For the Love of a Cat

We begin with a special message from Patches, “this is where it all began.”

Patches was a community cat – that means it was a bit of a nomad, wandering from house to house to eat the finest food, and to sleep in the best of accommodations. By definition, a community cat does not have an “owner” and, it is an outdoor cat – so a kitty litter box was not a requirement.

Patches played a key role in the courtship of Tony and my daughter Alisha (they know why), so it is deemed a “cool cat” in my book.

Cool Cat

This is a good time to share a Queen Original from 1982, “Cool Cat”, yes, that falsetto voice is the great Freddie Mercury, singing about his favorite cat! Click on the song, it’s great.

Anniversary

For the love of Patches, Tony and Alisha, are now celebrating their first anniversary! We hope you are having a fabulous trip in Alaska. Saying hello to our family and friends!

Time has passed so quickly! Thanks again to David, Gail, Craig and Maureen for joining us at the phenomenal California wedding one year ago.

July 12, 2025; Alisha and Tony got married!

Key Biscayne

Back to the boating adventures – when the heat in Florida is Opressive the sunsets can be IMpressive!

It was another magnificent sunset for Tonto’s Reward (on the left) and Exhale (on the right).

Buttercup

July 7 marked a special anniversary, as Exhale celebrated four years with Admiral Buttercup on board. Thanks Buttercup, you fill us up with love.

Adieu, sweet friend.

Paula Rocque

It is very hard to say goodbye to another special friend, the beautiful Paula Rocque. In the words of her husband, PC Greg Rocque “Paula was the best wife, partner, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend anyone could ask for. She had a gift for making people feel loved, and just about everyone who knew her loved her in return.”

For me, she was a GREAT friend, she always knew exactly what to say, to give comfort, and to generate laughter. She had a fabulous sense of humor and she NEVER complained.

Paula Rocque and Capt Rick at SCYC

You may not know that she fought and WON her battle with lung cancer. She recently rang the bell many of us know too well! She was so brave and strong willed, a beacon of light.

So, her sudden death from a stroke is simply horrible. Horrible. The unexpected loss is cavernous to her family and to all of the St. Charles community. Words cannot express the grief. We are thankful she is at peace now. Sending big hugs of support to the Rocque family.

Dr. Joe

We are also sending warm hugs to Dr. Joe, and his family, wishing you a well deserved rest.

Dr. Joseph Occhino, Fort Myers, FL

There has been a lot of sobbing on Exhale as of late. It’s time for some good news, cheering for Craig and MO! And of course we are rooting for England, Argentina, Columbia and Mexico. Hey Pamela – “Ole! Ole! Ole!”

Here’s a little cochinita pibil, Miami style, for Ryan – congrats on the new real estate!

Celebrating Milestones

Birthdays: July 10, Jamie Hendry; July 12, Eric S; July 14, Gabe.

Anniversary: July 7, Buttercup; July 12, Tony and Alisha.

Up Next: We are at Lauderdale Yacht Club (LYC) with Tonto’s Reward for three days. Here’s a little flashback photo: Zach Silverstein, Alisha Silverstein, Holly Pilato, dinner on Exhale at Lauderdale Yacht Club, May 2025. Te Amo.

Our next stop has not been decided.

Your comments and “likes” are encouraged. Travel Safe!!!

A Windy Start

Singalong now …

And Windy has stormy eyes
That flash at the sound of lies
And Windy has wings to fly
Above the clouds (above the clouds)

Here’s a YouTube of the Song by The Association ‧ 1967

Pac-Man clouds

More than a blustery day, in the past few days we have experienced winds up to 30 knots, Capt Rick said the average was 20 to 25 knots. Although we were safely tied up, it was not fun for Buttercup. But I digress …

Pelican Bay / Cayo Costa

We started this journey with an overnight at Pelican Bay, a favorite spot for all of us. The only thing missing was the conch at sunset, blown with much gusto by SFYC Commodore Connie.

the serenity of Pelican Bay

Boater’s Tip – open the hatches and enjoy the fresh air! The stars at night are beyond compare. The splashing sound near your hull is very likely bait fish!

Yes, there were Pelicans in Pelican Bay!

Isles Yacht Club (IYC), Punta Gorda

Our first Florida Council Club stop was at IYC.

Fun fact: Punta Gorda is Spanish for “Fat Point”. Spanish fishermen from Cuba, who frequented the area in the early 1800s, are believed to have given the area its name, long before permanent settlement.

Boater’s Tip: It’s a perfect place to launch a dinghy to explore the waterfront neighborhoods.

Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club (CHYC), Port Charlotte

The water is too shallow at CHYC for us to overnight, but it is an easy run by dinghy from IYC. The owner, Jeffrey, is delightful

and the brunch at the club is exceptional. Gail and I both ordered the Eggs Benedict, with a Bloody Mary, all was delicious!! It was nice to see the SCYC burgee prominently displayed in the club house.

The weather was calm in Punta Gorda.
Tonto’s Reward and Exhale

Buttercup waited on Tonto’s Reward for Gail B. to bring her a treat, Capt Rick said what she really wanted was to take a nap with Bert and EJ, on David B’s pillow.

Venice Yacht Club, Venice FL

Celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary, Venice Yacht Club was a WINDY stop.

To our pure delight, SCYC Past Commodore (PC) Gary Ralph, on Knot Dreamin’, joined us on the second evening in Venice. He is also busy visiting Florida Council Clubs!

PC Rick Ginsburg (SFYC) and PC Gary Ralph (SCYC) on board Exhale.
PC Gary Ralph, Venice Yacht Club

The wind continued to howl! We were happy to stay put, to let the fowl weather pass. Heather R, don’t you love my crazy hair :-)

First Mate, Mary S, another windy day!

A little ambulatory update from this blogger – thank you to the numerous followers who asked about my recovery from the unfortunate gravity-driven accident last August on Tangier Island, VA. I am happy to report I have now taken on all First Mate duties, with no issues! And, I am walking like a normal human with minimal challenge (although not to be compared with super walker David B). Navigating stairs – going up – is fine, but going down stairs, and uneven surfaces, require extra effort; that’s just a minor inconvenience. So thanks again for checking!

Special Note to Sideways – we know you are making progress with all those projects. Can’t wait to connect on the water, again.

Celebrating Milestones: Birthday April 22, Katrin Ericson

Next Up: Sarasota Yacht Club and Bird Key Yacht Club – both in Sarasota, FL

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