Casting Off

Welcome one and all to this, my new 'blog.

I suppose I should say something about myself. I'm a not-quite-baby-boomer, not-quite-GenX IT professional, former performer, living and working in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I've been watching and commenting elsewhere for some time, and finally have taken the time and effort to 'blog myself.

The 'blog title comes from the days when I was living aboard my baby out West. As a Navy brat, and something of a sailor, the moniker and 'blog title just seemed to come naturally. I no longer have the boat, but I recall those days fondly, and hope to return to life on the water.

Politically, I suppose I fall into the moderate category, but driven leftward by the new Right. I was a solid Republican for many years, but one in the mold of Margaret Chase Smith, Bill Cohen and other "Maine Republicans:" fiscally conservative, socially conscious, and inclined toward domestic policies and away from international adventure and interventionism. The logic was that if we took care of our own, stayed out of other nation's business, and promoted industry whilst containing excess we would all prosper. Somewhere along the way I discovered the GOP had no interest in any of these things - indeed, had developed a taste for the converse of every principle. I don't feel I quite fit into the Progressive camp naturally, but I find more in common with Progressivism than with neoConservatism.

Outside of that, I maintain an interest if not an involvement with theatre and film, interest in science fiction, pets (I've had several dogs and presently a cat tolerates me), politics and economics - particularly family and elder issues, and goings on in the Tampa Bay. You will see most of this here as time progresses, though I'm far more likely to post a "sighting" of some interesting ship than the inevitable "catblogging" post.

Many thanks to the crew at Shakesville, and to Mustang Bobby at Bark Bark Woof Woof, who have encouraged me to take this step for some time now.

For now, please follow all instructions given by your captain and crew, know how to use your life vest and how to get to the lifeboats, always know where your towel is, and welcome aboard