Marty tested the SailMail/computer setup again, and the problem seems to be the modem. So Monday he will contact the installer to come back to the boat to trouble shoot, hopefully on Friday so that I can be there and can perhaps get some coaching!

Saturday & Sunday we spent servicing the winches. This involves taking them apart and scrubbing bits and pieces with a toothbrush in paint thinner to remove all the old (black, gunky & - horrors - gritty) grease, then reassembling. All VERY VERY carefully so as not to drop anything in the water and having to go searching for a replacement thingymadoodle! I set up a beach umbrella next to the dock box and sat in the shade doing the scrubbing. I learned that although tedious, this job is NOT as complicated as I had imagined. I learned that a used toothbrush is toast after two winches, but a brand spanking new one is good for four. We are happy to be done; the winches sound great and turn easily. Next project is attaching wooden bungs to all the through-hulls (non-boaters explanation: putting wood plugs next to all the holes in the boat in case the fittings fail) before the surveyor does his job on the 21st.

I think we are going to buy a Taylor "AnchorShade" cockpit umbrella. Reviews I've read are mixed about the hardiness of the product, but as we have NO shade at the moment, and this weekend is the first without marine layer, we need a quick solution. Our local WestMarine store had one set up so we got to check it out, and they are selling it for about $170, which is less than the $250 I've seen it advertised for most places.

Moving right along...