We absolutely loved our month in Indiana and Missouri celebrating the holidays (Covid-style – meaning smaller celebrations and some via Zoom) and spending time with the grands. Although we’re always torn between two lovers (Casstaway and our landlubbing family and friends), it was oh so nice to escape the snow and cold of the Midwest to return last week to our floating piece of paradise. There’s no place like home!
This week we’ve been doing various boat chores and major provisioning. Preparing for potentially two months on the hook takes a little creative planning and creative food storage. Now, with the bimini waterproofed, a bottom job and new zinc, the air conditioning pickled, gas and water filled, laundry done, and every available nook and cranny crammed with foodstuffs, we are good to say goodbye to Marathon Marina and head out tomorrow morning. A new year and new adventures!
As a recap of our 2020, here’s this year’s Christmas – oops – New Years letter.
Cass Christmas Chronicles
2020 Edition
Tanya Honey, I need your help.
Todd Really? Surprise, surprise…
Tanya Seriously. I am trying to come up with something creative for this year’s Christmas letter and I am suffering a severe case of writer’s block. I need some inspiration.
Todd I’d be more than happy to give you some inspiration, heh, heh.
Tanya I bet you would, heh, heh. But I don’t have time for that right now, I’m on a deadline!
Todd It’s already December 19th. I doubt you’re gonna get a letter written and cards printed and mailed in time for Christmas. Even New Year’s would be a stretch. Have you thought about Valentines perhaps?
Tanya Very funny (not). But, you’ve succeeded in giving me an idea in spite of yourself. Let’s do New Years cards this year! We can still update everyone on our 2020 antics and we can position it so that we did this on purpose – no one will be the wiser.
Todd (Does she not realize that she’s already spilled the beans? Welcome to my world). Great sweetie, glad I could be of help.
Tanya But, what am I supposed to say about 2020? I mean basically, it really sucked.
Todd I know. Lots in 2020 for people to be depressed about. It almost seems disrespectful to send out a cheery card when so many people have suffered tragedy. Not just Covid-related illness and death of loved ones, but economic hardships, cancellation of once-in-a-lifetime events and traditions, and pretty much all of life as we knew it just a year ago. And don’t forget sports (my personal hardship to endure). Who knew that the cancellation of March Madness was actually just the beginning of the real madness?! And that’s just talking coronavirus. What about continuing racial strife and an exceptionally divisive presidential election?
Tanya I suppose the best remedy for combating the crap is to focus on the good. You and I traditionally try to look back on our many blessings at this time of year. Let’s make a list.
Tanya I’m waiting…
Todd Grandkids! The joy of our life. Sheltering in Indiana for six months instead of the planned six weeks unfortunately postponed our sailing adventures, but it did give us lots of extra time to spend with Knox, Mila, and Banx. And sharing Mom and Tom’s Noblesville house for an extended stay was a good opportunity for all four of us to fine-tune our skills in family peace and harmony.
Tanya Health. Even though Covid caught up with several in our family circle, everyone came through it safely. And our mask-wearing, social-distancing, hand-washing/sanitizing and generally doing everything possible to act like the unfriendliest people in the world kept the two of us healthy, if not a little lonely.
Todd Our boat home, Casstaway. Since the coronaviris and an exceptionally busy storm season postponed our plans to permanently set sail, we were able to use that time to upgrade her amenities – a new dinghy and motor, new anchor and chain, a new grill, conversion to a fresh-water head, and even an ice maker. She stayed sturdy and kept us dry during tropical storm Eta, and in our first month of “living on the hook” you’ve managed not to damage anything when docking and I’ve managed not to fall off the bow when setting the anchor. We’re both looking forward to continuing our nomad cruising life in January 2021, when we head to anchorages still undetermined.
Tanya Our kids – Howie, Jake and Brynlee. Howie completed his Army Basic Combat Training and AIT as Private First Class and Culinary Specialist in the Indiana National Guard. God is still working in his life and we are grateful. Jake is doing his part as Indiana Market Manager to successfully increase the value of our Redfin stock. And even with a maternity leave detour, Jake’s wife Brynlee is on track to graduate as a Nurse Practitioner in February 2021.
Todd Retirement. Since we have no jobs, we had no jobs to lose this year!
Tanya Nice point dear.
Todd Yes, our trials have been far overshadowed by our blessings. We hope that each of you have found blessings to celebrate throughout this difficult year.
Tanya We pray that 2021 rings in with the promise of health and happiness for all our friends, family and loved ones.
As for us, we are SO ready to exchange our facemasks and hand sanitizer for snorkel masks and sunscreen.
Happy New Year!
Captain Todd and First Mate (Admiral) Tanya
PS. Nomads have to be creative when it comes to receiving mail. Thankfully, there are services for that. Our new mailing address:
Todd and Tanya Cass
500 Westover Dr #17227
Sanford, NC 27330
Hi Admiral Tanya and Captain Todd. Greetings from Arcadia, IN. I am blessed to have read your blog this evening, and will be praying for safe and healthy travels as you take in the most beautiful scenery and experiences God grants you along the way. God Bless you and Keep you.
Joy
Loved reading this article. Wonderful pictures!
Enjoyed your New Years/Valentines greeting. Safe sailing & prayers for good weather. Will look forward to your posts.