Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Today is our last day here at Little Cayman.  Tomorrow late morning we fly to Grand Cayman and on to North Carolina and then DesMoines.  Of course, the weather was absolutely perfect again today.  It was perfect yesterday too.  I spent the day yesterday just enjoying myself.  The morning bike ride was extra special and I just tried to soak in the place.  I had fun on my floaty and started getting homesick for the Caymans already.

Last night we had a guest over for dinner.  We had a good time.  The hours flew by.  We got up this morning and had our first morning with a cooler temperature.  It was 79 degrees at 6:00 but warmed up quickly.  I have been busy today getting everything ready to leave.  There is a lot to do as we will be gone for a long time.  We did take the kayaks over to Owen Island this morning.  We went around the back of the island this time.  We saw a few turtles and stingrays on the way over.  On the way back home we saw at least ten turtles.  It was unbelievable!  At one time there were five of them right around us.  What a fun trip.  When we got home, we took the kayaks out and washed them and put them in storage.  See you next year kayaks!

Richard snapped my picture over at Owen Island.  What a place!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

I woke up today in paradise.  There are only a few mornings left so I am treasuring every minute.  It was another perfect weather day.  Absolutely beautiful!  I am pretty much relaxing and just doing fun things now.  I tried not to work.  Richard got the boat out of the water today.  Another fisherman on the island helped him so that was very nice.  We were very grateful.

I snorkeled out front today and spent time on the beach.  Richard and I enjoyed the porch a lot today.  After all our hard work it is nice to sit back and enjoy it.  I've started my list of what to bring next year and what not to bring.  We went to the store and bought a pick ax today.  Every time we have a worker here they ask for one.  They wind up going back somewhere and getting one.  Now we have our very own!  They are great for digging holes and getting tree stumps out.  Sounds like we are ready for next years projects.  

Saturday, March 8, 2014

The last two days have been busy, busy!  Friday we got up super early again so Richard and Tom could go fishing.  The Wahoo were biting and conditions were great.  They headed out with high hopes!  I did my exercises and was just getting ready to go on my bike ride when I turned and looked at the water and there they were!  Heading to the dock!  I was sure they had caught the big one and were back to show it off.  This was not the case.  Turns out, the boat motor was dying!  They couldn't get over 5 mph.  Poor Richard!  So it looks like fishing is finished for this year.  He is taking the boat out of the water.  Next year we will have our own boat.  Problem solved.

I watered all the new little coconut trees and cactus and new christmas palms we had planted this year.  Richard proceeded to clean up his fishing reels.  My bike still needed to be ridden, so off I went.  It is so much fun to ride a bike here.  It was plenty early when I returned so I read my book on the beach.  What a hard life I am leading!  We ate an early lunch and headed out to snorkel.  We went to the north side to our favorite spot at Bloody Bay Wall.  We got there and our "car" died.  Unbelievable!  We finally made it to the power plant where Bujo works and lives.  Luckily, he was there and came to our rescue!  His wife brought us home and this morning he brought our repaired vehicle back to us.  Next year we will also have our own nice new car.  Problem solved.

When we returned from our car fiasco I got my floaty out and had some fun in the water here at the house.  It was hot and sunny and I wasn't ready to dry off yet.  What a day!  I did have to get cleaned up as last night was Mardi Gras and we were going!  This year they have the dinner and live band on Friday night.  It was tons of fun!  The parade was today and is impressive what this tiny island with 150 people can do.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  We sure did!

Here we are waiting for the parade to start.  Marcia, Patty and myself.  Patty is holding their little poodle. 

 

Here comes the first float!  There was music and everything!

Our theme this year is "Our Islands Treasures".  Here is an iguana, a conch, a grouper, and the guy on the right has a turtle shell on his back.  That is coral at their feet.  

Here's another float.  There were several.  Each one was very artistic.  They worked hard on them.

Here is a photo of the "crowd".  We gathered in the parking area of Iggy's for the judging of the floats.  There was also the drawing for the raffle.  I tried to win an I-Pad Mini.  All the profits from the Mardi Gras go to the Little Cayman Trust.  

Thursday, March 6, 2014

We are back to normal here on Little Cayman.  Beautiful blue sky, perfect temperatures, nice breeze and most importantly, I'm here!  We were up before 6:00 again this morning as Richard went fishing again.  Getting to be a daily thing.  I think he is "hooked".

I was lazy today.  Did my exercises and a bike ride and then hit the beach.  I did rake the beach so I get a little credit on the work card.  The island birch tree has started losing some leaves and litters them on my sand.

Today we paid off all our accounts here on the island.  That is a sure sign our departure date is looming.

I am posting some photos of our street side of the house.  We finished spreading out that giant pile that I thought we would never finish!  We did it!

This photo is taken from the porch.  This is what I see when I walk out the door to go down to the car.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

After a late night watching the ISU game again at Iggy's we just got to sleep when we were awakened by the sound of rain.  We rushed to close windows while breathing the fresh smell.  Another early fishing morning got us going again.  Everything was dead still!  Not a blade of anything was moving.  The water was like glass.  Richard had high hopes of catching the coveted Wahoo.

While he was gone, I did some exercises and got my bike ride in.  The sun was hot and there was no breeze.  Once home again, I sat on the beach to read while the laundry was being washed.  I love this life.  I began to notice a few nasty looking clouds coming in.

Richard and Tom returned with a nice tuna.  Life is good.  We got that fish cleaned up and I still was wondering if I should hang out my laundry.  The clouds were moving in on us.  Suddenly I noticed a nice cool breeze and then the lovely smell of rain.  Sure enough, it started to pour!  It rained for hours!  Our cistern was refilling.  This is unusual to have rain like this in early March.

We caught up with friends this evening at SCC for Wet Your Whistle Wednesday.  It was fun to hear what everyone did on a rainy day in paradise.  I finally hung out my load of laundry around 2:30 in the afternoon.  As I type this, I just remembered it is still on the line.  I forgot to get it in.  Hope it doesn't rain again tonight.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Thank heavens, I woke up in paradise again this morning.  We had perfect weather here again today.  I sound like a broken record, but it's true, the weather is just always wonderful.  Richard and I worked on projects around the house early and then took it easy.

After an early lunch, Richard went shore diving with the guys.  They went to our usual spot over at Bloody Bay Wall.  They had a great time and saw lots of big fish.  While he did that I worked on an area along the driveway until I got too hot.  The water lured me in.  Boy, did that feel good!  I stayed out there way too long.  I think I could have even taken a nap right in the water.  A turtle came over to check me out.

We had a good supper and are taking it easy tonight.  A gentle breeze is blowing in the windows and I feel content that I made the most of my day.        

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Where do I begin, to tell the story... (theme from Love Story).  I have been humming that song all day today.  That song popped into my head, I am sure, because I am so in love with Little Cayman.  We are just so happy to be here.  Today we slept in a little.  Last night was a late night as we watched ISU play basketball.
The game was on at The Hungry Iguana.

There was a very large barge yesterday that we spotted out in the water heading it appeared to Brac.  Suddenly it turned around!!  It appeared they had cable trouble.  It came precariously close to the reef when the tug finally managed to push it out a ways.  It tied up to a buoy into the night but when we got up it was gone.

Yesterday was a fun day with lots of play and a little work.  I finished painting the front of the house.  Glad to complete that project.  Today we finished spreading our crushed rock pile.  I worked a couple hours on it this afternoon and then Richard took over the shoveling and I spread.  That pile was so huge, it seemed we would never be finished with it.  We are so pleased how everything looks.  We also cleaned up and organized the area under the house.  It looks great!  Richard has the steps finished that he made out of rocks and cement.  What an art project!  We are feeling pretty proud of ourselves right now.

Friday, February 28, 2014

It is the last day of February already.  Time sure does fly when on Little Cayman.  The weather was perfect again and we made the most of it.  We were up before 6:00 as Richard was going fishing again this morning.  He and Tom went out and caught a nice tuna.  We had some for dinner tonight.  We have been eating very well while here.

I did my exercises this morning and went on an early bike ride.  It is best to do those things very early.  When I got back I raked the beach.  It needed it as the island birch tree decided to drop it's leaves and litter them on my sand!  After that I read my book on the beach.  What a morning!!  

We ate an early lunch because at noon we met the guys on the north side.  Richard, Tom, Mark, and Bruce went lobster fishing and I snorkeled along.  Patty and Marcia decided not to but I didn't want to pass up a chance to snorkel at a new location.  It was great!  

On the way home we stopped and picked up a nice big piece of driftwood.  We have been looking for a long time for the right piece.  I am going to paint the name of our house on it and put it out front.  I'll call this my art project.  

The rest of my day I lounged around on my chair on the beach.  It was so beautiful out that I just had to relax.  

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Today I went out in the deep sea fishing boat with Richard first thing in the morning.  We had a day with only 1 mile an hour winds so the cut was very calm and the ocean swells were minimal.  The sky was cloudless and we fished for hours.  Finally Richard decided that was enough and removed his pole.  I felt a little tug on my line and it got more forceful so I announced I had a fish on.  It was exciting!  I handed the pole to Richard as I was afraid if it was a bigger fish that I could lose the pole.  He reeled it in and there it was, a trigger fish.  He was so cute!  I see them when I snorkel and just love them.  Of course, we put him back to swim free in the ocean.  It was fun to finally get a fish though.

It was a hot day here with no clouds and no breeze.  We sat on the beach when we got back on land and then had an early lunch and a nap.  What a hard life!  After nap time we went to the store for a few items and then did some projects.  Richard is putting in some cement/rock steps in the back.  He mixed up some cement and got to work.  I cleaned ceiling fan blades and a couple windows and then started painting the outside of the house.  When we did the concrete patio it messed up the house and shower paint.  I feel like I accomplished something today.  It was a fun day.

Below is a picture of a sea turtle we saw yesterday while snorkeling.  He got away from the camera a little but he is so cute that I am posting it anyway.

There he is at the top of the photo!  There was actually two of them.  We have been seeing a lot of turtles this year.  We even have seen a lot of them in front of our house.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

What a wonderful day!!  We slept in a whole hour longer than normal this morning.  I don't know what happened!  We just slept really well.  My bike ride and beach walk was fun and then when I got back there was a beautiful pelican and a pretty white egret right in front of the house.  I quick got the camera but by then they were further out in the water.  On the photo they look so small.

We had two big ships go by the house today.  That is fun to see!  One was so huge and it was moving really fast.

Tonight is Wet Your Whistle Wednesday at Southern Cross Club and we are heading there.  Afterwards we are going to The Hungry Iguana (Iggy's) for dinner and will watch the ISU basketball game there.

Our snorkel at the Bloody Bay area was really wonderful today.  Once again the water was perfect and we saw so many fabulous ocean critters.  This time we got to see a big beautiful turtle and a smaller one too.  There was a nice big angel fish, puffer fish, eagle rays and on and on.  I will post photos tomorrow as I am short on time right now!

Richard headed to the tarpon pond and hooked five tarpon this morning.  He loves that place!  It looks like somewhere in outer space!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Here is a picture of Richard looking as happy as a kid!  He is holding the first lobster he has ever caught!  He and Tom went out this afternoon and got lucky.  We ate him for dinner tonight and he was delicious!

We had another day that was made for water play.  After I did some exercise and serious bike riding I settled in a beach chair and read my book. After lunch most of my day was spent in the water.  It was a very relaxing day.

Monday, February 24, 2014

My daily journal continues as I record my experiences and thoughts while spending a glorious 6 & 1/2 weeks here on Little Cayman.

Richard left early to fish on the boat this morning.  I still needed to make a batch of pancakes for the week and then finish kitchen duty.  I hurried through the rest of "housework" as I wanted to get on my bike ride early today.  The day was going to be extra warm as the breeze has died down.  My ride was great!  I think I'll do it again tomorrow.

After the fun bike ride and beach walk I needed to cool off.  The water was so calm and pretty so I changed to my suit and took my kayak out.  Cutie Pie was in the water too!  She/he was fishing right by our house.  I can get very close now and he even seems to recognize when I say his name.  If I was here long enough I would call him our pet.

I raked the beach a little after my kayak fun and then I settled in a hammock to read.  I may have fallen asleep for a bit.  It was that wonderful!

After lunch, we made a trip to the grocery store for supplies, a lot of which were things for the boat to keep it running.  The afternoon included some jungle removal, watering of the new cactus and other yard projects.
We sure kept busy.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

This weekend was a busy one here on Little Cayman.  Saturday morning after breakfast Richard and I  went  to the barge to finally retrieve our dining room furniture.  We managed to get it all on and in the vehicle and drove slowly home.  We love it.

After a hardy lunch Richard went out on the boat with Tom to try to catch that elusive Wahoo. They had a good time but still no fish!  I did a few things around the yard and was on my way to water the new little cactus we planted when Lou and Colin arrived with a giant cactus.  This thing is huge!  He pulled it out by lassoing it using a big fat rope and towing it out of the ground with his truck.   I started digging a hole for it at the entrance to our driveway.  Suddenly a young worked from next door appeared and quickly dug it for me.  He proceeded to remove the rope from the cactus and just picked it right up and put it in the hole.  It was amazing!  I filled in the dirt very carefully so as not to get stuck by a needle.  It is a beauty!  We all came in out of the sun to cool off after our big adventure.  What a day. 

Island friends had us over to dinner last night at their home.  Their was six of us and we sure had a fun time.  We got to bed later than usual last night.  

This morning Richard went fishing for lobster with Tom and Mark.  He has been wanting to do this for some time.  They managed to get a nice big one!  

The afternoon was very warm today with a beautiful blue sky.  I was lazy for awhile and then went to work clearing some jungle on our last section to be cleared.  We are finally seeing the end of the jungle tunnel!  It was some project!  We call it our fun work!

Friday, February 21, 2014

I woke up at Little Cayman again!  Thank heavens!  I sure slept good last night.  There was a nice breeze coming in the window on me all night long.  This morning I did my work out again.  I have been stiff and sore after the last work out.  Turns out I got out of shape in a hurry.  My muscles were getting lazy.  It is nice to have a break from my exercise routine at home though.  I did some work around the yard and beach and then just sat on my beach chair for the longest time.  It was so wonderful.  I was in the shade with a nice breeze blowing.  A little gecko was sitting on a rock by me the whole time.  He enjoyed it too.  Some of these little guys are so friendly and don't run away at all.

We are still waiting on our table and chairs.  Turns out they delivered only the cold goods this morning.  We stopped to pay Frankie before lunch and he said the barge would deliver dry goods this afternoon.  Another trip to the barge at 4:00 was a waste of gas also.  Then at 6:00 I got a call from Frankie's wife saying the barge was in.  We hurried over and sure enough there it was.  This is something to see!  We also got the chance to see the sun setting into the ocean.  Very pretty.  Frankie was there also but decided not to open the containers until morning.  So we came home empty handed again.  If it wasn't for getting my table & chairs I would say I am getting tired of driving to the barge!

This afternoon I worked on a new area of our beach.  We are starting an expansion!  While I was out I noticed our bird was in the water by the beach.  I took some photos of him.  Here he is just after he caught a little fish and ate it.  He is so adorable!  I should probably name him.  How about "Cutie Pie"!

We stopped and visited some neighbors down the road from us today.  They have some beautiful flowers and cactus on their property.  They wanted us to take a few so we did.  We are excited to plant them.  Thank you Lou and Colin!

Tonight, after dark I sat out on the beach.  The bugs were not out and it was so peaceful!  I love the water when dark outside.  This water is always taking on a new look.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Today I woke up in paradise again.  Am I lucky or what!  We had a leisurely breakfast and started our day. Richard worked on the plumbing for our new tankless water heater.  He will have it all ready to go if and when our current water heater goes kaput!  It could happen in five years or five minutes, who knows!!  I took my bike for a speed ride and did a nice long speed beach walk.  I'm calling that my exercise today.  It sure beats a treadmill!  We made a trip to the bank as I had to pay for our cement work. We also did some beach sitting this morning as it is just so darn beautiful!  Boy, I love this place!!

After lunch I worked on the entrance to our driveway.  It needed some attention.  It looks so much better now.  We are going to do some work on this area in the future.  I should have taken a before photo too.  It looked pretty bad.

Richard took his kayak to the tarpon pond this afternoon to fish.  It is the first time he was able to go this year.  Having the deep sea fishing boat has been using up his time.  He discovered it is not so easy getting in and out of the kayak over there with his arm and foot injuries.  I think he has been pushing himself to the limit with his recovery lately.

This afternoon I took my "floaty" out in the water again.  After getting all hot and sweaty working, it sure felt good to relax in the water.  I laid around awhile after getting out of the water and then I just got lazy.  The weather was so perfect and I just didn't want to stop and make supper.  It was so super nice!!  We did have a good meal though and tonight did some star gazing.  I never stop being amazed by the stars here.  What a show!

  Above is the photo of my hard work.  Right in the center of the photo is our driveway entrance.  Below is another shot taken from the other side.

Below is a picture of a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron that lives in an area along our driveway.  He is very used to us being here now and we love watching him.  He moves in such slow motion when hunting and fishing.  He does his fishing in the water in front of our house.  He has lived here for a few years now and was just tiny when we first spotted him two years ago.  If one clicks on the photo it will enlarge to get a better view as my picture is kind of blurry.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Today was a big day.  The cement truck arrived at 8:00 A.M. and our deck was poured.  Here is a shot of the action!  It was fun to watch that huge truck come down our driveway.

 

Jim and Ginny left the island on Tuesday morning.  It was fun to have them here and I enjoyed a vacation from clearing jungle and trying to remove sand burrs from the beach.  I am determined to eliminate those stickers and have a barefoot'n beach!

Yesterday evening Richard and I went to the Hungry Iguana and watched Iowa State play basketball.  They have a couple big TVs there and it was fun to watch our team win!  

Tonight was Wet Your Whistle Wednesday at SCC and we were there.  It was fun to get together with island friends.  

Tomorrow I am getting on my bike again.  I have not been doing as many rides and beach walks this year as I would like.  This year has been a busy one for us.  We have had a lot of projects it seems.  I am excited for the barge to arrive this week as our new dining table and chairs will be on it. I ordered it on-line so I have not seen it yet.  Sure hope it looks like it did on the computer!!  

Here is a picture I just took today of the beach.  Notice how there are no stickers on it!  Ha Ha!!  We made a nice sand path to the beach through the rocks.  That is a shadow on it from the island grape tree trunk.  Eventually, I will eliminate those rocks.  It's good exercise!  

Once again it is snowing in Ames.  I am so glad to be here and miss all the nasty weather.  When I am here, I never want to leave.  I know though, when I get back home, I will be happy to be there too.  

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Here comes Jim and Ginny off the plane at Little Cayman to visit us.  We were so excited to see them arrive!  Luckily they arrived before the rain started.  Shortly after they got here we had a super heavy rain storm.  We had just settled in at Iggy's outside restaurant when it started.  We waited it out comfortably and enjoyed a nice visit.  The rain finally quit and we headed to the house.

Here we are at The Hungry Iguana (Iggy's).

Here we are heading out to kayak over to Owen Island.  Richard and Jim were getting in on the other side.  It was a beautiful day.  The water was very smooth.  During our travels we saw 4 stingrays.  Earlier that morning Ginny and I took a nice bike ride down to SCC and then went on a long beach walk.

We made it to Owen!  Richard is not on these photos as he keeps the camera.  We will have to remedy that.

Here we are at Point of Sand getting in the water to snorkel.  The conditions were perfect!  A good time was had by all!

Valentine's Day!  They handed the ladies a red rose at Southern Cross Club.  We had a delicious dinner and had a great time.

Now here is a cute shot!  Check out the desert!  It was yummy!!

Today we found out that Iowa State was playing a game that was on TV.  We went to IGGY'S and they put it on their TV and we watched it there.  That was fun.  Thank you Iggy's.  We toured some of the island "spots" and picked up a few grocery items.  Ginny and I made our bike ride/beach walk in the morning.  Of course, the weather was perfect again today just like we ordered!

This is turning out to be a very fun week and luckily we have some days ahead to enjoy yet.  

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

I woke up in paradise again and I'm loving it.  It was 87 degrees here today and 15 at home.  Once again our weather was perfect today.  We worked outside again on lots of projects.  There was a little sand work early and then I made potato salad.  The grocery store was on the agenda again.  With a vehicle it is pretty easy to get there.  As we were driving home, our grocery receipt got out of the bag and blew out the window.  After I put the things away I got on my bike and traced the drive looking for the receipt.  It took awhile, but I finally found it.

Richard and I were "sand bandits" this afternoon.  After our major stump removal we had some major holes that required sand.  Mission accomplished!  This beach is slowly taking shape.  We are very proud of it.  A lot of our sweat is going into it.

After dinner this evening, we sat out on the porch.  The breeze was so nice to keep us bug free and there is a moon just shy of full that is lighting up the sand.  So pretty!  I can't believe how lucky I am to be here.   

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

We had another beautiful day on Little Cayman.  Richard and I have been busy cutting more jungle away and of course, that means we have to haul it to the burn pile also.  This is exhausting work!  I also worked on the beach again this morning before it got too hot.  It looks great.  We had some pretty big holes to fill after our stump removal.  Today we found some sand and transported it to fill our "holes".  Of course, we need more.
We are still working on our crushed rock pile but need to wait for the cement truck to finish that.  They will come to pour cement on the 19th.  I am very excited to get this completed.

Jim and Ginny are coming to visit us and will arrive on Thursday.  We are ready to have some fun!  Major relaxation and play time.  I can hardly wait!!

This afternoon I hit the water again on my floaty.  It is getting to be a habit!  Now I am showered after a good supper and ready to beat Richard at a game of Cribbage.  Then it is off to bed so I can be ready for another day in paradise tomorrow.

Monday, February 10, 2014

I am still in Paradise today and boy am I glad to be here!  I had a super wonderful day!  The weather here at Little Cayman continues to be better than perfect.  This morning I worked on the beach.  There was a nice breeze to keep me cool.  I was repairing areas that had tree stumps removed the day before. 

After lunch I went for a beautiful kayak paddle for a long time.  It was so peaceful.  The water was calm so the paddling was easy.  After that I jumped in and floated on my floaty, since I already had my suit on.  Super fun!!  I lounged around on a beach chair after, until I got too warm.  Then I got my kindle and went out back to the hammock in the shade and read my book.  Talk about enjoying life! 

Yesterday turned into a very busy day.  Colin (Blossom Construction) came and removed tree stumps on the beach in the hot sun.  At the same time yesterday, Stafford and another guy were here framing out our new cement deck.  This is a happening place!  Marcia and Mark, our Cayman Island friends from Minneapolis, came for dinner last night.  It was fun to catch up with them.  They, like us, are grateful to escape the frigid weather back home.

Richard took the boat out for a bit in the later afternoon.  No fish!!  Where did they go?? 

I could also mention the usual things that got accomplished today.  Shopping for food supplies, went to the bank to pay the Port Authority bill,  general housework upkeep.  I almost forgot--yesterday I washed the windows!  They we very dirty with the ocean salty spray.  Sure is nice to see out again.  Hello scenery!

Saturday, February 8, 2014

No pictures on this post to record another unbelievable, beautiful day on Little Cayman.  I was too busy having fun to take any pictures!   The wind was very calm again today and it was a cloudless sky again.  I just love it.  It's hard to believe it is so cold back home. 

Richard went fishing again this morning but didn't stay out long as the fish were not hungry.  In response to this, he went bone fishing in the kayak.  We will be here 2 weeks tomorrow and this is the first time he went bone fishing this year.  Of course, he caught one.

I removed the jungle along the step side of the house today.  Every year I have to cut it out.  Things grow crazy here.  Of course, then I had to haul it away.  So that was exercise!  Mostly, I spent a lot of time outside just enjoying how beautiful it was. 

This afternoon I snorkeled out in front of the house.  I only saw one fish.  I just did it to be in the water and have fun.  Then I needed a few things from the store, so I put my cover-up on and a straw hat and went.  I could never do that at home!  That is just one of the really cool things about being here. 

The weather is breezy this evening and I had to force myself to come indoors.  The moon is at least half full and the stars are just shouting, they are so bright.  I was sitting out on the porch with a cotton sundress on and flip flops in February!  This is living!!

Friday, February 7, 2014

Today Richard took the boat out again early to try for a nice fish.  Above is a photo of the boat we are renting from Mike.  It is the first one in the photo.   He didn't get one today.  Some say it has everything to do with the moon.  Who knows!  It would sure be exciting if he could get a Wahu. 

The weather here on Little Cayman has been spectacular this year.  The last week there has only been a slight breeze so the water conditions are unbelievable.  It just can't get any better!  We are sure enjoying it.

I did my usual house stuff this morning and finally washed Richards clothes.  He was running out!  We worked the driveway and are now finished with it for the year.  I hauled tons of big tree branches out of there.  It looks great!  Richard has been doing some crushed rock work that hopefully isn't too hard on his foot.  This afternoon I spent mostly in my wonderful hammock.  No words can describe how fabulous it was!  Talk about comfy!!  I am reading a good book right now so life was pretty decent today!  Total relaxation!  This evening we lounged a little out on the dock after dinner.  It was so beautiful!  Knowing how bad the weather is back home, I am grateful to be here, but wish it wasn't so brutal for family and friends.  They better clear up that weather problem before I return.

Thursday, February 6,2014

Here is a picture of the car we are renting from Mike and Linda!  What a ride!

The barge came in and my colorful chairs arrived.  The guys are coming Sunday to start work on the new patio where they sit.  It will run the length of the house.  It will be so nice to have.  Yeah!!

Here is the pile of crushed rock that arrived this morning.  We are using it on the water side of the house and in the driveway also.  More work!

That's me out in the water on my new floaty mattress.  The water was so warm!  It was fun!  I felt like a kid again.  This is living, 85 degrees!

Here are my new beach/lounge chairs.  They arrived today also.  What a fun day.  All this new stuff!  I also got new vertical blinds for the living room.  We hung them tonight.  It looks different as the old ones were blue and these are white.  Couldn't find blue anywhere in the world!

Another busy day here on Little Cayman.  Richard went fishing this morning with Tom.  They caught a nice Tuna!  We had some for supper.  Yummy!  I did my bike ride in the morning and went beach walking.  Fun, fun, fun.

This was licensing day so the scooter and the car had to be taken in for a new license.  I also had banking to do to pay for lots of stuff.  Seemed we were running all over.  I got some fresh eggs from Diane Fite.  She has an egg farm she has started here on the island.  Tomorrow we will try them. 

I don't know what was the most fun today.  That water play was pretty great.  Life here is suiting me fine.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

I slept like I was dead last night and got up early as Richard and Tom were going to try deep sea fishing.  When Tom arrived, they decided to wait another day as Richards' footsie was not good.  His foot is very swollen and red and hurts a lot.  What a bummer!!

The weather was spectacular again today, of course.   I did a little beach raking (very little) and then lounged in my beach chair and did some reading.  Then I moved to the porch hammock and did some serious reading and napping.  After lunch I did a little computer work and then headed to the hammock in the shade and did some more lounging and reading.  I guess one could say I was lazy today!

The vehicle was supposed to be ready for pick up at 1:00 so we took the scooter to get it.  I drove the scooter home (my first time driving it).  The plan was for Richard to follow in the car.  Turns out the car wasn't ready so I had to go back and get him.  It was finally ready this evening so I drove that scooter again!

I did drive my bike to the grocery store this morning early for a few items.  It is a long drive so I get to call it exercise!

Hopefully everyone at home is staying warm.  Another big snowstorm hit and the temps are brutal.  Glad I am missing all that.    

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Today we had another beautiful day here in sunny Little Cayman.  Once again in the 80's.  No snow or cold temperatures for us!  I am so glad to be here.  Hope everyone back home is okay and not too cold. 

For some reason we made today a work day.  I picked up stickers on the beach for awhile and then started on the driveway.  It is fun to see the transformation.  Slow but sure it gets a little wider.  I'm pretty exhausted and plan to make tomorrow a play day.  We both need it as late morning Richard dropped a big log on his right foot (the one that is all busted up).  He has been resting and keeping it up and using ice.  We are hoping for the best.

I roasted a whole chicken in the barbecue grill for supper tonight.  It was very yummy!  Especially because I was starving!! 

This big guy is a Permit.  He is about 3&1/2 feet long.  Just one of the many beautiful fish we saw while snorkeling.

Tomorrow the barge is coming in.  I have lots of fun stuff on it and I can't wait!  Hopefully, we will get our vehicle back so we can pick the stuff up. The "car" needed work so luckily we have the scooter and bikes. 

February 3, 2014 Monday

Look at this little guy blending into the sand.  Isn't he adorable!  Taken at Point of Sand.

Here we are with Brandon the day before he left.  This is at Point of Sand.  Don't we look happy?  We are!  We had so much fun!

I didn't type on my blog last night as it was Super Bowl Sunday and we went to Iggy's this year to watch the game.  Fun to do something different.  We left early as the game was a dud!!  We are on an island and would rather get to bed and up early so as not to miss a minute of the beautiful weather.

Brandon had to go back to the frigid north yesterday after a glorious week with us here on the island.  They changed his flight and he had to leave on the early flight out at 9:15 A.M.  He then flew to Grand, then to North Carolina, then to D.C. and finally on to DesMoines; arriving at 11:00 P.M.  Good grief!!!  At N.C. they insisted on checking his carry on bag and sending it through to DM.  To make a short story long, they proceeded to loose his bag!!  If that wasn't bad enough, his car and house key were in the bag along with some meds. 

We had a sleepless night worrying when we didn't hear from him at 11:00.  Finally around 2:00 A.M. we found out about his "problem".  He stayed in DM at a hotel.  Luckily I have spare keys to his car and house at the Ames house.  Jim and Ginny to the rescue!!!  They actually found the keys and delivered them to Brandon and even took him to his house.  If you need a good friend, look them up!!  Thank you Jim and Ginny.  I can finally relax!

Natalie made it home from her trip to Cancun the same evening but late also.  She had her keys and her bag, thank you very much!!

At this time, they still have not recovered Brandon's bag.  Where in the world is Brandon's bag?

Richard and I got a little sleep and then got up at 6:00 so he could take the boat out.  It was a perfect morning and day again.  Today I washed all the painted porch railings, did laundry, exercised, rode my bike to SCC and walked the beach, vacuumed the whole house, worked a couple hours cutting and hauling tree branches from the driveway, did some phone business, prepared three meals, did a lot of dishes, took a shower, went to a wonderful presentation on coral bleaching and climate change by the CCMI atSCC, and am now typing my blog.

Tonight the sky is rich with beautiful stars and I spent some lovely time this evening out on the beach.  There was not a single bug out and I could have stayed out there all night.  I am making good progress eliminating stickers on the beach as I only had three on my shoes when I came in.  This makes me happy!!  You asked me kids, "What makes you happy"?  There you go!!

I think I'll sleep good tonight.  I'm tired already!

My Jasmine tree is flowering this year.  This is the first time we have seen it flower!  The leaves are all on the trees yet also as there has been a lot of rain this fall.

Check out these cuties!  Notice how clear the water is and this is down deep, deep.  What a snorkel that was!

Saturday, February 1,2014

Here is the beautiful Eagle Ray we saw while snorkeling on the north side the other day. His tail was close to 10 feet long!  We actually saw two of them.  We had the best time ever!  It was fun having Brandon along too!  I am excited to post this finally.  I have been having a terrible time posting things to my blog this year and Brandon came to the rescue!  He downloaded FireFox for me and now it is working.  Brandon leaves the island tomorrow already.  We are sure sad to have him leave.  Today we snorkeled at Point of Sand and it was fabulous.

How about this lobster!  We saw him the other day too.  He was gigantic!!!

We have had the busiest week ever.  With getting used to that boat and the perfect weather, we are all in heaven!!!  I have been busy ordering furniture from various stores to be sent over and this took a lot of time with calls.  I can't believe a week is gone already.  I will post lots more photos and info later.  We played cards tonight so it is time for bed.  Tomorrow we are having a big breakfast at Southern Cross Club as a send-off for Brandon.  Wish he was heading home to warmer weather.  Dumb winter!

January 30, 2013 Thursday

It is 16 degrees in Ames and we are enjoying a beautiful 85.  The weather is unbelievable here this year.  How can you improve upon perfect?!?  We snorkeled on the North side this afternoon in the clearest, calmest water I have ever seen.  I am so glad Brandon was here to enjoy it with us.  The water temps are in the 80s which is so comfortable.
 


This morning Brandon and Richard went deep sea fishing.  They caught three barracuda but no tuna or wahu or snappers.  I am not giving up on them, they will catch supper for us.  The day before, the three of us went out but just for a spin.  It is a nice boat.  We are renting it from a couple (Mike & Linda) who stay on the island also.  They are not here right now.







I have been enjoying our beautiful beach.  The guys did such a wonderful job on it.  There has been so much rain the past months that the trees are lush and green yet.  There are no leaves littering my sand.  The jasmine tree has tons of leaves yet and it is flowering.  This is a first for us to see.  Usually it is finished when we arrive. 






We have been jumping in the car to get places, which is great, but boy do I miss my bike!  I would have had a ton of exercise by now.  It is nice to have a vehicle, but.....  Tomorrow the bike will get used. 




The island hasn't changed at all since we were here last.  With all the rain, the inland water lakes are full.  That looks really neat.  They have not been that full for a few years. 


I tried to upload photos but they didn't work.  Darn.  I think I will get a new blog as this one now sucks!  Ever since they changed the format it is awful!!

January 28,2014 Tuesday

We arrived on Little Cayman yesterday afternoon around 3:00 pm.  It was a beautiful, sunny day of 85 degrees.  Mike and Linda's car which we are renting this season, was there at the airport waiting for us.  We piled in and made the drive to the house.  The grounds look wonderful!  The guys did a beautiful job cleaning up for us.  We are very happy.  Nothing so far has broke down and that is very nice. 


Bedtime was early as we were all wore out and our tummies very full after a delicious dinner at Southern Cross Club.  Boy, did we eat!!  As soon as we got into bed it started to rain.  It rained hard for a long time.  This is so rare!  It was wonderful!


This morning was sunny and beautiful and not very windy.  The kind of day that is perfect!  The water was just fantastic and beautiful.  I headed for the grocery store very early as we didn't shop on Grand and the store was closed here yesterday too because of that holiday!!  It sure is fun settling in again. 


This afternoon, Richard and Brandon went and got the boat.  The Sunset Cove next door is letting us use their dock so we are grateful for that.  It sure makes things easy.  Tomorrow we will try deep sea fishing. 


I am so happy to be here and enjoy this with Brandon and Richard.

January 26, 2014 Sunday

We made it!  What a day.  I woke up at 2:00 A.M. and stayed in bed until 3:00 thinking I could sleep another hour but no dice!  It has been a busy time getting ready to make the trip to Little Cayman this year.  Somehow I seem to be worrying more about everything lately.  I did everything there was possible to do to get ready for the trip this year.  We adjusted the suitcases over and over to make sure they were all underweight.  We didn't want any over charges this year.  We headed out the door a little before 4:30 to pick up Brandon in Ankeny.

Our weather has been very cold and harsh this winter and they predicted a blizzard for our flight to North Carolina from DesMoines.  Luckily, it was just 40 mph winds but no snow.  We got to the airport to check in and they charged us an extra $90.00 for overweight bags!!!  I was shocked!  We were so careful packing.  How could this happen?  Once again, I say next year will be different.  This will not happen again.

The plane ride from Des Moines was a small cramped plane that I was relieved to get off of in North Carolina.  We had an early lunch at the airport and got on our plane for Grand Cayman .  It was a wonderful big luxury ship!! It was comfy and warm too.  With the help of my new inflatable neck pillow, I even took a nap.  How nice!

Arriving in Grand Cayman was heavenly!  A balmy 82 sunny degrees!  It could not have been more perfect!  We are thrilled to be here.  We ate dinner at Casanova by the Sea.  It is an authentic Italian restaurant and all the servers are Italian.  This place was chosen as Brandon loves pasta.  I had fresh Mahi Mahi and it was to die for!!  WOW!!!  I will certainly eat there again.  We ate over the water and couldn't have been happier.

We will not be shopping this year as today is Sunday and nothing is open, not a thing!!!  Turns out tomorrow is a holiday and nothing is open then either!  There are so many things I want to buy and can't shop for a thing.  Darn!!  I guess we will have to fly over again later and shop.  This means we have to buy more airline tickets.  The adventure continues.  I can't wait to get to the house tomorrow.