Clean Boat - Celebrate Lindey

I was up near 730am to another sunny, warm morning. The house was quiet. Jacob and his two overnight guests were scattered in his room and the guest room. I started coffee then stepped out on the deck for a few to drink in the early sunshine and check out the watering pattern left behind by the irrigation system. I could tell that the pop-up heads I freed the evening before popped up on demand just like they’re supposed to.

Enjoyed coffee and internet for an hour or so. Readied for a run around 830am. Ran three miles. Finished my run just after 9am. Shortly thereafter I walked the pug. On our walk back to the house, Lori, Tyler’s mom, and neighbor Pat’s former sister-in-law, pulled up to pick-up Tyler. We chatted briefly while waiting for Tyler to come out. He thanked me for our hospitality.

Mindy was up and downstairs shortly after the pug and I headed back inside. A bit later, Bella was up. She clarified if her grounding was complete. Yes. The day’s plans included a trip to Jodie & Larry’s to celebrate Lindey’s 24th b-day at 4pm. Before then, I had already decided that I was going to spend my cycles prepping the boat for the season. I calmly readied the Pilot for boat pick-up, installing the hitch and making sure I had the trailer plug ready. I also made sure that I took the Accord key ring, since it includes the boat building key. I should really have an extra made for Mindy’s key ring.

The new stone and metal security gate at boat storage looks really nice. Updated the security system last year, too. I was a tad worried that I’d forgotten my access code but got in on the 2nd try. Our boat was towards the rear of the boat building and with lots of wiggle room to get in and out. I was back home with the boat in less than a half an hour.

Before getting started with the prep, I unloaded my keys and pockets and readied the car wash bucket for the initial cleaning. However, before washing the boat, I wanted to get it running first. I connected the battery as well as the water muffs. Took 5 or 6 cranks to get it fired up but not too bad considering it sat all winter and was fogged and winterized. I let it run for 20 minutes or so, and put it through a few forward and reverse transitions. No problems.

Time for a good scrubbing. Didn’t take long, at least the exterior, and it wasn’t really that dirty. It wasn’t that dirty inside either, but we hadn’t cleaned or used it since the day before we left for David and Anita’s place last July. I took the time to clean the interior really well this year. I’ll bet I spent a good 90 minutes cleaning the cushions, the vinyl panels and then the carpet. Used Amor-All wipes to clean the seats and then leather conditioning wipes afterwards. Had ‘em looking really nice once that was done. This is the boat’s 24th season and while there are some features that are showing their age, the boat still looks pretty doggone good. I got good and warm cleaning the inside of the boat. In fact, I got so warm that I removed my running shirt. Finished bareback! And as a result, I got a little too much sun on my white skin.

After finishing the interior, decided to invest the time in a good marine wax job, which is something we didn’t do last year, or for that matter even the year before when we didn’t use the boat even once. If nothing else, a good waxing makes the after boating wipe down much easier – the brown water stains come off with next to no muscle power. Mindy came out to give me a time check around 3pm and to clarify our departure plan. Because we wanted to stop at the Flower Factory on our way to Jodie and Larry’s, she suggested we leave by 330pm. I finished the last couple sections of the waxing then headed inside for a much needed shower. The boat was lookin’ sweet! Figured I would take it back to storage later that evening.

Showered and ready to go within about 20 minutes. We left the house near 340pm. The kids weren’t too enamored with our stop at the Flower Factory but Mindy and I didn’t really care. There, we wanted to pick-up a couple gifts for David and Anita. Mindy warned that they move things around in there all the time. We had to look around for the items we wanted, but we found them all. I picked up a few things for our own garden as well. Can’t beat their prices, and they have some pretty cool stuff.

Arrived at Jodie & Larry’s still pretty close to4pm, and certainly no later than 410pm. Most were already there, and most outside on the back patio with is half covered, half in the sunshine. Before even stepping outside to greet everyone I poured myself a glass of lemonade. Jodie’s lemonade is always incredibly good, and I’m sure the fact that I was crazy thirsty didn’t hurt.

Relaxed on the shaded patio in one of two rocking chairs for a spit while Larry grilled. I made sure to offer any help they might need, but neither Larry or Jodie needed it. Pretty sure they all family members were there and accounted for. No one AWOL for this gathering. The sun felt even hotter than it did while working on the boat. Everybody was seeking the shade. I eventually caved and went for the beer cooler enjoying a bottled black lager.

I was really hungry, too, having eaten only a chicken wrap earlier around noon. I had hot dog and lots of yummy sides, including corn pudding and pasta salad. Played a game of cornhole. Jacob and I were partners and lost big to Larry and Lindey. I was happy to lose and get out of the direct sunshine.:) We hung out with the fam until 630pm or so. Jacob was chomping at the bit to get home. Not really sure why. It’s not like he had big plans. His overnight pool party at Tyler’s got canceled. Mindy and I guessed that Tyler did something to piss off his mom.

At home, once everyone was settled, I took the boat back to the storage. I was a bit taken back when I raised the boat building door to find all the slots taken – no place for my boat. Not sure how that happened. But even though there were twice as many boats in there as compared to earlier when I picked it up, there would’ve been room had some folks not used the space so poorly. I had no choice but to leave my boat out in the aisle. It was either that or taking the time to move other peoples boats around, and I wasn’t going to do that.

I called and left Ed, the owner/manager, a message letting him know the predicament. I didn’t figure it warranted an emergency call to his cell phone. Back home I’m guessing close to 8pm. Mindy and I took Eiknarf on perhaps the longest walk of her life around the subdivision. I’m guessing maybe a mile. Anyway, by the last ¼ mile she was snorting and wheezing. Hell, it made my chest hurt! Once home she sprawled out on the cold white tile. I topped off her water bowl, which she enjoyed a bit later. Frankly, I was surprised she didn’t go for the water right away.

Was feeling a little stress for the upcoming work week. That’s just how I am wired. Really nothing to stress over. I did have an eye appointment set up for 1115am with Dr. Julie but I don’t think that was stressing me. I had an insatiable taste for ice water and must’ve drank three or four glasses before heading to bed. Bella wanted to lie with Mindy and I for a while. Ironically, she asked how I quiet my mind so I can sleep. I say ironically because I as tired as I initially felt, I was having trouble falling asleep too. I gave her the spiel about positive self-talk because a lot of time it does truly work for me. At any rate, I didn’t lie there long before getting back up and heading downstairs where I spent time online while enjoying two bowls of shredded wheat. Come 1115pm I headed back to bed sufficiently tired and ready for sleep.