The weather has been perfect but we have been under an overcast sky today. The clouds would break just as Greg and I head into town in the dinghy to watch the Eagles game. Oh ….. the boat needs a good washing and the fresh water rinse is perfect. Greg and I walk into the sports bar soaking wet but quickly lose the jackets and warm up to the festive atmosphere of sports enthusiasts awaiting their team to appear on one of the 30 or better televisions lining the walls. We have a plan to pace our libations and food so that we can sit for the next three hours and not feel guilty. Actually as I write this I have to laugh because I purchased a large Pelligrino water is I think is a liter or 33.8 fluid ounces and by half time I ordered a second. I wash trying to flush out any of the “fried” or salty foods I would be getting at the bar. And boy was I swimming. Anyhow….the Eagles won which was great. John and Joanne joined us for the second half and as the game ended…….yep……the parade outside had begun.
With rain in the forecast for much of the day we were able to watch the first thirty minutes “dry”…..the second half would be spent under the awning of the bar we had just visited. I felt like it was a little unfair as the kids and adults in the parade with getting wet for our entertainment. Oh well…..life is just one big parade anyhow, right?
There was one interesting statistic that I picked up on and I hope it is not an omen of the world as it is today……..the number of Grinches in this parade out numbered the Santa’s. I hope everyone at this time of year is feeling their heart grow and full of love for family, friends and those in need. Tis the season! Let it continue beyond the “day” and carry it …..ALL YEAR LONG!
We had elected to stay Monday and made plans with our friend Bill Hipple to meet up with he and his lovely wife on Wednesday. So Tuesday we would depart for Lake Worth, West Palm Beach anchorage. Before departing we would spend Monday working on small projects and get together one last time with John and Joanne on No Limits. We shared a lovely dinner aboard Paradigm Shift and listened to Christmas carols as we watched the lightning across the Atlantic light up the sky.
We would say our farewells till after the holidays and then prepare for our trip to Lake Worth. We had already hoisted the dinghy but we needed to secure it and a few other things as we had planned for an early departure. What a great day to be on the water. Calm and warm enough that we could sit up on the fly bridge and steer from there.
We had an ETA of 2:30 and were right on target. We could see the shoreline that has become oh so familiar to us as we have stopped here I believe every year. We may have missed seeing Bill one year but there is nothing like catching up with an old high school buddy and talking “Eagles”, the old days, motorcycles, boating and even dogs. Yes, Bill has two yorkies as well, so this trip Cooper and Jaxon will be meeting Charlie and Pepper. This will be an interesting day!
