davepenney's Weblog

Last Laff finally afloat

apenney — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:43:36 +0000

With the onset of warm weather and longer days, the time finally came to launch Last Laff; our Grampian 26 sloop. With the help of my brother and father-in-law, she was ready for the launch from her cradle earlier this week. Apparently that went uneventfully, after she received a touch-up of bottom coat here and there. Today was my first day aboard her 30 year old deckand she was just as beautiful as the first time I met her last summer.

Keith (my brother in law) and I (and with the help of his wife, Lisa) released her mooring lines at the temporary slip on Sodus Point and off we went for this season’s maiden voyage. She slipped gracefully through the rippled water in a slight breeze and with the jib out, we took a broad reach back to the Wentworth cottage on Cherry Point. What a feeling to sail through the peaceful bay on a sunny afternoon.

Copper

apenney — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:39:51 +0000

After our much loved golden-pyrennes mix died, we decided to adopt a puppy. Enter Copper, the labradoodle….the hybrid dog that encompasses the best of both worlds: smart and kid-friendly but without the shedding associated with a retriever. Copper was born December 1, 2007 and well…he is a cute little guy.

G.A.S.

apenney — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:06:53 +0000

No, not anything related to human metabolic processes….rather, this is Gear Acquisition Syndrome…the condition characterized by the never ending search for musical equipment and subsequent purchase of this gear. Of course, at the time of each purchase, there is a justified reason, even if it is not a reasonable jusification. Some examples follow…..many have since been sold (regrettably)…

Last Laff

apenney — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:55:13 +0000

In September 2007, I purchased a 1973 Grampian 26, Last Laff. Though “vintage”, she was a well-kept vessel and continues to reside in Sodus Bay, NY during the season and is on her cradle on Sodus Point the rest of the year. Unfortunately, we’ll be leaving her behind with our move to Milwaukee. However, she’ll be adopted by my father-in-law, Bob, a capable jack of all trades.

Hello world!

apenney — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:21:33 +0000

Here’s my entry into the world of blogs. I’m doing this to keep friends and family updated with the latest in the lives of my family and me.

I’m grew up in Southern California but since 1994 have been in the midewest or northeast. Other than working in healthcare, I spend most of my time with my beautiful wife and 3 kids and when there is free time I enjoy playing guitar, woodworking, and sailing.