Back to back celebrations this weekend!
Ten weeks after my accident and spinal surgery I boarded Kindred Spirit. I expected that I may experience a wee bit of PTSD as I stepped onto the swim platform, but it was actually ok. Backed into the slip makes it very easy to just step onto the platform. We only stayed for a few hours. It may look like I am back to “normal”, but believe me, I am far from it. On the other hand, the progress has been good. Patience and persistence! Time to celebrate that progress!
Anthony and Annette had arrived in Groton on Magnolia and were on our mooring in the outer field. They had lots of packages shipped to our house over the past couple of weeks. That makes perfect sense and we were happy to provide a land shopping address for them, but you know how disappointing it is to find that a package does not have your name on it …….. right????
Back to celebrating…………
Six years ago I wrote an extensive blog post about our naming ceremony and “christening” of the Mariner 38 – The Christening of Kindred Spirit. After all, I was under the assumption that the Mariner was our last boat and I wanted to do it right. I had decided that the Kadey Krogen, as our new “last” boat deserved an even better and bigger celebration; any excuse for a party. 😉 Alas, Covid-19 brought those plans to a screeching halt. Plus, at the moment, I am in no shape to plan and throw a big party. This concerned me because our Kadey Krogen needed to be properly named.
We are living in strange times and must learn to adapt so that we stay safe and keep others safe. I thought about all the children whose birthday parties were held over ZOOM; graduations and proms that never happened; and wedding plans that had to adapt to this new social “norm.” A boat christening is nothing compared to those life events, and I believe our Kadey Krogen will understand that she is and will be loved even though the celebration was smaller and simpler.
We quickly gathered a few friends and plenty of Prosecco to hold a naming ceremony so that the nautical gods will look kindly upon Kindred Spirit. If you are interested in what a proper boat naming ceremony should be, check the link to the Mariner’s christening.
Once again, we decided that Kindred Spirit is the only name that would do. Kindred Spirit (#4). In case you missed it the last time around – Why that name? Just before we found our Catalina 34, we were watching the PBS mini-series, Anne of Green Gables. Al and I had only been married for a few years, and friends who were also watching the series, commented that Al and I had found our “kindred spirit” in each other. Ahhhh…..
Marcia & Dan and Anthony & Annette joined us for a socially distant, with masks (although they were pulled down at times) ceremony.
We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past, as The Edge, As Limerick, and as Travelin’ Man.
We voice our gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port.
Now, wherefore, we submit this supplication, that the name whereby this vessel has been known, The Edge, be removed from your records in the Ledger of the Deep. As proof thereof, we submit this “ingot” bearing her former name and send it into the deep.
Further, we ask that when she is again presented for blessing with the name Kindred Spirit, she shall be recognized and shall be accorded once again the privileges she previously enjoyed as well as those privileges enjoyed by every Kindred Spirit that has come before her.
Our version of a naming ceremony always includes our “Black Box.” If you are intrigued and want to know more about this “black box” visit John Vigor’s blog. We first stumbled on his Black Box theory in an issue of Good Old Boat nearly 20 years ago. We try to live by those rules and even made our own physical black box that has resided on all four of our Kindred Spirits.
After toasting with our Prosecco, we all had dinner together, covid-19 style. Everyone brought their own dinner, drinks, and supplies. We ate in the clubhouse (with air-conditioning) and set up individual tables 6 feet apart. We had a lot of catching up to do!
During the early stages of my recovery, Al took care of everything. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, and even dressing me. (He still has to put my shoes on for me and help with my compression garments.) I am ever so thankful that I married such a wonderful man. I needed to find a way to show my thanks and love, something he wouldn’t expect. Anthony created the KK39 logo so I could have personalized Kindred Spirit clothing made. Al was surprised and I think he liked it. We both have polo shirts, denim shirts, and hats.
Marcia and Dan passed on this very special Sea Bags wine carrier, with a bottle inside. It will be our turn next to pass it on to someone for a special occasion. What a great idea this is!
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