Jeff's Log ~ Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:30PM Same old place, Naiharn Beach, Thailand

Today I went to Chalong, and my package from home had arrived. I could not wait until I got back to the boat to open it, so I went to Coconut Bar and opened it there. I drew a crowd I’ll tell you. There was a lot of Thai chatter going on as I took everything out piece by piece. The cards I waited until home for, but sure got a thrill out of everything. After it was all un wrapped and stowed in my backpack, the people in Coconuts all told me in their very crude English that I am blessed to have people that love me at home and that I should thank Buddha.

The Sperry sandals were a big hit. They all loved the camel toe sole on them. Thanks to Linda, Sara, Amy, Becky and Beaver for the cards, and Janey thanks for the fish cookbook and card. Vicki and Sandy thanks for the portable clock weather station that should come in handy. Slim Jim thanks for the calendar, until now I’ve been using my wrist watch and the tide chart. Liz, David, Marsha and Gary, thanks for the assortment of movies. I’ve been watching the same six or seven since I got here, and I’m sure I’ll enjoy these a lot more than once. I’d like to thank Fuzzy and Neva who sent some books, boy I’ve been reading the same things over and over it’s so nice to have something new. And last but certainly not least, thanks to Adolph and Patty for the M&Ms. they will add just a touch of sweetness to the rest of my treasures.
It’s so nice to have such a great group of friends who cared and took the time to think of me..
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Clara, my wonderful girlfriend, sent me the first season’s complete set of two and a half men, my favorite sitcom, some new smaller shorts which fit perfectly, music cd’s and cd’s of the blue collar comedy tour, , a M&M coffee cup with my name on it and a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese. She’s absolutely wonderful, and I feel like I hit the jackpot, and I don’t mean just with package from home.

Thanks Nancy for the blog addition. You’re going to be a Great Great Grandma! Lori thanks to you too. I guess that you will be a Great Great Aunt???? I think that I’ve got that right. Pat and Paul, I’m glad that your cruise was so nice. And Clara truly enjoyed your visit as did our friends from the Fire Plug she loved taking you guys around and maybe next time I’ll be there too.

Things here are about the same. I had the companion way varnished and it looked so much better, but I decided to sand it down one more time and do some detailing. The teak has been coated with varnish so many times that the corners weren’t corners anymore. They were all rounded and dark colored because the varnish has never been stripped. Well, I’m not going to strip it because of the mess involved with that, but I did take an x-acto knife and sculpted the corners sharp again. Most of the real dark varnish is now gone, and I’m looking forward to the finish coats now. Let’s see, I think that this is the sixth day working on that? I really hope that it turns out as well as it looks in my mind’s eye right now.

Sunset tonight was one of the prettier ones since I’ve been here. I took a couple of photos and if they look nice, I’ll send them. The screen in my camera blew up, so I don’t know what I’ve got yet. Wow! They turned out really nice, the color is just unbelievable, and notice how boats are all pointing in different directions? That drives me crazy!! The American flag was struck right after the camera was stowed. That is part of the day’s routine. The first thing in the morning is putting the flag out while the coffee brews, and everyday at sunset, the flag is struck and stowed. I try to be a good American and a professional captain.

Please keep those comments on the blog coming, they really brighten my day Love you all.