by Jen
08/04/2010, Mobjack Bay Marina, Mathew, VA

So we are now on the hard for the next few months. Nothing too exciting to report. The list of "to dos" extends longer than the ladder I climb every day up and down to Anastasia. Good news is that we are not roasting in the triple-digit temperatures we have been experiencing. We cheated and installed a temporary AC unit over our forward hatch. I have found however, that it encourages "inside-ness." Hopefully we will have weather soon for "outside-ness."

The marina we are at does not offer internet. I know! You would think that by now EVERY marina should offer wi-fi! They don't. So, we have to drive and bum it from a coffee shop and that means a cup of coffee each time.

Updates on our projects to come! Wish us "outside-ness" weather!

Comments [2] | | More

by Jen
07/18/2010, Gloucester, VA

Looking for some advice on this one. From our experience in the Bahamas, there were always beautiful, friendly and welcoming children on every island we visited. I am sure that will be the case throughout the Caribbean and wherever we visit while sailing. I would like to take some things to give to these cuties. I know of some other cruisers who took things to the schools in the Bahamas but I am thinking smaller scale than that. We do not have a lot of room on Anastasia for too much but a coloring book and crayons here and there will surely fit.

I would like to know if anyone has experience with this and what stories you have to share. You can email us or just post it in a comment.

Thanks!

Comments [2] | | More

by Jen
07/14/2010, Gloucester, VA

One thing about being home for the summer and preparing Anastasia for the spa/boatyard is that we become uncontrollably conscious of the cash out-flow. On our trip we tried very hard to be frugal. We rarely ate out at restaurants and only bought what was necessary at the grocery and because of this restraint we did very well on our budget. Then wham!! We are home. And the US is the land of spending money! Here, there and everywhere you go you are sure to find things to buy, and all of those things you really NEED!! The first month was rough...$500 spent in one week. Ouch. It was time to implement the utmost in monetary control, in our OWN country.

As you might already know, Maxwell and I worked the Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor for a week in June. It was nice to be earning some money after over a year of unemployment. And we met some great friends too!

A few weeks later Maxwell was preparing to leave for his offshore trip to Nova Scotia when my Grandfather offered him a day job of cutting grass. It was a one-time thing, helping him with an extraordinarily large yard that was not in his usual routine. I didn't waste the opportunity and volunteered my services in lieu of Maxwell's. It was a great day with my Grandfather and I went home with a little cash in hand too.

So the rest of the summer we hope to pick up some odd jobs to pad the kitty and hopefully it will make the withdrawals a little easier. I have been doing some sewing, design consulting and jewelry making. All of those things will surely help.

Just in case anyone should feel moved to help us along, we do have a PayPal donate button located on the right panel of the blog page. Thank you to those who have already shared with us...we sincerely appreciate your support!

Comments [0] | | More

by Jen
07/03/2010, Gloucester, VA

Well we are still here at home in Gloucester. Maxwell left on Thursday morning for his offshore trip to Nova Scotia. I have been receiving position updates at noon each day. Today at noon they were located at:Latitude:38.59347
Longitude:-72.14872. I am sure he is having a great time and learning a lot!

While he is away, I am preparing our house for new renters. We hope to have it occupied by the end of the month. And then...Anastasia goes to the spa.

More to follow! Happy 4th to all!

Comments [1] | | More

by Jen
06/24/2010, Gloucester, VA

I just updated our SmugMug page with photos since Beaufort, NC. There are two new galleries: Williamsburg & Yorktown with Virage & Beaufort, NC --> Home. Please enjoy!!

Comments [1] | | More

by Jen
06/19/2010, Deltaville, VA

We had a blast in Maryland working at the Food and Wine Festival! We worked like two crazy animals for seven days, sweating like pigs, but nonetheless had a blast and made great friends. I highly recommend next year's show to anyone who likes eating, drinking or just plain fun.

As for the here and now for us, we are anchored in the familiar harbor of Jackson Creek in Deltaville, VA. Yes, this is right next to the marina we called home for six months last Summer but this stay will be much, much shorter. We need to get Anastasia back to Yorktown for a few weeks and then onto Mobjack Bay Marina where she will spend a few months on the hard. She needs a flurry of things this Summer so she will be prepped and ready to go on the next adventure.

Over the next weeks we are re-renting our house, preparing Maxwell for his offshore trip to Nova Scotia and other odd jobs. It seems that the Summer will fly by because the calendar is chock-a-block with have-to-dos but we promise to take it slow and enjoy our time at home.

I will do my best to keep all of you posted on our progress. This is the point where things can get boring...no beautiful beaches or bountiful catches to write of, only leaps and bounds against cracking varnish. So if you stay tuned, I will write!

Comments [0] | | More