The List...

Our Christmas List has been decidedly different than everybody elses, I suspect. Our Christmas list has been an ever-evolving list of things to do and buy to prepare the Misty Moonlight and ourselves for the big adventure ahead of us. What's on such a list? Well, let's see...

Secure Batteries--check

Get wood from James--check

Insurance--check, this is at least it's second appearance on the list and the second time we've crossed it off too!

Dingy Sell/Buy--half-check we currently have two so if anyone knows someone who needs a sweet double-hull fiberglass dingy, let me know!

Oil Filters

Fuel Filters

Check thermostat

Mexico Cruising Guide--check

H2O tubes replaced--check, well done Sharky!!

Cheek block for reef lines

Anchor and Rode--check

Dodger--Ha!

Nesbitt's Saw

Load Test Batteries--check, this lead us to buying two new batteries...

Measure and mark Anchor Line--check

Flare Gun--check

Tighten belts--well, we tried, so...check...sure...

Buy Rhode (is that your spelling, Sharky?? 'cause I don't know what kinda funny math you've been doing on our bank account but I'm pretty sure we can't afford a State right now--even if it's a small one)

"Man" (what the?....oh my!...who put that on here?)

Boots--check

Pony--check, a story in itself...but another time...

Clothes Pins--check

Grip stuff--check

Plastic wine glasses--check

Fill Propane

Harness

Trash Can--check

Salt H2O pump--check

Call Standard Horizon--check

GPS--check

Flags--check

Charts--check

Patch Repair Kit

Boat Pump

Call Vintage--check

Call Minnies--check

Get Tubing--check

Check Acct--check

Inverter--check

Open House Party--check

Freezer Hinge

Pot Grippers--check

Plugs

Long Lighter--check

Hula Hoop--check

Try boots on with socks--check

Call West Marine/Gold Membership

Shelving

Download "Misty Moonlight"--check

Books--check

X-tra lines

Sat Phone--check

This is just one of several lists I found on this Christmas Eve. The list in my head of things we need rolls off the page...extra shackles and line for our anchors, spare lightbulbs of every kind, more air horns, fishing tackle, a tortilla press, more guitar music...it goes on and on and on. And every purchase digs in just a little further into our already dwindling funds sending us into agonizing debates over what we need and what we want. We chuckle about how much easier every decision would be if we just had a little bit more. So...

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is a couple thousand dollars. You don't even have to come down the chimney or anything, just direct deposit into our bank account if that's easier. Unless you want to come around and share some egg-nog and a card game and a few laughs--a few merry Ho Ho Ho's would fit in well with our set, I think. You are always welcome on the Misty Moonlight!

Much love and Merry Christmas,

Captain Luigi