Little Red Mailbox

 I am going to start at the end of my day.  The whole day was filled with many successes and a few hurdles but the ending was the most gratifying.

First - The Little Red Mailbox.  On our walk through the little park behind us a couple days ago, we came across a little red mailbox.  I first came across the little red mailbox idea while reading a Nicholas Sparks novel.  He frequently (maybe always?) sets his novels in North Carolina.  In one story he establishes a mailbox as the key to the storyline.  So, I researched it back then but this is the first time I have actually found one.  The boxes are meant for anyone who chooses to write their thoughts, hopes and dreams.  Letters to lost loves, family members, God.  Many are set up in remembrance of someone lost.  

                                My "letter" to whomever chooses to read it - Be Lovely, Be Loyal and Live Enchantingly.  These three things have become my philosophy since retiring.  (While working my philosophy was - Be Kind, Do Your Job and Do The Right Thing.)

Next - Sunset at St Johns County Ocean Pier on the northern end of St Augustine Beach.

And look who found us - Fred!

                                   Fred busy eating shrimp he stole from a fisherman on the pier.

Today we "finished" provisioning.  

                                     Our little portable freezer is stocked with veggies and margarine.  

                             

                                        The fridge has plenty of fresh produce, yogurt, bread etc.

While I was sorting art supplies and the multiple catch all baskets, Paul was busy downloading updates of both the chart plotter and the maps we use to safely navigate the waters.  That little, tiny SD card carries all that information for coastal US, Alaska and Bahamas - maps, depth readings and with local knowledge added by locals (who else?).

The dock lines have been drying nicely on the trampolines and about 80% are tucked away again in the now very clean front locker.  Hopefully tomorrow the remaining ones will finish drying.  The sun, though shining all day, fought against a frosty morning and consistent chilly breeze.

Then I figured I would run a cleaning cycle through our ice maker.  Nope!  When I was unsuccessful, Paul dismantled the unit and found oxidation covering all the metal components.  Ugh.  Nothing could save the unit.  

Both the starboard engine battery and the spare battery (recently purchased) are charged and ready for action.  The port engine battery was good and no charging was required.  

Our security camera has been recharged and placed back above the helm.

The plan - back to Walmart tomorrow for the new ice maker and the last few provision (some I haven't even remembered yet!).