I was caught in a maelstrom for 24 hours as the boat swung at anchor. I didn't get much sleep during that night, listening to the wind whistling. I rowed to shore after the wind dropped to around 20 mph. The walk on the beach was invigorating in the cold. And the next night, I made a camp fire, cooking some boiled peanuts and sitting with my dog until the fire was embers. It amazes me that this island is near one of the most popular destinations in the country, and yet, I had the entire island to myself. It helps that it's only reached by boat and that most people aren't quite as adventuresome as I am.
It was good to be home though. I took a long hot shower, getting rid of the smell of wood smoke and diesel fumes. I would like to bottle the smell of the salt air though. I wish that would not wash away. It is a smell of the outdoors, the sea and the wind.
I've had several people email me that I am fearless. I don't feel fearful on the boat. I feel the most peaceful there actually. My fear seems to come about when I am back on land, surrounded by traffic, obligations, responsibilities, and demands. Maybe it's not really fear but unnerving to think that I have to be doing something productive while I'm at home. I know that is a mindset from years of conditioning of working at a demanding job. I sometimes have to remind myself that I don't have to do anything on a schedule anymore. Old habits are hard to break though.
My C. was really happy to see me. Her new medication is helping a lot. She is joking and seems much less stressed. It's good to see the funny side of her come out again. Humor cures a lot of things and definitely is good for our relationship.
Just in case you want to see some of the work that we have done on the interior of the house, I've included a few photos. We are at a stopping point for now and will resume after Thanksgiving. Mostly all we have done is painting and furniture placement. We did add wainscoting in the dining room and foyer. Amazing what some different colors and a little carpentry will do.
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| Dining room |
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| Foyer--added wainscoting and equinox pendant |
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| Hallway to master bedroom wing |
The house looks fantastic! I am partial to the wood floors and that beautiful painting of the egret. I have a similar picture which I love.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time on the water, even if the weather was rather fierce. And I'm glad you're home and that your bride is a happier woman. Hurray!
I like wood also. All of the house's flooring, except for the master bath and the butler's pantry, is wood. Nothing like the wide pine.
DeleteI envy you on the water and alone time.
ReplyDeleteI think you and I are somewhat alike as far as the work ethic. Seems the only time I rest is when I am away from home. When I am home there is always something to do and I like working on my house so I am tinkering.
We had a new driveway poured and new siding is being put on the house now. I contracted both of those but today I ripped up the kitchen flooring and will do the family room tomorrow. Going back with hand scraped hickory. I too like the wood.
I like the DIY projects. I don't mess with electrical wiring. The hand scraped hickory sounds awesome. I am glad for a reprieve for a bit until we begin the upstairs painting and bathroom updating. Going spa-like for those.
Deletenice...i am liking what you guys did to the house...hey if you can figure a way to bottle that air i might get you to send me some, just saying...ha...glad you got your time...wood smile smell is not bad...diesel, yeah wash that off...ha
ReplyDeleteBrian, the wood smell is great. The diesel smell is something I come home with each time I am out. I hardly smell it anymore, but a shower after four days is good anyway.
DeleteLife sounds good Syd. I am glad you enjoyed your few days away on the boat, despite the various weather. The dining room and hall look so elegant and your bird prints caught my eye, reminding me of prints from my early childhood.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellen. Those bird prints are Audubon's. He did a lot of bird paintings from this area.
DeleteSo you sail North to the mouth of the St. Lawrence, traverse lake Erie, then the canal, then you'll hit the Detroit river. Bring your hammer.
ReplyDeleteThe DD I went to sea on was 173 feet long and 73 at the beam. I know what you mean about high seas. They are some of my fondest memories of a spent youth.
I have some friends who are doing the Great Loop. They get close to your neck of the woods. But, Mark, the invitation still stands to come South for the winter. You don't even have to come by boat. Bring your hammer.
DeleteI'd have to bring the wife Syd. She does all that kind of work around here. I just make sure the TV screen doesn't go blank.
DeleteSyd I love the polished wood, the Audabons and that equinox pendant. A magical home.
ReplyDeleteAnd I understand too that love of the ocean and sailing away, nights by a fire on a deserted island.
Thanks, Mary. It is a Georgian style house, and there are lots of antiques. But we added some modern touches too.
Deletethe weather you described sounds like cleveland,but seriously I'm glad that you are safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike. I appreciate that.
DeleteI love what you've done with the house. Y'all are quite the team- doing all of that work yourselves! I am so, so, so glad to hear that your wife's mood has continued to improve and that she is doing well. I've kept her in my prayers as I know how heavy and bleak depression can be.
ReplyDeleteI like that you wish you could bottle the sea air. It would be nice if we could bottle the things that comfort us so that we could have them with us when times call for them.
Kelly, I like to do things myself. I have a really nice workshop. And painting is something that we can do together. We are both perfectionists when it comes to paining!
DeleteAnd the sea air is incredible. I also like the smell of mountain air and fir trees too.
Wow -- that stair hand railing is the exact same one that was in our house that I grew up in - that my dad & grandfather built, in CT.. It kind of warmed my heart just to see that. Beautiful home you have.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you like the banister. The house is Georgian so we do our best to keep things as authentic as practicable.
DeleteOh Syd, your home is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing the pictures....I love seeing that!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are home safe and sound and that C is feeling more like her old self. I just picked up H's new med's today....we will see. I hope it does the trick. I love the sound of being caught in a maelstrom! LOL I love rain and wind....not destructive, but I love the wildness and the trees swaying back and forth and the sounds and the fire in the stove!
Thank you too for the wonderful comments you always leave me. :o) I think you are one of my earliest readers....I so appreciate that you keep coming back.
Annette, I am sorry that I don't get around right away when you post. I lag behind others on so many blogs. But I get there eventually. You and I and a few others, like MC, have been around a long time blogging. I cannot do the daily grind anymore but post when I can. You are a friend--you know that.
DeleteI love how the wainscoting turned out and that lighting pendant is gorgeous! Where did you fund it?
ReplyDeleteJudith, it is an Equinox pendant. I believe that my wife got it from Lamps Plus. It is in the bronze. Different and gets lots of comments.
DeleteYou two have a beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteMy brother is like you - happiest on his boat. Me, I like dry land :)
My comments keep disappearing!
ReplyDeleteYour home is beautiful, gorgeous!
Signed Mary Christine - it is easier this way.
I've always loved wainscoting and especially painted in light colors or white. It makes a room look new and fresh ... like yours, lovely !
ReplyDelete