Tropical Storm Debby

Even though the storm was never very close to us (thank goodness) the storm surge and higher than normal tides were amazing.  We've had about 7 inches of rain here in the Punta Gorda area which was enough to flood many streets in the down town area. 

The fixed docks here in Burnt Store Marina were underwater.

High water and an Island Packet

 Step up out of the water!

Sea Trial

I spent part of the day in Palmetto, Florida (Massey Yacht Sales) so that I could handle the sea trial on a friends Island Packet 38 that has been sold.  We got everything turned on and headed out into the Manatee River.  There is a tropical depression out in the Gulf so that day was blustery and rain threatened.  We sailed, motored hard, played with things aboard all while the surveyor was taking notes and poking around on the boat.

The buyer is a young single mom currently living in Marathon who has plans to sail around the world in the next few years.  She has some work to do recommissioning the boat but once that is done she should be good to go.

I brought the boat back into the marina and the space was so tight that I could not get the boat into the slip bow in!  Backed up a bit and motored past the slip then started backing and covering working the boat in stern first.  Was really glad when we were tied up in the slip.

I head back up on Monday and will move the boat to Snead Island for a short haul so the surveyor can complete his work.

Medical Bills

As is the case every year when we return to Florida for the summer we have routine physicals and dental exams.  This year was no different and we (Lesley) are again dealing with the Doctors Offices/Billing Departments/and our Insurance Company.

As has been the case in previous years, even though we go in for "ROUTINE" physicals the resulting codes that are billed are off the chart, resulting in all kinds of denied claims, partial payments, and the most unusual diagnoses.

This year, the physicals were again  miscoded, and between the two of us we were overcharged $100 in co payments.  Not alot but how many people keep track of copays?

We've resolved several of the overcharges and are working on several more indicating major medical issues (Billing Dept Diagnoses - not Physician based).

If you have insurance, read the fine print and press for what you should pay.....  If not, heaven forbid - or move to Europe!

We are still working on the Dental claim, more to follow!

St Petersburg

We headed up to St Pete this morning to pick up some new rigging for the boat at Seco South.

We picked up two new upper shrouds, a main outhaul and main halyard, and new dinghy lift lines for our Kato Davits.

 
The old white lift lines were looking pretty bad so we had new ones made with the old thimbles spliced in.

We then headed across the Street to Island Packet Yachts where I picked up a few items for the boat.  Silpruf, stainless steel striker plates, trim rings for compartment latches, new hatch slides, and a couple of knobs for our port lights.

After leaving the Factory we stopped by Total Wine to pick up an order that they were holding for us then crossed back over to the East side of town to meet fellow owner Devin, IP-45 "Moosetracks".

We parked very close to the city marina then walked over to the Pub that Devin recommended - it was great, Moon Under Water.

We had a great lunch and a fun time talking with Devin and plan to get together with he and his wife later in the summer.

Dinner Delight!

We found a nice prime rib roast at the store so Lesley is experimenting tonight.  She has a recipe for a horse radish based rub with a variety of herbs and spices and then a pastry like shell covering.  We are going to have roasted asparagus, twice baked potatoes, an old vine Zinfandel and strawberry shortcake for desert.  Will post a few photos as we progress this evening with dinner but already it is smelling awesome.

Oh how I love to be a Guinea Pig.....

Greg and Kate's road trip

We've been following Greg and Kate in their land yacht as they explore out West.  One image that Greg posted was of Kate standing on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon - looked a lot like a spot where we stood back in 2006 when we visited so sent him an email with two photos.  Small world.

Lesley is making Thai Pork and a Thai soup for dinner tonight.  We have a bunch of Thai Basil that we planted and it sure makes a difference in foods.  I'm making Japanese "Sticky Rice" to go with dinner.

Still holding out for Kate's meatballs though!