We're half way through July (groans) the "DOVE" is in her slip spot but hasn't yet gone out for a sail. For the last many months, every day, including the weekends is spent either staining teak, stripping teak, sanding anything from fiberglass locker covers that are in the process of being rebuilt to the non slip deck area being prepared for a new coat of Interdeck (White). Most of the exterior teak has been done with at least three coats of Epifane varnish. OMG, I love that product, as well, Soy stripper from Franmar and Poli Glow. Three incredible products that produce fabulous results! I cannot tell you how my body aches, between turning 50 this last March and instead of all the fabulous plastic redo's for "Moi" to prolong decent looks and longevity, I climb through a companionway that for 5 months had no steps except to crawl down, first stepping on the side support then hit the quarter berth with another foot untill leaping down and trying to miss the bilge covers that are home in the garage being "built"!!!!! The interior is incredible looking even though she's still got so much to be done yet. Pictures will come at some point, if it weren't for my digital Canon dropping on the floor of the boat where the lense ripped off and broke I'd have plenty of pics to share. Between ebay looking for walking foot sewing machines, various boat items and now camera lenses it would seem in all the "spare" time I have I'm sitting in front of the computer spending every dime I have. Well....not far from the truth! This Monday my sewing machine comes and then I'll be continuing the sail covers I started months ago. I'm really anxious to begin a new dodger but I think waiting till fall might be the best plan. I guess the most comical part in this transformation of the "Dove" is the fellow mates bunking up to us in the other slip spots. All they hear are saws, sanding machines an occasional swear word/s and sweat pouring down our faces when we emerge from the cabin hours later. I feel a bit guilty ruining their party time during the weekend but my sincerest hope is that in another week or two I'll be pulling up my own chair, jiggling an ice cold adult beverage to toast the never ending hard work we've taken on this last year since adopting the ole 85 cutter rig that stole our hearts. Man could I use a "real" vacation.... Off to bed for now, tomorrow's another work day, Laurie
