Normality

I seem to be quoting Mark Twain a lot these days. I relate to the iconoclastic old southern riverboat captain... He grew up on the river not far from Memphis and he also loved hoppin on a boat and traveling to his favorite places. He once wrote in a letter to a friend, "There is no unhappiness like the misery of sighting land (and work) again after a cheerful, careless voyage." and God knows we felt that way leaving the islands and returning home.
But... Home is our favorite place to come home to and work furnishes us with the most excellent justification to escape to that cheerful, careless voyage - again.

Things are getting back to normal for us here at Rocky Point. We're both back in the gym trying to sweat off some of that island fun we consumed while enjoying the Abacos. Kind of a do it yourself rehab. Work is good. It's nice to be back in the saddle and fighting the good fight. (Creating that most excellent justification)

The pain from losing Sadie is getting better and slowly turning into an itch to find a new pup. We're trying to resist but we're not sure if Radar will let us. He's been awfully lonesome.



It's been incredibly hot and dry around Memphis. 100+ degrees for a couple of weeks now. We put out water for the critters in the woods - they really seem to appreciate it.
The deer have become fairly comfortable with us. They're cautious but they don't mind us getting close. We posted earlier about the deer that didn't want to leave Rocky Point. Now we see why. This is her fawn.
We see Lucy (Yeah... Mel named her.) every evening when she brings her fawn by for a drink and a nibble of the freshly watered green grass in our backyard. Radar is our deer alarm... as soon as he spots them he gives a throaty little growl to alert us of their presence.
It's fun watching the little one grow up.

Moving on.....

Life is what we are living and the past is just that... the past. No matter how dark it gets... the sun will eventually rise and life is good again.

We will miss Sadie and cherish the memories everytime we come across a Sadie hair in the boat. (which is often)

We cannot thank everyone enough for all the nice things that were said about Sadie. She was a sweet, sweet, beautiful girl. We were priviledged to have had her in our lives.

But now it's back to life and planning our next adventure. We are becoming more comfortable and confident with Istaboa so for our next trip we may push the limits a bit.

We are working out the plan now and will keep all our friends posted.

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -- Mark Twain

We love that quote.

Happier days, God bless Sadie (whichever God you prefer)

Bob, Mel, and Radar

Istaboa

Sad times

It is with very sore hearts that the crew of Istaboa must post the passing of our beloved mate Sadie.
Sadie, the Grande Dame of our family for almost 13 years, has been laid to rest. We hope there is a special heaven for dogs because we know Sadie and Sam, her brother we lost 2 years ago, are running through the woods, fields, and beaches...together once again.
We are thankful she made this last cruise with us and gave us all the warm memories we will cherish forever. We believe it was her big heart and sweet soul that got us all home together.

She was the sweetest dog we have ever been lucky enough to share time with.

Sadie

02-02-1995

07-31-2007