Christmas 2011

Visiting the girls, arrived Christmas Day, staying in the cold cold north for a week and then back to the sunny south.

Sally, McKenzie and Abby just moved into a new place, a cute little bungalow where I'm sure they will be very happy. They've added a dog to their family, Emmet - very smart and rather handsome.

I've noticed that the people in Saskatoon are a hardy bunch. It's around the freezing mark and they're out in sweaters, no coats and some are even in shorts. The photo above was a blustery day and McKenzie's parents did bundle up for the walk in the dog park. Abby rode in luxury. I'm the one in blue wearing 2 hats, a hood, 2 pairs of pants, etc etc.

Out for dinner, with a little face painting thrown in for fun.

Butterfly face

Emmett

Gaming is serious business to a 4 year old

Crafts (thanks Gerry)

Wasn't that a Party!

December 3, 2011 the powerboat (formally known as Cruisin II, Dilly Dally and Saw-Mill III) was officially de-named and christened. Gary, being an "ordained" minister and having the gift of gab graciously agreed to officiate.

Part I:  De-naming and expunging all the former names. I blacked out all reference to the old names on all the paperwork I found on board. Then you have to tell Neptune that the old names are no longer valid, throw a metal tag bearing all the names (in water-soluble ink) overboard and appease him by pouring perfectly good champagne into the sea.

Reverend Doctor H.G. Berger

Expunging the old names

Appeasing Neptune

Toasting the de-naming

Part II: The christening. Words of wisdom from the Reverend Doctor, announcing the new name and once again pouring champagne overboard for Neptune. And for those who haven't yet heard - the new name is "Dirty Girl."

Pouring perfectly good champagne overboard

Toasting to the new name

Part III: A surprise birthday party for Diana. Lots of food, wine, spirits, and fun with added features of a disco ball, laser lights, stripper pole, fog machine and of course birthday cake!

Partying on the back deck.

Susan, Diana, Jennifer, Leo and Nick

Bill on the pole, pretty sure this is not how you're supposed to use it.

I'm really sure Gerry and Richard aren't using it right either.

No-pony-tail Richard and Chris

Laser lights on our hair

Surprised the camera captured the funky laser lights

Happy Birthday Diana

Dirty Girl all lit up

All work and no play makes for a dull "vacation"

No rest for the wicked never rang truer. Since Ramblynn has returned with all the "stuff" needed for the powerboat it's been non-stop work.

Brush trimming to deter varmints from jumping onto the boat and making lines easier to tie

Installing an awning for shade and rain

Reinstalling bimini

Yes, it's me working outside, a break from constant cleaning inside.

Unscheduled fix - drinking water pump failed

Taking a well earned break from polishing and cleaning

Wasn't all work, had to take some time off or there would have been a mutiny and Chris and Les might never come back.

Soaking up the laid back Bahamian ambience

Hitchhiking tree frog

Crab - refused to get off the coral fan. I think he was frozen in fear.

Horseshoes on the beach