New Era!

In October, we had what was likely our last sail on Aevitas.

With more than a little regret, we have decided to become land dwellers. Aevitas is for sale and we have an offer. Fingers are crossed that it all goes well and she has adventures with a new family soon.

In October, we took Aevitas to the Annapolis Boat Show in hopes of finding a buyer.

Our trip to Annapolis was epic. We had another couple with us, Jill and Ben. They live in Hawaii and were on the East Coast to visit family and to check out Outbounds at the boat show. They were incredible shipmates. We had the right wind, and crew, to finally put out the spinnaker. We did more than 11 knots under sail!

Unfortunately, we had to cut our stay in Annapolis short due to incoming weather. We sailed overnight from Annapolis to Hampton. It was a great last sail. The wind was pushing us and the side curtains kept us warm. We made great time, which was a good thing, as Hurricane Melissa was on her way north and Hampton was due to get some major weather. We were worried that the rain, winds, full moon, and king tide would flood the lot where our car was parked.

We were tying up in our slip just as the rain started. Our car would definitely have been in the water had we not returned in time to move it.

Why are we giving up the sailing life, you ask? Well, lots of reasons. It is a very bittersweet kind of thing. Last fall we decided to rent a house in Hampton, VA. Dave's daughter came to stay with us. Three people, two cats and a dog seemed a bit much for sailboat living, and winter was coming. We decided to try "live on land, venture on the boat."

Well... we did not do much venturing on the boat. We were back and forth about going to the Bahamas last winter and ended up not going. We did a couple of short trips around the Chesapeake. We (Dave and I, not so much Sofie) loved many aspects of living on the boat: it is wonderful to be able to just go if you want. We liked being all self-contained and minimalist. We had memorable experiences, saw amazing places, and met fantastic people. Live-aboard folks are kind and generous; it is a very supportive community. The life requires you to be flexible, resourceful, and appreciative of nature's wonder (and power - humans are definitely not in control).

It was much more comfortable being on land last winter compared to the previous winter on the boat. We liked not being cooped up in the boat when the weather was bad and dealing with all the moisture that accumulates in enclosed spaces in humid climates. We enjoyed listening to music on the "super speakers" and sleeping in a super comfortable bed. The convenience of lots of hot water for showers, and easy access to a washer and dryer was also a plus. I did a lot of painting, including a few larger pieces since I had my big easel back!

I call this one "Over Easy."

As many of you know, or would likely guess, I am unapologetically liberal. I was disheartened (to say the least) by the 2024 election results. Painting helped me process all that angst.

I don't usually feel this about my paintings, but I love this painting. Just looking at it makes me feel better. It reminds me that, as MLK, Jr. said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." I believe that to be true. I think the backlash to "woke" unleashed cruelty with a zealousness that is unfathomable. I don't believe the true American spirit is that shallow or that self-absorbed. Talk about a pendulum swing! UGH!

Poppies symbolize many things: peace, loyalty, sleep, death. While painting this, I focused on the classical mythology meaning of a bright red poppy: resurrection. "Peace Poppy" is my visual ode to the liberal spirit and its noble return.

Not only are we giving up the boat life, we have also relocated...

While on an extended "friends and family" visit in the summer, I realized that I deeply missed my people and the West Coast aesthetic of expansive vistas and rugged mountains. I made some wonderful friends in Virginia and there are many things I love about the East Coast. But, I am, at heart, a West Coast gal. Dave, the Best Husband in the Universe, agreed to move to Oregon!

Now, we are nearing the end of 2025, and we are in a new place, a new home, and ready for new experiences.

It was kind of a crazy process, 'cuz that is how we roll. With crossed fingers that our rental house would have new tenants before the end of our lease and that our boat would sell, we bought a house in Medford, Oregon.

On October 18, we loaded up the car and drove west.

We didn't dawdle. But, I'd be up for a return trip to Frankfurt, Kentucky and Lincoln, Nebraska. Both seemed like interesting places to spend some time.

So far, we love our new home!

The dog no longer has to worry about boat journeys. We are still planning to travel a lot, just not by boat.

I am so very grateful for my boat life experience. I have zero regrets about any of our decisions.

Now for the next era: grandparenting!