PROGRESS

Summer 2013 is here and we are still hauled out. The hull is dry, work is at a snail's pace. The mast and arch are still down and little word on their progress too. When we ask the folks hired for these tasks the response we get is generally reassuring that all is going to plan. John and I can't quite figure out whose plan are they speaking about because we were to be in the water a few months ago. The level of discouragement has run deep and daily discussions talking John off the preverbial cliff has become a part of daily life. John is working full time at his job, spending hours after work and on weekends doing various boat projects and making as much progress as he can. Our "experts" or "professionals" have been less than desirable to work with. This saddens us because we find it difficult to maintain positive attitudes when progress is not being made. Every week we are told that something will be done and yet every week there is no work that has been done. Recently, there was some signs that work had started on the boat but then it stopped! We have talked and talked to these workers but it is what it is. Many around us at the boat yard have experienced this too so comisurating can feel validating.
We try not dwell on it and maintain the stand that it will get done. We can only hope.

How Long is a Boat Hour?

This question is debatable and dependent on whom are you asking. If one was to query our 12 year old daughter, she would promptly tell you that a boat hour is about 4 hours. Unfortunately on more than one occasion she has been with us when we have said, "We just have to run to the boat real fast. It should only take an hour." Initially, she is not bothered until the hours start to peel away. She is very patient and only after she has picked up much of the debris around the boat and turned into some sort of  art, walked the dog a few times, ate her snack, and played on the smart phone does she begin to protest. As parents whose time is continually being squeezed between work, daily grind and boat preparation, our need to "finish" our "quick" project supersedes her protests. With promises of dinner, we usually can persuade her for another hour, then promises of dessert for another. We know things have hit the fan when we start promising staying up late, junk food or some other contraband that is typically not allowed.
We are appreciative of her patience which reminds us of the sacrifice that we all are making to have this plan come to fruition.