My last post laid out our plans to remain in Sarasota for the summer. BUT, yesterday, we were working on a plumbing problem and while looking under the floor in the master stateroom, we noted some damage to the fiberglass hull which is a result of when we hit bottom coming out of Marco Island some weeks back. Based on that, Ed didn't feel comfortable leaving Great Mates without having her pulled out and having her inspected. So, we contacted the Snead Island Boat Works who has a 75-ton lift) as they had been referred to us by dear friends Craig and Kim.
We were told that if we could have Great Mates II at the yard by Friday, they'd get us pulled out. SO, plans changed, and we pulled out about 10:00 a.m. from Marina Jack in Sarasota and headed up the ICW to Snead Island. It was a good cruise except pulling in the wind picked up, kicked the stern around and I was headed right towards a sailboat and pylons. Long story short, we made it, tied up along side a dock and made a few strong cocktails.
To change the subject, I'd like to share an observation. As I've stated before, in a Christians life, there is no coincidence. Ed and I have experienced that a few times in the last few months.
1) While still at dock in Ft. Myers, we were outside washing down the boat and a young couple walked up to ask a few questions (like people normally do when they see Great Mates II) and we struck up a conversation. Come to find out, they are both from the southside of Indianapolis, she graduated from Greenwood Christian School and they are preparing to get married this coming summer. They are contemplating buying a boat to live on in FL as that's where his job is.
2) One of the marina workers, Bill had taken me to Best Buy to purchase a new computer and through our chatting, I discovered that his wife had graduated from Greenwood High School and grew up on Wiley Street which isn't far from where sis Jan and hubby Don live.
3) At Marco Island, we met a guy on the boat next to us who had a dog "Bob"....a Great Dane no less, and he was originally from Gary IN.
4) In Ft. Myers, the marina dude who came to help us tie up when we arrived was originally from Attica IN and he had made plans to return to IN in April to take his wife to St. Vincents Hospital for some surgery. (I had served on the board of St. Vincents for 10 years).
These kinds of "coincidences" continue but here's the latest.
5) Once we pulled into Marina Jack at Sarasota, Ed met the couple a few boats over, Steve and Lynn. He thought they were a nice couple so a few days later, we invited them over for cocktails. While sitting in our salon visiting, he mentioned that he was retired from practicing law but at one time had tried a federal case in Indianapolis. I asked him who the judge was. He said, Sarah Evans-Barker. I said, who was the counsel you worked with in Indy and he said, a fellow from a law firm called Barnes Thornberg. I said, I knew several lawyers there, who had he worked with and he said, a guy name Mike McCrory. Ed and I broke out in laughter. He said, whats wrong? I said that Mike and his wife Pat were friends and that I served on the Boy Scout Board with Mike, etc., etc. So, I called Mike on his mobile to tell the story and he was on his way in to a Boy Scout Board meeting but took time to reacquaint with an old colleage. We decided we'd all have to meet in Key West at Fantasy Fest later this year. What a hoot!
I'll close now but wish all readers of this blog a contemplative upcoming Holy Week. May God guide you, bless you and show you His way for your lives.
Peace, Lisa
