The Hunt Continues....

We are getting dizzy looking at boats!! The more we look the more we find! We have decided to narrow our search to boats only in Maryland and Virgina. There are lots of great boats in Florida but the extra shipping costs can be killer. We are finding lots of great boats in the Maryland area and we don't have to worry about shipping fees! Here is our current top runner. Could this be our new "home"?

It's a 42 ft Whitby Ketch. A good, strong, blue water boat. Made for anything from Chesapeake Bay cruising to trans-Atlantic crossings. Roomy enough for 2 humans, 2 dogs and a few guests!

The Galley (aka, the kitchen)

The companion way (front door), thruway, and navigation station

The head (aka, the bathroom)

Master Cabin

As I am sure you have noticed by now... there doesn't seem to be too much room on a 42 ft sailboat! Its actually about the size of a small to average size apartment....its just longer more than it is wider! There is plenty of headroom for Kevin at 6'1" to stand up throughout which is an important thing as we are looking at boats.

We will obviously be downsizing A LOT!!! Anyone need a new couch? Yes, it will be a spartan lifestyle but we are looking forward to it! Less stuff, less junk....more freedom.....

It's all part of our plan to simplify our life.

Independence Day

As I celebrate another 4th of July away from home, serving my country, it is easy to reflect on how lucky we are in the good ol' US of A. Every time I am away, I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have been born in such a great country, full of opportunities. Each new country I visit, I can see why so many people are trying to get in. Here are few pictures I have collected over the years of our great Flag overseas. Some of the pictures are with a US Flag that has been with me everywhere! I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them! Everyone be safe and enjoy the time you have off with family and friends! Wish I was there!! Happy 4th of July!!!

Atop a mountain in Afghanistan

Baghdad International Airport

Dogs are the same all over the world.....

Meet the A-Team:

Zero

Stan

Brown Dog

Rocky

Bullwinkle

White Dog

Chewy

Frodo

And last but not least........

The Puppy!!!!

Just like dogs everywhere... all they want is a full belly and some love. They are great watch dogs and make the place feel more like home.

Hello!!!

AAAAAHHHHHH! Stupid, Puppy!

GRRRRRR! Take that, Puppy!!!

But Shannon! He bit me first!


You can find a good cockroach anywhere!!!

A change in life.....

Well we are thinking about it.... really considering it... and probably are going to do it.....

We may be going from this:

To This:

Yup, that's right folks! We are looking at leaving you land lubbers behind and taking to life on the open sea. (well.... maybe just the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay for now)

We have been contemplating for awhile about downsizing our life and have finally decided to do it. There are a few issues to iron out first but we are heading in that direction. If all goes well, we should have our house rented and living aboard our new boat by September. We are planning on docking up at the Capital Yacht Club in Washington, D.C.

And what do our 4-legged kids think of their impending new life style?

They're ecstatic.

We think they will do just fine! We are slowly introducing them to marinas and boats so they can get used to the normal noises of their new home. We don't want them freaking out on us the first time a horn blows! But for anyone who has greyhounds knows... we could go live in a cardboard box under a bridge and they would be happy as long as they were with us. We are sure they will have their sea legs in no time!

Stay tuned..... More updates to come!!!

Good-bye, Lucas...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge....

Sandy Dandy, Dandy Sandy.....

A tribute to our sweet, sweet Sandy Girl......

She is such a beautiful dog. We are so glad she came into our lives. She is so sweet, sensitive and loving and everything that makes greyhounds great.

Unless she's chewing on a stick....

Or a rib bone!

She absolutely LOVES car rides! She wants to go every time anywhere! Even if we are just going to get the mail! She gets in settles down and relaxes! Every time we take her for a walk, the first thing she does when we get outside the gate is make a b-line for the van! Here she is snug as a bug on a long road trip to NY.

AND She ALWAYS gets the high ground!

Sandy is great with kids! Anyone that has seen her in a parade can testify to that! I wish we had some of the photos people have taken in the parades with her! She always has time to stop for a hug and a picture! Here she is on a walk with our nephew, Brandon.

Chillin' out with our nephew, Alec and his puppy dog Bandit.

"Luke, Does this coat make my butt look big?"

"HAHAHAHA"


Enjoying the fun run at Greyhounds in Gettysburg!

Ahhhh...The world is my oyster! Last time in NY, we took them to a local high school football and track field that was fenced in and let them loose! Boy did they love it! The amazing thing is that until we coaxed them onto the astro turf, they just stayed on the track and ran round and round!

Her innocent "I didn't take the paper towels off the counter and chew them" look. (Don't let her fool you)

Now, Bandit. Listen up! If you wanna be a greyhound...

"Hey Jasmine, I'll race ya to the lobster!"

Retirement is great!