Like when we got a new toilet, Ed and I are gleeful over a new member of our boating family — the sleek Yamaha outboard that just dropped into our starboard hull. It sounds strange I’m sure, but her quiet purr, started with just one crank of the ignition, is clearly the highlight of our visit to Cocoa Village.

Ed swung the motor into position and lowered it, then the mechanics bolted her down in all of about 30 minutes.

Today and tomorrow Ed is working with Chris and the welder Sunshine Dave to install the new pole supports for the short stay rigging in the salon. Once they get that done Miss Toucan will be ready to sail the seas again! Or at least the waterway if the weather/wind is bad.

As for me, I’m off to Wilmington via Orlando airport to welcome the kids home for Thanksgiving. It will be great to see them.

But leaving my boat family Ed and Ziggy is hard. I made Ed a meat loaf and bean casserole, feeling guilty about him being here with Just the dawg on Thanksgiving.

But he’ll have a car so I’m guessing he’ll find a sports bar somewhere that’s open. The heels are playing in Nassau, where we coulda-shoulda been, only if.

And I’m betting Ed will be crewing on the paddleboat by the time I get back. Or at least a dockhand for the marina.

Maybe he’ll get a new uniform! Stripes and stars.

To be continued…