MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
I received a call from my broker last Thursday. He had been contacted by another broker who had a client that had some questions about my boat. I spent a good 30 minutes answering them all but have heard nothing since. I am heartened by the fact that this "client" was asking about a boat in February! It means that he has been seriously looking at boats, probably for awhile, and the fact that he was asking very pertinent question, would seem to indicate that he has "serious interest." If he had been asking in April or May, I wouldn't give much credence to the inquiry, but February is a month when "serious boat buyers" are at work. However, I shan't get overly excited and will simply wait for thing to happen . . . . not that it wouldn't been immensely beneficial if she sold, and soon.
ABISHAG seems to be wintering well. Truth be told, it has been a hard winter, with lots of storms, lots of snow, lots of wind but she is "a North Sea Boat" and should be able to handle it all with ease.
Friday is "cut and slash" day and by day's end, I will have shiny new hip which will make it impossible for me to go through any metal detector without setting it off. Ah! the indignities of old age!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Nothing New, I'm Afraid!
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
One of the nasty aspects of winter is that so little gets done adn you seem to have so much more time to do it. I would really love to be down on the boat doing some of the work that needs doing but it is literally too cold and, with the boat also in the water, there is little that can be done. come spring, of course, there will be too much to do and too little time in which to do it. It is a never ending cycle I'm afraid.
There has been no movement on the boat, not offers, not even a nibble. As we get closer to spring, I am hoping that that will pick up but right now, who knows. Of course, I could win Powerball and that would solve a number of problems but, as of now, ABISHAG going to a new owner is the best thing.
I have a carefully crafted and ever-expanding list of projects, few of which can be tackled until the snow stops and the weather warms at least a bit. I am hoping for an early spring so that I can get started and then get sailing if she doesn't sell. But for now, it is simply one day at a time, all the while hoping that something will happen to ameliorate the whole situation.
As for my own repairs, the cutting and slashing will take place on the 5th of March. According to the doctor, I'll be in the hospital for 3-4 days, then convalesce for another 5-10, and then it is simply getting better. I have been hobbling along on this leg for so long now that I really wonder what it will be like to walk pain-free.
One of the nasty aspects of winter is that so little gets done adn you seem to have so much more time to do it. I would really love to be down on the boat doing some of the work that needs doing but it is literally too cold and, with the boat also in the water, there is little that can be done. come spring, of course, there will be too much to do and too little time in which to do it. It is a never ending cycle I'm afraid.
There has been no movement on the boat, not offers, not even a nibble. As we get closer to spring, I am hoping that that will pick up but right now, who knows. Of course, I could win Powerball and that would solve a number of problems but, as of now, ABISHAG going to a new owner is the best thing.
I have a carefully crafted and ever-expanding list of projects, few of which can be tackled until the snow stops and the weather warms at least a bit. I am hoping for an early spring so that I can get started and then get sailing if she doesn't sell. But for now, it is simply one day at a time, all the while hoping that something will happen to ameliorate the whole situation.
As for my own repairs, the cutting and slashing will take place on the 5th of March. According to the doctor, I'll be in the hospital for 3-4 days, then convalesce for another 5-10, and then it is simply getting better. I have been hobbling along on this leg for so long now that I really wonder what it will be like to walk pain-free.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Major Renovation To Be Undertaken!
SHIP'S LOG:
A major renovation is to be undertaken, not on ABISHAG but on the Master. Yup, time has come to "sister a new frame" . . .I have to have my right hip replaced. Not that it has been a question of if, but for the last few years it has only been a matter of when, and "when" has at last become "NOW."The pain and stiffness that had been intermittent has now become constant and, over the last month or so, has become a genuine pain in the ass - not quite anatomically correct but accurate enough.
It has gotten to the point that even moving around on deck has become problematic. I can trust the leg anymore. It is not that the leg is going to "give out," it just feels like it is sometimes. I get that stab of pain and the muscles flinch and I have actually taken a few semi-stumbles. It became a question of who's fooling who, so i went to the doctor and he said it's time. The doctor is a good "cut & slash man" and he will provide me with a new stainless steel hip and a scar to match the one on the other leg. It is Set for March 5th and I will get to spend Lent recovering. Let's hear it for "mortification of the flesh."
A major renovation is to be undertaken, not on ABISHAG but on the Master. Yup, time has come to "sister a new frame" . . .I have to have my right hip replaced. Not that it has been a question of if, but for the last few years it has only been a matter of when, and "when" has at last become "NOW."The pain and stiffness that had been intermittent has now become constant and, over the last month or so, has become a genuine pain in the ass - not quite anatomically correct but accurate enough.
It has gotten to the point that even moving around on deck has become problematic. I can trust the leg anymore. It is not that the leg is going to "give out," it just feels like it is sometimes. I get that stab of pain and the muscles flinch and I have actually taken a few semi-stumbles. It became a question of who's fooling who, so i went to the doctor and he said it's time. The doctor is a good "cut & slash man" and he will provide me with a new stainless steel hip and a scar to match the one on the other leg. It is Set for March 5th and I will get to spend Lent recovering. Let's hear it for "mortification of the flesh."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Winter! Winter! Winter! ! ! ! ! Crap! ! ! ! !
SHIP'S LOG:
What can I say that you don't already know. It's winter. It's cold. There's snow on the ground and the prospects for an early Spring are poor to say the least. Depending on who you trust and who you consult, be it N.O.A.A. or The Weather Channel or the Farmer's Almanac, the news is all the same, "more Winter Be Coming!"
As of the last check, ABISHAG is doing fine, floating on her lines and wintering well as far as I can tell, even with snow and ice on her deck. Even the blue-poly tarp is still in place. But winter is hanging on. The only good thing right now that I can come up with is that the days are at last getting longer. It's been a month since the equinox and you can begin to notice the change. It is small true, but it is getting more and more noticeable though you have to be getting up early to notice it.
I have spent the free time of the winter working toward my Ham License, a good idea as ABISHAG has a Single Side Band Radio which also covers the Ham frequencies. . . . . might as well make use of what we have.
The list for "Spring Projects" is growing rapidly and unrealistically with each passing day. Every time a sailing mag comes in, it grow exponentially. It is limitless . . .well, actually it isn't as it is limited, restricted, constrained - you get the point - by the dearth of Marine Units. It is a tough thing to buy anything without money. I am probably going to need about one(1) Marine Unit to pay for the absolutely necessary spring maintenance projects -bottom painting; zinc replacement, engine hoses and clamps, varnish, caulking for the deck seams - plus that "odd" item that will make its unannounced appearance at some inopportune time in the spring. Boy, am I looking forward to doing the maintenance! I really am. Winter - I hate winter!
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
ABISHAG remains in an unsold state. No bites whatsoever. Not even a ridiculously, obscenely low-ball offer. I am both happy and sad. It is a strange combination that goes with the weather and the season.
What can I say that you don't already know. It's winter. It's cold. There's snow on the ground and the prospects for an early Spring are poor to say the least. Depending on who you trust and who you consult, be it N.O.A.A. or The Weather Channel or the Farmer's Almanac, the news is all the same, "more Winter Be Coming!"
As of the last check, ABISHAG is doing fine, floating on her lines and wintering well as far as I can tell, even with snow and ice on her deck. Even the blue-poly tarp is still in place. But winter is hanging on. The only good thing right now that I can come up with is that the days are at last getting longer. It's been a month since the equinox and you can begin to notice the change. It is small true, but it is getting more and more noticeable though you have to be getting up early to notice it.
I have spent the free time of the winter working toward my Ham License, a good idea as ABISHAG has a Single Side Band Radio which also covers the Ham frequencies. . . . . might as well make use of what we have.
The list for "Spring Projects" is growing rapidly and unrealistically with each passing day. Every time a sailing mag comes in, it grow exponentially. It is limitless . . .well, actually it isn't as it is limited, restricted, constrained - you get the point - by the dearth of Marine Units. It is a tough thing to buy anything without money. I am probably going to need about one(1) Marine Unit to pay for the absolutely necessary spring maintenance projects -bottom painting; zinc replacement, engine hoses and clamps, varnish, caulking for the deck seams - plus that "odd" item that will make its unannounced appearance at some inopportune time in the spring. Boy, am I looking forward to doing the maintenance! I really am. Winter - I hate winter!
MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:
ABISHAG remains in an unsold state. No bites whatsoever. Not even a ridiculously, obscenely low-ball offer. I am both happy and sad. It is a strange combination that goes with the weather and the season.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
AH! Winter! Snow! Cold!
SHIP'S LOG:
Truth be told, I didn't get to the boat last weekend. Actually, couldn't is more like it. The snow was piled up around the access dock and the gate and there was just no way to get there. Even drinving my car too close would have been dangerous as it might have gotten stuck. My little P.O.S. is truly awful in any type of weather other than sunshine and the thought of getting trapped there with another snow storm on the way was not something wonderful to contemplate. Perhaps this week will be different.
The "sadists" who edit sailing magazines, keep producing copies during the winter that highlight Caribbean get aways, South Seas vacations and the like. They fill their magazines with adds promoting such and make it sound so easy and affordable. Actually, I suppose it is if you have the money and the time. Time I got, money is a whole nuther matter.
I got a call from my realtor. She has been getting emails from some guy who expressed interest in the condo back in the fall. He seems interested again and wants to spend a week at the condo. He wants me to rent it to him and if he decides to buy, to knock the rental paid off the purchase price. Unfortunately, the rentals are handled by the Spa exclusively but I told her to tell him we would knock off a $100/day if he buys. So we will wait and see what happens. Truth be told, I ain't expecting anything to happen. If it does I get excited and if not, well it will be what I expected.
I got hit with a "bug" as well this weekend. It wasn't the "flu" but something equally nasty. Not much of a fever but as real crampy gastro-intestinal aspect along with sinus clogging that has my ears blocked. It was like living underwater. I couldn't even walk straight it had such an effect on my inner ear and balance. The gastro-part went after 24hours, but the blocked ears remain. I hate winter!
Truth be told, I didn't get to the boat last weekend. Actually, couldn't is more like it. The snow was piled up around the access dock and the gate and there was just no way to get there. Even drinving my car too close would have been dangerous as it might have gotten stuck. My little P.O.S. is truly awful in any type of weather other than sunshine and the thought of getting trapped there with another snow storm on the way was not something wonderful to contemplate. Perhaps this week will be different.
The "sadists" who edit sailing magazines, keep producing copies during the winter that highlight Caribbean get aways, South Seas vacations and the like. They fill their magazines with adds promoting such and make it sound so easy and affordable. Actually, I suppose it is if you have the money and the time. Time I got, money is a whole nuther matter.
I got a call from my realtor. She has been getting emails from some guy who expressed interest in the condo back in the fall. He seems interested again and wants to spend a week at the condo. He wants me to rent it to him and if he decides to buy, to knock the rental paid off the purchase price. Unfortunately, the rentals are handled by the Spa exclusively but I told her to tell him we would knock off a $100/day if he buys. So we will wait and see what happens. Truth be told, I ain't expecting anything to happen. If it does I get excited and if not, well it will be what I expected.
I got hit with a "bug" as well this weekend. It wasn't the "flu" but something equally nasty. Not much of a fever but as real crampy gastro-intestinal aspect along with sinus clogging that has my ears blocked. It was like living underwater. I couldn't even walk straight it had such an effect on my inner ear and balance. The gastro-part went after 24hours, but the blocked ears remain. I hate winter!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Winter? What Winter?
SHIP'S LOG:
The wind is coming over the Starboard side just aft of the beam. It is a comfortable 12 knots and warm. I've got all sails up and ABISHAG is doing a nice 7 knots. If the wind moves just a little farther aft, I will set the Cruising Spinnaker and really haul the mail.
The water is that lovely Caribbean turquoise and clear as glass. Looking down through the shadow of the main sail on the water, you can see straight to the bottom 30 feet below. The rigging is singing a bit and the water is hissing along the lee side of the hull. Little two foot waves process along in the direction of the track and ABISHAG rides up and over them easily, in a gentle "up-hill-slide-down-hill" motion. The sun is hot but the breeze makes just enough of a difference. Should it not, a cold Red Stripe will solve that problem quickly. The Windvane Steering holds the course and allows me to study the upcoming cove in greater detail. The holding looks pretty good - sand and not much coral - and from what I've heard, it is not much visited. It's got good wind protection and great snorkeling, a perfect spot for a stop and to lay up for a day or so . . . . .
Ah the wonders of too much rum!
The wind is coming over the Starboard side just aft of the beam. It is a comfortable 12 knots and warm. I've got all sails up and ABISHAG is doing a nice 7 knots. If the wind moves just a little farther aft, I will set the Cruising Spinnaker and really haul the mail.
The water is that lovely Caribbean turquoise and clear as glass. Looking down through the shadow of the main sail on the water, you can see straight to the bottom 30 feet below. The rigging is singing a bit and the water is hissing along the lee side of the hull. Little two foot waves process along in the direction of the track and ABISHAG rides up and over them easily, in a gentle "up-hill-slide-down-hill" motion. The sun is hot but the breeze makes just enough of a difference. Should it not, a cold Red Stripe will solve that problem quickly. The Windvane Steering holds the course and allows me to study the upcoming cove in greater detail. The holding looks pretty good - sand and not much coral - and from what I've heard, it is not much visited. It's got good wind protection and great snorkeling, a perfect spot for a stop and to lay up for a day or so . . . . .
Ah the wonders of too much rum!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
. . . . .And A Happy New Year! ! ! !
SHIP'S LOG:
Well, it was a wonderful Christmas. A white one, too! Visiting my sisters', the local Paper ran a story about a family that was living on their boat in Newport Harbor. They do this year round, on a trawler, based in Newport Shipyard during the winter, and off on a mooring once the weather warms. It must be a pretty good size trawler as there are two kids under 10, two teenagers, at least one dog, plus the parents. I can see living aboard south of the frost line, but up here during the winter sounds just a bit too crazy. After all, last week we got hit with 20+ inches of snow and the temp has been in the low 20's. Tough to get much in the way of a tan these days!
I am do for my weekly check of ABISHAG. I went down just before Christmas and she seemed just fine. It was a bit of a chore getting to her though. The gate to her dock was closed and secured. It was not much of a deterrent, a couple of barrel bolts and a cable tie, but it was enough to dissuade a casual visitor. It took no real time to get in and removed the electronics, check the bilges, re-secure the tarp and clear some of the accumulated snow. I even tried to pay off a part of the yard bill, but the office was closed so that will have to wait.
There is no movement on the sale of the boat and/or the condo. The "hot potential buyer" up and disappeared like - as the warden in the "Shawshank Redemption" says - like "a fart in the breeze," so we are waiting again. It is disappointing that no one took advantage of "two real good bargains" to make someone happy for Christmas. Ah, such is life.
My list for Spring Projects is growing. The absolutely necessary ones remain the same, but the upgrades and improvements grow by leaps and bounds. It happens every year like this and most rarely get done. Still it is nice to dream. Working on the boat in the spring, despite all the grousing, is actually quite enjoyable. It makes every moment actually sailing so much better knowing what it cost in sweat-equity to make it possible. I just hope that in some way such will be the case this spring.
Well, it was a wonderful Christmas. A white one, too! Visiting my sisters', the local Paper ran a story about a family that was living on their boat in Newport Harbor. They do this year round, on a trawler, based in Newport Shipyard during the winter, and off on a mooring once the weather warms. It must be a pretty good size trawler as there are two kids under 10, two teenagers, at least one dog, plus the parents. I can see living aboard south of the frost line, but up here during the winter sounds just a bit too crazy. After all, last week we got hit with 20+ inches of snow and the temp has been in the low 20's. Tough to get much in the way of a tan these days!
I am do for my weekly check of ABISHAG. I went down just before Christmas and she seemed just fine. It was a bit of a chore getting to her though. The gate to her dock was closed and secured. It was not much of a deterrent, a couple of barrel bolts and a cable tie, but it was enough to dissuade a casual visitor. It took no real time to get in and removed the electronics, check the bilges, re-secure the tarp and clear some of the accumulated snow. I even tried to pay off a part of the yard bill, but the office was closed so that will have to wait.
There is no movement on the sale of the boat and/or the condo. The "hot potential buyer" up and disappeared like - as the warden in the "Shawshank Redemption" says - like "a fart in the breeze," so we are waiting again. It is disappointing that no one took advantage of "two real good bargains" to make someone happy for Christmas. Ah, such is life.
My list for Spring Projects is growing. The absolutely necessary ones remain the same, but the upgrades and improvements grow by leaps and bounds. It happens every year like this and most rarely get done. Still it is nice to dream. Working on the boat in the spring, despite all the grousing, is actually quite enjoyable. It makes every moment actually sailing so much better knowing what it cost in sweat-equity to make it possible. I just hope that in some way such will be the case this spring.
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