What a difference a year makes.

What was Hell in 2008, punctuated with occasional moments of serenity, is this year purring contentment. The learning curve of last year was as steep as a rocket launch and just as scary for a first timer. Even new skill or task was learned under the fire of crisis. Harmony’s "efficiently designed" interior became claustrophobic during the foul weather that kept us stuck in one place a lot longer than we had expected. Boat problems and getting used to a galley the size of a shoebox presented Lew and I with challenges neither could have anticipated. Most days began with him crawling out of the engine room, swearing. I did my share of cursing as I developed new ways to cook, clean, do dishes and any number of annoying domestic chores, often while the boat was rocking on anchor. We discovered new areas of our personal communication as we dealt with the tensions that seemed a cruel cosmic joke. We completely understood why the first year is named the "break down and break up year."

This year we chose to stay on the dock of Treasure Cay Marina for the first month here in the Bahamas. What a difference! When the days turn too windy for travel, we don’t care. We take advantage of the good days by going to the beach or walking into the tiny town. We can go to the library if we want to - or the post office - or just hang out under some palm tree somewhere and read or draw or even paint. We have the learning curve behind us. Life has settled into an unusual but workable routine.

Our two day excursion to Great Guana Cay for the BBQ was a lovely experience. We even managed to SAIL back to this "home" dock! What a concept. It seems that Lew and I made a very good decision to come here again this year. We are away from the bitter cold of the States. There aren't many birds and we haven’t gotten around to snorkeling yet but the curly tail lizards entertain us whenever we go for a walk. We are surrounded by the most beautiful colors in the world. The lagoons here and the Sea of Abaco change from deep blue in early morning to green and then turquoise by mid-day. It is pure Heaven.
This seems to be what every "snow bird" could hope for. May you find your Paradise someday.