Friday, December 12, 2008
Bummer. This morning, Alan and I got the true meaning of close only counts in horseshoe and hand grenade throwing. To explain – Thanksgiving weekend we received a phone call from Germany about a new boat that needed a crew. It looked like a dream situation. Alan spoke with the owner for 30 – 45 minutes. Things sounded good, but there was no definite offer. We ran to the computer and checked on the guy, and things seemed even better. The next day, we sent an email saying everything sounded really good. Owner replied saying he was heading out of town for 2 weeks, he would call on his return to finalize things. He took the ad off the computer. Unfortunately, finalizing meant saying we had the right credentials and were a good fit, but he hired someone else. We’ll never know what happened. That was a very long two weeks!
To say the least, our dear economic woes have staggered this industry. Alan and I are moping around and trying to figure what to do now and not beat up too much on ourselves. Short term – we need $$$$. Alan will probably try to ship out commercially. The jobs last 60 – 120 days. Soooooo, what do I do? We’re living in a very reasonable little mother-in-law unit, but we have to rent a car. I could easily stay. The family in the house would keep tabs on me, but it’s not much of an existence. Subbing here pays $85 a day, but they aren’t accepting applications. I haven’t gone into the office to see about this. I could return to Napa and sub there. But alas, I have no home. I doubt that I could rent nearly as cheaply there as here. And although the industry is bad, there are still little glimmers of hope. Maybe Alan works for some cash, but we stick with this idea a little longer…..
Of course, then there are the long term concerns. I assume NVUSD will be laying off teachers, so I don’t know how I could get back in next year. Alan, with a math credential, is in a much better position – but is it good enough? A recession/depression was not in our game plan. We actually thought we were making an investment into improving our conditions. Anybody want any advice from me?
In the meantime, hanging out in 75 degree weather is pretty nice. We went to a fabulous Seminole Indian museum on a local reservation. It was the first reservation I’ve seen that looked prosperous. Each house had some form of chickee on the property, so they are keeping some tradition. We also saw our first alligator. I’ve included the photo. We weren’t sure if it was real or not, but it did finally move. I headed back to the car. I heard they can move very quickly.
Hope all is well with everyone else. I highly recommend you keep your day jobs.
Merry Christmas
Love,
Carol and Alan
(Apparently, people are having a hard time posting. You might need to use igoogle, not sure, but we always love to hear what’s happening. We always check sailinglittles@gmail.com and our phones still work.
To say the least, our dear economic woes have staggered this industry. Alan and I are moping around and trying to figure what to do now and not beat up too much on ourselves. Short term – we need $$$$. Alan will probably try to ship out commercially. The jobs last 60 – 120 days. Soooooo, what do I do? We’re living in a very reasonable little mother-in-law unit, but we have to rent a car. I could easily stay. The family in the house would keep tabs on me, but it’s not much of an existence. Subbing here pays $85 a day, but they aren’t accepting applications. I haven’t gone into the office to see about this. I could return to Napa and sub there. But alas, I have no home. I doubt that I could rent nearly as cheaply there as here. And although the industry is bad, there are still little glimmers of hope. Maybe Alan works for some cash, but we stick with this idea a little longer…..
Of course, then there are the long term concerns. I assume NVUSD will be laying off teachers, so I don’t know how I could get back in next year. Alan, with a math credential, is in a much better position – but is it good enough? A recession/depression was not in our game plan. We actually thought we were making an investment into improving our conditions. Anybody want any advice from me?
In the meantime, hanging out in 75 degree weather is pretty nice. We went to a fabulous Seminole Indian museum on a local reservation. It was the first reservation I’ve seen that looked prosperous. Each house had some form of chickee on the property, so they are keeping some tradition. We also saw our first alligator. I’ve included the photo. We weren’t sure if it was real or not, but it did finally move. I headed back to the car. I heard they can move very quickly.
Hope all is well with everyone else. I highly recommend you keep your day jobs.
Merry Christmas
Love,
Carol and Alan
(Apparently, people are having a hard time posting. You might need to use igoogle, not sure, but we always love to hear what’s happening. We always check sailinglittles@gmail.com and our phones still work.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
OK, so thinking that my life was so fascinating that I would have a multitude of things to share with people once a week was a bit egotistical. Actually, I gave it virtually no thought as I wrote that. So, I will be writing as things happen.
The boat show is over, as is the election. Word from agencies today is that now owners can settle down and let things get back to some normalcy. The rich still like their toys; now they know how to buy them and keep them protected.
Alan has been getting lots of positive nibbles and look outs; but, no job offers yet. Friends and agents say we need to give it at least another month and a half. OK. We seem to have narrowed our dream job down to a "smaller" yacht - a mere 80'- 120', but would be willing to consider anything.
Our wonderful housing arrangement comes to an end this weekend. We have a few options. Friends have offered a couch for a night or two; crew houses where we share with others (often 20 somethings); or short term rentals. Luckily, we aren't out in the cold.
Alan worked for 2 1/2 weeks at Shadow Marine, but it's time to move on. I'm still hoping to get some day work just to get an idea of what I've signed on for. Meanwhile, there seems to be a couple of sponsored parties per week, so we are forced to go drink free beer and eat their food so that we can network.
Photos - Discovered a fabulous Spanish restaurant - flamenco and great food and atmosphere
Obama and McCain sailed around the boat show - Obama on the sail on port tack (left side) and McCain on the
starboard tack (right side)
I don't know how I have lived without a motorized cooler/scooter!
The boat show is over, as is the election. Word from agencies today is that now owners can settle down and let things get back to some normalcy. The rich still like their toys; now they know how to buy them and keep them protected.
Alan has been getting lots of positive nibbles and look outs; but, no job offers yet. Friends and agents say we need to give it at least another month and a half. OK. We seem to have narrowed our dream job down to a "smaller" yacht - a mere 80'- 120', but would be willing to consider anything.
Our wonderful housing arrangement comes to an end this weekend. We have a few options. Friends have offered a couch for a night or two; crew houses where we share with others (often 20 somethings); or short term rentals. Luckily, we aren't out in the cold.
Alan worked for 2 1/2 weeks at Shadow Marine, but it's time to move on. I'm still hoping to get some day work just to get an idea of what I've signed on for. Meanwhile, there seems to be a couple of sponsored parties per week, so we are forced to go drink free beer and eat their food so that we can network.
Photos - Discovered a fabulous Spanish restaurant - flamenco and great food and atmosphere
Obama and McCain sailed around the boat show - Obama on the sail on port tack (left side) and McCain on the
starboard tack (right side)
I don't know how I have lived without a motorized cooler/scooter!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Capt. Little is busy updating to his resume to include his new rank. He is now licensed to be a captain of any vessel up to 1600 tons or about 300 feet. We really would prefer something just a tad smaller. Tomorrow, we will start visiting agencies and signing up for interviews. Meanwhile, Alan continues to work at Shadow Marine, last photo. I'm not sure what I'm doing. Now that I have plenty of time, I don't want to spend money. Bummer, isn't that just how it always is?
Thought you might enjoy seeing how some of the people live here in F.L. My favorite is the blue "African Queen" looking boat.
I'm having technical difficulties. I am not sure why my babbling isn't with the photos, however, I will continue fiddling around.
So, this is our temporary home. Water ways and canals are very common here. They keep surprising me. I don't expect them miles from the the ocean. But, when you build a city in the middle of the everglades, I guess there's bound to be lots of water. Lots of water with sunshine equates to lots of boats.
Pablo, the parrot, is also one of our housemates. He is probably the first bird I actually like - especially when he is in his cage, When around, Drew usually has Pablo sitting on his shoulder. Every once in awhile, Pablo makes a run for it. There is a household debate whether or not Pablo can fly; they do trim his wings at times I guess.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hollywood, FL
The evenings are really beautiful this time of year. The sunset is on the wrong side of this place, but the color gets reflected onto the clouds.
Hollywood is a quaint little town just south of Ft. Lauderdale. They have preserved much of what was built in the 40's and 50's - unlike Ft. L.
I loved the little tiki bars, but I'm afraid they were full of regulars.
Monday, Oct. 13, 2008
We have arrived. Our first 3 - 4 days have been better than I could have expected. It's hot. It's hot and humid. Not that I didn't expect that, I just forget as I'm walking out the door, first step and I am reminded.
Alan is going to take the captain's test here in a few days. He bought 2 hideously boring books and has been studying. I am encouraging his studying by leaving the house and scouting around Ft. Lauderdale. (Love the iphone GPS/maps.)
We had a room in a house already reserved before we got here. So far, we haven't had any roommates. It's a tiny house fairly close to everything going on here. It has worked out OK. The wifi is spotty, so a bit disconcerting. I'm sitting in a French cafe taking advantage of their wifi.
Friday, Alan and I checked in with some of his old contacts. Shadow Marine, his first job, welcomed him back and offered him work. (He's there right now. It's nice to know there is a little incoming money.) We also visited 2 crew agencies, both of whom remembered Alan. That seems like a decent sign.
Yes, the economy has hit yachting. We thought that we would aim for the 80' to 120' foot yachts. They are a little less glamorous and fewer crew. Changing our minds - they seem to be the ones that are more effected right now. The megayachts (120' and up) do seem to be far less effected. Alan would qualify as a mate, not captain, on these boats. Honestly, I don't really care. On the bigger boats I would be working with other stews and get to learn from them. I might also have a chance to help in the galley.
We also had dinner with several of Alan's friends Friday night. By the end of it, we had a free place to stay for the next 3 - 4 weeks. Supposedly, we would actually being helping out Safari and Drew, our gracious hosts, because they will be traveling and need someone to feed pets. The house is much nicer than where we are. It has lots of light and a pool and is on a waterway and comes with a car. We move tonight!
So for right now, this is how I am going to try to communicate. I know I can add photos which I will learn. There is a way for you to respond using this site, but I'm not sure how yet. You can always reach us at sailinglittles@gmail.com.
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