UPDATE from the CREW

UPDATE from the CREW

Mar 12, 2017 | Flotsam

Hi there folks.  Did you all think we had fallen off the edge of the earth?  We’ve heard rumblings from friends who have been wondering about us.  To the contrary, we are still here, still moving forward.  There’s nothing really definite that I can report on but thought we should get back in touch to let you know our current status.

Last time you checked in we were full on condo reno.  Still at it but the reno stage is complete and we are full on home staging.  There’s very little we had to do in that regard – just a little tweaking here and there – some decorative bits to help the future owners imagine themselves lovin’ this space.

We haven’t neglected our dear R.E.D..  For sure we have our regular visits to make sure all is cool under the tarp.

R.E.D.’s Winter Look

As the weather begins to improve and we realize spring is just around the corner, our exictement for this summer’s adventure is becoming very real.  Charts and passes are in hand so it’s just a matter of provisioning and launching.  No boat mods this season.  Galley Kat will have to wait yet again for improved faucet facilites and our much needed storage improvement will have to wait.  I have sourced out an option for cabin wall covering but there is more than enough happening on land this year so have decided to forego that for now

Rubberized Cork

What hasn’t changed is the big picture.  If all goes as planned, R.E.D. and her crew will have a new home sometime within the next few months. We found a dream property (26 acre ocean frontage) but will it still be available when we are ready?  Fingers and toes crossed.

Sun on the Bay

The condo will be put on the market  but we’re now thinking that since the work has gone a little faster than expected that we list next month and see how it goes.  It could be that we will be homeless before heading out for the summer.  With this in mind I have researched moving options.  More on that later on.  So many variables.  All exciting.  All a little scary.

Once listed, will post pics of what we are leaving behind.  The place we thought was our forever place.  And the more we clean out and stage, the more we realize just what we’ll be walking/sailing away from.

Of SAINT-BARB and DECORATING FOR THE SEASON

Of SAINT-BARB and DECORATING FOR THE SEASON

Dec 4, 2015 | Flotsam

A bit about Barb the Saint….
She’s the Patron Saint of Artillerymen.
“She is also traditionally the patron of armourers,
military engineers, gunsmiths, miners
and anyone else who worked with cannon and explosives.
Saint Barbara’s Day,
December 4,
is celebrated by the British (Royal Artillery, RAF Armourers, Royal Engineers),
Australian (Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, RAAF Armourers),
Canadian (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians (EOD),
Canadian Air Force Armourers, Royal Canadian Artillery, Canadian Military Field Engineers,
Royal Canadian Navy Weapons Engineering Technicians),
New Zealand (RNZAF Armourers, RNZA, RNZN Gunners Branch) armed forces.
Additionally, it is celebrated by
Irish Defence Forces Artillery Regiments,
Norwegian Armed Forces Artillery Battalion,
United States Army and Marine Corps Field and Air Defense Artillery,
Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians.”
…all to say,
she’s the Saint of blowing up stuff.
December 4th also coincides with the date
Francois signed on as an army recruit 1975,
40 years ago.
Even though he has now traded in his combats
for a boat, a beard and a bigger smile,
and as a retired officer,
he can no longer wear the dress uniform of the Royal Canadian Artillery,
he remains in touch with the small community of gunners,
also known as the guys who blow up stuff.
Tonight is such an occasion.
I, on the other hand, will remain at home
to decorate for upcoming holiday festivities.
Every year I get read the ‘riot act’: “Please don’t overdo it!”
Really difficult for someone who grew up in a home
where, if it didn’t move it got decorated.
Living in a small condo apartment though does help me to keep things minimal.
Our land galley will soon be bustling with activity
while we prepare for just under 3 dozen guests.
Even as I write this I feel just a slight rush of stress rising,
so I’m going to close for now,
pour myself a glass of wine,
put on some Christmas tunes,
let the tension melt away,
and dream of being back on the water.