a crappy end to 2011

The day had a rather auspicious beginning.  It seems that sometime in the night the refridgerator konked out...don't know how, don't know why.  In addition to tearing in to Helga (the head) today, the fridge also got added to Mr. FixIt's to do list.  Things were not looking good.

Praying it wasn't the compressor, The Mr. tracked down all
the wiring, jumping the switch at the panel box...power all
seemed fine.  It seems to be the compressor afterall.  Not going
to make a service call on a holiday, so we just filled it with ice,
and carried all the meat to the freezer at the Dockmaster's house.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch...complete with homemade salsa :)

Tearing into Helga was a much more complicated
process.  It meant tearing into the stateroom bed,
the kid's bed, and the head itself.  What a mess.

Willis offered his assistance in trying to track
down a problem with the hoses. Meanwhile
Dad was up to his elbows in you-know-what.

Gives new meaning to the term "Deadhead." :(

Willis got tired of handing Dad his tools.

It took until nearly 6pm, but he finally got it!
Actually, it works better than it ever has since
we've owned the boat.  The lines and valves to
the holding tank were so clogged and calcified
 with nastiness that it took a lot a sweat, a little
swearing, and a whole lot of snaking to bust it
all loose. Now it flushes like a jet's head-woosh!

About mid-afternoon, the kids hopped on the city bus to Key West to
join the crazies bringing in the new year.  Only in Key West is a
transvestite in a giant ruby red slipper dropped at midnight!

We joined the festivities at the marina party held out on the
pointe...perfect for us, we didn't have to worry about walking
the docks and falling into the water in the wee hours of the morning :)

Dan & Biddie's boat guests, Bobby and Kandy.  Bobby 
looked like a shriner; all he needed was a go cart.

We made some new friends, Karie and Matt- they want to
buddy boat with us to some far away places :)  She's an OR
nurse at Fisherman's Hospital where Dave & Diane work.
They have a 34 Endeavor catamaran.

On L is Matt, Karie's husband, and God only knows
 what foolishness Danny is up to!

Looks like Donnie was feeling no pain here, it didn't catch up
to me until the champagne started flowing.  Um, it was a once-
every-ten-years-I've-had-too-much.  The last time was on a cruise
with Michael, my niece Kristal, and Ness & Eric were with us.
I'm such a lightweight...

Looks like the kids had a good time, too :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!