Some of the things that I have learned and older lessons that have been reinforced:
* The Artemus II launch was definitely louder than the Space X launches & vibrations can be felt from 20 miles away ~
Wednesday, April 1st ~ We enjoyed a last lunch with our “CCC SOUTH” friends: Marilyn, Jon, Connie and Ed. We met at Skipper’s Cove at Harbortowne Marina, enjoying a great lunch and catching up. Connie & Ed are putting their boat on the hard for the summer in Indiantown within the next 10 days or so. Our plans are still to start cruising north next Monday, April 6th. It’s hard to believe that our season in Fort Pierce is coming to an end.
Now, time to check off another item on our Bucket List! ~ Artemis II launched this afternoon with four astronauts on board. They will to fly by to moon and back over the next 7 days, marking NASA's first human flight around the Moon in over 50 years. Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will test the Orion spacecraft's systems before future lunar landings. They will also break the record for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth, paving the way for future. It was truly exciting! With Pete being under the weather, once we got to Route 1 in Titusville, we were able to find a small, private parking lot that charged $25 for parking. It was probably 150 feet to the Indian River with a clear view of the launch site. We were able to sit comfortably in the car up until T- 3 minutes. Then we were part of the hundreds of thousands who witnessed this historic and spectacular launch.
Totally awsome! Thanks, Pete, for the perfect launch photo!
Heading to the heavens & NASA's onboard camera captured the engine burn
with the lit rim of earth as day passes into night
Getting here was fairly easy. Returning home was a whole other issue. It took over an hour to get back to 95. Traffic was stop and go with all the side streets dumping onto the main road, Route 50. Once we were on 95, travel resumed at normal pace.
* Astronauts are real people ~
To celebrate the Artemis’s successful mission, astronaut Christina brought along Peanut M & Ms to share with the crew as they relaxed, joked and waited for assistance after splashdown. Yep, they are definitely down-to-earth people. (Pun intended!)
* Never assume ~
Thursday, April 2nd ~ Remember that cold Pete’s been dealing with for a while? Well, it’s been accompanied by some discomfort between the ribs on the right side. Due to the sinus infection, he has been on a steroids and antibiotics. One of the side effects could include coughing, which Pete has been doing a lot of. The coughing and the discomfort however are getting worse as the medications are finished today.
Friday, April 3rd ~ Chrissy and I had a great walk out at the Jetty, Once back, I did some chores on board while Pete went and did laundry at the laundromat. He was totally wiped out when he got back so he finally agreed that he needed to be reevaluated.
Sites around the Jetty ~ Pelicans, Plovers, Sargrassum seaeed bloom washing onto the beaches,
and a memorial on the rocks of the Jetty. They have been outlawed, but someone got lucky.
We headed to Port St Lucie Hospital ER where we had the shock of our lives. Pete has numerous clots in his lungs.
* As a child thunderstorms were always frightening to me. As an adult, I am still uptight when they are around. I now know Thrombotic Storms worst ~
People with Thrombotic Storms experience numerous blood clots in a short period of time. Contributing factors include a history of clots in the legs (DVTs), cancer, or family history. Pete has none of these. If caught quickly, the clots can be removed and/or treated with tPA, a clot bustting medication. Unfortunately, as the diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms with a lack of specific diagnostic tests, this can result in a delay of the diagnosis. Pete’s cold and sinus infection diverted suspicion from possible other issues.
After The Storm ~ Nature's beauty as I headed back to the hospital the next morning
* Once is not enough ~
In less than 3 weeks Pete has endured: 2 ER visits at 2 separate hospitals, 2 sets of CAT scans, 2 Echocardiograms, 2 Pulmonary Caths, 2 hospital stays, 3 rounds of antibiotics & steroids, and numerous doctors: 2 of each between the 2hospitals: hospitalists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, cardio interventionists, fellows and residents, and a whole lot of patient care providers from NPs, RNs, CNA, techs to therapists.
* The technology we have in our hands is simply amazing and we take it for granted ~
I have often joked that I have this wonderful, little camera that I take everywhere . . . and it has a phone attached! The truth is that it also a computer, with the ability to communicate and update quickly via text with groups of family and friends, do internet research on medical conditions, take photos of CT scans that can be shared with doctors as they prep for a 2nd pulmonary Cath. It has apps for taking important notes, keeping up with news of the world outside the hospital, books to read, games to play, music to calm the soul. . . And it fits into my back pocket!
*I understand why medicine commercials refer to specific gene mutations ~
Pete is being genetically tested. They are looking at the JAK2 gene for specific mutations that cause various blood issues and for the specific mutation that might have caused Pete’s issues.
*Friends are worth their weight in gold! ~
The nurse practitioner friend, who immediately helped me to understand the additional testing procedures required, things that need to be done, and questions that should be asked. She aslo consulted with her son, a department head of Inhalation Therapy, and his wife, an NP in a pulmonary practice for additional insight and recommendations.
The friends on the dock who helped him to the car. Walked, fed and played with Tillie. Checked on the boat. Offered to run errands.
The friends, who offered their homes as Pete recoups, and when the boat repairs are done.
Monday, April 13th ~ Pete was discharged for a 2nd time. We once again returned to our friend in Delray Beach for Pete to begin his recovery as he made small improvements each day.
All of our family and friends, who continue to offer love and moral support.
Tillie kicked out of a groomer #3 after her bath!
It is great to have a wooly blanket when your cold!
Tillie supporting her person!
* Mechanics are not all the same ~
The gods look upon us favorably as they found Pedro, from Unlimited Boat Service, about 6 years ago, here in Ft. Pierce. Not only is he a world class expert mechanic, he is also a wonderful communicator. He is quick to respond to calls/text/emails, thorough in his company’s investigative and mechanical repair skills, honest and reliable. He is very helpful finding people who do great work outside of the mechanical, but within the boating industry: boat painters, boat detailing, etc. and they are usually part of his extended family. The mechanics came to find the why of our “grinding noise" when Pete started the engine lady month. His crew has been onboard 3 or 4 times since, continuing the investigation. Pedro even spoke with Country Wide Kabota Engine Service Center. They were great to work with during the original rebuild last fall and said they will stand behind the engine repair.
* Read the fine print- Yes. they are really out to stick it to us ~
About that engine warrantee. . . Yes, Countrywide will stand behind their engine repair and shipping costs, BUT they will not pay for the mechanics who do the diagnostics and decommision the engine, crane for the engine removal, crane for the replacement, the mechanics’ reinstall and our marina fees while we are stuck in Ft Pierce.
* Spring in Florida is beautiful, but the allergies to all that pollen aren't ~
It was something to do while Tillie and I walked. Here are some of the many different types of flowers, seed pods as Mother Nature shows her artistic side. As for the names, well, I DIDNT make them names up!
Puncturevine ~ unknown ~Fan Flower
Sunshine Mimosa ~Coquinto ~ Geiger Tree ~
Richardia Grandiflora ~ Creeping Sinquefoil ~ palm tree's fallen flowers
Hairy Beggarsticks ~ Pinto Peanut ~Turkey Tangle Frogfruit
Tubelula Rosea ~ Bay Biscayne Creeping Oxeye ~ a fallen palm fond end, curling
Sunday, 4/26/26 ~ It took more than a few days, but March is finally posted to the blog. Now, I need to figure out what and how I will post this month’s blog.
Wednesday, 4/29/26 ~ It was time to thank Howie for everything. Being able to stay with him made things easier and better. It is time. After 10 days, we headed back to PEKABU. It made a big difference being in our own space. Pete continues to have more strength and stamina each day. We are still waiting for a diagnosis of whatever caused the storm of clots. Even though we don’t have answers, we are dealing day-by-day with its results.
It is strange to see the dock deserted and everyone’s boat stripped of canvas and secured for the summer. My head understands that our friends have returned home, but my heart still hopes to see them on their boats. Dave, SV CILCIA, is still here. Officer Dave, MV PLUMERIA, will be returning from the Bahamas soon. He is has a condo not far from here so he is often fiddling with something on board.We enjoy having them around. However, with the hot weather and strong sun, I know we will all be spending more time in the AC.
Wednesday, 4/29/26 ~ It was time to thank Howie for everything. Being able to stay with him made things easier and better. It is time. After 10 days, we headed back to PEKABU. It made a big difference being in our own space. Pete continues to have more strength and stamina each day. We are still waiting for a diagnosis of whatever caused the storm of clots. Even though we don’t have answers, we are dealing day-by-day with its results.
It is strange to see the dock deserted and everyone’s boat stripped of canvas and secured for the summer. My head understands that our friends have returned home, but my heart still hopes to see them on their boats. Dave, SV CILCIA, is still here. Officer Dave, MV PLUMERIA, will be returning from the Bahamas soon. He is has a condo not far from here so he is often fiddling with something on board.We enjoy having them around. However, with the hot weather and strong sun, I know we will all be spending more time in the AC.
* Our lives are never booring ~
Right now, some boring would be nice!
Even if the boat was fully functioning, we would not be heading home to the Chesapeake anytime soon. There are a lot of follow-ups and other issues that need to be dealt with while we’re down here. What the future holds for us is a mystery.
As for the boat newest discussions, Pedro will be pulling the engine out of the boat on May 16th and decisions will be made where we go from there. Whether dealing with the company that rebuilt the engine or just letting Pedro take care of what needs to be done here remains to be seen.
So, stay tuned.
As for the boat newest discussions, Pedro will be pulling the engine out of the boat on May 16th and decisions will be made where we go from there. Whether dealing with the company that rebuilt the engine or just letting Pedro take care of what needs to be done here remains to be seen.
So, stay tuned.
~ ~ ~ /) ~ ~ K & P
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