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UPDATE#25
11/01 TO 11/30/2010
Howdy
Everybody, The adventures
of 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and thru 10/31/2010 have been published on the
website. We continue with the
latest edition. UPDATE
2010 #25 11/01/2010 to 11/30/2010 At last update,
we were still in San Antonio and wrapping up our renovation projects.
Welcome back to our continuing adventures… 11/01/10
MONDAY, SAN ANTONIO, TX
Our progress at home remodeling and renovation is moving along nicely. The time has been flying by and we have been working long
hours everyday.
The garage is not only a place to store vehicles.
It is also a primary storage facility for all kinds of stuff. Of course, it has become my active workshop area.
I still have a complete diesel engine that I had kept for spare parts
from the JEANNIE LIN sailboat days. One
of these days, I will disassemble and part out the spares and sell them on-line.
The engine is a Westerbeke W33A and I have tons of spares too.
11/02/10
TUESDAY, SAN ANTONIO, TX How about a
little tour of our changes in décor? You
can refer to a couple of previous updates to view the “Before” pictures.
Starting in the main living area, the walls were significantly updated by
the removal of the wood paneling. The
window treatments have given the room a complete new look with the addition of
Levelor window blinds and Judy’s handmade valance curtains.
A new, solid oak TV stand helps bring the theme together and restores the
warmth of wood to the effect.
The totally rebuilt wet bar area has a bright, fun, and a more effective
presence. The brightness of the
textured, painted walls has totally changed the look and feel of the room.
The highlighting of the wall trim moldings gave focus and contrast to the
dining room area.
Remember that dull, plain stairway trim?
The addition of this decorative base molding trim has added a beautiful
measure of visual enhancement.
Other than adding a pair of updating 6-panel doors, the 1st
guestroom kept much of its familiar and comfortable appearance.
The second guestroom has undergone a total transformation from a
cluttered storage area to an inviting, colorful, and relaxing place to host our
visiting, family, friends, and houseguests.
We added a pair of twin beds, new window blinds, furnishings, ceiling
fan, and upgraded door treatments.
The original, sliding closet doors were dull and outdated dark-wood
panels. I took the units down to
the shop area and spray refinished them to add the modernized effect.
The addition of the new 6-panel doors added a significantly inviting
touch. I had to cut each slab to
specific size to fit each position. My
custom guide helped to provide straight, smooth edges from my circular saw.
Judy wielded the brushes to add contrasting colored paints to the rooms.
All of the fabric work, including the bedding, skirts, pillows, shams,
table covers, curtains, and numerous decorative accents were the results of
Judy’s magnificent seamstress skills. We
bought a new sewing machine especially for her project work.
I must tell you, “I am excited, thrilled, and totally impressed with
her creative results and skillful expertise.”
The master bathroom took on a renewed look with new hardware, faucets,
and refinished cabinetry. Changes
to the valance lighting enhanced the overall look.
On the kitchen end wall, Judy added the highlighting decorative touches
of her intricate handiwork. Her
handcrafted baskets were made out pine needles gathered in the Bahamian islands
of the Abacos and woven together in Judy’s unique patterning.
Judy cast and hand-painted the parrot figure while we were in Brunswick a
couple of years ago. The
combination of her skills looks fantastic.
The freshly refinished kitchen door took on a new look with the addition
of tilting blinds. The wall surfaces found a classic look with color mixed from
the National Trust For Historic Preservation collection.
Although this picture doesn’t begin to show the huge change, the
results of the modernization project to the recessed ceiling were dynamic.
The newly textured area projects superb lighting effects from these
installed fixtures.
The new counters, window treatment, backsplash trim, and refinishing
touches gave the entire kitchen the delightful, homey feel that we were looking
for.
The walls and Judy’s window treatment bring the whole room together
into a refreshing atmosphere that exudes relaxation.
The new look of the wet bar provides an inviting place to prepare
thirst-quenching libations in Texas-sized proportions.
With so many of our projects completed, we packed and initiated the
sequence of shutting down the house for our departure and continuing adventures
elsewhere. Somehow, it seems
strange to be leaving so soon after adding all the enhancements here. 11/03/10
WEDNESDAY, SAN ANTONIO to LUFKIN, TX
With the truck loaded up with lots of stuff, we started out for more
family visits and our return to AMARSE. The
first stop of our itinerary was to Lufkin, Texas to visit with those of Judy’s
family living there. Again, Mark
and Dawn’s comfortable guesthouse offered all the conveniences and comforts
for our short visit.
Dining with the family at the Café Del Rio satisfied our hunger pangs
and gave us an opportunity to enjoy the group setting.
11/04/10
THURSDAY LUFKIN, TEXAS
We had a nice opportunity to visit with these terrific family members.
Mark and Scott helped me with some additional servicing to the truck.
Using his big lift, the tasks were much more accessible.
Thanks, guys! They have
always been cooperative and generous to lend their assistance and expertise to
our mechanical needs. 11/05/10
FRIDAY LUFKIN. TX to
O’FALLON, MISSOURI
It was another long drive for us from Lufkin, TX all the way to
O’Fallon, Missouri. Just one look
at Lisa would have made the trip worthwhile.
Lisa and Judy have found a wonderful bond of love, respect, and mutual
admiration of each other.
Lisa, Ashley, and Judy confirm the well-known fact that, “all girls
love jewelry”. Judy let them pick
a favorite from her collection of necklaces.
11/06/10
SATURDAY O’FALLON,
MO
Doug and I went out early to accomplish chores and pick up parts in his
new Sonata. On the trip north, my
truck’s manual transmission started acting strangely and giving us problems
shifting. I suspected that using
the genuine, OEM replacement fluid from the Nissan dealer might help remedy the
problem. Once again, Doug
generously and willingly helped me with the mechanical stuff to the truck.
The projects still left plenty of time to play with the grandkids.
With a robust shove from Daddy Doug, Ashley grinned with glee as she
soared higher and higher.
Grandpa and Ashley undertook the preparation of the dinner menu.
Much to my delight, she seemed to love the idea and quickly jumped at the
chance to be “Grandpa’s Helper”
Ashley’s child-sized hands were just right to shape, form, and arrange
the perfect meatballs.
As you might expect, our dinner efforts turned out to be delicious and
very enjoyable. 11/07/10
SUNDAY O’FALLON, MO
After a range of daily activities, Lisa put together a family favorite.
Some years ago, during a previous visit, I passed on the recipe and
technique for a special Lasagna dish. Although
I personally don’t put recipes on paper, Lisa took excellent notes back then
and has prepared the Italian specialty on numerous occasions over the years.
It was even more delicious than I remember the original one.
Although my actual birthday isn’t today, the family took this advance
opportunity to celebrate the upcoming date.
The girls made a huge, sweet treat festooned with birthday candles.
My Grandson, Austin, urged me to make a special wish and “blow out the
candles”. I already know that my
secret wish has come true!
11/09/10
TUESDAY O’FALLON, MO
Doug’s sister, Sharyn, had an extra car that needed a bit of mechanical
attention. Instead of undertaking
the expense of the repairs, she agreed to transfer the title to Doug.
With his mechanical inclination, he set to working off the problem list.
It was at the point to be ready for the road now.
I was intrigued by the license plate numbers.
Down in Lufkin, TX, one of Mark’s competitors is the “UFO Pizza”
place. I sent him this picture that seems to say, “UFO PIE”
One of the challenging repairs was the bending, twisting curves in the
replacement brake lines that needed to be completely fabricated.
With the big jobs done, the State Inspection was passed and the licensing
activated. Now, this will be a good
work vehicle. 11/10/10
WEDNESDAY O’FALLON,
MO to BRUNSWICK, GA
Doug had generously taken a few days off from work to spend more time
with his Dad and Judy. Being together with my Son, Lisa, Austin, and Ashley renewed
me and I was lifted in a way that only a family visit can do.
All too soon, we had to move on to Georgia and resume our love affair
with AMARSE and our nautical side of life.
It is a mighty long drive straight through to Georgia.
We had to leave very early. On
his way to work already, Doug led the way out to the highway intersection. Passing through eastern Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky,
Tennessee, Alabama, and into Georgia, we finally arrived at the Brunswick
Landing Marina late that same night. As
she promised, AMARSE had been a very good girl and seemed glad to see us.
It was great to be “home” and we sought some much needed rest in her
comfortable bed. 11/14/10
SUNDAY BRUNSWICK, GA
Since we had made so many improvements to our San Antonio house, it was
only fair that our beloved AMARSE benefit from some attention and upgrades.
I had bought some major upgrades to the electronic navigation systems.
In the upper electronics panel, I installed a new Garmin 3206 to replace
the older 210 model. To accommodate the larger format, I had to construct a
completely new, right side panel. The
VHF radio was relocated and some internal supports need to be altered.
Along with extensive rewiring, I installed an electronics master switch,
power indicator, and a pair of LED light strip to facilitate night operations.
Within easy visual position and control access, I installed a new Garmin
4208 unit, attached to a custom made pedestal pole mount.
The new mapping capabilities are awesomely displayed on the wide screen
presentation. Using the proprietary
networking interface, the two new units are partially linked together through a
single antenna/receiver unit.
Lots of boats have already departed for the warmer weather destinations.
A hinged lid covers and protects the instrument cluster while docked.
Note the different red and green key fobs that we can swap to match the
color identification colors of the waterway navigation markers.
Redundantly, the matching spring clips on the mirror provide a backup
confirmation.
Sunset across the Golden Isles marshlands as seen from the Brunswick
Landing Marina…
11/16/10
TUESDAY BRUNSWICK, GA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME…
11/17/10
WEDNESDAY BRUNSWICK,
GA
As part of our preparation to head south, I arranged for the services of
Joe Tinsman to clean and polish our diesel fuel supply.
He always does such an excellent job and I appreciate his professional,
caring attitude and friendly personality. We
also hired the diver to scrape the running gear and make sure the thru-hulls
were clear. The hull surfaces were
still in good shape since our extensive recoating in the Bahamas.
The weather was very pleasant and tranquil…
11/18/10
THURSDAY BRUNSWICK, GA
With our time to leave Georgia rapidly approaching, we took some time to
relax and enjoy the comfortable salon aboard AMARSE.
11/21/10
SUNDAY INDIAN HARBOR
BEACH, FL
Many times in these updates, you have read about our wonderful friends,
Dave and Barb (CHABLIS). We were
invited to come and stay at their new Florida home in Indian Harbor Beach.
In our guestroom, we admired this wonderful painting of adult Pelicans.
The wonderful lanai looks out over their patio to a channel of the Indian
River gently flowing along the back of their home.
For a lunch treat, we went to Duffy’s Sports Grill.
The Florida chain is one of our favorite eating places in Stuart.
I think Dave and Barb enjoyed the Coconut Crusted Dolphin Fingers and
Sweet Potato Fries…
We always enjoy some of our best times when we’re with Dave and Barb.
Our afternoon included a trip up to Jetty Park, located on south side of
the Port Canaveral Ship Channel.
Frequently, kite-surfers frolic in the waves close to shore…
A steady procession of cruise ships were departing from the port
facilities and headed toward the Atlantic Ocean Gulfstream. FREEDOM
OF THE SEAS of the Royal Caribbean fleet shimmered in the setting sun.
In like fashion, CARNIVAL SENSATION was making way toward the ocean
waters.
Various species of shorebirds swooped about in search of some tender
morsels of aquatic creatures.
Light, misty showers generated brilliant rainbows across the ocean
horizon.
Look carefully beyond the Jetty Park pier. Can you see the double
rainbow?
The DISNEY WONDER churned seaward in the late afternoon.
Our impetus for our afternoon visit was to witness an impressive rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta 4-Heavy rocket was staged to hurl a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. Launch time is scheduled for 5:58pm.
From our vantage point on the Jetty Park pier in Cocoa Beach, FL, we
could see the immensely powerful rockets ignite and light up the evening sky.
All was silent for a while, then came the thunderously shaking roar of
the delayed sound waves. It was an
awesome display of raw power hurling the secret technology away from the bounds
of earth’s gravity. Due to the
low cloud cover, we lost visual contact all too soon as the rocket penetrated
the overcast layer.
The clouds obscured all but the rocket glow and we were denied the
watching of the rocket separations. This
was Dave and Barb’s first close-up chance to see a launch.
Being less spectacular than some other launches, I think they may have
been somewhat disappointing.
When we returned to Dave and Barb’s home, there was certainly nothing
disappointing about dinner.
Being one of the most skillful masters of Italian cookery, Dave created
another magnificent meal.
11/22/10
MONDAY INDIAN HARBOR BEACH,
FL / STUART, FL
The northerly view from their dock in the early morning emanates a gentle
sense of tranquility.
The southerly view sights both the drawbridge and the high bridge behind.
Through this channel, boats can pass Dragon Point and join the ICW in the
Indian River.
Numerous paddlers, rowers, and sculling enthusiasts streak past through
the smooth, calm waters.
Judy and I went to Stuart for my eye doctor appointment.
Following that, Ivor and Susan (LAZY SUSAN) joined us at Duffy’s Sports
Grill.
We returned to Barb and Dave’s for another restful evening. 11/24/10
WEDNESDAY HEADING
ON SOUTH IN FLORIDA
To recap our voyage as we were heading south, this bird liked the looks
of AMARSE and decided to join us for part of the journey.
At times, mornings can be mildly cool. A
sunny spot and a light wrap helps stave off the chill for Judy.
The waterways were visual elegance.
We had passed the degaussing station at Kings Bay.
11/25/10
THURSDAY HEADING SOUTH
IN FLORIDA HAPPY
THANKSGIVING DAY There
is not much question in our minds that we have everything to be thankful for.
We are thankful for our families, our freedom, our health, our lifestyle,
and, perhaps most important, we are extremely thankful for each other’s love.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
consists of the 1740 Spanish fort and about 100 acres of salt marsh and barrier
islands along the Matanzas River.
In 1742, the British under
Oglethorpe approached the inlet with 12 ships. Cannon fire drove off the
scouting boats and the warships left without engaging the Fort. This was the
only time Fort Matanzas fired on an enemy. Spain lost control of Florida with
the Treaty of Paris, 1763, and regained control with the Treaty of Paris, 1783.
With the Spanish Empire deteriorating, Spain expended little effort maintaining
the fort. When the United States took control of Florida in 1819, the Fort had
significantly deteriorated. The United States never used the fort and it fell
into ruin.
Through a generous offer from RMHYC members, Jim and Lynette (PEACE), we
were allowed to tie to their friend’s dock in Palm Coast, FL.
The area is so beautiful and peaceful.
Our sincere thanks for the wonderful hospitality extended by their
neighbors.
Our Thanksgiving dinner aboard AMARSE was a tribute to our thankfulness.
Even our finest paper plates and flickering faux candles reminded us that
real thankfulness extends far beyond the material elegance that some may derive
from fine bone china. Our
gratitude, appreciation, and thankfulness welled from deep within our souls.
The dinner menu maintained the established traditions of this holiday.
Sliced, deep fried turkey breast shared our plates with buttery mashed
potatoes and stuffing. The meal was
terrific.
For all of your love and friendships, I am extremely
thankful…
11/26/10
FRIDAY HEADING SOUTH
DAYTONA BEACH, FL
The Halifax River Yacht Club hosted us for our evening in Daytona.
The HYRC was founded in 1896 with
31 original members. Back then, the
town was less than 20 years old and the area was still considered alligator
territory. The newly-built clubhouse and renovated docks have risen up on this
same site of origin established over a century ago. HRYC is the only yacht club
on the eastern seacoast qualified to claim this distinction. The club and
organization is unique in having been in continuous operation since its
inception. Once again, we
appreciated their classic hospitality and delightful location. If they could have accommodated us, we probably would have
stayed longer.
Unfortunately, there were no performances scheduled for tonight at the
News-Journal Center theatre that is operated by the Daytona State College.
Judy’s brother, Dean,
drives a Toyota RAV4 similar to this one. We
suggested that he add the cute little eyelash accents to his headlights too.
On second thought, it might not adequately represent his masculinity.
11/27/10
SATURDAY COCOA,
FL
The city of Cocoa Beach was hosting their Christmas waterfront boat
parade tonight. AMARSE found an
excellent place at the city dock from which to enjoy the colorful procession.
Led by the local sightseeing paddle wheeler, numerous boats followed in
full display mode.
Merry Christmas, Rudolph…
Cocoa Beach is heart of the Space Coast.
What could be more festive than a lighted Space Shuttle being pulled by a
lone reindeer.
All along the waterfront city park, the bands and festivities brightened
everyone’s holiday spirits.
11/28/10
SUNDAY HEADING SOUTH IN
FLORIDA
A family pod of dolphin splashed in our wake.
During our cruising voyages, we have had the pleasure of these aquatic
mammals at our side many times. We
never cease to be totally amazed by their friendly nature and marvelous,
seemingly effortless agility.
Threatening weather was in the forecast for the Florida coast.
With windy conditions in our future, we elected to bypass the mooring
balls at Vero Beach. We would feel
more comfortable in a more protected environment without the additional hazards
created by multiple boat rafting situations.
My time/speed/distance calculations pointed toward a twilight arrival in
Stuart. Our original plan was to
return to Sunset Bay Marina, however, they reported that they were full up.
A call to Harborage Yacht Club/Loggerhead Marina put us in touch with
their Asst. Dockmaster, Al. He was
most courteous and helpful in arranging a slip for AMARSE.
Just as the sun edged below the horizon, AMARSE was backing into the
eastern section, fixed-dock. 11/29/10
MONDAY STUART,
FL
As morning awakened us, we were impressed by the tranquil beauty of our
location. Our love affair with
Loggerhead Marina was just beginning.
The Loggerhead Marina group has assumed ownership and operations of the
Harborage YC boating facility. Our
slip was conveniently positioned for easy access to the complex’s amenities.
Although these fixed docks are a bit more expensive, I think that for us,
the difference will be worth it. Over
on the western side, the floating docks are more distant and they seem to be
subjected to more wake conditions from vessels passing in the channel, as well
as being more open to the wind.
Harborage Yacht Club Condos and the Loggerhead Marina’s eastern section
fixed-docks.
The dock walkways are protected by magnetically locked gates.
Loggerhead Marina is a bit further from the downtown Stuart area.
With a little walking, it is still easily accessible.
Our folding, Dahon bicycles will make the trips even more convenient.
As we returned toward Loggerhead, the view from the Roosevelt drawbridge
confirmed the crowded capacity conditions at Sunset Bay Marina.
Luxury condos line the shores at the Harborage YC/Loggerhead complex.
Attractive fountains and manicured landscaping add some pleasing touches
to the ambiance.
View of the eastern section from the walkway of the western
entranceway…
View of the western section of floating docks…
Initially, I had thought that a floating dock might be more comfortable.
Subsequently, friends have reported that these docks react adversely to
the passing boat wakes, actually making conditions more susceptible to rolling
motions.
A pleasant walkway follows the shoreline and provides a convenient, yet
distant, access to the western section. The
US-1 high-bridge crosses the Okeechobee River leading to downtown Stuart.
11/30/10
TUESDAY STUART,
FL
Just up the eastern section ramp, Wahoo’s Bar/Grill, the Spash pool
bar, workout facilities, boaters lounge, heated pool, laundry, and various other
amenities can be found. Having been here only a couple of days, we are still learning
our way around and hoping to meet new friends.
Being right in the middle of the holiday season, it appears that many of
the boaters have taken temporary leave to celebrate their family activities away
from their boats.
With numerous medical appointments scheduled, our length of stay here is
yet to be determined. I invite you
to return soon to the AMARSE website and to learn more of our continuing
adventures. Happy Holidays…
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 also review any of the previous logs from the years 2006, 2007,
2008, and 2009 to learn more about the crew and their many adventures. 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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