Independence Day weekend! Three days off packed with patriotic reverence and philosophical discussions on the state of our union. Well, except for the last two. Friday night was significant in that it was a farewell to Jenelle, who departed Saturday for the far side of the ocean. Even though we're still a phone call apart, somehow the distance seems much more palpable. Perhaps it's the time difference between GMT and EST, I don't know. Sunday I had A/V duties, and in the afternoon (after London calling) went out on Aquarius with Chris and Nancy. We headed out to the gulf and bobbed around for several hours before returning in time for a blazin' fireworks display. Monday was more time on the boat, as they invited me to join them on a delivery trip from Sarasota to Ruskin, where the boat will be hauled and painted. So, I spent most of the day under the sunshade on the foredeck as we chugged northward, past LBK and Anna Maria, turned east into Tampa Bay, sailed under Sunshine Skyway, and into Ruskin. Along the way I saw a sea turtle, a dozen or so dolphins, and even a small shark. Then back to Sarasota by pre-dropped car, with a stop at Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner. All in all, a nice way to spend the holiday.

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