August 24, 2009 |
| Lazy Days of Summer... |
A quick update: Summer is slowly winding down and the hot, humid and hazy days have us firmly in the "slow and easy" mode. The girls have found the cooling benefit of floating in the creek to be most enjoyable. Anyone remember Ester Williams?
Work on HB progresses, creekside life remains good (see pics) and all is well. We spent the weekend back in York for a wedding and the annual Markel Garden Party. Fun time had by all!
Starting to see some early geese heading south and have to fight the tempatation to follow them. Soon enough...we tell ourselves..... a fall passage south will soothe our restless soles.
New Pics Here
Click Here for Pics of MYC Crab Feast
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August 12, 2009 |
| Christmas in August.. |
Santa finally dropped off Pat's new stove. With help from the landlords (Dan & Robin) we got it installed on Sunday. Pat must have been on good behavior or else she simply has him fooled (he never asked for my opinion!). I'm certain I was good too but the fat old red suited bearded bastard dropped a truly crappy gift off for me. Click here to see a picture of MY GIFT!(*) Anyway.... I'll get over it (or maybe I should say "on it") and life will go on as usual. The work list is shrinking daily. This morning I downloaded the charts for the next phase of our journey (Key West, south and west to Cozumel, Quatemala and Belize. Each passage is shorter than I anticipated. It should be a downwind run for the most part making it a rather enjoyable trip. That's a good thing! Cozumel and Belize will be good places for visits (hint, hint).....
We're down to about 4-6 weeks until departure day. It's great to be here but we grow more anxious with each passing day. A fresh breeze and gentle swells will be a welcome change to our "terra firma summer". More later.
(*) That's right....it's a $#^%@!!! TOILET!
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August 6, 2009 |
| News from around the creek.. |
August 6, 2009:
Vannest Foundation donates copper sculpture to Debbutch Family Estate.
According to a foundation spokesperson the original artwork was commissioned for placement on the Debbutch estate as part of the Nabbs Creek Beatification Project. The Debbutch waterfront estate hosts numerous family gatherings and water borne events throughout the year. Music, spirit and lively discussion make this venue a favorite for the local upper crust. Debbutch has led the way in the Nabbs Creek revitalization efforts for nearly a decade. The estate grounds provide a beautiful backdrop for hosting these events thoughout spring, summer and fall.
The unknown artist was in attendance but was unable to comment. Sources, close to the foundation, would only say that there was an unfortunate incident involving over imbibing and a vintage Pinot Noir. He was last seen sailing south.
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July 24, 2009 |
| Post Op Update... |
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Sat 1:30PM
OK, maybe not the recliner. How about fresh air and "VitmanSea Sunshine". All's well!
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Sliced, diced and tied up like an old rump roast. In the end all went well and R2 is now in the "recovery" mode. That means no lifting anything over twenty pounds for four weeks. In other words, his lazy arse will be in the recliner watching TV and eating bon bons for a week or two. Then, gradually, he'll venture from the recliner. Who knows, by that time he may even get up to pour his own "fashionable adult beverage"! Meantime...somebody please tell the wench to fetch my drink!!
Click here for a Post Op message from R2
Low Res Version
Click here to see how a Inguinal Hernia is repaired
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July 13, 2009 |
| Garden Art at the Vannest Estate... |
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Oil tank converts to "Oiley" the Garden Cow!!!
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Meet “Oiley” the backyard heffer. While Dan and Robin continue with numerous projects around the house we took on the task of oil tank beautification! It’s yet another example of “idle minds are the devils playground”. A little chicken wire, some aluminum flashing, a little paint and a few hours later Oiley came to life. She now watches over the gardens and welcomes visitors as they come down the drive. You can’t help but smile as you pass her by. She’ll add a touch of sophistication when she accompanies me to the local café. Next step is English lessons. Right now all she can say is MooooooLe’!
More Pics Here
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July 10, 2009 |
| R2 goes under the knife.... |
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Mr. Routson we're getting ready to slice you open!!
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..."Hey"....wait a minute here! That area you're cutting around down there is a little sensitive you do know...right? Can't I stay awake to ensure everything remains intact? Oh. Well OK then, but just be sure I can remain in the tenor section of the choir. I won't do well as an alto! Besides which, I've lost enough weight!
And so it goes.....I'm scheduled for hernia surgery on July 24th. As someone once said "it's a bitch getting old"! Anyway..we'll be off the boat for the last two weeks of July while we house sit in York. The timing worked out well and we'll have the first part of four weeks recovery while on terra firma. Pat will have a new role as "care giver" to me. OK, OK, OK....that was a joke; Don't even comment! I know how lucky she is....ooops...I mean I am! Some things never change.
The "to do list" for HB is shrinking rapidly and time marches on. We are still on schedule to depart in early to mid September. It's great to be north for the summer but we look forward to clear water and tropical beaches.
Onward and upward!
PS - In my spare time here I've managed to exercise my "right brain" to fabricate Dan & Robin a copper wall hanging for their new home. HBSailing, LLC is beginning to stir!! (See Pic Here)
A few new July Pics click her
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July 1, 2009 |
| Correction for those of you who actually remember... |
OK....OK.....OK!! It should have been "See" the USA in a Chevrolet. Not "Drive" the USA. Dinah Shore and the Texaco Star Theater etc. was some time ago and I've had a few martinis since then. The ole mind isn't what it once was! Give me a break. Island Time, life aboard, idle time and lack of motivation takes its toll! A mind is a terrible thing to waist.......good thing I didn't start with much in the first place. Some things never change. Good night...it's time for the Red Skeleton Show!
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June 30, 2009 |
| Drive the USA in a Chevrolet... |
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Stylin' in Comfort!!
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....well how about an 1991 Olds Cutlass Sierra anyway? Yep, that's right. The thorny vines of civilization are slowly pulling us under. This is our new jelopy which will make it easier to get around (without having to bum rides or borrow cars). As good old Ben said " a borrower nor lender be". So; when you see us coming up the drive don't mistake us for Granny and Jethro.. If Pat's driving it will be more like "the little old lady from Pasadena". That's it for now. I gotta go get new hubcaps, hanging dice for the rear view mirror and some air freshener. Then it's off to "cruise the circuit"!!!!
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June 27, 2009 |
| Capt'n Dan says... |
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Capt'n Dan at the MYC Opening
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"All’s well that ends well"! Margate Yacht Club celebrated “opening day” last Saturday with a good time had by all. Zach and Amanda joined us for the weekend. That makes the third generation of Routsons in attendance at an Opening Day Celebration. It was yet another successful year with this small and colorful club. We followed up (this weekend) with a cruise to Dobbins Island and the Rhode River. KaChing and Homeward Bound spent 5 lazy days enjoying a typical Chesapeake HHH week (hot, humid and hazy). No matter……the cool water and fresh breezes kept us quite comfortable. The cold beverages go along way too! We arrived back in Stoney Creek late this morning.
We actually reduced the “to do” list a bit too! Arnie (the autopilot) rejoined the crew of HB after a lengthy illness. He stood watch for 5 hours on the way back to Stoney Creek today. The Captain reported a straight and steady course allowing the crew a respite from hand steering. Welcome back aboard Arnie!
Tonight we’ll dink over to Michele and Tim’s new home (also here on Stoney Creek). They are just starting the “rehab” process while living on the boat dockside. Sure is great to have waterfront property! Should be a great evening and (hopefully) we can break in their new digs properly.
We will be in York for the last two weeks in July and hope to see all you “Yorkers” while there. Can’t wait…
That’s it for now. More later….
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June 15, 2009 |
| Back in Home Waters.. |
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We sailed past Baltimore Light yesterday. It was a welcoming sight!
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Ten days, 565 nautical miles and 10 -12 hour days have us safely back in home waters. That's a lot of hustle when you're only averaging six knots (6.9 MPH). We left Charleston on June 4th and arrived in Stoney Creek yesterday. We're docked at Dan and Robin's lovely creek side home. Our yacht club opening is being held here this coming Saturday. Bet most of you didn't know we were "yachties" did you? This is a very exclusive (and prestigious) club. Having just received notice that the club dues are going up this year we will have to think about it's drain on our cruising budget. Can you imagine? Annual dues are now up to $6.00 per year per person. Where do they get the nerve? Whoops...wait a minute! I forgot; I am the Rear Commodore (no comments Joseppe (and Hartigan)). Guess we'll have to get jobs and pay the damn dues!!!! And, by the way, it's actually a "drinking club with a sailing problem"!
Anyway...we'll be in the Chesapeake for the summer with a few side trips along the way. We have plenty to do. The "to do" list is growing. Right now the main things are: Sail repair, autopilot hydraulic pump repair, new stove/oven plus a bunch of small stuff. Guess we are actually "back to work".All of this, of course, will happen around my personal "tune up" which is yet to be scheduled.
Tentative plans are to head south again in September. Right now we're targeting Key West and and points south and west (western Gulf and Carribean). It, too, is a work in progress.
So we're back and looking forward to many a good laughs while here. See you soon!
PS - We will get our camera back later today (from the repair shop). New PICS to follow.
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2010
Hurricane Mon...
August (12)
