My screenname is “BOATBUMS” because my husband and I lived aboard a sailboat for 8 years and a powerboat/trawler for 5 years. During the sailboat years we also worked full time. My husband was a firefighter (my hero!) and I worked in telecommunications/computer operations/training & documentation. During vacations we went to the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, the Tortugas (islands to the west of Florida) and all around Florida - the West coast, the Keys and the East coast.

We both retired in 1999 and traveled around the Bahamas (the Abacos mostly). We decided sailing was too slow of a way to go, and went to the “Dark Side” and bought a powerboat. We lived and traveled aboard that for five years.

Health issues brought an end to those days (sniff) and we are now “Dirt Dwellers” living in a real house in North Carolina (since 2006). We will always love the sea and hope to be able to visit the islands again one day.

We are both conservative pro-lifers and born-again Christians. I’m a registered Republican and hubby is Independent. I love Free Republic and the opportunity it gives me to stay informed and in touch with those of like mind (on most things!).

"God is ready to assume full responsibility for those wholly yielded to him."