June 9, 2010

Almost a month ago we arrived home to our little house in Tillsonburg. But, I am not sure where the time has gone.

Our computer problems continued.The Apple MacBook Pro died just before we left the boat. Once I had some time, I called AppleCare and talked to a technician. She diagnosed a failed hard drive. With Jeremy’s encouragement, we ordered a new hard drive from iFixit.com and Murray installed the new one successfully. Then I proceeded to re-install the software and our backed-up files. But, after a day or so, I noticed that the drive was running very hot. In fact, Murray measured it at 58C!

Communications with iFixit resulted in a new hard drive coming our way. This second one was again installed successfully and I re-installed the software. But, in the morning, the computer was D-E-A-D. This time, experts were called into play and we took it to the Apple repair shop in London. The diagnosis is not a good one. A terminal illness, for a computer, as the logic or mother board is caput.

Thus, my excuse for not writing previously. Luckily enough, we had purchased a small Dell netbook before leaving Florida. With it, we have been able to perform most of our usual tasks but my address books were in both the Apple and the Acer. So, please contact us to make sure that your e-mail address in back in MY memory banks.

The new grandbaby, James, is growing like a weed as he guzzles his bottles down to the last fraction. We are enjoying being able to see him frequently. This was something we missed with Matthew and Samantha, due to the distance between us and our cruising lifestyle. But, soon they will be returning to Ottawa from California and we look forward to seeing them more often.

Fandango, our Goman 20 foot sailboat, is being prepared for her launch, scheduled for later this week. It will be great to sail just for pleasure again. A dock has been reserved near Port Rowan and we will share the finger dock with Murray’s brother, George. They have a powerboat but we still speak to them anyway. Actually we have a good time with George and his wife, Barb. I foresee a barbeque or two happening near that dock.

There are no big trips planned for this summer and no major renovations on the house at this time. Thus we should have more time to play, either in the water or ashore. In his spare time, Murray is working with a couple in Port Dover who are sailing south with their family for a one year adventure. He and the captain are scrambling to get everything ship-shape aboard before their mid-August departure.

That is our life ashore. We hope that you can enjoy this beautiful summer weather with your family and friends. Stay in touch.

PS We just wrote our boater’s exam! After 14 years of living aboard and cruising, approximately 30 years of sailing/racing, passing Canadian Yachting on-the-water tests and for Murray, writing the exams necessary for his captain’s license, we STILL had to write the exam and pay our $50 in order to get the plastic card to carry in our wallets to prove that we can safely run a motor vessel.