For Mike's Sake

Our friend Mike came down two days ago to help us sail Nalani into our next port of call, Amelia Island, Fernindina Beach to be exact.  Mike has been a friend for a long time and he grew up on boats, loving cars, and it also an artist.  How interesting that with our family, he fits in with all of us:  Gary with the boating, Elliott with the cars, and me with the art.

He's sailed with us before in our home port and also helped rejuvenate our bimini on the new boat.  He's great with a sewing machine!  Mike has a sister on Amelia Island.  We are going to visit her when we get there; she sounds like someone I would like a lot.  She's involved in the music scene there, so that will be fun.  Cool thing about this woman, though, is that she and I went to the same high school at the same time.  She graduated two years ahead of me.  Isn't that crazy?  Small world.

Mike has been a great addition to our little crew, and yes, we did indoctrinate him to the Gospel of Jestine's Kitchen.  He is a believer!  Hallelujah! 

He likes to play with words, so instead of order "decaffeinated" tea, he orders "decapitated" tea.  Yes, he got some looks and laughs and we all giggled. 

We are grateful not only for his time on the boat, which we hope will last until into next week, but he also offered to drive us into town to get more groceries.  We loaded up again with easy stuff to fix while on the run.  As I'm writing this, Gary's got him running all over the boat as they set a whisker pole to get more out of this light air (which I love, but it does increase the hours we need to be underway).

P.S.  Mike jumped ship today to spend some time with his sister before he heads home early next week.  Can you believe that?  Wanting to spend time with his sister instead of us?  Well, I would, too, because I met her today and she's very cool.  I like her a lot.  She's invited us to a community oyster roast tonight, so we're getting ready to nap a few hours and then go out.  See you later!