After Seven Weeks

These poor shoes will not be coming back to Puerto Rico with me because after seven weeks of hard duty here at the house renovation, they are shot.

They have made countless trips to Home Depot; they have been in the attic, under the house, and on the roof; they have supported me and the thousands of pounds of rubbish I've help load into five dumpsters; they have been splattered with paint, mud and probably some sewage. They have served me well and I will miss them.

Maybe I should have them bronzed.

Highs and Lows of being back home

It's nice to be back home for a while, helping my Dad, enjoying California's fabulous spring weather,

spending time with the families,

taking a break for a few hours to visit Lyondecker's paintings at the museum,

and looking through old photo albums.

But, the work involved at the house has been staggering: 18' of foundation repair,

a whole new bathroom from the floor joists up,

80' of new fence, cracks in floor girders,

wiring, cleaning, painting, knowing Home Depot way too well, 

and sewer problems. Yes, sewer repairs too.

We work like demons every day and fall into bed exhausted every night. I thought cruising was hard, but its a cake walk compared to this. I can't wait to be back aboard "Thistle ".

Almost forgot this photo of the Captain way back in 1978, shortly after he got his pilots license, with one of Gottschalk Flying Center's 152s. Look at that gorgeous red hair.