Lists

“Anna” I called, “what did I say we needed for the engine”? “I don’t know, let me check the list”
This interchange is so frequent between us that someone might think that it’s a code in a secret language! With the departure of our youth we both have found that our memories can’t quite keep up with the new demands that this life style has placed on us so we rely on “Lists”. Anna keeps a small note book and pen just for the recording of everything that pops into our heads. These lists include, but are not limited to, food items, nautical items, parts, repair lists, items to PU when we are in Michigan, items to return to Michigan, people to call, places to research or to visit, movies we want from the library, Etc, Etc. We have found that without these lists it becomes impossible to function on the Goose.
At first, I fought against the use of these endless lists but with Anna’s help, I have gradually changed my mind and now believe that having a permanent record of what we were thinking about is better than an amorphous group of ideas floating about my head. And besides, her way saves me from making 3 trips to the hardware store (a five mile ride) in one day!
The best way to get a handle on this system is to pick out a bunch of broad categories and then give a page to each one. Don’t be afraid to get really detailed in your breakdown of the work or item to be purchased IE: 7ea, # 10 SS pan head screws or replace light bulb in the head. Then it’s easy to pick out a small thing to do that will fit the amount of time that you have available. Then, the hardest thing to remember is to strike items off the list!