As I enter the final days of our Baltic cruise, I have realized that all good things must come to an end. One of those good things is Ahab’s facial hair. This is a story that started back on May 9th, in the Nanny Cay Marina – Tortola, BVI. This was the last time our sweet skipper was intimate with his blade. The journey from bare skinned baby face to brooding bearded beast happened quickly, so much so, that I didn’t think to document the transformation at the time. For the 18 or so years Guyon and I have been attached at the hip, he has always been shorn, smooth skinned, and well groomed. This is the version of Guyon that my brain has registered as baseline…it’s the version in my daydreams, night terrors and everything in between. This Baltic bearded man has been Guyon on shaving vacation. (OK – so I’m pretty sure if I decided to on a shaving vacation, not only would people not enjoy it, they probably wouldn’t write about it or tell me I look like Ernest Hemingway).
Honestly, Dear Readers, I have to say that I have quite enjoyed my time with this furry fellow. Not only did it help me feel less homesick for Pawpaw Puppy, but also Granddaddy Pawpaw. Seriously – Guyon was a dead ringer for his old man with the beard. (and I say that with a heart full of love for the best father-in-law in the whole world). Why am I continually surprised when, as we mature & ripen, the idiosyncrasies of our parents, become our own? That topic is a whole (nother) blog in an of itself.
Moving on to the “Great Shave Off”, or perhaps we should call it “De-bearding Daddy”. Because I failed miserably to document the slow growth of Ahab’s facial foliage, we as a family decided that when the beard came off, we needed a plan. This is where having kids totally rocks (OK – lots of other times too, but this is in my top five favs). So we put it to the boys to design a de-bearding strategy for Daddy. William, bless his heart, took control of the challenge with pencil and paper in hand. If I were one of these really organized Moms, like every single one of my sisters-in-law, I would have saved the drawings that William made, and posted it with these photos….but seriously, we all know that if I can get everyone through the day with their teeth brushed, a vegetable consumed, and semi-clean underwear at least turned inside out for re-runs…I tend to quit while I’m “ahead”. The drawing didn’t make it, but at least I have some pictures.
So William decided on a total of six stages: Fully Bearded Ahab, Homer Simpson, ‘Stache & Soul Patch, That 70s Guy, Ned Flanders, and Bare-skinned Baby Faced Guyon. I sincerely you hope enjoy viewing Ahab’s transformation as much as the kids and I did.
Cheers!
Ali
Bearded Baltic Beast
The Homer Simpson
‘Stache & Patch
That 70s Guy(on)
How you Doin’?
Commissioner Gordon
Ned Flanders: “Hi-diddly-ho Neighbor”
Silky Smooth
Baby Face
My gosh, what did you do with all of that hair? Did the boat have enough room for it all?
I guess it’s time for warmer waters.
Love the post!!! Tell David and Gordon that Brandon and Everett say hi. The played ball with the on the Lights Out baseball team.
Dear World travelers, I want you all to know how much fun I’ve had just reading all your travels and adventures. We who stayed on “dry land” tip our hats to you all. You made an impression on all who read your posts. I loved the idea tha the boys developed a plan to de-hair their Dad. Was fun seeing all the pictures. Thanks for your adventure sharing! Bon Voyage and safe sailing. May the winds be at you stern on your trip home. Can’t wait to get you (Ali) on the tennis court and know that she’s out of tennis shape. Maybe I’ll have a chance to win a game from you… Lets play together so I can win!!!! Jackie <
You may have out done yourself this time, Ali Grace! What a blog! And thank you for not taking the no-shave challenge. I remember one time when we took a dance class together (I think that is one of those save for another day blogs too….).
Priceless like most (all) of your posts. Loving your adventure. Xoxo to you all.
rotflmao!
Love it! It’s pretty close to being as funny as the “redneck” party you guys threw at Wolfey … Circa 2005????
As I sit in my backyard drinking wine, and staring at my personal pond (the pool), and listening to Buffett and Alan Jackson, I cannot help but smile at the irony …..
Love you guys!
All very entertaining, Gracie, but where are the pictures of the Scananavian sunbathers?..
Stay on course for the experience of a lifetime!!
Love,
Bob
Wow Gracie – I agree w Merdy! What a piece of writing. It just gets better and better. 2 thoughts – Guyon lost at least 20, maybe 30 years in the Shave Off. And 2nd – hmmmmmm – Commisioner Gordon. Have you ever watched Bluebloods? Check it out!
I again am enjoying your posts. Hugs Dottie
You have just passed the Gruenental bridge in the Kiel Canal, I was on the bridge and took some photos. How can I sent the photos to you? Rgds..Juergen
Loved the shaving blog, we are tracking you off Amsterdam on marine traffic. Think Mike has withdrawal symptoms! Gather there were tears at the end!
Love to all the boys, off for a paddle board!
Pene x
We are joining the ARC in the Galapagos and I can’t wait to meet your family. I just read a few posts and the dehairing of daddy! What a great way to show your boys the world! Hope to meet you soon. We will be on Zoom
Fantastic Jacqui! Looking forward to meeting y’all and getting down to Galapagos
Hilarious! After meeting you here in Galapagos, my first perusal of your blog turns up this gem of a post! This is great 🙂 I’m sure your fantastic sense of humor carries throughout…looking forward to reading more, when WIFI permits. ~Jessie
Have a great time in Isabella. Awesome to meet you and Neil. Safe passage to Easter, and hope to see you in Tahiti