Jeff's Log ~ Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Same old place.

I have been working hard on the boat as usual. I have the generator mostly disassembled to repair the oil leak, but got wounded when a big roll caused a little mishap between a sharp tie wrap and my left index finger and back of the hand. It slit me like a razor blade through a grape. Needless to say, progress stopped. After taping the seam shut, things were just too sore and tender to keep on working in the confined space where I have to feel my way along. I began working on the shift and throttle control now, because I can see that and work on it without my index finger for the most part. My varnish work is coming nicely too. I think that if it keeps going as well as it is I’ll call myself Steinway, because it is nearly as shiny as their pianos. I now have the confidence to start on the floor boards. Actually, they might be easier because they were done pretty well in Turkey last year. They just have a little wear and tear on them. Scott, the owner, and I have decided to have the boat hauled because of the problems going on underwater. That’s a big relief to me. I am really bonding with the boat now, and I want her to have supreme care.

Today I went around to several boat yards and looked at jobs under way and jobs which were completed and noted deficiencies. I made my choice as to where I’m going. It’s called Boat Lagoon, and the company I’ll be dealing with is called ProYachting. The owners are Pro and Jill. They are Thai people, but Jill speaks English fairly well. They were the last I visited, and definitely had the most pride and best attitude of the people I spoke with. I feel very comfortable with them, and they are knowledgeable about modern yacht systems. They were not afraid to give me a quote based on mutual trust and knowledge. She asked very good questions about my underwater damage and pulled some files of similar boats and discussed things with me. I’m looking forward to working with them.

While I’m here, Clara is taking care of things for me. When I spoke with her yesterday, she had just been on the phone with my Mom for an extended call. Mom is in Arkansas with my Uncle Milton. He is a “retired” Catholic priest, and a really good chap. She goes to his house every year right after Christmas, and stays until sometime in February. He is a ham radio operator, and has a host of other skills and talents. The reason I put quotes around retired is that I don’t ever think he will fully retire. His parishioners love him too much to let him stop working completely. He just doesn’t live at the church anymore!

Clara also heard from my Dad, and he is going on February 21st for surgery on the shoulder that got messed up in a fall that he took. Please remember him in your prayers too, as he is not exactly a spring chicken either.

I love you Mom and Dad

Steve, you made feel pretty good with your comment about keel cleaning. All I can tell you is that I could not even come close to being able to do that in Egypt. Practice makes perfect. As far as books go, I like to read anything except trashy romance novels. Mysteries, adventure, true adventure stories, light historical stuff. No-Mow, I’m still trying to get some house and land pics for ya, Got the waterfront housing in Ranong. Usually when I go out, I have a lot of business on my mind and forget camera. Today, tried to use my phone, but it had other ideas. After I got back to the boat, I turned it off and on, and the camera started working again. Maybe next time…