Can You Believe It?

We were woken this morning just after 7am by the sucking sound that the toilets make when the tank has been sucked dry. It is the same sound you make with a straw in the bottom of a glass when you chase the last of the liquid around. Our mothers probably told us not to do it because it was bad manners, lol.
Yes! the pump-out guy came THAT early, today, his scheduled day! Woohoo!!! No warning lights were on this time, because he only came last Saturday!

Warren brought the propeller back and laid it on the cockpit floor. Doesn't she look lovely? All bright, shiny and new. We got a print out of the 'problem' associated with it, from the fix-it guys, but I'm not sure either of us can decipher what all the graphs mean. I have to mention that it didn't break the bank, as we rather anticipated...Phew!

 

 

In the afternoon, Mark, the Kiwi Diver turned up. Good thing we had just arrived home, coz he didn't bother calling first, and we needed to be here to get the new Zincs out for him and his worker to replace the old ones.

 

The hose provides oxygen to the divers, who are submerged so long, a snorkel wouldn't cut it! The zincs sitting on the swim platform waiting to be installed.

 

We should be 'ship shape' now!

 

The time is fast approaching when we will turn our baby around and head off, out into Charlotte Harbor, and back on the ICW. Getting all these things done now are a bonus. Less to think about until this time in 6 months time. We also purchased some more Wax, so that I can wax to my hearts content when I have nothing better to do. It is an ongoing 'thing', as she was last waxed 6 months ago, and is in need of another. Waxing a boat this size took two professionals almost a week, so you can imagine how long it will take me! Good exercise, I hear you say:)

 

Our days are full of little bits and pieces that I have decided not to bore you with.

We have been fortunate to enjoy lovely weather, and only last night did it get cool again, dropping a good 10 degrees in a very short time, after a day of drizzle, and later, rain.

 

 

Today, Friday, dawned lovely and clear, though cool. Waz had the heater on when I came topside, which got switched off promptly...it was stifling!:) We took our time getting up, with a cup of Community Coffee, and then deciding what to do with two over-ripe bananas. I didn't want to make more pancakes, or muffins, so I decided to cooks a little bacon, place the banana slices in the pan with the sizzling bacon, then whip up four eggs and cover the bacon and banana with it, to make an omelet. When almost done, I put some grated cheese over the top and let that melt before serving. Delicious! Try it! Make sure the bananas are VERY ripe, tho'. You don't need much bacon to give things a yummy taste!

 

 

I doubt I will be making muffins again, after this discovery:)

 

 

After this late breakfast, we decided to go into Punta Gorda for a walk, but first we needed to go and visit the National Art Exhibition at the Art Gallery there. We did the same thing last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

There was one Juror for this exhibition. He has excellent credentials, but I would love to have done a walk through with him, to find out why he awarded those that held the rosettes. Sometimes there appears to be no rhyme or reason to the Jurors choice, and this was one of those times. All the comments heard in the galleries were similar to our own....why on earth did THAT one get a prize, and not THIS one??

 

The quality of work chosen was generally excellent, with a few exceptions, of course. Some of the watercolors were outstanding, but they didn't receive any recognition:(

 

We parked in a side street in Punta Gorda's Historic District and walked towards the seaside from there. We discarded our jackets, hoping the breeze next to the water wouldn't make us regret our decision.

The water was flat, gorgeous winter blue and just stunning to gaze upon.

 

On the way there we passed the City Hall, a very impressive looking building with a mural on the side, depicting the founding of the area.

I would love to know what these two ducks were 'shoveling', in the sandy shoreline.

Some serious fisherfolk out there on the Pier!

 This couple enjoyed their lunch in the park, along the shore.

Looking towards the Fisherman's Village Marina, to our left.

 

Of course, no trip anywhere is complete without me taking photos of flowers of some kind. The Hibiscus around the City Hall, were stunning...just a couple, I promise:)

 

ok, maybe 5!!

We came home towards 1.45pm and I put together an al fresco lunch, which we ate upstairs in the cool. We have a lovely view down the canal into the harbor, so it is always nice to make the most of that.
Warren has gone off thing for 'parts'. He is dealing with the toilet challenge (no, it isn't a problem!!) and seems to be doing well, so far. I wanted to sit with my feet in the sun, on the boat, not fight the traffic up Hwy41~

I am making meatballs for dinner tonight. I think I will also steam some green beans and make zucchini pasta to go with it all. Mushroom gravy also sounds yummy! I shouldn't be thinking about dinner yet, but I just looked at the clock and it is 4.30, already! aieee....where do the days go?

I finished another book, two days ago...Ok, I have to admit, that is what I have been doing, instead of blog writing. This one is another book of just photos...Simply Beautiful Orchids. Another in the series of Simply Beautiful... If you are interested to see it, go to www.blurb.com and find my books by entering my name, Monica Moriyasu, in the search. You should find three books...Simply Beautiful Roses, Birth Bath and Simply Beautiful Orchids. If you enjoy any of them, you can purchase them through the Blurb site.
I will be making others as I go. I have such a huge collection of stunning photos, that it seems a shame not to let others see them and enjoy them.

I am not going to go upstairs and read my book in the late afternoon sun. Come join me!

Ciao for now.