BACK TO JACKSONVILLE

 

Well, it's back to Maggie Mae.  This is Beth.  I told Tim that I would try to take over doing the blog on this leg of our journey.  I was more than willing to do it last time.... But, I have this problem... I can't remember where we were or what happened more than 2 days ago. So, as you see, until the blog was caught up there was no way I was going to be able to accurately depict our travels/adventures/wonders/you get the idea.  When you see what we left behind (although the snow was really 12+ days ago),  you can understand why we headed back to 'Sunny Florida', yes? This picture is on Great Grandma June's porch. Those of you who are 'friends' of mine on Facebook will recall this is the very same porch that Jeremiah shoveled for his G-Gma!

Another personal note.  This little guy turned 10 months old today.  He is such a joy.  He brought his Mama, Papa and big brother over to our place for supper last night.  We are blessed they are so close.  They take care of things for us while we are gone.  Love them!! P.S. Thanks, Jeremy, for the ride to the airport this morning!!

Once again, our Jacksonville connection, Aletha, picked us up at the airport and drove us to the marina.  Her husband, Rich, joined us shortly thereafter.  We turned on the air conditioners on the boat, thrilled that we needed AC, and found that they all work very well.  This is the first time we have had the pleasure of needing them.  None of us Kansan's had eaten a real meal, what with being airline 'guests' most of the day, so the 5 of us went to an early dinner.  A really nice, local restaurant.. Simply Sara's.  The food was most excellent and the company even better.  Aletha gave us her car to use tomorrow.  She and Rich are the best!!  I promise...pictures of these two tomorrow!!

The countertop pictured below was completely empty when we departed Maggie Mae in January. Well, the TV was there.  Anyway, it didn't take long for the Captain to get out all his new toys, the majority of which involve some type of electrical upgrade.  In the next day or three :) these items will be installed and maybe the countertop will be neat and tidy again....maybe....

While back in KS I was busy sewing new curtains for the window area by the dinette, by the galley sink, the forward head (bathroom) and the V-berth (Joe's quarters).  Below are a couple of pictures of the results. There are still many cosmetic improvements that I would like to make, but as they are not necessary to the boat's manueverability, they don't get high priority.  Besides, Tim may no longer be a contract employee.. There goes our gas money :(

V-berth

Dinette curtains

We plan on spending tomorrow getting provisions and a few odds and ends and taking it easy.  The current plan has us deparing Monday morning, heading to St Augustine.  It's approximately 52 miles and, in an effort to be fuel efficient, we are planning on using the tides and current to our advantage. That means a 0730-0800 departure time.

P.S. Ortega Landing Marina (where we currently are) is very well equiped, facility wise.  Their washers/dryers are free, which is rare and their shower facilities are top notch. Tonight after supper, Tim and I took advantage of their hot tub. 

Stay tuned.........