Sailboats and kitty litter: Marquesa is all dressed up....

....but not yet ready to go. We haven't even tore into Bessie (the engine) yet. However, ONE thing got done today, and that is Laura and Bill came over with Marquesa's new dodger. She sewed a new helm cover, made a dodger, and replaced the torn zipper on the bimini. They came over at 11am to fit the dodger on, and take some final measurements. She then worked her magic, and they were back at 5:00pm to install it, including new snaps on the gunnels.

Here they were discussing how to and where to mark and make a final cut around the rail.

Meanwhile, Cap'n got the barbee working again, complete with new briquets.

Next he tackled the propane stove, and once we were certain that it was in working order, I invited Kenny and Fran over for our first dinner aboard. I marinated some chicken, made a salad, wild rice, fresh broccoli and chocolate banana parfaits. It was delicious!

Bill and Laura were back at 5pm for the final install. The dodger is wonderful- the windshield is much bigger, and the canvas comes further back along the sides for more protection. They installed three more snaps on each side of the gunnels to extend the length of the dodger. Here the starboard side is all done, and they were working on the port side.

Doesn't Marquesa look sharp? I love that big windshield! Our other dodger was ghetto-fabulous, duct tape and all!

While all of this was going on, I went and got the furry beast from Mamaw and Pap's condo. When he was let out of his cat carrier, he promptly went exploring all over the boat, to his usual haunts and hiding places, then he settled right in on the chart table for a much needed cat nap. Dern cat.

It was so good to visit with our traveling buddies and friends, Kenny and Fran Hagemann. Willis bought her some chaw-clate for Christmas. He's a good shopper; he knows what Frannie likes!