Home for the Holidays

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

As the song goes, there's no place like home for the holidays and we all know home is where the heart is. Couple this with rainy weather a gazillion cars in a hurry to get home, crowded airports, plane delays, and a tight budget going home is a little stressful this year. Even still, the confidence I gained from my summer solo sail has even given me the hutzpah to stand tall, be a frugal shopper and take perhaps a much needed break from sailing.

After 62 days of solo cruising I came home to my ambitious teammates who have motivated me to sail every Sat and Sun, and one or two nights during the week. Then, there are articles to write, plans to be made, an amped up fitness schedule, a dog to care for, a hot tub to keep toasty, and my job........................................................................

And on this 29th anniversary of my first date with my sailing soul mate the forecast is for rain, more rain and temperatures below 60 degrees. Similar to the weather on our camp out at Long Point in Sebastian, Florida back in 1980 or was it 1981? Regardless in 2009 we'll spend our anniversary apart, which makes for a lonely holiday hanging out with my brothers and sister and their spouses.

Still in all, it is a wonderful world in which we live. I have people who I care about and people who care about me. I have friends to laugh with, friends to cry with, friends to argue with, and colleagues who are exceptional. Guess I am getting sentimental, but truly, I am more appreciative of life than ever before. Sailing at sixty is a gift to appreciate.

Be safe, and know when you put your head down to rest this evening, you are in my thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving.

Marlene

[LOLA]

You deserve all that you are thankful for..you have worked hard...Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Marlene