Catching up on Season 2018/2019

Just days before leaving for Florida in November 2018, we welcomed Baby girl, Elin into the world.  Congratulations to my niece Ali and her husband Josh

November 2018 Broulee back in the water at River Forest Yachting Center.  Its always a good feeling when she fires right up after being in storage for 6 months.  Arriving November 16th and underway to Marco Island on the 18th. 

 10 year old Izzy stayed with us thru first lock at Ortona (15 minutes away), but spent the rest of day in the safety of her kennel in her stateroom until anchor down at Ft. Myers Beach at end of day.

Next morning, anchor up early passing by bait shack.  They have spruced things up a bit since hurricane and it appears they have acquired a few more mannequins.

Decorating Broulee for Christmas.

Anchoring out at Panther Key Beach, part of the Ten Thousand islands with fellow boaters Mary and Vince.  Happy hour complete with bonfire.

Awwww, It really doesn't get much better than this.

Happy hour on Residents Beach, Marco Island waiting for sunset.

and it was worth the wait.

Another Happy hour and campfire while anchored out overnight at Keeywadin Island -

Broulee, once again, participating in the Blessing of the Fleet in early February.

Deb back in Minnesota February 19th, just in time for another 9 inches of snow.  

and the calm before the next storm

Debs flight back to Florida, temporarily leaving snowy Minnesota behind.

Meeting Minnesota friends, Dave & Theresa, for lunch in Marco

Deb having lunch with former Minnesotans, Doug & Robbie, at Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant in North Naples. They are now full time residents of Florida. Rick is in New York helping his niece and nephew with funeral arrangements for brother-in-law Don.

Deb will be returning to Minnesota this week for a quick visit with dad.  Hopefully more fun to come on Broulee.

R.I.P.

I flew home  on February 19th, just in time for another 8 inches of snow and our record breaking snowiest February in Minnesotas' history - 30.4 inches of snow.  The next day, my sister suffered a stroke and 6 days later lost her battle with cancer.  She was my youngest sister. My sister Gail and I had always protected her and taken care of her, we felt helpless.  I will cherish all the wonderful memories.  You were a beautiful, fun loving sister.  Rest in peace, you will be missed by many.

Joni Casserly-Henning

1955-2019

On March 4th we lost  Rick's brother-in-law, Don Nice. He was an amazing artist and personality. We will miss his humor, wit and charm. He had a life well lived. Rest in peace, you will be missed by many.

Don & Rick 2014

Don Nice 

1932 - 2019

"What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
Helen Keller

P.S.  We have also been having some fun.  Promise to post more on that soon.

We apologize for the gap year(s)

After almost two years of not touching the blog, I decided today to check out where and what the other blogs we used to follow are doing now.  Was surprised to see our friends on M/V Tourist are going thru similar situations.

We have not sold our boat, and have managed to get it moved one way or another to Marco Island Marina and have been lucky to spend sometime on her during the winter of 2017/2018 and then again this year 2018/2019.  Not doing a lot of cruising to speak of but has provided us some much needed                    R & R  

In July of 2017 we lost Rick's sister and Debs mother passed away in December 2017. My aging, stubborn, Irish father decided he wanted to live alone in his home of the past 60+ years.  Not sure how that was going to work because he has never grocery shopped, does not do laundry or cook meals.  My sisters and myself have been covering those chores until this past December when he woke up and couldn't walk (we suspect he fell, but will not admit to that).  Rick, Izzy and I have just returned from a month (Jan 1-Feb 1)  in Minnesota, to get dad set up in a nursing care facility and lucky for us, just in time for 30 below temps with a  55 below windchill. Happy to say, he is settling in and with my sisters help we are now back in Florida.  I will fly home every two weeks or so to relieve my sister.  On top of everything else my youngest sister was just recently diagnosed with lung cancer.  I guess when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade and then try to find someone whose life has given them vodka and have a party.  Nevertheless, you will most likely stop posting on your blog.    

Enjoy 55 below with Izzy

look forward to reconnecting with our followers and fellow bloggers.