Solar Wind's Adventures: Won't be long now!

Hi Folks! We are waxed, washed and bottom painted. Fresh zinc anodes are installed, and the folding propeller has been greased. We are practicing with the spinnaker - almost got it! Sometimes we feel like we are sinking, but really its only the 5,000 + lbs. of added equipment and provisions setting us a good bit lower in the water. Melinda has taken the lead with medical provisioning - starting with a nice 1st-aid kit from Carol and Gary, and fascinating suture schooling (and supplies) generously contributed by old friend and ace plastic surgeon Craig, and adding $1,200 in antibiotics, pain pills, immunizations, splints and salves - we are practically a floating infirmary! We have sold our children's family home, moved all belongings into three storage units, purchased a two bedroom condo in Fremont and installed tenants there for the year we will be away. Family, In-laws and outlaws have helped us lighten our load by staging garage sales and descending on our weekend long move out of 6016 and into storage. MAY I STRESS; We could not have done it without you. If you were there, you know this to be true!! Thank you. Charts and routes - both paper and electronic are (or have been) being installed, and our various communication systems checked and re-checked. Auto-pilot, water-maker, batteries, solar panels, engine and transmission, rigging and sails - - all have spares, fresh lubrication and are ready to go (almost). We currently plan to depart Seattle on September 10th with Slim (the guy lying in the pipe-berth) as crew, and trade him in for Keith in San Francisco about a week later.... Melinda and I will leave San Diego about the end of September, but hope to stay for a week at our first Mexican port of Ensenada, and attend language school - another last minute detail! Many thanks to you all as you have understood our preoccupation and helped us do what must be done prior to departure. Vela Felizes Love, Lanham & Melinda