Florida

We are experiencing some minor technical difficulties so unfortunately can't post any pictures at the moment. We had a wondeful Christmas and wanted to say thanks to those who visited and hosted us which was a great help in mitigating homesickness over the holdiays. Danielle's friend Callee came down first for a whirlwind tour of Disney & a couple of quick visits to the beach. We dropped Callee at the airport & picked up O.G (Grampa) the same night & he was here over Christmas & we had a terrific visit. O.G was in a very nostalgic mood recounting many great old stories (including many which were not to have been shared with our kids!) & hashing over the world's problems well into the night. Next up were Ken, Carol & all 4 kids who drove down (6 people- 1 vehicle -24 hours driving yikes!) also for a whirlwind visit. OG was still here & we had a great time complete with outdoor fondue dinner at the marina picnic tables, hosted by Carol, and we also managed to squeeze in a short sail one day while the girls all made it to the beach. Our kids especially really enjoyed seeing their cousins.
Just as the Collins crew were leaving town Gerry flew in and we all went out for dinner that night & then OG & Gerry took off for a few days in the Keys over New Years. New Years at the marina was pot luck dinner of about 30 people highlighted by a mildly innebriated neighbour launching flares into the night (& nearby parking lot - no fires or deaths).
When O.G & Gerry returned on the 3rd we all piled into OG's car & invaded Uncle Bill & Aunt Diana's absolutely beatiful house for dinner & an overnight stay. The kids got to swim in their pool & ride in their golf cart & Darlene & I got to sleep in a LARGE soft bed. There was a near mutiny when it was time to herd the crew up & return to the boat. And lastly, Uncle John & Helen came down to visit Uncle Bill & dropped by the boat for a couple of visits. Uncle John & Bill came by one day & treated Steve & I for a lunch at the Tiki bar (Dar & Danielle were out shopping) & regaled us with great boating stories, including a good number of mishaps experienced under Captain O.G. It was enlightening to hear the crew's side of these stories and Mike & Jeff you'll be interested to hear that Captain O.G. apparently yells and swears at his brothers as loudly as at his kids when things go bad on the boat. I also found out it's a bit of a tradition for a family member to stick their back-end through a window in each of O.G's boats. I guess someone will have to step up for the new boat.
Anyway, we had a great holiday & thanks to all who visited & Uncle Bill & Aunt Diana for taking us all in. We're leaving Fort Pierce today for points south & hopefully over to the Bahamas soon if we get a weather window.