Posted on November 25, 2011 - by Morgan Howard
Cornelia Marie Christmas
Here, at the Cornelia Marie family we believe in a few simple things. “Work hard, Play Hard” or “Work hard, play harder” if you prefer. We believe in a strong work ethic. Capt Phil said, “Everybody wants to be big time, they just don’t want to work for it.” If you are of able and there is a job to be done – do it. We were brought up to believe – “The sooner we finish, the sooner we can rest”, so let’s get to it.
We believe there is still a place in this world for a guy (or gal) who works hard, plays by the rules, uses common sense and has a little courage and a lot of heart. It’s okay if you’re good with your hands but lost behind a computer; or if you’d rather have mother nature as your boss instead of the guy in the next cubicle.
We’ve had some hard times in the Cornelia Marie family… but we know there’s still work to be done. When things get bad, good people come together and help out. When things got really bad, we heard from thousands of good folks saying they were behind us and supporting us. The Cornelia Marie family thanks everyone who reached out to wish us well and offer support. We know for every hard working Bering Sea Crabber, there are countless hard working Americans doing the jobs that make our lives better. The Cornelia Marie family thanks you.
Photo courtesy of Jake Jolibois
The FV Cornelia Marie sat out this year’s Red King Crab opening. We were in the shipyard in Ketchikan, Alaska while the rest of the fleet braved early winter storms. Our boat is back in it’s home port; Kodiak, Alaska. Capt. Tony Lara and deckhand Jake Jolibois have been busy getting the boat in the best shape possible. Jake has been a great addition to our team. You may recognize him from the many years he fished on the FV Kodiak with Capt. Wild Bill. He is a good guy with a great family (Valerie & Colleen).
Recently, Jake replaced some of the deck boards on the Cornelia Marie. Some of the boards have probably been on the boat since it was built years ago. Those deck boards have been shipped off to a master wood worker here in Washington state. He is currently in the process of building custom wooden pens with the inscription “FV CORNELIA MARIE“. This is awesome (and expensive) hard wood like Purpleheart, Teak and Lignum Vitae. This wood survived the Bering Sea and now I’m excited to turn them into something we can share with others. We hope to offer these unique custom pens for sale soon. We donated one of the prototypes to charity and the other is in the hands of Josh Harris. We are also working on a book and video, but more on that later.
We’ve been asked for years to sell pictures of the FV Cornelia Marie. So, for this Christmas I’ve decided to give everyone who orders something from our online store, a free picture of the FV Cornelia Marie. And just for fun, our merchandise vendor Print Mojo will randomly select a half dozen orders to add in an autographed photo as well. The images are signed by Capt. Tony Lara, Josh Harris and deckhand Dale Pruitt.
If you visit our online store, you can see that it’s filled with pictures of our supporters in CM gear. We don’t have any professional models, just our crew, family, friends and fans. It means a lot to us that somebody wants to wear the CM mark, the same one that graces the bow of the Cornelia Marie. Keep sending in the pictures and I’ll try to get them up in the store or share them online somewhere. You can email them to me at morgan at corneliamarie dot com or just go to our contact page.
Big things are in store for the Cornelia Marie. It’s been rough seas for the past two years, but now we see calmer waters ahead. I hope you all can hang on for the ride… with a little hard work things will work out. Work hard… play hard.
27 Comments
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November 25, 2011
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Toney said:
Like the old man always said, “You have to want it” and “You have to earn it” It is obvious to me that those words are still ringing loudly in Josh’s ears as well as the rest of the crew who knew and worked with Phil over the years and they are doing it…hang on brother it’s about to pay off big.
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November 25, 2011
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pam said:
Can’t wait for the new season to begin. Will always miss Captain Phil but he will always be close by on the CM. Good luck to one and all and have a great holiday season. Would love to go to the online store but like so many hardworking americans, $$$$ just doesn’t go far enough.
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November 25, 2011
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Missy said:
Placed my order Morgan!! Won’t be the last either. Cornelia Marie will always be my fav boat and will always be in my heart. We will support you and your family and of course Josh Jake and Grant. The paint job looks gorgeous with a touch of our Phil on the front, always guiding the Cornelia Marie. Thank you for the nice message and all of your hard work! Hopefully will see you at CatchCon 2012!!!
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November 25, 2011
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Diana said:
I can’t wait til the cornelia marie is back in the water,she is my favorite.I loved and still love Captain Phil(may he rest in peace.I was sad to see her out last year and Captain Phil was not at the wheel.Tony did a very good job at the wheel and giving Josh and Jake a chance to get behind the wheel and do as their dad always did was wonderful.Hopefully she’ll return to sea with Josh and Jake at the wheel.I also want to take this chance to wish everyone in the cornelia marie family a happy and healthy holiday season.Be safe on your travels.Josh and Jake when you look to the night sky and see a sparkle from a star its your dad Captain Phil looking down at you saying he’s right there with you.Hope to see you soon.Take care and god bless each and everyone of you.
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November 25, 2011
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Tracey said:
Been praying for smoother seas for the Cornelia Marie and her owners and crew. What a tough few years its been. Hopefully the sun will shine alot brighter in the future! Love all you guys.
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November 25, 2011
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Kelle said:
Some of us had to work and had flood problems in southern NY and don’t have $ for thanksgiving or shopping for Christmas
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November 25, 2011
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Pat said:
I am hoping to be able to buy something from the CM store. I am looking forward to the new season. I pray that everyone has a safe holiday season.
I’m happy to see Tony helping the boys out… it’s something Phil would have wanted. CM forever!!!!!
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November 25, 2011
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Veronica said:
I would order something that Jake Harris signed,especially a photograph! It’s cool that Josh and Tony signed but what about Jake??
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November 25, 2011
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Edward J. Romero said:
You go for your day you need it.
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November 26, 2011
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Bianca Apon said:
Absolutely fabulous Morgan! More words are not needed. Cornelia Marie
4-Life! “Work hard, Play Hard”
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November 26, 2011
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Maureen Eggleston said:
Thanks so much to all the CM family for their hard work. Morgan thanks for keeping us posted on the progress and CM you do great work.
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November 27, 2011
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Mandy McKenzie said:
I have an idea. Since the deckboards are expensive, why not let the fans of the CM buy them? You could have our names carved or stamped into them. I’d be willing to pay for one. We all love the CM and I think many of the fans would love to feel like they had a part in keeping her fishing.
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November 28, 2011
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Janette Bradley said:
Thanks for the update Morgan. The Cornelia Marie looks fantastic!!! The new paint makes her look brand new… it is good to hear that the CM is going to be working just like she did before it is the best F/V out there… hope that everything is good with the family and your mom… take care
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November 30, 2011
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jonathan mullen said:
Its time josh takes over for his dad the kid has what it takes to take the old mans chair he know how his father ran his boat and will follow in his footsteps.good luck josh and jake
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November 30, 2011
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James Lewko said:
God Bless the Cornelia Marie and all who sale upon her.
Respectfully,
James Lewko
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November 30, 2011
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Matt said:
Your dad would be so proud of you Josh and Jake. Never give up and good fishing this year! I’ll be watching this season and routing for you!
Sincerely and respectfully,
Matt Pawlowski
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December 4, 2011
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Heinz said:
Ich bin der selbe Jahrgang wie Phil.1956
Habe Ihn aber immer sehr bewundert.
Er bleibt für mich immer in meinem Herzen.
Heinz
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December 4, 2011
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Gary Strader said:
I was one of the lucky six! I will cherish the print, as I really love the CM. She is one more beauty of a workhorse.
You know I have followed your story almost since the first episode. Each time I eat any seafood, I stop and say a prayer for you all who risk your lives to put some food on the table of the world.
May the Bearing Sea always smile on you, and I pray that the CM skipper and crew will always be safe, and will profit greatly.
Thanks again for the autographed print.
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December 7, 2011
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cees said:
ik hoop jullie weer gauw terug te zien
op tv met de cornelia marie..en alvast een behouden vaard
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December 18, 2011
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tania said:
to all of the Cornelia Marie-family,crew, and supporters:
best wishes for the x-mas season, may you all get through it well and healthy!!!
and, i’m glad to see the old lady getting some new “nail-polish” ;) and the idea with the boards is just great!
someone will be smiling from above! :)
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December 19, 2011
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PAM KRASKEWICZ said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL. WISH YOU WERE HERE TO CELEBRATE WITH US.I MISSYOU SO MUCH
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December 20, 2011
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Tracey J said:
The old gal was in need of a face/body lift & the last photos I saw, she looks awesome! It’s wonderful Tony is still the boss & will be lovely to see Jake J in the team too…he is a good hard worker & can only be an asset.
Have a wonderful Merry Christmas & don’t forget to share the Christmas cheer with our wonderful boat. She will look awesome with a little tinsel round the wheelhouse windows :)
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December 21, 2011
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cees said:
i wish the crew of the c/m merry christmas and a happy new jear…..
grhaagschecees.
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January 5, 2012
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John Pruskowski said:
Glad to see that you are getting the ship in tip top shape! Your jobs are dangerous enough without having to try to work around broken boards, etc. Best of luck to you on your return!!
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January 12, 2012
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Tam said:
Hi there – I heard from a Dutch Harbor source that the Cornelia Marie won’t be fishing opies this season. Any updates?
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January 15, 2012
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Evelyn Gibson said:
I would love to have a pic with Phil could u please let me know how to send for one. Thanks
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February 5, 2012
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daell said:
may god bless and keep you all safe i know a little about what your dad might of felt cardiac condition cacting up wih myself but thats okay have had a good run going to try a look for soe stuf for my my scouts iam a proud sm for a small troop in ohio and will continuectill i cant but already traing my replacment heck he is even a paramedic,comes in handy these days ! hang in there the seas will calm eventully and i think all the fans wil be cheering you all on even if some are silent