June 16th

Good evening for the final time! Our boat will be out of internet range tomorrow as we travel back to Sitka so will make this my last blog for the spring season. Wow, so much has happened since I traveled up here. I've met some interesting people over the past 8 weeks and two of my favorites are Minnie and Brad. They have been wonderful to me every step of the way. I can't even begin to name everything that we've gone through but having both of them supporting me has been a game changer. Before I flew to Sitka from home, we had only spoken on the phone. Then Minnie picked me up at the airport and we hugged, it felt like we were long lost friends. And now we are friends, hopefully not lost though. Quitting my job to come up here was a big step and Minnie seemed to know how much that affected me. Sure, I wasn't crazy about my job but I kept hanging on because it was a job and I wasn't sure how to make a career change smoothly. Well, I've done it. I will no longer work behind a desk, not sure what the future holds for me but it will involve more activity and interaction with people, those are the two things I was most missing from my last job. Boy, did I make a big change. hahahaha. And for the most part, it's been great. Had some lonely moments, a few frustrated moments and even a few scary moments. But mostly, I like the changes that have happened in me. I feel more positive about the present and the future. I've worked my tail off (well, it's still there) and I survived, something I wasn't sure I could do anymore. I learned how to cook on a diesel stove, trust me, that's not an easy process. And I've learned how to flush boat toilets, hahaha. I can now peel a shrimp and crack a crab, will wonders never cease? Tomorrow our clients will leave the boat in Kake at 8 am. Then we will hightail back to Sitka which is about a 15 hour journey. Now remember, this is going back through the same spot where we had the rotten weather a week ago. Pray for safety and better weather this time. Brad and I are both ready to get off the boat and live on land for a month, well, I shouldn't speak for him but I think he would agree. During the boat ride to Sitka I will tear apart the beds, vacuum, clean out the fridge and produce tub, then I need to pack my things and clean my room. Woohoo!! I'm going home Thursday morning and I'm so dang excited. As much fun as this has been, I'm missing my family and friends. It's been long enough for this old lady to be away from home, time to get back and do some cooking for my hubby. Of course, I'll only be home for a month and then it's back up here to finish the season but I will enjoy every minute I'm home. Thanks to everyone that took the time to read my thoughts, happy or sad, weird or strange, up or down. I have enjoyed getting the opportunity to put my experiences down on paper and also share my heart with you. Not sure if I should continue when I come back or not, guess maybe you guys should answer that. Or maybe I'll keep writing just for myself, we'll see. Again, it's been fun, take care and I'll yak with ya later......dj