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.