Friday - September 30

Started the day with sunshine, but clouds rolled in and it was a very rainy afternoon/evening with occasional thunder.    Good time to hibernate.     The cruisers (Philip and Annette) arrived home around 11.    They had a really fun getaway.   Mark and Philip ran some errands, some of us took naps and just a quiet afternoon as the rain continued to come down.

Hmmmm......let me think about this?   
 Well for sure, he was very happy to see Mommy and Daddy

Mommy and Maeve happy to be cuddling again

Sweetie Pie
 
Mark and I have been enjoying "Solid Gold Oldies" on the Music Choice channel on TV.    We laughed cause all the ads for commercials are definitely related to our generation....lasik, joint pain, medic alert necklace, catheter, etc., etc.
 
Bye bye September and bring on the beautiful colors of October...
 
 
 
 

Thursday - September 29

Yesterday was a very big day for our Connor.....can't believe how fast these grandchildren are growing...
 
Connor served mass for the first time at his school - Corpus Christi
 
Patrick, Connor and Ayden
 
Grandma is looking forward to the day when Liam and Connor will serve Mass together!
 
Good night's sleep for all.....
 
Our friend, Susie was to come for a visit and lunch today, but she's under the weather, so hoping for another time....Luke was disappointed.
 
 
Little Miss Ducky
 
Threatening rain this afternoon 2 different times, (dark skies and thunder) but nothing happened.
    We went for a little stroll in the neighborhood!
 
 
On a mission
Strange site in the neighborhood....palm tree trunk with no palms???
 
Oozing with LOVE
 
Luke's new word (at least to us) and he uses it frequently is "Awesome"!
 
 
 
 

Wednesday - Sepember 28

Hot 'n sunny......we had a leisurely morning, with Grandpa and Luke making a quick trip to the store for some Log Cabin syrup to go with the pancakes Grandpa made when they returned home!    
I made the sausage!
 
Last night Grandpa swaddled Maeve (he gets her wrapped nice 'n tight).    She was a little papoose when I put her in her bassinet at 9:00 with her head inclined.    Did not hear a peep out of her till 8:10 this morning and when I went in her room, her little arms were moving around and only swaddled from her waist down and she was flat on her back!   It was like she was saying "I've escaped"!!!    What a good baby!
 
Swaddled and ready last night

And after 11 hours of sleep, I'm a happy girl!
 
During these steamy days we are staying indoors, but Grandpa decided to stroll Maeve around the pool with Luke following behind this morning - one time around was enough!
 
Both of the kids took a 3.5 hour nap this afternoon (Grandpa and me, too) - well, not that long!
 
Little cupcake

Miss Cupcake taking a little catnap in her new swing!

Luke is tickling Maeve's toes
 
Had some very heavy rain this afternoon!     The pool is level to the top!
 
Sweet, clean and cuddly after her bath
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Tuesday - September 27

Mostly cloudy, warm day in south Florida.    We all had a good night - Maeve slept from 8:30-7:15.    I tackled the laundry (mostly ours) that Mark brought from the boat.    Mark and Luke went to Publix for a few groceries and the free cookie for Luke
 (he recognizes that Publix sign right off the bat)!
 
Mark and I both got a lot of paper work, e-mails and other stuff to catch up on wrapped up today!    Lots of heavy rain and thunder around 2:00.....these afternoon Florida showers are something!!!
 
Mark grilled Italian Sausage - delish!
 
Maeve today 
 

The kiddies are all tucked in after their baths and this grandma is off to dreamland, too!
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday-Monday, September 22-26

Thursday
First day of fall and we were up and ready for the 5:15 shuttle.   I flew to Atlanta (was able to get an earlier flight (6:30) and Mark flew to Newark and then Norfolk.
I arrived in Atlanta, had some breakfast and then flew onto Fort Myers.   Flights were uneventful and also getting the rental car – little red focus with California plates.     Drove to Claire’s condo on the beach, unpacked and settled in.    Claire fixed some yummy salads and after lunch we went to Charisma for manicures and toe-color change.     It was so good to be back with Jay (owner) and Mimi (her sister).    They are such neat, fun gals and I missed them last year since we were in Okeechobee.
Claire and I then drove with pretty nails and toes to the airport and met Kathy.   Got her bag and off we went to downtown Fort Myers and the Firestone Grill.   We had drinks upstairs at the Skybar (love this place).  
Drinks with my good friends at the Skybar on the first day of fall and it was very HOT!
 
   It was so fun to be together and yak away.    We then had wonderful dinner downstairs.    Drove thru heavy rain on our way back to the beach.     Good to be “home” and settled in!     We girls stayed up til 11:30 chatting.
Mark arrived in Norfolk and taken to the airport by Don Hammer (he and Joan have been keeping Toad for 2 weeks).   Mark returned his rental and left in Toad for the long trip back to Catrina.    He spent the night in Wilmington NC.
Friday
 Mike and Claire walked the beach; Kathy and I came along a bit later.   It was already sticky and humid.     Came back for breakfast and what a treat to have a good ole kringle from Racine (pumpkin caramel) and fresh fruit.    We gals took off and picked up Beth (our friend Mark and I met in Marathon – she and John are former PDQ owners).    Sooo fun to see Beth and John again.    Claire and Kathy got the grand tour of their lovely condo and then we took Beth with us to Bell Tower shops where we had lunch at Bistro 41 – awesome and then shopped.  
Beth and Pat
   We got back to the car shortly before the heavens opened up big time…..went thru Starbucks drive-thru and it was pouring with some amazing cracks of thunder.    Sat in the car for quite a long while as it just poured…..probably lost a good 45-minutes to 1 hour of shopping!!!        Did a bit more shopping, sun was shining again, took Beth home and then we arrived back at the beach.     Sat on the lanai enjoying some very cold wine!     Then the 4 of us (Mike, Claire, Kathy and I) drove to the Sunset Beach Grille for dinner – fun sitting outdoors and listening to live entertainment.
Fort Myers Beach Sunset
My Maeve fix for the day
Mark stopped in Georgetown, SC (favorite from on the boat and when Linda, Vicki and I shopped, ate and stayed here 3 years ago almost to the day).   Love this little town that had a horrific fire sweep thru their historic downtown just a few days after we girls had been here.    Nothing has been done with rebuilding, (6-8 businesses were lost), but Doodlebugs (darling children’s shop) has moved to a different location.   I was hoping Mark would check it out and perhaps do little shopping for his granddaughters, but…..didn’t happen, plus 20 minutes till store opened for the day!
He’s  happy to have 1 ½ days to whittle down his job list!
Liam and friends helping with the groundbreaking for new junior high at Corpus Christi.
Saturday
  Started the day with a wonderful breakfast (all 4 of us) at Flipper’s.    Mike left  and we gals found a prompt  care.   Kathy had surgery on her arm 2 weeks ago and wanted to make sure it was healing ok.    Nurse practitioner gave her a new antibiotic and we were good to go.    And let the shopping begin – 1st to Victoria (hand painted clothing) then Santini Plaza.   Had some excellent ice cream for a nice late afternoon treat at Truly Scrumptious.      Met Mike at church of the Ascension for 4:30 Mass.
Back to the condo for wine and visiting before a  delicious dinner of cedar-plank salmon which Mike prepared on the grill, fresh asparagus, cole slaw and sweet potato fries.    Then onto euchre with Mike and Claire beating Kathy and me 2 out of 2.  
But a lot of fun and laughs!
Although it is very hot and humid here in Fort Myers, the traffic (or lack of) is wonderful!    Enjoying this reprieve before the Snowbirds are back….
Liam and friends, Will, Blaise and Rem at the Notre Dame game

They had a great time, despite the 38-35 loss to Duke
Mark spent the night in Darien, GA.   We were in this neat little town with Catrina a few years ago.
Sunday
 Sunny, hot and humid!     After breakfast, Claire, Kathy and I left for Punta Gorda airport to return rental car.    Met Annette’s parents at the Skyview CafĂ© for breakfast/lunch and nice visit.    They drove Philip’s car over from Lake Worth and then flew back to Rockford.    We gals drove back to the beach in Philip’s car.  
Paul and Kathy Carapella who used to live in Bloomington and now full timers in FL came for drinks at 4:30.    Fun visiting and catching up but the heavens opened up big time and it poured and blew and poured some more!     We left for the Prawnbroker at 6:10 and the rain lightened up a bit.   We had a wonderful dinner with more good visiting.   Said our good byes to Paul and Kathy and we came back to the condo.
Our wonderful host and hostess
Claire and Mike

Kathy - Claire - Pat
Mark arrived at Philip and Annette’s around at 1:15.   
Monday – Up early and my dear friends (Kathy, Claire and Mike) were all up to say good bye!   What a fun weekend on Fort Myers Beach!   Kathy flew back to Texas this afternoon.  I left in Philip’s car for Lake Worth (161 miles).    Trip went well and so good to be back here with Mark, the kids and our little darlins’.   Maeve has really changed (been almost 3 weeks – she has chunky little arms and legs, her face is fuller AND she is just full of sweet little smiles and coos.)   We had quite a little chat after I got here with Maeve doing most of the “chatting”.
Philip, Annette and their friends, Jeff and Jessica left for Miami and then a cruise to Nassau, some other islands and Key West celebrating Philip's 40th. They will be back Friday and Grandpa and I will hold down the fort!   
The Cruisers...
Annette, Philip, Jessica and Jeff
Chatting with Grandma
A little cuddling and catnap with Grandpa 
 
 

Wednesday - Septeember 21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHILIP !!!
Best wishes as you celebrate #40
with your sweet little family!
 
Tonight we are in Savannah, Georgia - love this city, but no time for any sightseeing or good eating!    We are spending the night before our early morning flights.
 
Packed our stuff up, Mark and Anthony (new mechanic) met and went over everything that needs checking out on Catrina.    This is a happening boatyard - busy, busy!    There is a resident goose who is very friendly and walks the docks - wish I had gotten a picture!
 
Around 2:00 we borrowed (much appreciated as we thought we would have to take a cab or Uber) Anthony's very old, no AC pick-up truck and drove to Charleston (22 miles) for our rental car.    I drove the rental and Mark the pick-up and we stopped at The Charleston Crab House for excellent lunch on the water.    Yesterday we had passed this place on Catrina!  
It was so good and fresh!
 
Back to the marina and packed up our bags and started the 2 hour+ trip to Savannah arriving around 6:45.    We are tried, but it was a good day!
 
So, here are our plans....
We both are planning to fly out of Savannah early tomorrow....
Mark to Norfolk to pick up Toad and eventually bring her back to Rockville where we have several bags to get off Catrina that need to go to FL.  
 
I'm flying to Fort Myers Beach for a girls getaway weekend with Kathy (flying in from Texas) and Claire at Claire's condo.
 
Mark and I will be together again in Lake Worth (he'll arrive Sunday and I'll drive over from FMB on Monday morning) to babysit Luke and Maeve.
 
Taking a little break from the blog for a few days...
Bye for now!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday - September 20

Let's hear it for our little grand girls......

Maeve is 2 months today.....growing up way to fast!

And then....our sweet NC Princess
 
 We left Osprey Marina at 7:04 AM and everything was very wet after more rain during the night.   It was very overcast and had a light misty rain for a few hours.    But then, things dried out and we had a pleasant day on the water - no sun (till late this afternoon)  but temps were in the 70's.   
 
Enjoyed  the dolphins again today and cruised 130 miles today for a total of 670 miles since we left Annapolis.   We were in Charleston Harbor when the Coast Guard with a crew of 6 approached us and Patrick and Andrew got off the boat and came aboard Catrina for an inspection.  Nice guys who checked us out and confirmed that we had everything we needed for safety.   They were impressed with some of the safety features Mark had close at hand (life jackets, life ring, etc)!
 
Spectacular mansion at Isle of Palms
 
While we were stopped for this inspection which took 30 minutes, this large beautiful racing boat passed nearby with several crew members (young men and women) on board.

Very tall masted racing sailboat - beautiful with huge sails
 
Tonight we are in Rockville, SC (22 miles southwest of Charleston) at Marine Propulsion where Anthony, a Yanmar mechanic will give Catrina's new engines a complete check-up and any other maintenance that needs to be done.
 
Glad to be here, although this little berg (134 people) has nothing....not even a downtown!    And getting off the boat....whoaaa....the humidity is on big time and not a single leaf was stirring.   We went for a walk, but all rural with lots of Spanish moss trees, a few palm trees and  a tide of 7'.    We are at low tide now....picture of all the mud in front of Catrina!
 
In a few hours this will all be well covered with water....
 
Had cheese/crackers and salads for supper - cleaning out the fridge as tomorrow,
we are movin' on... 
 
Beautiful Lowcountry Sunset

Monday - September 19

Happy 18th Anniversary to Michael and Brooke!
 
So thankful these two met, fell in love and gave us 4 beautiful grandchildren!
 
There was rain in the forecast for today, but whoaaa.....let's rephrase that and say "lots" of rain.   We left Surf City at 6:45 to make the 7:00 bridge.    Temperature was already 81 and very humid but cruising along, it was pleasant and the sun was shining.  
 
But it wasn't long till the dark clouds rolled in and 1st shower of the day....and then again, and on and off all day long.    Usually little showers, sometimes, downpours and 2 accompanied by thunder and lightening.    The sky would clear, but radar showed more on the way and sure enough, dark clouds again.   It was like this all day!   
 
We went under many bridges today and 3 of them were swing bridges and we had to wait for them to open.   Didn't see any dolphins today, but yesterday, several were frolicking along side Catrina as we motored along.
 
Saw 3 of these shrimp boats shipwrecked along our route.....just totally abandoned!
Some fisherman were close by this one
 
The homes along the Carolina coast were never ending again today.....
 
Here's a little sampling
A little tipsy....photographer error!
More beauties

Huge freighter coming at us
 
We covered 112 miles today and tonight we are atb Osprey Marina south of Myrtle Beach.    We got fuel, a pump out and the thunder and lightening started - skies looked so dark.    We got to our slip just when the wind started blowing like crazy and heavy sheets of rain blowing sideways, thunder cracking and intense lightening.     So, all in all we lucked out as we could've been caught in this latest (and last, we hope) deluge of the day!
 
More rain in the forecast for tomorrow....
 
Tonight Michael and his cousin Jason are having dinner together in Boston.   I hope he gave Brooke a raincheck for dinner?
 
The cousins...
 
Miss Maeve Kathryn sporting a new headband.
 
Maeve and Luke's other grandparents (Nana and Pa) are visiting from IL this week!
 
We've stayed as Osprey 2 other times - nice marina, but in the boonies and not close to anything!
 
If all goes as planned, we will be at our destination tomorrow night (south of Charleston) where Catrina will have a thorough maintenance check (required after the initial 50+ hours on the engines).
 
The heavy rain which started around 4:15 lasted almost 4 hours and more is coming!
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday - September 18

 Hello from Surf City, NC - between North and South Topsail ("Topsol" Beaches).   We had a long day on the water covering 126 miles with sunshine, and occasional little showers (5 in all).    Nothing major, but just  enough to get things wet, dried off and then another shower!    But what's a little rain....it was hot and sunny most of the time and high humidity.    When we left Belhaven this morning at 7:05, everything was dripping wet!   UGH....95% humidity!    
 
Cruising down the NC coast today we passed by many beach towns and soo many homes, condos, etc.  After 2 days of pretty much swampy marsh land, enjoyed the homes along the water today....and those beach biggies far across on the Atlantic.
 
Here come the shrimp boats
Just 2 of many that we saw today!
 
We had a big lunch (salads) so just a simple supper of apples, brie cheese, crackers and white wine!
Walked around Surf City a little bit an across the street to see the Atlantic - still very humid out!
 
Michael and Blair did face time with us tonight - miss that little princess!
 
Have a great week!

Saturday - September 17

Day 3......fantastic!   Beautiful weather and Catrina purred along all day!    After 9.5 hours in the warm (sometimes HOT) sunshine, we decided to call it a day and are now settled at the Belhaven Waterway Marina in Belhaven, NC..............only 342 miles from Lake James where Michael and crew are hanging out this weekend along with Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents) enjoying a summery September weekend! 
 
We left at 7:02 AM and covered 125 miles on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) and dodged some crab pots on Albemarle Sound.    Amazing that we only passed 2 pleasure boats and met 1 coming all day long.    As the lockmaster said yesterday, "In about 2 weeks, the mass exodus will start as the Snowbirds head south for the winter".
 
So after getting our electrical and water hooked up, Mark walked downtown and found a hardware store to buy a new battery replacing one from yesterday.   Ace didn't have one but suggested Mark try Advance Auto Parts 2 miles way.    Mark said "Thanks, but I'm on my boat, so....."  And then the guy gave him the keys to his pick-up along with directions to the store.    Mark got just the battery he wanted, plus a $20 off coupon which the auto parts guy gave him.   He returned the truck to the hardware store with some gas added and that was that!   
Cannot beat small-town hospitality!!!
 
Our little Butterball
 
Patrick and the boys in their new shirts...
GO CUBBIES....
 
Happy Birthday wishes to our former neighbor and good friend, Marty who is celebrating #80 today!
 
So tonight we meandered downtown where we were told there are 5 very good restaurants.....we were here in 2007 for just one night.  We chose to eat at Fish Hooks, a local spot with thee best fresh shrimp, crab cakes (our choices) and sides.    I had some letters to mail and asked the waitress where the post office is (Belhaven has population of 1600).   She said it was a little jaunt and there was a mailbox but it was a few blocks away...."I would be happy to mail them for you".    So....another act of kindness.    As we were walking back to the boat and in the heart of downtown, we noticed several golf carts parked along the street.    We talked to 3 couples as they were departing their cart and they explained how the folks get around (must stay in the city limits) - lots of carts with families, couples, etc., out this nice warm evening.    One of the ladies was head of the Chamber of Commerce and said "Please come back and see us".    Well.....yes, absolutely!    Saw some neat shops, too, but closed!
 
So, from Mark finding a nice guy at Ace Hardware and offering his truck to the guy at Advance Auto Parks giving him a $20 off coupon, to awesome dinner, to lady offering to mail my letters and finally the  friendly folks in the golf carts,  well....
"Belhaven, we'll be back and stay longer next time"!!!
 
Tranquil beauty of Belhaven, NC
    

Friday - September 16

Today started out ok - left the marina at 7:01 but had some strong pounding waves (NOT fun) for maybe 30 minutes or so and then we turned and much better conditions.    Sunshine off and on, jackets off and on and we were merrily on our way.   
 
As many times as we've passed thru Norfolk on the water, it always amazes me the amount of Naval vessels everywhere, the huge Naval shipping yards, and so much Navy presence on both sides of the Chesapeake coming into Norfolk.   As we were coming closer, a very large container freighter was coming towards us and we stayed far out of its way.   But just before we got closer, a huge inflatable boat came flying towards us with a machine gun in front just checking that we stayed at least 500' away....."Yes Sir....that is the plan!"    Not sure what was onboard - fuel of some sort, nuclear stuff?     Something important that we were not to get close to!!!
 
We have only 1 lock this entire trip and it is in Great Bridge, VA so shortly after we were ready to leave the dock, the starboard check engine alarm came on and we had no reverse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   NOOOOOO, this can't be happening - we have BRAND NEW ENGINES!!!!
 
We had to wait for a bridge to open at 1:00 and then able to tie up and long story short, we were very fortunate that the Atlantic Yacht Basin (working boat yard) was right across the way.    We got there, tied up and then a 2nd fortunate, that  Mac (one of their mechanics came onboard and was able to replace a coupler (nothing to do with new engines or why alarm came on and  3rd, fortunate, Mark had an extra onboard.    But on the new engines, some ground cables did need tightening!    So lucky Mac could help us as it's Friday afternoon with weekend coming up and no one would be working!
 
When all was said and done, we need a new battery....they do not have one in stock, so Mark replaced new one from generator and temporarily, use it to get us going again.    In the meantime, we are tied up here and will spend the night - we lost at least 4-5 hrs today!    ARGHHHH!
 
But we walked a short little jaunt to El Toro Loco for really good Mexican dinners and drinks and now settled in Catrina and ready to take off tomorrow - whatever the day will bring, as Mark says "We can handle it"!!!!!!
 
Another concern is keeping an eye on the weather and these tropical depressions, storms, etc......since it appears Julia has pretty much fizzled, it's Karl we're watching although he's still way out in the Atlantic.    As the guy in the lock said, "We're thinking about Karl now as it could hit the Carolinas and Virginia"    Right in our path!
 
Stay tuned for the next Nomad update!!!
 
Connor and classmates raising the American flag
at Corpus Christi School this morning!
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday - September 15

Tah dah.....we have our first day cruising in 2016 with Catrina under our belt!    We left Annapolis at 7:05 AM and just had a very short bit of sunshine early on.   Rest of the day was cloudy and cool.    The waves picked up and at times (winds out of the east) we had following seas (comfortable) and then rear beam seas (not so comfy).    We ended with 3' waves and decided to call it a day around 3:35.
 
Throughout the day (every 10 minutes) Mark was recording the time, engine hours, new setting of  RPM's and boat speed.    We have to do this for the first 50 hours with the new engines.    I napped a little along the way, read and steered the boat off and on.    We drove from inside as it was cool and very wet out there with all the splashing!   
 
We are now in Deltaville, VA at Dozier's Regatta Point Marina and brings back happy memories of June 26-28th, 2015 when we stayed here for 3 nights and celebrated our 46th anniversary at Eckhards'.     We were on our way back to Annapolis with an ailing Catrina.    Sooooo, you see, she's been ill for a long time.    And tomorrow will mark the 1-year anniversary of finally arriving back in Annapolis and attempting to get these engines fixed.....1 day shy of 1 year, our new engines are purring away....
 
I washed down the boat to get rid of all the salt water but they have very wimpy water pressure here. Mark checked the oil (10 minutes after engines are shut down and now will become a daily ritual)
 
And now the little matter of clothes.....we have some in Bloomington, IL (storage); Lake Worth, FL (Philip and Annette's); Norfolk, VA (Toad);  Indiantown, FL (Daisy) and here on Catrina.    yikes....trying to keep everything straight, but eventually we'll be gathering/sorting at these various spots and get what we need!    Could we be classified as gypsies?    Ha!
 
Eckhards' is closed for 2 weeks after Labor Day, but we were happy to stay on the boat and had a breakfast/supper of sausage, eggs and toast!   And it hit the spot!!!
 
Apparently Luke was car/truck shopping today??? 

Hmmm...tough choice?

Maeve wins the prize for
"Sweetest Smile"