My darling Bob never ceases to amaze me. Not only is he my rock, my best friend, my husband, he is the best business partner a woman could ever have. Today, for the first time in years, I wanted to quit. The fountain is damaged and has to be returned, the chef we hired won’t be able to work on the proposed opening day, I have not heard anything about the soon to arrive baby for weeks and I was just plain tired. Bob came up to me, put his arms around me, and sent me to the spa! What a wonderful man!

What a productive day I have has already! We finally found our chef, we have all our servers, the fountain arrived and has been set up and it’s not even lunch yet! If things keep moving at this pace we will be able to open the restaurant early!

We have been on the water all day! I think I may be mistaken for a Lobster. How could I forget sunscreen? I was so caught up in the days sailing that it slipped my mind. How wonderful it was to take our first sail in our new boat! Alas, tomorrow it’s back to the work front for a few days.

We take delivery of our boat today! Bob is acting like a child going to Disney for the first time. I am enjoying his excitement more than my own.

Bob has been looking for a vessel to purchase. I had not realized how very much he loves to sail. He narrowed it down to 3 top choices. I now have to honor of making the final decision. I am going to spend the day looking and comparing. A woman’s job is never done. Ha, ha, ha.

Who would have thought finding a good, dependable Italian cook would be so hard? We have spent the past two days doing interview after interview. It’s not that the people we have interviewed aren’t great cooks, it’s they want too much money or have such bad attitudes, or finding they are NOT dependable. I have told Bob that Friday I am going on another day cruise, with or without him. (Of course I knew he would go! )

Due to our new restaurant I have done a great deal of research on Italy. We all agreed that turning the inside of the building into a true Italian setting would be best. I must say that while I adore my cruises, I must visit Italy. How very beautiful eveything is, the country, the clothes, the jewelry and the art. I have made a huge dent in the capitol ordering Italian like sculptures for the restaurant, including a lovely fountain which will be the focal point. Sue is allowing me to make many of the decisions and this makes me very happy! Today we begin the hiring process. Wish me luck on finding a wonderful Italian chef!

Today Sue and I are doing a walk through of the new restaurant. the painting is done and tables have been set up. We will be looking for anything out of place and putting the finishing touches on the accessories. Not as easy as it sounds when you are dealing with such a large investment. Sue and I are both perfectionists so it may be a long day.

Now that sailing lessons are complete we have been diligently working on our newest endeavor. We are opening another restaurant with some long time friends. This will be an Italian themed restaurant and we have found the perfect chef. The decorating is coming along quite nicely and working with Sue has been delightful. I will keep you up to date as things progress.

Jet Lag can sure put a damper on the first few days of a trip or even the few days back home. The next time Bob and I take a long vacation, crossing time zones and things, I think I’ll take this articles advice. (more…)

Charting is so complicated. Bob, however, has a natural ability for it! I now know how to use a compass correctly! Today’s the last lesson and then we have the option to continue to more advanced lessons. I am not sure if we will or not.

Oh my, I am worn out! Must be all that fresh air! I got to sail today not long, bless Bob he was like a child again.Tomorrow we start learning to chart! I need my rest!

The first lesson went well. I feel I was way over prepared. Mostly we walked the deck and were shown the basics of our vessel. It was more of a get to know you and your surroundings. Today we actually get to take the boat out and start the hands on process.

Bob and I are off to our first lesson. I am so excited! I will hopefully have much information to share upon my return.

To be in the right mindset for our first lesson tomorrow Bob and I are going sailing today. I hope it relaxes me so I can sleep tonight!

Monday is the day we start our classes. I have my dear little head so crammed with information that I fear I won’t learn a thing! We are thinking of opening yet another location. Only this time it may be a joint venture with a lovely couple we have known for years. I should be able to spill the beans on Thursday.

I am itching to go on a cruise. Maybe just a short one before the grandbaby gets here. I think I shall see what darling Bob feels about the idea.