How quickly three months can go by! So far, between the 7 months of sailing and settling back into life at home again, retirement has been very busy and not at all boring. I think it is time to update this blog.
It was both easy and challenging to become “dirt dwellers” again, as Eileen Quinn calls land people in her sailing songs. The first thing I noticed was how high the ceilings seemed to be – there is so much space above my head. There is space everywhere, even in a small house, when compared to a boat. It did not take long at all to slip into the easy conveniences of land life – flushing toilets, unlimited water, hot water any time you want it, dishwasher, washer and dryer close at hand, cable tv, huge grocery stores with anything your tummy desires, space, a professional hair cut and color. Yes, it is easy and convenient, but it just isn’t as exciting as those days out on the water and in the Bahamas. The bottom line? The very best part of being home again is seeing our family and friends. We missed them very much.
Let’s see if I can quickly capture the past few months in mostly pictures.
He made it home just in time, by a matter of hours, for his 65 birthday. He really appreciated all of the emails, cards, videos and songs that were sent to him to help him celebrate such a landmark event.
Click here to hear their fine rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” — Al’s Birthday Song
I flew home to be sure I was there in time for the anticipated grandchild’s baby shower in New York.
April has more birthday celebrations, including a very special one – Our granddaughter, Ella, is one year old!
As spring approached, we needed to find ways to occupy ourselves without a boat to prep for the season. I decided to try a weaving class. Yes, I learned to weave, and it is much more complicated than I ever knew! I have a lot more to learn if I stick with it.
~ Weaving classroom – lots of looms
~My finished M&W hand towels
~ My first sampler
~ Log cabin design all on my own at home on my very little loom
On May 16th, our new grandson, Caleb Evans, was born in Queens, New York. We are so glad we were home for this event. It is good to be retired and have the time to visit with these little ones.
By the end of May, the other two Shennecossett boats were back in home port from their respective Bahama trips.
There is a saying that it is better to have friends with boats than to own one yourself. We don’t really agree with that, but our friends have sure helped us through this boat-less period.
The weeks have been filled with many fun events and get-togethers with family, friends, and neighbors
My mother and father.
And sisters, Jeanne and Lisa.
So here it is – July 1st. My first year of retirement has been awesome. We are so glad we were able to have our adventure, but as you can see, there is nothing as good as the people in our lives, both near and far. Sharing adventures and sharing the ordinary times with the people you love is what life is really all about.
Let’s see what this next year brings! Stay tuned………………
Curt & Cindy BonDurant
Congratulations! We are so very happy for you. We know you will love your trawler. She looks perfect. I love her looks, very nice.
Wow, things did move quickly for you.
We hope we see you on the waterway again this fall. We are heading back to Key West then to the Bahamas in January.
Keep us posted!