Hurricane Irma - September 8, 2017

The morning before the storm, the ocean was calm. We did some walking today. We forgot salsa and dish soap, which prompted us to walk to the nearest food store. Several people stopped to see if we needed a ride and in the store we needed help finding salsa. Bahamians don't love salsa like I do. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Once again, the store had plenty of supplies and the salsa was tucked away in a corner.

We found lots of coral and chatted with Mr. Delancy as he was making preparations for all of his properties. The talk was all about the storm. Hurricane Matthew hit this area around the same time in 2016. Thirty foot Austrian pines were pulled from the ground but there was no flooding. We thought that was odd because the property is right up to a canal and the ocean is just across the street. Mr. Delancy said there were no flooding concerns and being on the second floor was not nearly as safe. The storm could have hit at any time after 6pm. It wasn't until 1 am the following morning that the storm made landfall.

Hurricane Irma - September 5, 2017

Tuesday, September 5, 2017. The singers were up early, as usual. We were getting up and preparing the coffee. Before the coffee was ready, we received a call from Noel, the host of Little Deadman's Cay. The conversation went like this: "She's coming." Me, "ok?". "Yeah, the hurricane. I think she's coming. But I got you a place and you can drive my jeep." Me, "So, we need to leave the island." "Yeah, we need to get you off the Cay before she arrives." Shocking news at 7 am. Unexpected. 9 am. Mr. Delancy calls to check on us. I explained my brief conversation with Noel and Mr. Delancy agreed that was a good set up for us. 10 am. We attempt a quick kayak but get a call from Noel. The airline, Southern Airlines, was trying to reach us. Noel wasn't really sure what was going on but told me to call them. I call the airline and the representative breathes a sigh of relief. She explained the hurricane was coming and we were being evacuated on Thursday September 7th. After a heated discussion on what we should do, I call the airline back just to make sure. The representative gave a light laugh and said our plane tickets were good for a year but there was no guarantee of us getting out before the hurricane hit. So I said, "ok, see you on Thursday at 8 am." We made arrangements with Noel to take us to Max's Conch Bar for some lunch and research. To this point in the trip, we had been blissfully unaware of any hurricane coming our way. It was time to see what all the commotion was about.

Hurricane Irma - September 4, 2017

Monday, September 4, 2017. The moon was brilliant and vibrant. That day was spent kayaking, playing yahtzee and drinking beer. It was a good relaxing day, with no cares in the world. More photos to follow.

Hurricane Irma - September 3, 2017

The views from Little Deadmans Cay to Long Island are stunning when the sun is out. Today, we had a kayak on rent and it was delivered. We enjoyed a short kayak to hunt for shells on another island. At this point, we still didn't realize the hurricane was on its way.



Sandals Barbados

This trip brought us to the silver sandals and the complimentary couples massage. The massage was amazing!

The food was also amazing! Everything was fresh and prepared well. There were tons of Brits at the resort and the island. Barbados is celebrating 50 years of independence this year but there are definitely strong ties to the UK. 

We did a snorkel dinner cruise with Cool Runnings II and they did a great job. 

I have so many photos and stories to share and I'm planning to do that on my blog this week. 

First though, I have a long list of people I want to thank for the wonderful and welcoming service they provided. 

Shonnell

Dario

Dale

DJ Shaqmed 

Marlon

Denis

Nicholas

Stephen

Nathaniel

Jamaine 

Joy-ann 

Mario

Gilbert

Markus 

Most of these people were bartenders but the entertainment team and loyalty desk did a fantastic job. 

Thankful Thursday

I have lots to be thankful for. Let me share a couple with you. 

I enjoyed a fun run on Sunday! Hey I don't look bad in those short shorts!

Chomps is a furry little angel (most days).

I indulged in dessert not just once...

...but twice. Yum!

Final thing is the island. It's been over a year. It doesn't look like much but to me it's very definition is paradise. There's no internet. Just peaceful waves and little no-see-ums. 

Here is today's verse. Happy Thursday friends!

Serious Sunday

Lately, I've been pondering my art. What do I want to create? What will I do with it when I'm done? I am getting into stippling at the moment and when I finish I'll show it off here on the 'ol blog. I haven't spent much time considering my writing. If there's nothing to say, then there can't be a post. I want my space to be entertaining and encouraging. When I am not inspired, I won't post. Perhaps my art has distracted me a little too much. Mmmmmm..... Nah. 

My thoughts have wandered over to tropical places many times. Too many to count. We have an amazing trip planned for September. The Bahamas, on a private island. No one sharing the island with us. It's no wonder I can't stop dreaming about white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. 

Feel free to join me in dreaming of tropical dreams. Have you been to any good beaches or island vacations? I'd love to read about it.

Key Largo

I just got back from vacation and it was fantastic! The first stop was Key Largo for New Years Eve. There was a spectacular fireworks show that I completely missed. I don't know how I missed it. Key Largo is a very laid back, chillin' like a villain sort of island. There's great hotels, good boat slips, gorgeous bay and an excellent discount liquor store. If you need an island escape, I would recommend Key Largo. Just don't go to the Key Largo Conch House.

Sail away

All stress floats away when on a sail boat cruising through the Greek islands. Its hard to believe I was there just a few short years ago.

I will be back on a yacht floating through fascinating places. This is the perfect life filled with relaxing naps, gentle waves, and time to do whatever puts me at ease.

Thank you Lord for creating the ocean, so I can relax on a yacht. Thank you Lord for the wind that takes the yacht from sweet island to sweet island. Thank you Lord.