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!