Party Across the Street

The day before yesterday, Mae and Craig threw a party at the house across the street from us. It was to celebrate several things: Mae's birthday, Jim's birthday, selling the house, Denis and Vivian buying the house... I guess that's about it.

Everyone brought a dish to share - the usual pot luck fare. Additionally, there was a birthday cake and two others and a couple of gallons of delicious Western Dairy ice cream - chocolate and vanilla.

It was great weather, not too hot and certainly not too cold. Here's a few shots of the crowd attending.

Margy and Sandra

Judy Wearing a Mask

Craig With Michelle and Carole

Elsie and Craig

Billy and Sandra

Craig With Carole and Michelle

Tony and Mae

Tim, Bill and Gail

Julie, Loreta and Richard

Nellie and Tony

Mae, Julie, Elsie, Lynn and Dianna

Mae and Vivian

Lynn and Dianna

Jim Holding Forth

Elsie, Lynn and Dianna

Carole and Craig

Dianna, Craig and Elsie

Everyone Under the Palapa

Dianna, Jim and Pam

Denis and Peter

Craig Making Obligatory Announcements

Dave, Lynn and Cindy

Craig

Christina

The Cakes

Bill, Denis, Vivian and Julie

Our Next get-together will be this Friday at Jim's to celebrate his birthday (again), eat some food and trade books.

We just don't have time to cram all these social obligations into the days...

Closing Credits

As will happen, I got a bit of sad news yesterday evening from Gary, an old friend of mine concerning another old friend, Leonard E. Grandy, and Leonard's passing. We had both lost contact with Lenny years ago. The three of us had been junior and senior high school friends, playing in a couple of garage bands and even after we all did stints in the military, playing again in a couple of bands till real life (marriage and work) intruded. After that, we drifted apart.

Gary and I kept in touch, although sporadically, but still enough that we knew more or less what was going on with each other's lives.

The email told me Gary had been Googling names he hadn't thought about in a while (as you do), and came across an obituary for Lenny, who had died in 2003, and one for his wife Shirley, who passed the previous year.

The news prompted me to write a loose sort of poem, something I haven't done in years. I was in the living room early this morning, sort of dozing, and it just popped into my mind.

Poetry

It might not really rank as poetry, but it was cathartic for me and lessened some of the sadness. I thought I'd share it with you. Hope you like it.

Dave

Roof Ridge Rises Rapidly

Today we've had some progress on the construction. A roof ridge is being added. This does more than create a cosmetic appearance to the roof. It will help channel rain water toward the back of the roof so it goes down the two downspouts and then into cisterns (yet to come).

It's only one block high, but thats plenty for the purpose. It'll also give a more secure feeling when you have to go up on the roof for any reason.

Roof Ridge On the Way

Here's the ridge view from the back of the guest house. You can see the two down-spouts that will have 3" PVC piping connected to them eventually, directing the flow to cisterns that will also be located around back.

Roof Ridge and Down-Spouts

Here's the view from the front of the place. It will give the roof a more substantial appearance from the ground.

Roof Ridge Front View

Nuevo Restaurante en la Ciudad

We had the pleasure today to have a wonderful lunch with Doug and Twyla and her folks, Signe and Kelvin. It was at a new place here in Corozal - they've been opened for only three days.

It's La Casa Restaurant, located at 147 - 5th Avenue, Corozal. It's easy to find. On 5th Avenue, adjascent to the turn for Cactus Plaza. I neglected to bring my camera along (I know that's strange in itself), so I don't yet have any pictures of La Casa to share. The restaurant opens about 7:00 AM for breakfast (complete with fresh-brewed coffee). They serve lunch too and close for the afternoon about 2:30 PM, opening again for the evening meal about 6:00 PM till 10:00 PM.

Actually, it is a bed-and-breakfast. In addition to the restaurant, they also have three rooms, complete with private bath, and (I think) A/C. The rooms seem spacious, clean and well appointed. Pricing is reasonable - $60.00 BZ single, and $75.00 BZ double.

Let me tell you, the food was very, very good. The menu features mostly Belizean and Mexican dishes, with Mayan additions soon to come. The service was outstanding, with everyone being quite attentive. Drinks arrived at the same time as did the meals (unusual down here, but much appreciated).

Prices are quite reasonable too. The six of us ate fried chicken or rice and beans and stewed chicken and drank (juices, tea, coffee and soft drinks only) for about $72.00 BZ.

They have a nice clean atmosphere inside, and as a special treat, they have a patio completely covered as an arbor with a roof of bougainvillea and garlic vine. It was cool, quiet and a very nice change of pace.

Jimmie, the owner, said they were full this morning for breakfast, so as word gets out, it might be worth it to call ahead. You can reach La Casa at 605-0159 or 625-4847, or by email at: jemaltd@hotmail.com.

Give La Casa a try. I think you'll like it. Give the patio a try. It's great.

Don't Put the Jeans Away Just Yet

This morning, it looked like we were going to get rain. The breeze was coming out of the north, which usually incidates lowering temperatures. So far, that hasn't happened. But, just in case, I'll keep my jeans available in case goose-bumps make a sudden appearance.

The year before last (May 2007) we were visited by a heavy-duty Land Rover RV (http://winjama.blogspot.com/search/label/Land%20Rover)traveling up the Americas.

This year, we've been visited by another bodacious RV. I'm not sure of the make nor their itinerary as there was no one up and about when we came by. All I could do was snap a couple of shots showing this heavy-duty behemoth. I think it's even more bomb-proof than the 'Rover.

Front End of Heavy-Weight RV

Back End of Heavy-Weight RV

This morning, the fleet was in. We had eight pelicans hanging around the fisherman's pier. I think that's the most I've seen at once since we've been here.

Some of them had sort of a crown of golden feathers, while others didn't. I'm not sure what it signifies. I suppose it's some sort of differentiation between the sexes, or possibly young pelicans coming into adulthood.

Here they are. Most have turned toward us, as they probably thought we had some sort of food for them.

The bird on the post is a heron who, a few minutes prior to my snapping the shot, had been arguing with one of the pelicans as to who was going to stay on the post. I guess he won.

The Fleet's In

Ninety Degrees in the Water

You know, if it's ninety degrees in the water and around ninety in the air, if there's no breeze, it's really hard to tell where the air ends and the water begins - that is, if you're standing still in the pool.

Dianna and Quackers Showing the Temperature

Other than that, it's a whole lotta fun! Yesterday, Matt and Jen joined us for the afternoon for "pool-time". Their dog, Anna, joined in as well. She really liked swimming in the pool.

Jen and Dianna Playing With Anna

I think it quite surprised our doggies. Cindy didn't seem to want anything to do with it. Secret, hung around, watching. I think she might be enticed into the pool in a few days or so. Cindy will take longer.

Secret's Still Not Convinced

Anna Swimming

Yesterday was a farewell dip in the pool for Matt, Jen and Anna. This morning, they begin a six-day drive north to Winnepeg. Brrrr!

Matt and Anna Enjoying Some Pool Time

Elsie came over today to visit. She and Dianna went over to the grove and checked her's and our banana crops.

Elsie Admiring Her Banana Crop

Our bunch is a little smaller, but you can tell from the grins, the happy farmers are enjoying the result nonetheless.

Dave and Dianna Checking Out Their Banana Crop

You Want Chunes, Man?

Yesterday morning, I had a private message (PM) on the Belize Forum (http://www.belizeforum.com/), responding to a widget I had added to the blog. That widget allows me to showcase some tunes for folks reading the blog (You can find it near the top on the right sidebar).

"Thank you so much for the play list on your blog. I have gotten into the habit of turning it on then perusing the Forum. Its great, thanks for sharing."

I answered also with a PM. But then, after the fact, I thought folks might find it of some interest, if they like the music in the widget. My answer and then some, is below:

I'm glad you like it. Music's been an important part of my life, and reggae especially for the past ten or so years - more especially roots reggae. Some of the best of that is coming out of Africa, Alpha Blondy, for example (who I incorrectly identified as Buju Banton, a Jamaican favorite of mine, in the PM). I've included some songs on the list from Alpha Blondie and Majek Fashek, another African reggae artist.

If you're really into it, Deadly Dragon Sounds (http://deadlydragonsound.com/index.php)in New York is the Mecca for roots reggae from the 60's on up.

The best music to have come out of Belize, in my opinion, was the late Andy Palacio. His great Garifuna African-influenced poly rhythms were amazing. Just as his career was taking off internationaly, he passed away.

You might want to check out Stonetree Records (http://www.stonetreerecords.com/music/albums.php). Stonetree is Belize's own music source and recording studio.

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Patron Saint of This 'n That

I've been curious about this for a while. Sometimes on our morning walkies, we pass down 1st Street South, beside the Catholic church, heading toward the Thunderbolt pier.

Just past the church, on the opposite side of the street, there's a fenced garage and small parking area. As you can see, one of the corner posts has two silver-painted busts.

What I wonder, is this a representation of the patron saint of parking lots? Or, is Mother Mary burdened with yet again another tasking... Sort of a de facto parking garage attendant? Does this put the fear of God into the hearts and minds of neer-do-well's and other criminal elements that might otherwise pilfer or tieve the church's property - in this case, the parrish wheels?

Patron Saint of Parking Lots On the Post

Patron Saint of Parking Lots - Close Up

Probably not. It might just serve as a reminder for those being tempted to stray from the path of good behavior to think twice.

Anyway, I thought it was just something kinda quirky and worth shooting. Just a tad unusual.

Cold Weather Begone!

And, just like that, we're back to nice warm weather - 80 (f) at 6:00 AM. What a great way to start the day - walking the dogs, wearing shades and working up a sweat. It's wonderful! Pack away the sweatshirts and long pants, put the blankets away and fire up the fans. It's warm again!

Speaking of warm air, could it be that elections are close at hand here in Belize? Well, I guess so, judging by all the banners around town. It's amazing how quickly all the blue (PUP) and red (UDP) banners appear all over, on roof-tops, on telephone poles, strung across roads.

Just this morning, as we headed into town for our early morning walk with the girls, here's the scene that greeted us.

Election Close to Hand

Even many of the utility poles have a new coat of red paint, replacing the blue and white from previous elections.

Beyond that, life goes on as normal. The market place was gearing up for business as we came in and I loaded Cindy and Secret up with oranges ($0.10 BZ each) and tangerines ($0.15 BZ each) - six of each.

After the market, we swung by the post office. Drat! No mail again. And then it was past the Catholic church where we were serenaded by beautiful singing... Unfortunately, the song sounded like a funeral dirge. But, it was sunny, so we didn't care.

We passed the Thunderbolt pier where passengers start forming up early for the ride to San Pedro. A day like today, it would be an enjoyable trip.

Just past the Thunderbolt pier, we passed the fishermen's pier. Doug called my attention to the scene below. I was daydreaming as we strolled past and would have missed it entirely but for his alertness.

They're either ready to put to sea or they're expecting a handout when the fish are brought ashore.

Ready for Sea, Cap'n

Just Yesterday Morning

I have been meaning to take a photo of this structure in Corozal for some time. I pretty much had to wait till the sun rose early enough on our walkies to take it. Finally that happened.

People still live in this place. I'd love to see the inside. I bet you can't fill a coffee cup anywhere near the rim and set it down without spilling some. Eventually, some morning, the collapse will occur with the middle of the house settling to the ground first, pulling the rest of it in on itself accompanied by a big cloud of dust. Then it's just a load of kindling.

Local Architecture

You can tell by the red "Vote 7 UDP" banner that we're nearing local municipal elections. I think they're around the first part of March. UDP and PUP banners are all over town.

Not that we spoil our girls any, but they do sort of expect daily bones. They get them after supper in the evenings. Here's a shot of Cindy and Secret waiting patiently by the front door. Sometimes they just look so comical, trying to wait without showing too much excitement - till you open the door.

"Where's Our Bones?"

Ninety-Seven Percent Forest-Free

Thursday morning dawned chilly again. I forgot to check the "thermal meter" on the porch. But, it was chilly, up till about mid-morning. After the obligatory morning walk with the girls, Dianna and I huddled under blankets while we had breakfast and watched the Daily Show, our major source of US news. Tomorrow is supposed to be even colder - down to 58 (f). I think National Hardware will be getting a supply of snow shovels in any day now.

But, enough sniveling about our cold-cold-cold weather. Yesterday afternoon I took photos of the guest house and finally got them all posted below. We start off with a panoramic view of the front of the place. The only sticks still in place are the ones supporting the outside headers, everything else has been cleared.

Front Panorama

This is where the 4-piece sliding glass doors will go, opening out from the center in each direction.

Closer to the Big Opening

This shot is from inside the kitchen area, looking toward the bedrooms and bathroom doors.

From the Kitchen

Now, this one's kinda neat. Looking from the kitchen area out to the pool and deck. I wish it was warmer - I'd be in the pool right now!

Looking Toward the Pool

These two views are from bedroom number 2, looking out the window, then back to the bedroom door.

Number Two Bedroom - Looking In

Number Two Bedroom - Looking Out

This set is of bedroom number one. Again, looking outside, and through the bedroom door out.

Bedroom Number One - Looking In

Bedroom Number One - Looking Out

Bedroom number one actually has a pretty good view straight out to the pool, as you can see below.

Bedroom Pool View

This view is of the kitchen area, taken from the living room area side of the room.

Kitchen Area

Another of the kitchen area, taken from the bathroom, on the left, and from the living area.

More Kitchen Area - From the Bathroom

More Kitchen Area - From the Big Doorway

The most important room in the guest house... the bathroom. These view are looking from the shower area on the left, and looking toward the toilet area on the right.

From the Bathroom - Looking to the Pool

From the Bathroom - Different Angle

Here's the bathroom door from the outside on the deck.

Bathroom Door Outside

For a small place, we have enough door. This one is of the utility room from the deck.

Utility Room

And this finalizes our tour. This one is of the interior of the utility room showing the plumbing roughins and a bit of the power panel. The ladder is just for effect.

The Utility Room and Pool Toy Storage Room