The Queen of the Fleet Has Arrived!

Thanks to the expert navigational skills of my favorite mariner Mike Warren, he and his talented crew got my girl safely into her spot at Trawler Fest, this year being held at Riviera Beach.  Trawler Fest begins tomorrow and ends Sunday.  I'll be arriving Sunday morning to bask in the comments of the attendees.

Judging from these pictures, I'll really be basking!

This is Olympia on her way to Riviera Beach at sunrise this morning.  Why oh why am I here in 28 degree weather when I could be here??????

Safely docked starboard side to, waiting for her admirers to arrive

Olympia's bow makes a statement everywhere she goes!

If I get more pictures from Trawler Fest, I'll be sure to share them!!

The Dream Will Become Reality......

Next week, the dream that I've been dreaming for two years will come true.

Olympia will carry my family and some very dear friends to a quiet spot where my daughter and I will scatter our beloved father and husband's ashes to become one with the realm he so loved.  As I write this, I am praying for the strength and dignity to honor Tom's memory in a most eloquent way.  Though the memorial service will be small and private, the many wonderful friends I've made during this incredible and surreal journey will be there with me in spirit.  I've already received calls, texts and emails reminding me of the loving support I can expect.  I guess I've done something very right in this world to be the recipient of such love.

So that I don't leave you feeling a bit unsettled, you need to know that I'm going to have the the most wonderful christening ceremony and party for Olympia later that afternoon!  I've invited the entire Krogen family at Sunset Bay Marina plus everyone and anyone that so much as touched Olympia during her build and commissioning process.  There will be food, drink, music, balloons and all things festive going on to celebrate the Queen of the Fleet (my designation).  If you're going to be in the neighborhood next Saturday afternoon (1/31), please stop by to wish Olympia a long and happy sailing careeer.    And yes, there WILL be pictures.  I have lots of folks volunteering to help, so I'll find a halfway decent photographer and assign the task of filling my next blog with spectacular pictures.

Until then my friends, please keep Olympia and my family in your thoughts as we bring Tom's dream to fruition and celebrate a life that though cut short all too soon, was very well lived.

She's Home!

Happy New Year everyone!  Olympia and I send our warmest wishes for a new year filled with good health, blissful happiness, uproarious good times, smashing success - and the love of family and good friends.

What a start to 2015 - Olympia arrived at her winter home Saturday!  She's safely settled - bow in - on C dock in slip C-2 at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart, FL.  She's excited to be there since many of her "sister" Krogens are also there.  She is impatiently waiting for the parties to begin!

Her arrival was anticipated and greeted by many well wishers.  Among the well wishers were those who were absolutely bursting to see Krogen's newly designed 55' Expedition.  Olympia did not disappoint!

In just less than 3 weeks, I will be reunited with the subject of my dreams for so long.  I'll be flying into West Palm as usual, but this time, I'm heading to Riviera Beach for the last day of Trawler Fest.  The plan is for Olympia to head back to Stuart at first light on Monday - with yours truly at the helm.  Of course there will be a cast of "helpers", but the helm will be mine!

I found out that the chairs I ordered for the salon on September 13th were finally delivered - not to KKY's office as planned, but to Apex Marina.  After a few phone calls, all was well - Tom Button went to Apex to retrieve the chairs, which are now safely stored until they can be brought aboard.  I'm delighted that they'll be there for my visit.  At last another place to sit other than the settee!  Things are falling into place.  I arranged for Olympia's spa schedule so that she will always be gleaming and also arranged to have her generator oil changed - we're already at 53 whole hours!

Since not much will be happening until my visit at the end of this month, I ask your indulgence for this unavoidable dry spell.  If the marina's Wifi cooperates, I promise to regale you with the happenings of my visit - which by the way will culminate with a memorial service for Tom and Olympia's christening.

What a time it will be!