October 2015 – Mermaid on a Raft

Two years down

10/26/2015 Two years ago today we arrived in Roatan with 2 dogs, a cat, 5 suitcases and 3 carry-ons, making one of the biggest life changes ever for us. It was a big move, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I’ve learned a lot living here for 2 full years and I can honestly say I love Roatan. I love the people I have met, the Ex-pats and the Islanders. Now that the house is completely livable and the pups are rather self sufficient I’ve been able to really get involved with many different groups and doing that has given me the access to meet some fabulously wonderful people.

Earlier in the week we had another delivery truck stuck in the driveway. I “think” this is # 10. I could smell the clutch burning up before I even knew there was a truck down there. They were bringing building supplies to people living down in the valley and had too much weight and poor brakes {a very common problem on the island, we don’t need no stinking brakes}. They reach a point where their load is too much and the no brakes/poorly maintained vehicle issues rears it’s ugly head. They tried and tried to make it but in the end they chose slamming into the bank instead of dropping off into the ravine. Bill had been out running errands and came along while they were figuring out what the hell to do. They actually pulled the truck out with a chain hoist, which is usually used to move engines. Not trucks. (Bill had previously told me they used a come-a-long, that’s why I posted that on FB). It worked and they somehow managed to get backed down the driveway. It amazes me the condition of the vehicles on the island, bald tires, no brakes, bad clutch, insanely crazy alignment where the trucks actually look like they are going down the road sideways.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — The bank eats another truck

Friday afternoon we again went to BJ’s to see our friends. It’s a great way to begin the weekend and make plans for the upcoming week. After we left BJ’s we came home, grabbed my car and headed to the grocery store. Grocery shopping after a few drinks is never a good thing.

IMG_20151023_152724 — This is the only one of three I could post. In the other 2 photos I clearly was, whatever. Thank you lovely Marilyn. I forgot that you took these but when I saw them on my phone I remembered you asking how to do the camera. So I did remember. I am with a friend, Kelly.

I worked at the airport again on Saturday, 5 weeks in a row. On the way in I saw my friends Rob and Lisa. They have 2 of our puppies, Bandit and Sable. Sable was the only girl in the litter. Sable had been having some eye problems and one of the numb nuts in the pharmacy gave them some eye drops which they said would be fine. Not knowing, they used them in Sables eyes. They were steroid drops and sort of ulcerated her corneas. Rob was flying her to La Ceiba to Dr. Bueno’s animal hospital. When I saw that sweet little girl, she knew who I was right away and gave me so much loving while I stood there crying. Her eyes hurt her so badly she kept them closed. Lisa said she is still at the hospital, waiting on some more tests but they said her eyes were open and she seemed to be doing better. I am very anxious for her to heal and come home. Please keep Sable in your prayers. I cried the whole way home from the airport just thinking about her.

The airport, I do love being at the airport. I have so much fun meeting people. This week as I meandered through the lines chatting to people a man said to me, “Good thing you don’t have a problem with shyness.” Nope. Not me. Several of my friends arrived this weekend, either coming back home or coming for a few months or for a vacation, it was so fun to welcome them with a big hug. I even met some people who remembered me from when they were here a few months ago. The flights were all screwed up with arrival times, from what we were told, all 3 would land within 15 minutes of each other. Delta surprised us and landed 35 minutes early, then American and United landed within 15 min of each other. Craziness. We kept it under control and got everyone through immigration and in a good mood to start their vacation. Carolyn and I seriously think we should be serving cocktails in Immigration.

Sunday we (I) made a huge mistake and decided to take 5 of the dogs swimming to Paya Bay. Highway whined the whole 25 minute drive there, he’s ADHD and can’t control himself. You could cut his lips off with a chainsaw and he would still whine. Physically, he can not stop. The boys were in the front and in the back, changing seats every time we hit a bump, which was every 5 seconds. Lola was terrified, she does not like cars. Or water. Or food. Or us. When we got there the first thing we saw were 2 stray dogs on the beach. SHIT. There weren’t supposed to be dogs, just sand and garbage. Lots of trash on this beach. . They did run off when we parked so we let the herd loose with leashes still attached so we could grab them easier. They weren’t interested in the water, they wanted to run. Then the other dogs came back and my fear was the boys would chase those dogs and we would never find Barrio, Gringo or Maxillicious again, so we left. It was a piss poor trip.

After we came home, it was still early so I crawled back in bed with Emmy {after I bathed the 3 pups}. I slept until 11:40, it was a nice sleep, kind of light and dreamy. We got ready to go to our friends home for a late lunch. They live on Calabash Bight (Bay). When I say on, I mean ON. Alex picked us up by boat from BJ’s and we were at their place in 5 short minutes. I always love riding through Pandy town on a boat and waving to the people along the way. We hung out for a while on their superb deck talking, having some wine and enjoying the view. Marilyn made a delicious Caesar salad with home made croutons and home made dressing. I could have made a meal out of that. She also had chicken for the 2 of us (I don’t eat red meat) and steak for Bill and Alex and a great potato casserole. Yummy 5 ***** meal in a beautiful location with great friends, doesn’t get much better.

The dogs were all wild and crazy when we got home. Frito was doing her damn seal thing. I can’t believe Bill doesn’t think she sounds like a damn seal. It drives me up the wall. A few glasses of wine in the afternoon and I fade F A S T. I was in bed early.

This morning I had to meet our friend Sam to give him money to get the fiber glass to start doing our roof. It’s flat and we thought it would be a good idea for water damage prevention. The roof will be like the deck of a boat, non slippery and it won’t mold or mildew. I pulled into the Iguana Farm and parked my car. As soon as I began walking down the ramp, I looked at all the iguanas and said to myself, ” Do I have a cool life or what? Walking through the iguanas to meet my friend Sam.” Yes, blessed indeed, especially to have Sam as a friend. Sam showed me his new boat and his fiancee’s house that he is building for her, all the while there are iguanas wandering everywhere. So darn awesome! After that I ran to ACE and grabbed a few glow sticks for tomorrow night, knowing full well with the full moon at the Daughters of the Island Moon party, that I probably won’t need them. The party is on the beach at a very secluded place, so looking forward to a night with some crazy island sisters.

So yeah, 2 years here on the rock. Did we make a mistake moving here? I don’t think so. Our life is so different from what it was 2 years ago. When we first moved here we knew some people and got to do some fun things but the longer you are here, the more people you meet. Whether it’s in the process of finding homes for our puppies, meeting people on FB and then becoming friends once they get here, handing out TOM’s shoes, delivering desks, helping at Cattleya, volunteering for Because We Care or at the airport, the people I have met are fascinating. They are all different, come from different ways of life, live differently at home and here, had different former lives, have different points of view. However, the one thing they all have in common is: THEY CHOSE THIS ISLAND TO CALL HOME. It’s an unspoken bond. Island Insanity. We all have it.

I have loved my last two years on this rock and am pretty much ready for whatever comes next. No hurry. It’s called Island Time.

One hundred years young

10/18/2015 Many of you probably wonder what the hell I do all day? I mean, I can’t shop, I no longer have a scrapbook room or a garden, what do I do? Sometimes I asked my self the same damn question. Many days it will be 4 PM and I’m still in my nightgown. That’s not to say I’m in bed, I’m not. I’m just not dressed and especially DO NOT HAVE ON A BRA. YAY for any time with no bra.

Every morning the first thing I do is feed my cat her daily scoop of wet food. If I don’t feed her right away she attacks me if I walk by her. Yes, attacks is the right word. She bolts out from under the bed and swats or bites my ankles. Depends how badly I’ve pissed her off. Once the demon is fed I go out on the porch to see the 5 dogs who are all waiting at the back door for me. This door is open all day long, we close it when we go to bed, there is a screen door, but due to the succession of 4 legged creatures in my house, it is a P.O.S. It does however keep the dogs out. Which lately, they are in WAAAY more than they are out. The pups idea, not mine. I am just putty in their ~~hands~~ paws. Speaking of which, yes Jeanie, I am your insane dog friend. My life now revolves around these 3 boys, I feel like I’ve given birth to triplets. To say I’m a “tad” attached would be a hugely gross mis-representation of facts. I ADORE these pups. Well, @ 40# each, they’re really not pups but 6 month old eating machines. They are eating 14 cups of dry food a day, along with yogurt at breakfast, 3 scrambled eggs at lunch and chicken rice and veggies at dinner. They get sweet potato slices, home made cookies and their frozen popsicles too. They eat better than Bill does, ask him, he will agree. He does make their chicken gruel, I just chop the veggies for it.

Once the pups are fed, I eat breakfast in front of the computer. I check a few sites daily, read what I want to read in the news, check face book and answer emails. Breakfast is the same thing every morning for 2 years now, scrambled eggs with red and green peppers and a jalapeno in them, with salsa and shredded cheese on a soft tortilla, maybe a cup of tea. Remember, I’m the weirdo that doesn’t drink coffee, ick.

Sometimes I peruse the internet sporadically during the day, other times I am gone or cleaning, baking (dog treats), cleaning up dog poop, walking dogs, watching the puppies don’t eat the couch, all of those fun things that I know make you really jealous you don’t live my life..

This past Friday I gave up my party afternoon with my tribal friends and went to a birthday party for a 100 years young woman that I met at the senior luncheon. I went to meet my friend Nidia at her store in Coxen hole, we were joined by our friend Mac. He’s the guy who danced with Aunty Jane at the senior luncheon. He and Nidia and I were walking to the event, carrying ice cream and deviled eggs. We made a quick stop in a store so I could get Aunty Clara a gift. I had no idea what to get her but Nidia knew. I bought her a nice lightweight housedress. That is a word I have not heard or used since my grandma passed away in 1977. The lady at the “store” didn’t have any bags or wrapping paper so I bought a gift bag that said Baby on it. I mentioned that to Nidia and she reminded me that Aunty Clara is blind, she won’t know. We got to the party and before the rest of the people came we went up to see Aunty Clara. Mac had a very generous gift for her and I gave her the dress. I pulled it out of the bag and described it to her. I told her my grandma used to wear them all the time and this was just like hers with 2 pockets on it. She seemed very happy.

Mac and I hung out for awhile as Nidia got things organized. I asked Nidia where Aunt Jane was and she said home and we were going to get her. She, Mac and I walked to the corner of Coxen Hole’s main drag, went through a gate and up some steps to her apartment.

Her hair was all dishelved and she was in her house clothes when we arrived. Mac and I waited while Nidia got her all spiffed up. She looked fabulous when she came out. She is 99 and a little spitfire with gorgeous blue eyes.

We put her in a cab to go the few blocks to the party and we walked. Once we got back there, the place was filling up. Aunt Jane was sitting with Miss Catherine, 2 beautiful ladies!

They were passing out plates heaping full of food and cups of soda to everyone, there were people inside and out.

We stayed for her to blow out the candles on her cake, then made our way back to Nidia’s store and our cars. Nidia had to go to Pandytown that evening for another concert to raise the rest of the money for treatment for Ursula

Saturday found me back at the airport again. It was sheer insanity, all 3 flights landed within 15 minutes of each other. American was over an hour late, Delta and United beat them by 5 and 10 minutes. Imagine 400 people trying to fit in the tiny immigration building. It got chaotic but we handled it and people, for the most part were happy. Odd as it may seem that 3 airlines from 3 different departure cities would land in the same 15 minute time frame, there’s not a damn thing we can do about it. It is what it is. I just allow my Bank of America training to kick in and as my friend Nathan W says, “I’m leading from the lobby.” Some of you will “get” this. Chaos or not, I LOVE being there.

On Wednesday, a day before his 6 month birthday Gringo lost his family jewels. He will be fathering no island babies. 1 pup down, 2 pups to go. We got to Dr Calderon’s at 7 and were out of there by 7:30.

It took over an hour for Gringo to wake up and when he did, he peed all over. Another hour passed and I got him downstairs and out for a little fresh air and monitored movement. He was a peeing machine that day. Finally by dinner time he was getting back to normal but still had the “WTH did you do to me” look on his face! I felt guilty.

On Thursday Marilyn and Carmen came here and we all took off in my car to run errands, maybe do lunch and go to Cattleya to paint Christmas ornaments. We ended up going in Mega Paca (a big Value Village, Goodwill, second hand store). We were all in the skirt aisle and I saw a black tulle tutu looking skirt. When I pulled it out I noticed it was a BCBG Max Azria, then I saw the price tag was still on it. It was originally:

We all made out really well there. I even bought some wine glasses for BJ’s. {They only have a few and I prefer my wine not to be in a juice glass}. After we left we were going to have lunch but only had 45 minutes until Cattleya so we went to the grocery store grabbed some stuff and ate in my car in the parking lot of the grocery store. Cattleya is the school that a friend started years ago to help mentally and physically disabled kids of all ages. There are autistic children, Downs children, children with motor skill deficiencies, it’s a fabulous school because otherwise these students would get no specialized help. The students made and colored lots of Christmas ornaments and the majority of them were decorated but we helped get the rest of them finished and another lady was there adding the strings. They sell the ornaments to raise money for the school.

12109005_10153282110736696_4253945681559232992_n — Marilyn, Carmen and I. Photo courtesy of Connie Silvestri

12105986_10153282110776696_7232249437614564581_n — Marilyn on the right, Carmen and I. Photo courtesy of Connie Silvestri

Friday we went to BJ’s again. It is always fun to have some wine and visit with friends. It is the hang out for the east enders and every now and then people from West End make it down too. We didn’t used to go but have been in attendance much more lately. It’s a good group of people and there is always someone new to meet.

I worked at the airport again, 4 Saturdays in a row, I’m on a roll. I met a cool couple from Maine, they just moved here. Their home that they built was finished and the snow was going to start back home, so Roatan, here they come. I hope we get the opportunity to meet up with them again. Two other friends from Snohomish, WA., near where we used to live moved down today too. They have owned a house for a year or so, had to sell their business, cars and house in the states and, they’re here! We met them here, never knew them in the states. Weird how that happens. I was elated that I got to say Welcome Home to them as they walked in the building.

Well, it’s late, I’m trying to get this done so I can edit and post tomorrow. I’ll leave you with this little tidbit. Don’t pass this up, it’s too unbelievable, click on tidbit and be amazed. Then try to answer one question. WHY?

Doña Maria de la Luz

10/08/2015 Yesterday morning Carmen and Marilyn were dropped off at my house by Alex, we loaded up the car, sprayed more bug repellent on us on top of the already sprayed bug repellent (I mean, we were jungle bound), Marilyn and I loaded our walking sticks into my car and we set off to meet Nidia at the Roatan Culture Village. We were going to see Doña Maria, the lady we went to see last week but she wasn’t home. I had a bag of stuff for her, shampoo, creme rinse, body soap, air freshener, some plastic cups, laundry and dish soap and some dish scrubbers, plus a used pair (new condition) of Keen sandals for her. Nidia had some flip flops and 3 dresses for her too. She had also asked for some black water dye because she wanted to color her hair. However, she was in for a big surprise. Nidia had arranged for her to get her hair done at Sophiestication Salon and Spa in Coxen Hole. They graciously said they would give her a hair color and cut and mani, pedi for free.

The walk in to her place is challenging in the beginning because there are some very steep, uneven steps carved into the side of the hill. I was so grateful for the walking stick Bill made me that morning, it makes up for not having 2 good knees.

We made it to her house, obviously earlier than she had expected us. She was stoking the fire in her mud oven when we arrived. We started getting out the goodies we had for her and showing her what we brought.

We were ready to go to town and she led us off the mountain. At one point I yelled to Nidia, “Why is she running?” She moved so fast down that path and when it came to the stairs I think she jogged down them. I remarked to Marilyn about it and Marilyn tried to make it sound reasonable that she did it so easily because of a lower center of gravity. Yeah, maybe that’s it. We got her buckled in the front seat and off we went to Sophiestication Salon at Plaza Mar.

We took that stuff to the car and went back to see how she was doing.

Remember, this woman lives in the jungle, she doesn’t even own a mirror, let alone beauty products. Despite the fact that she is probably in the sun much of the day she has exquisite skin, especially for a lady her age.

Marilyn and Carmen and I went to Super Islena looking for a corn grinder and a bucket with a lid. No corn grinder in the several places we looked but Carmen did find a nice lidded bucket to keep the rats out of her beans and flour. We went back to the salon and her hair was being combed out and straightened. SHE LOOKED LIKE A DIFFERENT WOMAN.

This is the real shocker though, what a change in her looks. She was so thrilled.

Just as we were getting ready to leave Plaza Mar it started raining. We got into the car quickly so she didn’t get her new hairdo wet. This time Nidia took us in a different way (so thankful for my AWD Outlander) since it was raining and we had lots more stuff to carry for her.

She was so upset that she couldn’t offer us anything. She wanted to make us tortillas but we showed up earlier than she expected. She must have apologized to Nidia about it several times. It really amazes me that she was so worried about giving us something; she has no idea that she already did, something way better than any tortilla ever could be. Just the experience of spending a day with this amazing woman was so exhilarating. It made me realize that the fact that my kitchen isn’t done is not really a big deal, that no door yet on my pantry is insignificant. She has so little and is so happy.

We also found out that in the 8 years she has been on the island (she came from Olanchito on the mainland with her son and his wife, they were allowed to build a “house” on the land in exchange for being caretakers, his wife must be gone and her son is only there sporadically) she has never been to the east end of Roatan. We plan to take her on a day trip, maybe a boat ride, get her out and away from the jungle so she too can experience the beauty of this island.

Meeting Nidia has changed my whole path on this island. She gives of herself everyday to so many people, she gives her time, her energy and her love. If she needs to raise money for something she does it, with the goal clearly set in her sights. Nothing stops her, no person is insignificant in her eyes. She does so much for the children and the seniors on this island that just being with her has made me a better person. Now I get to share Nidia with my friends, Carmen and Marilyn. They have joined me on several events that Nidia has taken me to. I can’t imagine better people to hang out with and to help Nidia do what she does best, helping those who need help.

After we left Doña Maria we dropped Nidia off at her store and stopped at the new liquor store in town. We each bought a few bottles of wine and sampled some Bailey’s Dulch de Leche, ohmyyummy!! Dangerous stuff. By the time we left there it was POURING. We got soaked just getting in the car. We stopped in Los Fuertes and Marilyn found the corn grinder for Doña Maria in one of the stores. And we got more soaked. By the time we got to French Harbor the rain had subsided so we decided to drag our soggy semi muddy selves into Herbie’s for some lunch. We had a “fried” lunch and drinks and then headed back to Oak Ridge, where I dropped Marilyn and Carmen off. Alex was coming in the boat to get them and whisk them home.

Such a simply fabulous day with 3 fabulous ladies and sweet Doña Maria. Nidia, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of what you do. I love you lots and look forward to more adventures!

****Just a side note: We are looking for donations for the Christmas party for the children. We need to buy about 1000 gifts and then get food and drinks for the parties and some Piñatas for the games. In the past, Because We Care did a food drive and supplied bags of food for the parents and toys for the kids right before the holidays. Last year it was evident that things were taking a negative turn. People were not thankful for what they were given, they were angry because they expected more or different or better. Because We Care works very hard to raise the money for these events and to finish weeks of driving all over the island and passing out things to some (not all) ungrateful people takes a lot of the fun out of it.

This year it’s just about the kids, that’s it. Santa will be available to pass out gifts to all the kids and if we can raise enough $$ we will throw a party for the kids on each end of the island. (The majority of the people we help have no cars or means of transportation). If you are interested in donating please email me @ ledfutt@gmail.com. I guarantee every cent goes to the kids on this island.

Thank you.

All about the dogs

10/08/2015 I’m on a roll today. Blog # 2, with # 3 to follow tomorrow.

The morning after the Rehab concert we delivered my beloved Pilates Allegro Reformer to my friend Jill’s Pilates Studio, Core Pilates. It has been sitting in the downstairs unused by me and I felt guilty as hell about it. If I haven’t used it in 2 years, I’m not going to, I’m getting older, not younger. When I messaged Jill to see if she was interested in buying it she was amazed because, like she says, “who owns a reformer?” Well, I do and back in Washington I used it almost nightly. It was also a fabulous prop for my crazy friend Kevin to perform on during our parties.

IMG_20151004_085703 — Most people don’t see a Pilates machine and have hysterical fits of laughter from memories about a friend using the machine. I feel sorry for them and grateful for all of our gang in WA who were able to experience the hilarity of Kevin performing feats that we never thought were humanly possible on a Pilates machine.

When we got home we piled the Beach Boys in the car and headed for Big Bight for them to go swimming. They knew where we were and literally FLEW out of the car and ran to the beach. Excitement was coursing through their veins. So was the testosterone, but that was in their brains. They were scrappy.

When the pups were tired and laying around, too pooped to play any longer, we brought them home and I had the fun job of bathing all 3 of them and then I bathed Frito too because she stunk.

We have been spending many evenings on the roof, watching the sun go down. The dogs love it up there, they “guard” the property quite well. It also gives them a large unobstructed battlefield. OMG. It gets crazy up there with 5 dogs running laps.

They love to stick their heads through the rails. Before the rails, they leaned over the edge and we were always afraid they would get rough housing and someone would fall off, one of the main reasons for the rails. Well, the dogs and people.

Bill bought a whole chicken for the dog food and threw it in the crock pot for 5 hours, then we added veggies and cooked rice. It makes enough food to add to their dried food for about 8 days. The chicken turned out really good.

In fact the chicken was so good, we made one for ourselves the other evening and invited Mr. John, our neighbor up for dinner. I made mashed potatoes, stuffing, the whole works. Biggest meal we have had for a long time. I also made my all time favorite peanut butter pie. I could eat a whole one alone, and then puke for 2 days.

After dinner we were cleaning up and Bill was feeding the pups some scraps. They were salivating all over.

The other day I got the brainy OCD desire to organize ALL OF THE DOG COLLARS (from Helping Paws Across Borders vet team) that were in 2 huge bags in my spare bedroom. Frito bean decided to help me.

Today is Thursday, tomorrow is the 100th birthday party for Aunty Clara in Coxen Hole and Saturday finds me back at the airport again. I still have one more blog to get out today about our day in the jungle with Doña Maria, it was so amazing. If the dogs keep on sleeping and I can keep on concentrating, it will be published later today.

Finding your tribe

10/07/2015 ** ANYTHING IN BOLD ITALICS IS A LINK, BE BRAVE AND CLICK IT FOR SOME FUN

Another Friday, another afternoon at BJ’s with my new personally set limits. We took Maxillicious with us because he has been aggressive with the other 2 boys. Can you say TOO MUCH TESTOSTERONE?? He was so good I was amazed. He just laid on the floor and watched the people, he didn’t bark or jump up on anyone, he acted like a well trained dog. Marilyn and I discussed plans for the next night even though Carmen and Brett weren’t there.

12080137_10153351238533533_6213044446311677487_o — But he’s my sweetie and I hold him anyhow

Saturday evening was the second Because We Care concert to raise $$ for Rehab for Ursula and Frances. They are 2 ladies Nidia has known for a long time and is doing her best to get the money to ensure they complete treatment. The concert was downtown at the Juan Brooks School. We wanted to support Nidia in her efforts and we also wanted to be there to wish her Happy Birthday. We got there early and the concert was running late. Honduras. So we did what anyone else would do, we walked to the grocery, got beer and wine and drank in the car. Actually Bill and Alex went to get the booze, we sat and finished off the first bottle of wine with the music on and the door opened. Carmen had to pee so she found a dark corner of the parking lot to go. Unfortunately she peed on her new sandals because she peed crooked, the sandals were sparkly too. But that’s not why she peed on them. Just about the time Carmen went to pee, Nidia walked by. She had no idea we were there, it was really weird. We were happy to see her, she looked gorgeous, well, she is gorgeous. We had a few things for her birthday so we gave them to her there. I also handed her my half full orange (never done an orange Solo before, only red) Solo cup of wine. She informed us the concert was for drug rehab, not alcohol, we were cool. Not that we needed rehab or anything. We went to the concert and the guest singer, Ursula, the lady that was in rehab for drug addiction, was 2 hours late. TO HER OWN $$$ RAISING CONCERT, SHE WAS LATE. She was getting her nails done. Marilyn had a water bottle with wine in it (@ the Rehab concert) and Carmen had her own orange Solo cup.

I think at one point I had the cup, passed it back to Brett to give to Carmen and she proclaimed, “No, I’m too drunk and hungry to drink anymore”. {They tried to make me go to rehab, I said no, no, no.} The lady in front of her turned and scowled, after all, we were at a Rehab concert. I walked out front to talk to Nidia and on the way back inside Marilyn and Alex were walking towards me, Alex came up and grabbed me and started swirling me around this parking lot that had crater size holes in it, dancing. Yes, we were the only people dancing. I had on 3″ wedges for the first time in over 2 1/2 years, I could barely walk, let alone dance. It was wonderful.

It was getting late and none of us had eaten so we left the concert for Rehab b/c we were lacking sustainable nutrition with our wine. We went to Romeo’s, a fancy restaurant, for dinner. It sits on the water in French Harbor and my friend Connie and her husband own it. {She is the lady who started Cattleya school for the physically and mentally challenged students. I go there and help when I’m needed.} As soon as we got there Bill got a call from a neighbor who said our dogs were barking like crazy. We thought, oh well, there’s a rabbit..then our other neighbor calls, he’s 86 and deaf as a doorknob. He heard them too. He said he would walk up and then call us. He didn’t call so Bill called him and he was at our fence and the dogs were barking so loud they couldn’t talk. By this time we had our drinks and were deciding what to do.

We all placed our orders and five minutes later decided we have to get them “to go.” Right before our meals were ready to go we got another phone call that the dogs had stopped barking. Hmmmm. What does that mean?

12049397_891262517575919_8446047198327736213_n — Obviously because Alex is absent from this photo, I was Marilyn’s love-sub. Alex was being a gentleman and getting the car and waiting, and waiting for us..No blame on the restaurant, we ordered a lot of food to go.

It means it’s time to pose for pics while we wait for our food to be done, then we jumped in the waiting car and came to our house.

The Beach Boys led by Highway were barking when we came up the hill but not that much. Frito was doing her f*cking seal impersonations, UGH. That drives me crazy. Seriously, she sounds like we have a Flock of Seals inside. {And the guy that was going to give her a new home said she doesn’t bark. OMG.} Anyhow, we get home, go upstairs with eleventy boxes of food, bag of ice, random beers and some wine that was diluted by ice cubes. The dogs were fine, the house was secure and they were barking BECAUSE THEY COULD. We weren’t here to stop them.

We all stood around our island and ate like a bunch of starved heathens. Once all of our bellies were full, we all wanted to lay down and sleep. Marilyn and Alex and Brett and Carmen still had a drive and a boat ride to get home. They’re like island pioneers, or maybe pirates, whatever.

Anyhow, a completely random, crazy stupid, disrupted evening turned out to be a blast.

The tribe has spoken. They were all voted in, they can stay.