FBG get's a little TLC

Even though we've been bogged down with land based responsiblities and haven't had the opportunity to spend any time with our girl, she hasn't been neglected too bad.  

She has lots of friends that come to see her routinely; she has a particular fondness for Bridgette and Andy Robinson from Stem to Stern.  They make sure she stays clean and waxed (she looks at it like having a good massage)  and Andy pays particular attention to her botttom, so I think she has a thing for him :)  

They also dedcided it was time to have her teak redone; she was so proud she wanted me to share these photo's with you. 

She's also had a visit from Captain's Chris and Alysse Caldwell (our friends, instructor's and dock neighbors).  They came over to flip her in her slip so Bridgette and Andy could get to the teak on the port side.   While on board it's their SOP (standard operating proceedure) to run her systems and do an overall check.

Her buddy Dave Arnold has been to see her numerous times.  He's worked on her windlass, davit, and performed all routine maintenance.   Dave is a lifesaver and a great caregiver - I'm so thankfull and blessed that she has such good people that I feel confident are taking good care of her in our absence.

It won't be long baby girl, we'll be there soon!



Land Based Responsiblities - AKA Ball and Chain

As you may have noticed, we haven't posted since May of last year.  We returned from the most wonderful 6 week trip through the Abacos and Exumas to complete chaos.   Let's just say the fit had hit the shan..... 

While cruising,  a  polybeutelyne plumbing pipe had burst in our home.  The culprit was in the ceiling of the main level of the house, which sent water cascading throughout the main level and down to the basement.   We have no idea how long the water ran, but thank goodness one of our boys stopped by to check on the house.  He discovered the flood, and took immediate action.

We've spent the last 8 months fighting with our insurance company ( who is NOT a good neighbor!)  and only after hiring an attorney and the involvement of the Insurance Commissioner we finally received an acceptable settlement.   

Due to the fact we're a commercial interior contractor, it only made sense for us to do the work ourselves.   This enabled us to complete the job for much less than if we would have contracted it out,  and gave us extra money to renovate the remaining areas of the house that weren't affected by the flood.

The problem is that we are still actively employed which didn't leave a lot of time to dedicate to our own project.   We are fortunate that we were already living on our GA boat when the flood took place, so we weren't really displaced from our home (just our furniture and personal possessions were displaced)  We've spent a couple of hours everyday as well as most weekends working on the house.   I'm elated to say that eight months later we are 99% complete and have a "better than new" house - however, by the same token I'm saddened because we've neglected Fat Bottom Girl and ourselves.....

We should be able to move our displaced furniture back in in about a week.  It's our plan to stage the house and not clutter it with personal items, as it will immediately be put on the market.   I know, it's probably the worst time to try and sell, but it's our goal to eliminate all of our "Land Based Responsibilities" as soon as possible so we can get that much closer to our goal of full time cruising.  YAY!