This story is about renewal in the pause between parenting and retiring. It explores the author's move to Vancouver to return to college while living on a 30 foot sailboat on the Fraser River. The story is comprised of anecdotes and observations of a school year, September through April, set out in chronological order.The dramatic change of environment to urban multiculturalism is observed through eyes accustomed to the quiet rural countryside of Vancouver Island. Establishing a new home in a small boat and an academic routine bring about interesting and sometimes comical adventures. Shifting family relationships and new friends challenge old ways of thinking and personal doubts cloud the horizon for a time. The author's husband arrives with the new year and his experiences connecting to the community add their own colour to the tale. The closing chapters of the story narrow the lens to personal reassessment and renewed goal setting.Lifelong passionate learning and the ties that bind us to family and our constantly changing world are reflected upon and celebrated.
