meri's blog

Grandpa sent me pics from his iphone of the family readying themselves for the two day drive back to Santa Rosalia. They look a little sad to me. The kids really like visiting their grandfather. He has lots of toys and feeds them well. I guess I'd better have something yummy cooking when they get here so they're not sorry they came back.

I have been asked by several cruising mothers what it's like to be alone on the boat. I dare say... it's fabulous! This feels like a vacation!

Yes, we have a sewing machine on board.

No, we do not own a Sailrite. We borrow other people's when we need to make a sail repair. (Thanks  Reflections and Third Day!)

Yes, our older Viking works on the inverter.

No, we did not pay an arm and a leg for it.

As predicted, the northers crept up in the early afternoon yesterday. By nightfall it was really gusting! Most of the cruisers are running around in heavy jackets and some are even wearing stocking caps. It's in the low 50's this morning and will get up to the high 60's by the afternoon. It doesn't sound that cold...

How likely is it that we would run into a man from Montrose, Colorado while sailing the Sea of Cortez? Very likely! It is just what happened!

I have been busy cleaning, scrubbing, sweeping, vacuuming... it's taking me longer than I thought.  It's a lot easier with everyone off the boat. The dust is giving me a severe headache, though. But I am far better off than some.

Thanksgiving Day marks the second year anniversary of our maiden voyage and cruising life. We have actually been cruising for 2 years! Sadly, my husband and children were not here to help celebrate the holiday with me. They are in Arizona visiting Grandpa.

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.

Santa Rosalia celebrated the 20th of November with a grand parade. Children climbed out of the woodwork to participate and the streets were blocked off for the majority of the day. What is so special about November 20th?

What happens in a small pueblo when the municipality forgets to pay a 2 million peso electricity bill (approximately $160,000 US dollars)... and that electricity just happens to run the water pump for the entire town??? Of course, everyone knows that some politician(s) has(ve) absconded with the dinero.