Random happenings since last post

I just realized it's been way too long since my last entry. So, here's what's been happening.

After returning from Portland, my Aunt was in Tampa for scheduled surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. The surgery went well, but she wasn't progressing as quickly as everyone anticipated. As expected, her speech, memory and a coordination have been affected. So, she spent a few extra days in ICU and 'graduated' to a regular room after nearly a week post-surgery. But, I'm thrilled to report that she has regained a lot of her speech and is working with a PT for the coordination, etc. Not sure when she will be going home, but I'm sure she and Uncle Bill hope it will be soon. While the circumstances weren't the best, I enjoyed spending time with my Uncle (my mom's brother), talking about family history and listening to his wonderful stories from his past.

On March 14th, we stopped in Winter Haven to get Frank's mom and take a little road trip to DelRay Beach for Ray's (Frank's baby brother) 60th birthday party. What a shindig! Those Jones' know how to throw a party and no detail was left out. It was a lot of fun to see people we haven't seen in a while, meet new friends and enjoy the time with Frank's family.



We zipped back to Tampa to get the boat and other worldly possessions as we've been planning to spend the next few months at the 'fish camp' in Stuart. Thankfully we've got a fantastic house manager, works cheap, and does a great job. After an uneventful drive across the state, we got the Nauti Nole in the water and nestled in her slip. I did a rain dance, hoping Mother Nature would take care of all the green pollen that had accumulated on the boat. Sure enough, it rained, but unfortunately not hard enough to leave it sparkling clean. So, the Clean Team (of one) went to work getting things scrubbed, organized and ready for fishing.



And to top things off, the weather has been extremely uncooperative (winds 15-25 knots, seas from 4-11 feet) so we've found other things to do. Like create photo books for our recent trips, find a replacement for the BDT (Big Damn Truck)*, monitor FSU basketball and baseball, and rearrange closets and drawers.

*When we were in Panama, we were driven around in an Excursion (which is basically an SUV based on the BDT). Frank was so inspired that he immediately started his research. Would be a bit more comfortable for longer trips, would still pull the boat and accommodate all our tailgate needs. He found a few throughout the country and had his 'brother from another mother', Rick, check one out in Amelia. Well, low and behold, one that he had originally found was back on the market and close by in Pompano. So now we have "The Beast" (because while it is the size of a bus, we don't haul kids, and Excursion is too long of a word).

It now needs to be 'Frank-erized' with all the appropriate accoutrements and garnet finishes.

We are very anxious to start fishing, but guess we'll have to be patient a few more days. :o)