The Floating Harveys

Cooking on the Bay

2010-01-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

Mirene New Year's Voyage Menu

Chevre Champignon - Goat cheese and bacon stuffed mushrooms

Crab Cakes with Creme Fraiche and Galic Aioli

Pate with toast points

Cheese platter - assortment of domestic and imported cheeses with dried fruit and nuts

Lady Cruz Apples - Baby apples stuffed with dates, pecans, and spice. Topped with scented mascarpone.

Petit Four platter - Assorted cakes, cookies, and chocolates

I did a little New Year's Cocktail Party. 40 Guests, finger food. Easy, except for the location. OUT TO SEA. Aboard the Mirene for a 3-hour tour of the bay.
The hilarious part of cooking on a boat is to be constantly prepared for the potential of getting caught in a wake from one of the passing tanker, and everything you have sliding away. Hours of prep could slam to the floor because you absentmindedly set it on the counter just before a big old boat from China comes by. One hand for the cook, one hand to hold on. I was lucky enough to have a calm day out there.

As I was flipping crab cakes I was occasionally reminded to look up. There I was, under the Golden Gate, or next to Alcatraz. One moment I'm elbows up trying to plate some dessert, then I’m looking out the window trying to see the dolphins. STOP COOKING, TIME FOR A DOLPHIN SIGHTING.

I’ve done a lot of things wrong lately. I have not been as kind, or helpful, or gentle as I should be. But somewhere in my youth or childhood, just like the song says, I must have done something good. Because there I was, drinking wine, cooking crab, and watching the ocean go by.
Pretty darn lucky.

Return of The Floating Harveys

2010-01-20T11:54:00.000-08:00

Fans of the floating harveys. Have you missed us? Do you wondering if we still float? Or have we simply drifted out to sea? Ah, we've been worried too.

Frankly, it's that damn Facebook. It's taken up all our time. My New Year's Resolution was to begin posting again. And to strengthen my back. And to master yeast breads. And to potty train the littlest floater. So, similtanously I will type this from the bathroom with the little princess on her throne, while my yeast rests and rises in the kitchen (not in the bathroom with The Pooper).

All this happening in Cobra Pose. Breathe, strengthen, lift, rise.

Really, I'm eating a chocolate chip muffin while the kids are with the grandmas. But I deserve points for even imagining the scenario, don't I?

Ok, so here are the posts that will soon follow...
1. Action shots of Abalone Fest. I know, it happened in October, 15 abalone, 50 guests. Shuck and Jive. Full color photos and images to follow.
2. Mirene outing. Crab Cake flipping under the Golden Gate Bridge. Still hard to believe it was a catering gig. Absolutely Glorious.
3. Floating Hijinks. That John Quality, he's a superstar. That Grace, she keeps us guessing.

We have been adrift, but we've floated home. Jennifer Parko Harvey

Chef Quality

2009-06-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

John Quality Harvey hard at work. Please note: he's using Grandma Alice's hand mixer (which he calls the chainsaw). What is he working on, you might wonder. Well, its a Suuupriiissse! (Sung, of course in his best imitation of mommy doing Dolores Snyder vibrato). For a while I was concerned his middle name would condemn him to a life of used car sales, but I think he might just be a baseball playing chef yet. What will I do when he decides he needs to experiment with something more expensive than KIXS?

Grace's First Cookout

2009-05-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Corn and ribs. She's clearly my daughter.

Working the Land

2009-05-29T22:15:00.001-07:00

The Harvey Boys worked hard this weekend planting the garden. Grandpa taught Jack to drive the tractor. He was in such a frenzy, you could hear the shrieks of joy over the engine.

BIRTHDAY BOY

2009-05-19T11:58:00.001-07:00

Poppa John, Greetings from Jack and Gracie. Jack wants to play golf with you right now.

Playdate Houseboat Style

2009-05-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Here's the great thing about living on the docks. When your best friend comes to take you to the beach, you don't even need to get your shoes on, only your life vest. Luke came for Jack on Friday afternoon, what an amazing sight. Jennifer Parko Harvey

4 Attempts at Happy Birthday

2009-05-13T15:16:00.001-07:00

We tried for the perfect picture. But with these guys we just had time to get 4 imperfect ones. Happy Birthday, Grandma Linda!

The Claw Gets Serious

2009-04-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

As promised, The Claw in action. First cereal, then potting soil.

The Claw Can Crawl

2009-04-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

Oh people. Our world is changing. Grace Parko Harvey, my beloved barnacle is on the move. She scoots, she crawls (albeit backwards), and she causes general drama around the houseboat. Grandmas: I'll post some pictures tomorrow of our little lady using her claw finger to eat. she has mastered jello cubes.

Happy Birthday Grandma Georgia

2009-04-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Jack drew the sign. Gracie held the markers

Gracie

2009-04-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Summer Break

2009-03-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

We've had a break in the rain - and it feels like summer. Just got back from a day at the beach with Juke and Grace. Lots of rock throwing, sand dumping and splashing. A chocolate chip cookie for the drive home, and everyone was exhausted.

Jack and Luke = Juke

2009-02-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Luke is over this afternoon, and the boys have been busy. Trains, coloring, trucks, snacks...we've done it all. Grace has been taking it all in. How has mommy survived? I'm listening to The Wu.

YEAH GRANDMA LINDA

2009-02-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

Just got off the phone with Grandma Linda, Jack and Grace are excited she's coming to town soon, and bringing Poppa John with her.

Grumpy Grace

2009-02-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

poor gal, sometimes I really do torture her...

Purple Grace

2009-02-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

Grandma Georgia bought Grace this fantastic little purple number. It brings out more red highlights than I thought she had...

Jack's Pad

2009-01-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

This set up is ideal for Jack. His toys outnumber our furniture. If you count his potty chair, he's got more options for sitting in the living room than we do. We are happy to finally call it home. Promise to post more photos soon.

Battle

2009-01-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Gracie got a wonderful new Ugly Doll from our friends Brett and Elizabeth when they came for dinner last night. Poor dog had no chance.

Jack & Violet

2009-01-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

We met the Battaglia clan at the Museum, and Jack had a wonderful time chasing Violet around. Here's a rare moment when they were both standing still.

Ol Blue Eyes

2008-11-25T21:22:00.001-08:00

Our lady is getting bigger, and louder now. So many pictures to choose from. Is it just me, or does this 2nd picture look a lot like a certain Swantz Girl we know? Those eyes look just like Madison to me!

To the Victor Go the Spoils

2008-11-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

His Majesty has been practicing on his throne. it has been such a long process for us, and the usual incentives haven't worked. M&Ms were not enough, so we've pulled out the big guns. Jack was promised big presents that he REALLY WANTED if he could actually perform on the toilet. Here's our king with his spoils: a ball throwing stick he's been eyeing at the dog park, and Big Johnny, his new fish. We're lucky that jack didn't ask for a dog to go along with his stick. Next challenge: aiming.

Tummy Time

2008-10-14T22:22:00.002-07:00

It has been a long few months, but it's time to post some new pictures of the kids. Grace is starting to hold up her head, and even starting to smile. Check out these.

Farmer Jack

2008-10-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Jack and Grandpa Honey have been working hard at work. Grandpa has so many projects to get done that he has taught Jack to run the tractor. Now Grandpa can get back to working on the plumbing while Jack does the digging.

His Cowboy Joe baseball cap from Grandma Linda and Poppa John is the perfect addition to his uniform.

JACK HAS OLYMPIC FEVER

2008-08-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Uncle Phil, Jack has cast off his beloved Thomas the Train PJ's. Tonight he watched the Olympics sporting his new look.

But it doesn't mean he'll stop playing with Thomas.

Princess Grace Meets Princess Leia

2008-08-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Grace met Violet when she was only 12 hours old. Violet was wonderful enough to come to the hospital, even though she had just spent the previous night camping and catching fish. But on Sunday she was all cleaned up and ready to hold the baby, with some help from Mom. Can't wait for Grace to learn all Violets princess knowledge. Although, I don't know if a smile like Violet's is something you can teach. Gorgeous.

Grace, however, isn't prepared to follow Violet around and dote on her yet. Thank goodness Jack is willing to fill those shoes.

"I, Danger."

2008-08-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

We're waiting for the other shoe to drop, but Jack is still in love with "Gace". Last night he didn't want to put on his PJ's for bed, so I used our newest reward system. Some kids respond to food bribes, others to promises of stories or watching a video. While all those appeal to our man, nothing quite compares to helping change Grace's diaper. "If you get on your jammies, you can sit on the bed and help with Grace's diaper." So he flew into his bedroom, put on his PJ's without fuss, and then ran into the bedroom to grab a tiny diaper, clothes and the changing pad. What a champ.

When he gets on the bed he holds Grace's hand if she cries, and pats her on the head. He very quietly says, "I gentle, Jack gentle". Unfortunately, with his sometimes less than perfect pronounciation it comes out a little different. Matt and I swear that, if you listen carefully, and ignore that angelic smile he has he is actually saying, "I, danger. Jack, danger."

2008-08-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

It is cruel to dress a 5-day old girl in a frilly cherry outfit, so why not heap on the humiliation by posting the most candid shots on our blog. Princess Harvey in all her glory.

Helmet Hat

2008-08-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Jack has just learned the difference between a hat and a helmet. He likes watching the cyclists go by and point out all their "safe helmets". So the natural progression is JACK NEEDS HIS OWN HELMET. I ran around the house trying to find something that looked enough like a helmet that he would be convinced. I called Matt at work in the frenzy asking for his advice about a helmet...and his brilliant answer was a colander.

GRACE! part 8

2008-07-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

BABY "GASE"!
Jack is such an awesome older brother. He reads Busy Town to her, and he shows her his drawings. He's still getting the whole kissing thing down, but so far he's been very gentle and considerate. My favorite thing is watching Grace's facial expression as her big brother tears around the house screaming. You can see the moment of clarity that this is going to be her life going forward. Good stuff...

GRACE! part 7

2008-07-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Grace is a new girl each morning. This is day three (July 28), and we're heading home! She has already transformed herself into a grumpy old lady.

GRACE! part 6

2008-07-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Family reunion

According to tradition, Grandma Linda and Grandma Georgia collaborated to create Grace's quilt. As you can see, its fits our family theme.

GRACE! part 5

2008-07-30T18:25:00.001-07:00

Herein is the first meeting between our children. Jack took a long look at his sister, then explained their size comparison. Jack is big, Grace is "leeeeeeetle!".... Then he showed her all his toys. (Check out Jenn...she had Grace twelve hours before these photos!)

GRACE! part 4

2008-07-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

"Baby vacation" at the hospital...

GRACE! part 3

2008-07-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

THE BATH!

A very large man named Michael gave Grace her first bath. He was so gentle with her, even though she practically fit in his hand. For those of you familiar with our bald baby Jack, we were very surprised that Grace had enough hair to comb (and part).

GRACE! part 2

2008-07-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of her birth. Two pushes and Jenn pulled her out (literally). It was amazing.

GRACE PARKO HARVEY!

2008-07-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

Grace Parko Harvey was born Saturday, July 26 at 7:46. She weighed in at just over 8 lbs. Total time from check in at the hospital to her arrival was around an hour and a half! Jennifer and the baby are doing great.
Thanks to all our friends and family for their support and love through this crazy time. So nice that this has gone so smoothly and that we've had the bandwidth to actually enjoy and savor this experience. We'll post photos as we have them.

PRE ARRIVAL:

INSTALLATION (part 5)

2008-06-16T18:58:00.001-07:00

Finally we got the two pieces together. The steel plate on the base created a tweak to the lower floor, causing us difficulty lining up the bolts. (sort of like that ikea cabinet that just doesn't line up...only bigger). Through grit, crowbars, cursing and dumb luck we found a way to get the bolts in. During all this the house was blowing freely around in the ways, and I stupidly grabbed a line and tried to pull the barge back from the edge. This resulted in something very painful happening to my lower back. At the time of this writing (four days later) I am still not able to walk.
Good news is that the house sits low enough in the water (we're actually going to have to be careful in how heavy our stuff is and where it's located). Better than the opposite problem, I suppose, but I'm very happy that I couldn't find/afford any more ballast steel.
The wind blew for two days after this install, making it impossible to move into our berth. The plan as of Monday evening (7pm) is to float it into the berth tonight at 10pm with the high tide. Should be very dramatic seeing the tow boats moving in with lights everywhere and this crazy modern houseboat finding it's way, it's owner leaning on one of those rest home walkers in order to stand up.

WISH US LUCK!

INSTALLATION (part 4)

2008-06-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

And then the wind started.
Like clockwork, just as soon as we got the second floor into the air, our famous Sausalito afternoon breezes started. This created a double jinx of a 17 ton house floating around in the breeze trying to match up with a lower floor/barge moving with the now choppy water. Very, very scary.

INSTALLATION (part 3)

2008-06-16T18:35:00.001-07:00

The lower floor fit perfectly. The added dimension in the base of the barge due to the steel plate causes the lower floor to sit up slightly higher around the perimeter. We'll add flashing around the perimeter of the house to cover the gap between the house and the top of the barge.

INSTALLATION (part 2)

2008-06-16T18:22:00.001-07:00

Just a few days previously, I was told that we needed massive amounts of weight (over 15 tons!) to be added to the barge to get our stability correct. I luckily was able to find 7 tons of steel plate, which was cut, welded together and lowered into the barge. It was the best we could do at such short notice (by the way, steel--even "dumb" steel--is VERY expensive!) and all we could do is hope that we would sit low enough. The lower floor was rigged up and carefully lowered onto the barge. Our designed tolerances were 1- 1/2" all the way around, so it was a bit of a nail-biter as this 10 ton thing was matched up with its counterpart.

INSTALLATION!

2008-06-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

The house arrived at around 8am on Wednesday in two pieces. It had driven all night up the I-5 and was a few hours late due to high winds.

last tango in Perris

2008-06-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here are images taken the day before the house shipped from the factory.

jack the foreman

2008-06-02T07:34:00.001-07:00

here's the world famous construction foreman overseeing the discovery center jobsite

almost there....

2008-06-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

here are the latest photos of our house. we're now very, very close!

living room bay window...

stairs down to lower level (pre windows)...

front entrance...

newly shorn

2008-05-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Jack and his dad both got haircuts. (mine was by myself in a barbershop with crusty old guys, boxing photos and playboys...Jack was with his mommy at a place called "the Panda room") As you can see, I owe her one. Enjoy!

before...

during...

after...

father and son are properly shorn

our newly minted 6 year old...

may 3 progress

2008-05-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

this is the lower floor, newly framed. from the window openings down will be within the concrete barge. this view is of our bedroom.

interior view from Jack's room looking into his sister's. step up will one day be a partition to separate the two rooms.

i don't know why, but i thought this view was cool. you are in the dining room. this is where our jukebox will sit. door is to our float.

this is the entry view showing exterior cladding. stair is to our roofdeck. entrance is on the right.

hanging with Jack (part 2)

2008-04-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

Jack is a happy boy.

Hanging with Jack

2008-04-19T22:39:00.001-07:00

Mr. Mischief loves his tennis ball.

4 16 photos (interior)

2008-04-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

view from start of living room looking back towards dining room and kitchen. warmboard is on floor (covered by ply and tarp). doorway to float on left.
photo at start of dining room (edge of kitchen island) looking towards living room corner window. door to float is in middle ground.
photo of framing at top of butt-glazed corner bay window

4 16 photos (exterior)

2008-04-18T23:00:00.004-07:00

these photos were taken on my trip down to Perris to see the progress.

houseboat madness

2008-04-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Week 3
first and second floor steel framing, primed, with wall framing, rough electrical and plumbing and warmboard radiant heating in on second floor. this is their first "dry fit" and it passed with 1/16" tolerances.

to the beach

2008-03-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some highlights from a little sunday on the beach. It was so nice that our girl-to-be got a little in utero sunshine. Jack looooves his new truck, and all our fellow beachgoers were treated to the sound of engine noises.

our maiden voyage

2008-03-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

Family, friends, innocent bystanders! Welcome to the Floating Harveys blog!

We're new to this sort of thing, but thought with all the random craziness that we create and encounter in our lives that we should find an easy (read: design-free!) way to share. Yes, we're ready to accept that by starting this we create an expectation that we'll KEEP IT GOING (Grandparents: please know that you'll soon be given a tutorial on how you too can contribute to this thing--the nature of a blog--and rule one will be that "Why haven't you posted lately?" will not be allowed!). We promise to commit to this. Someday we'll hopefully all look back and be thankful that I forgoed my "sympathy nap" this sunday afternoon and decided to try this out.

Perhaps for those concerned I should give a snapshot of where we are at this moment in time. We need a CHAPTER ONE to this saga. These will most certainly be the ongoing themes of this blog.

1. THE FLOATING HARVEY. We're expecting our second child, a little girl, to arrive in August. Jenn is healthy and happy and has started knitting booties (a sure sign of the onset of the nesting urge).

2. JOHN QUALITY HARVEY. Just turned two. What a spitfire. He's currently supposed to be napping, but is instead yodelling and playing with his trucks in his crib. Jack is a pretty cool kid (though definitely starting his terrible twos). Current vocabulary (in order of frequency): NO, MAMA, DADA, BALL, BYE-BYE, UH-OH, TWO, GO, TRUCK, ORANGE, CHOO-CHOO, BUS, BLUE, BUBBLE, CRACKER, AGUA, MAS, UP, KICK, HI, BIKE, SHOES, PURPLE, DOOR, DOG, HOME, the letter O, and the letter S.

3. OUR FLOATING HOME. We are currently in construction on our new home, a houseboat. The boat is being pre-fabricated in a warehouse in southern California and will be shipped up to Sausalito around the first of May and craned onto our concrete barge. When the tide is right the home will be floated into it's berth and we'll move in.

4. THE TASTEMAKER. Jenn has been building a new program for Andronico's Market (a northern California gourmet grocery store chain) where customers can sample new products and recipies. This is the ultimate intersection of all her past pursuits (food, marketing, theater) and she's really excited about it.

5. HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND BARS, OH MY! I am presently simultaneously creating around 25 new hospitality businesses in my role as creative director for Joie de Vivre, a San Francisco based boutique hotel chain. Every one is a different concept and they are located in some pretty cool places throughout California (Santa Cruz, Berkeley, Venice Beach...). This year promises to be filled with opening parties and strange hyjinx (these are the positive biproducts).

Please tune in often and make abundant comments. We wish that we could have each and every one of you strapped on to this rocket with us, but this is the next best thing.

OK! Onward!

Sincerely,
MH