Good Morning from the West Side

of the Baja that is.  We are enjoying a glorious red morning sky and coffee in the wheel house, which is our main spot to relax as it gives us protection from the elements at the same times as providing the best view.  We have been thankful for it so many times in the past five months.  Most other sailors are either inside their vessel or out in the open--something that neither Claes or I thought appealing.  He has spent most of his adult life out in the elements working and I could not envision being "couped up".  Claes did an incredible job designing both the dodger and the canvas top that finishes it off.  The two guys in Royston, Craig at his home based business and  Chris at Eldorado Upholstery in Courtenay provided the actual fabrication............thank you guys!!!!  It is the main place when we are underway as the navigation centre and wheel and motor room are all based there.  The other times that we enjoy it of course is when we are at anchor and it becomes our sitting room.

Joey loves it too as he can see what is happening from many angles, including the roof!  He is becoming very settled and does not seem to want to go ashore.  He has his routine and is becoming very very much indulged!  He is a good boy and continue to give us many hours of pleasure and companionship.  I still am not certain about bringing him back when we return next fall.   I am rather concerned about the countries that we are going to---pets are not part of their culture.

Today is the second of December and I heard that some of you already have your Christmas tees up so I plan on starting my Christmas cleaning today.  Some of the cupboards get a little disorganized as things get put away rather quickly when we are under way..............there is usually some movement and one is not always able to do this as precisely as when the boat is still.  Actually it seldom is totally still as the motion of the water is constant--it just varies depending on where we are tied up, anchored or if there is alot of water motion as in waves, swells, wind.  So,  we are a floating family so to speak!!!!  I will need to wipe down most of the wall surfaces and cupboards as there is a light skiff of sea spray on most things.............it is rather salty too so I will need to clean, then oil the wood.  It is a perfect time -- I am calling it my Christmas cleaning!    You know, clean twice a year  once for Christmas and once in the spring!   Now, how lucky can I be as I have --let me see the boat is 40 feet long with a 12 foot bean and has a four foot draft     so yu do the math!!!!

 December  is my most favourite month!  Not just because  we celebrate Christs' Birthday but also it is a time  to bring the  year to an end and look forward to yet another blessed one.  I will enjoy decorating a  little.   For some of you  this will cause wonder in your minds as you will likely wonder how will I manage to do that.? Well I do have a plan don't you know??   This wont be Canadian/American style decorating.  I hope to implament some Mexcian and nautical design to our casa (home).  Of course I will take pictures and you can see for yourself.