Hi everyone!

Sorry it's been sooooo long since we have updated our blog. I really don't have a good excuse, but could probably come up with one if I had to!

The weather has been extremely humid and hot with temperatures in the low 90's and the humidity in the 70's. We put an air conditioner on our boat in the companion way (which is where you walk down the ladder into the boat) to help keep it cool. The only trick now is learning how to straddle the unit as you are climbing over it and getting your feet on the small steps of the ladder. Steve moves the unit away from the opening for Skylar so she had jump down. When she needs to get out, he carries her up 5 steps and over the unit. Skylar is very patient with Steve and "trust" him with her life!!! I've had to do it a couple of times when Steve was "offshore" sailing. Skylar lets me pick her up, but has a lot more concern about my abilities (which she should since I can hardly pick her up) of getting her safely over all the obstacles!

Since our last blog entry, Skylar almost got us kicked out of the marina (she was tied up and barked one time at the manager), I went to Louisana with Carolyn (a friend from another boat here in the marina) for 5 days to experience the "cajun culture", we experienced a couple of natucial flea markets in Texas, we have been doing a lot of sailing practice in the bay, and Steve helpled a fellow sailor bring his new 38' Morgan Sailboat from Kemeh, Texas to Serendipity OVERNIGHT on the GULF OF MEXICO last weekend!!!! I was sooooo proud of him!!!

Steve and I are HOPING to leave Serendipity Bay Resort by the end of July or the first of August and head east towards Florida. Now that Steve has two days of "offshore" experience, I think he thinks we will go offshore for part of our trip. The plan is to sail only during the day since he knows that I will "freak out" if I get to scared sailing at night!!!! Smart man! We will plan our day trips to start at dawn and be at a marina or safe place to anchor by dusk. We are going to start to practice anchoring in the bay. We may even stay overnight if the winds are mild. I'll keep you posted on that one!

Our grandson, Elliott is doing great!!! He is now 11 weeks old and I think looks just like his daddy! He's a big boy, weighing 13 lbs 2 ozs. I miss him a lot, but Dana sends us great pictures and lets us hear him "talk" on the phone. He is starting swimming lessons this Friday, so he will be able to come see us on the boat next year!!!!

I don't know if I had mentioned this before, but the cruising life is a very social culture. There are a lot of social gatherings weekly and sometimes we just like to "hide" in our boat...it will be fun to meet new people during our travels.

Living on the boat has now become more "normal" for me and I feel much more confident and comfortable doing so. I don't jump or freak out if I hear something strange or the boat is rocking and rolling in the slip (like it is today). Sailing is also going better for me. I'm not as nervous when the boat heals (leans over) since I understand more now how things work. I feel that I have come a VERY LONG WAY....it just took me longer than I thought it would. Oh well....better late than never :)

We hope you and your families are all doing well. Have a great summer, stay healthy and be safe. We miss you all very much!

Steve, Pam, and Skylar