The past week was so hot…how hot was it? Hot enough, I spent the night on Thistle’s deck. I’ve taken naps on deck but this was a first!
We arrived in Branford, Connecticut on Friday to spend a few days with Eric, Sawyer and Elo (Eric’s wife and new puppy). Initially we thought we would stay on the boat, but the a/c was too inviting. We had a great visit then a sail to Westbrook, Ct. on Wednesday.
We managed to see “Yesterday” at the theater. It’s worth your time and money!!
Since we are short on sailing tales, we decided to share some of the challenges of living on a boat. Grocery shopping has been an adventure. We have purchased more food from 7/11 type stores the past 5 weeks than in 38 years of marriage. In Pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack wants to know “why is the rum always gone” its because there are no liquor stores within walking distance of the waterfront! Total strangers have offered us rides to the boat after watching us carry several bags in 90 degree heat. Before purchasing an item, I now consider the weight. When mooring out, you load everything into the dingy then put it on the boat before putting it away. Much easier to jump in the car and run to Krogers!
Grocery shopping in Branford,Ct.
I used to have a huge walk in closet. I now have a cupboard and a few things in a hanging locker. My clothes currently would fill one Rubbermaid container. Not the size with wheels! The saying still holds, I wear 20% of my clothes 80% of the time.
If I see a laundry mat close by, I always do laundry! One marina advertised a laundry and when I went to use the washer and it was still full of water from the previous year. Needless to say, I took an Uber! I’ve walked as far as a mile each way to get the job done.
Sailing to Branford!
Eric found a Super Cut before we entered the Erie Canal. I wasn’t sure about getting my haircut there. Thankfully, Eric’s hair will grow back. Eric took a picture through the port hole of me. I found a salon in Oyster Bay for a haircut and color immediately after that.
I faithfully wear my FitBit and try to get a minimum of 10,000 steps. This past weekend exercise was a lot more fun with Elo. We went hiking and walked through town. Normally, I have resorted to walking up and down a dock or the boat to meet my target.
Just finished a baby blanket, so hopefully I will be reading more.
Harlan Coben. Don’t Let Go 4 out of 5
Enjoy the week! We are headed to Mystic Seaport and Mustard’s Retreats concert.
Trading Up in 2019 
You’ve left me feeling like RVing is easy street! The laundry is an issue because it can be so heavy— and groceries! 😳😬 Cheers to you two- we think of you often and look forward to your updates ❤️ Kristine
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I think of you guys also. We are still having fun.
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The blanket is gorgeous!! Hope you are having fun, enjoy the ac when you can!!
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Love hearing from you. Brings back so many great memories. Gorgeous blanket!
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I hope you are doing well. Miss you and elk rapids.
Love s
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Beautiful blanket. Do you make the blankets with someone in mind or do you just like to have a supply on hand for gifts? We didn’t see a photo of your yarn stash though! Lol!
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My stash of yarn is vacuumed backed and in a deep cupboard. Only found one knitting store since we’ve been gone. One man at the laundry mat said. I didn’t know people did that any more? What? Knit?
Blanket is for friends first grandbaby. I had a stash of items for gifts sometimes I give them away.
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Karen, have you ever seen the washing machine for off-the-grid folks? We laughed about it for camping. The cost at laundry Mats is kind of shocking?https://youtu.be/riqYz2WEfRQ
Sadly there is no off the grid dryer but you could hang your unmentionables next to the sail! Lol
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I’ve thought about getting a bucket with a lid and pulling behind the boat
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Great to hear from you. Loved hearing the challenges of daily living. That’s amazing that the 20/80 rule still applies. At least your cubby hole is neat. Fantastic you get to hear Mustards Retreat. It may be David and Libby— Michaels girlfriend had a brain tumor so he has just been playing local gigs. Although I don’t know how she’s doing, she was at a concert in Livonia last month when we saw them. Happy sails to you!!
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We are looking forward to seeing them. We had heard about Michael’s girlfriend. Sad, nice he is there for her. We are New London a little early since we arrived today.
I was shocked the 20% rule is still true. Amazing. I will be home in September.
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I have been admiring your knitted blanket all week and then- lo and behold it shows up on my porch!!! Thank you very much! I am looking forward to snuggling my grand baby in your blanket! I hope Rich helped Eric with his generator problem. You can only eat canned food for so long😩
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We are rooting for a healthy baby not a boy! The blanket should be washed since it was made on the boat. I didn’t want to do it at a laundry mat.
I included the directions for the yarn. Gentle or delicate cycle on cold. Lay it out on a towel to dry.
Here’s to many hours of cuddling and reading.
Rich has been a lifesaver. Hopefully tomorrow we can turn the frig back on.
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