Nov. 15-Dec. 8: Home, then Pensacola to Panama City.

Got home in time to celebrate our grandson Clark’s 2nd birthday.  Such a cutie and so fun to listen to his speech development.  Every day a new word or two.  Enjoyed his parents too! Our in-law apartment is perfect for visiting and impromptu baby sitting.

Drove to Maine to babysit our granddaughters while their parents celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Costa Rica.  Had to brush up on “get kids to school” skills, but we managed to do so with smiles.

 

Drove the girls back to Altamont where upon the cousins had a blast.

Then back to Maine after a wonderful week of celebrating Thanksgiving and early Christmases with family and friends.  Sophie and Josie helped put up a Christmas tree to surprise their parents.

Got back to Pensacola on Dec. 2 where reliable Gak the Harbor Heron greeted us rather loudly.

Beautiful day in downtown Pensacola under the “Umbrella Sky.”

Throughout downtown are decorated pelicans.

And other forms of artwork.

Enjoyed a beautiful sunset on Dec. 3.

And then the spectacular super moon.

Left Pensacola Shipyard on December 5 after 3 weeks.  For boaters in need of boat repair I would highly recommend this yard, along with Troendle Marine.  We had a potpourri of repairs done while we were home.  Wonderful service in a very tidy yard.

The dolphin escorts were fantastic.  A few of them followed us for miles.

Look Out Tower?  It wasn’t noted as anything on the charts.

The Emerald Coast is usually pretty, but we seem to be headed for a stretch of gloomy weather.

Destination for Dec.5  was Destin, Florida.  This marina with the skinny piers (some were only 10 feet long), charged $3.50 a foot!

We opted to anchor out (to the left).  Spent another enjoyable evening in the company of Dennis and Jan aboard Mother Ocean (although we did get soaked going to and fro in the dinghy).

Dec. 6:  Headed out to Panama City.  For 27 miles of the 60 mile trip is a canal referred to as the Grand Canyon.  Given it was in the low 50s with gusts up to 35mph, this “canyon” offered flat seas and minimal wind effect.

I renamed the canal the “Grand Sandyon.”

Looks like this will be my outdoor uniform for the next few days:  high 40s, low 30s, 100% chance of rain, winds 15-20.

So basically bleak for Dec. 7 and 8.

Good thing Steph got me these socks for Christmas!  Looking forward to some warmth and sunshine, hopefully tomorrow!