Re: Featherwind Question

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "steven_dantonio" <sdantonio93@...> wrote:
>
> I was just looking at the plans for the featherwind in one of Phil Bolger's books before ordering.
>
> There are 2 side profiles. One listed as "expanded side profile". Is this simply a way to expand freeboard so the gunwales are riding a little higher above the water?
>
> Steven
>

On 12/13/2010 9:54 AM, Peter wrote:

Thanks.  Ok, so I should lay out the expanded profile 
on the plywood and think of the other one as kind of a 
projected view.

You're on the right track, I think.

I think most people would say that one is the shape of the boat, and the other is the shape of the plank.





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> Thanks. Ok, so I should lay out the expanded profile
> on the plywood and think of the other one as kind of a
> projected view.

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Christopher C. Wetherill" <wetherillc@...> wrote:
>
> In general, it is the "unwrapping" of the curved surface to the flat
> sheets of plywood for cutting.
>
> V/R
> Chris
>
> On 12/12/2010 8:50 PM, steven_dantonio wrote:
> > I was just looking at the plans for the featherwind in one of Phil Bolger's books before ordering.
> >
> > There are 2 side profiles. One listed as "expanded side profile". Is this simply a way to expand freeboard so the gunwales are riding a little higher above the water?
> >
> > Steven
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

On 12/12/2010 8:50 PM, steven_dantonio wrote:

I was just looking at the plans for the featherwind in one of Phil Bolger's books before ordering.

There are 2 side profiles.  One listed as "expanded side profile".  Is this simply a way to expand freeboard so the gunwales are riding a little higher above the water?

Steven

----- Original Message -----

From:Bruce Hallman

To:bolger@yahoogroups.com

Sent:Friday, May 21, 2010 12:58 PM

Subject:Re: [bolger] Re: Very much alive...

 

On Fri, May 21, 2010 at 5:38 AM, Paul <paulmclellan@...> wrote:
>
> It's OK to color outside the lines but if you are building a PB&F design and you make alterations it is at your own risk or peril.

And to PCB's credit, (if I understand him), he understood and accepted
human nature. Builders very often choose to modify his designs, and
sometimes this is an improvement, and sometimes not. He was OK with
that, but he would tell you what he thought of your changes, good or
bad. Sometimes people died in his boats, that is a worldly risk
(Google: "Nenad Belic").

----- Original Message -----

From:Bruce Hallman

To:bolger@yahoogroups.com

Sent:Friday, May 21, 2010 12:58 PM

Subject:Re: [bolger] Re: Very much alive...

 

On Fri, May 21, 2010 at 5:38 AM, Paul <paulmclellan@...> wrote:
>
> It's OK to color outside the lines but if you are building a PB&F design and you make alterations it is at your own risk or peril.

And to PCB's credit, (if I understand him), he understood and accepted
human nature. Builders very often choose to modify his designs, and
sometimes this is an improvement, and sometimes not. He was OK with
that, but he would tell you what he thought of your changes, good or
bad. Sometimes people died in his boats, that is a worldly risk
(Google: "Nenad Belic").

>
> It's OK to color outside the lines but if you are building a PB&F design and you make alterations it is at your own risk or peril.

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Dreamzpainter@... wrote:
>
> If it wasn't for us strange ducks who dont just color outside the line,
> we make our own lines, dont march to the beat of a different drummer we
> stroll to the sound of a fiddle (or whatever) The world would be a very dull
> place !
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "etap28" <dave.irland@...> wrote:
>
> Wow.
> thanks for the transparency. If only other public figures were so disingenuous.
> We obviously have a lot to look forward to as you continue to put it all back together.
> (Ps I would have driven up and helped you with your headgasket--I can wrench, and am available for whatever, whenever.)
> Dave Irland
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Susanne@" <philbolger@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello all,
> > I guess things would be really bad if nobody was attending this forum anymore...
> > The frustrating experience of members of this group with PB&F is undeniable. But I submit that this forum does provide the only measure of PB&F responsivess, with some mail, and Fax inquiries addressed, such as via an extended productive phone-call the other day to MN, with plans going out tomorrow.
> >
> > Let me offer you all an update:
> > - Re-establishing sustainable levels of emotional and physical health is progressing well, after several years of increasingly challenging and ultimately tragic declines in too many aspects of both of our lives. So far recovery evolves one day at a time without chemical assistance beyond a sleep aide to firmly reestablish healthy sleeping patterns. From initial de facto incapacitation over a few hours to now essentially full-day work episodes I had to be very careful to watch my physical and emotional health to not do further damage.
> >
> > - I can enter, stay and work for hours in Phil's study again, after many months of finding myself drained quickly - sometimes just within minutes - in this precious space of so much togetherness and productivity. Instead of being pushed out the door by searing grief I am beginning to draw on 'his energy' to get things done.
> >
> > - The 'normal life' daily ups and downs are met reasonably well, though still a bit bumpy at times. When in Fall our car's head-gasket need changing, I had to go at it to save serious money, with the job's nature inviting going through the engine-bay replacing other aged and at times hard to find components for a reasonably obscure car-model, from radiators over condensers to all hoses and clamps. After many days of limited hours of energy available, she started right up and has been reliable since. This was one initially daunting challenge but was pushed through a few daily hours at a time as a money-saving bit of 'therapy' which did indeed help emotionally by stemming further losses and staving off dangers taking this car into serious winter-challenges.
> >
> > - Physical demans such as snow-removal and yard-work became more and more doable again without risking physical health.
> >
> > - Those who attended the Memorial last September saw the state of relative decay of the boats and the property around the house. As I stated then, this was a reflection of our diminishing energies just keeping basic going, never mind finishing frozen projects. The same applied to the inside of the house, and to the relative order of business affairs. I decided to do 'Nest-Rebuilding' inside and it was therapeutic as well. A lot of physical work did eventually yield badly-necessary bits and pieces of satisfaction across weeks of exclusive focus on multiple projects around the house that needed completing.
> >
> > - In terms of business affairs much has been ordered, sorted, settled, with much left to be done but progress is giving me energy so badly needed to grow towards sustainable business-responsiveness.
> >
> > - MAIB contributions are on a regular schedule again.
> >
> > - A good part of the available daily energy went into much preparatory work towards getting an experimental (very BOLGER!) 35' boat to a federal client's wish-list. Designed by PB&F and to be built under my supervision this summer here in Gloucester, the project has absorbed much energy towards a potentially intriguing outcome and a bit of income for PB&F. Defining the final concept to mutual agreement, and putting together a workable budget took much of my then still limited energy for communication and tending to emerging opportunities and resolving problems. Incidentally, it included a vitally necessary and ultimately successful road-trip trip to N.J. and D.C. right through a most challenging late-February sequence of sunshine, 20"+ Blizzard, massive rain-storm to end amidst 80+mph windgusts that felled a neighbor's 2' diameter pine but missed our property by inches. On tall and narrow studded snow-tires my trusty (again) conveyance rolled past dozens of wipe-outs, serious accidents, around fallen trees, and once alone on an extended stretch of a regional highway due to closure right behind me. I had a most serious appointment the next day with a state-agency - a meeting which since has evolved into a productive partnership.
> >
> > - Beyond getting safely through that nasty ride, I have also had some luck recently with some seemingly serious issues resolving themselves with least stress.
> >
> > - Fundamentally though, I have been able to fuel my recovery on a goodly amount of support by friendly souls near and far, from family to strangers who mean well. And that is vital indeed. Good counsel, good words, sometimes a bit of muscle to move stuff, and perhaps most importantly patience with my episodes of unsteadiness. Just a while back I had a most impressive flash-back of finding Phil...
> >
> > - I sure do not like life without him at my side. But I am finding my way forward, steps at a time. And nobody alive will be spared small and massive losses - you can only hope that they do not break you for good. Not being 'two' anymore to share the joys and load of the endeavor, I work steadily on whatever needs tending to most immediately. Many projects are done for good. Others ongoing. Some not remotely touched yet. But my overall health and thus energy and mid-term viability are improving steadily.
> >
> > - So, speculations on the impending demise of PB&F are exaggerated.
> > Limited bursts of work in support of Phil's Home-Port and its fisheries continues with an eye on establishing capacity to get even sizable boats built again hereabouts, realizing our designs in 3-D, adding to mid-term business-prospects, and perhaps creating some steady 'green-collar' jobs building boats Bolger's way. This summer's project is one significant step in that direction, in hope to focus attention and catalyze 'can do' attitudes in town and in potential clients' minds.
> > And at least some inquiries get answered on an as yet random basis with the strack of unanswered mail nibbled at more effectively as daily routines form and energy suffices.
> > While it is hard to understand what my problem is dealing with modest inquiries at a predictable rate, it is not out a distinct disinterest in selling you plans and depositing your checks; the latter does indeed contribute to my 'positive energy-levels'... I
> > For those in this group whose inquiries went annoyingly unanswered give it another shot and print up on top LAST CALL to identify yourselves. I will deal with those first. Having over the years answered many such postings in machine format next to Phil's mix of hand-written and PC-based notes, the challenge is less the act of responding than the regular predictable tending to incoming mail that has not been reestablished reliably.
> >
> > Getting better and with sympathy for your aggravations as I restructure my life towards sustainable managing Phil's legacy and the business we spent 15 years together in.
> > Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
> >
>

>
>...If only other public figures were so disingenuous....
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Susanne@..." <philbolger@...> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
> I guess things would be really bad if nobody was attending this forum anymore...
> The frustrating experience of members of this group with PB&F is undeniable. But I submit that this forum does provide the only measure of PB&F responsivess, with some mail, and Fax inquiries addressed, such as via an extended productive phone-call the other day to MN, with plans going out tomorrow.
>
> Let me offer you all an update:
> - Re-establishing sustainable levels of emotional and physical health is progressing well, after several years of increasingly challenging and ultimately tragic declines in too many aspects of both of our lives. So far recovery evolves one day at a time without chemical assistance beyond a sleep aide to firmly reestablish healthy sleeping patterns. From initial de facto incapacitation over a few hours to now essentially full-day work episodes I had to be very careful to watch my physical and emotional health to not do further damage.
>
> - I can enter, stay and work for hours in Phil's study again, after many months of finding myself drained quickly - sometimes just within minutes - in this precious space of so much togetherness and productivity. Instead of being pushed out the door by searing grief I am beginning to draw on 'his energy' to get things done.
>
> - The 'normal life' daily ups and downs are met reasonably well, though still a bit bumpy at times. When in Fall our car's head-gasket need changing, I had to go at it to save serious money, with the job's nature inviting going through the engine-bay replacing other aged and at times hard to find components for a reasonably obscure car-model, from radiators over condensers to all hoses and clamps. After many days of limited hours of energy available, she started right up and has been reliable since. This was one initially daunting challenge but was pushed through a few daily hours at a time as a money-saving bit of 'therapy' which did indeed help emotionally by stemming further losses and staving off dangers taking this car into serious winter-challenges.
>
> - Physical demans such as snow-removal and yard-work became more and more doable again without risking physical health.
>
> - Those who attended the Memorial last September saw the state of relative decay of the boats and the property around the house. As I stated then, this was a reflection of our diminishing energies just keeping basic going, never mind finishing frozen projects. The same applied to the inside of the house, and to the relative order of business affairs. I decided to do 'Nest-Rebuilding' inside and it was therapeutic as well. A lot of physical work did eventually yield badly-necessary bits and pieces of satisfaction across weeks of exclusive focus on multiple projects around the house that needed completing.
>
> - In terms of business affairs much has been ordered, sorted, settled, with much left to be done but progress is giving me energy so badly needed to grow towards sustainable business-responsiveness.
>
> - MAIB contributions are on a regular schedule again.
>
> - A good part of the available daily energy went into much preparatory work towards getting an experimental (very BOLGER!) 35' boat to a federal client's wish-list. Designed by PB&F and to be built under my supervision this summer here in Gloucester, the project has absorbed much energy towards a potentially intriguing outcome and a bit of income for PB&F. Defining the final concept to mutual agreement, and putting together a workable budget took much of my then still limited energy for communication and tending to emerging opportunities and resolving problems. Incidentally, it included a vitally necessary and ultimately successful road-trip trip to N.J. and D.C. right through a most challenging late-February sequence of sunshine, 20"+ Blizzard, massive rain-storm to end amidst 80+mph windgusts that felled a neighbor's 2' diameter pine but missed our property by inches. On tall and narrow studded snow-tires my trusty (again) conveyance rolled past dozens of wipe-outs, serious accidents, around fallen trees, and once alone on an extended stretch of a regional highway due to closure right behind me. I had a most serious appointment the next day with a state-agency - a meeting which since has evolved into a productive partnership.
>
> - Beyond getting safely through that nasty ride, I have also had some luck recently with some seemingly serious issues resolving themselves with least stress.
>
> - Fundamentally though, I have been able to fuel my recovery on a goodly amount of support by friendly souls near and far, from family to strangers who mean well. And that is vital indeed. Good counsel, good words, sometimes a bit of muscle to move stuff, and perhaps most importantly patience with my episodes of unsteadiness. Just a while back I had a most impressive flash-back of finding Phil...
>
> - I sure do not like life without him at my side. But I am finding my way forward, steps at a time. And nobody alive will be spared small and massive losses - you can only hope that they do not break you for good. Not being 'two' anymore to share the joys and load of the endeavor, I work steadily on whatever needs tending to most immediately. Many projects are done for good. Others ongoing. Some not remotely touched yet. But my overall health and thus energy and mid-term viability are improving steadily.
>
> - So, speculations on the impending demise of PB&F are exaggerated.
> Limited bursts of work in support of Phil's Home-Port and its fisheries continues with an eye on establishing capacity to get even sizable boats built again hereabouts, realizing our designs in 3-D, adding to mid-term business-prospects, and perhaps creating some steady 'green-collar' jobs building boats Bolger's way. This summer's project is one significant step in that direction, in hope to focus attention and catalyze 'can do' attitudes in town and in potential clients' minds.
> And at least some inquiries get answered on an as yet random basis with the strack of unanswered mail nibbled at more effectively as daily routines form and energy suffices.
> While it is hard to understand what my problem is dealing with modest inquiries at a predictable rate, it is not out a distinct disinterest in selling you plans and depositing your checks; the latter does indeed contribute to my 'positive energy-levels'... I
> For those in this group whose inquiries went annoyingly unanswered give it another shot and print up on top LAST CALL to identify yourselves. I will deal with those first. Having over the years answered many such postings in machine format next to Phil's mix of hand-written and PC-based notes, the challenge is less the act of responding than the regular predictable tending to incoming mail that has not been reestablished reliably.
>
> Getting better and with sympathy for your aggravations as I restructure my life towards sustainable managing Phil's legacy and the business we spent 15 years together in.
> Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
>

>
> Talking about odd syntax. f
> It should have read: "But I submit that this forum does /not/
> provide the only measure of PB&F responsivess, with some mail, and Fax
> inquiries addressed, such as via an extended productive phone-call the
> other day to MN, with plans going out tomorrow.
> How many more snafus are there ?

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Bruce Hallman <hallman@...> wrote:
>
> Susanne:
>
> No need to worry about the small things like syntax. I suspect that I
> can speak for many others in this group; keep on healing, one day at a
> time.
>
> Bruce Hallman

On Tue, May 18, 2010 at 1:20 PM,Susanne@...<philbolger@...>wrote:

the challenge is less the act of responding than the regular predictable tending to incoming mail that has not been reestablished reliably.

Susanne,

Do you have the funds to hire a middle-aged woman to come in three days a week for half-days to check the mail, pay bills, send out blueprints, maintain business correspondence, go to the bank, and be a general helper? This should cost about $150 per week and would greatly reduce your own business "housekeeping" work load. Increased plans sales would pay the labor costs.

I would guess Phil would not have liked being an employer. As a retired farmer, I know what it is like to have an overwhelming work load and try to keep on doing everything yourself. But sometimes extra help can more than pay for itself.

I am glad that you continue to communicate with us on this  forum. Besides providing us with an insight into your own thoughts, you've also provided a window into the mind of Phil. You are greatly appreciated.

fred s.

>
>
>
> Talking about odd syntax. f
> It should have read: "But I submit that this forum does not provide the only measure of PB&F responsivess, with some mail, and Fax inquiries addressed, such as via an extended productive phone-call the other day to MN, with plans going out tomorrow.
> How many more snafus are there  ?
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From:Susanne@...
> To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 2:20 PM
> Subject: [bolger] Very much alive...
>
>
> Hello all,
>      I guess things would be really bad if nobody was attending this forum anymore...
> The frustrating experience of members of this group with PB&F is undeniable.  But I submit that this forum does provide the only measure of PB&F responsivess, with some mail, and Fax inquiries addressed, such as via an extended productive phone-call the other day to MN, with plans going
>  out tomorrow.
>
> Let me offer you all an update:
> -  Re-establishing sustainable levels of emotional and physical health is progressing well, after several years of increasingly challenging and ultimately tragic declines in too many aspects of both of our lives.  So far recovery evolves one day at a time without chemical assistance beyond a sleep aide to firmly reestablish healthy sleeping patterns.  From initial de facto incapacitation over a few hours to now essentially full-day work episodes I had to be very careful to watch my physical and emotional health to not do further damage.
>
> -  I can enter, stay and work for hours in Phil's study again, after many months of finding myself drained quickly - sometimes just within minutes - in this precious space of so much togetherness and productivity.  Instead of being pushed out the door by searing grief I am beginning to draw on 'his energy' to get things done.
>
> -  The 'normal life' daily ups and downs are met reasonably well, though still a bit bumpy at times.  When in Fall our car's head-gasket need changing, I had to go at it to save serious money, with the job's nature inviting going through the engine-bay replacing other aged and at times hard to find components for a reasonably obscure car-model, from radiators over condensers to all hoses and clamps.  After many days of limited hours of energy available, she started right up and has been reliable since.   This was one initially daunting challenge but was pushed through a few daily hours at a time as a money-saving bit of 'therapy' which did indeed help emotionally by stemming further losses and staving off dangers taking this car into serious winter-challenges.
>
> -  Physical demans such as snow-removal and yard-work became more and more doable again without risking physical health.
>
> -  Those who attended the Memorial last September saw the state of relative decay of the boats and the property around the house.  As I stated then, this was a reflection of our diminishing energies just keeping basic going, never mind finishing frozen projects.  The same applied to the inside of the house, and to the relative order of business affairs.  I decided to do 'Nest-Rebuilding' inside and it was therapeutic as well.  A lot of physical work did eventually yield badly-necessary bits and pieces of satisfaction across weeks of exclusive focus on multiple projects around the house that needed completing.
>
> -  In terms of business affairs much has been ordered, sorted, settled, with much left to be done but progress is giving me energy so badly needed to grow towards sustainable business-responsiveness.
>
> -  MAIB contributions are on a regular schedule again.
>
> -  A good part of the available daily energy went into much preparatory work towards getting an experimental (very BOLGER!) 35' boat to a federal client's wish-list.  Designed by PB&F and to be built under my supervision this summer here in Gloucester, the project has absorbed much energy towards a potentially intriguing outcome and a bit of income for PB&F.  Defining the final concept to mutual agreement, and putting together a workable budget took much of my then still limited energy for communication and tending to emerging opportunities and resolving problems.  Incidentally, it included a vitally necessary and ultimately successful road-trip trip to N.J. and D.C. right through a most challenging late-February sequence of sunshine, 20"+ Blizzard, massive rain-storm to end amidst 80+mph windgusts that felled a neighbor's 2' diameter pine but missed our property by inches.  On tall and narrow studded snow-tires my trusty (again) conveyance rolled past dozens of wipe-outs, serious accidents, around fallen trees, and once alone on an extended stretch of a regional highway due to closure right behind me.  I had a most serious appointment the next day with a state-agency - a meeting which since has evolved into a productive partnership.
>
> - Beyond getting safely through that nasty ride, I have also had some luck recently with some seemingly serious issues resolving themselves with least stress.
>
> - Fundamentally though, I have been able to fuel my recovery on a goodly amount of support by friendly souls near and far, from family to strangers who mean well.  And that is vital indeed.  Good counsel, good words, sometimes a bit of muscle to move stuff, and perhaps most importantly patience with my episodes of unsteadiness.  Just a while back I had a most impressive flash-back of finding Phil...
>
> - I sure do not like life without him at my side.  But I am finding my way forward, steps at a time.  And nobody alive will be spared small and massive losses - you can only hope that they do not break you for good.  Not being 'two' anymore to share the joys and load of the endeavor, I work steadily on whatever needs tending to most immediately.  Many projects are done for good.  Others ongoing.  Some not remotely touched yet.  But my overall health and thus energy and mid-term viability are improving steadily.
>
> - So, speculations on the impending demise of PB&F are exaggerated.
>      Limited bursts of work in support of Phil's Home-Port and its fisheries continues with an eye on establishing capacity to get even sizable boats built again hereabouts, realizing our designs in 3-D, adding to mid-term business-prospects, and perhaps creating some steady 'green-collar' jobs building boats Bolger's way.  This summer's project is one significant step in that direction, in hope to focus attention and catalyze 'can do' attitudes in town and in potential clients' minds.
>      And at least some inquiries get answered on an as yet random basis with the strack of unanswered mail nibbled at more effectively as daily routines form and energy suffices.
> While it is hard to understand what my problem is dealing with modest inquiries at a predictable rate, it is not out a distinct disinterest in selling you plans and depositing your checks; the latter does indeed contribute to my 'positive energy-levels'...  I
>     For those in this group whose inquiries went annoyingly unanswered give it another shot and print up on top LAST CALL to identify yourselves.  I will deal with those first.  Having over the years answered many such postings in machine format next to Phil's mix of hand-written and PC-based notes, the challenge is less the act of responding than the regular predictable tending to incoming mail that has not been reestablished reliably.
>
> Getting better and with sympathy for your aggravations as I restructure my life towards sustainable managing Phil's legacy and the business we spent 15 years together in.
> Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
>
>

----- Original Message -----

From:Susanne@...

To:bolger@yahoogroups.com

Sent:Tuesday, May 18, 2010 2:20 PM

Subject:[bolger] Very much alive...

 

Hello all,

     I guess things would be really bad if nobody was attending this forum anymore...
The frustrating experience of members of this group with PB&F is undeniable.  But I submit that this forum does provide the only measure of PB&F responsivess, with some mail, and Fax inquiries addressed, such as via an extended productive phone-call the other day to MN, with plans going

 out tomorrow.

Let me offer you all an update:
-  Re-establishing sustainable levels of emotional and physical health is progressing well, after several years of increasingly challenging and ultimately tragic declines in too many aspects of both of our lives.  So far recovery evolves one day at a time without chemical assistance beyond a sleep aide to firmly reestablish healthy sleeping patterns.  From initial de facto incapacitation over a few hours to now essentially full-day work episodes I had to be very careful to watch my physical and emotional health to not do further damage.
 
-  I can enter, stay and work for hours in Phil's study again, after many months of finding myself drained quickly - sometimes just within minutes - in this precious space of so much togetherness and productivity.  Instead of being pushed out the door by searing grief I am beginning to draw on 'his energy' to get things done. 

-  The 'normal life' daily ups and downs are met reasonably well, though still a bit bumpy at times.  When in Fall our car's head-gasket need changing, I had to go at it to save serious money, with the job's nature inviting going through the engine-bay replacing other aged and at times hard to find components for a reasonably obscure car-model, from radiators over condensers to all hoses and clamps.  After many days of limited hours of energy available, she started right up and has been reliable since.   This was one initially daunting challenge but was pushed through a few daily hours at a time as a money-saving bit of 'therapy' which did indeed help emotionally by stemming further losses and staving off dangers taking this car into serious winter-challenges.

-  Physical demans such as snow-removal and yard-work became more and more doable again without risking physical health. 

-  Those who attended the Memorial last September saw the state of relative decay of the boats and the property around the house.  As I stated then, this was a reflection of our diminishing energies just keeping basic going, never mind finishing frozen projects.  The same applied to the inside of the house, and to the relative order of business affairs.  I decided to do 'Nest-Rebuilding' inside and it was therapeutic as well.  A lot of physical work did eventually yield badly-necessary bits and pieces of satisfaction across weeks of exclusive focus on multiple projects around the house that needed completing. 

-  In terms of business affairs much has been ordered, sorted, settled, with much left to be done but progress is giving me energy so badly needed to grow towards sustainable business-responsive ness.

-  MAIB contributions are on a regular schedule again.

-  A good part of the available daily energy went into much preparatory work towards getting an experimental (very BOLGER!) 35' boat to a federal client's wish-list.  Designed by PB&F and to be built under my supervision this summer here in Gloucester, the project has absorbed much energy towards a potentially intriguing outcome and a bit of income for PB&F.  Defining the final concept to mutual agreement, and putting together a workable budget took much of my then still limited energy for communication and tending to emerging opportunities and resolving problems.  Incidentally, it included a vitally necessary and ultimately successful road-trip trip to N.J. and D.C. right through a most challenging late-February sequence of sunshine, 20"+ Blizzard, massive rain-storm to end amidst 80+mph windgusts that felled a neighbor's 2' diameter pine but missed our property by inches.  On tall and narrow studded snow-tires my trusty (again) conveyance rolled past dozens of wipe-outs, serious accidents, around fallen trees, and once alone on an extended stretch of a regional highway due to closure right behind me.  I had a most serious appointment the next day with a state-agency - a meeting which since has evolved into a productive partnership. 

- Beyond getting safely through that nasty ride, I have also had some luck recently with some seemingly serious issues resolving themselves with least stress. 

- Fundamentally though, I have been able to fuel my recovery on a goodly amount of support by friendly souls near and far, from family to strangers who mean well.  And that is vital indeed.  Good counsel, good words, sometimes a bit of muscle to move stuff, and perhaps most importantly patience with my episodes of unsteadiness.  Just a while back I had a most impressive flash-back of finding Phil...
   
- I sure do not like life without him at my side.  But I am finding my way forward, steps at a time.  And nobody alive will be spared small and massive losses - you can only hope that they do not break you for good.  Not being 'two' anymore to share the joys and load of the endeavor, I work steadily on whatever needs tending to most immediately.  Many projects are done for good.  Others ongoing.  Some not remotely touched yet.  But my overall health and thus energy and mid-term viability are improving steadily.

- So, speculations on the impending demise of PB&F are exaggerated. 
     Limited bursts of work in support of Phil's Home-Port and its fisheries continues with an eye on establishing capacity to get even sizable boats built again hereabouts, realizing our designs in 3-D, adding to mid-term business-prospects, and perhaps creating some steady 'green-collar' jobs building boats Bolger's way.  This summer's project is one significant step in that direction, in hope to focus attention and catalyze 'can do' attitudes in town and in potential clients' minds. 
     And at least some inquiries get answered on an as yet random basis with the strack of unanswered mail nibbled at more effectively as daily routines form and energy suffices. 
While it is hard to understand what my problem is dealing with modest inquiries at a predictable rate, it is not out a distinct disinterest in selling you plans and depositing your checks; the latter does indeed contribute to my 'positive energy-levels' ...  I
    For those in this group whose inquiries went annoyingly unanswered give it another shot and print up on top LAST CALL to identify yourselves.  I will deal with those first.  Having over the years answered many such postings in machine format next to Phil's mix of hand-written and PC-based notes, the challenge is less the act of responding than the regular predictable tending to incoming mail that has not been reestablished reliably.

Getting better and with sympathy for your aggravations as I restructure my life towards sustainable managing Phil's legacy and the business we spent 15 years together in. 
Susanne Altenburger, PB&F