WINTER BLUES

Winter just keeps on coming, making us wait patiently till she thaws. While out and about today we did a drive by just to check on the ice we are renting for the winter and it looks like a solid investment. Laid up and covered Vagabond looks much better this year with her reinforced cover not a slump or sag to be seen. We are planning a trip to Island City Marina, Sabula, Ia. this coming or the following week to check on Aqua Villa's storage condition. During this visit I'll be measuring the microwave cabinet for an upgrade to a convection style unit in the spring. Ah spring....... There will be a lot going on with the Aqua Villa in a few months time as she is slated to get her bottom stripped and new anti-foul applied and brand new canvas to keep her topside looking good. With the old davit removed and faux teak installed on her swim platform along with a new Hurley rib load and launch system we'll be ready for the summer sun. Right now the ice in the slip is about 24 inches and getting thicker I'm sure.

Aqua Villa Dock Boy and Ice Monitor

Flippin trip

This past weekend I had the pleasure of traveling with friends to Flippin, Ar. to meet with there new home contractor. While this was a working weekend trip we had sometime that was devoted to seeing the very beautiful scenery of the Bull Shoals - White River State Park. Even with the parks winter coat of grey she reveled her rugged terrain and amazing vistas in grand form. Just as impressive was the view taken in from the build site not far from the park. After seeing this grand area it's quite easy to see why so many call it home. It was cold while we were there but not 30 below like it was at home in Scales Mound, IL. On Saturday when we started home it got up to near 50 degrees and stayed there till we got north of St. Louis.

Midwest Winter Scene

Last nights winter weather brings a new look to the old neighborhood.

17 DEG. FOR THE HIGH TODAY WITH THE SUN IS SHINNING MAKE ME THINK OF WARMER THOUGHTS. LIKE FOR INSTANCE OUR LAST DIVE TRIP TO TURKS CAICOS, HOT HUMID BREEZY, WARM WATER, SHARKS, AND WHOLESALE RELAXATION. FYI CLICKING THE HEELS OF YOUR FUZZY SLIPPERS TOGETHER JUST DON'T QUITE GET YOU THERE. ALTHOUGH I HAVEN'T TRIED THIS WITH A TROPICAL BEVERAGE IN HAND. TODAYS PHOTOS SHOULD HELP TAKE YOU TO THAT WARM WATER PARADISE WHERE THAT BALMY SALT BREEZE MELTS AWAY THE CHILL, (NORTHERN VIEWERS). FOR ALL YOU SOUTHERN VIEWERS, WATCH OUT FOR SAND FLEAS AND SUNBURN!

HAVE A GREAT DAY WHEREVER YOU PUT YOUR FEET UP.
LOUNGE STAFF

WINTER DAYS

REALY FEELS LIKE WINTER OUTSIDE TODAY. COLD AND DAMP WITH SOME LIGHT SNOW AND JUST ENOUGH WIND TO KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS OF SPRING AT BAY. I FOUND THIS APPLE TREE GROWING WILD WITH WHAT LOOKS LIKE MOST OF IT'S FRUIT STILL ON THE LIMB. LONG STORY SHORT ANY COLOR THIS TIME OF YEAR CATCHES ONE'S EYE PREETY QUICK.

GETTING STARTED

100% HUMIDITY GULF BLUE
















ICW WILDLIFE LOW TIDE






FT. LAUDERDALE MARINA
OUR NEW BOAT SANDY BEACH
(AKA) AQUA VILLA

LOOKING BACK

JUST A FEW OF LAST YEARS PHOTOS BEFORE WE GET STARTED ON THE BEST OF 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR
THE LOUNGE STAFF
(JANITOR)