Mike and Brenda on "Velsignet"

Two weeks ago we left Velsignet to spend Thanksgiving in Saint Paul, our home away from home.  While we are on break from the boat, Brad--the harbor master in Chattanooga, is watching over Velsignet.  Andrew, a boat mechanic, is in the process of repairing the heating/cooling system.  An electrician will take a look at the boat's electrical system.  In addition, Mirella--who reupholstered the cushions in the flybridge--is making improvements for us.  We are thankful for the time and talents of these people! How did you spend your Thanksgiving?  We enjoyed the day at the Stillwater home of Ron and Susan Stow, parents of our son-in-law, Jared.  Ron and Susan have warmly invited us to join in their family holidays on several occassions.  It's fun for us to catch-up with them, their children, and see how their 12 grandchildren--4 of whom are also  our grandchildren--have grown.  Something especially meaningful was when we all gathered in ...

Kati-Jane and Mike were in heavy discussion when I approached them.  We were in the art studio of Paul Murray, Kati-Jane's husband. Paul's drawings and paintings are captivating as they portray the spirit of folks who live deep in the Appalachians.  And so it was with surprise when I found Kati-Jane holding a quart canning jar filled with liquid (explaining how she gets it from hill folks they know and that she expected a "delivery" in just an hour's time), inviting Mike to "go ahead and drink from the jar; it'll kill any germs you leave on it."  While Brenda is pondering on what piece of art would fit into the Northwoods of Minnesota, Mike has already secured his own "delivery" of a quart of homemade distilled moonshine, "the good stuff" from the hills near the Great Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountain National Park--even after the peak of the fall colors--is breathtakingly beautiful.  It boasts all kinds of scenic views...

We're out of coffee grounds for tomorrow morning.  The Verizon tech guy is willing to come to "our house" to repair Brenda's cracked phone face.  We need new washers for a leaking bathroom faucet.  Our generator is due for an oil change.  I have birthday cards to mail.  After a shower, Brenda would like her curling iron heating while she blow dries her hair.  On our boat, these "little things" are now big deals! We're entering into our third week staying downtown Chattanooga, TN and it's great,.  We can walk to downtown sites and enjoy the walking and bike trails.  On the other hand, we've needed to adapt to a slower pace for accomplishing tasks.  We usually walk the round-trip total of 3 miles to pick up coffee and other groceries; we limit our purchases to what will fit in our two backpacks.  The closest hardware store is 2 miles away; we ride our bicycles and use our backpacks for these trips.  The Verizon guy will meet us at R...

Both Mike and Brenda had tears in their eyes by the end of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!," the opening hymn at the 11 am Sunday church service at Chattanooga's Second Presbyterian Church.  The accomplished musician used both feet and all fingers to play the organ such that congregants and choir members sang with bold conviction.  The entire sanctuary filled with His praises! It is our desire to attend church services each Sunday.  So it was our pleasure to be warmly welcomed by one of the church ushers, Steve, who proceeded to introduce us to several other members of the Second Presbyterian Church congregation.  Being familiar with the Presbyterian Church USA, the service brought back fond memories, the music pure joy, and the pastor's message inspiration.  And what hospitality we experienced!  We accepted the (several) invitations extended us for the luncheon following the service, and guess what?  We met Carol (usher Steve's wife) who in her ...

Chattanooga is abuzz with activity on the riverfront as preparations are being made for its annual "Head of the Hooch" rowing regatta (Where are you, my rowing friend, Joan Abe?). The Head of the Hooch is one of the world's largest rowing regattas; more than 2,000 boats will be rowing/racing on a 3.1 mile stretch on the Tennessee River tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.  The regatta began in 1982 on the Chattahooch River in Georgia, (thus, the "Hooch").  Because of its growth in popularity, the location was moved in 2005 to the more accommodating Chattanooga. Participants are here from all over the country (including rowing clubs with impressive names....Berkley, Vanderbilt, Baylor, William and Mary, Duke; and some with interesting names....Chinook Performance Racing, Beaver Creek Sculling, Club Nautico De San Juan).  Fit and focused young athletes are all over the place.  As I took a break from "boat projects" to walk and explore, I was awed amidst the t...