We're Outta Here!.....Soon!

It's November!  It's time to begin to organize for the annual trip to a place where there is more sun than cloud, and the temperatures often are in the 70's!  So much to be done!  The flower pots are emptied and stored, then sweep the leaves (many times), make the packing lists, put the garden to sleep, finish the dog classes with Sparky, think about Thanksgiving....put the boat into winter mode....

The last hold out nasturtium plant is finally put in the green house.

Now, down to the dock to make sure the sailboat is ready to wait out the winter in the San Juans....

Yes, that is frost on the dock at the Port of Friday Harbor.  A sure sign it's time to leave.

Even Sparky makes a few trips down to Kairos...maybe making sure we don't slip away without him?

That happens in between his last San Juan Island Dog Training classes.  He moves up a notch in "detection Dog" class.  This time he hones his sniffing talent to detect hidden birch scent!  It's really fun to watch each dog use their incredible nose and sniff out the "hides."  Then it's time to wrap up Clicks and Tricks class where the dogs are learning to put their toys in the toy box, jump through your arms, and Sparky's favorite, get a Kleenex from the box when you sneeze and bring it right over to me!

I know there is "birch" in one of these pizza boxes!

Practice at home means lots of boxes in the living room, but only one has the "prize" hidden inside!

One more Tuesday night ukulele strummers meet up....nothing like coconut oil and butter on organic popcorn...and...of course, good friends.  Nancy and Moey will keep the group playing until our return...or, maybe they will BE the group?  A lot of folks headed south this winter.

We have two Thanksgivings this year.  First there is a mini celebration at our house with brother Rob, Vanessa, and nephew Andrew.  Gotta have those turkey left overs for the road trip!

Andrew's secret nut roll recipe is quite a treat!  

Lucky us, we get a repeat performance at Jessica's place on Thanksgiving Day.  

Nan, Steve and Andrew....

Jessica and Steve, then a shot with Mom, and one with Pam.  Thanksgiving portraits complete!

Thanks to Jessica and Pam and their thoughtful planning, there is just enough time for wreath decoration....and all the needed materials magically appear!  Okay!  Time to get back on the road and to the ferry.  

Now to get serious about packing the rig and pointing it south.