Winch Ahoy
by Steve West on October 24, 2010
The fourth Sunday of each month, a local boating organization offers free sailing to children with disabilities. They're called Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB). We've been trying for months to go but stuff happened each weekend. This was the last opportunity of the season so we were determined to go. The weather cooperated and the timing worked out as we got to the marina for the last trip of the day. Olivia was in sailor heaven as she was strapped into a car seat looking chair on the starboard side and the rest of us were free to pick seats on either side of a twenty foot sailboat. The operators of that particular boat (there's five in their fleet) couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. Olivia was thrilled by the wind and the spray and couldn't have been happier. Lauren was given a turn at the tiller and begged Santa Dad for a boat and a sailing license for Christmas. The only drawback was Olivia being able to reach a winch handle and throw it overboard. I think she wanted to see if it would float like the dozens of crab pot markers we were sailing past. The boat captain acted as if it was no big deal and told me the Bay was probably littered with 100,000 of the things. I felt awkward about it and offered to replace it but he was satisfied with a donation to the organization. Let me be clear though, he expected nothing. I insisted. That's the kind of group they are. It was awesome. So we had a kind of Mastercard commercial of our own. Free sailing - free. Entrance to the park to get to the marina for Free sailng - $3.00. Replacing the winch handle that Olivia threw overboard - $40.00. Seeing Olivia's expression as we pulled into the dock frantically signing "more" - priceless.
Two Replies to Winch Ahoy
Steve West | November 7, 2010
I had similar thoughts. Olivia, you're going to be a millionaire baby!!!
Web Junkie
Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »
The Bus Stops Here
In Slapshot, Paul Newman encourages the minor league hockey team he captains to play like goons. The team begins to have some success and the driver of the team bus joins in the spirit of gooniness. Paul Newman approaches him while he is proceeding to smack the exterior of the bus with a sledge hammer and inquires as to what he is doing. Go »Lauren Peeks Into Imelda's Closet
Lauren is at Summer Camp until tomorrow and while she was gone, I sent her a card. It's become traditional for the card to be "shoe-themed". This year, the outside of the card featured a picture of the president awarding her a prize. Go »Christmas Post #8: Political Pun Waiting To Happen
Very obvious Hillary pun that still amused me. Hillary nutcracker in action. Check out this site for a lot of clever gifts although you'll have to wade through a lot of truly idiotic stuff as well. Go »Speaking Of Tattoos...
"She Who Must Be Obeyed" (my wife) has graciously allowed me to alter my flesh by getting a tattoo. Much thought has gone into this. David Spade put it well after getting a Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes tattoo on his shoulder. Go »Brenda's Diet Diary
Dear Diet Diary, As a Christmas present this year, my daughter, Lauren (what a thoughtful darling), bought me a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in reasonable shape since being a high school cheerleader 40 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Juan Antonio (ooh what a name) who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. Go »
Scott Hardie | November 7, 2010
Sounds like a great time. Is it me or is there money to be made in buoyant winch handles?