You might be a cruiser if...

There is a growing number of us who live FULL time on our boats.  Some are on power boats, sailboats, trawlers, and mega yachts.  If you've read this blog before, you know we're on a sailboat... So, I was waiting for my laundry yesterday, and I saw this VERY clean couple walk by.  And I thought to myself, "...there is no way in hell they are full time on their boat... their clothes have no stains!".  Then I thought that there must be signs to tell if someone if a FULL TIME live aboard...  

This is what I came up with...

First things first... your clothes have some sort of STAIN on them.  These clothes have been treated with every possible trick under the sun, and yet there are still spots of rust, grease stains, or just a general tear.

You place almost everything you own in a plastic bag.  Space bags, and air tight tubs become a part of life.  And it makes you happy.

You're not sure what day of the week it is... Seriously, it's unbelievable how you lose track of the days!

If someone asks for your address, you honestly cannot give them an answer.  OR you give them your parents address since have lived in the same house since 1971 and aren't moving anytime soon.

Going to West Marine is like Disneyland.

Getting new line is better than Christmas!

The majority of storage is for spare parts and tools.

You sit down with a total stranger in a restaurant and start chatting.  Especially if their clothes have STAINS on them!!

You're cold when it's 75 outside, and frantically looking for something that has long sleeves!




So, I hope you all got a good laugh at this... However funny, it's the truth!

Feng Shui

The first house we ever lived in, I had a "Feng Shui" expert come in and  do a walk through our house.  She gave me advise as to where to move furniture, paint colors, prisms placements, getting rid of dried flowers... It was very interesting and peaceful once I had made the changes she suggested.  Feng Shui, in English means "wind-water".  So, the other day I thought that maybe Marionette needed some 'balancing'.  I started searching for ideas to "Feng Shui Your Boat".  I didn't have much success!  But I did learn a few more things.  Keep things clean, organized, and NO clutter allowed!  A healthy pet is good chi ( energy ) for any place you live.  Have one red something.  Mine is a tassel from China that was a gift from my brother-in-law.  I also have several prisms.  Don't forget that your prisms should not have any cracks or chips in them. 

Here's a few tips!


Keep the kitchen well stocked with food. When we have our cupboards filled with food, we feel more abundant.


Keep brooms and mops out of sight; preferably upside down. This keeps intruders out and prevent from the family's livelihood from being swept away.


Clean out your closets and drawers. Give away, sell or throw away anything that you not longer use or no longer like.


Playing calming music like ocean waves, forest sounds or rain falling to soothe a stressful working or home environment.

Add mirrors to increase the size of a small room. You will create a feeling of more space and also endless opportunities. Remember to NOT face one while you're sleeping!

Always open your bedroom windows at least once 20 minutes a day to allow fresh chi to come in, we do this so that it allows fresh new chi from outside to come into your bedroom, if not you will be sleeping with stale chi every night. And if that happens, then how can you expect your life to bring in more good fortune to come to you? So open that window and never mind if dusts comes in! The great good fortune that you can have will far exceeds the time you take to clean off the dust. 



Now, I'm sure some of you are getting a good laugh, or an eye roll, but Feng Shui can be fun, and really, who's it going to hurt?

How great would it be to FEEL as good as this looks?

Larimar...

 I'm not a big jewelry person. But I have to say after spending some time here in the Dominican Republic, I've come to appreciate the beauty of larimar. It's only found here the Dominican Republic, which makes one more reason why this place is so special. I've seen it mostly made into fine pieces of jewelry. And no two pieces are the same! The colors vary from white, light blue, blue-green, and a deep blue. If you get lucky enough to take a trip here, check out some of the local markets for some great items to bring home as a gift or a treat for yourself. 

Shoes...

I've never been one of those girls that were "into shoes".  Now, Levi jeans is another story, perhaps for another day!  Most of the time we don't wear any shoes at all.  Barefoot is fine while you're just chilling.  However, when you're out sailing you really should have some protection for your feet.  Our boat, "Marionette" has all sorts of things for someone to stub their toes on, slip, or trip over!  What I like are my "Sperry" boat shoes and my slip-on, no lace Sketchers.  Good boat shoes are really a must.  Go for the darker colors, they show less dirt and scuff marks.  The Sketchers can be thrown in the wash, so I have a pair of white ones.  Besides white can be worn after Labor Day in the tropics!  I do have a pair or two of flip-flops.  They're cheap, easy to wash off, and quick to dry.  But they are NOT your friend.  I can't tell you how many times I've slipped, tripped, and nearly fallen  flat on my butt or face!  Protect your feet and face, and buy some 'good' shoes!!

Happy Birthday Brett!!



Brett's first birthday!!

His all time favorite... MEXICAN food

Horseback riding lessons

Wanting to take a moment and wish my son a very happy 22nd birthday!  If you were here Brett, I'd buy you a bottle of rum!!  There was a time that I thought you'd never grow up... only because I thought of killing you!!  LOL!  I hope you have a great day my special son!  I love you so much!!

Brett and I hiking in Costa Rica

He got his mom's hair

First Easter

Brett hiking at Yellowstone Nat'l Park

Rice 'n Beans...

This comes from my dear friend Linda on S/V Troubadour... I hope she doesn't mind that I posted this!  It's so yummy, I must share it!

RICE n BEANS!!!


1 tin of beans ( black or red ) 15 oz size
2 cups of water
1 ( or two ) bouillon cubes ( chicken or vegetable flavor )
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder ( I use a bit more because I like it spicy )
1 teaspoon cumin
1 small onion ( diced )
3 cloves of garlic ( peeled and chopped ) I like garlic, you can add less if you want
1 cup of white rice ( uncooked )
2 Tablespoons olive oil


Drain and rise beans
Mix water and spices in a bowl
Saute' onions and garlic with olive oil
add rice to garlic and onion mix stir about 3 minutes
( I use a sauce pan to saute' the onions & garlic so I can add the rest of the ingredience, then only using ONE pan!! )


Add water & spice mix with rice and bring to a boil
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes ( no peeking! )
Stir in beans and serve hot


This is a  typical Caribbean side dish.  You can add just about anything to it!  More veggies, such as steamed carrots or corn.  Mix with cooked chicken or sausage if you so desire.  Or use as a MAIN DISH!  It's pretty simple and clean up isn't too bad...

Off to the beach...

Marrs checking to see if anyone will notice if he jumps in!

Near Johnny Depps' private island, Staniel Cay

Costa Rica

Spanish Wells

When I lived in Seattle, going to the beach was about a twice a year event. And that's it! If you've never been to Seattle, the summer months last about 3 days! So, when we first hit the Caribbean, I was in SHOCK! Sunshine, WARM water, white sand... absolutely breathtaking! I try not to miss one day without heading to the beach. It's never far away, no matter where we are! But along with those beautiful beaches, comes some serious FRIGHTENING WEATHER! And here I thought Seattle was bad!

Hurricane Irene from the North Coast of the Dominican Republic 2011