What is that Noise?????

In the 2 1/2 years that we have been living aboard a boat, I have had only one "vacation", if you will, away from my husband and children. That one time, I visited a girlfriend and her husband on their boat. It was a wonderful week visiting friends and I returned home feeling wholly rested and alive. I, however, have never been on our boat alone for more than a couple hours at a time.

Living aboard with your husband and children means spending a lot of time together; it also means that quiet time is a treasured commodity. Personal space? That's when I make the announcement that I'm changing clothes and that no one is allowed to walk into the forward cabin or that my son just needs to turn around.

It is very quiet aboard Hotspur and will be for the next 12 days. Yes, 12!!! Jim and the kids have rented a car and driven to Arizona to visit Jim's dad. I opted to stay behind because  -

• A. The dog and cat need a babysitter.
• B. I visited Dad with the kids via bus back in June and yes, Jim got to have some solo time.

Now, it's my turn. And it's not like I won't be doing anything. I plan to tear the boat apart on the inside and clean everything. I have a cute little pair of red rubber gloves, a bucket, and multiple scrubby brushes in all sizes. After Thanksgiving has come and gone, I will be de-greasing every inch of this vessel!

Before Jim left, he reminded me how to switch over the water tanks and he told me to listen for the water pump so that I don't burn it out. Last night, my first night to myself, I had trouble washing dishes because the pump started stuttering and acting up. This morning it is still stammering and acting lethargic. I'm not in a world anymore where I can just pick up the phone and call a handyman. So, I guess I'll spend my morning reviewing manuals and surfing the internet cruising sites for troubleshooting your water pump when it acts arthritic or looking for what the signs are when it has a short. Goody.

And Jim, if you are reading this: Third Day and Frances Lee were aboard for a potluck last night, so they are my witnesses. If the water pump is dead when you return, it's not because I let it run itself dry!

You see... some things, no matter where you live, never change!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!