Plans are written in the sand...right?

Many of you know that Frank Ballard, Christy's step-father and loving husband to her Mom for 32 years passed away very suddenly from a massive heart attack on February 29th. Everything happens for a reason, right? We were planning a retirement/birthday party on the boat Friday, February 26th because that day was Christy's last day of work and George's 62nd birthday! It was impromptu and actually an idea of a neighboring boat, very kind Cathy. We got the call at 3pm that Frank was in the hospital and things were looking grave. We jumped in the car and drove all night and we're so glad we did. Needless to say, it's been a very challenging month with arrangements and Christy's Mom trying to adjust to the shock of it all. Again, life is all the way it's supposed to be right? So, although we're disappointed about not being able to start our life of cruising and heading to the Bahamas - we are very happy that we're able to help Mom get settled with her next stage in life. So the new plan is to start full time cruising in July with a trip around the Keys. We should be there for lobster season, do some diving, and hopefully make it over to the Dry Tortugas. Then we'll head up the east coast and see how far we get - maybe Virginia to visit with grandkids in late summer! November will be our new goal to head over to the "islands" - probably stay about six months.

It was nice to have all the sisters together, plus my niece Ally!

Great hiking all around Mom's house in the mountains!