Thursday, April 30, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440 W

Coronavirus has turned us all into dogs:  We roam the house all day looking for food.  We’re told “no” if we get too close to strangers.  And we get really excited about car rides.

Not much has happened since my last post.  On Monday, the Tinker Twins scrubbed Gypsy Palace’s bottom.  When they finished, they were covered with sea lice (like little tiny brine shrimp) so showered the little critters off on the port step.  Not that I noticed the bodies when Nicky and I returned from grocery shopping but I did notice when I sat in the middle of them later.  That evening, we celebrated Dale’s birthday on our boat with Chinese take out; except for Gene.  He brought his own dinner as he doesn’t eat Chinese.  Apparently where they come from in Texas, a Chinese restaurant was closed down when food inspectors found 37 frozen cats in their freezer.  Needless to say, the evening was filled with cat jokes.  Tastes like chicken folks!  Nicky was a sweetheart and made Dale a lemon cake with the appropriate amount of blueberries in lieu of candles; no need to set the boat on fire.

Tuesday was laundry day.  The guys helped us cart the laundry in the couple of blocks it takes to walk there then disappeared to go shopping at the little Kmart a few more blocks up the road.  Nicky and I commented that it was unusually busy this time.  Since last weekend was Easter, I’m hoping that those whose normal wash day is on Saturday or Sunday moved it to Tuesday, instead of the word getting out that Tuesday was a slow day at the laundromat.  In any event, one lady took umbrage with me as I was apparently using her 2 favorite washing machines.  What can I say?  No matter where I go, chaos follows. 

Yesterday, we elected to rent a car instead of hiring a cab when we found out it was the same price and they pick up and drop off the car right at the marina.  What a deal!  We tried to shop at a marine salvage store but only one person could enter at a time and then they had to “look” at the merchandise by video.  Dale took the opportunity to walk the marina docks in front.  Nicky and I took the opportunity to sit in an air conditioned car. 

We all shopped at the Office Max. Dale’s computer screen had seized and started to snap when he went to close it.  Its still working but it seems prudent to find a newer model now before it completely dies.  We did take the time to back it up to a hard drive; just in case.  It has all of our weather and routing software on it. 

Nicky found a larger selection of color pencils to use, I thought that was a good idea since that’s one of our more creative ways of killing time, so I bought some too.  Gerry found something he couldn’t live without but I wasn’t paying enough attention to tell you about it now. 

We went shopping at the larger Kmart on the other side of the island.  I’m not sure any of us bought anything but we certainly walked all the aisles and soaked in the AirCon.  As we exited, the security guard struck up a conversation telling us that the Tap and Still (a popular pub/restaurant) in Red Hook had reopened by advertising 2 for 1 drinks.  They had so many people show up, order, but then not leaving, that the police came and closed them down again.   People are starting to go nuts locked up and need to get out. 

Since the Tap and Still is closed again, we had no choice but to go to McDonalds’ drive through because no one thought my idea of ordering Pizza Hut and eating in the car was a good idea.  That’s OK; McDonalds’ has the best fries!

We tried to go to Price Right (a Sam’s/Costco type of store) but there was a long line to get in, so we drove over to Cost U Less, the one we’ve been frequenting via cab and didn’t have to wait in a line to enter.  We did some provisioning of things we can’t get at the little grocery close by; then back to the marina. 

When Gerry called to let the rental company know we were finished and could pick up the car, we checked the prices on a vehicle that would hold 6, as Texas Crewed had been working remotely yesterday.  We found that it would be more economical to rent 2 small vehicles and race each other around the island than it would be to rent a larger SUV or minivan.  So that’s our plan for the future.  Once a week or every other week, we’ll rent a car/cars to do our running around at our own pace (and not feel bad for asking the cab driver to wait in the heat.)

Today, Dale was pleased to find out the suggestion made by Never Say Never about a product to clean rust stains off—was amazing.  He’s already cleaned one hull and is waiting to finish making water to clean the other. 

Tonight, we’ll gather on Opal for drinks and nibbles and catch up with Texas Crewed who work remotely 2 days each month (according to Gene) more than that (according to Renee) and to discuss our latest information that not only has Grenada extended the lockdown to 5/15 but Trinidad has too. This means, none of us will be moving anytime soon.  Since I have a couple of hours until then, I’ll be trying out those new color pencils.  Who knows, maybe I’ll be an artist by the time lockdown is lifted. 

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

Does anyone know if we can take showers yet?  Or do we just keep washing our hands!

Well, all sorts of things have happened since I last posted.  We’re all legal now, I have a new crown and Thursday, Dale started the day with a shocking experience.  Literally! 

It all started on Wednesday afternoon; right after I finished my blog posting.  I had checked on my garden and found that it wasn’t working.  As you know I was adamantly opposed to the Tinker Twins converting my 110 garden into a 12 volt garden.  So when I found that it wasn’t working, you can imagine my demeanor in telling them “Houston, we have a problem.”  As it happened, I was alone when I discovered “the problem” and had to dinghy over to Opal to pick Dale up from helping Gerry install the new solar panels.  It was a windy day and in trying to tie up to Opal on my own, I had to make several attempts as I kept being blown off.  Into their dink, off to the side, just plain backward and my attempt to throw them a rope was no better by the time we resorted to that.  So I was REALLY in a good mood when I finally was secured to their boat and relayed the information.  The long and short of it was, since they were in the process of eating lunch, I told them what I had discovered, grabbed Nicky and then went in to the Roti shop to grab my lunch and sooth my bruised ego. 

While we were in town, Gerry and Dale took Opal’s dinghy back to the Palace to repair what damage they could find and discovered that I had locked the boat before leaving.  Dale had even asked me if I had locked the door but in my embarrassed/frustrated state, had forgotten that I had.  So, he did the next best thing.  He broke in.  The hatches over the salon are the largest on the boat, so he jimmied the locks and was in the process of crawling in when DPNR called on his phone.  DPNR is the Department of Parks and Natural Resources or the ones who we were waiting for to give us the permit to anchor in the harbor for an extended time.  Not exactly the Harbor Police but definitely officials of that nature during the Corona situation.  As Dale was in the process of breaking in and had left his wallet and phone with Gerry, Gerry took the call.  He was waiting for his permit too.  Once Dale had gotten into the boat, he then had to disassemble the lock on the door to open it.  By this time, Gerry had cleared his boat in and handed the phone to Dale who was able to clear the Palace in.  So now we’re legal.  Maybe my hair will stop falling out.   

Once the legalities were taken care of, they were able to determine that there was nothing wrong with the garden, it was the 12 volt socket that was causing the issue and, of course, needed to be replaced.  Or so they thought at the time. 

That evening everyone gathered on our boat to play Mexican Train Dominos.  We had explained the Trinadadian rules we play by to Texas Crewed back in the Turks and Caicos.  As the game progressed, we explained some of the more intricate details/rules as we went along.  Gene and Renee had declared at that time, we were making the rules up as we went along (what can I say, there are lots of rules).  This time it was Gerry and Nicky’s turn to learn the rules, so we tried to spill them out all at one time (so it wouldn’t appear that we were cheating) but even they had decided that we were making up the rules as we went along.  It didn’t help that I made a wrong move late in the game and Gerry caught me (he was right, I made too many moves). Anyway, we had a lot of fun.  Particularly since I was finally able to serve that dang watermelon.  Gina on Rum Truffle was on a paddleboard going by so I called her over for a couple of bites as well. 

Thursday morning, Dale started with a shock.  He had gone down to the same area to start the water maker and apparently put some part of his body too close to the garden socket as I was only aware of the yell.  It was the kind of yell that is startling and crap! that’s not good.  Being me, I thought the water maker had died again, 

Turns out he found several connections to the socket that were loose and arcing.  So he set about turning everything off, cleaning and reattaching them to the socket before checking every single connection with the multimeter before plugging my garden back in.  Its now working.  I did notice a couple of tomatoes were missing so I figure he’s already collecting his payment. 

Friday was another visit to the dentist.  This time we took the “safari bus” up and back.  I believe I’ve described this before as an open air conveyance that has 3 or 4 rows behind a cab.  In an effort to keep transportation available during social distancing, they limit access to 2 people per row; opposite ends of the row, please.  The fact that each row is only about 2 foot apart doesn’t seem to be a factor.  Being the only space available, we crawled in next to a single rider and moved to the opposite side of the row.  The driver took off but about 2 stops later, with people getting on and off, checked to see where everyone was sitting.  As there were 3 of us in our particular row, he asked the single rider to move forward to the next row.  Boy, did that start a ruckus.  There was no way the rider was moving because he was there first!  Dale and I both said we’d move but the bus driver wanted the other guy to move.  It was resolved when Dale simply crawled over to the seat in front.  Thank heavens it was a short ride to the dentist’s office. 

As usual, when the dentist got down to business, he and his assistant put both of their hands each containing some implement of torture into my mouth at the same time and then proceeded to try to have a meaningful conversation.  In any event, I now have a new temporary crown.  I was cautioned that this was only temporary.  Only to last a couple of months.  Do not eat frozen Snickers bars.  I was told twice not to eat frozen Snickers bars.  In the past, I’ve been warned about chewing gum, crunching on nuts or the banned ice cubes.  I’m not sure I’ve ever had a frozen Snickers bar, but now I’m curious.  Just not that curious.  Maybe once I have a permanent crown, I’ll have to find out about these forbidden frozen Snickers bars.  Obviously, they’re very chewy. 

Friday afternoon, we all gathered on Texas Crewed for burgers and finished our Mexican Train Dominos game (it’s a long game.)  Again, we had a blast.  Much to everyone’s disappointment, I did not drool. 

Today, we did absolutely nothing.  It rained off and on most of the day, so Dale ran the engine (which heats the water) to keep the batteries topped off, ran the water maker, ran the ice maker and the end result would mean that we’d have enough hot water that we wouldn’t need to use the solar showers that would have been tepid at best.  The wind piped up enough that we decided to take the tent poles out of our sun shades as I didn’t want to snap another of them. Other than that, we read, played puzzles, and watched The Martian, extended version thank you. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

We might be seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.  Can’t be sure but we’re hoping. 

On Monday, Dale and I hiked to the Post Office to pick up my meds.  No issues this time as we went to the box window straight off, had our tracking number and had already confirmed that it had arrived.  Afterwards, as we waited for the rain to clear, Dale struck up a conversation with a Fire Rescue guy waiting outside the building.  Our oldest son works for the LA County Fire Department as an engineer and we’ve found that once we mention that to any fire fighter, they open up immediately and start talking.  After the rain passed, we said our good byes and swung by Pueblo, the local grocery store, on our way back just because we could and then, instead of going to Wendy’s for an early lunch, walked a little further to pick up Subway sandwiches to take back to the boat.  Have to add a little variety to our lives.  The boats were still dancing on their anchors, so Dale and Gerry put off changing the zincs on Opal for another day.

However, Dale did tear the balky ice maker apart again.  What he found was that it appears to work just fine when time is put between each request for ice.  He’s decided that it is overheating.  Since we’re in almost constant 85+ degree weather, it doesn’t cool.  His solution?  Leave the outside cover off.  So far, its been working beautifully.  As its not the most attractive appliance now, its been relegated to the guest side bathroom where it sits making ice without issue.  

Tuesday was my big day at the dentist.  Boy were they following protocol for the CoVid19 situation.  All the doors were locked but there was a sign on the back door indicating that if you had an appointment, to call a particular number.  I did but only got an answering machine.  I left a message that I had arrived for my appointment and was out in the parking lot.  A couple of minutes later, I received a return call and was instructed to go back to the door and wait.  Soon enough, two gloved, masked and hand sanitizer packing ladies came to the door, directed me to hold out my hands to be sanitized, before handing me a clipboard with the customary 4 page medical questionnaire to fill out.  They even handed me a “clean” pen to use.  I asked where I was to fill this out as we had arrived by cab and I was standing in an empty parking lot.  We were directed to the curb on the opposite side under a palm tree for shade.  We did as told and while filling out the questionnaire, they came back out to obtain my insurance card.  You should have seen that transfer!  I dug it out of my wallet and put it in the first one’s gloved hand.  She wiped it down with sanitizer before handing it to the second’s gloved hand and they disappeared back into the building.  Each time they opened the door, they wiped it with sanitizer.  We went through the same procedure to transfer the clipboard back to them.  Eventually, I was called in for my appointment.  Dale was instructed to wait outside; only the patient would be allowed in.  The long and short of that is that I need to return on Friday for a temporary crown as it will take them 3 weeks to get a permanent one.  With any kind of luck, we should be gone by that time. 

Once I was done with the dentist, I was directed to the front desk for payment, we went through the same sanitizing procedure to transfer my credit card back and forth and getting a copy of my bill.  Where they had directed me to stand through all of this was at the bottom of a couple of steps.  While waiting I took the opportunity to sit down on one of the steps.  I was surprised that the dentist had seen this and actually brought me a chair to sit in (I forgot to look to see if he was wearing gloves and I certainly didn’t ask if the chair had been disinfected!) Believe it or not, these are actually the best procedures to use in the event of a pandemic.  We just haven’t seen them being used anywhere else.  In fact, we’ve shaken our heads seeing a lot of people not even wearing their masks properly.  In any event, it was an experience.  Obviously to be repeated on Friday. 


When we came back to the harbor Gerry had been given word that his 2 new solar panels had arrived, so he and Dale dinghied in and each balanced one on their respective tenders.  As it was mid afternoon by the time they were transferred to Opal, they elected to install them today.  


We ended the day by gathering on Opal for “Hot Dog Tuesday.”  It was truly an American dinner.  Nicky provided the hot dogs and condiments,  Renee provided the baked beans and I provided the potato salad.  We even ended the meal with apple pie and chocolate chip cookies.  Can’t get any more American than that. 

The Tinker Twins

(Photos provided by Nicky)

Today, bright and early, we lowered the dinghy and I took Dale over to Opal to help install the solar panels but then returned to the Palace to do the dishes with solar hot water and type this installment.  This afternoon, once everyone’s chores are done, we are gathering here to play a game of Mexican Train Dominos.  I’ve had to adjust my “drunken watermelon” recipe, as I followed the instructions yesterday about cutting the hole and then tipping the bottle into the cavity but the watermelon never soaked up the rum.  So today, I cut up the watermelon, put it in a bowl and poured the liquor over it.  There’s more than one way to skin a cat! 

I started this post by saying that there might be a glimmer of hope.  I say this as the guys search the web daily for any news that the more southern islands are opening up prior to hurricane season.  
Yesterday, we saw where Grenada was slowly opening their businesses to those already in the country.  We’re hoping that is a good sign and in the next week or two, they will once again open their borders.  Trinidad mostly likely will be right behind Grenada as they are the two countries most cruisers wait out hurricane season in and somewhat in competition with.  With many cruisers making the decision to return home already, the longer it’s put off, the less boaters will be making the transit south.   

I leave you with today’s joke (as one of my friends sent me a few to keep me entertained): 

You know if you keep a glass of wine in each hand, you can’t accidentally touch your face! 

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

Just checking in to let everyone know that we’re still alive and well.  The last couple of days have been rather boring.  Most of the time was spent reading, doing puzzles, coloring, day dreaming or in Dale’s case, checking the backs of his eyelids for light leaks.  Although he always runs the water maker for at least an hour; the ice maker for about the same amount of time and putts around with other possible projects. 

On Friday we all gathered on Texas Crewed for Happy Hour.  Gene and Renee are getting antsy to move again.  Not exactly sure where they might move to as everything is still closed, although we did hear that they might open the beaches tomorrow. 

Saturday Dale and I walked in to buy gas for the outboard and then spent a relaxing evening on Opal putting the world to rights.  Today we had everyone on board the Palace for Happy Hour.  Just in time for the original ice maker to start making those nasty sounds again.  Guess that means Dale will be tearing it apart again.  

I received confirmation that my medications have arrived by mail so we’ll be making another trip to the Post Office to pick them up tomorrow; that’s always something to look forward to.  

The guys were planning on replacing a zinc on Opal today but as the wind was blowing a little more aggressively, it caused the boats to be constantly dancing on their anchors, so it was postponed until tomorrow after we return from the Post Office. 

I was able to get an appointment with a local dentist for Tuesday to see if the crown that fell off can either be repaired or replaced.  Guess that’s about it. 

Oh!  I did hear a couple of jokes today:  Worst purchase of 2019?  A 2020 appointment calendar. 

Next one:  Two potatoes are standing on a corner.  How can you tell which one is the prostitute?  The one wearing the I-da-ho sticker. 

We’re getting desperate out here folks!

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

Well the Tinker Twins were at it again. 

When we last posted, the Tweaker in Chief was trying to convince me that he wanted to tinker with my remaining aero garden.  What I may not have explained was that an aero garden is a self contained, tiny water garden that grows herbs, lettuce or in my case cherry tomatoes and herbs.  I’ve been really happy with my tomato and basil harvest. 

When Dale didn’t like my head strong attitude towards his idea, he took it up with the Tinkering Consultant and surprisingly, the Tinkering Consultant agreed with me; don’t even try linking the two gardens together; too iffy a project.  However, going back to Dale’s original plan to convert the garden from a 110 volt to a 12 volt was thought to be prudent.  

Tinker Twins at it again!

Can you see me now?

I think they planned their attack when they made a trash run earlier in the day as it was a pretty well coordinated effort.  Gerry and Nicky came by in the afternoon and while Nicky and I chit chatted in the salon, Dale and Gerry began by putting some LED lights along our back arch so that we can more easily identify our boat in the anchorage at night.  They wired it into one of the lights already in the cockpit, so once power is flowing to the light, the switch to the arch lights can be turned on.  They were very pleased with themselves when it all went according to plan and the lights came on as anticipated. 

A 12 volt garden

Then they turned their sights on my poor little garden.  With multimeter in hand and poised to take action, they eagerly explained that they knew what had happened during the first attempt and that it would not happen again.  Dale even showed me how he was certain that it would have a different result by putting the pointy end of the multimeter into what looked like a socket of some sort.  (Forgive me but I was taught not to do things like that but he didn’t seem to get zapped, so I didn’t say anything).  Then while I was held as a captive audience, they wired the garden with a 12 volt plug and plugged it in.  I had my camera ready as I wanted a photo of the smoke as it rose from the lights.  As fate would have it, they succeeded in the conversion.  I now have a 12 volt garden.  Not that I wanted a 12 volt garden but Dale can be an amp nazi at times.  Not sure why, he has brand spanking new batteries that can handle a little tiny garden.  And besides, it was something to do. 

Today, we took the original (dead) garden in for a less than ceremonious burial in the nearest dumpster before making our way to Wendy’s for a quick chicken sandwich to eat in the marina park.  Previously Gerry had fed the local chickens some rice, so when we sat down, the chickens came running.  There’s something rather macabre about eating chicken in front of chickens.  The rooster was looking like a Sunday dinner to me.  When we were done, I took some french fries over to another area and sprinkled them out for the flock to feast.  Then we walked back to the grocery store for some milk and bread. 

The remainder of the day, Dale busied himself changing a filter on the water maker, making water and making ice while the sun was shining and then regluing one of the pieces he used on the solar panels to keep the main sheet from getting caught in it.  I don’t think the glue was setting up in this heat.  We’ll see tomorrow. 

I, on the other hand, am worrying over the fact that although I turned in our paperwork for an anchoring permit, I haven’t heard back.  Everyone else has, why not us?  Dale says not to worry because I have the hard copies should anyone ask.  I have visions of being arrested, thrown in jail, fined thousands of dollars, boat impounded, escorted out of the country, or all of the above because my paperwork is not in order!  Its things like this that make my hair fall out. 

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

Words like could, should, might, probably, theoretically - don’t fill me with a whole load of confidence.  So this evening, when those are the words my dear, darling husband, the Tweaker in Chief, was using to convince me of his latest tinkering idea, I was a bit more absolute in my answer. 

The poor dear is bored out of his mind.  Yesterday he ran the water maker, tweaked the sump pump a bit, called a refrigeration tech to have them come check our system (even though I think it works just fine), called and tried to make an appointment for me with a dentist (I'm really tough on crowns), checked the back of his eyelids for light leaks and finally, welcomed Gerry and Nicky when they came for a visit out of sheer boredom themselves.  When we’re all together, we can find all kinds of things to talk about. 

Today, we started with Dale running over to the dinghy dock to pick up the refrigeration techs, Chris and Bob.  Believe it or not, Chris was from Little Rock, Arkansas.  He says there’s not too many of us out here from Arkansas.  In any event, he attached his lines and gauges, had me empty out our freezer (might as well do a complete defrost while its empty) and then declared that it was fine, no freon was needed.  Then Dale took him over to Gerry’s boat and went through the same motions with the same conclusions.  Except that Gerry’s system is different than ours and they need to decide whether to get larger solar panels to support their current system or a new compressor for their current system that doesn’t require as many amps to run.  After that was done, Dale took them back to the dinghy dock and returned to help me load up for our every other week run to the laundry. 

Even the weeds are pretty here

Nicky has always said that Tuesday is the day to go and she was right.  We walked in and found washers without any problems.  We’re old hats at this now and soon we had the machines loaded and churning.  The guys went over to the supermarket for sodas for Opal and were back in time to help fold.  We returned to the dinks and loaded the laundry into them before heading back for Chinese take out to eat in the marina park. 

Once back at the boat, Dale grabbed the aero-garden that he had tried to convert from 110 to 12 volt-when a zap! and puff of smoke later, it blew up.  I really didn’t pay too much attention when he started tearing it apart, as he often salvages parts he thinks he can use for other purposes.  This time though, he started with the “you know, I could” wire the pump from this one to the one that works, so that the pump in the one that works, might function for both of them.   Uh huh.  No.  
We don’t need the light, just the pump.  No.   
Theoretically, it should work.  That’s what you said before the 1^st one blew up.  
I’ll talk with Gerry about it. 

My kids tell me they love to hear about the Tinker Twins but I’m telling you, if they destroy my last aero garden, there are going to be 2 big splashes in the Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

Today was pretty quiet.  Dale tinkered on the sump pump a bit and doubled checked the front transom for light leaks.  However, we did end the day with everyone on our boat (except Rum Truffle) for Easter Dinner which turned out to be fabulous.  I had made a honey butter pork loin, Nicky is a genius with vegetables (anyone who can make me want seconds on cauliflower is amazing) and Renee made not only her home made bread but delicious roasted potatoes.  We finished with another of my fruit pizzas.  This time a strawberry and banana one.  I’m learning that once I make it, I can’t put it back into the fridge as it causes the cookie crust to get mushy.  The guys said they’d keep us around a while longer. 

We sat around well into the evening but teased Gene and Renee that this time they needed to get their bearings before leaving as they apparently took off in the wrong direction when they left Opal the other evening and actually approached the wrong boat before figuring out were they were.  It can happen.  We try to leave our lights on and hope that they are unique enough to spot from a distance.  So far, we’ve made it back to the right boat each time. 

That’s about it for today.  Sorry no photos; we were enjoying each others’ company too much to think about it. 

I’m considering writing every other day for awhile as there really isn’t much we’re doing; except killing time until the rest of the islands open up again. 

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N

Tropical Easter Flower

64.55.440W

Well, today was the day we got busted!

We began our day by walking about a half mile into town to go to the Post Office to retrieve our care package.  We entered and got in line.  Stayed within our 6’ delineation marked on the floor and after about 15 minutes reached the clerk.  We asked for our general delivery package and was told that we had to go to the next room to get our package.  Dale explained that he had previously picked up a general delivery package right there.  She said she would check but that in the future, general delivery packages should be picked up in the next room.  She came back and said that the package wasn’t there. 

I called our daughter for the tracking number as the clerk walked Dale over to the next room where there was a very long line of people waiting for parcels sent to their P. O. boxes, nothing about general delivery.  She asked if we had a tracking number and to write it down on a piece of paper.  We did and went to hand it back to her but were told to get in line and give it to the clerks handling the boxes.  Dale took it in stride, which I found amazing as he hates waiting in line.  I wasn’t happy and the longer we stood there, the less happy I was, as I looked up the tracking number on line and found that yes, it had been delivered 2 days earlier. 

When we got to the head of the line, they took our number (and 5 others standing in line), I showed them on my phone that their tracking info indicated that it had been delivered.  I could see that the woman who took our number, handed it off to another, who went to the other side of the building, where we had been originally, came back immediately with the package but put it on the table by the window.  The woman who took our number gathered all of the other packages and handed them out and then took more numbers.  Then the woman who had actually found our package, told the woman at the window that she couldn’t tell if we needed to sign for it or not as it clearly had been inspected by customs (it contained all sorts of cooking ingredients, soaps, and candies – who knows what it looked like on an x-ray machine.) The woman in the window handed out the next group’s packages before she looked at ours, asked for an ID and then gave us the box.  REALLY?  Dale started to open the box there but I persuaded him to go back to the first side and open it in front of the clerk who said that it wasn’t there.  I know, petty, but I wanted to make a point.  We had been standing there for over an hour.  Dale had kept track of it. 

We walked back, stopped at the supermarket for a couple of items and then to Wendy’s for an early lunch before making it back to the anchorage. 

Rum Truffle

As we approached, we saw Texas Crewed moving behind us and that Rum Truffle had arrived and was taking their previous position.  We maneuvered between them and over to Opal to drop off a purchase we had made for them.  They told us that while we were gone, the Harbor Patrol had come through the anchorage with lights, sirens and bull horns, stopping at each of our boats to inform us that we had to fill out anchoring permits and a heath questionnaire that could be found online at the Department of Natural Resources.  We had heard previously that they had been considering some type of permit, certificate and fee but we thought it would have been through Customs and Border, Coast Guard, even Harbor Patrol but Natural Resources, that’s a new one. 

In any event, we returned to the Palace, located the website, proceeded to fill out the forms, locate a photograph of our boat and copy our Florida registration, print out the forms to sign, scanned and returned everything.  Not once were we asked the date we had arrived but that we now had to monitor our symptoms for the next 3 days and self-isolate for the next 14.  Since we’ve been in the country since March 16, I think it’s a little late.  Now we wait to see what happens next.  When we arrived in March, there were different rules in effect.  These rules became effective 1 April. 

At this point, I’m terrified that we’ll be told to head to St. Croix to check in as they are not allowing boats to check in here as of the first of April.  St. Croix is a day away.  Did I mention that my hair is falling out in handfuls?  Dale says its stress.  Ya think?

We ended the day having drinks and nibbles on Opal.  Texas Crewed joined us on board but Rum Truffle hung off the side in their dinghy as they are social distancing. 

Tomorrow I’m having everyone on our boat for an Easter dinner.  My faith is always with me but I don’t preach or make a big point of it.   In fact, I love to speculate about extraterrestrial possibilities, I’ll give you a run for your money on the latest conspiracy theory and I can swear like a pirate when the mood strikes.  This past year has been very trying and I’ve been a bit grumpy lately.  I need to remember to be thankful for what we have and lean into the winds that are blowing hard against us all.  Times such as these have me returning to that faith, gathering inner strength from something I can’t explain but I know who made it possible.  A Blessed Easter to all; and a silent prayer that not all of my hair falls out. 

Friday, April 10, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

I didn’t write yesterday because, to be quite frank, there wasn’t anything to write about.  Dale and Gerry found a reason to run to a marine store (shockingly Dale didn't find a thing he needed), Nicky and I stayed back.  The huge yacht that had been a fixture at the marina left today.  Dale said that we’d have to be careful when we approached the dinghy dock from now on as there is probably a reef left behind. 

I heard from Texas Crewed that they were intending to head in our direction today. 

I read various facebook entries.  I am gathering several clever names for the current virus or the corona situation:  WuFlu, Coronapocalypse, coronaithians.  By the time this is all done, there should be loads of astute descriptions. 

Texas Crewed

Today, we were supposed to go to the Post Office as one of our daughters sent us a care package but it was closed.  
Texas Crewed did make it.  Once they were anchored, we all gathered our shopping bags, dinghied in and fought for space at the dock.   We were on our way to the taxi area, when our previous driver saw us and met us half way (the taxi drivers are really hurting with all of the cruise ships gone).  We all piled in and took off for the Home Depot and Cost U Less experience.  When they were done, we teased Gene and Renee that we would have to fill their dinghy with the groceries they purchased and they could ride with us.  After sitting on a mooring ball for a month with no provisioning to be found, they really needed supplies.  They no sooner emptied their dinghy onto the boat than they headed back out again to shop at Kmart and the little grocery store across the street. 

Dale Trying to 

Dull the Edges

Things didn’t seem to be as crazy this time.  No long lines but we did have to stay the 6’ distance between each person.  Dale got in trouble for stepping too close to the woman in front of us.  The guy keeping everyone in line said that there had to be 6’ between each shopper; if you were married, 10’.  I saw a joke about a couple who had gone shopping but when they got home and took off their masks, the lady realized she brought home the wrong husband. 

Dale busied himself for the rest of the day putting heavy duty plastic around and blocking areas between the solar panels.  If you remember, I told you that we had severed our main sheet during the night on our transit from Puerto Rico to here.  It was such a clean cut our only thought was that it had slipped around one of the sharp corners of the solar panels and then sliced through when tension came up suddenly.  Hopefully, this will take care of it.  If that wasn’t the issue, we’ll have to go back to the drawing board. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

Once again the birds were up at the crack of dawn, so that meant we were too.  Dale and Gerry were going to make a run to Red Hook on the other end of the island to Budget Marine and Nicky and I were going to tag along and possibly jump off at Price Smart; you never know what we might find.  In any event, Nicky had not had a good night and begged off, so I decided to stay back as well. 

Once the guys left, I made use of my time by doing dishes from last evening.  So what? You might ask.  You’d be right, if we’ve used the engine transiting.  We would have plenty of hot water and you simply turn on the tap as you would at home.   However, at anchor, we use sun showers (like the kind found in camping stores) to heat our water.  So, I attached a halyard (since I’m a wimp) to lift the full and heated sun shower off the deck and over to the hatch closest to the galley sink, dropped the shower hose through it and wrap it around my faucet and proceed to do the dishes.  Once done, I run outside to use the halyard to lower the sun shower itself down the hatch, then run back in and over to the sink to refill it.  Once filled, I move it to the floor (OK this time I man handle it) and position it below the hatch, run back outside and use the winch (since I prefer to be a wimp in this matter) to raise the halyard with the attached sun shower back up through the hatch back outside and onto a relatively flat surface to reheat the water.  In case you’re wondering, we have a second sun shower for its intended purpose; a shower.   The only thing to keep in mind in that regard is timing.  You don’t want it tepid and you don’t want it scalding hot.  Life on a boat!

It was about this time I started getting notices on my phone that purchases were being made.  The first one from Budget Marine meant that Dale had found another elbow for the water heater should he need one.  The second purchase was from Price Smart and the amount indicated to me that Dale had found another ice maker.  Not sure if I had mentioned that the little one we had purchased in Ft. Pierce was starting to make very loud and very disconcerting noises; the kind that mean its getting ready to blow up or catch fire. 

Sure enough, a short time later, I hear a dinghy pull up to deposit my husband with large box and grinning from ear to ear.  Yep!  He had found another little ice maker.  What I hadn’t realized was that this meant that he was now free to disassemble the first one to tinker with.  He set sup the new one to sit for the manufacturer’s recommended one hour before using.  Now he was free to tinker with the first one to his heart’s content. 

I was happy to see that he spread an old towel on the outside table prior to his surgical endeavors (he is trainable!) before laying out his tools and taking the outside cover off.  I’m sure it was longer than I remember but it was only a brief time into his surgery when I heard him say “surely it can’t be just that!”  Next thing I know, he’s back and plugging the little darling in.  And, it’s working.  Without the noise.  Apparently, we now have 2 working ice makers.  He found that a tiny little wire about 1” long had caught in a position switch thus preventing that switch from allowing the rotation process to continue with its cycle.  In other words, it got lost on its way to making ice.  Once the wire was zip tied out of the way, the little gem was back in business.  I suppose one way to look at it is, we were running it for long periods of time; with 2 ice makers, we can now cut that time in half. 

It wasn’t too long after that when we received a telephone call from DHL asking where we were located as they had a delivery.  Dale’s rebuild kit had arrived.  When we told them we were on a boat in Charlotte Amalie Harbor, he said not a problem, he’d meet us at the dinghy dock; did it all the time!  Twenty minutes later, I have a very contented husband.  He’s had a good day.  In fact, he even took me to dinner.  Granted it was Wendy’s take out but we did eat it in the park by the marina.  And we didn’t get arrested.  All in all, a good day. 

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

I think my posts are going to become monotonous because we’re just killing time, as is the rest of the world. 

We began our day doing a type of rain dance.  We try to leave our hatches open for ventilation when we’re sleeping.  When it rains, we have to jump up and run all over the place to close them.  The early part of the morning was spent opening and closing said hatches due to the rain not making up its mind whether it was going to drop or not.  Then when it did rain with a little more than a spit, the water gathered on the sun shades and broke one of the tent poles I use to hold them up (so Dale doesn’t have to stoop when he’s getting on and off the boat.)  A quick repair later and we were back in business. 

Dale kept busy sanding down all of the fiddles on the boat to keep any others from swelling to the point of cracking their cradles (for lack of a better name for them).  Then he smeared 5200 all over the place trying to glue part of the starboard rub rail back into place as a bandaid until we can get to Trinidad and haul the boat for a better repair. 

He also found a drip type of leak on the water heater.  You may recall that he had replaced an elbow connection a couple of months ago to stop a major leak.  Today’s find was just a drop or so.  He covered the water maker located in front of the water heater with a massive amount of plastic to keep it from getting wet; just in case.  Since Gerry needs to make a run to Budget Marine again tomorrow, Dale will tag along and pick up another elbow in the event this one has a scratch on it.  Apparently, if you’re not careful in attaching the elbow to the metal, scratches can keep the plumbers tape from adhering into the tiny creases completely. 

I wish I could tell you what I did today but other than typing the blog, making a couple of telephone calls, taking care of e-mails, regular housekeeping chores, chopping vegetables for fajitas and marinating the meat, I can’t remember anything noteworthy.  It reminds me of days when Dale would come home from work and ask what I had done with my day.  I know I kept busy but I’ll be danged if I can remember how. 

This evening we had Gerry and Nicky over for dinner.  The main topic of conversation remains what to do about all of the changing rules.  Dale’s fall back is:  sit here and wait until someone comes by and says we’re not complying with whatever rule is in effect that day.  Then comply.  I don’t know, sounds kind of haphazard to me.  We’ll see.  Stand by, I may have to call for bail money. 

Monday, April 6, 2020

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
18.20.016N
64.55.440W

The avian alarm clock went off this morning at the crack of dawn and continued relentlessly for the next couple of hours, so there was no choice but to get up and start the day.  Dale began a bit later by calling Budget Marine to see if first, they were open and second, if they carried float switches.  The guy he was transferred to said that they didn’t have float switches but when Dale asked if they had bilge pumps, he readily agreed that they lots of those.  Dale took the information into consideration and decided that it was worth the $2 trip over to see what they had, as you can’t have bilge pumps without float switches.  Sure enough, when he and Gerry make the trek, they found an entire wall of bilge pumps and their accompanying “bilge float switches”.  Apparently, you have to use the full name to make any headway. 

In the meantime, the guys had left one of the dinghies behind so that Nicky and I could make a grocery trip.  As Nicky wasn’t quite ready, I thought I’d make a couple of quick calls to straighten out a bill I thought had been paid a year in advance.  It ended up taking me an hour to clear up.  The long and short of that little episode was that their online account information didn’t match their in house information and their IT department had to fix the problem.  I’m getting less tolerant in my old age, so when they were going to give me the IT department telephone number to call, I told them it was their problem but until it was straightened out, I wouldn’t be renewing my contract with them.  I probably need to up my St. John’s Wart dose. 

I eventually locked up the boat and jumped in the dink to head over to Opal.  Oops, forgot the key to the dink, so I crawled out, unlocked the boat, found the key, locked the boat back up, started down the steps and remembered I needed to take grocery bags with me (just not quite used to that yet). So back up, unlock the door, grab the bags, lock the door, down the steps to the dinghy, place the key where it needed to go (I think it works on some type of contact method; when the key is in place there is no contact, so the motor starts.  To stop the motor, you pull the key out.) then over to Opal.  Nicky saw me coming and was perched on the back ladder of Opal ready to step/fall into our dink.  Off we went to the dinghy dock, pushed and shoved our way in, secured the dink, walked to the street, found a couple of shopping carts previous boaters had left at the gate, and walked over to the grocery store to stand in line outside of the store.  Eventually we were allowed in and shopped at our own pace as the guys weren’t with us.  By the time we were done, the guys had returned and were waiting for us to help load everything back into the dinks and return. 

Park Monument In St. Thomas

By the time the groceries were put away, it was lunch time and Nicky and I had already talked about a Roti run.  If nothing else, it would be a little exercise if they were closed.  Luck was with us and they were opened.  Not sure if I mentioned this before but Roti’s are an Indian curry dish of chicken and potatoes in a type of tortilla.  We took our treasures and walked to the park.  Of course, it was empty of everyone but the chickens.  So we used the checkerboard table as our picnic table and spread out for a leisurely lunch before waddling back to the dinks. 

Later in the afternoon, the guys tested Gerry’s SSB to see if it was working and presto!  We could hear him.  Whatever he did, worked.  Apparently, he gave it a good cleaning, greasing and reattached everything.

The rest of the afternoon was spent mindlessly filling time.  There’s only so much reading you can do and I had just finished reading Atlas Shrugged which has to be as long as War and Peace (which by the way, is amazing (Atlas Shrugged) in that it was written back in 1957 but described what is going on in today’s political and ideological climate with amazing foresight).  I pulled out some adult coloring books for just such an occasion and discovered I had a duplicate book, so I searched through my pencils and found a set that I could take to Nicky.  She had mentioned that she hadn’t brought hers and wished she had done so.  I bagged them up and took them over to her. 

We finished the evening eating left overs and watching a news program out of Puerto Rico (sort of).  We watched it when the boat would swing in the direction where we could actually see and hear the program.  At one point, we just had to turn it off before someone, who wasn’t taking a high enough dose of St. Johns Wart, threw it out of the hatch.