I'm no longer in the coastal flatlands of North Carolina. I'm temporarily back in the "middle of nowhere" Kentucky while I look for a place in WA state.
08/19/2015 Brenda Lee and I have worked together at the last 2 clinics that Helping Paws Across Borders has held on the island. This time when the vets left, they had Brenda keep their meds in the hopes she could have a few vaccine, flea and tick treatment clinics. She and her boyfriend Tony and their friend Tyron had one the previous week and it was very successful so she decided to do it again and asked me to help.
I met them at the water taxi stand in Oak Ridge Bight and we went to the entrance of the bight (bay) on the way to Pandy Town. We borrowed 2 tables and 4 chairs from the church next door and started setting up.
Brenda Lee, Tony’s butt and Tyron getting stuff set up.The ‘hood we were in.Tyron went and got this poor old boy. The ass$ole owner didn’t want the dog so he didn’t bother to feed him. He had hematoma’s in both ears, his ear canals were swollen shut. We think he also had erlichia because his feet were so swollen.His ears had open wounds on them and were buzzed by flies constantly.All dogs have callouses on their joints, knees/elbows, but this guys were on his butt bones because they protruded so far from his body. It made my heart ache.Sweet Tony went in search of food and when fed, this dog ate and ate and ate.
Neither Brenda nor I could take the dog home, I am already overdosed with pets and Brenda and Tony are in the process of moving back to Germany in 3 weeks with their 2 dogs. I called a “local shelter” and after a 10 minute lecture, they decided they would come and get him. Which they did. He was taken to the vet for his ears and will need to remain under a watchful eye until he is able to be adopted. His name is Dash. I heard that after 3 days, a bath and regular meals, he has some perkiness to him.
That’s all Brenda and I wanted was him taken care of. We have been accused of doing this to get attention which is ridiculous. We are volunteering our time to help as many animals as we can and we are posting it on Facebook to draw attention to the PLIGHT OF THE ANIMALS on this island.
On Wednesday we saw so many children with pets in serious need of medical attention. I keep trying to be positive about it by telling myself at least the kids brought their pet in to get help. Most animals arrived with a rope around their neck, or a wire, a chain or whatever. Anything to get them to the clinic. EVERY dog left with a new collar (we ran out of leashes but at least no more ropes, etc around the animals neck). Tony was getting the meds ready, Brenda and Tyron were putting muzzles on, “cross dogs” as Tyron says, determining and dispensing, administering treatment, pulling off ticks and I was registering, cleaning thick black mites out of dog ears, pulling ticks out and squishing them with tweezers or my nail, rubbing young pups w/ flea and tick stuff, cutting way long toenails. We all did crowd control, which was our main issue. Everything is a circus around here, whether it be an accident, a dead cow on the road, a dog getting shots, they MUST SEE EVERYTHING. It is the culture and we need to work the best we can with it.
I was in love…This one did me in. He was in pretty good shape too.I finally had to give him up, too busy.We muzzled the majority of the dogs. Most of these animals have never been to a vet, nor walked on a leash. They either run free or are chained 24/7. It was a very scary place for them and muzzles made it safer for everyone, dogs included.We were upset about this dog. The poor thing was so under fed and uncared for. They said it was a chihuahua when it was really a malnourished pup. It was full of ticks and fleas.. We gave them food for it, hoping the dog gets to eat it before the food is sold for candy.This dog was seen last week. It’s stomach was engorged with worms and parasites. Brenda treated it and asked the girl to bring it back so it could be checked. The dog looked great and was eating well and Brenda was thrilled!Most gorgeous children on this rockWe aren’t sure but we think this is ringworm. Brenda took several pics and sent to Angie (HPAB) and the crew for an answer and their recommended treatmentWe had people come with 3 dogs at a time. One guy pulled up in a truck with 4 humongo dogs in the back.What’cha looking at?? Another hungry boy.Administering shotsKids and their dogThis was a gorgeous dog, a little underfed though, as most were.Part of the crowd control was keeping little ones like this from taking the marker, the scissors, the bottles of flea and tick spray. We needed a screened off area..But they are so stinking cute…Fancy muzzle!Brenda and Tyron readying a dog for it’s shots.Dash on his way to the animal shelter.Cute kid and dogs but the dogs were crawling with fleas and their ears were thick black yuck filled with ear mites and fleas, it was so gross. It took a long time to get them clean.Take my picture please…See, marker in hand.. Goofy boys..This young boys face speaks volumes. No emotion, no facial expression, just a sad soul in a small body.Another of the little boys feet, no shoes. I noticed many of the children have lots of scars on their arms and legs. Maybe from walking through the jungle? I can only hope that’s why.Brenda and Tyron discussing treatment with a pet ownerThis was towards the end of the day, we were stinky, sweaty and more than likely flea ridden.
After working 9-5 in a dirt alley with a dusty street, I came home and immediately showered. I was so exhausted that evening I think I just sat here and stared at the computer and then crashed very early.
We made a small difference in the lives of 70 animals. Maybe some of what we told the kids and the adults will sink in. Maybe they will understand that all animals have feelings too and that they deserve to be treated well. It’s difficult in a society that have so many children in a family that it’s nearly impossible to provide for them, let alone the animals.
***Everything I post on this site, whether it is about Because We Care, Helping Paws Across Borders or Cattleya, it is not about me at all, it’s about the things I am PASSIONATE about on Roatan. I am trying to raise awareness to situations that many people choose to turn a blind eye to. If more people did just a small part, it would make a huge difference.***
08/11/2015 It’s been a busy week. Chance arrived on August 2nd, after we picked him up at the airport we stopped by Big Bight to check out the beach. What a gorgeous area that is. It’s a great place to take the pups to run around and play in the water.
Chance and I at Big Bightempty beachbeautiful
We came home and unloaded the car, changed into swimsuits and went to Turquoise Bayfor the afternoon. The people there are so nice, they have comfy chairs and the drinks are excellent. We hung out for awhile, chillaxing, Bill and Chance got some food and I floated with my monkey la-la. It was a nice relaxing day.
chillin’Beautiful beachChance and I walked out on the dock and watched these kids playswimming in their undies
Helping Paws Across Borders had another spay and neuter day on Sunday but I was not there to help out. That was the day Chance arrived and also the day they neutered the piggy (I missed that), he only weighed about 60#’s. Most of the vets/vet techs left on Saturday and the other vet left on Monday. There were 3 remaining techs on the island so Chance and I picked them up Monday morning in Oak Ridge and we headed to West Bay beach for some sun and snorkeling. It was a gorgeous day and the beach was not crowded at all. We sat at Bananarama because it’s right at the end of the road where we parked, their food is good, they allow you to use their chairs if you are consuming, they have bathrooms and a shower to rinse off and this is the view.
Beach from my raftour spotSun shadeAnita’s Stand up Paddleboard’s
Thanks Bananarama for the great service!! Your employees are the best.
On Tuesday we loaded 3 pups in the car and headed to Big Bight. They had an absolute blast running around, chasing each other, jumping off things into the water, swimming, ramming each other and rolling in the sand.
The water looks very dark and murky here and it is. The reason is, someone, years ago made a beach where there used to be mangroves. The dark stuff is all decaying plant life. It will be covered with nice white sand soon though. The area is beautiful, great spot for a home up on the hillside.The boysWalking the plankSo much funThey love the waterL to R, Gringo, Max and BarrioThe keyLadder to pick the coconutsBoys on the beachLights, camera, ACTION!Puppy playingThese 3 crashed on the way home, then they had to get baths.
On Wednesday our friends Carmen and Brett (from S. Dakota) picked us up in their boat at BJ’s and we went to their fabulous home on the water and relaxed and ate and drank, just a little. Then they took us snorkeling in their amazing backyard. I mean, talk about living on the water. They live right next door to our other friends from Snohomish, WA who will be moving down here full time soon. They both have very cool homes with incredible locations, you can’t get more “on a beach” than they both are. They can listen to the waves lapping on the shore ALL DAY LONG. So peaceful. We had a great time snorkeling, lots of stuff to see out there. The sea was a little churned up but not too bad.
On the wayDock dogsGas stationTheir homeBlack spiny sea urchinsI was checking to see if my flash was going off, and it was. I had a bad camera day this time.A variety of coralsSea rodsCoralBill and Carmen on the porch stepsThey have their own private beachand this is their viewBill and Chance on the ride homeCarmen and CharleyIf you look real close you can see that he DOES have a boat..
It was a great day spent with friends on the water. Even when you are on their porch you are still “on the water.”
Thursday was another day of adventure. We went to Marcia and Dennis’s home for some first time newbie kayaking and some snorkeling. After a great lunch that Marcia made, she, Chance and I set off for the deep blue sea. Neither Chance nor I had ever kayaked so it was an experience to say the least.
Chance holding Duke who is one of our puppies. What a sweetheart he is.Shay and DukeDuke, dragging his belly just like his momma doesShay, their 2 year old Rottweiler
We started off with a tour of the mangroves. The mangrove tunnels were built by the Paya Indians a long time ago. The tunnels allowed them to navigate from one area to another without having to enter the rough sea. I have been through the mangrove cuts before but not the tunnels and not propelled by the paddle in my hand. It was amazing.
Just getting startedChanceLike a big salt water pool in the mangrovesMarcia leading the wayThe tunnels are so coolThese people built a bridge over the mangroves so they can get their car to the other side.The foot bridge to Bennett KeyMarcia, Chance and me. I’m always lagging behind, camera in hand.We tied the kayaks up to this dock and set off for the reefBlack spiny sea urchinBrain coralNot sure what this is, anyone?? And the Marine Biologist (Amanda’s BF) thinks these are oxygen bubbles coming from the algae. How cool is that? Thanks Amanda!Squidmore squidSea fan, still having issues with my camera settings.My sweet friend Amanda again asked her Marine Biologist and he thinks this is MadracisThe deep blue, wall is about 300′ deep here…TangsSting rayWhat a beautyI wish I could have kept up to it but maneuvering through the coral was not easySmooth trunk fishBig brain coralCoralCool swim throughThis looked like a coral chairScrawled file fish, first time I’ve ever seen oneThis was fabulous, all kinds of different star coralfour eyed butterfly fishOn our way back, exhausted and exhilaratedStarfish
Another fantastic day on the water, does it ever end? We left Dennis and Marcia’s and came home and napped. After the huge lunch she had prepared we didn’t even have dinner.
Friday was a day of running errands, getting food, trying once again to pay our cable bill (they can’t get the card to process) and a variety of other mundane things. Friday night we finally made it to Cal’sfor dinner. We got there early and it’s a good thing we did because they were busy. We had a great meal, as always and most of the neighborhood was there!
The view from Cal’sWaiting for their grubMe and the first bornYeah, this was Chance’s dessert. He ate it all.Someone can’t spell FIRST,,,Firts Bay???
Saturday I prepared eggs for the dogs, eggs for me, chopped veggies for the afternoon at Trish and Daves’ and a cucumber salsa that was refreshingly different. The recipe is as follows:
6 peeled and diced cukes, 1 can of Rotel, 1/4 c. cider vinegar, 1 package of ranch dressing, 1 chopped medium size red onion. I added a seeded chopped jalapeno also. Served with chips, it was really good.
We spent the day eating and floating in their wonderful pool. I feel so fortunate to have met Trish on-line and to have the friendship we now have!
Fabulous view over Sandy Bay, Chance, Bill and DaveChance and BillStunningI love the umbrella and the way it blows in the breezeI could sit here all day!View from the pool to the porchTrish and MichaelMichael face timing with his sister Natasha. She is back in Toronto working…
On Sunday Chance and I picked up Brett and Carmen and went to La Sirena for lunch. We made a pit stop at Roger and Jeanies to clip Cessas toenails and take Roger some get well goodies (Gatorade and bananas). We had a great lunch @ La Sirena and some kick ass rum punches. Holy crap, Selena fills the glass 2/3 full of rum then adds a splash of punch. One is my limit, whether I’m driving or not, if I drink two I fall asleep.
La Sirena dockThere were 2 boats with people and by the time we left the place was packed…well, packed, considering they have 5 tables..Love this place.Brett and Carmen, fun couple to hang out with!
Monday Chance and I ran around looking for things for him to take back to the girls. Once we got home I decided we should take the pups for a swim to the lagoon so Bill, Chance, Alexi and I loaded all 3 in the car and went to Parrot Tree. The pups went crazy again, they love to swim so much. They were not still for a minute. Bill noticed someone out in the middle of the lagoon swimming towards us, it was our friend Walter. He came over and talked to us for awhile and some lady walked over when she saw the pups on the beach. She loved watching them play, she said it made her miss her dogs. Once we got home I had the pleasure of bathing the 3 little monsters. That’s the only not fun part of taking them swimming is the bath afterwards but you have to get the sand and grit and salt water off of them, otherwise they will itch like crazy.
Tuesday was overcast, hot but not brilliant sunshine. Bill had a dental appointment this morning and then took his truck into get it fixed (trouble starting it) and Chance and I ran and got him. Next my car goes back in because the headlights smell like they are burning up, again. This was supposed to be fixed by the electrical guy but quite obviously something is amiss. UGH, this car shit it crazy. Last night between the cicadas and Frito wanting out at 2:30 AM, I took a 2 hour nap this afternoon. I needed that nap for my sanity. Kathy stopped by to give the dogs their final puppy shots and worm them and then we went to Cal’s for a “sad to see you leave dinner” with Chance. He heads home tomorrow, back to Rapid City, South Dakota.
We walked in to Cal’s and Lynda and Dave were sitting there, so happy to see them, favorites for sure! The last time Bill, Teri, Olivia and I rented here it was their house, Toucan Blue. They joined us for a windy dinner on the balcony, superb meal by Carl as always.
Today is a sad day, BOOHOO, Chance leaves, not ready for him to go home. It’s always so difficult saying good bye to the boys, one of the hardest things about living down here. I guess having their next visit to look forward to makes it semi bearable..I have to remain positive about these things and be grateful he came to spend some time with us.
08/05/2015 I spent the better part of Saturday the 25th at the airport waiting for the majority of the Helping Paws Across Borders vets and vet techs to arrive so I could help Kathy shuttle them and all of their gear to Oak Ridge. Bill got to the airport at 3 to help also, there were a lot of people and lots and lots of luggage (medical supplies, etc.) After some shots of tequila @ BJ’s (trust me, there’s the same amount of tequila in each of these glasses, even though some were shot glasses and some were drinking glasses), they got a boat to the Reef House Resort where they are staying. The Reef House is very close to Oak Ridge where the clinic will be.
On Tuesday I loaded Lola into my car and we were off for the vet clinic at 7:40 AM. Lola was getting spayed and I was volunteering at the clinic. We were SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO busy. I was trying to check people in and I had no clipboard to lean on to even write. My friend Mac came with his 2 gorgeous well behaved dogs and he gave me his clipboard, Damn, where is Bank of America’s BIG BLUE when you really need it??
It was a scorchingly hot day, I felt sorry for the animals and people waiting. When Lola came out of surgery we had a hard time rousing her. Some dogs handle anesthesia differently than others. I, myself, used to be a puke fest with it until I started telling the docs and they put anti nausea meds in it. What a difference. We got some ice packs for Lola and I was rubbing her tongue with ice, she was starting to come around. I called Bill to come get her but it was still awhile after he got there until they were comfortable to let her go. She took a few days to get back eating but seems to be doing fine almost 1 week after. We kept her away from the pups the first day and that only upset them and her. They adore her and were missing her terribly. Once we let her back out with them they didn’t stop licking her face..They love them some Lola.
I spent Tues, Wed and Thursday there from 8-5 everyday except Thursday when I got there at 9. (I was busy making the vets rum balls for their after work treats). The vets took a much deserved day off on Friday and we were all back at it again Saturday. I love working with this group of people!
They say a picture is worth 1000 words, here are the pics..
Setting up in the “far from ideal” conditions. Not much air moving, 90+ degrees, dust blowing around the parking lot, barking dogs and kids everywhere.Some of the early birdsThey came in trucks, cars, taxis, on motorcycles and on foot.Brenda loving on a poochMy friend Mac with his 2 gorgeous dogs. Dr. Allison Kean is talking to him and Amber Stickel, a volunteer tech on the right.Kathy and Jenn in the prep room. This is where the anesthesia is administered to knock them out.People waiting and we were waiting too, for our other tables and chairs to be delivered..Cleo, sitting on the table and Shannon on the right are talking to a man who brought his Great Dane in to have a hematoma removed from his ear.My Lola girl, out of it. She was getting spayed.Dogs everywhereNina, Morgan and Susan working on Lola in recoveryJoe and his dog Jetty with Susan, in recovery also.We put colored tape with a number on everyone .Adam, Nina’s hubby with a cat in recovery.GATOS!! (cats)A cute little puppy I was warming up. Despite the hot temps, this guy had a bath and was shivering when he arrived.Shannon, Morgan, Tiffany and Susan with Shannon’s cats in recoveryTreating the Great Dane’s hematoma.After surgery. I have since been in touch with the owners and he is doing fine.Saturday morning and it was pouring.Joe and Jetty on TuesdayCleo and I checking in dogs on Thursday.Me, trying to check in dogs on TuesdayThey all had a pet!Dr. Chante Wildgoose from the Bahamas, Tiffany, Dr. Allison Kean and Amber Stickel.This poor guy needed some serious treatments.My friend Shannon and her catsDogs of all sizes and in all kinds of conditions, some good some really bad. The important thing is, these people took the time to bring their pets to see us.Gorgeous little girl.This guy had his dog run alongside his motorcycle..More kittensThis poor dog was skin and bonesCute all around!!
It is hot sweaty work for me, I can’t imagine what it’s like for the vets working with the animals. The temperature was over 90 everyday, the tents were hot, the people and their pets were waiting, it was stressful all around. We saw some very poorly cared for animals but they did take the time to bring them to us so they must care a little at least.
The first day was chaotic as always, the second day we were SLAMMED.
This is Luis, he runs the gas station in Oak RidgeIf it works..it’s good.waiting with her dogThe vets and vet techs hard at work. The vet techs spent all day kneeling on the ground working in recovery with the pets.Lots of big dog were seenPaca, in the blue striped shirt kept bringing us animals like he did in February. We found out they are all the animals in his neighborhood. He is developmentally behind but a nice boy who loves animals; they love him back and he has a firm grasp on that reality.sweetieA big boySometimes people brought in 2, 3 or even 4 dogs.Paca again. We all love him. I ended up taking him and a dog and the young girl and boy who are actually the owners home. The dog had surgery and he couldn’t carry it that far.Another boy and his dogPeople and pets all overPrep roomtrying to keep the animals hydrated while they waited.foot bathDouglas, our interpreter and honorary vet tech assistant.Every dog got a new collar and leashOut of recovery and on the way homeA huge mastiffLaura and PacaMy boy Duke, Marcia brought him in to get his skin rash checked. Love this guy so much..This guy took 3 dogs home this way, one at a time.Kathy holding Buddy, he was a sweet boy. Kathy is the Dog Whisperer (really animal whisperer) on the island. She is the driving force that makes this all come together. She has a huge heart and will go out of her way to help an animal in distress.Big rottieA little girl with her kittens, their Momma was spayed. She was brought to us in an empty rice sack bag.School girls with their petsKitten loveAt the end of the day the vets started passing out toys and candy to the kids. It was fun to watch their reactions!Checking out their loot.They all waited patiently.Helping Paws Across Borders ROCKS!!Then crazy Jennifer put on the glasses with the nose and everyone wanted them.These kids are so gorgeous.Paca couldn’t get his nose adjusted right so he came over to get me to help him. After I took his photo I showed it to him and he smiled.Smiling faces
All in all it was a fabulous experience to help so many animals. some were well cared for, well fed and healthy, others were teeter tottering on the verge of death. That’s when it really gets to you. EVERY SINGLE VET AND VET TECH ASSISTANT in this group is madly passionate about animal care. They raise money to buy supplies, they pay for their own flights, their own rooms and food, all because they want to help the animals. If you are interested you can donate to this group, they are a legitimate 501C and would be grateful for any donation, no matter the size.
This guy is as happy as a pig in shit. The pig is neutered…Smiling Ninja Turtle VetsThe one and only Dr. Chante Wildgoose. Can you say GORGEOUS??These 2 are scary Ninja Turtle Vets, especially the one on the left. She has skills..Jennifer and Jenn with Buddy..
If I was mentally and physically exhausted after 4 days of vet clinics can you imagine how the vets and the techs felt?? I am in no way complaining, I am so grateful they came and that I got to know them all a little better. They are compassionate, committed and an absolute blast to be around. It’s nice to see a group of people, (some who met for the first time the day they arrived) with a common cause come together to try to make a difference. They were like a well oiled machine, I can’t say enough about them.
HELPING PAWS ACROSS BORDERS ROCKS!! Love all of you guys and thanks so much for what you did for the animal population on the east end of the island. Many thanks to Kathy Shupe, the absolute ultimate co-ordinator…
I apologize that I lost track of who took what photo. The main contributors are: Morgan Rivera, Nina Stively and Susan Neas and myself. If I missed you, I’m sorry, I was just grabbing photos whenever I could so I could show what actually went on at the clinic..
P.S. Any vets or vet techs needing a vacation are welcome to stay in our guest condo, anytime…warning though, we have 7 dogs.
Click here to listen to appropriate music for this post.
07/26/2015 What a special day this was for me. As you all know, I grew incredibly attached to the puppies Frito blessed us with on April 15th, almost 1 month after she had her leg amputated due to a compound fracture she had when I found her.
Only 6 so far
I don’t recall ever feeling like this towards an animal. Don’t get me wrong I love my dogs and cat, I have loved all of my pets but these little buggers really got a hold on my heart. The 2 AM, 4 AM, 6 AM feedings were not my favorites, nor was making food every day for them when Frito no longer wanted to nurse, but you know what, I did it. And as they got bigger they got into more trouble and I still loved them more and more.
All seven of the dwarfs
I knew from day 3 that Lisa and Rob were taking Sable and Bandit. I realized that those 2 pups would be loved, and they are. But at around 6 weeks it was time to try and find homes for the remaining pups. I had asked my friend Marcia but she wasn’t ready, however, I asked her again while she was in the states and she sent her sweet hubby Dennis over. He liked the pup we called Buddha and asked if he could take him that day. I know Marcia and Dennis are dog lovers and that they are good pet parents so between tears, I said yes.
Duke (AKA Buddah)
I cried after Dennis left, he took one of my babies. The next day Rob and Lisa came for their two. That was a little easier because I knew it was coming, but still, they took my little girl. Sable was the only girl in the litter and she was a feisty little thing. With 6 brothers, she had to be.
Bandit (M, white nose) and Sable were always together. It’s almost like they knew they were being adopted together. Now they fight like brother and sister, all the time..
That left us with 4 pups. I had asked my friend Claire and Kevin several times but Kevin kept saying NO PUPPIES!! The day we went to the airport to pick up Bill’s sister and Jen we took Max. Kevin and Claire were there and when Kevin saw him he took him to Claire. He then asked me if he was the biggest and I said no, that Tank was. He said they would probably take him. Another pup to a good home and the biggest perk is, Kevin and Claire own Blue Reef Properties and are at the airport all the time. Tank is their mascot and HE is at the airport too so I get to see him the days I work (volunteer). Seeing Tank absolutely makes my day, what a sweet HUGE pup he is!!
Tank, just a few weeks old.
That left us with 3 pups, Lola, who is 8 mo. old and 3 other dogs, (1 with 3 legs who is the pups momma). I have 7 dogs and a cranky cat.
We know Highway loves the water and Lola hates it. I saw Marcia post on FB that Duke loves the water so Bill and I threw the 3 pups in the car and went to Parrot Tree. They were still on their leashes and walked into the water with no hesitation and swam. It was awesome!
We wanted to take them swimming again so I contacted the other 3 owners to see if they wanted to join us. They were all in, plan was to meet at Parrot Tree at 11. Rob and Lisa arrived when we did with Kevin and Claire right behind them. All 6 puppies were out sniffing each other but when Marcia pulled up with Duke and they all went to investigate, he ran under the car. WHO ARE THESE 6 DOGS AND WHY ARE THEY HERE??
We walked over to the lagoon and let him get adjusted (he was also carsick on the way over). We took the pups off the leash and they were all running around, Duke came and started smelling them thinking, HMMM, I may know this gang. I walked down to the water and this happened. I was in H E A V E N!!
The pups were great together, so much fun to be around them all and see how they are thriving in their new homes and how much they are loved..
All 7 in this photo: Lisa has Barrio and Max, Gringo and Bandit in the middle, Sable running with her little butt in the air and Tank in front of her on the beach and Marcia with Duke.Us four ladies, Claire, me, Marcia and Lisa.It was pupdemonium..or whatever, notice second from left is completely submerged? That’s one of ours.These pups live the good life.Rob getting in on the actionWe were all holding any pup that came up to us.I love this, Bandit in the lead.Puppies everywhere.Barrio and MaxI had homemade dog cookiesBandit and Sable roughhousing. Rob and Lisa said they do it all the time.Tank and DukeThese 2 are so lucky Rob and Lisa took both of them.Getting re-acquaintedBill with DukeNothing better than watching these 7 figure out they’re related.Love this photoAll 7 being crazyBandit, Barrio, Sable, Max and DukeSable and Duke. Sable, Bandit and Duke all have stick up ears, the rest are floppy.I love these dogs so much. If the people who took them decided they no longer wanted them, I would take them ALL back in a heartbeat..DukeTankDuke and TankI have never seen 2 dogs bond like Sable and Bandit. They have been like this since birth.2 of my sandy boys, Barrio and Gringo
We were there for 2 1/2 hours of fun and frolicking in the sand and the water. All the pups went to their respective homes, got showers/baths and fed and they were passed out for the day.
So many thanks to Marcia, Kevin and Claire and Rob and Lisa for taking our pups and loving them so much. This reunion was a blast, it made my heart so damn happy, we need to make it happen on a regular basis!
Here’s to Frito and her 7 amazing dwarfs. You 7 are the luckiest pups, you are loved…
07/30/2015 Sorry I didn’t post this last week, I’ve been super busy with the vet clinic that is in town and trying to get ready for a visit from our son and well, you know, 7 dogs and a cat take up some time too.
Last Wednesday was the big day for our Senior’s luncheon (7/22/2015). It’s the first time it has EVER been held on the East end of the island so it was extra meaningful for these fabulous people. On the eastern end of the island people live much more remotely than on the west end. Communities are located further apart, so seeing their friends or relatives doesn’t happen very often.
I would like to say I played a huge part in the event but I really didn’t. It was Nidia, she is pretty amazing. This event took 6 months to organize, and remember, everything done here is done on island time. Many meetings and many many many hundreds of phone calls went into this event. She organized the patronado’s from each community to research and make lists of the oldest people in their area and called them constantly to make sure they were following through and that all the respective people were notified. There were chairs, tables, tablecloths, silverware, pots, pans, stoves, coolers, all this had to be brought in. They had to figure out how much they needed of everything to serve everyone. There was a gas stove that didn’t work that had to be fixed, and ice and water to be gotten. This is Roatan, there aren’t lots of catering companies.. Nidia did it all. I’ve never met anyone with the ambition and fortitude and determination that this woman has, she is a power house; she gets things done. Funny thing is, everyone who crosses her path knows she means business, yet they adore her. She honestly is one of a kind and I’m so blessed to say she is my friend.
The luncheon was PDS, Pretty Darn Spectacular. Instead of words, enjoy the photos and a few videos. Please watch the videos, they too, are PDS. {click on the italicized words}
The cooks are cleaning chicken, lots of freaking chicken. I rarely touch it.Jimmy and Mac unloading chairs. Mac is a recent volunteer with BWC and an all around great guy!Tables and more chairsThe Live Again Ministry realizing they have to bag all that candy into 450 individual bags.450 donewrapping the utensilsOur master chefsP O T A T O E SB A N A N A SB E A N S She was really cute, before I took the photo she had to adjust her skirt..Sugar highThe other dynamo on this island, Miss Daine Wood Etches, an amazing and knowledgeable lady. She was born into one of the oldest families on the island.Separating the food items for the basketsDownstairs hallway. Must have been a grand place, reminds me of Kellerman’s in Dirty Dancing.
This resort was previously called Spy Glass Hill and it sits on some amazing land. The new owner of the resort, now called Henry’s Cove, graciously allowed us to use this place. Another Nidia accomplishment.
Wonder woman Nidia and Pastor Ronny from Live Again Ministries. Everyone kept going in to the kitchen because it smelled SO good!Food for basketsSun Water donated bottled waterCounting chairsHere she is, Miss Amazing…A filled basketThese ladies can cook. There were no laptops opened to Pinterest and no cookbooks in sight.Enough food for 450 peopleThe front porch before tableclothsCleaning carrots. There was music playing in the background, these ladies were having fun!My friend Lisa, one of the cooks. This woman gets it done.
baskets filled pre-cellophane wrapSome of the ladies, all dressed up. In case you are wondering why she has a wash cloth on her shoulder: it is a common sight to see people with a cloth on their shoulder or in their back pocket or purse. IT’S HOT HERE!! And if I smartened up, I would be carrying one too, preferable frozen.The wonderful Mayor of Santos Guardiola (east end of the island), Carson Dilbert. He is such a great man, we are lucky to have him.This lady was gorgeous..She is Garifuna from Punta GordaNidia making name tagsThe lady in the wheelchair on the left is Miss Daine’s mother, Mrs Catherine Wood. She is a gorgeous woman and she grows great veggies, whenever I’m in town I check to see what she has for sale.How could I not capture this face? I had just taken the balloons off the wall and handed them to him.Getting the dining room readySome of the early arrivals. Many of them were unsure of me taking pictures so I always offered to show them their photos.The guests waiting to eat while visiting with friendsPlates of food being served, traditional island foodMac with some of the Live Again Ministry in blue shirts. Live Again Minsitry brought boxes full of donated sandals, bibles, beads and fans, these guests got the royal treatment. The Ministry Group was a great help in making this happen. Thank You!!Miss Catherine on the left with a friend.The oldest person in Politilly Bight, Ms Carolina Pinnace, age 90This is Mr. Bodden @ 92, the oldest person on the remote island of Saint Helena, or St. Helene. He is the father of my friend Woudsin. His grandson Jordan, in the striped shirt, brought him to the event. It was nice to catch up with Jordan!Ms Juliana Ruiz at the age of 92, oldest and sweetest lady from Milton Bight..Ms Etty McLaughlin, eldest member in the Diamond Rock community…The oldest resident of Juticalpa, Doña Elisa Matute age 88. She was a little taken back by the cameras and all the people. Most of these people live a semi solitary life, except for family.Ms Ermones Calderon, 89 years old, eldest member from the community of Punta Gorda…The eldest from Lucy Point.And from my favorite spot, Camp Bay, Ms Jane Pandy, second eldest in the community of Camp Bay. (the eldest did not come)Daine, Mac and Nidia, getting ready to present Auntie Jane with her basket.Mac, Auntie Jane and Nidia
Auntie Jane, (video) almost 99, rocking out with Mac. What a riot she is, so full of life, she gets around fine and is pretty hilarious and witty.
This amazing lady is the oldest (that we know of) resident of Roatan. She is Auntie Clara and she is 99 years old. She is blind and can not walk but that doesn’t stop this lady from living her life.
Auntie Clara, 99 years old, she turns 100 in October.This little doll was actually trying to eat the watermelon, without using her hands, while it sat on her grandma’s lap.THIS is what it’s all about.
After dessert was served, they did a Plat Pole up by the pool. I know this as a Maypole that we did in school on May 1st. BUT IT WAS NEVER THIS MUCH FUN!! They were rocking out to music(video) and dancing and weaving in between each other, it was so much entertainment. I loved it when Miss Linda, who had a pitcher in one hand, pulled me out to dance with her..
Ms Linda is from Camp Bay, I met her when we worked on the school up there. She is the lady dressed in all blue and she has a plastic pitcher in her left hand!My friend Darla. She is a teacher at the school on St. Helene.The plat pole beginsStarting to platMy friend Darla and her daughter in matching dressesAdorable, just waiting until they are old enoughPlating or braiding the ribbonOriginal positionWrap and unwrapIntertwining makes for fun dancingSo awesome!This is my friend Darla’s daughter. She was also in some of the Helene photos when we delivered desks. She is the cutest, silliest most well behaved little doll, I could kiss her all day. And sometimes I do..She had my name tag on..The clean up/break down and sort
You know how when you are looking forward to doing something for someone because it will make them so happy?? That’s how we all felt about the senior luncheon; and yes, it did make many people happy. However, what it did for me is so much more than that. I cried many times, moved by the people I found myself surrounded by. Profoundly touched by the moment when 99 year old Auntie Clara sang “What would I do without Jesus“ (video) I stood there with tears running down my cheeks as this woman, whom I’ve never before seen, sang to us. (I’ve been invited to her 100th birthday party in October and oh heck yes, I’m going!!)
I feel like I left the event a better person, it awakened something in me, it stirred my soul.
Thank you Nidia Webster, for allowing me to become part of Because We Care. You, my friend, are an inspiration to many.
There will be another Roatan East End seniors luncheon next year!
07/24/2015 Last Sunday, after seeing Marcia’s photo of one of our puppies swimming, we decided to throw the pukers and pee-ers in the truck and go to the lagoon at Parrot Tree to see if we could get them in the water.
Hah!! No issue there, they were crazy in love with the water and jumped right on in.
Once we took their leashes off and I went out in the water, they were all over me.Holding 3 wet 20# pups is not easyTo say they loved the water is not sufficient..My baby boysso much love for these guysAnd we have nosesThey got out and ran around in the sand but as soon as I ran in the water, they charged me.Gringo going to BillMax doing his shaking thingThe lagoon
It was the most fun thing we have done with them. We plan to take them again this Sunday with Rob and Lisa and their pups, Sable and Bandit, our boys brother and only sister.
I have been walking them each separately, teaching them to sit when I stop. It’s going quite well actually and it’s getting me some much needed exercise. Next is teaching them to come when their name is called. Then I will instruct them on the finer points of making me a vodka fresca with fresh rosemary in it.
Thanks Deb Murphy for the phrase “mermanettes”
It was a semi pain when we got home from swimming b/c they all needed baths so I took them in the downstairs shower that has a hand held shower thing and a nice big seat. It worked out well scrubbing them while sitting at their level. Once they got bathed and semi dried off we put them outside on dry bedding and they crashed hard..
This is the most recent batch of dog chow. It’s chicken, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes and green beans. Gourmet food for over their Kirkland dry food.This is their newest treat, 32 oz plain yogurt, 3 bananas, 1 c. peanut butter, blend well, put in ice cube trays and freeze. They LOVE them!!How many of my Flower Child friends remember this? Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Oil Castile soap, it’s the best. Back in those days I never used anything but this stuff. I ordered some my last trip home and use it for my showers and to bathe the dogs. I can honestly say I have read every single word on this label and believe me, there are a LOT of them!!!
I finally gave in and paid AGAIN for my license plates. The country of Honduras has our plates but doesn’t “know how” to distribute them so this is their solution:
A) Spend the $$ and go to Tegus and get them
B) Pay a middle man to go to Tegus to get them
C) Buck the system and have your car confiscated.
Yes Lin Coyle, it’s true. You can’t make this shit up.
I got stopped again on the way home from preparing for the Senior Luncheon on Tuesday, he spoke no English so I think that helped me blather my way out of the situation.
In the end I chose option B, it cost me $90.00, they gave me a paper to keep the police from towing my car and letting me stranded by the side of the road. My plates should be here in 2 weeks. I find it hard to believe that a country with the highest crime rate and jails full of hardened criminals is incapable of producing an abundance of license plates. Welcome to paradise…
Max is the smallest, but not really small at all. He’s a love.Gringo is getting so big, he’s the heaviest of our 3 pupsAnd my boy BarrioLicking the bowl clean that the banana popsicle mix was in.
On Monday I ran some errands, got an extra memory card for my camera and went in Ace to look for a “dog hair” broom of sorts. I found something I thought would work so I bought it. When the guy ran my card, the machine was out of receipt tape so he re-ran it on another machine. I asked him if he didn’t just charge me twice, he said no. Today I looked at my credit card bill and OH YES HE DID. I disputed it online, printed everything out and am going to go show it to the manager. Stoooppid.
I have a lot of photos to post from the preparation the day before and of the actual luncheon. I’ll save them for another post. I’m off to get cleaned up and meeting Nidia and Jeanie at BJ’s for an afternoon drink, then it’s dinner at a friends house..
Have a great weekend, especially to all of my friends who eagerly anticipate FRIDAY!!! I hate to say this, but most days I have no clue what day it is. It just doesn’t matter all that much..
07/21/2015 Just for the memory, remember the termite wing horror we had at our house?? I have NOT forgotten, never will. Anyhow when I went to take my mascara off in the hotel in Baltimore, I opened my travel pack of Kleenex and TERMITE WINGS fluttered to the ground.
Not a very good segue, but I tried. Lamely.
It was great seeing my parents and I feel so fortunate that we all still have them in our lives. At the rate they’re going, they will be with us for awhile. Both of them are in good health, Dad’s memory is foggy at times but hell, he’s 94. Mom can remember pretty much everything so I have to give her credit for that. Dad still swims 3 times a week at the center but they don’t go out much. They really enjoy their back porch and spend most of the day there, weather permitting. They read but mostly snooze out there. Can’t say that I blame them, it’s a great napping porch.
Breakfast time. Like father like daughter. He eats the SAME thing for breakfast everyday and has for years, Cheerios with 1/2 a banana sliced on top with milk. I have eaten the same thing every day for almost 2 years, a tortilla stuffed w/ brown rice, cheese, scrambled eggs with red, green and jalapeno peppers in it and salsa.94 & 90 Pretty amazing parents!!! Mom was upset her hair wasn’t fixed. Heck, most of the time mine is only finger combed.
Mom and I shopped quite a bit every day for dog toys and I had no trouble buying them, didn’t really matter what they cost, just so the boys would have some new toys.. I was looking for clothes too but it’s funny, I didn’t want to buy any. My realization is this: when I lived in the US and worked full time I made a decent wage and was able to buy whatever I wanted. And I did and I did it excessively, although I never really looked at it like that until I was getting ready to move to Roatan.
When we were still in the states I bought new clothes every freaking weekend, and black shoes or boots and scrapbook supplies. I could have opened a scrapbook store. I had a whole room nicely and obsessively organized with so many supplies 12 women could have scrapped there and had everything they wanted. When I started sorting through clothes and shoes and coats and bags and scrap stuff I wondered what the hell I was thinking; why did I buy all this STUFF? I bought it because I could. It satisfied a need, a ridiculous need. I now have 2 plastic milk crates in my closet stuffed with shoes I have not worn in almost 2 years. Some are new and they are festered over with mold and mildew. What a waste. That doesn’t count the 10+ pair I have given away so far. I was a product of my environment, of advertising, of magazines (not TV, haven’t had cable since 2003) of Macy’s RED discount cards that came in the mail and had an expiration date on them. OMG, HURRY UP AND SHOP!! I did, I used those freaking Macy’s cards, I coveted them. I felt that if I didn’t use them they would explode in my purse or blow up in my greedy hands.
While back in the states this time shopping I saw skirts and tops and shoes galore that I loved but then I remembered why we downsized, why we live the life we do, why we don’t NEED the things we think we WANT. I thought of my life on the island and the fact that I wear the same 3 or 4 dresses (old worn out cotton things) every week. I sweat in them, clean in them, scoop 39 piles of dog crap in 5 minutes in them and many times I nap in them. They are all I need to wear around here. I also have my regular “go to” choices that I wear most of the time. I still have new clothes I have never ever worn that I bought before we moved. And I’ve given away bags of clothes here on the island. While in Marshall’s, my 3rd shopping attempt, I just stood there and looked around at all of the stuff in there. Vases for your flowers, fancy candle holders, dishes, pots and pans, clothes, all kinds of handbags and suitcases (I adore NEW suitcases), then I looked at the people, so intent on buying the things in the store, some had carts full of stuff. I wondered what their lives were missing that they kept buying all this shit, and then I remembered myself and how I normally behaved in a store. These people don’t know that they don’t NEED this stuff, they have not reached that point. Some never will, some already have and are working on their plan. I’m glad I’m over it.
I’m getting there, not quite there but I’m trying like hell. Since I have been spending so much time with Nidia and seeing parts of the island most people don’t get to see (some people who live here would rather ignore the fact these places exist) it has opened my eyes so much. I see children who don’t get breakfast because there is no money for food, kids who wear size 9 mens shoes to school because it’s all they have, little girls who wear knee socks belonging to their years older sisters that are 4″ too long and they have the sock folded over under their foot, inside their shoe. Some kids have no shoes. Their homes have no glass or screens in the windows, no flush toilets, no comfy beds with 600 thread count sheets, no electricity or running water. I see women wearing whatever they can find off the piles of clothes that are donated from other countries. A striped skirt with a plaid shirt. Who cares? They are clean, so what if they match? It has made me realize that to be happy I don’t need things, I need moments.
The moment when the little boy hugged me before I even fitted him for TOMS shoes, the smile on the face of the girl I gave 5 pairs of shoes to, the children as we handed out meager Christmas gifts last Christmas, the smiles on the faces of the mothers we gave food to, the smile of the little boy we gave a Spiderman backpack to, the little girl who was amazed at her fancy pink plastic ruler; and I think I need more new stuff? I don’t need shoes until I wear these out. I don’t need clothes until I have nothing to wear. Yes, I’ve learned a lot as I’ve grown older and living here makes me realize that I still have a shitload to learn.
So there you have it..
My parents and I only went out to eat once to Olive Garden, their favorite place. It was fine as far as chain restaurants go, certainly not a Milano’s or a Cal’s Cantina, but it was fun to be with them and they enjoyed their meal.
I left the next morning, after making sure I had everything, I was off to Ikea to get 2 bathmats (which I needed and they are MUCH cheaper and nicer than the variety here) and then to my sister’s. At the last minute I made a stop at a TJ Maxx. I walked around with hangers in my hands and hung them all back and left. I bought NOT A THING, despite the urgent feeling I had to shop, I got over it and left with a smile on my face.
I had 2 of these complete headlight assemblies to carry home and pack so they arrived in one piece. They did.And all of these dog toysand these and there are more not photographed!
I had a great dinner with my sister and her husband. Miss and I repacked my headlights on her dining room table, we ate and I left there around 8, went to check into the hotel, then return the rental car, get a shuttle to the hotel, sleep for 4 hours, get a shuttle to the airport and begin the flight home.
The sight of the beach made me tear up.Look at that gorgeous waterHalf Moon Bay (West End) and West Bay beachA ‘hood that I didn’t know existed and will now have to find itFlowers Bay
It’s nice to work at the airport, I know all the baggage handlers and some of the people on the tarmac. I got hugs and as soon as I was through Immigration Banjo came over and grabbed my baggage claim checks, Orlando hugged me and Luis gave me a high 5! Once again, those PRIORITY tags mean nada in Roatan.
I asked Bill to bring Barrio to the airport when he came to pick me up. He brought him and he puked twice on the way, all over the truck and Bill. When we got home Bill had to pull the seats and console out of the truck and scrub everything. Around 4 we noticed a big sore on Gringo’s elbow so I called Bethany to make sure Doc was still there and Gringo and I headed down. He would have no part of riding in the car. A mile down the road he crawled over on my lap and peed. All over me and my cloth seats, while I’m driving, one-handed down the road. We saw Doc, he gave Gringo an antibiotic shot and he howled for 3 solid minutes, I was in tears. I also have to bathe him with special soap and give him cephalexin for a week. We were headed home and he was on my lap again, crying, straining to not be anywhere in the car at all. Soon I felt the warm trickle run down between my legs, my underwear was wet and I DIDN’T EVEN PEE. GRINGO DID. AGAIN!! Just as we pulled in the driveway he puked all over my arm, into the door handle/well and alongside my seat onto the floor. Welcome home Mom!!
Bill put another coat of sealer on the floors while I was gone. The floors looks great but I had the aftermath to deal with.I unloaded my suitcases onto every available counter space.It was a nightmareDog toys, brown rice (don’t ask) and 8 tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste. TJ Maxx bag was from Bill’s socks!Dominoes for the senior dinner
It took me 3 days but I got everything put away and cleaned the dog hair off the floor.
We took the pups swimming and I’ve never had so much fun, photos will be in the next blog.
I apologize that these posts are rather random. My brain is really flipping random right now. So much going on, Senior’s luncheon is tomorrow, we worked HARD all day and will be there at 7:30 tomorrow morning to finish setting up everything. We are expecting 450 people for lunch, games, music, dancing, throwing down some Dominoes and a Maypole..
Next week it’s the vet group, Helping Paws Across Borders, I’ll be working there several days. Then Chance comes, There is so much going on and I’ll bust my butt to keep you all in the loop.
My vodka is empty, I have to publish this, shower, kiss the puppies and then it’s crash time for me.
07/16/2015 When I posted the previous blog, I said that when I’m working at the airport, I welcome people to the island with a smile and say, “Welcome to Roatan.” Later that day I got a friend request from someone that I didn’t know. I vaguely remember getting a WordPress message that someone new was following my blog so I looked at the name and at the friend request and realized it was the same person, so I accepted her friend request. I then looked at Julies FB page and came across this poem written by her husband Robby Bennett and posted on June 25th. {posted with his permission}
It’s called, appropriately:
“Welcome to Roatan”
Ten years they spent dreaming and designing their plans
Out the door they walked, their entire existence in their hands
Another world they both longed to learn and explore
A new life they sought on some distant Caribbean shore.
The sun was just starting to show its light
Soon they’d be catching their dream flight
Anxious and nervous they stepped out of the cab
Their bags taken under arm as he pays their tab.
Checked in and passed security, they waited to board
Butterflies in their stomachs as the engine roared
The plane lifts up and into the sky they did roam
Another world they would both soon call home.
Nothing more than clouds and ocean below
The plane flew them where they wanted to go
Tears in their eyes as they glanced over the wing
As off in the distance their island could be seen.
They dropped through the clouds as the plane flew over the beach
Touching down as the engine slowed and the tires began to screech
The captain came over the speakers “Welcome to Roatan”
Ten years in the making they finally realized their plan.
Smiling faces greeted them as they exited the plane
Immediately they knew their plan was not in vain
No more worries or keeping up with the Joneses
A much simpler life with daily hammock dozes.
Listening to the melody of the waves and trade winds
Barbecuing the days’ catch or making new friends
Laughing and loving, living life like it was meant to be
Or sitting quietly, just the two of them down by the sea.
Lazy days, doing nothing or diving on the reef
An unreal world that seems totally make belief
But it’s their new life, exactly as they planned
Far away from old troubles, “Welcome to Roatan”.
Isn’t that an awesome poem? He should be marketing moving to Roatan, he expresses the feeling so perfectly.
I have since been in contact with Julie and she can’t believe I’m a greeter a the airport and that I say that to people. I look forward to meeting them!
I am never thrilled leaving the rock, really not. This time I was excited for the opportunity to see my parents and sister and to do some shopping but was not mentally prepared for what life in the US is all about.
The shoreline of Roatan is so gorgeous.The small island on the left with a dock is owned by my friend Milesse. It is a divers paradise, check out Barefoot Cay.French Harbor, where I lived when I was down here alone for 4 months.Little French Key (r) and Big French Key are the two islands in the bottom center.
I had a nice trip to the states, it was interesting to say the least; I was flying on the day United’s computers crashed. again. My flight from here was 2 hours late making the connection in Houston next to impossible. We were landing at 6:45, my flight departed at 7:05. Fortunately we have Global and that allows me preferential treatment as opposed to waiting in the formidable lines for immigration. I cleared it in mere minutes and ran to the baggage carousel. I found out that my connecting flight to Baltimore was also delayed until 8:20. Hmmm, it’s possible I’ll make it. We are Premier Gold with United which means your bags get offloaded first (except in Roatan where they do not understand the word written on the tag that says PRIORITY) However in Houston I waited for 40 minutes; my bags did come out first after the four flights that came in before we did. The line through customs was at least 250 people long, no lie. Off to the right I saw a sign that said GLOBAL EXIT ONLY so I ran like hell with my cart with 2 suitcases on it to that line and there were 4 people in front of me. I re checked my bags and ran up the escalator to security. There was no Premier line, dammit!! I got in the regular line and when it was my turn to get in the full body scanner, just as I stepped in the girl said, “Miss, can you please step out, WE HAVE TO RECALIBRATE THE MACHINE.” My brain was screaming, WHAT?? YOU NEED TO DO THIS NOW? I HAVE 7 fu*&%ng MINUTES. It took a few minutes to do, I went through, gathered my belongings and started to walk as fast as possible which wasn’t fast enough. I kicked off my flip flops, grabbed them and ran to the gate. I asked the ladies there if I made it and they said barely. Once I got on the plane there was a girl in MY SEAT. Oh no you don’t.. I said, you are in my seat, three times before she looked up from her phone. She said, I’m in 8F, I said, good because I am in 8A and you are in my seat. There was already someone in 8F and the 2 people in 8D and E were both ticketed to sit in the same seat, 8D. The girl in my seat said you can just sit in 8F and I said NO, I want my seat. Dammit to hell..They finally got that straightened out and I was in my seat and off to Baltimore, not arriving until 12:30 AM. Only 1 suitcase arrived, thankfully it was the full and not the empty one. I went in to the United agent who was super sweet and helpful. She looked it up and said, “it’s in Houston, TSA confiscated it.” WHAT? It’s empty except for an empty Samsonite nylon duffle bag. She assumed that’s why it was taken and assured me it would be delivered to me in the Solomons on Friday. Luckily it was not a big deal to me, one less bag to haul for now.
My plan was to get a good nights sleep and then my friend from decades ago Bill Gross, who happened to be in MD at the same time (he is currently traveling the US) was going to pick me up for breakfast. I got to my hotel after 1 and crashed. I told Bill that I would call when I woke up and then he could come get me. I was aroused from the sleep of the dead at 8:30 by my cell phone ringing. I jumped out of bed and grabbed it, knowing it would be Bill. I was still mentally in a different time zone and wondered WTH he was calling so early, until I glanced at the clock. Holy shit, 8:30. I asked him how long it would take him to get here and he said, “I’m here.” Alrighty then, quickest shower in history, reloaded my suitcase and was out the door. We went to Crackerbarrel for breakfast and to rehash the many years that have passed. Funny, didn’t seem like that long since I had last seen him.
We spent a few hours chatting then he took me to BWI car rental where I picked up my illegally?? driven car for the week. Since my parents live 90 min. from BWI, I have no other options than to rent a car and use my credit card as the only insurance. The rental company never asked if I had insurance either. I do however have a legal US drivers license.
From there I drove to the Potomac Mill outlet in Woodbridge, VA. I had my heart set on a Vera Bradley backpack.
The outlet mall is ginormous, I had a difficult time finding the store. Once I stepped in the mall I was overcome by the sights and sounds and people, swarms of them, everyfreakingwhere.
I was elated when I saw the Vera Bradley sign and almost ran to the store. I was overcome with all the colors and patterns and sizes and styles and zippers and choices. The only pack I could decide on was black and that defeated the whole purpose, so I left. It was too much for me.
From there I drove back up towards Baltimore and then down to my parents. I was so glad to get out of the car! When I walked in their house they invited me into their “warehouse.” My room filled with boxes. All Amazon.com.
This isn’t all of it, things were delivered for several days.
Just a few pics from Asbury in the Solomon’s, MD. The grounds are nicely maintained but that’s about the only positive thing I can say abut the “retirement village” they are living in.
their back yardTheir sun porch where they spend most of the time.Osprey nest, Solomon’s PierMama OspreyGuarding the baby birdsAsbury Solomon’s buildingsOn the Patuxent River
Not going to go into the reasons we are displeased with the place they live, it’s too depressing. BUT, on the flip side, my parents are doing quite well considering Mom turns 90 on August 1st and Dad is 94. They both still drive, not a great distance but they are mobile. It’s always an adventure going to visit them and this time was no different. I find it exhausting changing your daily lifestyle for a week, but worth it in the end.
More on that and my revelation that I had while in Marshall’s in Lexington, Md. It was kind of an epic event for this shopper girl. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.
06/05/2015 Our fourth July 4th spent on Roatan. We were very low key. All the dogs watched except Lucky, he barked. The pups sat on the steps staring at the sky, I’m glad we were here for their first night of explosions. Bill worked at home all day and I did my airport gig all day. I was also a greeter last Saturday and while making my way through the lines chatting to people someone said my name and then said, “you’re Mermaid On a Raft.” I have NEVER BEEN SO FLATTERED IN MY LIFE. She introduced herself as Lizeth so I kind of followed them through the line and chatted with them (her husband and friends) for a bit. Yesterday as I was getting ready to go into the immigration area I saw them again, they were heading home. Then I recently got a comment on an older blog post from a gal that we met at La Sirena. Her husband just happened to find my blog and remembered talking to us at Jimmy’s. A few of them had on Akumal shirts and we have been to Akumal so naturally conversation ensued. Strong rum punches also encourage conversation..Liza and I have been in touch by email recently and are making plans to get together when they return this fall. Liza, hope you are recovering! (bicycle crash)
It sure is a small damn world.
Being a greeter at the airport is tiring but I LOVE IT! I especially love that I finally got to see my boy Tank yesterday. Kevin and Claire have made him the Blue Reef Properties official mascot and greeter. I saw Kevin come in the airport and he pointed over his shoulder to Claire and Tank in the parking lot. I went right out to see him and once he smelled me he knew exactly who I was. I was so happy to see him that Claire said to me, “are you crying?” Yep!! so happy Tank has a good home, they really adore him, which makes me feel good. I got to see him a second time during our break waiting for the 2:45 United flight to arrive. Sure love that boy!
I really enjoy welcoming all the people coming to the island and talking with them about their visit, answering questions and meeting the whole family. A girl asked me yesterday how I got the gig and did it pay well. I told her I volunteered and no it doesn’t pay at all. It’s just a good thing that we are doing and according to the feedback we get, people really like being greeted by someone with a big smile on their face saying, Welcome To Roatan!
And YAY, Lizeth (from the airport) just friended me on FB!! Thank you so much for introducing yourself, look forward to meeting up with you next time!
I met Nidia from Because We Care again this past week in Pandy Town. She was wood burning names on the backs of the desks and I went to take photos and for moral support. There are 2 classrooms but only 1 teacher showed up. The room next to us was being loud so Nidia went in and had a chat with them. I followed her in with my camera and that instigated a whole other experience. I started taking photos and they got crazy funny laughing at their pics..I’m getting them developed and taking them back to the students when I return from my escapade in the states.
Shy or sillyBrilliant smilemaking facescutieHer hair must have taken hours. She is so pretty.Another beautyCamera shyShe was toosuch pretty young girlsHe kind of loves the camerapretty prettyNot my picture, then he got hysterical when he saw itThis was pretty funny too. Hope I can recognize him by the back of his head to give him this pictureNidia, AKA Wonder Woman, etching the names into the backs of the desks.Schoolyard dog, thankfully he wasn’t injured..recess and time to eat some mangoor drink some sugar syrup stuff, like Kool Aid but probably worse.Playing hopscotch, it was drawn in the dirt.This little boy was adorable. Instead of tossing a stone, they were using a piece of glass. No joke.glassThis is the snack bar at the schoolHe asked me to take his pictureSo did these sweet girls. There was a man and a young boy at the school when I arrived. They were in the other room passing out school supplies and stuffed animals to everyone.Had to photograph these 2 also!
I leave on Wednesday for the US for 5 days + 2 days of travel. I SUCK at packing. I totally am the worst packer ever. I am physically and mentally incapable of packing just a few things. My issue is, I can’t just “assign” outfits for a day b/c I may not be in the mood for the outfit of the day and I may not want to wear that option EVER AGAIN. I just put 1 more skirt and 2 more tops in the travel bag and am going to try my damnest to not add another frigging thing. I am however, taking 2 huge bags and a huge duffle. Actually, one big suitcase is for my 2 complete headlight assemblies for my car. The ones that were in it were the wrong ones and incorrect voltage. When I put new bulbs in they exploded, seriously, into little pieces. An electrician here told us in 5 min. time what the problem was and by damn, he was right. We have spent the last 2.5 months trying to get ones here and gave up. I’ll transport them home and I will FINALLY be able to drive after dark! So, I’ll have a few (sic) clothes, ALL THE STUFF I’VE ORDERED ON AMAZON and my headlights and anything I buy to lug home. Yay for shopping in the USA. Happy it doesn’t happen often.
Today we ran down to the Beach Grill to get some stuff from Rob and then went to Rob and Lisa’s homes to see our former puppies, Bandit and Sable. We took Barrio with us. He puked once all over the floor mat, then I stupidly gave him some water and he puked again. Lola used to get carsick too, guess he needs to travel more. Bandit and Sable remembered both of us but Barrio was a little apprehensive. I actually think it was mostly because he had been car sick. I let him off his leash and he started running around and playing with them.
Driving on the beach from the Beach GrillIt is a road. Sort of.Dock at Tranquil SeasSandy BayCool plant but I didn’t really get to examine it so I’m confused..Barrio meets his brother Bandit (R) againSable and Bandit both checking out BarrioIs Bandit not adorable??Sable and Barrio, she was the only female pup so she is a tough one!!You can tell Barrio and Bandit are brothersLisa and Rob’s catSable chewing Barrio’s earLittle Miss FeistyThe neighbor dog w/ Bandit and SableBarrio was very timidStanding on the dock on the bay. His feet were going between the boards, he didn’t like that.Rob and Lisa’s restaurant, The Beach Grill. A really good restaurant with a gorgeous view!Sacked out on my foot until I gave him the last little bite of Bill’s burger, he was hungry after throwing up all of his breakfast.Just a quick pose, first restaurant visit.Beach Grill is attached to the Blue Bahia resort, separate owners. Olivia and I stayed at Blue Bahia in 2010.Boys fishingIt really is a sucky place for a hammock…NOT.My 3 boys sit until I put their food down. I don’t even have to say a word, they know.They are still sharing out of the lasagna pan. Maybe it will teach them not to fight over food.Handsome Highway..he and Lola guard the dish while the boys eat. Never know when a piece will find it’s way into their mouths!
This morning while cleaning up the kitchen I threw something in the trash can. EEWWW. There was a good sized dead lizard in there. I asked Bill, “why is there a dead lizard in the trash.” His response, was, “I didn’t think you would want it laying on the floor.” My cat does not eat them, only slays them. Although, that statement doesn’t explain the gross lizard tail in my last post.
Life in the jungle.
P.S. I lied when I said this was a quickie..once I start talking, well, you know.
****Thanks Lizeth and Liza for reaching out, hope to see you on the island again soon.****
Final note, I promise. We changed Brindles’ name (Bill hated it) to Gringo..
06/30/2015 A day of leisure has managed to evade us for quite some time. For the last 2 months our lives have been sheer pandemonium with puppies. Sunday June 21st was the first time before pups, without guests from the states and without a puppy sitter that we dared to leave home together.
I got up and visited with the puppies at a decent time this morning, it was Bill’s morning to get up at 5:30 and let them off the porch, I got to sleep until 7:00. I covet sleep, not having gotten much of it in 8 weeks.
After some smooches on the 3 remaining pups and feeding them their breakfast with yogurt, I made myself breakfast. I decided to wash our bedding so I enjoyed my cup of tea on the deck looking out over the north and south shores while the washing machine did it’s thing.
My boys
The pups all went down the steps to the yard to potty so I followed, tea cup still in my hand. I was greeted by umpteen numbers of dog poop piles, 4 big dogs plus 3 pups=massive poop. I chugged the rest of my tea and grabbed the shovel. It’s funny but these boys are like a chain reaction, one poops, they all poop, sometimes in two different spots per poop. Let’s spread the poop around. I am obsessed with cleaning up the poop IMMEDIATELY. I decided against training the pups to poop on the shovel after I considered the emotional ramifications for them so I am still following their hunched over backs and puckered poopers just waiting for the next pile to be expelled.
I got the yard all cleaned up, they had played and were passed out so I came back inside to do some chores. I threw the sheets in the dryer and washed the dishes, dried them and put them away, just in time to make another mess. I had to make rum balls for a party we were going to. I realized we were running late after I got the rum balls ready so while I was making the bed, I used a depilatory on my legs. Except I forgot to time it.
Oh well, may have to shave a bit too..
I am the queen of multi-tasking. I got the bed all made, jumped in the shower to wash the stuff off my legs and use a quick razor where I missed..
I still had to feed the puppers before we left, dry my hair and brush my teeth. I got the pups fed and by then I was sweating like a chased pig. I managed to use my Sonic Care toothbrush and my hair dryer at the same time. I was semi successful with both. Do you know you can’t stand a Sonic Care toothbrush up and hover your mouth over it? It DOES NOT work. Trust me.
All of a sudden it was noon and we were leaving with our friends to go to a party, boat access only, and they have a boat!! We had our cooler with some beer and wine and rum balls and we were ready to go.
One friend’s porchView from the other friends porch
We made it there in just a few minutes from Oak Ridge, tied the boat up and walked over to the party. There are 2 couples who live in 2 pink houses on this spit of land and it is a perfectly pink paradise.
Their private beach
We got to see friends, ate some fabulous food, had some drinks and enjoyed the surroundings. It is absolutely gorgeous over there and I will be headed back soon with my fins and camera for some serious snorkeling..resident eel and octopus here I come.
Can anyone spot my drink for the day?
This was a superb break from all the hectic things that have been going on in our lives and while I would like to say everyday spent on this glorious island is this tranquil and this much fun, it would be a lie. However, amongst all the pain in the butt things, the difficulty of doing somethings, we are still surrounded by beauty and calm in each direction we look. How we chose to appreciate it is up to us.
On Monday the 29th I went with Nidia and many of the ladies who will be preparing the food for the first ever Senior’s Luncheon to celebrate the residents on the East end of Roatan. It will be held in Punta Gorda, on the grounds of Spy Glass Hill, a beautiful but unused, vacant resort. We met today to have a look at the kitchen, assess what will be needed, plan the menu and figure out how much of everything they will need to buy, down to the spices, sugar and salt. One of the major things is determining if the big gas stove still works, nobody knows how long it’s been since it was last used. Cooking for 400 people is a big job for these ladies who are volunteering to help out.
Each of the different communities represented will have a prize for the oldest person in their community. I’m very confident that a room full of senior residents will have some fabulous stories to share and the amount of island history that they have stored in their heads will unfortunately never be recorded in any history books for generations to come. Many of these people don’t get to see their friends who live in other communities because of the travel involved. This will be a significant social event for all of them, and for all of us fortunate enough to be involved.
The dining roomLooking into the bar areaBar to dining roomResident cat on the stamped concreteEntrance, office to the rightSecond floor atriumBeautiful light in this areaLong hall to 6 rooms going from each side of the atriumSuperb pool areaBig poolwalkway to pool from roomsResortthe grounds are gorgeous, goes right down to the water and a beachUnder the deck off of the dining roomDining room to left, big deck overlooking the grounds
The people who built this place did it right, it must have been a fabulous retreat for the guests who stayed there. It was purchased by someone else and nothing has been done with it since.
burner on the old stove
Our main concern is, does this stove even work?
Big old industrial gas stove. We need it to work. Bill said he would take a look at it.Good size workable kitchenThese are most of the fabulous ladies who will be doing the cooking. Nidia is second from right, top row. She is the brains and the power behind Roatan Because We Care.
Soooooooooooooooooo, we still have 3 puppies and for the most part they are good dogs. Still a few accidents on the porch but not too bad considering there are 3 of them and I’m not sure that some of the puddles don’t belong to the Princess of Pee herself. Speaking of Lola, she and Frito are having “these puppies are mine” fights and it is getting out of control. I’m afraid the pups will get in the middle of them. I’m so tired of separating dogs, Lucky hates the pups, actually I think he is terrified of them because he won’t even walk past them so we have to keep him away since he previously grabbed them a few times, then Frito and Lola sparring daily; it’s a little much..and frankly, I’m ready to be done with it.
I’ve been trying to walk the pups, what a circus. These photos really need no captions, they pretty much tell their own story.
Barrio in blue collar, Brindle in red and Max in green.
Yes, I am still in my nightgown. Many days it is just what I wear.
I survived the walk.
I finally have some Heliconia growing, or Lobster Claws, only one flower so far but hopefully I’ll have more soon.
Lobster ClawThe hillside is starting to look good, have to keep it chopped every 2 weeks or it grows into a jungle..
That’s it for now folks, off to see Nadia @ Glam Salon and get my roots recolored to the color they should be and not the color they continually grown out as…What is up with that??
Mermaid on a Raft 