IGUANAS... LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM?

In 2010, I took a trip to Belize. One of our tourist adventures, was a visit to the Iguana hatchery. We were told that Iguana is a regular dish, and the population was dwindling. There was a hatchery to help repopulate the area. At that time, we thought the iguana was a very interesting animal.

After I moved to Key West, I discovered the iguana could be a big nuisance. They eat your flowers, your vegetables, and poop on your porch and boat. They are a very interesting looking animal, but I don't care for them living in my yard.

While I was lounging under the coconut palm trees today, two came wandering up. I usually just run them off, not watch them. But today, I observed their behavior. It seemed that the one pictured above is a mature male, and the slender, bright green one below is a female. It must be mating season for the male, he was making amorous advances to the female, but she wasn't in the mood. Seem it's no different in the animal world.  lol

KEY WEST VISIT

It has been many months since I was in Key West. I came to visit my daughter and her family. This is my ride for the week. It is fun to drive, but I like my Explorer better.

When my daughter was very young, I made her a mini-stocking Christmas ornament. Aiden came along and I had him a mini-stocking his first Christmas. I quit needlepointing for many years, so my two other grandkids and son-in-law did not have one. I felt like they needed one this year. Like always, I procrastinated the whole year, and made them last minute.... but I did get them made!

They are hanging on their Christmas tree.

Amy and I went to a Paint & Sip the other night. We had a good time. I felt like the picture she chose was maybe a little too difficult, because most did not vaguely resemble the instructors painting. The goal was to have a good time, and I believe everyone did.




The weather has been great. A friend of mine, Sheri, takes her paddle board out every chance she gets. I had never been on a board, she took me out today. It was really fun, I had a blast. I did stand up, just to see what it felt like, but decided it was better if I just knelt or sat on the board.

It has been awesome being in Key West again. I have spent time with my daughter and her family, and seen friends.

I HAVE CRABS!!!

Blue crab... that is! I had never been crabbing, and it looked liked fun. So, that's what I did. I now have 5 in my freezer. I haven't cooked them yet.

The Texas coast is very much different than The Keys. I am enjoying the beaches, and discovering all their treasures. Driftwood, shells, flying kites... or just walking the beach feeling the wind on my face, it's very peaceful. The beach is my escape from the real world.  

DRIFTWOOD & SEA SHELLS

I have spent a lot of time at the beach lately. One of the beaches I frequent has lots of driftwood. My apartment has needed shelving, so I decided I could make them from driftwood.

And, with my collection of shells, I thought I would try my hand at making jewelry. It was fun making these two necklaces.

ANOTHER FIRST ... SURF FISHING

 It had been a long time since I had been fishing, but last weekend changed all that. Spending time at the beach lately, I saw many people fishing in the surf. On Saturday, my friend took me to Surfside, TX, and we fished.

I have a new hat. It kept the sun off my face and neck. It came from LUCKY DAY HATS. Visit her website and find your perfect hat: www.LuckyDayHats.com

"Next time, let's take the boat!"

I VISITED THE DARK SIDE....

...AND I LIKED IT!!!!

My friend has a flats boat, and we took it out this weekend. We put in at Matagorda, TX, and ran down the Colorado River. We saw alligators and lots of driftwood. My friend stopped the boat and asked me to come back behind the wheel because he needed my help. He put the kill switch cord on my wrist. With a shocked expression, I grabbed the throttle and wheel... and we started up the river. This boat does not travel on the water like any boat I have ever driven.... it slides around like an airboat. But, I got to be captain for a while! 

Texas might not have the prettiest water, but it does have a lot of beaches. We went on down to the beach, looked for shells and I got my feet wet. I can't be that close to the water and not at least get my ankles wet.

Sunset on Matagorda beach.

The perfect end to a wonderful day.

I HATE MOVING!

Not feeling well this morning, I decided I must stay at home and rest. (cough, sniff) The maintenance man working in the apartment above me, thought otherwise. That has to be the squeakiest floor I have ever lived under. And the building shakes when anyone walks up the stairs.

Laying in bed trying to go back to sleep, I thought about all the places I have lived, and how many times I have moved.

I have moved 32 times in my 58 years, anywhere from 5 blocks to 1400 miles. The reasons for moving have varied, but mainly because of job. Luckily, I have never had to live in a cardboard box, or my car.

Here is the count:

House - 17
Mobile home - 4
Apartment - 5
Rented room - 2
Travel trailer - 1
Boat - 2

Aiden's first day fishing, and he
got to drive the boat home! 

In the last few years, I have discovered that I am a nester, and I have to live in a place that feels like it is MINE. My space. And if I put something on a wall or shelf, it has to have meaning to me. I have two paintings from my son, and one from my daughter. Everything in my apartment, has a memory that goes with it, and that's what makes it HOME.

SAILING WITH MARK

My friend Mark, from Austin, had not been sailing in many, many years. He drove down and we took Idris out on Galveston Bay. We got her in the water and off the dock about 2:30. The wind was light, but good enough to fill our sail and scoot us on across the bay.



I got Mark on the tiller briefly. Long enough to put my feet up for a few minutes, and long enough for him to get the feel of the tiller.

My outboard is still not broken in completely. After a while, I thought we should drop the sail and motor for a while. We motored at half throttle toward the Kemah Boardwalk. The gas tank was full when we started out, and got us from Bacliff almost to the channel in front of the boardwalk. So, now I know how long .26 gallons will take me. I refilled the tank, and we continued past the Boardwalk, under the bridge and into Clear Lake. While heading back to the bay, we took a side tour of one of the canals. My outboard doesn't have a reverse, but it does swivel 360 degrees. Using this feature will take some practice. I turned around and didn't hit any boats that were in my way. But it was touch and go for a moment. I may have scared Mark a little. Sorry Mark.






Just as we got back to the dock, we witnessed a beautiful sunset. I didn't plan to stay out that long, but we were having a great time. I never stop smiling when I'm on the water.

FIRST SOLO SAIL

This weekend, I took Idris out by myself. I prefer to have company, it's just more fun. But, I wanted out on the water, so I went. This was also the first time I had used a proper ramp and unloaded and loaded without help. In Key West, we had a place literally around the corner that was used for putting boats in the water. It was simply a clearing in the mangroves next to a canal with the perfect slope.

I got Idris off the trailer without problems. Sailed away from the dock without problems. The wind was behind me, and very light. Not making any speed at all, I thought I would start my new outboard, it needs to be broken in anyway. I pulled, and pulled, and pulled.... couldn't get it started. Frustrating. 

I sailed for a little while, catching a few good gusts that made it worth making the trip out there. When I turned around back toward the dock, I could see a rain cloud in the distance. Moving very slow, I was hoping to catch some wind from the cloud. The wind shifted and increased, filling my sail and we took off. This made me smile. I felt a few sprinkles on my face, but I didn't care. My sail was full, I could hear the water lapping against the hull. I was happy. Looking south, I saw rain and it was close. I was making good time and thought I could make it to the dock before it got to me, and I did.

As soon as I started packing her up, it started pouring. I was immediately drenched, so I just kept at it. It was a good day. I proved to myself that I am capable of taking my boat out without help. Today, I will figure out why I couldn't get the motor started. Hopefully, it is the motor and can be corrected.... and the problem is not ME.

RECYCLED SAILS

This time of year tends to slow down at the shop. In order to keep busy, I decided to design and make a bag from recycled sails. It is the perfect size, I love it!

This is my first design. No two are alike. They are lined, with pockets on the inside, and a zippered pocket on the outside. The lining is made from either sunbrella or the sail cloth.

Size: 14" x 14" x 5"

I am currently working on a couple more designs. For more information, feel free to contact me.

lezliehenson@gmail.com

SHE WILL BE KNOWN AS....

IDRIS

If you are a diehard Dr. Who fan, you might know who Idris is. If not, I will explain. In one episode, the TARDIS landed on a far planet, and the "soul" of TARDIS left the ship. Needing a vessel to occupy, TARDIS  took over the body of a peasant woman... named Idris.

I think Idris is the perfect name for this boat. It has the "soul" of my Paradox I named TARDIS. In her, I will have fun adventures and make special memories.

My 2.5 hp Tohatsu outboard is my mode of propulsion when the wind is not favorable. I have no experience repairing outboards, so I thought I should get a new motor. I got the motor a couple days before my last trip, so I just put it in the living room floor. A friend came over, walked past it and stated, "Well, that's not something you see everyday."

Drink holder, very handy!

And the seats needed cushions. DONE!

THE DATING ZOO

For those happily married people, you are so fortunate. Dating at a late age is difficult. Someone told me, “All the good ones are either married or gay”. There is a lot of truth to that. There is a reason we are single!

Before I moved to Key West, I was on a dating site. I had numerous “meet-n-greets”. Most, I put in the friend zone at that first meeting. A few, it took a couple weeks. Nobody wanted to hear that dreaded request;  "let's just be friends". When I got to Key West, I continued on the dating site, and again started meeting guys. And again, there were many one and only meetings. Then I met Chuck, we hit it off and it lasted three wonderful years. Now, I’m back on the prowl again. I have scoured the dating sites, and read a thousand profiles. They start to all sound the same. EVERYONE loves to travel and listen to live music. EVERYONE is honest, trust worthy, down to earth and knows how to treat a lady. Occasionally, a unique writer creates an interesting profile. Profile pictures. Listen, nobody cares what you looked like 20 years ago, or wants to see a picture of your grandkids or motorcycle. Save those for the third date. 

Here are a few of the statements in profiles I have read:

His perfect match:

• "Someone who appreciates a man's perspective!" What does that even mean? I asked, he did not respond.
• "She should be very sharp and "with-it" with a great sense of humor." With-it? humm
• "Warm. Feisty. Good negotiating skills." Why, is he bull-headed?
• Another sent me a message and said, "I make pretty pink blankets." Is that code for something? I ignored that one.

What is my type? I’ve been asked this question, and I haven’t figured that out yet. Looks are not everything, but lets be honest, they are important, as is common interests. Couples have to be involved in some of the same activities, or they will grow in different directions. You have to spend time together to form a bond. 

So Lezlie, what qualities does a man have to possess, to peak your interest? 

I’m glad you asked! 

1. First and foremost, he has to love being on and in the water. Having a boat is a plus, preferably a sailboat. 
2. Under 6’ tall is preferred. 
3. The ability and desire to dance is not required, but it makes going out on the town more fun. 
4. It’s nice if he knows his way around a kitchen.
5. A good masseuse and kisser makes nighttime activities more enjoyable. 
6. He has to have a good sense of humor.
7. Must be a non-smoker. I’m firm on this one.
8. Age between 55 & 62. If all other qualifications are met, this one can be overlooked.
9. A good voice to serenade me would be delightful.
10. Knowing a second language gets you extra points.

I have been asked numerous times if I would ever marry again. I seriously doubt that I would. Have a long term relationship? Absolutely.

I am presently taking applications. All applications will be reviewed for consideration. Thank you.

PASSPORT STAMPS

While getting ready for my trip to Canada, I pulled out my passport and looked at the stamps I had received. It seems that I can only leave the U.S. on even numbered years. In 2010, my passport was stamped when Dale and I went to Belize. This was the first time I had been out of the country, so my first stamp. The second time I traveled internationally, in 2012, was when Kelly and I did our "brother/sister trip" to Belize. In 2014, Chuck took me to Cozumel and Costa Rica. The Cozumel trip was on a cruise ship, so I didn't actually get a stamp. A little disappointing.

Now, in 2016, I cross over into Canada. I really wanted them to stamp my passport, just because. What is it about even numbered years? Does this mean I cannot cross the border next year? Don't tell me I can't do something, I will prove you wrong! Hummmmm, where shall I go...

ROAD TRIP - HOME SWEET HOME

MONDAY, JULY 17, 2016

Luckily, Jackie and I made it as far as Springfield, MO last night, so it was a short drive to Jackie’s home. We drove over to the storage unit where Jackie keeps her boats. I patterned Cowboy Cookies and her AF3, a Jim Michalak design, for cushions.

We had lunch at Jackie's favorite restaurant in Eufaula. My fortune cookie was spot on.

Happiness begins with facing life with a smile and a wink.

Jackie and I spent the evening recounting stories of our youth. When it was time to call it a night, the trash can was sporting 3 empty wine bottles. They weren’t all full when we started… I swear!

TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2016

When I checked in at the airport to fly home, I didn't realize that I was "TSA PRE". Didn't see it on my boarding pass until someone pointed out to me. I suppose I looked harmless. Didn't have to take off my jewelry, pull out my computer, take off my shoes. Another first.

It is nice to get away and see other parts of the country, but it’s alway good to get back home.  Cleaning out the pocket on my bag, I found a collection of room keys and business cards. I wondered why my bag was so heavy. Unpacking it, I found the four rocks I picked up at the Lake Michigan beach. They are not big rocks, but they are heavy… and pretty!

Tomorrow, it is back to work. It's back to a schedule for me.

ROAD TRIP - part 11

DAY 14 - OHIO, INDIANA, ILLINOIS, MISSOURI

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2016

Jackie and I stayed in Mansfield, Ohio last night. We got off a little after 9:00 this morning.

We kept driving until about 3:00 for lunch. There is a little place called Charlie’s Pub & Grub… listed as the #1 place to eat in Terre Haute, IN. I had the Jr. Melt. Either it was the best I had ever eaten, or I was starving.

Today was National Ice Cream Day. In observance, we stopped at a Culver’s and had a treat, because we had to!

We made it to Springfield, MO before we stopped for the night. Cheese, crackers….and wine was my bedtime snack. I’m pooped. Good night!

ROAD TRIP - part 10

DAY 13 - ON THE ROAD AGAIN…

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016

After breakfast, Jackie and I headed south on I-90. The weather was clear, a little traffic, not too bad. Poor Dickens was feeling shunned at one of our rest stops.

Another stop we parked next to this guy with a motorcycle. When we came back to the truck he was still sitting on the curb. It wouldn’t start… but it’s pretty!

We left New York and entered Pennsylvania. We saw many vineyards, so Jackie started looking for wineries. We found 6 Mile Cellars. 

Tony, a sailor himself, served us 5 tastes and we got to keep the glass. We left with 6 bottles. That might get us home. :-)

It has become tradition to open a bottle of wine at the end of our day. We couldn't break tradition tonight, so our choice was this lovely Niagara.

ROAD TRIP - part 9

DAY 12 - CICERO, NY

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Jackie and I have been hold up in Cicero, NY after having problems with the Stella Maris trailer. Al, from Northside Collision, told us the tow truck would pick up Stella Maris at 8:30 this morning. Jackie and I arrived at the parking lot at 8:00 to make sure we didn’t miss them. We turned the corner and Stella was gone. My stomach turned a little bit. Visions of her being taken away by someone other than the planned move, ran through my head. An immediate call was made to Al, and he said the tow company decided it was best to get there before the traffic got heavy. We drove to Northside and there she was. She was being taken off the trailer as we entered the lot.

Northside Collision will have to use parts from the original maker of the trailer for liability reasons. This is unfortunate, because the trailer was built in Canada, and it will take a while to get the parts. It has been discussed, and the conclusion is that the trailer should have tandem axles instead of a single, due to the weight of the boat. So, not only will the repairs be done, another axle will be added. This process will take an estimated 2 or 3 weeks. Stella Maris will be left behind, Jackie and I will continue on to Oklahoma.

I asked Jackie about cushions for Stella Maris. The cockpit will be much more comfortable, and give her a more complete look with cushions. We went to Lowe’s and I purchased materials to pattern the cockpit and in the cabin. The canvas has already been chosen, and I will start on them as soon as I return to my shop in Kemah, TX. She will look snazzy! Jackie’s scamp, Cowboy Cookies, doesn’t have cushions either. A cockpit without cushions is a sin… and uncomfortable! She will get cushions also.  

While Jackie rested, I walked over to the Gander Mountain next door. My keen sandals have seen some better days. I am very thrifty… okay, I’m cheap, not wanting to spend $90 in the store, thinking I can maybe get a better price online. But not sure what size I wanted. The ones I have now are a little big, but when I bought them I needed a pair THAT DAY, and I had to get a pair that was a little big. Gander had them, I tried them on, and now I know what size to look for. Yay!

My dinner, not yours!

ROAD TRIP - part 8

DAY 11 - HEAD FOR THE BORDER

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

Jonas Abromaitis hands over the key to s/v Stella Maris.

s/v Stella Maris was ready and waiting on us this morning when we arrived. The truck was loaded with the rudder, outboard and spare tire. The hitch needed a little adjusting, but was an easy fix. Off we went. 

Crossing into the U.S.

We crossed the border at 1000 Islands. The view from the bridge was magnificent. When I get around to making a bucket list, getting out on that water will be on it. The border guard informed us we didn’t have a license tag on the trailer. We ignorantly assumed it had one. We then learned that the boat would have to be imported, but could be done at a later date, but before it can be registered. We again, were asked what our relationship is. He did not ask if we had anything to declare. So, the fresh strawberries, lemons and alcohol were not even mentioned. He was preoccupied with the boat. So, all the warnings from everyone about crossing the border, worried us for nothing.

The weather was good, we were putting the miles behind us, when we decided to stop in Cicero, NY for a break. Stopped at a light, a man comes running to my window and tells me that my wheel is burning. We pull into the bank parking lot, get out, and the left bearing in smoking. Being a stranger in this town, we had no connection here for help. I sent a text to Chuck Weitzel in Key West, FL. I asked him to get on his computer and see if he could find a trailer repair place close. He gave me a number. We called Northside Collision, and talked to AL. AL was getting off work in a little while, and would come by and take a look at the trailer. He helped us move the boat to a better location in the parking lot, and unhook it from the truck. A tow company will be coming tomorrow morning to pick it up on a flatbed and take it to the shop. We were told that parts have to be ordered.That sounds like a long stay here in Cicero, NY, doesn’t it?

Worn out, Jackie and I booked a hotel room, found a place to eat and had a nice meal. Then to this room we went and opened up a bottle of bubbly! It’s time to put this stressful day to bed.

.