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UPDATE#05
02/01
thru 02/11
Howdy
Everybody, 02/01/09
SUNDAY BOAT HARBOUR
Judy agreed to implement her “dock beautification” program by giving
me a haircut and trimming my beard. She
does such a great job even with limited subject material.
Sue Graham (ODYSSEY) stopped by with her grandson, John, and
daughter-in-law, Kris, to observe her progress.
Next in the chair of honor was John Thomassen (OUR TIME).
He always has a million dollar smile for everyone here in our
neighborhood.
As a reward, John prepared a couple of these fantastic “Coco Loco”
coconut drinks loaded with various liquors creating the perfect mix with the
natural coconut milk inside. Yummy!
These drinks are so potently good that nobody ever says, “Make mine a
double”…
Tonight was Superbowl XLIII. The
squeaker of a game had Pittsburg Steelers fans elated and Arizona Cardinal fans
disappointed at the 27-23 final game score. 02/02/09
MONDAY BOAT HARBOUR HAPPY
BIRTHDAY, KRIS
As most of you know, boats require a bit of rather unpleasant maintenance
every so often. My chore today was to repair a slow flushing “head”
(toilet). The mechanism is an
electrically operated piston pump that uses seawater to flush the effluent into
a holding tank through a series of 1-1/2 inch hosepipes.
The high salt content of these tropical waters causes a salt residue
build up in the components that require a messy clean-out effort.
I disassembled the entire mechanism and found that the main hoses were
restricted down to around 3/4-inch diameter.
After cramped removal, they were fairly easy to clear by rapping them
sharply on the wooden dock and flushing out with a fresh water hose.
The pump required the replacement of the rubber joker valve (sometimes
called a “duckbill valve”) and extensive scraping and lubing of the piston
and cylinder components. The vented
loop mechanism, providing an anti-siphon protection, needed a lot of scraping
and reaming. Its small, rubber
valve was plugged with salt. After
re-assembly, everything worked like new. I
also did some spot painting of the pump and motor housings to top off the job.
I am always surprised at how very quickly that residue buildup can occur.
Many folks swear by the regular use of white vinegar and mineral oil
treatments to delay the repairs. It
is hard to say how well this works. For
us, it has not been particularly successful.
I guess we’ll just have to suffer through the unpleasant maintenance
process to keep everything running smoothly.
After a good, personal cleanup, we were set for a fun evening
get-together. Folks from dock 3
came over to celebrate with the dock 4 crowd.
Judy decorated a beautiful birthday cake for Kris (Sue Graham’s
daughter-in law).
Sue Graham (ODYSSEY), Kris, and John.
The kids are visiting from Pittsburg.
As you might guess, they were still reeling from the Steelers win at
yesterday’s Superbowl victory.
Folks from SEA ISLAND GIRL, ODYSSEY, CHIPKA FIRE III, M/V TALLY HO, S/V
TALLY HO, LO QUE SE A, JOHN HENRY, CHRISTINE, PROPINQUITY, TAR HEEL, PUFFIN,
KINJA KAT, SEA SMOKE, OUR TIME, SILVER FOXES, TOUCAN, TOURELOU, DARLING, SALTY
DAWG, AND AMARSE…
Sue and Paul Graham (ODYSSEY) along with grandson, John, and
daughter-in-law, Kris...
02/03/09
TUESDAY BOAT HARBOUR
All day long, the Crock-Pot slow cooker simmered a beautiful chunk of
corned beef and chunks of locally-grown, jumbo carrots.
After sunset, our dinner guests aboard AMARSE were John and Gail
Thomassen (OUR TIME). These wonderful Canadian friends are such a joy to be with.
We started out with “Bloody Caesars”, a cocktail commonly enjoyed in
Canada. Similar to a “Bloody
Mary”, this drink is a bit lighter in texture using Clamato juice instead of
the normal tomato juice base. I
prefer this blend to the more traditional Bloody Mary.
The corned beef was delicious served with Judy’s hash-brown casserole
along with a medley of carrots, celery, and onions cooked in the meat juices.
Judy made chocolaty brownies for our dessert.
After a wonderful dinner together, seating was converted to create the
“AMARSE Theatre Complex”. Appearing
on the AMARSE big screen, the movie “Chicago”, starring Richard Gere,
Katherine Zeta-Jones, and Rene Zelweiger, turned out to be a very entertaining
choice. 02/04/09
WEDNESDAY BOAT HARBOUR
The weather was a chilly, blustery day that to us feels very cold with
temperatures only in the 50’s and low 60’s.
It was a good day to stay inside and work on picture files and update
logs. Judy kept busy with her craft
items.
Our dinner guests aboard AMARSE were Dave and Barb Bluto.
We are fortunate to have them in our group of most-loved friends.
We started the dinner with Mexican-style shrimp cocktails.
Judy prepared her famous Chicken breast in mushroom sauce dish.
I still think this is my favorite meal that she makes and it was the
perfect choice for these honored guests. Side
dishes of mashed potatoes along with sliced, freshly cooked carrots brought the
meal together. For dessert, Judy
served her homemade Mexican Flan dessert that was a certain hit.
Along with a great bottle of wine, Dave brought a loaf of his personal
specialty, artisan bread. Each of
his loaves is stunningly beautiful.
Together, we watched my 2008 Junkanoo DVD presentation.
Dave has been making some excellent DVD picture presentation too, so we
enjoyed sharing ideas and techniques. Our
evening was a totally enjoyable one of sharing and chatting about a range of
interesting subjects. 02/05/09
THURSDAY BOAT HARBOUR
After additional entries and considerable effort, I finished and
published the update log #2 to the website.
Thursday nights are scheduled for “Talent Night” at the Angler’s
Restaurant here at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina.
We shared the table with Gail and John Thomassen (OUR TIME), and Judy and
Jim Howenstine (SILVER FOXES).
Judy Law and Fred Reed (AMARSE)…
Jim Howenstine (SILVER FOXES)…
Rita Wieczorek (MAGNUM OPUS) was taking a few dancing lessons from her
little granddaughter that was visiting them.
The talent here at Boat Harbour is quite amazing.
Along with guests and residents, the employees of the resort delight us
with their wonderful, musical expressions.
Della, the poolside bar mixologist, can dazzle the auditory senses with
her melodious vocals. She has been
affectionately named, "Della-licious".
Bob Cram, General Manager of the resort, is the percussionist. Mr. Steven Colebrook keeps the tunes alive on the keyboards.
Our yacht club Commodore, Robert Wilson (SEA ISLAND GIRL), is a talented
vocalist that brings Elvis back into the room.
Our Vice-Commodore, Jim Fenn (FENNDERS), has a clear and powerful voice
that fills the room with cheer.
Frank Gavin (SEA SMOKE) is a natural entertainer.
Mike Beneville (LIBATIONS IV) belts out tunes in his New York style.
Sing it, man… Yah, man, sing us another…
The resort bellman, Anderson, has a magnificent voice and is a true
musical talent in every sense of the term.
John and Gail (OUR TIME) got into the groove of the music and danced the
night away.
Shirley and Ed Zellers (M/V TALLY HO)…
When Henry Jamrozinski (OH HENRY) breaks into song, everyone is convinced
that Neil Diamond has entered the venue.
Terry Ziegler and Peggy O’Neill (MORE ATTITUDE)…
I sure love my “green vegetables”…
Robert Wilson (SEA ISLAND GIRL), Anderson, and Della harmonize with some
rousing Gospel favorites… Sing it
now, “Oh, Happy Days…”
This fellow was staying at the resort hotel for a few days and took to
the keyboard and microphone to astound everyone with fabulous Blues music.
He must be a professional… Wow!!!
We were especially enthralled by his rendition of “I’m A Steamroller,
Baby”…
02/06/09
FRIDAY BOAT HARBOUR to
GUANA CAY
Our Cajun friend, Boudreaux LeBlanc was on the radio again this morning
for his 7th appearance to announce the upcoming Commodore’s Ball
and Mardi Gras theme party. He has
become quite a celebrity around here with his mixed French and distinctly
southern Louisiana accent. Although
the tickets have been all sold out, Boudreaux continues to build the hype in
true New Orleans style. Boudreaux
always relates some tall tales of life on the bayou laced with swamp humor.
Everyone seems to be having fun with this character.
I snapped this picture of the cool artwork that Bette Bauereis (TAR HEEL)
made specially for us on AMARSE. She
hand-painted a tropical tree bean pod with our names and a portrait of the boat.
We love it and we love her.
The fun and excitement for the day was an offer to join a group of folks
for a run to Guana Cay in a 42-foot Sea Ray cruiser.
Fred and Sidonia St. Germaine left the dock 4 complex with us on DOUBLE
TROUBLE.
Andy and Annie were here on Dock 4 visiting with JOHN HENRY.
Last year, Andy had his Great Harbour 37 (CEE DEE) here on dock 4.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t bring it over this year and we miss him.
The peaceful waters of the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina…
For all of us slow trawler types, the exhilaration of speed was an
exciting adrenaline rush.
Judy Law (AMARSE), Sidonia St. Germaine (DOUBLE TROUBLE), and Wilma
Thornton (JOHN HENRY)…
Annie, Kent Cronkhite (KINJA KAT), and Mary Shidlowski (PROPINQUITY)…
Fred Reed and Judy Law (AMARSE), Sidonia St. Germaine (DOUBLE TROUBLE),
and Wilma Thornton (JOHN HENRY)…
Fred St. Germaine, the skillful Captain of DOUBLE
TROUBLE…
DOUBLE TROUBLE had a day slip reserved for our arrival.
All of the fun-loving dozen gathered on the dock for a photo
opportunity…
The docks at Orchid Bay Marina at Great Guana Cay harbour…
View of Guana Cay Harbour…
…but all you would need is a couple of quarts of Sherwin-Williams and a
bottle of Windex…
Turn right for the world famous, Nipper’s Beach Bar and Restaurant…
We, however, continued straight ahead toward Grabbers Restaurant set on
Fishers Bay along the Sea of Abaco. Judy
and Wilma…
Wink and Wilma Thornton (JOHN HENRY) and Judy and Fred (AMARSE)…
Wilma went shell hunting and came back with these treasures…
The colors of this bi-valve Mollusk are beautifully vivid…
Speaking of beautiful colors, how about this golden colored Kalik, the
beer of the Bahamas…
From the menu, Judy and I shared this wonder plate of seared Ahi tuna.
Wonderful…
Back along the road to Nipper’s, Paul Shidlowski was proud to stand
with the decorated loader…
The Nipper’s bar overlooks the reef and the Atlantic Ocean…
With a bit of a brisk breeze and slight chill in the ocean air had some
of us in jackets.
Paul and Mary Shidlowski were caught in the act… I guess the romance of
the beautiful beach was too much to resist…
Wilma and Judy dancing to the great music…
All too soon, it was time to head back to the marina.
Our captain, Fred St. Germaine, Kent Cronkhite, and Judy Law…
At the rapid speed of the Sea Ray, we were back at Boat Harbour in less
than a half hour. Thanks for a great day to our hosts, Fred and Sidonia
St.Germaine.
02/07/09
SATURDAY BOAT HARBOUR
It was quite chilly and very breezy all day.
We chose to spend the day with inside activities.
Judy enjoyed craftwork while I messed with computer stuff and iTunes.
The resort held another outdoors Full Moon Party tonight.
We had decided to forgo it because of the ticket price of $37 per person
plus drinks. Even though the price
seemed exorbitant to us, the party was a sellout.
With the weather as chilly as it was, I’m very glad we were staying in
tonight. 02/08/09
SUNDAY BOAT HARBOUR
Dock 4 residents were honored to attend a big, New York style hotdog
party this afternoon. Fred and Sherry (CHIPKA FIRE III) had their grill on
full-time duty to put out enough hotdogs to feed this famished crowd.
Ann Cunneen (Raggedy Ann) cheerfully brought load after
load of the giant hotdogs straight from the grill to the table.
Everyone
else chipped in by bringing a large variety of side dishes.
The dock hounds were going through food like “a roaming band of wild
jackals”…
Ed, Gene, Judy, and Shirley found comfortable seating on LO QUE SE A.
Lois and Carl (foreground) invited Jim and Joan (CHRISTINE) to chomp some
of those hot-doggies aboard PUFFIN.
The brilliance of the rising full moon held us awestruck…
Judy framed this photo opportunity perfectly to highlight our Royal Marsh
Harbour Yacht Club burgee against the gibbous moon.
02/09/09
MONDAY BOAT HARBOUR
Boudreaux LeBlanc called in again for the morning announcement.
Wait a minute, isn’t that Fred Reed on the radio microphone?
Oh, Oh… Perhaps his true
identity has been revealed. Please
keep it a secret from the rest of the crowd…
My accomplishment for the day was to install a new toggle switch and
digital voltmeter in AMARSE’s DC electrical panel.
This improvement will enable us to better monitor the condition of our
batteries and charging systems. The
original analog meter was not precise enough to accurately determine how and
when the batteries should be charged. The
meter fit nicely, however, bit of wire changing was required to keep the
installation neat and orderly. I
like the display and I think that Blue Sea Systems make quality electrical
products for the boating enthusiast.
Our dinner consisted of a nice pot of homemade clam chowder.
On this slightly chilly evening, the creamy warmth was a delightful
choice. 02/10/09
TUESDAY BOAT HARBOUR
At 2pm, the Marquee Tent began to fill up with RMHYC members.
The gals had tables set up to sell items of club regalia bearing our
world recognized club logo.
At precisely 3pm, Commodore Robert Wilson called the Annual General
Meeting of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club to order.
Vice Commodore Jim Fenn gave his report and remarks to the membership.
Several awards and certificates of recognition were presented to those
who contributed so much to the club and members.
No award was more deserved than “The Commodore’s Award for
Excellence” presented to Bob and Judy Williams (SHADE MOR).
They tirelessly devote a tremendous amount of time and effort to promote
the entertainment and overall enjoyment for our members.
Both Judy and I extend our personal thanks and our love to these
wonderful folks.
The Commodore’s term is limited to two years by the by-laws.
Having completed his maximum terms, Robert Wilson will turn over the
reigns of leadership to the newly elected, Jim Fenn.
In recognition for his outstanding service, Jim presented to Robert a
wonderful surprise token of our member’s appreciation.
Robert’s reaction was one of amazement as he unwrapped a large
photograph art piece by Steve Dodge.
The block-framed photo done on canvas is depicted below.
I took a picture of the canvas. Please
understand that the quality of Steve Dodge’s work is among the finest in the
world and that my snap of his work is nothing compared to the original. Steve Dodge is best known for his fabulous cruising guide for
the Abacos. I firmly believe that
it is the definitive source for reliable information on cruising in these
islands. His photography in those
guides is what convinced us to visit this part of the Bahamas. I wish you could actually see this photographic artwork in
its original form.
Following the nominations brought forth by the official committee, the
members elected these officers as additions to the 2009 Bridge.
(L to R) Wilma Thornton,
(Secretary); Sue Graham (Socials); Linda Thompson (Membership); and Steven
Brandt (Socials).
Kathy Fenn (FENNDERS) was recognized for her wonderful years of service
as Secretary. Thanks, Kathy, for
your wonderful contribution to our family at RMHYC.
With the election of her husband, Jim, to the Commodore position, Kathy
will assume the role of our club’s “First Lady”.
Commodore Jim Fenn dutifully accepts the transition of the club charter
from the outgoing Commodore, Robert Wilson.
Effectively and efficiently running an organization of this size requires
the unselfish efforts and time from many wonderful people.
Presented here are the officers and staff of the RMHYC 2009 Bridge. (Front Row) Wilma Thornton, Margo Caldy, Karen O’Brien,
Richard Fickes, Sue Graham, Rita Wieczorek, and Linda Thompson.
(Back) Ray Vallerie, Robert Wilson, Jim Fenn, Ted Baker, Steven Brandt,
and David Bauereis. Thanks, y’all…
As the meeting adjourned, many members headed for Angler’s Restaurant
for drinks and a buffet dinner. Judy
and Gene Koetitz (LO QUE SE A) enjoyed a tasty rum punch cocktail.
The two-for-one special on drinks presented somewhat of a dilemma for
Dennis Krakow. The perplexing problem of how to choose which glass of
Pina Colada, with the added
delight of that floater of dark rum, does a fellow drink first. Looks like the one on his right is going down mighty
smoothly…
Judy selected this beautifully concocted
Pina Colada.
02/11/09
WEDNESDAY BOAT HARBOUR
Boudreaux called in again with a humorous tale about the gift he plans to
give to Charmaine (his Cajun wife) for Valentine’s Day.
That one has kept some folks laughing for a while.
I’m glad that people are enjoying his messages.
Having fun is what this club, all these wonderful folks, and even our
whole lifestyle is supposed to be all about.
Sidonia St. Germaine (DOUBLE TROUBLE) organized a road trip to go shell
hunting and have a day out together. She
rented a van to be shared equally and the team of six headed off for an exciting
day of exploration. At Crossing
Rocks Beach, Sidonia and Wilma sift through mounds of shells looking for just
the perfect specimens and pieces of sea glass.
Judy’s keen eyes located this bag of treasures to add to her collection
of jewelry making components.
Crossing Rocks is a treasure trove of shells and glass worn down by the
action of sea and sand.
Wink Thornton (JOHN HENRY) got right down there to gently search for the
best of the best
Vanessa Benjamin (S/V TALLY HO) was enjoying the perfect Bahamas weather
in her quest.
Those rocks out there at the reef line give this place its name…
Wink, Sidonia, Wilma, Andy, and Vanessa pose for Judy’s camera.
It may not have been the most idyllic spot for their picnic lunch,
however, it was comfortable and convenient.
At Snake Cay, the remnants of a large lumbering operation now lie in
ruin.
Brush fires on the island seem to occur much too often.
Sometimes, these are the result of so-called, “controlled burns”.
No trip south would be complete with out a visit to Pete’s Pub at
Little Harbour. The signature drink
is called “the Blaster”. Judy reported that it was quite good. The barkeeps will not reveal the ingredient mix of their
special blend.
The Atlantic Ocean side of Little Harbour…
I really like this picture of Judy at the surfside beach of the Atlantic.
Wilma Thornton (JOHN HENRY)…
One of the mission elements was to collect a supply of special Bahamian
pine needles. These will be used in creating special woven artworks
utilizing a technique that Sidonia will be teaching to them. These gals are so talented and artfully minded.
I think it is so wonderful to have such great friends, with so many
varied and common interests, and that they are willing to share their individual
skills for the enjoyment of each other.
While that group was away on their tour, Margo Caldy came to AMARSE and
conducted a thorough U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary safety inspection.
This year, she will only be able to spend a couple of weeks here because
Dennis has been recovering from a couple of surgeries.
He is doing fine and they will plan to come back again next year on their
boat, PIZZAZZ. This is the third
year that she has so generously donated her skills and authority to conduct the
annual checkup and issue the safety sticker to AMARSE. Thanks again, Margo… CONTINUING
UPDATES ARE IN PROGRESS…
WATCH FOR THEM, COMING SOON… POST
SCRIPT:
We sincerely hope that you will review the previous years of compilations
to give context to the current editions. Please
let us know if you have any special suggestions and thoughts.
REMEMBER: The website
is now fully active and you can visit it at any time.
You can review any of the 2006, 2007, or 2008 logs and learn more about
the crew and our plans. Enjoy. ATTENTION:
SPECIAL NOTE:
You may contact us via email anytime. Thanks
for allowing us to share our life and adventures with you. Lotsa
Luv, Fred
Reed and Judy Law AMARSE MT40 "AMARSE"
is pronounced "AM-ARE-SAY".
Our website is: www.amarse.net .
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Fred H. Reed |
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