We're Baaaack!!!!

We are back, both on the blog and on the boat.  Stuff happens, plans change, yada yada, whatever.  Catch up time.  The day after we got back to Minnesota, Mr List Maker made his list.  We knew we had a short time to get alot of things done, so this was probably a good idea.  (List dated April 18, 2012) 

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Everything but the the bathroom soffit trim detail and build one storm window got done, so not too bad of a job.  But did you see this on the list?

I came home from the grocery store to find the old Kubota tractor uncovered and Rick in the middle of sandblasting the mower deck.  We've talked about this restoration project, but no way was it to be on the shortlist this month.  

Hmmmm, see the pontoon boat behind him - that's supposed to be in the water.  Ok, so he got a little distracted for a day or two.  He'll get re-focused??? 

Izzy can't believe how much fun she is having with her sister.  It's hard to get a still picture of the two of them, three year old labs don't have an off button.

Before school in the morning - Cooper helping pops to get the tropical plants out of greenhouse storage.

The weather turned nice and we got some rain so the spring gardens went nuts.

Then Deb got the call that her Mom was having some back issues, just when they were scheduled to close up their house in Arizona and drive home.  Didn't even have to think twice - Deb hopped a plane to AZ, helped close up the house and helped her Dad drive home - 1600 miles.  It's been awhile since I have been on a road trip with my parents - gotta say, it was kinda fun, especially without my sisters.  No fights over who gets the window and not once did I have to say "Mom, she's touching me."

I did, however, have to share the backseat with Max, their nine year old Shitzu.  We had an understanding right from the start - that was his window and that was his space, no further discussions. 

Superstition Mountains, near their home.

Sunset night before we left.

And some sights along the way.

The mountain drive between Queen Valley and Salt River Canyon. (Sorry a little blurry, taken from the car).

Salt River Canyon

New Mexico

Wow, pretty serious hooker problem in this town.  

Then it was back to yard cleanup, spending time with grandkids and their friends and then taking a quick trip up to the cabin to open it for the summer.

Little house in the bid woods. Winter shutters are off, water is turned on and yard is cleaned up.

Yeah, someone already put the dock in!

One of the things, not on Rick's list, but definitely on mine was getting the Christmas lights down from the front porch.  It didn't need to be on his list because I reminded him everyday.  See that green extension cord - it's connected to the icicle lights.  Looks like our Christmas decorations will now become our 4th of July lights.

Momma Robin and three of her four babies peaking out.

All four babies looking for Momma.

MOMMA!!

The babies the day before we left - getting big and growing feathers.

P.S. We snuck in while Mom was out looking for food and got the lights down - the extension cord will have to wait.

So it's time to head back to Broulee, list done or not.  We left on Friday morning the 18th and did 1300 miles in two days.  I did learn a thing or two during my road trip with my parents - stop to smell the roses and once in a while take roads off the beaten path.  We decided to give it a try.  You never know what you might see.

Yup, it's a pink elephant with an eyesight problem.

Rick and Izzy picked wild flowers to make our motel room homey.

We also decided to take a detour and travel on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway - awesome.

Wild rhododendrons along the parkway.

 Mom and son enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic overlooks.

Enjoying a romp in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Stopping to smell the flowers.

When we arrived at Atlantic Yacht Basin Saturday night our plan was to get our boat out of the storage shed and take a spot on the dock.  However, they had put a boat in the shed behind us.  Lucky for us, the owners happened to be on board, doing some work.  They graciously agreed to back out of the shed and allow us to move out to the front dock.  The boat was covered with spider poop and cobwebs, but it sure felt good to be back on her.  Sunday was a day of cleaning inside and out.  Rain moved in during the morning and continued thru the rest of the day. We are now keeping an eye out for Tropical Storm Alberto,  and watching the migration of boats heading north.  Our marina is just south of  the Great Bridge Bridge and Lock - only one lockage per hour in each direction is permitted, in order to synchronize with the hourly openings of the bridge. We estimated 50-60 boats on Sunday and close to 75 today.  

Sunday, seven boats heading north passing thru the Great Bridge Bridge.

Fun parade of boats.

Projects have started - update in the next day or so.  We maybe here thru Memorial Day - no plans.