Nautie Mermate is three today. Three. A lot has happened in those three years. I lived in Hawaii, tried out Maine for a bit, and then plopped a squat in Houston. I've changed ships twice. From the Persian Gulf, to the Med, to a worldwide tramper. I made the move from tankers to heavy lifts. I upgraded my license and dove head first into the waters of Chief Mate-ness.

This blog has become so much. A sounding board for all my coulda, shoulda, woulda's. A motivator. A sweet escape.

Two years ago I celebrated Oct. 19th with friends in Maine - there were cupcakes. Last year, I have no clue why I didn't celebrate and, this year I find myself at sea. Eastward bound for the Panama Canal.

Today, life couldn't be sweeter.

I saw an amazing sunrise.

I sipped an orange goodness.

I watered my plants.

I made a quinoa salad for lunch.

...and seriously, if this blog isn't about sunrises, orange goodness', shipboard gardens and quinoa...well then, I just don't know what it's about...

Nautie Friends, thanks for all your kind words through it all - the pep talks - the mettle making - the whip cracking - the virtual hugs. I heart you. Like...I heart you a lot.

I have one small request for you...de-lurk! Who are you lovely readers? Where are you from? What do you do? What do you enjoy most here in Nautie Mermate Land?

Happy Birthday Sweet Blog.

Here's looking forward!