Fishing Expedition

This weekend our friend, Joe, took us fishing. It was such a great experience.  Emily caught the first fish, Anna the biggest fish and Thomas has the most interesting fish tale...or head.

First, he caught a fish and started to reel it in, then he said, "Dad I lost it"  So Tom reeled it in for him and pulled up just a head of a yellowtail snapper. Apparently, a predator had decided that our fish would make a tasty lunch for itself.  Can you imagine our surprise when we pulled up just a fresh fish head?
Then, Thomas pulled in a real fighter.  He and Tom and Joe worked the line to pull it in-  it was an eel!!

We had such fun weekend fishing, seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.  We are all thankful beyond belief to God for bringing amazing new friends into our lives and also bringing some old friends back into our lives that we have not seen in a while.

As Thomas' favorite song goes..."Our God is an Awesome God..."

Lil Lizzie

Yesterday, the girls and I took Cookie for a walk.  They squealed in sheer delight when finding this baby lizzard.  They, especially Anna,  have always had a special fascination with reptiles!! It is fun to be where they are plentiful.

Thin Blood

It has been cooler and cloudy here in South Florida the last few days.  We have gotten caught up on our schoolwork and today we went out for a ride in Yankee Doodle, our inflatable boat. You can tell we are used to those warm days, because we are all bundled up and it is 70 degrees!!

We were treated to an impromptu dolphin show at the mouth of the channel into Ocean Reef, and the sunset..... spectacular!!

Lorraine today

Friday Nov. 5.
We visited with some friends of Tom's pilot friend, Saul. They were so welcoming and fun to see again.
We had met them a few years ago and rented their home in Ocean Reef. They built a beautiful new home here and they invited us over for a swim.  We showed up just as they were eating a  late lunch.  She insisted that we join them- there is no refusing a meal!!! She grew up in Greece and to decline lunch, although we had already eaten, would have been a true offense. About halfway through the day, I realized she thought my name was Lorraine. She must have thought I was dumb, or deaf, because she had to call me multiple times before I would answer.  We were laughing about it and one of the kids said, Mom why didn't you just correct her?  I answered, she offered us her pool, her car , her house for laundry facilities- she can call me whatever she wants!!  It isn't so bad to be named after a  yummy quiche!

We have Arrived in Key Largo

We made it to Key Largo.  When we pulled into Ocean Reef Club, it felt a little like home. Our dear friends , the Veneklasens, were at the point as we pulled into the channel to welcome us and take a few pics. That was no small task, considering the rain!!  

We are so excited to be here and are thankful we could celebrate with our friends on our arrival.

I can't believe we are here, and on our boat!! Wow!!  We have been protected and provided for this entire 

journey!  What a gift of a lifetime!!  Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above.!!

Miami

We have had an eventful 24 hours! Last night when we returned from our friends' home, we found a mess. Our glass shower door had spontaneously exploded sending glass shards all throughout the galley of the boat. After the reality of what happened set in, we were so overwhelmed with gratitude that it didn't happen while one of the kids was in that bathroom, and secondly that we had just gotten a crate for Cookie and did not leave him in his usual spot,  the bathroom. That would not have been a good thing!

Today we travelled partway in the Atlantic and it was quite rough so we tucked into the inter coastal. We are currently in Miami and so close to Key Largo. We are looking forward to reaching our destination tomorrow.

Tom and I continue to marvel at God's protection and provision.

Palm Beach- still

We must be really enjoying this spot since we have not moved.
Boat show and school and pool, oh my!!  We have been busy these few days.
I am overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of people we have met along the way.
A friend let us borrow his car while here in town, it is so helpful to be able to get groceries and boat supplies and not have to rent a car or take a cab.  Also we are going to a friend's house for pizza and a swim tonight.  It will be a land based oasis for us all!! This has truly been a gift and a highlight for me;  getting to know such wonderful  people!! I am thankful to the Maestro that orchestrated it!!