time flys and life goes on--celebrate it all

How can it be May 17th ---already. WOW, but life does go on doesn't it? Lot's has happened.
I got to spend some time in Michigan with my family, and have a wonderful visit with my dying father (He was 99, and alert--so he earned the very gentle death he had).

Then back here to Maine to launch an all out frantic search for our lost dog--long story, but good ending. We don't realize how attached and foolish we are about our pets, until we have "situations". Anyway, she is home, and happy, but with very sore paws.
She was being cared for at an "inland" home by a relative. We think she took off to try to get home. She was found days later about 30 miles away--on the coast. My theory is that she went to the smell of the salt water and mud flats, which would mean home to her. Only about 40 miles away from us.

So that leads to the boat launch. The May 7 launch of AVATRICE went off without a glitch. We store her on our property, so this huge boat hauling truck has to come and pick her up, and deliver to the boat yard. She got plopped right in the water, all systems go, and now we are sitting on our mooring, naked as a ?? --unrigged boat--waiting for her masts to be stepped.
This is always a frantic time of year for the boat yards, and a nervous time of year for the boat owner, who just wants to finish putting the boat together, and GO SAILING!!!
So, I am trying to practice patience, and complete the list on 99 other things to complete aboard.

I am also getting ready for my presentation on Coastal Cruising at the National Womens Sailing Association annual meeting in Marblehead, Ma. on June 2. Check it out. It is an all day seminar, with hands on----on the water , and classroom presentations. It's a great day.
So I'd better get busy.....................