Gearing back to Independence

OK
Responding to requests for updated posts (do I still remember how to do this?), here's an attempt to catch up.

It is important to acknowledge the significance and fulfillment of our land-based, seasonal existence in our magnificently beautiful and relatively unspoiled North Fork home.  The roots Paul and I have put down here the past close to 40 years have fed a lasting network of wonderful friends, neighbors and colleagues.  Returning to our "real home" is always a rewarding and anticipated reunion.

This past summer we have enjoyed the company of old friends, and played host to family members and friends from afar.  As far as relationships go, "our cup runneth over".  My beloved partner, and truest companion honored me in June with a surprise party hosting a fraction of those amazing friends in one place at one time-- mind numbing!

There were weddings, as far afield as Los Angeles, and short visits to Block Island, Boston, New York and Lenox.  A brilliant summer!

Then, the season of change-- beautiful Autumn in the Northeast, leads us to organizing, packing, closing up house, winterizing, and focusing on maintenance and repairs on our winter home, Independence.

It is difficult to say goodbye to beautiful, mornings like this.

But, then, we arrive to sunsets like this.

So, Independence is once again, in the water at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart, Florida.  We are well into the provisioning process.  (one day I will remember to photograph the chaos that is the boxes and bags of non-perishables finding their way into every nook and cranny that will hold them).

Our "Cruising Friends", yet another treasure-trove of loving relationships, are all gathering in the general vicinity processing the exact same tasks that we are--  engines tuned & oiled, water-makers checked and primed, hinges, paint, varnish, canvas, any general repair work.  And, of course, provisioning.

So till the next gathering, and update-- hope your Halloween was spooky and sweet!  Boo!