I need some good news.

[CapnBilll]

My good news is I got got notice of a layoff. I may be cruising the Bahamas sooner than I expected.

[eherlihy]

Originally Posted by CapnBilll

My good news is I got got notice of a layoff. I may be cruising the Bahamas sooner than I expected.

In the words of I2F, may he rest in peace, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonaid!"

My layoff gave me the time to look for, and eventually buy, my boat!

Congrats! - and remember, you ARE looking for a job at the marina. You also only change your residence when you get a license and register to vote.

[KnottyGurl]

I was set to head out to Holland Marine and drop 2K on some kiwi grip and a nice red for my hull that Is waiting for a new coat and with this warm winter I was going to pick it up last week, As I stepped into shower to be greeted with ice cold well water, the plumber decided it was going to cost 1975.00 to replace the hot water tank in the house. I'm pissed as this should have been warranty replaced only 5 years ago, but had 5 year warranty but was built year earlier, so they went from date of made not installed.
So there went the paint and other items on the list.

So my winter project is on hold with boat completely sanded and now I have to find the cash to finish.

[KnottyGurl]

I should add, both my boys started collage this year so I got doubly hit there, and my truck required a exhaust system and front end repair so what I did have as my boat fund was already hit harder then expected, now the tank, I can't wait for the one year old furnace to go PFfffffff next week.
And I was so looking forward to hanging out at the boat shop for the day dreaming of all the cool items and gadgets to add over the next few years.
So yall think if i wax the hell out of the hull it may pass for the season

[KnottyGurl]

Originally Posted by bljones

Two obituaries in two days. I need some GOOD news for a change.
Who's knocked up? Anybody expecting new grandkids?
Anybody wanna get knocked up?
Anybody get a promotion, or a new boat, or win the lottery?

Here's your good news, I have that RAM mount you need for your plotter right here in my hand, and will bring it out to you this spring.

If that don't put a smile on yer face then .......


Here's some reallllly good news, I have that RAM mount you need for your plotter right here in my hand, and will bring it out to you this spring.

[bljones]

News so good, he had to tell me twice.
Thanks, Bill!

[KnottyGurl]

all good things come in pairs
Twins, doublicious, doublemint gum, double D's

[RTB]

Originally Posted by JSailer

After reading the sad news about CP and I2F, this is good therapy.
I actually read I2F's blog for a while this morning. It is beautiful to see how he could make you feel like you were there on the boat.
I can't wait to be on the water.

CRAP! I was hoping i2f would write a book one day, once he finally reached the Philippines. He could definitely put out some good stories.

I'd like to share some old PM's from John. I just couldn't ever delete them.

SO MANY SECRETS IN MY LIFE

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His name is Frankie, and that's his son Johnny. Frankie has a brother, Tuff, 2 years younger, and Frankie is 2 years younger than my son, Tanner.

In 77 we moved into an apartment. Frankie, and his family lived upstairs without their biological father. Vicki's boyfriend, Rick, was a mean man, and use to beat the crap out them. It was a small town we lived in, and everyone was afraid of Rick. Including me, but I would rather take an ass whooping than back down. After a while Rick improved, and eventually left.

Until the boys were 18, and joined the service I was in their life. Once when Frankie was about 8 he asked me if he could call me Dad. I told him he needed to talk to his mom about that, but it was okay with me. I know he could see the tears in my eyes as we talked. I don't know if he understood how proud I was at that moment?

About 8 years ago I got a call from Vicki, and she told me Franie's wife was pregnant, it's a boy, and already named. I was pretty happy for him, and then she asked guess what his name will be. Every male in that family is Frank after Vicki's dad, so I responded Frank. She started to laugh, and said no my friend he is your namesake.

I was a little confused, and then she started to explain what Frankie explained to her. He said that John Rodgers always looked after us, and kept Rick away from us. He treated My brother, and I as equeals to his own son. He always picked himself up after life took everything from him. He kept his own troubles to himself, but took care of others. If my son could have a small portion of John Rodgers in him. I would be a happy man.

PHUKKING tears came down my eyes as she told me the story, and they are kind of building up right now as I think of that day.

3 years ago this month Frankie's brother Tuff got married, and we drove to the wedding. I know this kid from diapers, and now he is an instructor for the Rangers, and a mountain of a man. Not to his new family, but when he introduced me to his Ranger buddies this is how he would introduce me. This is John, he's not my dad, but he is kind of. I was so damned proud my stomache got flatter, my chest expanded, and I grew a couple of inches.

Sometime over a beer, and a sunset I will tell you how I saved Frankie from drowning....POPS 2 many.........


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FEAR & SICKNESS

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I mention it often, because it is the reality of it. FEAR is an ugly beast, and you got a glimpse of it with Ronnie coming onto the freighter..

Here's a man who died, and was pieced back together. He saw all kinds of hell. You would think he feared nothing, but when you are alone, and no comrades to push you on it's different. It's you, and only you.

You just go slow, and make sure your lovely bride is happy. A step at a time, a day at a time, and you will get to where you need to be. It's not mandatory to go below the 5 capes. It's not mandatory to leave a known shore for the unknown shore. The only thing mandatory in sailing is maintanance, or the boat will wither.

STORY

I was down, and out financially. I was having problems with Frolic in Cabo trying to get back to S.F. I put her in the hard, yes in the hard for storage. I could not afford a cradle to set her in, so they dug her a hole. I swear it was like burying a dead person as they lowered her in.

The yard workers left, and I was so ashamed. I looked around the yard, and boats had been sitting for years abandoned. I walked up to Frolic, and layed my hand on her bow. Her bow was lower than my eyes. I looked down at her, and promised her I wouldn't leave her here to die. I promised I would be back as soon as I could.

If she could just get me home I would give her everything she needed. I asked for her understanding, and forgiveness. I left weeping, and mad at myself.

Several months later I returned. I got the feeling like a puppy who is glad to see you come home from work. They picked her up, and lowered her in her element. I cleaned her for days inside, and out. The desert's dust finds every ******* crevice there is.

Needless to say we got home, but I harbored the fear that she would die in that hole forgotten, and unloved.

WELL, it's time to go home, and I do mean the house. I am going to sit by the pool, and reflect on Frolic tonight. Drink some beer, and maybe do a wee bit of weeping. I wish I could bond with a woman like I did that ******* BOAT!......DADDYo

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Shu Doing?

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We are about to find out aren't we? Hopefully he has the skills to keep he, and Wiggles safe. That they have the time of their life, and find out all their dreaming can come true.

There are many Ronnie's out there, many. They have done their homework, can fix anything on the boat, but when they get on the ocean it's all very different.

I was told if you can sail S.F. Bay. That you can sail anywhere. I honed my skills several times a week in all weather on the bay for 18 months. The last year was single-handing Frolic most of the time.

I sailed out the Golden Gate on the ebb tide, and light wind. I was nervous, and as I went under the gate I asked myself if I was sure this is what I wanted. I looked over my shoulder at the city, S.F., and silently said to myself YES.

6 hours later it was blowing stink, and I was sick enough I thought I was dying. I couldn't go below, because I was even sicker there. I would force myself below every 2 hours to get my fix.

I slept on the cockpit floor, or tried to sleep. It was in the 40's tempature wise. The cold kept me from sleeping. Through sheer determination I forced the sickness out of my mind, and pushed forward.

The second day was Thanksgiving, and I couldn't eat. I forced half a sandwich down, and an apple later. There were doubts in my mind, but everytime I asked myself what I was doing I pushed on. All the time thinking of friends, and family around a large comfortable table with more before them than they could eat.

I had problem after problem after problem, and finally I reached Mexico, Ensenada. I had a bad vibration, and thumping sound out of my prop. I limped into the yard, and I callled my wife. I told her maybe I am not cut out to be a sailor.

I had already been through a torn sail at sea, and hand stitched. I had rounded point conception in 50+ wind, and 20+ft. seas. I had gone nearly 400 miles miles not knowing the difference between magnetic, and true compass reading. I was always 14 degrees off on all my navigating, and now this.

I have to have a belly laugh right now, because this was her reply. "WTF ru going to do come back after all these miles? I already bought my ticket for Cabo!"

I agreed with her in my mind. I had already gone far alone in a busy shipping lane, seen, and weathered Mother Nature. In a split second I replied "see you in Cabo." I hung up the phone.

I walked back to the yard, and Frolic was in the slings. There wrapped around the shaft was a huge ball of kelp....******* KELP! I couldn't believe it. She was splashed, and I sailed farther south into even more interesting sailing.......we can share that over a 6pack, and a sunset while the grill is going, and the girls are waiting to be fed....poppy


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The good news - Men like John and Paul have touched our lives, and make us better having known them. What better way to go out, knowing you have friends that respect the way you lived your life?

Ralph