There are many joys to owning a sailboat...... she is a summer home........she safely takes you across oceans to new adventures.......the wind is free......it's the journey! And then...................there is boat maintenance! Jack and I are spending the week working on Freyja. He is doing the teak and I am doing the stainless. She sure looks pretty when she's done but what a job! She is an aging girl but such a classic. The newer boats skimp on stainless and teak - easier for the owner....but not nearly so beautiful! We have been discussing the next cruise while we varnish and polish away! Most people head South down the ICW this time of year - for a warmer clime. Looks like Freyja may head North for the month of December, up the ICW maybe as far as the St. John's River.

Autumn has officially arrived in Islamorada! I know, you think we don't have seasons here - but we do! The changes are subtle but after living here for 25 years they are easily picked up! Our winter migratory birds are starting to arrive, the raptors are passing by on their path to a winter home, the coral is spawning, manatees are showing up more often in the canals, the humidity has decreased (a little!), there is a bit of cool in the sea breeze - and last but certainly not least - the license plates from up North are starting to show up!!

It was a bittersweet weekend. Saturday I drove to Jupiter for the funeral of my friend, Eve, who died in the diving accident. It was a beautiful service and afterwards we walked to the Jupiter Lighthouse and each put a flower in the water for Eve as Quinn (her fiance)was going out on a Coast Guard boat to leave a wreath at the dive site. From Jupiter I drove to Melbourne to celebrate my god daughter's nineteenthth birthday. Happy Birthday, Dawnie! And see how handsome my godson Ross looked with his new military haircut. He starts Air Force ROTC soon! Go Ross!

The sun and blue sky are back, our work is done, the sailboat is back at the dock with her hurricane lines drying in the sunshine and we are grateful Ike spared us. Now we are worried about our Texan friends..............

You know about feeder bands and eating bands and drinking bands. Tonight there was a dessert band! Alina made a yummy roasted fig tart. The beagles came, too - and Donald was a bit wind blown!

Tuesday morning

Rain, wind and more rain

DINNER AT THE OCEAN VIEW

It's a tradition!! On the night of the storm we go to the Ocean View Lounge for cheeseburgers. They are usually the only game in town! Fun was had by all!!

A break in the storm

Briefly, we had a break in the storm and we were able to catch a breath of fresh air!

Ike!

Yike! Here comes Ike!

Welcome to Monday morning! We have started to feel tropical storm force winds and the rain bands are soon to follow! We are pleased that the predictions now for Ike keep it south. Lucky again in the Florida Keys!!

Freyja is now successfully tied across the canal! Still a beautiful day but getting breezier.

The calm before the storm! Sunrise on Sunday morning..............

The skiff is out of the water, the shutters are on but it sure doesn't look like a storm is coming! It is a beautiful, clear, CALM day! Ike's path has shifted a little more to the South. YAY!!

Ranger is back!!!!!!!!

Ep 158 Post It Cast 9-1-08 Tropical Storm Ike Is Born!

We are watching Ike VERY closely........have cancelled our week at the beach in South Carolina.