EVEN NOW; WITH A THOUSAND LITTLE VOYAGES UNDER MY BELT.
I STILL FEEL A MEMORIAL CHILL ON CASTING OFF.
-E.B. White

Monday, January 30, 2017

Scottish, Dutch, Latvian, Irish, English & Swedish

 our family of immigrants.


Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles.  From her beacon hand world-wide Welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.  "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!"  cries she with with silent lips.  "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teaming shore.  Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,  I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus"

Please don't close the door, don't extinguish her light.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

I guess, better late than never????

2016 was an interesting year?  My mom took ill and turned up in the ER in June, ICU next and Lung Rehab for the month of July, As usual, she's a trooper/fighter and is back on the mend.  



The main project while home was the refurbishing of the 1978 Kubota (more on that project to follow).  Also, a promised king size bed.  And, of course wine making continued.  As you can see, we are in major get ready to get the hell out of here mode, boats out, raking of leaves and storing everything before snow falls. 

  
Niece Ali and husband Josh got married on 7/16/2016 at Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors, MN on Lake Superior.  Awesome fun for our family!  Glad to see Ali very happy!!!  We are huggers, Josh is a hugger - so he's been approved by all.



Of course, pontooning on Bald Eagle Lake for some relaxation.


and, of course, not without some bubbly



Snuck away to our cabin for a couple of outings, so more relaxation.  



We found a puff ball mushroom, this time we actually got it in time.  Friends, Bob & Pam had a recipe so here we go.



Slice, dip in panko and fry  - nummy - highly recommended.



Minnesota was proud to host the Ryder Cup, we are also lucky that our friends Mike and Anna had tickets - which they shared.  IT WAS AMAZING!



Another trip to cabin - Izzy and Rick having fun duck hunting.  Nothing better than fall in Minnesota.



Also enjoying some pheasant hunting - she's a lab, what can I say



In November we traveled down to River Forest at LaBelle, Fl to move Broulee out of storage (with her knew bottom paint and waxed hull) to Marco Island, Fl


Broulee on the dock at Marco, very good to be back.  Last winter Rick suggested they hook up with Bob Taylor on Istaboa and his On Spot Wi-Fi system.  Long story short - they did, it's awesome and the whole marina is ecstatic.    




We had a great Thanksgiving - hosted by Doug and Robbie at their home in Naples, joined by Minnesota friends, Jane and Dean.  Here we are having a farewell dinner at Island Gypsy, Isle of Capri.  We drove home to spend the Christmas holiday with family and friends.   


Enjoying the warm temps and Broulee




We definitely had a white Christmas, but also had record breaking cold weather (talking 20 below zero, not including wind chill).  It reminded us why we are not normally here from November till April.



Lots of festivis parties.  Bob decorated our Raspberry wine which will be bottling in the spring when we return.  Lots of caroling, parties, food and wine.  It was good to be home. Very Christmasy.


Of course, Mr. Type "A" has a project  underway - name boards needed repair (more on that project to follow).

Anyway, it's been a long year 2016, hopefully 2017 will be better, I am heading home in the next week to take care of things and the Captain and Izzy will hold down the fort here.



Happy New Year to our friends and family!!!

Love, Rick, Deb & Izzy