weather dependent

One big change that I am adjusting to is being weather dependent. Being a "1st Mate" as well as living in the islands means paying more attention to the weather. Back in Atlanta, I would check the weather just to see how it would be for the weekend (patio or no patio, park or no park), but here it is something we do multiple times a day! You might be able to relate to the frustration with meteorologists who often forecast one thing and then change it another moment. (or the reality is totally different!) Well here, it isn't so much a temperature issue, but wind direction and front issues.  Weather Whether we are deciding on the days' fun activities or work projects, looking up the forecast is a necessity. Here are some helpful sites that we use, in case you'd like to use them yourself or just see things from our perspective... 

Here is the most important one in Ben's world : Magic Seaweed. It is the surf report, of course! :) But in reality, it also shares info on the swell of the water, which is not only crucial to "surf or not to surf", but it is important for boating. Too much swell= rough, choppy waters. It also shares the info on wind direction and speed, which is helpful for surfing conditions, fishing success, temperature, etc. Obviously, wind from the north means a cooler temp. Yes, it is obvious reading it, but how much do YOU think about things like that? I never did. I just stepped outside my balcony to test the temp and decided the day's outfit. Not so much any more!
Here is our local surf report and a hot spot for surfing (4 mile boat ride over) Garbanzos. Actually it is a short bike ride from where we will be married :)

Another great site is Wunderground, they seem to be pretty accurate; as well as Intellicast, they have an interactive radar map that is pretty cool.

Weather this week is important for Ben as he is doing some varnish work on the boat, as well as some buffing and waxing. The wind and rain knowledge is key, but as we know, sometimes the most accurate wisdom comes from experience...knowing your environment and learning to work with it (acceptance) and not against it (controlling).

My projects are inside and/or under the outside patio~ some wedding prep work: Cleaning shells and getting driftwood signs ready.  First bleaching the shells with a 1:1 bleach/water ratio (except for certain naturally polished shells which will be stripped to much) for a few hours, then scrubbing the periostracum and the tiny barnacles off with a toothbrush or heavy brush. Quite laborious but excellent for mindfulness meditation. 

Alas, the afternoon shower has allowed me to finish this post~ again, yet another opportunity to finish a "project"!

Organizing collected sea shells and deciding who is in and who is out!

Gonna make me my first driftwood sign!