August 15, 2013

With it being my birthday last week and Carol's birthday this week, it hasn't been one of the most productive boatwork weeks.  Lots of foggy days didn't help either.  However it was not without it's compensations, including a couple of great dinners and a new car.  With my old truck starting to show signs of age and becoming less reliable, I thought turning 65 was a good excuse to get a fun new car while I'm still young enough to enjoy it.  And, since I did alright in the stock market this year, I could just manage it if didn't go crazy.   I settled on a low mileage 2010 Mini Cooper.  It took about four days to complete the selection, purchase and car juggling.  It's lots of fun, but I'm still learning how to drive it and use the computer than runs everything.  Because I can play music from my iPhone through the car's stereo, I also spent a good deal of time struggling with iTunes to get more music onto the phone.  It's worth it though because the new Geneva stereo on the boat also uses the iPhone as a music source.

With the doghouse just about done (two more trim pieces to varnish and install) and a cruise coming up, it was time to turn my attention to getting the boat ready for sea.  The dinghy needs attention that includes replacing the drain plugs, refinishing the oars and getting rid of the old outboard fuel by burning it in the truck.  Most of that is still in process.  I also had to repair and refinish my outrigger paddle after it got banged up somehow.

There will be more celebrating in the next few days for Carol's birthday, so I'm really going to have to buckle down next week!