It's Always Something

Nice weekend on the Bay... on Saturday, the temperatures made it into the 80s. Everyone headed out with the same thought in mind -- yard work! Between trips to Lowe's, Homestead Gardens, a couple roadside flower stands, and a creekbed or two in the Virginia countryside, we gathered enough materials to get started on Shawn's latest project -- a waterfall and pond, surrounded by native grasses, flowers, and a flagstone walk. My job is mainly to pull weeds, pick out plants, and give moral support when necessary. I'll post pictures of this work in progress when it's done!

Sunday was supposed to be boat day. After what seemed like an endless search, we found a great deal on a 1994 Sea Ray 250 Express Cruiser on Craigslist. We met the seller (Paul), we looked at his boat, we got financing from the credit union. So far, so good. We agreed to meet on Sunday afternoon to take the boat out for a sea trial -- Paul wanted to demonstrate how the systems on the boat worked, answer our questions, let us drive it around, and (I think) show off his baby. Other than a couple minor problems with the oil pressure gauge and a trim indicator, our boating excursion went smoothly.

As we pulled back into the dock and were making plans to seal the deal, Shawn cut the engine. Paul jumped back on the dock and was going to get his trailer; he asked Shawn to fire her back up again.

Click.

Click.

Nothing.

No matter what they did, how many wires they pulled, switches they flicked, or adjustments they made, the engine wouldn't turn over. Needless to say, Paul was mortified. He told us he'd take the boat to his mechanic and get the problems fixed before we paid him or took possession. I think it killed Shawn to drive home without a boat, but it's probably best that these things are taken care of before the sale goes through.

In the meantime, we've got a lot of landscaping to keep us busy!

Dianne