Sunday:
After church my BFF Maritza came by to see the boat (and me too). Maritza and I were in college together. We had lunch at the Yacht club then went for a walk around the marina. It was great to hang out with her and catch up on all that was going on with us.

Tonight I was looking at my to do list, I have two lists:

OCEAN GIRL’S TO DO LIST TITLED “ THINGS TO DO SO OG (the boat) CAN GO SAILING WITHOUT SINKING OR BEING DISMASTED”

1. Plug hole above waterline
2. Get mast tuned (not critical but would like a pro to check the rig out since building the new bowsprit)


TO DO “SO OG (the girl) CAN HAVE A NICE SAIL” LIST

1. Organize laz and close access board to engine
2. Buy HH VHF (will be primary radio until DC system fixed)
3. Fill fuel tank
4. Secure cabin (fridge, storage containers forward)
5. Charge batteries fully, run engine (start, run 1 hour, stop, wait 3 hour, start, run 1 hour, stop wait 6 hours, start).Or buy new batteries!!!
6. Raise sails (make sure my lines are right)
7. Get jib out of storage
8. Hmmmm

SSCA Meeting Weekend

Saturday:
My mom spoke at the SSCA meeting this weekend, it was a lot of fun and she got to tell her sea stories. My friend skip came too, plus I got to catch up with some friends I haven't seen for ages (Kerry and Kevin aboard a Cape Dory 31, Mike and Cathy aboard a Cape Dory 36). Mom also got to plug her book, The Oceans Are Waiting (by Sharon Ragle).

I also had Graphics By George come by and start on OG's name, they need to remove the painted on name, buff out the stern, and apply new name.

God spoils me.

I love the water! I woke up to the sun shining into my hatch and I thought to myself how much I love this floating life. The lapping of water against the hull, the creak of the lines as my boat bobs in her slip, the windchime of hallyards softly playing. God spoils me rotten:).

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery(1900-1944)

Happy Valentine's Day

Nurses know how to party!

I went to the Houston AORN Gala and it was a blast! 300+ operating room nurses, doctors, and scrubs having a great time. BTW, I am red faced because everyone was making fun of my rather low cut dress. I didn't realize my new dress was so revealing until I saw myself in a mirror at the party (I got ready for the party in a marina bath house with a tiny mirror). I used the flowers for some uh er coverage, everyone thought that was even more halarious! I thought to myself - so this is a "wardrobe malfunction". But when these things happen ya just gotta take it in stride and get back on the horse( though the dress is getting returned). This sailor gal can play "dress up" but I couldn't wait to get back into flip flops!
Cheers,
Erika

Kayaking

Here is a shot of my neighborhood.


I haven't named the kayak yet.

Saturday, sunshine, one small cloud, and a kayak.

Well, we finally see the sun!! It is sunny, I have the boat open, and the cool breeze is ablowin. It feels like Ocean Girl's heart is beating again, but one small cloud appeared above the horizon. I am epoxing a few holes on deck and generally putzing about the boat when I see that I still have Gracie Jack's scratching post with a small cat brush hanging in the cockpit. I find it amazing that my cat has been gone for months and I am still finding her stuff about (hence the one small cloud). How do you miss a big scratching post? How did I not see her stuff before? Oh well, the mind is a weird place few should travel to. Here is a snap shot of her in her favorite spot. I miss ya Gracie Jack, you darn cat. Now I will go kayaking.
Cheers,
Erika

This picture was taken in the Gulf of Mexico. From left to right - Squeaky, Harry, Freckle face, and the acrobat boys. Do you see my reflection in the upper right taking the picture? The boat in the reflection is s/v Tigger, my parents sailed Tigger around the world.

My boat fairy...Igor

Well, I am about to get ready to go to work but thought I'd post a quick line as to not appear to of abandoned my blog at it's infancy.
Work has been crazy but that is nothing new. It is raining and I have decided that I'd like to see this winter end. I don't care that P****Phil saw his shadow (no way I can spell his name!). I am done with winter. So turn up the heat God, please. On the up side, it is nice and gusty with winds in the mid 20s. I love it when it is windy and the boat is rockin and rollin, it reminds me of being offshore.
Did I tell you I have a pet fish? His name is Igor (from Young Frankenstein). He is a big sheepshead and loves to clean my hull. The other night as I was just drifting off to sleep I heard this odd scraping sound coming through the hull, I realized it was Igor scraping the growth off the portside of OG bow - too cool! I like to joke about needing a "boat fairy" to work on the boat while I sleep, well God always answers prayers and in the most unexpected ways:). He is very camera shy but I will keep trying to get a snap shot of him (Igor not God). Also, Igor has recently met a girl sheepshead (just in time for Valentine's day). Ahhh, to hear the pitter patter of little fins about the boat..
Cheers,
Erika