Wow, Friday morning in Southern Florida. Last year this time we were in the cold of the Chesapeake Bay......what a contrast.
This layover in Florida is for an unspecified amount of time...at least a year....time enough to get some medical work done, and enjoy the warm winters.
However, I do yearn for the adventures of the open seas, and especially the Caribbean.....But, age has taken a toll on my vision....it crept up on me slowly...the trip down the ICW, pointed out just how bad it had become. Was really a problem to visualize markers, shapes and colors over 75 yards out....Thank goodness Jan has great vision....so,  found an eye specialist here in the Lighthouse Point Area. Went through some extensive testing that showed I had cataracts in both eyes, plus some "leakage"in the left.....I just had the right one done in October, and what a difference...The left one has an issue with some minor leakage in the back of the eye, causing wavy vision...one more treatment of this eye, and it will be a "go" for the cataract surgery.....
I have to commend the RAND EYE INSTITUTE, Pompano Beach for their outstanding work....
I was a real woos when it came to the thought of eye surgery, but, no problem....
hopefully this will allow us to get back on the open waters and do what we love.

We are following friends, mostly on sailing vessels on their journeys " South, " with envy....It's been awhile since I made the trip to the Caribbean from the east coast.....
At that time, had my trusty sailboat, and old S&S Swan 43.....great boat for the islands......
The first few trips were non stop from the Chesapeake Bay to the USVIs. Because of limited tankage, both water and fuel, the boat looked and felt like a gypsy with all the extra tanks on deck. The trip usually took about 10-12 days. The thing we also encountered were cold fronts coming off the east coast every few days!! Made for some lumpy rides. So, as time went on, I asked myself why go direct? This was supposed to be fun...why not stop in Bermuda for fuel and provisions and any crew changes.....Hmm, great idea, and it was fun......it helped with crew because in our hectic worlds, many folks just cannot take off work for the entire trip, but by stopping in Bermuda, 5-7days was doable.

After I fully retired I again asked myself why make the annual trek? Just stay there in Paradise ! Hey, what's a hurricane or two ??? My strategy was to stage further south in the summer, like St Lucia, and hopefully run even farther south if a major storm developed.  So, did this for a few years, worked out just fine.  I think I did the entire island chain about three times, and never did see it all.....made some great friends along the way....

Damn!! Where does the time go??? Today is Jan 17th 2013!!! Is it just procrastination or other priorities?  But, I am not one to procrastinate (lol) just ask Jan.....
Today is a funky day here at Lighthouse Point...only about 74* and drizzling....good day to catch up on our blog......
Working back in time, we had a great holiday season in Alabama with Jan's sister, Sherri, and hubby Tim....saw first hand what football fanatics are....learned the term; "ROLL TIDE ROLL !!!" Yes, all very exciting....We also spent several weeks in Michigan, getting the house in shape to pass a very stringent city rental inspection.....was a lot of work and expense, but we did pass.  Now just need a renter....so, if anyone needs a place near Ann Arbor, we have a great deal for you !!!
Stopped by to my my favorite son's in Cincinnati, and their new home....was great seeing Rob and Fanny.....

So, back here just before Xmas, got the tree and lights up, had some old friends over from my days at COMSAT....was great seeing them....next time we all get together will be at Bill Bass's for the Super Bowl....We are really excited about that!

I just completed the cataract surgery - it will only be a few more weeks before the left eye swelling is down.....to normal..

Jan is now enrolled in Real Estate classes to become a Broker in Fla.....seems like the majority is all legalize!!! Another few weeks and hopefully she can take the test...

Now hopefully can get some boat projects done and enjoy the rest of the winter.....hard to imagine that folks are shoveling snow .....