We have returned home, to our treehouse in Woodacre, California for a brief stay of two weeks. Some call it "Weirdacre", our neighbors call it the "knob" and all who live there "knobians".

It was hard to leave Pinocchio in her slip at La Cruz Marina, Mexico. Pinocchio has been our home for the past five months. We've enjoyed warm, sunny weather, wearing little to none while "wintering" in Mexico. Being back to our home in Woodacre feels like a vacation from our boat...a very cold vacation! This morning we woke up to no power. No power here means no lights, no heat, no hot water! It's raining, cold, and dark.

It's been great to see our family and spend time with all of them. During these past months, we've talked or texted frequently, but nothing beats a hug and kiss and sharing stories and news in person. Upon our return, we were welcomed by our dear friend and fellow sailor, Christine Sutter, who was staying at our house. Christine lives in Germany and we love it when she house sits when we are away. She had homemade chicken soup waiting for us. The next day, she and our neighbors surprised us with a welcome back to the "knob" party, where we enjoyed seeing all of our friends.

David has returned to his projects, which he loves to do. This time, his projects were mainly outdoor cleanup from all the winter debris on the roof and grounds. I've returned to hiking the hills which I've so missed. Muscles in my thighs are coming alive again and are screaming at me with soreness.

Priorities to name a few...
We are returning with a duffel bag loaded with priority items we can't find in Mexico. Our favorite dark chocolates (Lindt and Ghiradelli), coffee (my brother, Mark's coffee: Peter James Coffee), spare zincs for the keeled-cooled refrigerator (can't find that size in Mexico), inflatable outdoor solar lanterns by Luci, bottles of Picaridin insect repellent that works for jejenes, (those little buggers that have been eating us alive), better multi-sport sandals (Chacos), and the biggest item which is an inflatable stand-up paddle board (IRocker). We are also bringing back a care package of needed parts/supplies for Diane and John on SV Tabu Soro, who are awaiting our return before they sail west to the Marquesas. So that's our list of priorities with proven brand names and all! Good thing we brought nothing home with us, because our luggage back to Puerto Vallarta will be jam-packed.

We are looking forward to our next adventure on Pinocchio, sailing north to the Sea of Cortez.