"Winterfest" 2012 Boat Parade

Jungle Queen, pic courtesy of MondoVacilando

This year was our first Fort Lauderdale Christmas Boat Parade and man did we have great seats!! Without even having to leave the comfort of our home because our canal, just off the ICW is where all the boats go by! We had drinks, music and good friends aboard as we sat back and enjoyed the show for a good two hours! It was fun to look out for friends of ours, who also live aboard, that were lucky enough to be in the parade aboard 160' motor yacht, "Caprice", that was fully decorated, sponsored by the Galleria Mall. Overall, we learned it's not the size of the ship that counts but just how many lights you had and how good your sound system was that counted the most!!

Traditionally - Nontraditional

Yup, it's *REAL* and it smells soo good!

This year things are a bit different around here but then again every year has been kinda different. I mean that each year we have celebrated the holiday we have been in a unique location generally in the midst of gearing up our boat to head off cruising. We haven't really kept too many "traditions" of our own aside from the usual - wake up Christmas morning with presents from the Big Man and then eating an incredible breakfast. This year GR and I sitting back admiring our super-cozy, floating home all light up and sparkling and said to each other, " So what will we do for Christmas Eve this year?" I was literally speechless. Here in "the real world" we don't have an anchorage full of close friends planning a list of activities for us. We're going to have to come up with something on our own. (scoff) *Also, although we are in Florida, we are still about 4 hours from our "old hometown" full of  family and friends. (We may get the chance to sneak up there at some point but not Christmas week, driving and Christmas just don't sound fun.) So, this year, like many others will be traditionally nontraditional. We picked up a *real* tree, a real BIG, Douglas Fir at that (with the car). She's about 5' tall and smells heavenly. Gia picked the color scheme of our ornaments; silver, blue & white. Reminiscing about where we've been over the years was fun, here's a list of our crazy, mixed up Christmas's as liveaboard boaters.

Christmas over the Years 

2007 - Warderick Wells, Exuma, Bahamas -  Anchored out, dinghied into the park headquarters for a "Proper" potluck (Turkey, Ham, Potatoes, Pies all free) hosted by the park ranger. We had a construction paper tree taped to the bulkhead. Santa called us on the VHF and dropped Gia's Christmas presents on the deck of the boat from his sleigh. (Pearson 424, San San)

2008 - Ponce Inlet, Florida -  We moved back into our house in preparation for the final liquidation of our property. We bought a 12' tree from a guy on Craigslist and didn't have enough ornament to make it look quite right! We invited many family and friends over to celebrate with us while we had the "big" house one last year. Gia got a boombox for her room. (Recently boat-less and in the market)

2009 - Marathon, Florida, Boot Key Harbor -  On a mooring surrounded by totally cool liveaboards our cockpit donned LED, multi-colored lights and handmade decorations. Several friends got together on various boats for different gatherings, that community was the best, lots of kids around! We picked up a tiny, table-top tree and made most of our ornaments by hand. It was a cold, cold winter that year and we actually had to buy a heater! YES, in Florida! (36' Ericson, San San)

2010 -  Miami, Florida - On a mooring at Dinner Key Marina, we still had our table-top tree and our cockpit decorations with lights. This time, I worked ALOT and so did GR. We were so focused and had Guatemala on our minds! (36' Ericson, San San)

2011 - Miami, Florida - New boat for us, the start up with this one was hard since we sold everything we owned (yet, again) with San San . Thankfully pulled into the slip a few days before and grabbed a Rosemary tree from local market in between trips to and from work. New boat, new $kitty$! (50' Hatteras, Felicity)

2012 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida -  Docked, covered in lights, nice tree and working but not TOO much! All three of us are home together and will consider this one of many years that we are super blessed. Gia will make the cookies for Santa all by herself this year. (50' Hatteras, Felicity) 

It's fun to think back on all the places we have been and where we "think" we are heading but the truth of the matter is all that counts is where you are right now and loving every minute of it! Happy Holidays to you wherever you may be, from all of us on Felicity.

Give a Little Bit

Click on the monkey's fist to read others bloggers on this topic.

With the holiday season *rapidly* approaching many people are in search of the perfect gift. What better than a gift that gives back?! Our favorite non profit, Casa Guatemala, just released their new 2013 Wall Calendar now available for purchase on Ebay! Check it out! If your into photos, travel, smiling children or Guatemala this calendar will bring a smile to your face AND theirs! The calendar is priced right and benefits the beautiful children you see pictured throughout the pages.

Along with their everyday needs, our contact Heather let me know that the Casa needs a new (to them) VHF radio. The VHF radio is used to communicate to over 800+ boats along the Rio Dulce and without one they are unable to promote themselves. Announcements like the Especial De Dia from Hotel Backpackers Restaurant (Casa Guatemala's main financial support) and  also letting cruisers know when the delivery boat will be passing by selling fresh, baked breads and the fresh meats and cheeses that Casa Guatemala makes! If you are able to help in some way to provide Casa Guatemala with a new VHF radio, please be in touch! You see, although Casa Guatemala seeks support from people like you and me they also support themselves from within by growing fresh fruits and vegetables, teaching farming techniques and running the Hotel Backpackers Hotel & Restaurant!

If you are able to contribute in some way or are preparing a trip to Guatemala's Rio Dulce please consider practicing some "Karma Yoga" and give a little bit of yourself to them. You won't regret it!

Happy Halloween!

Recipe: Irish Potato Candy

I remember this taste so vividly. In Elementary school we made this delicious confection around the time of March in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. It's super easy and delicious. I'm not going to say it's not hella bad for you but I do indulge every now and then. I stick to the theory everything in moderation. AND in the spirit of sharing I decided to post this blog about making Irish Potato Candy so you fine folks at home could try it if you like!

Ingredients:

16 oz pkg Powdered Sugar
7 oz pkg sweetened shredded coconut
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/4 cup of softened butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbs cinnamon

In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Using your hands if necessary, mix in the coconut. Roll into balls or potato shapes, and roll in the cinnamon. Place onto a cookie sheet and chill to set. If desired, roll potatoes in cinnamon again for darker color.

This made about 40 or more bite size potatoes and I spread the love all over town giving some to our friends on the dock, at the marina office and at work. I plan to make at least a batch a week until St. Pattie's day. 

No, I'm not Irish but I'll take any reason to celebrate!

Thankfulness brings Happiness

This is my first post in about a week and I feel terrible for leaving you all by the wayside. I really had NO IDEA that I would find myself completely wrapped up in the "real" world again. Today, I am writing this post from work at The Bookstore in The Grove. Things just sort of fell into place and it looks like we will be staying here in Coconut Grove for a little while to do some repairs to the boat. We are still happy with Felicity and with this situation.

Today I am thankful for this job, for all of you, for my family and friends.

This being said, posts may be sporadic, as we are currently living on a mooring ball and I am working 6 days a week with the Holiday Season upon us!

Today, we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!