This last year has been a rather testing time with the continuos engine problem we were unable to fix. It made us nearly give up and return back to a land based existence, even Howard was at his wits end at one point. However, perseverance and a great mechanic fixed that tedious issue and we made our way to Sicily for the winter period.
Winter has been changeable- we returned to the UK for a long spell to give us a break from the boat and to regenerate our batteries and reawaken the passion for living aboard. It was lovely to be with family for such a long time, Olivia was particularly happy as she celebrated her birthday whilst there but just missed out on the snow!. We returned back to Licata refreshed and reinvigorated and to the timetable of daily events that kept us busy nearly everyday. The live-aboard community here have set up a structured routine meaning there is something for everyone, no matter what age, to participate in should they so desire so there is never a dull moment. Darts on Mondays, Italian lesson Tuesday, circuits Wednesday, yoga Thursday, happy hour Friday………..
For us schooling is key during these months and the girls really work hard everyday. One on one teaching for 5-6 hours daily is hard on both them and us but it means they get most of their years work done during this time leaving the cruising months to be more relaxed on school. We even had some guest teachers this winter with Ian on Cuffysark providing live science experiments and Harriet on Catweazle instructing in photography. Not sure who enjoyed doing the lessons more, the girls or them ! The community here is one of the best we have found so far. Always willing to help out and also make you feel special. I had a zero birthday in April and had planned a line dance/ barn dance evening on the weekend for anyone in the marina. When we got to the room, it had been decorated with banners and balloons announcing my Zero to the world. What a lovely surprise, all the handiwork of Lorraine on Cuffysark. Karen from CopyCat had also made me a birthday cake too which was another wonderful surprise. Colin, Tony and Phillip provided the musical entertainment and the evening all went off very well. We ended the evening with a great singsong. Thank you all for making what could have been a depressing occasion, one to recall and discuss for years to come.
Life continues at a pace and we ready both the boat and ourselves for another season on the water. We just need to decide on where to go and which direction we will end up.
