THE PAINTING HAS COMMENCED

The first coat on the decks was applied today. Glidden Porch & Floor, water based paint is what I used to paint the storage compartments. When I returned for another gallon, I was told that Glidden discontinued their water based paint, I would have to go with Behr. So, I picked out an off white and started painting. I believe this might be a better paint. It does not wash off as easy as the Glidden. Guess that's a good thing.

I need to start thinking of the rigging. Oh my! I'm getting close to seeing her float!

Everyone at the Sailing Club was disappointed that they will not see the splash. That will be a private event. I don't want an audience when I'm figuring out the sail position, and how this boat will act. I promised to bring her down on a Sunday, when the regulars gather.

TRAILER FOR MAYFLY

Boat trailers are hard to find in Key West. The trailers you do find, usually need just about everything replaced, or they are too big and expensive. On my trailer quest for my boat, I found either twice the size I needed or the remains of a boat trailer.

Chuck had a trailer that held two non-running jet skis. He donated the jet skis to a guy that thought he needed a project, and donated the trailer to my cause. But, it too needed work. The usual boat trailer parts were replaced: wheel bearings, lights, jack stand. The bunks will be custom cut to fit... later.

My Sweetie has been wonderful in this whole process!

Today was the move date. She is no longer at the Sailing Club. It became hard to work on her; the work bench was removed and the kayaks were moved into my build space. And the fact there wasn't cover to keep the rain out. We have had a LOT of rain lately.

My boat is behind all these boats, so the first think I did was start moving these out of the way. Several guys joined in the rearranging to clear a path for my trailer. The big question was did I have enough hands to get my boat moved onto the trailer. It is heavy, with all the fiberglass and epoxy I laid on her.

The trailer still doesn't have a winch stand, so Chuck tied her nose and stern down. She was not going to become a projectile going down the highway.

Heading out with the mast strapped to my vehicle.

My daughter and son-in-law live within spitting distance from me now. They let me bring my boat to their home to finish it. I have the BEST son-in-law!!!

Under cover and so close, the rest of the build should go fast. Plus I have a lot of extra time right now.

Chuck, my Sweetie, has been wonderful in the whole trailer work and the move. He is so busy at work right now, but he took time to help me. He is wonderful to me!!

VAN

This made me laugh when I saw it rolling down the highway. Looks like it could be dangerous in a strong wind.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

SAIL FOR MAYFLY 16

When I built my Puddle Duck, iDuck, I put a yellow sail on her. At the time, I had not seen a yellow sail. Since then, I have seen many. My Mayfly will have a yellow balanced lug sail also. I started the construction today.

LAST DAY at STRUNK HARDWARE

Today was my last day at Strunk Hardware in Key West, Florida. It was a busy day, as I was training my replacement on the dreaded "statement day" routine. It went smoothly, better than my first statement day... thank you Sheri L. (just kidding Sheri) in which I did the whole thing by written instruction.

This group of fellow employees are a great group of people, and I have really enjoyed working with them all. It is two and a half years that I will remember fondly.

CHANGE

There has been an uneasiness within me for months now. I felt the need for change, but me being the cautious one by nature, I was reluctant. Change is scary, and the unknown has always scared me.

One day, I kept hearing these words in my head: "Be bold and courageous". Since I'm not getting any younger, and one never knows his tomorrow, I've decided to have fun and enjoy life this year. I want to go and do, and experience life differently. Because my employer expects me to work five days a week and only take a couple weeks off for the whole year, I'm going to have to let them go.


Several months ago, I had a gentleman come to my work and offer me a job in his sail shop. He wanted to expand his business to include canvas work too. At the time, I turned him down because I didn't want to lose my benefits with the current employer. I still don't want to lose the benefits, but working for him, I have more control over my schedule. So, I put in my notice.

What does this mean? It means I will be going to Port Aransas to help with the SNS builds for the Texas 200. This means I will be able to sail in the Texas 200 this year. I will have more freedom to do what makes me happy.

WHAT?

Key West has a large population of artists, and some have used their vehicle as their canvas. I wanted to share a few of the rolling art pieces. These are not digitized graphics, they have been brushed on... or glued on. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

Over kill! They keep adding to it every week!

Boom box? I'm not sure.

Must like fish.

Floral design.

This is my favorite, it truly looks like a painting.

And the work is signed.

The wheels are painted too.