Old Man Winter has surely asserted his presence in the Boothbay region. Snow and ice has festooned our property and the challenges of getting from here to there are awesome. Jim and Donna are keeping the home fires burning in the Hill House and those of us who are year round residents (about 35 percent of the membership) are including in their New Year's Wish List the hopes that the Engineering Committee will be able to include the planned for winter gathering facility.

Perhaps very soon we will have a winterized space for say a gala BHYC New Year's party, as well as the weekly gathering of folks for Bridge, Mah Jongg and even the book club, etc. With that not a reality this year, Commodore Lee, Vice Commodore Greg and Rear Commodore Eric have asked this scribe to extend to all of you their best wishes for a happy, prosperous and successful 2014.

Did you know that in addition to the above listed “Flags,” the treasurer (Bob Reiser) the secretary (Betsie Permut), the fleet captain (Greg Shea), the fleet surgeon (Joe Metz) and the measurer (Winston “Kipper” Kipp) all are required to fly the flag of their office when aboard or at sea?

The weekly winter lunch gatherings have been suspended for the holidays but will once again gather on January 8 for their weekly gastronomical gab fest. Peggy Chapman tells this scribe that much important news is shared as well as world politics, and a joke now and then as well. All are welcome!

Word has it that John Druce is recovering nicely from planned surgery and he could always use a friendly call or visit.

The next social function is the January winter gathering at the home of Michael and Abby Smith in Edgecomb.