January 2021 in Fort Pierce

     January has been a very interesting month. We have had some pretty awesome weather days. Temps in the mid 70’s, breezes in the 10-15 range, and fluffy clouds. Great reason to spend winters in Florida. However, there have also been so cool to downright cold days with winds in the 25-30 mph range that have made it a bit more challenging as far as “shorts' weather.” Here in Florida, not only do we have, “storm” warnings, “high winds” warnings, “heavy precipitation/thunderstorm” warnings, “possible freeze” warnings, but we also have “high surf and rip current” warnings. The most unusual warning, but very real, is the “falling iguana” warning. I joke you not! Apparently when the temperatures drop into the 30’s, the iguanas go into a hibernation while up on branches, become unconscious, relax muscles and fall. With the cooler temperatures, more manatees can be seen in the creek leading up to the Manatee Center in the morning. Thought there is no more power station to heat the water in the creek, the water must be warmer than the open areas of water with currents from the inlet. We have to be more vigilant in spotting them as they usually just pop their noses out of the water and sometimes, we catch a flattening on the surface where the back rises as the head submerges.

Dolphins

     I love seeing dolphins in the marina. Last Sunday, I was just climbing onboard, when I saw a dolphin about 15 feet away from the boat, get completed airborne with a mullet in its mouth! (Too amazed to think of taking a photo!) A smaller dolphin traveled with her. They continued to fish near the boat, but no more aerial displays. The channel cats and the sheep’s head fish can be seen along the bulkheads and pilings when the current is right. We also caught site of snook resting among the rocks, probably after his breakfast. Rumor was confirmed by two of our dock mates who saw a goliath grouper near the dock by his boat. The fisherman around here say that they don’t usually wander far which means he could probably be caught, but they are a protected species. We still have our resident night heron walking our decks in the late evening and the blue heron sleeping on the raised dinghy.

  

Green heron, channel cats and pelicans

     We continue to enjoy the Farmer’s Market here at the marina on Saturday mornings. It is well attended and everyone follows Covid protocols. Of course, the masks come off for consumption of the fabulous foods. Our favorites continue to be the bakery, that always has fabulous bear claws, croissants, scones, muffins, Danish, sticky buns, fresh assorted breads; our favorite is still the Italian bread. The orange juice stand just introduces a new orange into the juice, Honey Sweet Oranges. It changed the texture of the juice, making it slightly thicker, and very tasty. They use whatever type of orange that is in season. I prefer the banana-strawberry smoothly. There are also folks making eggs, bacon, sausage and home fries; another who is selling homemade breads of banana, cranberry, and zucchini; There is also a Gyro maker, which is also delicious. Of course, there are the farm stands, floral stand, herbs, soaps and lotions, assorted types of mushrooms, not to mention all the crafts. It is a great way to spend a morning.
 

  
Channel cats (grey), snook (black by piling) and sheepheads (striped)

     I caught an advertisement for a Laser Show at the local fair grounds, put on by Cabin Fever Enterprises. We ordered tickets which were sold by the car, not the number of people within. Ann and Howie joined us.  It turned out to be a nice night of music and lights that flashed about 12 feet over our heads. There were hundreds of cars, lots of people, but we all managed to stay 6+ feet apart. We had snacks and assorted yummies from the bakery during the show.

 

  

     Pete and George continue to be busy with work. I keep busy with chores around the boat and reading. I had planned to sew the new fitted sheets for the forward bunk, a new canvas cover for the Life Sling (as ours is disintegrating after 10 years in the sun.) I also had a few more sewing projects, including more face masks, and some minor repairs. After fitting the one sheet, I went looking for the other one. Then I started looking for my general sewing box as well as the box with all the Sailrite’s needles, book, adapters, etc. They were nowhere to be found. I even tore apart the aft compartment (our onboard basement/storage) with no luck. Trying to sew delicate poly/cotton with a large needle was a disaster. I wound up screwing up my thread tension. After 8 hours, I finally gave up with not a stitch sewn. I spent a good deal of the day grumbling. Pete and I finally realized that we must have taken off the bag with all the sewing machine stuff and placed it into storage in PA. After much thought, I decided to order the thinner, more appropriate needled (which I already have in my “missing” sewing stuff!) from Sailrite. Of course, these industrial needles are not carried by Joanne Fabric or Michael’s, but I did pick up a few things, such as a stitch-ripper, small scissor, hemmer, and more straight pins, which will be added to the large collection I already have (in storage!). P.S. Earlier this week, with the frigid weather, I dug out my crock pot to make a hardy soup, and there under the crock pot, was my 2 missing sewing boxes! The sheet and other sewing projects must be in the canvas bag removed from the car. When I cleaned out the aft cabin, I didn’t move the crock pot which was in a pillowcase, and obviously missed what was underneath. Hopefully, I will be able to fine tune the thread tension and complete at least a few sewing projects.

     Georgia is the woman on our dock, who has a canvas loft. She comes highly recommended. Pete had her replace all the isinglass on our dodger. I forgot to cover and tape the window panes when treating the window covers as well as the rest of the canvas with a petroleum protector before we left for the cruise. It stippled, fogged, and distorted the windows. It became very difficult to see once darkness settled in, while traveling, and when the rains came. WOW! What a difference. I watched the video, but with position of some of the snaps, plus lacking the space for the canvas, it would have been a real challenge to attempt the replacement on board. I know my frustration limit! We also asked for a quote to replace the interior cushions as well as canvas replacement with the exception of the enclosure. We are planning for the future.

     We continue to enjoy meeting with friends for lunch or dinner. Marilyn and John, SV ESCAPADE, invited us to join them and Miles, SV IRISH MIST, for dinner at the Vero Beach Yacht Club. We had a very enjoyable evening visiting with these friends we know from CCYC. We have also been meeting Tim, SV EVENING STAR and Linda for lunch at the Taco Dive every other week. Paul, SV KYA ANNE joined us for dinner at Second Street Bistro. I have been in touch with Lin and Bruce, formerly of SV ALIZE, who now live here in Ft. Pierce. Due to health concerns, we will visit by phone, but will wait until next visit to spend time together.    

Sad day at the marina

     As you can guess, Covid seems to be the major topic of discussion. We are fortunate, that fellow boaters have lots of other topics to discuss. Unfortunately, last weekend the major topic of discussion was the death of a young man who fell overboard and drowned here in the marina. Our thoughts go out to his family.

     Otherwise, topics covered included chores, recommendations and stuff left for the taking up by the rest rooms. It is amazing what appears and quickly disappears up there. Pete dropped off our wagon with the broken wheel, by the trash, and it was gone in 3 minutes. It reappeared about a week later (Guess when the person realized that the replacement wheel was more than the wagon, which is why we replaced it.) and quickly disappeared again.

 

End of another pretty, but cooler day

     Remember I talked about the cold weather. . . Well, over the weekend, the Northeast got hit with a winter storm. After 2 days, Chris in southern PA had about 8 inches mixed with sleet and ice. Heather, Greg and Jenn had about 18 inches, while my sister outside of NY had 22 and another in NW Jersey had 32 inches of the white stuff! While the temps hovered at 31 degrees in PA, we had 33 degrees two mornings ago! We were under a frost warning. We are now back into the 70’s, but another cold front will be descending upon us later this weekend. They say there might be snow in the upper state around the panhandle and over to Jacksonville. We will see!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ P & K

Fort Pierce December 6th to January 9th, 2021

    We were able to mail our Christmas Cards (Thanks, Pete!) and finish up our shopping. Part of the gag gifts we had bough our grown-up kids, got lost in transit, but Pete was able to reorder and we had them in plenty of time. (By the way, they did finally show up, so now Pete and I can have them... and they are free.)

     My current glasses are frameless on the lower part of the lens.  The plastic filament that holds in the lens is aged and will soon be non-effective.  The one lens has already fallen out 3 times. I was able to get the new, full-frame glasses that I really like and improved my vision. Apparently, my prescription has changed in the 3 years.

    We continue to treat ourselves to Saturday, breakfast at the Farmer's Market. Besides, the various flavored croissants, muffins, strudels, Danish, scones, etc., they have delicious breads!  I plan my Saturday or Sunday dinners around their fabulous, fresh Italian bread. I have also switched from the farm fresh OJ to the fruit smoothies.  YUM!!!

Boiling and swirling current

    We are docked, for the second year in a row, close to the marina's bathrooms, laundry, and parking.  It is very convenient. Plus all the other boaters pass by us and we get to say hello.  The negative, and it is a substantial one, is that we are broadside to the dock, which means we are also broadside to the currents.

Vortex extends a good 15 feet!

  With up to a 4 knot current, it presses us up against the dock, compressing all 5 fenders to about 1/4 heir size.  So far, none have popped! The water agitation as well as the vortex from PEKABU's bow as shown in the photos was with only a current of 2.8 knots. It gurgles and swirls rather loudly at the 3+ knot range as well as causing the boat to shimmy. We try to be very careful getting Bailey on and off the boat when the current is raging.

     The weather has for the most part, been beautiful, sunny, warm in the mid 70's and 80's with usually gentle breezes.  However, around Christmas most of Florida experienced so pretty brisk temperatures and winds..  A few nights the temps dropped into the high 30's and low 40's with winds gusting to 40 mph. 

Moring Fog

 Forecasters had to issue a "Falling Iguana" warning (apparently, they become comatose and/or die in cold temps.) There has also been a noticeable increase in rain for the usually dry winter months.

     Two items I had on my list of things to do in December around Fort Pierce I didn't get to do this year. We had planned meet Ann and Howie in Palm Beach to see the Sand-Sculpture Christmas Tree, "Sandy" and her companions, who participate in a light show after dark.  We also planned to get tickets to see Heathcote Botanical Gardens lit up for the holidays. Perhaps next year. . . .  

Dot Bruzik
94 years young!

   We received the call notifying us of Pete's Mom's peaceful passing on December 15th. Since she had been on hospice for 32 months, it came as no surprise, but as we spoke with her daily,  Her presence, grace and humor will be greatly missed. All the funeral pre-arrangements worked out, but Covid made it a bit more complicated. Our plans were to spend 4 days around Christmas with Chris, Kel and the girls of course was extended, and it enabled us to watch the grandkids, making things a bit easier on Chris and Kel. 

    We continue to be mindful of Covid and continue to take the proper precautions, but we had a test done before heading north (which was negative). With the precarious scheduling of school for Hadi and Riley, their parents and we didn't want to jeopardize or stir up things up with school.

     We arrived 2 days after a snow/ice storm hit this area. The roads were clear and dry, but all the trees, homes, snow etc., were still coated with about a 1/4 inch of ice. It was beautiful, but I imagine the roads were really treacherous on Day 1.

     Christmas Eve, all of Kelli's family gets together and all 6 of the grandkids (ages 8 down to 4 years old) all dress similarly for a photo that is always precious.  While they gathered this year, one of the Mom's explained to the kids if they wake tonight and hear Santa, once they wake their parents, they may go down and join Santa for milk and cookies.  However, they will not remember the visit because Santa will sprinkle some of his magic on them so they forget, but he will leave a white feather as a thank you for joining him. Perhaps the isolation of Covid helped with the 7- and 8-year olds still believing in Santa. Hadi is 8 and Riley is 4.  They woke their parents at 5:30 am. Hadi was shaking so much she could barely talk as she held the feather. "S-S-San-Santa!.. He was here!. . the f- f-feather! . . Look a feather!. . .Santa, coo- cookies...we s- saw. . . Santa and, and had cookies and milk with him!!!"  Guess who they woke next!?! Greg, Jenn and Heather joined us as did Kel's Mom, step-dad, brother and his family.  A nice time was had by all.

     My brother, Wayne and his family live in Italy. My nephew, Matteo set up and internet meeting for families here in the States as well as in Italy could share some Christmas Cheer.  As a result, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida and 3 from around the Milan District joined for an enjoyable visit.

Oh, What fun for a New Tradition!

   We headed back to Florida on Sunday, 12/27, leaving around 2:30 am.  There was traffic, but for the most part it moved.  Of course in South Carolina, where the road narrows to only 2 lanes each way, things get a bit more bottle necked.  There were also 3 fender benders and the "Oooo Aahhh squads" added to the congestion.  We were back at the boat by 8:30 pm.  Thank heavens for Audible. With good stories, it makes the time pass much more quickly. We were in bed by 9:30 and slept until 9 the next morning.

     Monday, Pete was back to work and I had plenty to straighten up and put away. From outside the Marina, we can see a home decorated as a giant Santa's Sled.  I was able to get some photos of it both daytime and night.  It definitely was more spectacular at night! 

     We have made arrangements to have the Isinglass replaced on the dodger by one of our dock mates.  She has a canvas loft here in town. She is reasonable and does great work. We have also contracted the mechanic we like here to replace the Damper Plate for the transmission. Both will be done in the next week or two.

Not so happy Puppy!

     Bailey continues to have some days better than others. The vasculitis not only affects her ears, but internal organs as well. Then add to that the arthritis that affects her hind quarters. We have to lift her into the car as it is to high for her to jump.  The same goes for certain marinas.  Here, the floating docks are fairly high to the boat gunnels, so on most day's she can jump the 20 inches or so.  Unfortunately, this past Thursday, she miss with her left rear foot and slid in-between the dock and the boat.  Pete had to fish her out and wash her.  It was 8:30 am and not only was the water cold, but the air temp was in the high 50's.  I dried her off as much as possible and kept the heat on down below, but she shivered until we piled towels on her.  She then stayed that way for the better part of 3 hours.

     We met with Connie, Ed, from MV SURPRISE, Vickie and Al, SV OHANNA KAI for dinner at Manatee Island Restaurant. Connie and Ed are wintering in Stuart, just 40 minutes south of here. Vickie and Al will be leaving for West Palm Beach/Fort Worth Inlet tomorrow on they way down to Marathon to meet up with Mike and Debbie of SV RESOLVE. They are all friends from our sailing group on the Chesapeake. We also are planning to meet up again with Marilyn and John, SV ESCAPADE.  We have nown them all for years through the Chesapeake Catalina Yacht Club (CCYC), but we have unofficially added "-South" to the group name. Every 2 weeks, CCYC has virtual meeting on Thursday nights.  It is a great way to keep up with our friends in the group. We have tried to join them on numerous occasions, but the internet usage at that time at the marina keeps us from staying on the meeting.

     New Year's Eve with spent with Ann and Howie.  Part of kids' Christmas gift was a box of lobster tails I had bought here in Florida at BJ's.  We kept them in the freezer, with plans of picking up a cooler and dry ice to transport them up for Christmas.  In our rush to depart, we decided to keep them and hopefully, buy them up there. (Thankfully, BJ's still had 3 boxes- just what I needed!) That also meant that we now had 3 boxes in our freezer. So, we brought the lobster, they brought the steaks and we had delicious Surf-n-Turf dinner with movies.

     As to wildlife here at the marina, they are pelicans, osprey and seagulls aplenty. We have only seen 2 manatees in the marina as well as a dolphin or two. Pete has found Sheephead fish lurking under the pilings under the dock and we had a Bermuda Chub circle around or stern.  There is also a Green Heron, who loves to sleep on our dinghy or aft rails and a Heron who loves to walk around the dock. Unfortunately, it scared the bejesus out of me one night! He is rather quiet, but when it's quiet, we can still hear the clicking of his nails on the deck.  The birds love to crap and vomit on our canvas and the docks, and the osprey love to eat up in the rigging, depositing fish parts on the decks. the boat docks, and railings don't stay pretty and clean for long!

     Speaking of fish, Pete had tried fishing once, with not even a bit. however, there are 2 teens that fish off a small runabout, and catch all kinds of fish just under the pilings next to the boat.  Pete plans on using the dinghy and fishing there soon.

 

   With the holidays over, I have a To-do list, which I intend to make a serious dent in. I was able to cross off a lot before we began this cruise, but there are still a substantial number of things remaining. Pete, too, has a list, but he does thing around his work schedule.  Pete and George continue to keep busy.

     I know that the past year created many challenges for everyone. Our hope is 2021 brings family, friendship, health, caring, stability and peace.  Happy New Year!

~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P