We made a fast trip north to pick up the boat, then to Oregon to register it. The boat will be used only in Alaska so I tried to register it in Alaska, but they said their law stipulates the boat must be physically in state before registration can be issued. So we registered it in Oregon for the interim months. I am doing some re-fitting and preventive maintenance before we transport the boat north. Paulette nicknamed the vessel Mel's Dream. I told her boats should be named after women. She responded that Mel in this case is short for Melissa or Melody. Tricky lady.

Das Boot

Last summer I dreamed of taking grandkids fishing for halibut, but nothing opened up to get them out in neighbor's boats during their stay. A boat for Alaska had been on our five year plan, but after the inability to get the grandsons out I stepped up the search for our own boat. We located what I hope is a suitable craft. A private party posted it on Craigslist in central California. The boat is a 2004 20' Alumaweld Intruder, 150hp, 10hp kicker, marine radio, electric downriggers, GPS/chartplotter/sonar, and other seaworthy (for fair weather) features for up north. I talked to the mechanic who serviced this craft for the last six years and he said the engine only has 198 hours and if he had not recently bought a house he would buy the boat himself. We pick it up Wednesday. Friends chide me that a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into, but I suspect their thinking is clouded by the fact they don't have grandchildren.

Memories

We have been cleaning out closets. Paulette found the following on a sheet of paper, each entry in a daughter's own hand....

Jamie 6-1-83 336,150
Mel 6-3-83 280,500
April 6-5-83 193,950
Joanna 6-17-83 193,100
Beth 8-8-83 277,400


You will recall you had to have a witness. :-)

Too Cute to Keep to Myself

I smile every time I look at this picture so had to share it with you. Double click on the picture to get a bigger smile.