We’ve been away for over 10 days now.  Spending every day and night on our boat.  It's New Years Eve.  Richard played golf with Dennis this morning, and unfortunately for the Captain, the score is unmentionable – Dennis won.   Seems boating has taken over as the hobby of late, leaving Richard’s golf game a little short.  See Dennis’ winning smile in the Key West Photo section. 

This left me with a free morning to relax and relish in the marina atmosphere amidst other boaters, watching the morning departures of fishing boats, chatting with our  neighboring boaters, and getting a little work done.  My office on the boat consists of my laptop on the stern of the boat.  With the salt breeze barely blowing, I enjoyed a chai latte prepared on board while working outside, occasionally distracted by the hubbub of my surroundings. 

We spent the afternoon out on the water. Jim, Dennis, Richard and I went snorkeling on the reefs and did a little fishing.  Nothing caught, but a beautiful day captured.  The winds were calm, about 7 mph, which allowed us to enjoy the sea.  There is a front moving in, so we are anticipating strong winds and cooler temperatures for the next few days.  We won’t be leaving the safety of our Key West home until this weather system passes. 

While Richard was golfing, I said farewell to our friends who were docked next door.  They wanted to make a run for Ft. Lauderdale before the winds picked up.  We shared pleasant chatter with Brad and Mika, and found them to be helpful dock mates.  It’s funny that I should have a fleeting feeling of sadness at their departure.  Brad said, “I’m sure we’ll see you again.”  At first I thought, not likely, but this world on the water brings possibilities, adventures and encounters of which you can’t be sure. So we look forward to seeing the “Transition” again, and hearing the barks of Mimi and Woody, the yorkies. 

Richard is napping as I write this passage.  I've found that as we approach our 12th day on board the Suki Sweet II, we've settled into a more relaxed state.  Richard loves the water, he comes alive when he's at the helm, and gasps at the beauty of the gulf, with it's vivid colors and unexpected givings.  He's the first to spot a sea turtle, a school of tuna jumping in front of the boat or a series of the dreaded man-o-war.  I, too, am falling in love with riding on the boat, sleeping in a cradle on the water and the freshness of our adventure. 

Tonight we’ll all join together for a late dinner at the Conch – an open-air restaurant with hopes of viewing the fireworks over the harbor.  The marina is full and we’ve been invited to visit with the other boaters as everyone celebrates the new year. 

Richard and I wish all our friends and family a happy, healthy and prosperous new year, filled with love and laughter.

Signing off for 2007, from aboard the Suki Sweet II

Leslie & Richard