Where did seven months go?? While Kindred Spirit hibernated under her shrink wrap, we had a fairly typical New England winter with several decent snow storms and a stretch of very cold temperatures. The best part of our winter was family and friends and the continuation of many traditions. No big vacations or trips, just the warm hugs of people we love.
This is a blog post filled with the highlights of family and holidays, and not much boating. Be warned.
We spent one last overnight on the boat at West Harbor, enjoying the quiet and preparing for the haul out. It is more enjoyable to do those chores there than back at the dock.
West Harbor, Fishers Island in late September.
Haul out day on September 26th with Cutting Class. The four of us had lunch together after the boats were safely positioned, side by side, for the winter.
Not ready to give up boating, we headed to Milford with the unsinkable Molly B for a last ride. Such serious looks on those young faces.
Al always needs a “project”. We decided our basement needed a facelift and renovation. With the grandkids growing there wasn’t enough indoor space to contain them. Our basement is now a fun-filled space in the back section. Al still has his secret door workshop, our craft area, storage, and cedar closet, but now there is a great place for the kids to hang out.
Fresh paint and new LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring made all the difference in the world. Add in IKEA storage cabinets and furniture, plus a mini-corn hole and ring toss game.
Al installed a small basketball hoop with “silent” basketballs. A karaoke machine provided a musical outlet for the cousins.
Another festive Thanksgiving tradition was dinner at Patrice and George’s with Mary Jo and Dean.
Our 4th Annual Milford Tree Lighting. A soup dinner at Ryan and Kerri’s followed by a walk to the Milford Green for the lighting of the Christmas tree, and Santa’s arrival, too.
The 5th Annual “Cousins Gingerbread House Sleepover.” It is a busy weekend filled with gingerbread house decorating, ornament making, a Christmas movie to watch (not Elf this year for a change) and a family brunch on Sunday. This year the cousins slept in the new basement accommodations for the first time. They have grown so much that cramming them into our small guest room just wasn’t working. The thrill of sleeping in the basement was a new level of excitement.
Our Christmas Eve tradition continued (lost count of how many years). I am so thankful that Lisa and Jeanne drive north to Connecticut to spend the time with us. Our family photo got a little silly, just like all of us.
Special treat this year!! When Don and Cindy visited their daughter and her family in Brooklyn, they took a northward detour to see us. On land!
That New England winter I mentioned at the beginning? It was cold, really cold, and snowy. Personally, I do not mind, and, in fact, welcome it. A winter snow is beautiful. It is also a chance to hunker down and be quiet for a bit.
Our little neighborhood was buried behind the massive piles of plowed snow. Al shoveled our deck so that I could get to the bird feeder. This was a winter where they really needed extra food.
Early February was frigid. The Connecticut River froze in many places, something that has not happened for many years. We met George and Patrice in Essex for a look at the river and lunch at the Black Seal. “The cold never bothered me anyway” to quote Elsa in Frozen. At least not if I am bundled up.
Cold never bothers this trio!
Our family Valentine Dinner with heart shaped ravioli and a LOVE cake.
With such a cold winter, I did weave a lot. In addition to my easy weaves of hand and dish towels, I wove a wool blanket, a shawl, a pillow, and a scarf for each of the grandchildren. Weaving is still my happy place.
Now that the kids are getting older we have sporting events to watch.
Caleb is a scrappy and fast player, all over the court at once.
Addie’s basketball games were extra fun because Adam is one of her team’s coaches.
I finally saw one of Addie’s gymnastics meets!
We often spend Thursday evenings in Milford with Caleb and Ceci covering the time between Dad’s departure to teach classes at Hartford Stage and Mom’s return from her workday in NYC.
Thursday weaving with Ceci. Ceci really liked Addie’s woven heart pillow from last year and requested weaving lessons. Did not have to ask me twice. 😉
Papa and Caleb built the LEGO lighthouse, a set I have admired from afar. Caleb took the lead because he is an expert at LEGOs. He reluctantly allowed me to keep it at my house for now.
Spring and Easter finally arrived. The grandkids are still avid egg hunters so we held another Easter Egg hunt. I’m so happy they have not grown up too much yet.
The LEGO lighthouse was a hit so that prompted me to search and discover that you can actually make custom LEGO mini-figures. Each grandkid found their own LEGO figure in an egg to put together. The mini-figures live at the lighthouse along with the two included figures who were immediately named “Nana and Papa.” Ceci donated her Ariel mini-figure to the lighthouse. I’m not too old to play with LEGOs, am I ?
Not only did we celebrate Easter, we also celebrated the spring birthdays – Adam, Ryan, Kerri ,and Al.
We were delighted to be an overnight pit stop for Sam and Kayda on their journey home to Maine.
This all brings us back to Kindred Spirit – May 5th was launch day! Al had worked diligently to prepare her for our next season and she was ready and eager to go. As were we.
Kindred Spirit in the sling on her way to the water. Stepping the mast on Cutting Class.
Both boats were snuggled in their slips by noon. Job well done!
Looks like a great winter. We haven’t lunched The Pearl yet. The wet cold spring just doesn’t want to let go in Ithaca. So we are enjoying our time in PA, but looking forward to some seeing warm, sunny summer weather.
I love to see your growing family and the wonderful activities you are able to do with them. Your weavings are beautiful! Such a full and wonderful life. Thanks for sharing.
How fun to have the boat launched. We launch in Portsmouth on June 12 and are required to leave the dock three days later – always a big crunch. Hope we’ll see you along the way. Good winter for us that included an amazing trip to New Zealand for the month of February. Hosted both sons and their families for vacations on HHI and we’ll all have a week together in Rhode Island in late June.
Susie Marshall
Looks like a great winter. We haven’t lunched The Pearl yet. The wet cold spring just doesn’t want to let go in Ithaca. So we are enjoying our time in PA, but looking forward to some seeing warm, sunny summer weather.
watsons
It’s been that way here, too. Fingers crossed that the weather will soon be more boating-worthy!
MM
Please explain how it is that the children get older but you two do not. xoxo MM
watsons
They keep us young!
And tired at times. 😉 haha
Gwynn
I love to see your growing family and the wonderful activities you are able to do with them. Your weavings are beautiful! Such a full and wonderful life. Thanks for sharing.
watsons
The only way to age is to embrace your family and keep busy. I know you do the same!
Prue Preston
How fun to have the boat launched. We launch in Portsmouth on June 12 and are required to leave the dock three days later – always a big crunch. Hope we’ll see you along the way. Good winter for us that included an amazing trip to New Zealand for the month of February. Hosted both sons and their families for vacations on HHI and we’ll all have a week together in Rhode Island in late June.
watsons
You had an amazing winter! I hope we cross paths in the water this summer.