Mike and Brenda on "Velsignet"

A staff guy from the Stock Island Marina Village knocked on the boat, "Are  you the owners of the Subaru and trailer that's parked on the pier?  We don't allow trailers on the pier and we're going to need you to move it." This past week has us in "moving mode."  We flew out of Key West last Thursday for Indianapolis and arrived back in Key West in our Subaru Outback and enclosed trailer on Sunday evening.  By the end of today, we had the furniture swapped out, the guest bedroom in original order (twin bed was re-installed), and most of our personal belongings in boxes already loaded in the trailer or car.  Tomorrow, Wednesday, we begin the process of washing down Velsignet and getting her ship-shape for her new owner, Ang (Angela) Lovin. The closing of our boat sale is scheduled for Thursday, February 27th.  Ang will arrive at the marina before noon.  We will sign and notarize necessary documents and take care of the banking aspects.  Mike an...

Arriving 20 minutes early, we were the first to enter the plain sanctuary of Trinity Presbyterian Church in old town Key West for yesterday's 11 am Sunday worship service.  As a sparce number of congregants were arriving, we were warmly greeted and welcomed by Rev. Denise McLeod.  The service was a memorable one for several reasons:  (1)  Other than the 6 white visitors, all others were black; (2) All art and every music selection sung or played reflected black culture or artists; (3) The "Time with Young Disciples" message to the children:  Know where you come from, be proud to be black, and make something good of your life; (4) The preaching (based on Exodus 20:1-7):  Many voices compete for our attention in this world.  Hear what God is telling you.  Know that God's love is a jealous love for his children and He will hold on tightly to us as we strive to listen to his voice amidst the noises that surround us.   As we left the chu...

The wind was a problem.  Our "marriage savers" headsets were on the blink (Brenda's needed charging).  We had three extra persons on board distracting us.  And so it was not surprising that Velsignet's sideways entrance into the boatyard's alley towards the "sling" (which would haul the Mainship completely out of the water) required all hands on deck (and a bit of shouting) to get her in straight.   Later, with the hull inspection completed, Brenda informed the boatyard hands that because of the wind, the boat was to be walked to the end of the pier for easier exit out of the bay.  "Oh...and thank you for your help in getting her into the sling.  It wasn't a pretty entrance," Brenda added.  The boatyard guy's response:  "No problem.  We've seen worse!" Al has been a NAMS surveyor for more than 28 years. (NAMS is an acronym for National Association of Marine Surveyors.  A NAMS surveyor is experienced and has specific k...

The restaurant hostess at the Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West shook her head at Brenda.  "We can't allow any dogs that are not service animals to be in the restaurant area.  Is he a service animal?"  Brenda thought a second and replied honestly, "No.  He isn't."  So Brenda and Mike with Deb and John and their little chihuahua pooch named "Cheeto" searched (and found) a table outside in the bar area.  Cheeto (we learned), despite his diminutive presence and impeccable behavior, is used to being a "bar stool" dog! Today is cloudy with bouts of rain, a good day to slow down and stay close to "home."  Our first week in Key West has been full:  Hemingway's Home, Truman's "Little White House,"  The Butterfly Museum and Conservatory, checking out the local fare, bike rides to and fro, boat projects ("to do's" we want to get done for the next owner), business tasks, and nightly card games. ...