I was in my mid-twenties and had never done any framing, sheetrocking, or spackling. I framed it all, putting in a family room, bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and closet. I started sheetrocking and spacking in the family room and finished in the closet. The closet was perfect.

I do most everything on Drift Away, with some exceptions. Scrubbing out the diesel tanks I left to youngsters, and I hired an expert to install our new electronics, although I assisted. I hired mechanics to work on the generators and engines when I wanted to make sure things were set right before our trip. But for most everything else, I'd rather do it myself.

When are you guys going to be on the Chesapeake? Pam and I plan on spending the summer up there before heading south again. Of course, that's two weeks away, and a lot can change between now and then.