You Can See Clearly Now

Started off on walkies this morning. The hint of rain in the air, as it has been virtually each day this summer. We've actually had very little rain and no storms (since this is hurricane season).

I couldn't resist showing you the very latest in security here in Corozal. This protects the gate (and I assume the contents) of the hotel once known as the Inn At Corozal Bay. I'm not sure what it's name is now as the sign has never been changed.

I would hope that the gate treatment is not a sign of how potential guests at the hotel may be treated. Just on the face of it, it would seem that something is needed, I'm  just not sure what.

The Zenith of Security in Belize

I've been meaning to show this for several days now. I have no idea what caused this change for the better along the Northern Highway (the George Price Memorial Highway as is it's proper name) as you come into Corozal, but it is a very nice and welcome change.

Where All The Billboards Should Have Been All Along

I'd like to think that it was the force of my journalistic skills that helped push the issue. See my blog post "Welcome to Corozal" (http://www.winjama.net/2014/08/welcome-to-corozal.html). Well, probably not so much that. Maybe it was the Corozal Town Council having a change of heart and working to seriously enhance Corozal in the eyes of tourists and, of course, it's residents. Or maybe, the very shopkeepers who paid for the obnoxious billboards in the first place, decided to put a value on quality of life instead of just measuring it by how thick their wallets are.

Billboards Placed As They Should Be

In any case, it's a much improved approach to Corozal, and my hearty thanks to all concerned for having the courage to do it in the first place. I, for one, and I'm sure there's many others as well, really do appreciate having an unobstructed view of our gorgeous bay.

Wecome To Corozal - Much Improved View

Here's how the view was just a short time ago:

What An Atrocious View

There is, yet, a small reminder of the way things used to be. I wonder what's wrong with these people?

Perhaps Bill Wildman, Developer of Consejo Shores, would prefer to have his billboard placed in his front yard? These need to be moved, and the sooner the better.

Now, What About These Two POS's?

Mike Wu is in the process of making a name for himself and his restaurant, Z-Restaurant, located where Bumper's Chinese Restaurant used to be. Mike's menu is, frankly, for Corozal, superb. And the sushi, hey, it's wonderful!

He's also done an amazing job of creating a very pleasant atmosphere inside. Much cleaner and more modern than the old Bumpers. Congrats Mike. You have a winnah!

Mike Wu's Z-Restaurant - The Best!

From On High

As long as I was up on the roof of the guesthouse anyway, I decided to take advantage of the situation and snap a few more shots of this and that before I headed back down the ladder.

The Pool, All Nice and Blue

I took several shots of the pool. Amazing what a new pump motor does to help rehab the pool. Well, that, along with Dianna and Cody scrubbing all the tile and the mosaic with bleach and CLR. I was right. I mentioned to Dianna what I had written the other day. She laughed and said that Vivien had emailed her, warning about this being a dangerous combination. Dianna also said that when Cody mixed the two (he only had a little bleach left in his bucket when he poured some CLR in it) that the mix immediately bubbled and gave off a very strong chlorine odor. We'll be more careful in the future.

Another View of the Pool

Just for good measure, I threw in another picture of the pool. Water temperature is staying pretty steady at anywhere from 92º to 94º (f). Too bad we can't get it more comfortable...

I know I promised a detailed look at the plantings in our yard. I'm working on that (in my spare time). In the mean time, here's a glimpse of the garden.

Some of the Garden

What this picture also shows is the guys still have some work to do on top. Filling all the blocks and plastering the sides and top to make a nice row that won't fill up with water.

Back Garden Area

The shot above shows the back garden, which has been really neglected. Now that the guesthouse is nearing completion, Dianna is looking much closer at that area to figure out what she wants to do with it, so I'd expect this part of the yard to become a bit more filled and complete looking in the near future.

We do get a nice view of the bay from upstairs at the guesthouse. If we ever finish the second story, this will be the view.

Nice View of Corozal Bay

Here's a nice peek-a-boo view of Denis and Vivien's house from upstairs. The palapa is Elsie's and it's protecting her car.

Neighborly View

And finally, I'll finish off with another shot of the Pooch family that lives up by Tony's Inn. The kids have just finished breakfast. Soon all four will be taking a nap.

Pooch Family

Casual Saturday

Ok, I've carried this casual bit about as far as I can - probably about a day longer than I needed. Y'all realize of course, we don't wear socks, most times we go "commando" (if I need to explain that, you really are behind the times), and rarely wear anything other than tee-shirts and either shorts or swimming suits. Oh yeh, and Crocs. Unbelievable just how comfortable those things are.

Here's the latest updates on the guesthouse. The guys are planning on casting the roof this coming Sunday, so they'll be spending today (Saturday) prepping the forms, growing the forest, etc.

As you can see, some of the forest is beginning to grow as they've already got the form done for the "chain" as it's called. It's the rebar-laced concrete bit that goes completely around the edge, binding the whole house together. Below is the view through the 12' hole for the sliding glass doors, this time taken from inside.

View From the Kitchen/Living Room

A few more views - the one on the left is looking into each bedroom from the living room. The shot on the right is from the kitchen window.

View Windows All

Another View Window

Here's a closeer view of the electrical panel in the utility room and a view from there out to the pool.

Electrical Panel

View From One of the Bedrooms

Here's the new pool cover deployed. We noticed that it kept the tempurature about 2-3 degrees warmer just overnight. I've also trimmed it a bit in places for a little better fit in the pool (that'll show up in later shots. These views are of it untrimmed).

Pool Cover Rolled Out

Pool Cover Rolled Out - Untrimmed

And finally, another view of Corozal Bay, near the fishermen's pier and the "old man of the fleet". I always image him as the senior pelican since he has the coveted post to spend the night on.

Sunrise

And finally, for today. I noticed yesterday, the more Gregg's trees get pruned and cleaned out, the better our view of the bay improves. As you can see below, we've now got a nice, albeit short view of the bay.