Jim arrived back in Canada last week after getting Madcap emptied, cleaned and partially covered in her berth at Casey's dock. My dad came home from the hospital two weeks ago, and now, four weeks after fracturing his pelvis, is walking quite comfortably around the house with the aid of a walker. He's hoping to trade that for a cane in a week or so.

Jim and I drove out to the cottage on the Northumberland Strait this afternoon to see how close we are to cottage time, and we're getting there. No snow on the lawn, but there's a drift of it along the breakwater and a big chunk sitting on the sandbar out front. Sigh - a few weeks yet before we can take off the shutters and get back to waterside living.

In the meantime, we are all well and still holding warm memories of the season, along with gratitude that we weren't facing the 50 kt winds that some of our friends experienced in the Bahamas over the last few days. We're glad to know that although there were some close calls, they have fared well.

Our best to all our friends and readers both on and off the water.