Opening, Closing and Climbing

The last holdout were the cupboards. They have little latches on them

that slide.  Poseidon could grip them...think small round knobs (~1/4" diameter) of brass in a channel.  He could not, however slide them with enough force.  I believe he was trying to pull on them.  Which, entertainingly enough, pulls the slider out so that you can repair or replace it, inadvertently opening the door.  That works on the kitchen one as it is under tension.  The radio is a different story.  The car stereo...helps to let it run off DC power.  Think about what powers your car (batteries) and the same applies to a boat not on shore power.  To let the radio work underway without requiring an inverter, car stereos are a standard installation.  Not only does Poseidon now know how to turn on the radio, but the unit happens to live behind a cupboard door.  You see where I am going with this.  Yes, he learned to open cupboards in his multiple attempts to program the stereo.  He knows that the "source" button turns it on.  If he doesn't like what is on (talking or a slow to load CD track), he will hit it again to change between CD and FM radio.  If neither make Poseidon happy, he know he can cycle through the pre-programmed stations.  He adjusts the volume to his appropriate level, and occasionally blasts Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star down the docks.  (There is some way to control the outside speakers through balance or fade, but we never bother.)  While he is well aware of the location of the "off" button, he is quite judicious in his use of it.  The "Would you please turn off the stereo for dinner?" is most often met with a smug closing of the cupboard door with it still blaring.  I have found that a few gentle repeats and withholding of his plate of steaming goodness tends to reverse this decision. :)  Finally to climbing.  There are times I wonder whether I have a son or a monkey.  I have been told by my mother that I was a climber as well.  And, I still enjoy climbing, including the rock kind.  However, there are just some feats he is capable of which I never would have though possible.  I attribute this ability with  his supreme sense of balance to having lived on-board his entire life.  At 19 months, he will pull himself up on something with his hands until he can get his forearms on it, pull his body up into a plank, and wiggle until he has obtained victory.  Once he is big enough to fit in one, Poseidon is getting a rock harness and heading to the climbing gym.  I have no doubt that it will become both one of his favorite places and a great way to tire him out in the evenings.  Now to find one close by... 

Poseidon and The Plague

I am not sure what caused the great plague of 2011...shots, cold, flu bug? Evil mosquito swarms the tourism board doesn't tell you about that come with every rain? But, if this is an omen of the year to come, it's going to be an adventure!

With Poseidon and I down for the count all week, and medicated when the fevers skyrocketed (there was no real absence of fever), Daddy was the hero. I think he even cooked. Yes, I was that out of it that I am not sure. I am certain that some of you out there are cringing, asking why we did not go to the doc, or even the nearest ER.

Once we are able to up anchor and sail into the sunset...there won't be any thing available. Plus, there have bern reduced immunities when you medicate post-shots. At least that is the approved study this week. Most importantly we all overcame this. Don't fret. We consulted the internet, called friends with kids and the Pediatrics department...who stated that though they were unable to transfer me, they could give me the number to appointments. The key to us was that, though either lethargic or appetite-less at times, he still acted like himself.

This week really made me think hard again about what I need to stock when we sail; reminded me that I still have to restock the burn kit; reminded me how much the boat is home...did not want to leave. So, I am going to review a list created by our predecessor (a doc) and start ordering the items with extended shelf life. If you want a copy, I'll email you one. Just be forewarned that I am not a doc, and some of the items may be outdated, and some require a prescription. This is an off-shore kit, not your mother's medicine cabinet.

p.s. The new fuel system is almost finished! I will post that as soon as we wrap it up. And, yes, it's all self-installed by one loving husband.

Lessons Learned - Crew

I know I said I would start inside, but decided this was more important...

It really doesn't matter who you take. Pick your jaw up off the floor. I am applying this phrase in one sense only - sailing experience. Experience, even in this realm, is not as important as many other things. Luckily we got this right or 19 days would have seemed much longer.

What is important? Your, and your family's opinions. Early on there was tension about taking Poseidon. Without getting into detail, it was age and "what if" related. I stand by our decision because it let us achieve what we did as a family. To me that will always be an amazing feat.

Your enjoyment of your crew's company. Please just take my word on this. Don't take someone because they beg/you owe them/they're a great friend when out drinking/they know sailing but...Remember, you can't pull over, and throwing crew overboard (even when justified in your mind) tends to be frowned upon by most civilized nations. You will eat, sleep, use the toilet and do everything you swore never to do in public within an area the size of your living room; with your crew present. I think you get the idea.

While I counted out sailing experience, the abilities to learn, and more importantly to work, are essential. Hence the lack of the aforementioned drinking buddy. If you are trying to put up the storm jib in the middle of the night because your lack of wind turned into a thirty knot gale...you will be thanking me for this advice.

I was quite happy that we placed these qualities in high regard for our crew. It made for smooth sailing even when things didn't go right. Which, if you own a boat, you know is most of the time.