Routines and Communications
04 December 2009 | La Paz, MX
Monica
Some days are simply routine days of living and today is one of those days. I have cleaned "house" today which includes vacuuming the cushions, sweeping floors, scrubbing toilets and showers as well as a good dose of lemon pledge making all the wood work shine. I also have a loaf of banana bread in the oven. Scott just stuck his head down below and said if there was a smell that reminded him of the North Bend house that was it, baked goods and pledge!
Scott ran the jugs to the fuel dock and got 15 gallons of diesel to add to the tanks and has been tinkering with things above decks. He keeps the stainless steel and the varnish up to snuff. He being hyper active sure helps when it comes to keeping things looking nice.
I wanted to make a quick note regarding communications as there has been some confusion about getting ahold of us. Scott's cell phone is no longer working as we reduced our lifestyle down to one phone in order to keep our costs low. Since I still have pending work we choose to keep my blackberry. So, if you try to reach us, use Monica's cell number and if you don't have that add a comment to the blog or email us and we'll get it to you. Also, if we call you, don't try to hit redial as the number that shows as caller ID is some switching number that the call goes through because it is international. Our number does not read for caller ID you must dial the actual phone number! As for email, we have very good internet access so you can use the Gmail account or Scott's hotmail. The Gmail account goes to the blackberry so that is picked up right away whereas we may only turn on the computer once a day or so and Scott may not be on to check his email. Our Sailmail account is active however we only use the single sideband when we are out of an internet area and usually to get weather. Reception inside a marina is not very good due to interference. We occasionally pick it up via the internet but typically forget so those message can sit for a while.
I will always try to let people know when we don't think we'll have internet access or cell phone access. Next week is an example, I don't believe we will have access at 100% of the anchorages we'll be at so there may be a day or two or four that we don't call you back. Again, in those cases we will check email on the sailmail account using our call sign of WDE9442 via single sideband.
This system does work, I've been able to work and have had telephone calls, voice message and email so if you have any trouble at all with any of these methods you can leave a message on the blog and we will troubleshoot the problem. It is important to us that our family and friends be able to stay in touch and Mexico is not a third world country but quite up to speed technology wise.