on land now seems far more complex than living on our boat. We have come to enjoy the simple life aboard.
Unlike life ashore, aboard we are concerned about functions that are essential to living. Keeping the boat floating, keeping all the systems running, keeping everyone safe and keeping conditions livable become priority. Ashore most of those things are taken for granted, not relevant or failure to perform maintenance will not lead to a catastrophic failure.
Sitting here we miss the water. We miss the blue water of the tropics. We miss the gentle swaying and songs of the wind. We will be happy when we get back home. Regardless of where that home is.
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