Took the dingy out again today

Took the dingy out again today.  Not much else to do at the moment.  No job, damned little money, getting farther in debt with the marina, health ain't all it could be, what little work I've been getting is subject to the realities of the economy most of us live in.  Ergo, I sail my dinghy.

I'm getting to know all the shallow spots in Boca Ciega Bay, learning how the water acts during tidal periods and wind conditions.  These are valuable lessons.  Learning how to read the water, what colors mean what depths, the mean direction of the waves and wind and how the water looks when the wind is shifting, how the water will stack up on a lee shore and beat the crap out of you and your boat.

This is important stuff when you are in a 10' sail boat.  Reaction times are quick.  If you don't plan or look ahead, you wind up with water coming over the rails or losing your headway.  I am really looking forward to the day I can take Avalon out.  It's frustrating knowing that I have the skills to get her ready but not enough money to make it happen. 

I keep my eyes open for opportunities for work, but it's kind of scarce for my demographic.  I'm looking for music work as well, but with the heart thing it's kind of hard to work up the energy and enthusiasm.  I'll be glad when VA decides that it's time to do the surgery.  I'll also be glad when I hear about my appeals.

Seems that my heart issues are not all about genetics.  Agent Orange exposure has now been linked to congestive heart disease.  I can still smell the stuff as it dripped off of the leaves of the jungle canopy, there in the Landing Zones as we dropped off or picked up troops.  C'mon VA!  I'd like just a little fun before I gotta check out.  I wanna go sailing!  Whaaaa!

I did a little research today, just for the fun of it.  I remember in 1968 falling in love with the design of a sail boat.  It was a Century 26.  I found out today the Century later became Coronado and the boat I have now, Avalon, is that EXACT SAME BOAT DESIGN, only a little larger.  Who says dreams don't come true.

So, I'll keep a positive attitude, enjoy what life I have, give thanks for the life I am living and the dreams come true, and who knows; I just might make it through my "bucket list".

No one gets out of here alive, so live it like ya mean it.