Gardening Aboard

Captains Log
1/1/2008
55 degrees,
Wind NW at 14 knots



My, my, times flying by. It will again be Christmas before you know it.


Mary and I were going to spend New Years on the hook, but again, Mother Nature had different plans. Rain and nasty down here in Florida. And tonight its going to get cold, REAL cold. Some parts inland are expected to get into the teens.



The NWS says that Wednesday night will be the coldest since 2003, but what do they know, we're experiencing global warming. But the heating system aboard the Patricia Ann keeps it real toasty inside.



We've got a batch of sprouts going, lentils and clover. Mary likes to add those to her salads. They are simple to grow too. One batch takes 3 days and that's enough for a weeks menu.



With the onset of cold weather, Mary was concerned over her herbs. We still have a healthy crop growing. The last time we brought them inside, ants took over the boat, not again. So yesterday, Mary helped me build a herb rack of sorts on the sundeck. I built the rack with fiddles to keep them from sliding over while underway. I just hope they get enough light. (12:01 PM, just checked and I think the sun will be fine). We have the sundeck all enclosed for the winter, so the cold should not affect them.

For you gardeners out there, that are contemplating the liveaboard lifestyle, its fully possible to continue with your pastime even while afloat. Just remember to think how your plants will do while underway, pitching and rolling, salt spray etc.

In my photo, I've got some beautiful Pansies in a teak window box in the top-left corner. They do great there.


New Years Resolutions

1. Cruise more
2. Don't drink any more......but then again don't drink any less
3. Stop smoking......I don't smoke now so that should be an easy one
4. Avoid driving in snow........don't have any plans on going to Minnesota so should make this one too

Note: You have to make these resolutions easy to meet..:)

All kidding aside, my resolution is to better serve my customer. In these times of uncertain economics, I've resolved to come up with better, innovative ideas to match buyers with sellers.

Mike