THE Souza Boat

I didn’t grow up going to the river…we weren’t that kinda of family. Our vacations usually consisted of going to Ireland for the summers…and sometimes we did other stuff too. I used to hear about people being “river rats”…and was kinda envious of that unknown! I wanted to get to ride on boats and hang out…it all sounded so awesome! I met Yosh and was pleased to find out his family owned a pontoon houseboat. My father-in-law bought it brand new back in 2000ish (pre-Erin days)…and Yosh was lucky that Daddy trusted him with it. Yosh took care of that boat with the help of his buddies. Many AWESOME memories from days on that boat!! Family trips, couples trips, camping, night time rides, fishing, spring breaks, summer fun, etc.

This is some of the fun over the years!!

And it all continued this summer…with a few additional babies, ie. Ella

All these years we have had SO much fun with our boat at the river. But of course like everything else…we have had our ups and downs…like when the boat had to be brought home for some repairs…which kinda sucked.

We have had to get new canvas a few times and numerous repairs..our boat is the typical money pit. But we have now started discussing selling this boat to possibly purchase another pontoon without the enclosure. Which is great…but kinda sad too. I think back to ALL the fun times…with so many different people.

So if you know anyone interested in purchasing a 32ft SunTracker, currently located at Katherine’s Landing in Lake Mojave…its in great condition and low hours, please have them contact me!! I have lots of pictures of the interior!!

My Soul Sister from Ireland

Many people have asked HOW I know Catherine…how could I possibly have a best friend that lives over 3,000 miles away in Ireland…well its easy…we both are damn good at keeping in touch! hah

I met Catherine the summer of 1997…when my parents shipped my brother and I over to Ireland for our 10 week summer break! Catherine was best friends with my cousin and his gf at the time…therefore I hung out with her quite a bit that year. I came home after a great summer away and we wrote old fashioned letters to keep in touch! And from that point on…every time I’d go to Ireland we’d hang out and eventually she came to Cali to visit me too! Our friendship as grown and she is now like a girl cousin and much more than a friend!

1997 When it all began…

This was the group that summer…Catherine, Deb, Me, Deirdre, and my cousin Alan and his gf who are not pictured here…So weird that we were all so close that summer!

 

And a few more from way back when…


These are mostly taken in pubs and nightclubs…yes when we were youngsters! Oh those were the days!

Catherine has come to visit me a good few times…with my cousin and his now wife in 2002, she's come with a huge group for my wedding in 2006, she's come solo 2004 and now she has come twice with her husband…last time  was when I was sick 4 years ago…She was my chemo buddy for #7

Thankfully that visit in 2009 wasn’t all sick days at home…we got to bring them to Disneyland (as I got dirty looks from old ladies for being in a wheel chair with my bald head…b*itches!), the beach at sunset and the Mission Inn for the festival of lights. They also got to experience their first American Thanksgiving. It was a good trip….but seemed to long ago!

John was just her boyfriend at the time…but he was in the works of planning an engagement. (he secretly bought her ring at Robins Bros while visiting us and proposed in Times Square on their way back home!) Since she came to Cali to visit I have been to Ireland twice…once for a regular visit and once for her wedding…

SO THIS time they were here it was crazy to reflect back on last time they were here visiting…Owen was 7 months old…as Ella is almost 6 months this time around. It felt the same but oh so different too. Much happier…and healthier!

I love that we have continued our friendship for 16 years…she was my bridesmaid, I was hers…she loves my kids and I’ll love hers someday too! And don’t you worry…I was pushing for those babies while they were here….so not an “Irish thing” to do…BUT yeah…I’m American so its ok to make them a baby-making basket! lol

Thanks for being so awesome Mr & Mrs Brogan! We love you!!