We have been living on board for 10 months. It seems impossible that it has been that long -- Wow almost a year!!! We are still simplifying. Brian and I both went through our clothes and each of us took a stack of things to Goodwill. The longer we are on board the more we realize how little we really need. While talking to friends this week, they asked 'what do you do all day'. We do what everyone else does that has a home: grocery shopping, laundry, meals, cleaning, repairs, upkeep. (This isn't a cruise ship with maids and pursers.) We visit with friends here, at their place and meet for lunches and dinners. We do lots of emailing with family and friends. We play Words with Friends (Brian lots more than me). We take walks, go to the beach, visit with neighbors. Brian has started riding his bike 10+ miles per day. We're beginning to plan our trip that will start again in April. Most of our other activities have been covered on past blogs. Does all of this sound familiar? It should -- our lives are like everyone else's, except for the fact that our home is a boat. So, yes, our lives are moving at break neck speed....just like every one's. We're doing everything we can to make sure every day is well used.
Gail and John, who were on board the first 2 1/2 weeks of our trip, have rented a home on Sanibel Island for the month of March. Their house is on a bayou. I wasn't sure what a bayou is -- I remember learning the term along with isthmus and peninsula when I was in elementary school, but the gray matter failed me again. A bayou is typically found in a flat low-lying area. It's usually slow moving and can be brackish. This one is a great habitat for reptiles and birds. While on a bike ride, Brian and John came across an alligator sunning himself in the shallows along the road. We requested a couple of relaxing days. It was great to swim in their pool, bike, walk the beach, shop and eat in some very good restaurants. We've spent so much time together in the past couple of years that we're almost related. 
Today was an exciting day for Brian. We went to the Honda Grand Prix of St Petersburg. The race was fun and we enjoyed looking at some fabulous yachts (up to 90 feet) that were in the bay. The yacht owners had a great view of the race from their cockpits. But, the best part happened as we were leaving. We ran into our friend, Doug, and his son, Tim. As we were chatting, Chip Ganassi walked up and Doug introduced us to him. This alone would have been a thrill for Brian, but Doug went on to tell Chip that Brian enters turn one at Brainard International Raceway at 160 mph. Chip responded with a bit of awe -- which was enough to make Brian's shirt buttons pop. We're expecting a call any minute to ask Brian to join one of Chip's racing teams. Chip (Did you notice that we're now on a first name basis?) and his partners own teams competing in IndyCar, Grand Am and NASCAR Sprint Cup. He is "Mr Racing". Every time you see the Target logo on a race car -- it is a Ganassi car! I think Brian will be levitating all night..... Oh, by the way, no one mentioned that I also raced Porsches at Brainard and what my race times were.
Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!
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| Voom, voom, voom - Ganassi car came in 2nd. |
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| I actually got him to turn away from the track for 15 seconds. |
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| Mega yachts lined up to watch the race. We'd look mighty small next to these beauties! |
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