May was a kind of Good News/Bad News month. The good news was that we got the sailboat launched on time. The bad news was that a week later, Bob found about 10" of water inside the hull (this after a similar experience last Fall just before haulout). The badder news proved to be the fact that there was a fracture in the hull, just aft of the junction with the keel. Needless to say, this required extensive (and expensive) repair to the hull. The good news thereafter was that almost all the cost of the repairs was covered by insurance. BoatUS, we love you!

The other event in May was the Spring Concert by Andrew's bands at Cloverleaf Middle School and Bob's annual ride in the fire truck at the Memorial Day parade (one of the perks of his chaplaincy to the Department), after which he and Andrew shared an afternoon concert.

Here's the site of the fracture to the hull (from the outside) the picture looks forward. Below, the "after" picture (before painting).

all The crack extended all the way through the fiberglass of the hull, which necessitated repairs "inside" as well. Looking aft here, you can see some of the bilges at the bottom of the photo and two water pipes.

The "inside" repairs necessitated removal and replacement of a section of the sole in the saloon (read: "cabin floor"); Here it is in process; the finished repair looks more "finished"!

The photo to the left shows Bob and Andrew at Bob's first "rock concert" — a concert by Andrew's first (back in junior high) "favorite band": "Rusted Root". They played at a tent stage down near the Cuyahoga River. The "boys" ate themselves silly at the Rib Cook-Off and were grateful for the tent venue when the rains started. They had a great time.

To the right: Andrew conducting one of his bands at the CMC Spring Concert. He always chooses music which is both "fun" for the students and challenging enough to keep their interest and to keep them progressing. The kids recognize, and appreciate, truly inspired teaching and respond enthusiastically.