Copyright Fresno Chile Pepper Co 2005
Monday, January 17, 2005
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
2005 Arrives On Salt Cay
New Year’s arrived on Salt Cay in a variety of ways.
There was the thumping good New Year’s party at Island Thyme to the beat of Allan "Shine" Dickenson’s DJ skills. The joyous crowd danced in the Coconut Room all evening and into the night–apparently 3 am. Guests and residents alike had a ball.
The more traditional Belonger New Year involved bringing in the New Year at their church of choice. Services started at 11 pm and lasted into the new year with the DJ music in the background.
Windmills’ guests departed Island Thyme early and returned to the North Beach to celebrate with a beach bonfire (reportedly) made from the remains of the old Paymaster’s office which fell down in Frances this fall.
Then there was the good old stand by of watching Dick Clark’s (sans Dick) Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with the ball on Times Square (real time for those of us on Salt Cay).
This reporter suspects some folks may have celebrated in the age old tradition of going to bed and waking up to the new year the next day.
Whale Sighting!
Sue Malcolm reported she spotted 2 whales off the Green Flash New Year’s Weekend. Nothing since though and no reports of "singing" in the water so far. But then given the crash of the waves and high surf we’ve had, you can barely hear yourself think.
Crab Races Return
The first crab races were held on Salt Cay on December 29, 2004 with the funds generated going to the windmill restoration project. $211 was raised in this one evening. Absent were Lionel and BillyBobJack’s heir apparent–yet to be designated.
Racing divisions were Pee Wee’s, Lightweights, Middleweights and the big boys, the Heavyweight/Unlimited division. Clearly, size does not matter when it comes to the Pee Wee’s and the Heavyweights. Of course BillyBobJack’s clawprint was empty and greatly missed. Those will be hard claws to fill this season.
Several stables were represented at the races. The McNair Stable sported entries in all classes and managed to not win, place, show or apparently finish any of the 4 division races.
More successful were the crabs from the Frangipani Stables with numerous entries in all classes. These Ann Arbor visitors, consisting of Mom, Dad, numerous kids, grandparents and such, having been housebound all day due to weather, managed to pretty much clean up on the races.
During the races, several people visited Porter’s "Zoo" and we hear from Nurse Joseph, lived to tell about it–barely. Apparently the proprietors of the victorious stables visited the Zoo, including Grandma, in the joyous glee over winning, placing and showing in all divisions. Word is Grandma almost finished the Zoo Tour but failed to appear for the last animal drink.
Porter is not telling how he makes his Zoo drinks, but this reporter suspects that the basic ingredient may be some form of 151 proof rum brew.
Nurse Joseph
This reporter got to spend a few extra minutes with Nurse Joseph–our temporary nurse the last month or so.
Nothing against the incoming nurse, but Joseph has been a real asset to this island in his short stay. Normally based on Grand Turk, Joseph is a native of St. Lucia and now lives in the TCI full time.
Joseph indicated his desire to stay on Salt Cay and start some programs he has long wanted to implement on an island like Salt Cay. He would like to start a Weight Watcher’s type group, and go around doing outreach, more so, on blood pressure and other issues confronting the residents of Salt Cay.
During one visit to an establishment early in his stay, Joseph noted the number of Belonger men enjoying themselves. After a little chatting, he pulled out his trusty blood pressure wrist unit and got all the men to have their blood pressure taken. He’s even gotten a couple of guys to "cut back" a little on their liquid refreshments.
The men seemed to be responding to him also and showing up at the clinic for more help and information. He looked at everyone’s medications to make sure they were balanced and appropriate.
While visiting, our son Corey was immediately hit with some form of violent intestinal problem. After a few hours of realizing it wasn’t going away, we brought Joseph into help. Corey was pretty glad to see him and Joseph’s bedside manner was such that you had excellent confidence in his abilities and immediately relaxed. He checked him out, called the doctor on Grand Turk, and prescribed the necessary drugs to deal with food poisoning. (Honest, it wasn’t my cooking!) Joseph then came up the next morning to check on him, and the following day.
But, regardless of what the island folks wanted, and what Joseph himself had requested, his tenure did end. It’s too bad really. Salt Cay deserves to have the best of something, some time, not the left overs (like the old ferry boat) that no one wants. This does NOT mean or imply that our nurses have been that way, or anyone else for that matter. Joseph’s training clearly was more advanced than what we have known, to expect and have on this island.
BUT, we do get the rusty equipment and such that needs repair instead of the new tractor, new boat, or new dock for that matter. In fact that old ferry boat is back on the dock. Just once, can’t we have something we really want and need? Please, can we? Huh?
This is certainly not to say our new nurse will not meet or exceed Joseph’s abilities and style, or that our prior nurses were lacking. Joseph just had that "way". You knew the instant you met him you were in capable hands.
Clinic Needs:
Joseph has indicated that the Salt Cay Clinic is badly in need of the following
items and was the subject of an email by Porter Williams:
If you or if you have contacts who might be able to supply these items to the Salt Cay Clinic they will be greatly appreciated:
1. Automated External Defibrillator (the type that anyone can "follow the dots" and use;
2. Pulse Oxymetre;
3. Stretcher;
4. Oxygen gauges for small and large cylinders (two);
5. Cardiac Status Kits;
and6. A Computer (software would probably be good too)
Though Joseph will not be our nurse now, he is still very interested in his new
friends and "family" on Salt Cay. You can direct your questions directly to Nurse Joseph at percyj5@hotmail.com or at 649-231-4985 or 649-242-6698.
Government House:
The Government House renovation remains on a schedule as never before seen. Nothing continues to happen at an abnormally fast pace and the project is expected to never be completed as scheduled.
Paymaster’s Office Souvenir Stand:
For those folks seeking a reminder of the old Paymaster’s Office (the two story wood and stone building north of the White House) a convenient souvenir stand has been set up on the South End of Victoria St., just south of Pirate’s Hideaway.
This historic old building blew down in Hurricane Frances and was the only apparent building to be so damaged. The office once looked out across the Salina and was connected by a bridge to the White House. This old office was used for a scene, apparently, in the movie Bahama Passage, which this writer recently watched while on Salt Cay. The scene involves Madeline Carroll’s character sitting in the office with her father and has the door, windows, and view across the salina while they berate one of the island workers (Morales).
Anyway, I digress. The stand consists of several large piles of nail-filled wood, most likely termite infested, that is pretty much worthless except for purposes of a bonfire.
Be sure to get a beautiful piece of rotted wood before prices skyrocket and supplies become limited.
Movie Reviews:
Since I mentioned Bahama Passage just now, I should do a brief movie review for those who have not seen this 1940 adaptation of the book Dildo Cay. That should give it away right there....the book really, really is entitled Dildo Cay.
The movie was shot on Salt Cay and the White House is featured prominently in it. In fact, Rosalie Harriott told this reporter that the "rushes" were done in the basement and the film was sent out daily by boat for processing. Quite the daily routine.
Other than seeing Salt Cay and a few shots of Grand Turk in 1940, this movie rates 4 thumbs down. You can see Deane’s Dock, the Government Wharf at the White House, the salina, the Folly, the salt piles and how they relate to what is here now and Dunscomb Point to name a few things. There are some interior shots of the White House and the Paymaster’s Office. It’s really fun to pick out the spots we know.
The islander’s are represented mostly by the character "Morales" who is black and wears a South Caicos straw hat just like the one Stirling Hayden wears as well. For some reason the hats then look a lot better on those folks than we do.
Frankly, I think the Harriott’s must have had a fit when the mother character came on screen and did her role. Her opinion of the "natives" was pretty bad, no really bad. It would be hard to believe that any Harriott woman would even come close to being like her in any way. Especially after you’ve met Rosalie Harriott.
Other Social Events:
Debbie Manos celebrated her forty-something birthday the evening of December 30 at the Coral Reef Café. Numerous folks came by to toast her and have a piece of birthday cake beautifully baked by Zach McNair.
The Salt Shed and dock area rapidly recovered from two days of non-stop Christmas partying. Sagittarius, a popular TCI band, played through the night for two days with folks from Grand Turk and Provo flying in to party through the Christmas holidays.
Not much else happened, especially in the Customs Office. Obtaining one’s goods from them was not made easy this holiday season. I guess you could call it a social event, when the Doyle’s and McNair’s kept driving down to the dock most mornings to see if the boat was going. Did the stuff clear? Where is it? When? Did you talk to John Robinson? Did they find it? And so forth and so on. Whining was tried, stalking Shine and John Robinson didn’t help and begging just didn’t cut it with anyone.
Complicating matters was the weather (lots of it) and Customs being closed from noon on the Eve’s to Wednesday of the following week and Tuesday after New Years. So, not much was being accomplished from the government end of things. But, it did make for a running joke at the dock as to when anything would be arriving on island by any means.
Football took a turn for the good when the Rams miraculously made it to the playoffs. The James’, season ticket holders at Ram’s games, were pretty pleased with themselves Sunday evening. So, the pre-Super Bowl party season began with the St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks at the McNairs, (Joel McNair is a Seattle boy). Debbie Manos, also having satellite access, will host the next Ram’s game and Patriots game (Tews) culminating in Super Bowl Sunday in February. Someone else will have to report that event as this writer will be back in beautiful Fresno practicing law until she gets it right.
Lastly, since not much has been happening other than the McNair’s and the Jame’s in the south end, we report the arrival of the domino game "Mexican Trains". It really is called Mexican Trains. After a few minutes of train lessons, Mike and Marilyn were ready to take off the training wheels. Listen for those dominos clacking away in the South District when the sun goes down as this game makes its debut on island.
We all look forward to new blood arriving soon so the Social Activities column can live on.
Critter and Injury Report
Flies, mosquitos and sand fleas haven’t been much of an issue of late–unless of course they can buffet 20 mph gusts of wind and keep those stingers extended while trying to maneuver a landing on you.
Mosquito futures remain strong as we’ve had little spots of rain, despite however many clouds have passed overhead. A hatch is inevitable and it’s only a matter of time before those little flying, biting rats come out to visit our dinner parties.
Mice continue to be in attendance more so than usual. Mouse futures, in this reporter’s opinion, are not a good investment at this time given continued efforts to eradicate them. More cats have been seen of late in the South District in the joint human/cat effort to rid the island of mice. This does not include Beans (James) as she lives indoors and is still recovering from her trip to Salt Cay.
Palmetto futures remain strong just by their sheer tenacity. However, should Raid Bug Bombs become more popular (which today’s polling on the Community Boat at the dock indicates to be on the upswing), then Palmetto futures could see a waxing and waning in the short term. As with all cockroaches though, given time, dark, empty houses and some form of food source, they will return and multiply. So expect Palmettos to return strong during the summer and fall months.
You really might want to do some research on the sand flea bite issue before you come down. These nasty &#^%)&*^!@’s really make a bite. This reporter noted that something for jelly fish stings was also good for sand flea bites. Which, to my way of thinking, indicates they leave a poison. And if you’re at all allergic or sensitive to them, they will wake you up from the dead with the most severe itching. Sue Malcolm says cortisone cream helps, but I know Benedryl cream and Campho-phenique don’t do ANYTHING to combat the itch. I tried hot compresses at 3 am one night and that (something I learned after a Sea Wasp sting) seemed to help draw the venom they leave behind out.
I and many others out here would like to know what takes the "bite" out of the sand flea if not stopping the little critters from opening their mouths and taking that first bite.
No new calves or baby donkeys as yet, though several are obviously ready to burst any day.
Radio Mike decided it was high time the Cockadoodles had their pictures taken to verify their existence. Of course the picture he took of was either quite large Cockadoodle or two caught at a rather indelicate time. Morality laws preclude this photo being exhibited on the internet without some sort of authorization by the morality police.
Not a critter event, but Radio Mike managed to discover just how many times a cactus the size of a golf ball can, and will, insert thorns into your forearm at one time. At least 6 stickers managed to grab and hold and it took some serious pulling to remove the thing. These little devils have barbs on them that hang on after they poke you, making removal a dicey proposition.
Robert "Chi Chi" Jennings (Maria and Coral’s son) managed to fall off a tricycle (no, not a bicycle) while trying to pop wheelies on Sunday. Apparently he was demonstrating on Uncle Sammy and Ma Lucy’s adult trike bike (a daring yellow number actually). He managed to break his fall with his left arm, but the wrist snapped on him. Fortunately a visiting ICU nurse was there and kept him still and quiet as the bone was about to come through and sever a vein in his wrist. That, according to Nurse Joseph would have really complicated things for everyone. Maria and Chi Chi left for Provo and then Nassau for fixation of the break. This reporter saw Robert and Maria in Provo returning to Salt Cay on January 11–with a cast about to his shoulder. 4 weeks in that thing.
This reporter once again realized (and appreciated) first hand how quickly things can happen if you don’t pay attention on island. While getting out of a truck loaded with lumber, and looking and thinking all was well, I caught a finger in the load when it shifted suddenly and a couple of fingers hadn’t left the pickup yet. Luckily, the damage was more bruising and sore than ugly and broken–but you have to pay attention down here and not forget what you’re doing.
Comings and Goings
Mike and Marilyn James arrived as planned. Radio Free Salt Cay will soon be
on the air as Radio Mike has gotten his Frances bitten antenna up and his radio running. Canned beet futures remain strong on Grand Turk with the news the James’ did in fact arrive. Corn futures are also strong as the preferred side to the canned beets is polenta. The hot water situation is now apparently solved for the James’, and the screams that were originating from their bathroom at shower time are no longer scaring the children in the neighborhood.
The Doyle’s were out the door on Sunday, the 2nd. Their delivery finally made it through Customs and was delivered on island the day before they left. They got to pull the furniture out of the boxes, sit on it a minute and run out the door. Of course the hot water situation at their restoration home remains unfinished. But the sink is in the kitchen, the tile laid and the dishes, now happily, in the cupboard.
June, Jim and little Willie Tews arrived on island on January 6 somewhat unannounced and under the radar. Willie is keeping a sharp eye out for hovering Osprey and other hawk like birds while sunning in the back yard. He really doesn’t want to be the first flying dog on Salt Cay, let alone the first flying dog with a prosthetic device to boot.
Matt Schiller arrived on January 8.
Ann and Mike Hawkins are apparently now arriving in late January. They are enroute to Florida to launch after Captain Mike lays siege to Harbor Freight, Costco and other popular stores.
Haidee Williams, having positively identified Porter as her husband once again, also had to depart for the real world. Next up on her project list is apparently getting an adjustor to the Vero Beach home post ‘canes. She’ll be returning soon for a longer stay when floating is more popular.
And, this reporter’s son and grandson departed on January 4 to return to Indiana. When they left, the snow level was at 32 inches and growing. Hopefully something had melted and they can actually get a car out of the garage, but apparently now it is freezing rain and another winter storm is on them.
The McNair’s departed the island January 11–and hope that somehow, some way, the shed is built in time with the lumber they bought 2 weeks ago. Time for an old fashioned Amish Barn Raising party here. Or a Haitian Shed Raising experience–it certainly won’t be a party. A report from the McNair’s house sitter in California indicated that the swimming pool had crested and was now overflowing from all the rains. If nothing else, at least there’s going to be good skiing this year.
It should be noted that the garage WAS raised, and finished with the help of Alexis, one of the senior carpenters on island. Fine job by.
Cecellia, the housekeeper for The Tradewinds, is in Provo with her daughter and about to become a grandmother. Pretty said on the 11th that the baby was still not here yet. Nurse Joseph was getting a little concerned about the travel plans as she was 38 weeks along (out of 39 weeks) and still on island. Though he can deliver a child, and Mid-wife qualified, that was not his first option for the delivery of this child.
Lastly, January 4th must have set a record for the number of people to leave on one plane with all their luggage. Air TAC’s Islander was filled to capacity when it left for Provo the other morning. One family alone had most of the plane with about 13 people from Villa Frangipani. Fortunately the plane managed to make it into the air and to Provo without any fanfare or problems.
Weather Report
The weather remains here. We’ve been getting the leftovers apparently from the States and have endured days of high winds, high seas, and pretty cool weather. No rain to really speak of for all this crappy sea and sky. Makes for good weather to work outside though–so no complaints there.
The full moon was brilliant this month and you could just about read a book outside at night. Star gazing was a bit off.
Radio Mike pointed out a comet in the sky. Looked more like a fur ball than a comet, but who’s keeping track?
We really do need some sort of really good telescope here don’t we?
Places To Go:
This reporter and her family hiked up to Taylor Hill on New Year’s Day. Not much really changed there as a result of the hurricane activity this year. The walls are still there, as are the rock piles and the beach.
"Home Depot" is well stocked with odd lot shoes, plastic packaging with no apparent use, plastic bottles and some of the heavier floats. We did find a very nice sponge specimen–not the man made type either. But those have been few and far between. The bamboo selection is quite good as is the coconut collection.
The Cemetery Beach is now back to almost normal. In September there was a fall off of about 4 feet from the high tide erosion–this is almost entirely replaced now.
The James’ and Metten now have a beach instead of rocks. Apparently, after the hurricanes, one of the sand dredge barges on Grand Turk cut loose and floated off. Unfortunately, as the story goes, the owner didn’t notice for some time and it made it all the way to Salt Cay before it gave up the ghost and sank just off the wall–complete with sand, elevator and other equipment on board. No new reef to dive to or a wreck dive as it is too deep. But, it did let go of its sand to the benefit of the rocky beach.
The Mangrove Swamp looks great from Taylor Hill. One of these days I am going to go in there in a canoe or skiff and see what the place looks like up close.
The McNair’s went stargazing and set up a great beach bonfire on the southeastern shore one night. No street lights and great clear sky made for stars galore.
And that’s the way it is on Salt Cay as we start 2005.
Watch’s End:
This is the end of my watch on Salt Cay. I’ll pass the gauntlet on to M&M and others to keep us posted on what is happening. I’ll do a couple more Salt Raker News posts with more pictures, better quality (given high speed internet), links to more pictures of what happened here and any news I collect.
The garage is done and the Marley Mobile safely put away for the duration of our absence. Kudos to Alexis, our "Senior" Carpenter who knocked this thing out in 4 days. We recommend him for your future work by the way.
My goal this trip was to learn the faces of the people who preceded us here and call this home. I wanted to put names to the faces once and for all.
Ned Kennedy is fading physically, but mentally he is sharp as a tack. Mrs. Kennedy gets around as well, but she too is getting quite frail. Miss Cecilia is also quite frail.
There will come a time when these wonderful people will pass on and take their history and heritage with them. I hope the photos I have taken of so many will help us remember them historically–which leads to more ideas and thoughts of an oral history being undertaken by someone, somehow to preserve this history before it is lost for good.
Jim Tews suggested I do a DVD for the library with the Faces Of Salt Cay, and I’ll work on that on my return. They are young and old faces, some are not even people, but donkeys and cows. But this won’t be an oral history.
I heard many things this trip. For instance, there were times on this island where many of the men were gone for months. The women did it all. If a ship passed by that needed a crew, they crewed–and thus know how to sail.
They all know how to ball room dance–because it was fun and there was no satellite TV to distract them. They play musical instruments.
Sammy Simmons wore out his last accordion. He knows hundreds of songs by heart. And, did you know he has, reportedly, never set foot off of Salt Cay? Not even Grand Turk. We need to verify that I think. Anyway, he grew up in the house that is the ruin in M&M James’ front yard and now lives next door. That is sticking close to home.
Junie Tews related to me a time when the Kennedy’s were separated for a week, while Ned was on Grand Turk. She said they hugged and kissed and held each other like they’d been apart for months. Not a week, and not like they’d been married for about 50 years. We should all care that much for our spouses and loved ones.
Junie also related how Poley Dickenson’s wife, Mary, cried on her wedding night because she had to move to the South District. She’d lived her entire life in the North District. Poley cried too apparently as he’d always lived North as well.
People in the South District thought the North District people were stuffy and the South District people easier going. You’d think we were talking the Union and The South with a Mason-Dixson Line at the Folly.
Edwin Smith, Nathan’s father, related to me how Hurricane Frances wasn’t much of a hurricane–the one is ‘45 "now THAT was a hurricane". He remembers it well, it took out docks, a house next to the Brown House of the same size apparently and did enormous damage.
The Jim and Junie’s, Bram and Eleanor’s–people who were here when it wasn’t a dive site–need to relate their stories as well. Write them down, spread them around.
These are stories we’ve never heard before. How did we miss them? We didn’t ask, we didn’t listen? Most likely.
Radio Mike just learned after all his trips here that the road through the salinas by the White House is The Folly. Why was it named that? I don’t know, I haven’t asked. Maybe I should. I assume it will somehow make some sense.
And do you know which house was called "Middle"? Do you know who Miss Irene was?
Some people think that everything north of the White House is North District and everything south is South District. No, it’s Miss Irene’s home, which was once called Middle per Debbie Manos. The Miss Irene’s home is the middle of the island and the dividing line for North and South. I’ve also heard it called Halfway House when Miss Irene ran a bed and breakfast there.
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here is an old Bass Drum like you would use in a parade, in the old Benevolent Brotherhood building. I know Ann Hawkins rescued, through Lionel, the Registry of the Brotherhood, and that is now housed in the Library as I understand it. Do people know where the Benevolent Brotherhood is?
I know, a bass drum is kind of big, but it is a piece of history that still managed to survive Frances, visitors, thieves (not that we have any) and such. There is also the flag of the Brotherhood. These items need to be preserved and displayed somewhere other than an abandoned, falling down building. There are signs and such there too: Peace, Fraternity, Concord and a picture of a very, very young Queen Elizabeth. It was reorganized in March, 1915. I tall reflects the history of this island. The pews that are there, the caskets and such–all reflect a time that will never return and should be preserved.
Every time I look at the Mt. Pleasant I think of those first visits and listening to Bryan’s history’s and stories of Salt Cay, whether real or not. His "lawn chair" tour in a golf cart. The pictures that are on the walls show the people who lived there at one time–I just saw them and photographed them. I sincerely hope the Mt. Pleasant passes into hands that can bring it back to some level of what it used to be physically, economically and spiritually. But, there will only be one Bryan Sheedy unfortunately, just like there will only be one Ned Kennedy. Will we ever find a story teller again?
Many guests comment on the friendliness of this island, specifically the Belongers. Few places we visit do we get to be a part of the life of the society that lives day to day in the society. And a part we do get to play, whether homeowner or tourist.
For example. This trip the Police Band Christmas Dance...what a mix of people. The ladies were getting the tourists out dancing to the Caribbean Carols, the residents who were on island were dancing away. No one felt like a tourist, outcast or onlooker–it’s like that all the time. Then the food comes out and everyone is supposed to eat and enjoy. Where do you find that? Where do you rub elbows at the beach bars, restaurants and so forth? I don’t think Grand Turk even offers this level of involvement with the locals.
When I said my goodbye’s to Allan Dickenson (Shine) he said he was sorry he didn’t get to do the "surprise" for Joel. He hasn’t gotten the forks yet for his front loader. With those forks he was going to move Candy’s old black junk truck at the foot of our driveway and surprise Joel with it. Joel was genuinely touched by the fact that Shine remembers how much this bothers Joel–junk sitting there and the detraction from the island.
The expat’s who live here offer a level of involvement as well. Think back to the days of Bryan and the Mt. Pleasant Guest House. That is what brought us back, over and over was that conviviality and interaction with everyone on the island. Now others carry on that tradition for him.
I was at the airport to greet our son and grandson on a Global Charter with a couple staying at Windmills. It was pouring rain and I had no rain jacket. It was warm and I didn’t care. Besides hugging my kids, it felt really, really good to say to complete strangers in the rain "Welcome to Salt Cay!" and mean every word.
I have really, really enjoyed this trip. I know Joel was stressed with the projects and once again, having a last minute major project as we are going out the door. But he already is talking about what he’s going to do when we come down in Nov/Dec and told an airline buddy that we’d be back for 2 months again...so it must not be all bad. And this next trip is going to be more play, less work–take those pretty days and do some diving, go to South Caicos and such.
There are lots of things for us to start watching and looking out for. What happens here when the old folks are gone? Is there a reason the government looks to us like we don’t exist for improvements? There are no votes here, let’s face it. So many things to think about. Yet when you’re here, it’s so easy to just look out the window, and why shouldn’t we? The trick is with each visit, I think, is to step out a little further, look and listen more, but never ever forget to look out the window.
I think I am coming back in June, alone, to paint the garage, make sure renters didn’t leave some "snake" sleeping in the house so to speak. Snakes are things like the toilet running, a dripping faucet, a slash screen, stuff like that. And, I just can’t stay away that long.
Doing this "blog" of a News Raker has been fun for me. I’ve been trying to get started on some writing and this was the right impetus. I’d love to do a Salt Cay Cookbook, with pictures, recipes and island life mixed in. Who knows....but I have to do something as I wind up this law practice that has been good to me, even if it did try to kill me off with stress.
Salt Cay has taught me there is a better way to live out the rest of my life. I won’t get rich, never planned on it, but my life is genuinely richer today by the choices I have made the last few years. Salt Cay is a big part of that.
Those of you on Salt Cay...KEEP ME INFORMED! Did Bruce Willis really come to Salt Cay? Tell me first so I can put it in the news. Whales there? Let me know.
There was the thumping good New Year’s party at Island Thyme to the beat of Allan "Shine" Dickenson’s DJ skills. The joyous crowd danced in the Coconut Room all evening and into the night–apparently 3 am. Guests and residents alike had a ball.
The more traditional Belonger New Year involved bringing in the New Year at their church of choice. Services started at 11 pm and lasted into the new year with the DJ music in the background.
Windmills’ guests departed Island Thyme early and returned to the North Beach to celebrate with a beach bonfire (reportedly) made from the remains of the old Paymaster’s office which fell down in Frances this fall.
Then there was the good old stand by of watching Dick Clark’s (sans Dick) Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with the ball on Times Square (real time for those of us on Salt Cay).
This reporter suspects some folks may have celebrated in the age old tradition of going to bed and waking up to the new year the next day.
Whale Sighting!
Sue Malcolm reported she spotted 2 whales off the Green Flash New Year’s Weekend. Nothing since though and no reports of "singing" in the water so far. But then given the crash of the waves and high surf we’ve had, you can barely hear yourself think.
Crab Races Return
The first crab races were held on Salt Cay on December 29, 2004 with the funds generated going to the windmill restoration project. $211 was raised in this one evening. Absent were Lionel and BillyBobJack’s heir apparent–yet to be designated.
Racing divisions were Pee Wee’s, Lightweights, Middleweights and the big boys, the Heavyweight/Unlimited division. Clearly, size does not matter when it comes to the Pee Wee’s and the Heavyweights. Of course BillyBobJack’s clawprint was empty and greatly missed. Those will be hard claws to fill this season.
Several stables were represented at the races. The McNair Stable sported entries in all classes and managed to not win, place, show or apparently finish any of the 4 division races.
More successful were the crabs from the Frangipani Stables with numerous entries in all classes. These Ann Arbor visitors, consisting of Mom, Dad, numerous kids, grandparents and such, having been housebound all day due to weather, managed to pretty much clean up on the races.
During the races, several people visited Porter’s "Zoo" and we hear from Nurse Joseph, lived to tell about it–barely. Apparently the proprietors of the victorious stables visited the Zoo, including Grandma, in the joyous glee over winning, placing and showing in all divisions. Word is Grandma almost finished the Zoo Tour but failed to appear for the last animal drink.
Porter is not telling how he makes his Zoo drinks, but this reporter suspects that the basic ingredient may be some form of 151 proof rum brew.
Nurse Joseph
This reporter got to spend a few extra minutes with Nurse Joseph–our temporary nurse the last month or so.
Nothing against the incoming nurse, but Joseph has been a real asset to this island in his short stay. Normally based on Grand Turk, Joseph is a native of St. Lucia and now lives in the TCI full time.
Joseph indicated his desire to stay on Salt Cay and start some programs he has long wanted to implement on an island like Salt Cay. He would like to start a Weight Watcher’s type group, and go around doing outreach, more so, on blood pressure and other issues confronting the residents of Salt Cay.
During one visit to an establishment early in his stay, Joseph noted the number of Belonger men enjoying themselves. After a little chatting, he pulled out his trusty blood pressure wrist unit and got all the men to have their blood pressure taken. He’s even gotten a couple of guys to "cut back" a little on their liquid refreshments.
The men seemed to be responding to him also and showing up at the clinic for more help and information. He looked at everyone’s medications to make sure they were balanced and appropriate.
While visiting, our son Corey was immediately hit with some form of violent intestinal problem. After a few hours of realizing it wasn’t going away, we brought Joseph into help. Corey was pretty glad to see him and Joseph’s bedside manner was such that you had excellent confidence in his abilities and immediately relaxed. He checked him out, called the doctor on Grand Turk, and prescribed the necessary drugs to deal with food poisoning. (Honest, it wasn’t my cooking!) Joseph then came up the next morning to check on him, and the following day.
But, regardless of what the island folks wanted, and what Joseph himself had requested, his tenure did end. It’s too bad really. Salt Cay deserves to have the best of something, some time, not the left overs (like the old ferry boat) that no one wants. This does NOT mean or imply that our nurses have been that way, or anyone else for that matter. Joseph’s training clearly was more advanced than what we have known, to expect and have on this island.
BUT, we do get the rusty equipment and such that needs repair instead of the new tractor, new boat, or new dock for that matter. In fact that old ferry boat is back on the dock. Just once, can’t we have something we really want and need? Please, can we? Huh?
This is certainly not to say our new nurse will not meet or exceed Joseph’s abilities and style, or that our prior nurses were lacking. Joseph just had that "way". You knew the instant you met him you were in capable hands.
Clinic Needs:
Joseph has indicated that the Salt Cay Clinic is badly in need of the following
items and was the subject of an email by Porter Williams:
If you or if you have contacts who might be able to supply these items to the Salt Cay Clinic they will be greatly appreciated:
1. Automated External Defibrillator (the type that anyone can "follow the dots" and use;
2. Pulse Oxymetre;
3. Stretcher;
4. Oxygen gauges for small and large cylinders (two);
5. Cardiac Status Kits;
and6. A Computer (software would probably be good too)
Though Joseph will not be our nurse now, he is still very interested in his new
friends and "family" on Salt Cay. You can direct your questions directly to Nurse Joseph at percyj5@hotmail.com or at 649-231-4985 or 649-242-6698.
Government House:
The Government House renovation remains on a schedule as never before seen. Nothing continues to happen at an abnormally fast pace and the project is expected to never be completed as scheduled.
Paymaster’s Office Souvenir Stand:
For those folks seeking a reminder of the old Paymaster’s Office (the two story wood and stone building north of the White House) a convenient souvenir stand has been set up on the South End of Victoria St., just south of Pirate’s Hideaway.
This historic old building blew down in Hurricane Frances and was the only apparent building to be so damaged. The office once looked out across the Salina and was connected by a bridge to the White House. This old office was used for a scene, apparently, in the movie Bahama Passage, which this writer recently watched while on Salt Cay. The scene involves Madeline Carroll’s character sitting in the office with her father and has the door, windows, and view across the salina while they berate one of the island workers (Morales).
Anyway, I digress. The stand consists of several large piles of nail-filled wood, most likely termite infested, that is pretty much worthless except for purposes of a bonfire.
Be sure to get a beautiful piece of rotted wood before prices skyrocket and supplies become limited.
Movie Reviews:
Since I mentioned Bahama Passage just now, I should do a brief movie review for those who have not seen this 1940 adaptation of the book Dildo Cay. That should give it away right there....the book really, really is entitled Dildo Cay.
The movie was shot on Salt Cay and the White House is featured prominently in it. In fact, Rosalie Harriott told this reporter that the "rushes" were done in the basement and the film was sent out daily by boat for processing. Quite the daily routine.
Other than seeing Salt Cay and a few shots of Grand Turk in 1940, this movie rates 4 thumbs down. You can see Deane’s Dock, the Government Wharf at the White House, the salina, the Folly, the salt piles and how they relate to what is here now and Dunscomb Point to name a few things. There are some interior shots of the White House and the Paymaster’s Office. It’s really fun to pick out the spots we know.
The islander’s are represented mostly by the character "Morales" who is black and wears a South Caicos straw hat just like the one Stirling Hayden wears as well. For some reason the hats then look a lot better on those folks than we do.
Frankly, I think the Harriott’s must have had a fit when the mother character came on screen and did her role. Her opinion of the "natives" was pretty bad, no really bad. It would be hard to believe that any Harriott woman would even come close to being like her in any way. Especially after you’ve met Rosalie Harriott.
Other Social Events:
Debbie Manos celebrated her forty-something birthday the evening of December 30 at the Coral Reef Café. Numerous folks came by to toast her and have a piece of birthday cake beautifully baked by Zach McNair.
The Salt Shed and dock area rapidly recovered from two days of non-stop Christmas partying. Sagittarius, a popular TCI band, played through the night for two days with folks from Grand Turk and Provo flying in to party through the Christmas holidays.
Not much else happened, especially in the Customs Office. Obtaining one’s goods from them was not made easy this holiday season. I guess you could call it a social event, when the Doyle’s and McNair’s kept driving down to the dock most mornings to see if the boat was going. Did the stuff clear? Where is it? When? Did you talk to John Robinson? Did they find it? And so forth and so on. Whining was tried, stalking Shine and John Robinson didn’t help and begging just didn’t cut it with anyone.
Complicating matters was the weather (lots of it) and Customs being closed from noon on the Eve’s to Wednesday of the following week and Tuesday after New Years. So, not much was being accomplished from the government end of things. But, it did make for a running joke at the dock as to when anything would be arriving on island by any means.
Football took a turn for the good when the Rams miraculously made it to the playoffs. The James’, season ticket holders at Ram’s games, were pretty pleased with themselves Sunday evening. So, the pre-Super Bowl party season began with the St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks at the McNairs, (Joel McNair is a Seattle boy). Debbie Manos, also having satellite access, will host the next Ram’s game and Patriots game (Tews) culminating in Super Bowl Sunday in February. Someone else will have to report that event as this writer will be back in beautiful Fresno practicing law until she gets it right.
Lastly, since not much has been happening other than the McNair’s and the Jame’s in the south end, we report the arrival of the domino game "Mexican Trains". It really is called Mexican Trains. After a few minutes of train lessons, Mike and Marilyn were ready to take off the training wheels. Listen for those dominos clacking away in the South District when the sun goes down as this game makes its debut on island.
We all look forward to new blood arriving soon so the Social Activities column can live on.
Critter and Injury Report
Flies, mosquitos and sand fleas haven’t been much of an issue of late–unless of course they can buffet 20 mph gusts of wind and keep those stingers extended while trying to maneuver a landing on you.
Mosquito futures remain strong as we’ve had little spots of rain, despite however many clouds have passed overhead. A hatch is inevitable and it’s only a matter of time before those little flying, biting rats come out to visit our dinner parties.
Mice continue to be in attendance more so than usual. Mouse futures, in this reporter’s opinion, are not a good investment at this time given continued efforts to eradicate them. More cats have been seen of late in the South District in the joint human/cat effort to rid the island of mice. This does not include Beans (James) as she lives indoors and is still recovering from her trip to Salt Cay.
Palmetto futures remain strong just by their sheer tenacity. However, should Raid Bug Bombs become more popular (which today’s polling on the Community Boat at the dock indicates to be on the upswing), then Palmetto futures could see a waxing and waning in the short term. As with all cockroaches though, given time, dark, empty houses and some form of food source, they will return and multiply. So expect Palmettos to return strong during the summer and fall months.
You really might want to do some research on the sand flea bite issue before you come down. These nasty &#^%)&*^!@’s really make a bite. This reporter noted that something for jelly fish stings was also good for sand flea bites. Which, to my way of thinking, indicates they leave a poison. And if you’re at all allergic or sensitive to them, they will wake you up from the dead with the most severe itching. Sue Malcolm says cortisone cream helps, but I know Benedryl cream and Campho-phenique don’t do ANYTHING to combat the itch. I tried hot compresses at 3 am one night and that (something I learned after a Sea Wasp sting) seemed to help draw the venom they leave behind out.
I and many others out here would like to know what takes the "bite" out of the sand flea if not stopping the little critters from opening their mouths and taking that first bite.
No new calves or baby donkeys as yet, though several are obviously ready to burst any day.
Radio Mike decided it was high time the Cockadoodles had their pictures taken to verify their existence. Of course the picture he took of was either quite large Cockadoodle or two caught at a rather indelicate time. Morality laws preclude this photo being exhibited on the internet without some sort of authorization by the morality police.
Not a critter event, but Radio Mike managed to discover just how many times a cactus the size of a golf ball can, and will, insert thorns into your forearm at one time. At least 6 stickers managed to grab and hold and it took some serious pulling to remove the thing. These little devils have barbs on them that hang on after they poke you, making removal a dicey proposition.
Robert "Chi Chi" Jennings (Maria and Coral’s son) managed to fall off a tricycle (no, not a bicycle) while trying to pop wheelies on Sunday. Apparently he was demonstrating on Uncle Sammy and Ma Lucy’s adult trike bike (a daring yellow number actually). He managed to break his fall with his left arm, but the wrist snapped on him. Fortunately a visiting ICU nurse was there and kept him still and quiet as the bone was about to come through and sever a vein in his wrist. That, according to Nurse Joseph would have really complicated things for everyone. Maria and Chi Chi left for Provo and then Nassau for fixation of the break. This reporter saw Robert and Maria in Provo returning to Salt Cay on January 11–with a cast about to his shoulder. 4 weeks in that thing.
This reporter once again realized (and appreciated) first hand how quickly things can happen if you don’t pay attention on island. While getting out of a truck loaded with lumber, and looking and thinking all was well, I caught a finger in the load when it shifted suddenly and a couple of fingers hadn’t left the pickup yet. Luckily, the damage was more bruising and sore than ugly and broken–but you have to pay attention down here and not forget what you’re doing.
Comings and Goings
Mike and Marilyn James arrived as planned. Radio Free Salt Cay will soon be
on the air as Radio Mike has gotten his Frances bitten antenna up and his radio running. Canned beet futures remain strong on Grand Turk with the news the James’ did in fact arrive. Corn futures are also strong as the preferred side to the canned beets is polenta. The hot water situation is now apparently solved for the James’, and the screams that were originating from their bathroom at shower time are no longer scaring the children in the neighborhood.
The Doyle’s were out the door on Sunday, the 2nd. Their delivery finally made it through Customs and was delivered on island the day before they left. They got to pull the furniture out of the boxes, sit on it a minute and run out the door. Of course the hot water situation at their restoration home remains unfinished. But the sink is in the kitchen, the tile laid and the dishes, now happily, in the cupboard.
June, Jim and little Willie Tews arrived on island on January 6 somewhat unannounced and under the radar. Willie is keeping a sharp eye out for hovering Osprey and other hawk like birds while sunning in the back yard. He really doesn’t want to be the first flying dog on Salt Cay, let alone the first flying dog with a prosthetic device to boot.
Matt Schiller arrived on January 8.
Ann and Mike Hawkins are apparently now arriving in late January. They are enroute to Florida to launch after Captain Mike lays siege to Harbor Freight, Costco and other popular stores.
Haidee Williams, having positively identified Porter as her husband once again, also had to depart for the real world. Next up on her project list is apparently getting an adjustor to the Vero Beach home post ‘canes. She’ll be returning soon for a longer stay when floating is more popular.
And, this reporter’s son and grandson departed on January 4 to return to Indiana. When they left, the snow level was at 32 inches and growing. Hopefully something had melted and they can actually get a car out of the garage, but apparently now it is freezing rain and another winter storm is on them.
The McNair’s departed the island January 11–and hope that somehow, some way, the shed is built in time with the lumber they bought 2 weeks ago. Time for an old fashioned Amish Barn Raising party here. Or a Haitian Shed Raising experience–it certainly won’t be a party. A report from the McNair’s house sitter in California indicated that the swimming pool had crested and was now overflowing from all the rains. If nothing else, at least there’s going to be good skiing this year.
It should be noted that the garage WAS raised, and finished with the help of Alexis, one of the senior carpenters on island. Fine job by.
Cecellia, the housekeeper for The Tradewinds, is in Provo with her daughter and about to become a grandmother. Pretty said on the 11th that the baby was still not here yet. Nurse Joseph was getting a little concerned about the travel plans as she was 38 weeks along (out of 39 weeks) and still on island. Though he can deliver a child, and Mid-wife qualified, that was not his first option for the delivery of this child.
Lastly, January 4th must have set a record for the number of people to leave on one plane with all their luggage. Air TAC’s Islander was filled to capacity when it left for Provo the other morning. One family alone had most of the plane with about 13 people from Villa Frangipani. Fortunately the plane managed to make it into the air and to Provo without any fanfare or problems.
Weather Report
The weather remains here. We’ve been getting the leftovers apparently from the States and have endured days of high winds, high seas, and pretty cool weather. No rain to really speak of for all this crappy sea and sky. Makes for good weather to work outside though–so no complaints there.
The full moon was brilliant this month and you could just about read a book outside at night. Star gazing was a bit off.
Radio Mike pointed out a comet in the sky. Looked more like a fur ball than a comet, but who’s keeping track?
We really do need some sort of really good telescope here don’t we?
Places To Go:
This reporter and her family hiked up to Taylor Hill on New Year’s Day. Not much really changed there as a result of the hurricane activity this year. The walls are still there, as are the rock piles and the beach.
"Home Depot" is well stocked with odd lot shoes, plastic packaging with no apparent use, plastic bottles and some of the heavier floats. We did find a very nice sponge specimen–not the man made type either. But those have been few and far between. The bamboo selection is quite good as is the coconut collection.
The Cemetery Beach is now back to almost normal. In September there was a fall off of about 4 feet from the high tide erosion–this is almost entirely replaced now.
The James’ and Metten now have a beach instead of rocks. Apparently, after the hurricanes, one of the sand dredge barges on Grand Turk cut loose and floated off. Unfortunately, as the story goes, the owner didn’t notice for some time and it made it all the way to Salt Cay before it gave up the ghost and sank just off the wall–complete with sand, elevator and other equipment on board. No new reef to dive to or a wreck dive as it is too deep. But, it did let go of its sand to the benefit of the rocky beach.
The Mangrove Swamp looks great from Taylor Hill. One of these days I am going to go in there in a canoe or skiff and see what the place looks like up close.
The McNair’s went stargazing and set up a great beach bonfire on the southeastern shore one night. No street lights and great clear sky made for stars galore.
And that’s the way it is on Salt Cay as we start 2005.
Watch’s End:
This is the end of my watch on Salt Cay. I’ll pass the gauntlet on to M&M and others to keep us posted on what is happening. I’ll do a couple more Salt Raker News posts with more pictures, better quality (given high speed internet), links to more pictures of what happened here and any news I collect.
The garage is done and the Marley Mobile safely put away for the duration of our absence. Kudos to Alexis, our "Senior" Carpenter who knocked this thing out in 4 days. We recommend him for your future work by the way.
My goal this trip was to learn the faces of the people who preceded us here and call this home. I wanted to put names to the faces once and for all.
Ned Kennedy is fading physically, but mentally he is sharp as a tack. Mrs. Kennedy gets around as well, but she too is getting quite frail. Miss Cecilia is also quite frail.
There will come a time when these wonderful people will pass on and take their history and heritage with them. I hope the photos I have taken of so many will help us remember them historically–which leads to more ideas and thoughts of an oral history being undertaken by someone, somehow to preserve this history before it is lost for good.
Jim Tews suggested I do a DVD for the library with the Faces Of Salt Cay, and I’ll work on that on my return. They are young and old faces, some are not even people, but donkeys and cows. But this won’t be an oral history.
I heard many things this trip. For instance, there were times on this island where many of the men were gone for months. The women did it all. If a ship passed by that needed a crew, they crewed–and thus know how to sail.
They all know how to ball room dance–because it was fun and there was no satellite TV to distract them. They play musical instruments.
Sammy Simmons wore out his last accordion. He knows hundreds of songs by heart. And, did you know he has, reportedly, never set foot off of Salt Cay? Not even Grand Turk. We need to verify that I think. Anyway, he grew up in the house that is the ruin in M&M James’ front yard and now lives next door. That is sticking close to home.
Junie Tews related to me a time when the Kennedy’s were separated for a week, while Ned was on Grand Turk. She said they hugged and kissed and held each other like they’d been apart for months. Not a week, and not like they’d been married for about 50 years. We should all care that much for our spouses and loved ones.
Junie also related how Poley Dickenson’s wife, Mary, cried on her wedding night because she had to move to the South District. She’d lived her entire life in the North District. Poley cried too apparently as he’d always lived North as well.
People in the South District thought the North District people were stuffy and the South District people easier going. You’d think we were talking the Union and The South with a Mason-Dixson Line at the Folly.
Edwin Smith, Nathan’s father, related to me how Hurricane Frances wasn’t much of a hurricane–the one is ‘45 "now THAT was a hurricane". He remembers it well, it took out docks, a house next to the Brown House of the same size apparently and did enormous damage.
The Jim and Junie’s, Bram and Eleanor’s–people who were here when it wasn’t a dive site–need to relate their stories as well. Write them down, spread them around.
These are stories we’ve never heard before. How did we miss them? We didn’t ask, we didn’t listen? Most likely.
Radio Mike just learned after all his trips here that the road through the salinas by the White House is The Folly. Why was it named that? I don’t know, I haven’t asked. Maybe I should. I assume it will somehow make some sense.
And do you know which house was called "Middle"? Do you know who Miss Irene was?
Some people think that everything north of the White House is North District and everything south is South District. No, it’s Miss Irene’s home, which was once called Middle per Debbie Manos. The Miss Irene’s home is the middle of the island and the dividing line for North and South. I’ve also heard it called Halfway House when Miss Irene ran a bed and breakfast there.
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here is an old Bass Drum like you would use in a parade, in the old Benevolent Brotherhood building. I know Ann Hawkins rescued, through Lionel, the Registry of the Brotherhood, and that is now housed in the Library as I understand it. Do people know where the Benevolent Brotherhood is?
I know, a bass drum is kind of big, but it is a piece of history that still managed to survive Frances, visitors, thieves (not that we have any) and such. There is also the flag of the Brotherhood. These items need to be preserved and displayed somewhere other than an abandoned, falling down building. There are signs and such there too: Peace, Fraternity, Concord and a picture of a very, very young Queen Elizabeth. It was reorganized in March, 1915. I tall reflects the history of this island. The pews that are there, the caskets and such–all reflect a time that will never return and should be preserved.
Every time I look at the Mt. Pleasant I think of those first visits and listening to Bryan’s history’s and stories of Salt Cay, whether real or not. His "lawn chair" tour in a golf cart. The pictures that are on the walls show the people who lived there at one time–I just saw them and photographed them. I sincerely hope the Mt. Pleasant passes into hands that can bring it back to some level of what it used to be physically, economically and spiritually. But, there will only be one Bryan Sheedy unfortunately, just like there will only be one Ned Kennedy. Will we ever find a story teller again?
Many guests comment on the friendliness of this island, specifically the Belongers. Few places we visit do we get to be a part of the life of the society that lives day to day in the society. And a part we do get to play, whether homeowner or tourist.
For example. This trip the Police Band Christmas Dance...what a mix of people. The ladies were getting the tourists out dancing to the Caribbean Carols, the residents who were on island were dancing away. No one felt like a tourist, outcast or onlooker–it’s like that all the time. Then the food comes out and everyone is supposed to eat and enjoy. Where do you find that? Where do you rub elbows at the beach bars, restaurants and so forth? I don’t think Grand Turk even offers this level of involvement with the locals.
When I said my goodbye’s to Allan Dickenson (Shine) he said he was sorry he didn’t get to do the "surprise" for Joel. He hasn’t gotten the forks yet for his front loader. With those forks he was going to move Candy’s old black junk truck at the foot of our driveway and surprise Joel with it. Joel was genuinely touched by the fact that Shine remembers how much this bothers Joel–junk sitting there and the detraction from the island.
The expat’s who live here offer a level of involvement as well. Think back to the days of Bryan and the Mt. Pleasant Guest House. That is what brought us back, over and over was that conviviality and interaction with everyone on the island. Now others carry on that tradition for him.
I was at the airport to greet our son and grandson on a Global Charter with a couple staying at Windmills. It was pouring rain and I had no rain jacket. It was warm and I didn’t care. Besides hugging my kids, it felt really, really good to say to complete strangers in the rain "Welcome to Salt Cay!" and mean every word.
I have really, really enjoyed this trip. I know Joel was stressed with the projects and once again, having a last minute major project as we are going out the door. But he already is talking about what he’s going to do when we come down in Nov/Dec and told an airline buddy that we’d be back for 2 months again...so it must not be all bad. And this next trip is going to be more play, less work–take those pretty days and do some diving, go to South Caicos and such.
There are lots of things for us to start watching and looking out for. What happens here when the old folks are gone? Is there a reason the government looks to us like we don’t exist for improvements? There are no votes here, let’s face it. So many things to think about. Yet when you’re here, it’s so easy to just look out the window, and why shouldn’t we? The trick is with each visit, I think, is to step out a little further, look and listen more, but never ever forget to look out the window.
I think I am coming back in June, alone, to paint the garage, make sure renters didn’t leave some "snake" sleeping in the house so to speak. Snakes are things like the toilet running, a dripping faucet, a slash screen, stuff like that. And, I just can’t stay away that long.
Doing this "blog" of a News Raker has been fun for me. I’ve been trying to get started on some writing and this was the right impetus. I’d love to do a Salt Cay Cookbook, with pictures, recipes and island life mixed in. Who knows....but I have to do something as I wind up this law practice that has been good to me, even if it did try to kill me off with stress.
Salt Cay has taught me there is a better way to live out the rest of my life. I won’t get rich, never planned on it, but my life is genuinely richer today by the choices I have made the last few years. Salt Cay is a big part of that.
Those of you on Salt Cay...KEEP ME INFORMED! Did Bruce Willis really come to Salt Cay? Tell me first so I can put it in the news. Whales there? Let me know.
Monday, December 27, 2004
It's A Salt Cay Kind Of Christmas.....
Christmas Day and Boxing Day
I missed most of Christmas Day in town as I was busy preparing a turkey dinner here at the Rose.
Joel made the rounds in the truck and gave many of the old folks a ride. Uncle Will spotted the truck from his porch and hailed Joel for a ride. He likes the truck. At 87 he’s given up his bicycle.
Guests dined at Island Thyme with Haidee and Porter doing turkey.
Between myself and Cathy Doyle, we managed to cook up a pretty good meal of hors de ouvres, turkey, dressing, French potato dressing (Dirty Potatoes), gravy, Waldorf Salad (the fruit was a hit), and glazed carrots. M&M cookies and Spiced Rum Cake filled out the menu.
Nurse Joseph arrived with his date (the dialysis nurse from Grand Turk), Cindy and Adolpho (assisting Salt Cay Divers), Ed and Cathy Doyle, Debbie, Ollie and the McNairs, rounded out the table. Lots of wine, rum and good food was had by all.
This reporter hasn’t seen Debbie laugh as hard as she did last night. I’d tell you the story she was trying to tell, but she was laughing so hard, and I was laughing so hard with her that I never really did make out the event... something about her and Candy and something with holes in it...
We then left the dining deck for the observation deck under the full moon and enjoyed the beautiful Christmas night here on Salt Cay. It was unbelievably clear and bright last night and the moon on the ocean was amazing.
Chief Minister’s Christmas Luncheon
Chief Minister Michael Misick and members of his cabinet, visited Salt Cay for
their island luncheon on December 21, 2004. Included among the Ministers attending was the Minister of Public Works who will apparently be spending time on our fair island in the next months.
The CM announced to the Salt Shed audience several items of significance:
store? Do you know what and where it is?
breeze of about 8 mph. The sea is flat and wonderful, with a surface temperature of about 80+ degrees F. Supposedly a front is coming, but with any luck it will get lost on its way down here.
New Year’s Happenings
Crown’s land down south and the sounds are even more intense–and maybe they really do mean it this time. Several are with donkey and out of the loop, so to speak.
several months. Beet futures are strong on Grand Turk with many stores investing heavily in canned beats on news the James’ were arriving before the end of the fiscal year. I would suggest bailing on beets and selling short by mid-April though.
I missed most of Christmas Day in town as I was busy preparing a turkey dinner here at the Rose.
Joel made the rounds in the truck and gave many of the old folks a ride. Uncle Will spotted the truck from his porch and hailed Joel for a ride. He likes the truck. At 87 he’s given up his bicycle.
Guests dined at Island Thyme with Haidee and Porter doing turkey.
Between myself and Cathy Doyle, we managed to cook up a pretty good meal of hors de ouvres, turkey, dressing, French potato dressing (Dirty Potatoes), gravy, Waldorf Salad (the fruit was a hit), and glazed carrots. M&M cookies and Spiced Rum Cake filled out the menu.
Nurse Joseph arrived with his date (the dialysis nurse from Grand Turk), Cindy and Adolpho (assisting Salt Cay Divers), Ed and Cathy Doyle, Debbie, Ollie and the McNairs, rounded out the table. Lots of wine, rum and good food was had by all.
This reporter hasn’t seen Debbie laugh as hard as she did last night. I’d tell you the story she was trying to tell, but she was laughing so hard, and I was laughing so hard with her that I never really did make out the event... something about her and Candy and something with holes in it...
We then left the dining deck for the observation deck under the full moon and enjoyed the beautiful Christmas night here on Salt Cay. It was unbelievably clear and bright last night and the moon on the ocean was amazing.
Chief Minister’s Christmas Luncheon
Chief Minister Michael Misick and members of his cabinet, visited Salt Cay for
their island luncheon on December 21, 2004. Included among the Ministers attending was the Minister of Public Works who will apparently be spending time on our fair island in the next months.
The CM announced to the Salt Shed audience several items of significance:
- The dock and harbor are now under contract, or will be within the next few days, for rebuilding and refurbishment, as well as enlargement;
- There will be runway lights on Salt Cay in 2005. Middle Caicos’ lights are now on and operational as of this month;
- The streets of Salt Cay will be rehab’ed. How and what of will be the subject of many meetings, with a definite bent towards keeping the historic nature of Salt Cay in mind..blacktop or something else?
- Be prepared for an economic boom in the TCI’s as well as on Salt Cay. It almost sounded like an invasion, but he was adament, as were the other Ministers, that the next year will be one of great economic expansion;
- Be prepared for growth on Salt Cay in the form of "low density cottages". Now what that means, I cannot say as neither did he;
- Salt Cay will NOT become Provo, it will keep it’s basic historic nature.
The remarks of the CM were confirmed, especially by the Minister of Public Works, and others. Most encouraging were remarks by one Minister who stated that the island passed down by our Senior Citizens of Salt Cay, would not become a different island...but one that reflects the historic values and look of the one passed down by them.
Representing the Seniors was Vita Talbot who gave her remarks, as well as DC Dottis Arthur.
Sharon Shafer, representing the hoteliers of the island, emphasized quite well the needs of the island: non-asphalt street improvements, a dock and harbor, lights for the runway, that the DC and Nurse Joseph be allowed to remain on Salt Cay for the foreseeable future, and a "supermarket" for the people of Salt Cay.
A lunch was served for all the Islanders, residents and guests of ham, turkey, chicken, macaroni and cheese, salad, peas and rice and numerous desserts. An open bar was well tended by Miss Ella’s grandson, Bernard.
Lionel was in attendance desquised as Charley Pride; Miss Netty and Rock’s granddaughter Randy Ann was also present. Tell me she isn’t the pride of Rock and Netty (photo below); and the turnout was great, despite the threatening weather.
The Dominican Store and Other Grand Turk Secrets
store? Do you know what and where it is?
Maria turned me on to this little store several years ago, and I never miss a trip there. Why?
Coffee. The DR coffee, already ground, in 1 pound bags is wonderful, full bodied and strong. It’s $5. There is another coffee there as well, Spanish I think, vacuum sealed, which is quite light in its roast, but also very good. It is about $4 for 12 ounces or so.
You can also obtain Brugal (yes, like the rum) clear and dark vanilla extract. Once you smell this vanilla, you’ll recognize the scent. But I’m not going to tell you where you’ve smelled it before–you’ll have to figure that out yourself. The vanilla is a whopping $1.75 a bottle. I have to say, I have never seen clear vanilla before this. With the holidays, there was run on vanilla and hopefully they’ll be restocked soon.
The DR store also sells raw black beans, in bulk, so you can mix up a batch of Black Bean Soup or Black Bean Smashers (recipe follows). They carry Salzon, which is Maria’s secret ingredient for her Peas and Rice (she showed me that one) and many other items–you just have no idea what it will be.
Porter found various incense flavors (whatever they are) much to his surprise. I don’t think he really realized what a find this little store is.
Anyway, check out the DR store on Grand Turk. It is located directly south of Building Materials, just across the side road where they load your truck–same side of the street. They have cold water in the fridges in the front of the store by the way if you’re waiting for a ride to the dock.
Ever noticed the 7-11 store downtown, next to the old Cee’s location? That is another gold mine as far as I am concerned. And run by very nice folks to boot. I tried to buy some Parmesan cheese there last week, probably the last one on the island. The lady at the counter took it away from me and said I couldn’t buy it, it was way out of date and should not be bought.
The 7-11 has an interesting variety of canned goods, sauces and such you might not find elsewhere. They also have a bank of freezers to look through.
Not a secret is the new Cee’s Warehouse. Costco/Sam’s it isn’t, but what a place. They have added glass front freezers, cold foods, vegetables in bulk, breads, bagels, dairy, meats, ice cream galore the other day...more appliances to chose from, and more room for the old stand- byes.
R&R Market, on the road to LuLu’s, by the salinas, has really up-towned their interior. They have SHELVES! Rows! Glass front coolers/freezers! Pepsi too.
And of course LuLu’s–which is now including a lumber section with the tile, grout, canned green beans, ironing boards, fresh vegetables and PVC of all sizes. After a long day of shopping, we found ice cream sandwiches in the freezer box and they really, really, hit the spot.
I like to stop at LuLu’s last, because you absolutely never know what you’ll find there, that wasn’t any place else.
Black Bean Smashers
This is a great low cal, low fat, high protein way to do black beans for use on quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and so forth. Black, refried so to speak, beans. Everything is available on Salt Cay too if you shop right in Grand Turk. Get the beans in bulk at the DR store on Grand Turk.
1 ½ pounds or so of black beans, soaked and sorted, rinsed and drained
1 Tablespoon oil, olive oil or bacon drippings
1 yellow onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Anaheim green chiles, peeled, seeded and chopped (use more, use hotter, use what you like for taste. Use canned if that’s what you have)
1-2 tablespoons Chile powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano (if you have it–otherwise don’t use Italian)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 beer
Left over coffee from the pot
Water
Soak the beans for a few hours, or overnight. Rinse them and sort them so you get out bad beans and potential stones.
In your bean pot, saute the onions in either canola oil, butter, olive oil or bacon drippings–it won’t take much to saute with, on medium high heat. Add the garlic when the onion starts to soften. Add the peppers and mix together.
Clear the center of the pot and add the cumin, chile powder and the Mexican Oregano. Do not use Italian Oregano as the taste is quite different. Toast the spices in the bottom of the pan. Careful not to burn them. This will take just a minute or so to do.
Add the bottle of beer to the onion mixture and stir it up good to mix. If it’s cold and not too early in the day, enjoy a swig or too to get you through the rest of the recipe. The alcohol in the beer will dissipate with the heat of the pan by the way.
If you have some left over coffee in the pot, throw that in too. Coffee was a traditional liquid in the old western cattle trail recipes as liquid (like here on Salt Cay) was never wasted. If it wasn’t drunk, it was used in the meals. It does add a unique touch to the beans, as do the hops from the beer.
Add the beans to the pot. Salt and pepper to taste. With beans you need salt, but don’t over salt.
Add water to cover the beans and allow for them to soak up the liquids. Bring to a boil and then a good simmer until the beans soften and are ready to smash. There should not be much liquid left to speak of. Now, take your potato masher and smash the beans into a paste. Black beans really thicken up nicely.
Unlike traditional refried beans, there is no lard added to these to thicken them. They’ll do that on their own if you cook them down.
You can vary this recipe, using Pinto beans. When doing pintos, I like to add some diced tomato, at least a can with the juice, just to make it a little more interesting.
Add more peppers, more onion–do what you want to make it yours. The onion and peppers disappear into the mix as it cooks down pretty well, and then are really gone with the smashing.
Wipe some across a fresh flour tortilla, top with cheese or sour cream and some salsa. Build a salad burrito with some lettuce, red onion and tomato and fold it up.
The Weather Report
breeze of about 8 mph. The sea is flat and wonderful, with a surface temperature of about 80+ degrees F. Supposedly a front is coming, but with any luck it will get lost on its way down here.
New Year’s Happenings
With more ex-pats on the island now that the Christmas holiday is behind, New
Year’s looks to be a happening of some dimension. Fortunately, no one will have a long drive, no fog, no snow, no DUI checkpoints to circumvent. The only thing we will all have in common is avoiding that drunk driver in the other golf cart. You folks will miss our dilemma of trying to avoid dumping your cart into the Salinas, the ocean or just losing it somewhere between Porter’s and home.
Critter Report
Crown’s land down south and the sounds are even more intense–and maybe they really do mean it this time. Several are with donkey and out of the loop, so to speak.
Cathy and Ed report the cats are in heat in their neighborhood. They were entertained the other morning at dawn.
Cathy and Ed also found a water snake at the cliffs while snorkeling. They saw a large grouper, rays and this eel snake (per Ollie). Ed figured he was tired at the point in which he saw the snake and called an end to the snorkel trip.
The cows are eating cardboard faster than you can shake a broom at them. Though I don’t mind them keeping the sand burrs and their originating grass low, you just cannot trust them like you can a donkey.
Lop Ear, our resident donkey, comes in and does a fine job of keeping the grass down–and he doesn’t really need supervision.
But the cows! Geez. Turn your back on them for a moment and they’re trying to eat your cement bags, the cardboard box your Sarah’s order came in, and ignoring the grass you hired them to eat!
Debbie reports that a mother donkey and her baby have taken up residence in her yard and doing a fine job as a family keeping the grass down. They apparently arrived by the art of the leap over the wall. At least they’re cute.
After Christmas dinner I put out the aluminum pan with the turkey debris in it. This morning (Boxing Day) the pan was empty and about 10 hermit crabs of various sizes were struggling to walk away from the pan. They won’t squeek for a very long time. Then I put out the turkey carcass after I made my soup stock and that was empty an hour later. Nothing goes to waste here.
Flies are up, mosquitos are down, but mosquito futures remain strong, awaiting the next hatch. Sand fleas remain an unpopular investment that cannot draw flies, but are stable at their usual low level.
Comings and Goings
several months. Beet futures are strong on Grand Turk with many stores investing heavily in canned beats on news the James’ were arriving before the end of the fiscal year. I would suggest bailing on beets and selling short by mid-April though.
Ed and Cathy Doyle are here through the New Year before they trade in their shorts for the chill of Nanook of The North and attempt to stem the tide of worm poachers in the Canadian farmlands. They are looking forward to a hot shower. Seems not much progress has been made since last January on their electric water heaters.
Ann and Mike Hawkins are apparently scheduled to arrive the day before this reporter evacuates the island for the fresh powder of Park City. Though word is they may not be arriving till late January. Percy Talbot is counting the days as his golf cart is down for the count and apparently Captain Mike has the magic touch with it and many others. But first, the sand delivered by Frances will need to be removed BACK to the beach from which it came and allow the floaters to resume their posts on the beach and water.
Haidee Williams arrived on December 23 to positively identify her husband, Porter. We all looked forward to Haidee’s arrival and we and many others arrived at Island Thyme to greet her.
This reporter’s son and grandson arrive on December 27th for their first glimmer as to where their inheritance has gone. Marley will be thrilled to see his boy (Zach is 13) and I’m sure they’ll both be wet for a week.
Monday, December 20, 2004
The Faces Of Salt Cay
Maybe it is because I am getting older. Maybe it is realizing the vulnerability of
our little island after the real threat of Hurricane Frances. I do know it is the appreciation of what the people of Salt Cay do for me when I am not here.
I am looking back at this, and the last few years, realizing that only now have I really started appreciating the people who have called this island home their entire lives.
In retrospect I have pulled out these memories. Some have photos, some do not, but they are forever etched in my mind:
All the folks coming out of the air terminal at Grand Turk to come home on the first flight into Salt Cay...
Then the joy at Salt Cay airport of all the people coming home. And, the fact they still had homes to come back to...
Sitting with Mr. Smith at the Flash in September and him telling how Frances was "not that big of a hurricane...the one in ‘45....that was a hurricane"... And the Flash was 2 feet off it’s foundation. Mr. Smith finally smiles for my camera....
Attending Sunday services at St. John’s Church the Sunday after Frances. Poley leading as lay minister. Poley, Miss Pat and Morris, as well as the congregation, making sure I knew what to sing and what verses to read. The simple, basic commitment to each other, their church and their island was the most moving day I have experienced in a very long time. I was deeply touched to be made a part of it...
Uncle Lou and Mr. Smith, both men still riding their bicycles across the island, despite their age and health. Seemingly standing still but still moving. I only hope I can ride a bicycle when I am their age...
Uncle Sammy, playing his accordion on his front porch and the tune–"Don’t Fence Me In"....
Miss Rosalie playing the church organ and then electronic piano like a rock star. Such a seeming contradiction for this senior musician. And that smile of hers....
Joseph, our nurse, dancing with every lady at the Police Band performance, spinning them, hugging them, listening to them and making them beautiful...
The ladies dancing the swing to the beat of the band...these ladies can dance. Poley moving like Gene Kelly. The children dancing–first the girls with the boys being shy, then not being able to stay still any longer and dancing with anyone and everyone....
Miss Natalie, dancing to the carols the band played, the look of the dance on her face, captured on film...
Rock on his boat, getting ready to go fishing. Lionel netting for bait....
Miss Netty, Miss Ella and the other ladies helping Netty handle the goods when the Dominican boat comes in. The orderly sale of the precious items like pineapple, pears (avocados), oranges to the islanders...
Ned and Lily Kennedy, what history they have to tell...
Mrs. Lillian Lightbourne, when I took her picture, said "you took a picture of me the other day". I said you can’t have too many. She replied "I don’t have anyone to look at them...." Oh yes you do, Mrs. Lightbourne...
The children, loving the camera lense. Their beauty and simplicity, school uniforms and polite ways. The kids know everyone on the island....
Willis on his bicycle, honking his horn...
Rosalie Harriott with her slides, and lovingly sharing the history of her home and family with Islanders and guests...
The most striking memory I have was from my first trip to Salt Cay in 1998 or so. It was a black and white kind of Sunday—huge black clouds filled the October sky. We went past the Methodist Church and a congregation was walking down the street. The ladies of Salt Cay were decked out in their Sunday finest with hats, purses and gloves. The pastor was an ebony black man, which stood out in stark contrast to his white cassock and robes. The only color was the clothing of the ladies against the leaden sky. That was one day I had no camera with me, but the vision is probably better than any photo I could ever take.
These are just a few of my memories for this holiday season and I hope anyone reading this newsletter will respond with their own memories of the people of Salt Cay.
Here are a few of the faces of Salt Cay...
our little island after the real threat of Hurricane Frances. I do know it is the appreciation of what the people of Salt Cay do for me when I am not here.
I am looking back at this, and the last few years, realizing that only now have I really started appreciating the people who have called this island home their entire lives.
In retrospect I have pulled out these memories. Some have photos, some do not, but they are forever etched in my mind:
All the folks coming out of the air terminal at Grand Turk to come home on the first flight into Salt Cay...
Then the joy at Salt Cay airport of all the people coming home. And, the fact they still had homes to come back to...
Sitting with Mr. Smith at the Flash in September and him telling how Frances was "not that big of a hurricane...the one in ‘45....that was a hurricane"... And the Flash was 2 feet off it’s foundation. Mr. Smith finally smiles for my camera....
Attending Sunday services at St. John’s Church the Sunday after Frances. Poley leading as lay minister. Poley, Miss Pat and Morris, as well as the congregation, making sure I knew what to sing and what verses to read. The simple, basic commitment to each other, their church and their island was the most moving day I have experienced in a very long time. I was deeply touched to be made a part of it...
Uncle Lou and Mr. Smith, both men still riding their bicycles across the island, despite their age and health. Seemingly standing still but still moving. I only hope I can ride a bicycle when I am their age...
Uncle Sammy, playing his accordion on his front porch and the tune–"Don’t Fence Me In"....
Miss Rosalie playing the church organ and then electronic piano like a rock star. Such a seeming contradiction for this senior musician. And that smile of hers....
Joseph, our nurse, dancing with every lady at the Police Band performance, spinning them, hugging them, listening to them and making them beautiful...
The ladies dancing the swing to the beat of the band...these ladies can dance. Poley moving like Gene Kelly. The children dancing–first the girls with the boys being shy, then not being able to stay still any longer and dancing with anyone and everyone....
Miss Natalie, dancing to the carols the band played, the look of the dance on her face, captured on film...
Rock on his boat, getting ready to go fishing. Lionel netting for bait....
Miss Netty, Miss Ella and the other ladies helping Netty handle the goods when the Dominican boat comes in. The orderly sale of the precious items like pineapple, pears (avocados), oranges to the islanders...
Ned and Lily Kennedy, what history they have to tell...
Mrs. Lillian Lightbourne, when I took her picture, said "you took a picture of me the other day". I said you can’t have too many. She replied "I don’t have anyone to look at them...." Oh yes you do, Mrs. Lightbourne...
The children, loving the camera lense. Their beauty and simplicity, school uniforms and polite ways. The kids know everyone on the island....
Willis on his bicycle, honking his horn...
Rosalie Harriott with her slides, and lovingly sharing the history of her home and family with Islanders and guests...
The most striking memory I have was from my first trip to Salt Cay in 1998 or so. It was a black and white kind of Sunday—huge black clouds filled the October sky. We went past the Methodist Church and a congregation was walking down the street. The ladies of Salt Cay were decked out in their Sunday finest with hats, purses and gloves. The pastor was an ebony black man, which stood out in stark contrast to his white cassock and robes. The only color was the clothing of the ladies against the leaden sky. That was one day I had no camera with me, but the vision is probably better than any photo I could ever take.
These are just a few of my memories for this holiday season and I hope anyone reading this newsletter will respond with their own memories of the people of Salt Cay.
Here are a few of the faces of Salt Cay...
Season’s Greetings From Salt Cay
Seems being in the South District will be more quiet than the North District this Christmas. A really good band is coming in on Christmas Eve it appears and they are doing an all night dance till Christmas morning. So people from all over are coming Christmas Eve to party here all night. We may hear some of the music, but we'll only go down there for a while--certainly not the night.
We're doing a turkey here--15 pound Butterball. I don’t think "free range" exists here.
Unfortunately my little Trader Joe's pine tree didn't make it, despite the loving care it got from me....ungrateful thing. At least the cactus and the little palms are doing well.
Anyway, I'm trying to get to Grand Turk to grocery shop before the holiday and the kids get here next Monday. I suspect I should get the Parmalet milk in the fridge so the teenaged grandchild doesn’t suspect it isn’t straight from the cow.
You will all appreciate that a box (standard, not Costco size) of Lucky Charms from Sarah’s is $8.45. 6 or 7 chicken quarters was $6 for the entire box. Yellow squash is $3.35 a pound and corn on the cob is 60 cents and ear.
The ferry didn’t go out today as we have a bit of a Northeaster’ going here. It is 78F, 61% humidity, here on the 20th of December, with a 7 mph wind, threatening clouds, a bit of sea and threatening rain...just a threat. Haven’t seen a drop yet.
Cockadoodles....
For those of you who missed this bit of information on Radio Free Salt Cay this
spring....
Do you know what a "cockadoodle" is?
Ever wonder what those pencil sized holes in your yard were about?
The answer is: a spider
Take a headlight–you know, like a miner’s light or camping light you wear on your head. Go outside and look at the ground. It is important for the light to be right above your eyes, at eyebrow level. You will notice many, many flourescent dots on the ground. Bend down and take a look and you will see a spider.
Before you panic and run for the house, just remember you’ve been out there walking on them for years and never knew it–so just relax and forget about it...if you can.
According to Lionel Talbot they are called cockadoodles and they are a harmless spider that comes out at night. Rosalie Harriott also told us this spring that they would go out at night to find them as kids.
Dive Reports
Salt Cay Divers is going to South Caicos now when the sea is flat and there are enough folks ready to go. SCD takes the big boat on an all day excursion to dive the walls of South Caicos and there is time to go ashore and do some walking around, have lunch and enjoy the sites of this old island town. The diving is reported to be fantastic.
This diver/reporter will go as soon as I wake up on time on the morning of the trip. These trips are often a last minute decision based upon weather upon rising.
Water temperature is reported at about 80F at depth.
Now, for those of us divers who, shall we say, are getting older...
One of our guest divers on returning from South Caicos suffered an apparent heart attack on board the boat a few miles off Salt Cay. Ollie called in and reported the symptoms to Deb, who then, with Joseph, our resident nurse, gave instructions on what they should do enroute. Like hurry.
Upon arrival Deb and Nurse Joseph administered oxygen, got her stabilized and med-evaced her to Provo where she could be handled for either DCS, heart or stroke. Joseph told this reporter he accompanied her to Provo and stayed over to keep an eye on her. He and Deb thought that was the best place to go, just in case it was DCS as they have a chamber there. Head’s up thinking folks.
The guest is reportedly back in the States and doing well.
The guest had celebrated her birthday the night before (not to excess I understand), about 50 or so, was on Rx’s for various medical issues and been very active on her trip, diving regularly. She may have over stressed herself in the heat and with her activities. The point is, pay attention to yourself and the warning signs when you put yourself at stress whether it’s work or play down here.
Our new nurse, Joseph, is a real asset to this island. Unfortunately we only have him for a month or so as he is a contract nurse. He really pays attention to folks–in fact if he sees a band aid he asks what happened and what you’re doing for it. I suspect the ladies of the island will be going in for very regular blood pressure checks this month.
Joseph wants to make sure there are defib units on island that anyone can use as he indicates his unit is pretty hard to use and you have to know what you’re doing or could cause injury. A "smart" unit (one that walks lay people through the process) at the dock area, in his opinion, would be a real asset to the island as that is where the people are and that is where the boats will come in with problems on board.
I discussed diving and meds with him–I take BP meds–and Joseph indicated that I should not "dive deep"–which I don’t ordinarily do anyway. But, it was good advice and I will heed it. I also know, if something happens to me this month, he’ll know what meds I am on and handle it accordingly.
Christmas Happenings
The Salt Cay Seniors seem to have all the happenings for the holidays.
There will be a dinner and party for the Seniors this Saturday, the 18th at the Salt Shed. Then Windmills will be hosting the Seniors for an event–dress up apparently.
Christmas Eve and Christmas will find a band brought in for dancing at the Salt Shed.
Porter’s Island Thyme Bistro will be having their annual Christmas dinner for guests and residents alike.
Your reporter will be doing her own Christmas dinner at home this year. I’ll be putting a log on the yule fire and brushing the snow off the deck to make way for the patio table. Unfortunately our live pine–a foot tall little thing from Trader Joe’s that we brought is struggling to survive. I just repotted it and hope it handles the transition.
Resident-wise it appears that the McNair’s, and the Doyle’s are in residence for Christmas with things to liven up considerably between then and New Year’s Day.
The Salt Shed is decorated quite brightly with all kinds of lights and ornaments. This is great as the Shed will be hosting a number of fetes over the holidays. Kudos to the new DC, Dottis Arthur, who is a very talented, lively and vivacious woman. No one sits home when there’s an occasion to be had and a party to attend. Dottis is making sure events happen for the Islanders and especially our Seniors.
The Senior party on Saturday night had a great spread of food, gifts for the seniors that Dottis personally shopped for in Provo, and fresh fruit packs for each Senior.
Uncle Sammy played, to the delight of the audience, Jingle Bells, and two other Carols on his old Honer accordion.
The ladies did a number about a "hole in my pan" and had a pan with a hole in it. They stand in two lines and trade lines. Ms. Vida will tell me more about it–the music was too loud that evening to find out the details–but it is something from when they were kids.
Allee sang a Haitian Christmas Carol to earn his supper. The young men of the island sang a carol as well. You had to be there to realize that it was "talent" night so to speak and anyone could be pulled up to perform.
One of the guests pulled Miss Rosalie away from her keyboard to waltz to the delight of the crowd to get the dancing going. The guest (Riant) lasted one dance ashe was rapidly going under the weather, ahem, so to speak. Miss Rosalie wisely did not let him dip her when he attempted this at the end of the dance as she suspected he might not have his normal strength and wits about him.
This reporter got old Uncle Lou up and dancing and he lit up like a Christmas tree once he got up and going. Earl Talbot can certainly cut a rug as well.
Maria has lights on the Mt. Pleasant Guest House dormers and Jonathon wants more lights to brighten things up even more. New windows are going in as well.
Hopefully the DC will be able to get the Christmas Tree up on the stand that is out already. We missed it our last Christmas here and plan to have our picture taken for future Christmas postcards.
Weather Report:
December 14, 2004 at 2:30 pm (EST) finds us at 82F, with 59% humidity and a 10 mph out of the west. There are scattered clouds. Dew point is 66F. There were scattered showers this morning at dawn.
Critter Report:
Mosquitos are not in evidence in the South at this time, with a few hatches noted in the North District, especially near the drying "pond" in front of Nathan’s house.
Sand Fleas have been coming and going, with bug bombs helping considerably indoors. We seem to see these guys only when they open their mouth, prior to biting you. I noted that Sand Flea bite medications are lumped with jelly fish sting meds...that doesn’t really surprise me as these guys really pack a whallop.
You might want to consider bringing something along that line if you are coming down soon.
Flies had not been an issue at all until just the last few days–when the weather turned more hot.
Cockroaches, (sorry) have also been in evidence. Ed says they are Palmettos. I must say, whatever they are, these guys could wear saddles and give kids pony rides if they had a mind to. But, once again, a few well placed bug bombs upon your arrival and they will be, literally, "toes up" on the floor in no time.
Centronella candles have been a big help here in the evenings to assist in combating the fews biters we do have. You might bring some with you just in case.
Mice have been an item all over the island this late fall. This reporter about had a fit when she lifted her computer bag this morning. Marley, my cub reporter, was rooting around my photo bag and computer stuff like something was happening of great importance. Being a dog, and not much of a hunter/killer kitty, he didn’t solve the problem but left it to be handled by Joel. By the way, the mouse in question was only slightly larger than the cockroaches have been. Bring a mouse trap with you or some bait.
And then there are the Cockadoodles.....I knew there was a reason I don’t go barefoot...
We have lots of new calves here by the way. One isn’t much bigger than Marley right now. One mamma cow has twins.
Lastly, Sue reports that Valentine, the almost year old grey donkey has been traveling through the dock and Green Flash area with his mother and grandmother on their daily routines. Both females are obviously "with donkey" and should be dropping new foals (I assume that is what you call a baby donkey) any time. Valentine is all fuzzy and still the friendly little guy he was this spring.
Personal Notes:
Thanks for the email on my little News Raker. It is fun to look around and see what people want to know when you’re not on the island–or as some friends do, live vicariously through us.
As is typical with a computer "blog" you can post a reply to anything that appears on the blog.
I will also try to do some essays, for lack of a better term. And they are copyrighted, as I do intend to do something with them someday, with pictures.
Most likely, the first will be on The Faces Of Salt Cay, a look at the people of Salt Cay and memories of them by this reporter. To follow will be a photo essay on If Windows Could Speak, The History of Salt Cay.
So, my first essay of sorts on The Faces of Salt Cay
Seems being in the South District will be more quiet than the North District this Christmas. A really good band is coming in on Christmas Eve it appears and they are doing an all night dance till Christmas morning. So people from all over are coming Christmas Eve to party here all night. We may hear some of the music, but we'll only go down there for a while--certainly not the night.
We're doing a turkey here--15 pound Butterball. I don’t think "free range" exists here.
Unfortunately my little Trader Joe's pine tree didn't make it, despite the loving care it got from me....ungrateful thing. At least the cactus and the little palms are doing well.
Anyway, I'm trying to get to Grand Turk to grocery shop before the holiday and the kids get here next Monday. I suspect I should get the Parmalet milk in the fridge so the teenaged grandchild doesn’t suspect it isn’t straight from the cow.
You will all appreciate that a box (standard, not Costco size) of Lucky Charms from Sarah’s is $8.45. 6 or 7 chicken quarters was $6 for the entire box. Yellow squash is $3.35 a pound and corn on the cob is 60 cents and ear.
The ferry didn’t go out today as we have a bit of a Northeaster’ going here. It is 78F, 61% humidity, here on the 20th of December, with a 7 mph wind, threatening clouds, a bit of sea and threatening rain...just a threat. Haven’t seen a drop yet.
Cockadoodles....
For those of you who missed this bit of information on Radio Free Salt Cay this
spring....
Do you know what a "cockadoodle" is?
Ever wonder what those pencil sized holes in your yard were about?
The answer is: a spider
Take a headlight–you know, like a miner’s light or camping light you wear on your head. Go outside and look at the ground. It is important for the light to be right above your eyes, at eyebrow level. You will notice many, many flourescent dots on the ground. Bend down and take a look and you will see a spider.
Before you panic and run for the house, just remember you’ve been out there walking on them for years and never knew it–so just relax and forget about it...if you can.
According to Lionel Talbot they are called cockadoodles and they are a harmless spider that comes out at night. Rosalie Harriott also told us this spring that they would go out at night to find them as kids.
Dive Reports
Salt Cay Divers is going to South Caicos now when the sea is flat and there are enough folks ready to go. SCD takes the big boat on an all day excursion to dive the walls of South Caicos and there is time to go ashore and do some walking around, have lunch and enjoy the sites of this old island town. The diving is reported to be fantastic.
This diver/reporter will go as soon as I wake up on time on the morning of the trip. These trips are often a last minute decision based upon weather upon rising.
Water temperature is reported at about 80F at depth.
Now, for those of us divers who, shall we say, are getting older...
One of our guest divers on returning from South Caicos suffered an apparent heart attack on board the boat a few miles off Salt Cay. Ollie called in and reported the symptoms to Deb, who then, with Joseph, our resident nurse, gave instructions on what they should do enroute. Like hurry.
Upon arrival Deb and Nurse Joseph administered oxygen, got her stabilized and med-evaced her to Provo where she could be handled for either DCS, heart or stroke. Joseph told this reporter he accompanied her to Provo and stayed over to keep an eye on her. He and Deb thought that was the best place to go, just in case it was DCS as they have a chamber there. Head’s up thinking folks.
The guest is reportedly back in the States and doing well.
The guest had celebrated her birthday the night before (not to excess I understand), about 50 or so, was on Rx’s for various medical issues and been very active on her trip, diving regularly. She may have over stressed herself in the heat and with her activities. The point is, pay attention to yourself and the warning signs when you put yourself at stress whether it’s work or play down here.
Our new nurse, Joseph, is a real asset to this island. Unfortunately we only have him for a month or so as he is a contract nurse. He really pays attention to folks–in fact if he sees a band aid he asks what happened and what you’re doing for it. I suspect the ladies of the island will be going in for very regular blood pressure checks this month.
Joseph wants to make sure there are defib units on island that anyone can use as he indicates his unit is pretty hard to use and you have to know what you’re doing or could cause injury. A "smart" unit (one that walks lay people through the process) at the dock area, in his opinion, would be a real asset to the island as that is where the people are and that is where the boats will come in with problems on board.
I discussed diving and meds with him–I take BP meds–and Joseph indicated that I should not "dive deep"–which I don’t ordinarily do anyway. But, it was good advice and I will heed it. I also know, if something happens to me this month, he’ll know what meds I am on and handle it accordingly.
Christmas Happenings
The Salt Cay Seniors seem to have all the happenings for the holidays.
There will be a dinner and party for the Seniors this Saturday, the 18th at the Salt Shed. Then Windmills will be hosting the Seniors for an event–dress up apparently.
Christmas Eve and Christmas will find a band brought in for dancing at the Salt Shed.
Porter’s Island Thyme Bistro will be having their annual Christmas dinner for guests and residents alike.
Your reporter will be doing her own Christmas dinner at home this year. I’ll be putting a log on the yule fire and brushing the snow off the deck to make way for the patio table. Unfortunately our live pine–a foot tall little thing from Trader Joe’s that we brought is struggling to survive. I just repotted it and hope it handles the transition.
Resident-wise it appears that the McNair’s, and the Doyle’s are in residence for Christmas with things to liven up considerably between then and New Year’s Day.
The Salt Shed is decorated quite brightly with all kinds of lights and ornaments. This is great as the Shed will be hosting a number of fetes over the holidays. Kudos to the new DC, Dottis Arthur, who is a very talented, lively and vivacious woman. No one sits home when there’s an occasion to be had and a party to attend. Dottis is making sure events happen for the Islanders and especially our Seniors.
The Senior party on Saturday night had a great spread of food, gifts for the seniors that Dottis personally shopped for in Provo, and fresh fruit packs for each Senior.
Uncle Sammy played, to the delight of the audience, Jingle Bells, and two other Carols on his old Honer accordion.
The ladies did a number about a "hole in my pan" and had a pan with a hole in it. They stand in two lines and trade lines. Ms. Vida will tell me more about it–the music was too loud that evening to find out the details–but it is something from when they were kids.
Allee sang a Haitian Christmas Carol to earn his supper. The young men of the island sang a carol as well. You had to be there to realize that it was "talent" night so to speak and anyone could be pulled up to perform.
One of the guests pulled Miss Rosalie away from her keyboard to waltz to the delight of the crowd to get the dancing going. The guest (Riant) lasted one dance ashe was rapidly going under the weather, ahem, so to speak. Miss Rosalie wisely did not let him dip her when he attempted this at the end of the dance as she suspected he might not have his normal strength and wits about him.
This reporter got old Uncle Lou up and dancing and he lit up like a Christmas tree once he got up and going. Earl Talbot can certainly cut a rug as well.
Maria has lights on the Mt. Pleasant Guest House dormers and Jonathon wants more lights to brighten things up even more. New windows are going in as well.
Hopefully the DC will be able to get the Christmas Tree up on the stand that is out already. We missed it our last Christmas here and plan to have our picture taken for future Christmas postcards.
Weather Report:
December 14, 2004 at 2:30 pm (EST) finds us at 82F, with 59% humidity and a 10 mph out of the west. There are scattered clouds. Dew point is 66F. There were scattered showers this morning at dawn.
Critter Report:
Mosquitos are not in evidence in the South at this time, with a few hatches noted in the North District, especially near the drying "pond" in front of Nathan’s house.
Sand Fleas have been coming and going, with bug bombs helping considerably indoors. We seem to see these guys only when they open their mouth, prior to biting you. I noted that Sand Flea bite medications are lumped with jelly fish sting meds...that doesn’t really surprise me as these guys really pack a whallop.
You might want to consider bringing something along that line if you are coming down soon.
Flies had not been an issue at all until just the last few days–when the weather turned more hot.
Cockroaches, (sorry) have also been in evidence. Ed says they are Palmettos. I must say, whatever they are, these guys could wear saddles and give kids pony rides if they had a mind to. But, once again, a few well placed bug bombs upon your arrival and they will be, literally, "toes up" on the floor in no time.
Centronella candles have been a big help here in the evenings to assist in combating the fews biters we do have. You might bring some with you just in case.
Mice have been an item all over the island this late fall. This reporter about had a fit when she lifted her computer bag this morning. Marley, my cub reporter, was rooting around my photo bag and computer stuff like something was happening of great importance. Being a dog, and not much of a hunter/killer kitty, he didn’t solve the problem but left it to be handled by Joel. By the way, the mouse in question was only slightly larger than the cockroaches have been. Bring a mouse trap with you or some bait.
And then there are the Cockadoodles.....I knew there was a reason I don’t go barefoot...
We have lots of new calves here by the way. One isn’t much bigger than Marley right now. One mamma cow has twins.
Lastly, Sue reports that Valentine, the almost year old grey donkey has been traveling through the dock and Green Flash area with his mother and grandmother on their daily routines. Both females are obviously "with donkey" and should be dropping new foals (I assume that is what you call a baby donkey) any time. Valentine is all fuzzy and still the friendly little guy he was this spring.
Personal Notes:
Thanks for the email on my little News Raker. It is fun to look around and see what people want to know when you’re not on the island–or as some friends do, live vicariously through us.
As is typical with a computer "blog" you can post a reply to anything that appears on the blog.
I will also try to do some essays, for lack of a better term. And they are copyrighted, as I do intend to do something with them someday, with pictures.
Most likely, the first will be on The Faces Of Salt Cay, a look at the people of Salt Cay and memories of them by this reporter. To follow will be a photo essay on If Windows Could Speak, The History of Salt Cay.
So, my first essay of sorts on The Faces of Salt Cay
Sunday, December 12, 2004
This Weeks News--December 12, 2004
Police Band Brings Out Fred Astaire in Poley...
The TCI Police Band arrived by government boat Friday morning to entertain Salt Cay residents at the auditorium. The brass and string (guitar and bass) group gave a rocking, Caribbean flare to all the favorite Christmas Carols.
When I arrived, camera in tow on my bicycle–the band and already begun to play. As I approached the door I was greeted with Miss Rosalie spinning Lolita, one of the school children, in a beautiful West Coast Swing dance. But she wasn’t alone...many other ladies were dancing while the men, well they were still thinking about it.
Shortly though, the music got way too good to pass up. Poley Dickenson was looking like Fred Astaire on the boards as he swiveled those hips and raised his arms in joy. Miss Amy got up and danced a few times as Miss Rosalie wasn’t going to let anyone not dance.
This reporter got tagged by Miss Vida towards the end of the show and I thought I was going to have heat stroke before it ended. Needless to say it was a little warm in the room and I had been bicycling all morning–I was starting to have visions of Patrick in my head and decided to forego any jack hammering when I got home.
The youngsters were a real treat especially as they realized the camera was clicking. Trey and LeMel were a little shy about dancing–then got into the melee shortly. Soon the Police who help the band were dancing with the girls and spinning them around in swing moves.
Charles, our new, temporary nurse, danced with every lady of the island much to their delight.
The new DC is a real firecracker. She and Linda were dancing (Linda can really dance by the way) and then she fired up the Seniors for their party the 18th at the Salt Shed–and their party at Windmills.
Uncle Lou was in attendance–didn’t dance as he’s not feeling or looking really well if you know what I mean. Miss Millie and her husband Willie were there, as well as Mr. Smith and Percy.
And, at the end of the occassion, as is customary, the kitchen was opened and great food was had by all, courtesy of the island ladies.
How Cars Get On Salt Cay
After two weeks of waiting for Allan’s boat, The Bucanneer, to clear dry dock in Provo, finally arrived Saturday morning with our truck on board. The Ford Ranger filled it up pretty well...though Nathan mentioned his garbage truck, a full size Chevy truck with extended cab almost didn’t fit. And the damage to the front end of his truck pretty much confirmed how difficult it was to get it on and off the boat.
Of course we did this project at low tide, but no one seemed to mind.
We arrived early to make our ramp from government 2x8's and 2x10's and some Tradewinds plywood–we didn’t find out until the night before we had to provide a ramp. But, no problem, we knocked that out early.
About 1 pm Shine arrived with the truck. Got his backhoe and away we went–Joel behind the wheel.
The guys get the back of the truck up on the ramp with the backhoe, then Shine moves it around to get the front loader directly behind the truck–then, he starts pulling and lifting and Joel’s job was to keep it straight.
Now at one point the truck is almost off the ramp and the ramp is almost not touching the dock...a fine mess
Now, when the wood starts to pop and crack, that’s when Coral and all the guys start screaming "go, go!" and Shine raises it some more and gives it the final pull. The boat comes back to the dock, the ramp comes back to the dock as well and the truck is at about 45 degrees nose down. There is no going back unless you plan to park the truck radiator down on the boat.
Joel "Parnelli" McNair had sort of a stunned smile on his face when the truck finally came to rest on the ground at the dock. He had no idea just how tilted he was. When asked if he had his seatbelt on he denied needing one–though one picture makes it appear that the driver’s seat is empty. He was sort of like a Mercury astronaut going the wrong way–down, not up. He should have been all over the windshield given the angle of the dangle.
Hats off to Shine and his crew for a job well done.
I filmed the whole thing and the results are posted. As you well know uploading here is not exactly possible with the 28 kbps internet feature here—and my thanks to Marilyn and Mike James for providing me a place to plug in my laptop in their absence. Begger bloggers can’t be choosers.
Word is that DSL is coming–right...Can and String Telephone and Cableless will be telling us that when our cars have satellites and internet access.
Restaurant Reviews and Happenings
Deb’s Coral Reef Café is a great addition to the waterfront. She’s whipping out breakfast, lunch and dinners as well as bar time. This morning she cranked out French Toast for the divers, then pulled on her wetsuit, loaded them up and took them out for 3 dives today. Deb is working on numerous menu items for the season ahead and it should be great.
The Green Flash opened it’s doors and windows today. The big news is that Frances, the hurricane sort of "displaced" the Flash a few feet. This required a little bit of plumbing adaptations to make the building meet the pipes. The Flash moved at least a couple of feet due to the winds.
We had dinner at Island Thyme last night for my birthday. Joel had the Ahi Tuna–great as usual and I had, for the first time, John’s Almond Crusted Snapper–excellent. How does he make all those almonds stick to the fish?
Windmills is on hiatus at the moment. Jim and Sharon are off to Florida for 10 days before the season starts full tilt for them about the 20th.
By the way, Porter's birthday is Monday the 13th. He'll be 54. I know as I beat him to 54 by 3 days. Deb is later this month as well.
Changes/Improvements, Etc.
The DC’s Office has a fresh coat of dark red paint, looking snappy.
Clyde’s Palace is moving along. He has his own cement truck to get his mud made. Word is another barge will be disgorging another load of everything soon from the DR. The boat house is going to 3 floors and he hasn’t started his own home as yet–the fountains and walls are up. This reporter remains confused about this project and the owner’s apparent dreams for future projects on island. Supposed plans are for "staff quarters" to be built in the South District.
Clyde’s cement pile is completely cemented–we’ll see if that remains though word on the street is his plan was for the pile to become rock hard so he could use it for his new dock.
Ok, moving on to less depressing subjects....
Radio Mike–the Governor’s Home is still moving along at the speed of light. No perceptible changes are evident as yet.
The Brown House still looks the same...
Amy and David’s home is coming along and shold soon be done. Cabinets and finish work are in progress...
Candy has a second jack hammer—though I don’t know if this one has a name yet as it apparently has no history to speak of...
And that’s about it for now as that is all I can think of.
The TCI Police Band arrived by government boat Friday morning to entertain Salt Cay residents at the auditorium. The brass and string (guitar and bass) group gave a rocking, Caribbean flare to all the favorite Christmas Carols.
When I arrived, camera in tow on my bicycle–the band and already begun to play. As I approached the door I was greeted with Miss Rosalie spinning Lolita, one of the school children, in a beautiful West Coast Swing dance. But she wasn’t alone...many other ladies were dancing while the men, well they were still thinking about it.
Shortly though, the music got way too good to pass up. Poley Dickenson was looking like Fred Astaire on the boards as he swiveled those hips and raised his arms in joy. Miss Amy got up and danced a few times as Miss Rosalie wasn’t going to let anyone not dance.
This reporter got tagged by Miss Vida towards the end of the show and I thought I was going to have heat stroke before it ended. Needless to say it was a little warm in the room and I had been bicycling all morning–I was starting to have visions of Patrick in my head and decided to forego any jack hammering when I got home.
The youngsters were a real treat especially as they realized the camera was clicking. Trey and LeMel were a little shy about dancing–then got into the melee shortly. Soon the Police who help the band were dancing with the girls and spinning them around in swing moves.
Charles, our new, temporary nurse, danced with every lady of the island much to their delight.
The new DC is a real firecracker. She and Linda were dancing (Linda can really dance by the way) and then she fired up the Seniors for their party the 18th at the Salt Shed–and their party at Windmills.
Uncle Lou was in attendance–didn’t dance as he’s not feeling or looking really well if you know what I mean. Miss Millie and her husband Willie were there, as well as Mr. Smith and Percy.
And, at the end of the occassion, as is customary, the kitchen was opened and great food was had by all, courtesy of the island ladies.
How Cars Get On Salt Cay
After two weeks of waiting for Allan’s boat, The Bucanneer, to clear dry dock in Provo, finally arrived Saturday morning with our truck on board. The Ford Ranger filled it up pretty well...though Nathan mentioned his garbage truck, a full size Chevy truck with extended cab almost didn’t fit. And the damage to the front end of his truck pretty much confirmed how difficult it was to get it on and off the boat.
Of course we did this project at low tide, but no one seemed to mind.
We arrived early to make our ramp from government 2x8's and 2x10's and some Tradewinds plywood–we didn’t find out until the night before we had to provide a ramp. But, no problem, we knocked that out early.
About 1 pm Shine arrived with the truck. Got his backhoe and away we went–Joel behind the wheel.
The guys get the back of the truck up on the ramp with the backhoe, then Shine moves it around to get the front loader directly behind the truck–then, he starts pulling and lifting and Joel’s job was to keep it straight.
Now at one point the truck is almost off the ramp and the ramp is almost not touching the dock...a fine mess
Now, when the wood starts to pop and crack, that’s when Coral and all the guys start screaming "go, go!" and Shine raises it some more and gives it the final pull. The boat comes back to the dock, the ramp comes back to the dock as well and the truck is at about 45 degrees nose down. There is no going back unless you plan to park the truck radiator down on the boat.
Joel "Parnelli" McNair had sort of a stunned smile on his face when the truck finally came to rest on the ground at the dock. He had no idea just how tilted he was. When asked if he had his seatbelt on he denied needing one–though one picture makes it appear that the driver’s seat is empty. He was sort of like a Mercury astronaut going the wrong way–down, not up. He should have been all over the windshield given the angle of the dangle.
Hats off to Shine and his crew for a job well done.
I filmed the whole thing and the results are posted. As you well know uploading here is not exactly possible with the 28 kbps internet feature here—and my thanks to Marilyn and Mike James for providing me a place to plug in my laptop in their absence. Begger bloggers can’t be choosers.
Word is that DSL is coming–right...Can and String Telephone and Cableless will be telling us that when our cars have satellites and internet access.
Restaurant Reviews and Happenings
Deb’s Coral Reef Café is a great addition to the waterfront. She’s whipping out breakfast, lunch and dinners as well as bar time. This morning she cranked out French Toast for the divers, then pulled on her wetsuit, loaded them up and took them out for 3 dives today. Deb is working on numerous menu items for the season ahead and it should be great.
The Green Flash opened it’s doors and windows today. The big news is that Frances, the hurricane sort of "displaced" the Flash a few feet. This required a little bit of plumbing adaptations to make the building meet the pipes. The Flash moved at least a couple of feet due to the winds.
We had dinner at Island Thyme last night for my birthday. Joel had the Ahi Tuna–great as usual and I had, for the first time, John’s Almond Crusted Snapper–excellent. How does he make all those almonds stick to the fish?
Windmills is on hiatus at the moment. Jim and Sharon are off to Florida for 10 days before the season starts full tilt for them about the 20th.
By the way, Porter's birthday is Monday the 13th. He'll be 54. I know as I beat him to 54 by 3 days. Deb is later this month as well.
Changes/Improvements, Etc.
The DC’s Office has a fresh coat of dark red paint, looking snappy.
Clyde’s Palace is moving along. He has his own cement truck to get his mud made. Word is another barge will be disgorging another load of everything soon from the DR. The boat house is going to 3 floors and he hasn’t started his own home as yet–the fountains and walls are up. This reporter remains confused about this project and the owner’s apparent dreams for future projects on island. Supposed plans are for "staff quarters" to be built in the South District.
Clyde’s cement pile is completely cemented–we’ll see if that remains though word on the street is his plan was for the pile to become rock hard so he could use it for his new dock.
Ok, moving on to less depressing subjects....
Radio Mike–the Governor’s Home is still moving along at the speed of light. No perceptible changes are evident as yet.
The Brown House still looks the same...
Amy and David’s home is coming along and shold soon be done. Cabinets and finish work are in progress...
Candy has a second jack hammer—though I don’t know if this one has a name yet as it apparently has no history to speak of...
And that’s about it for now as that is all I can think of.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Miscellaneous News
Dateline: Salt Cay, November 30, 2004
In this edition, let me give you a head’s up on shipping to Grand Turk. PREPAY and get your Bill of Lading.
Joel prepaid for our truck and 2 ladders. The ladders were bound together, but not on the truck. He paid for everything there. But, G&G for some reason, split the ladders from the truck and shipped them separately. Building Materials then wanted $500 for whatever came in by itself.
If we were paying here, we would have to pay the $500 "bail" and hope for the refund that never happens. But Elma, in Florida, said she’ll call Edwin and take care of it. Plus a fax goes to John Robinson to take care of it on his end.
So that is your local shipping lesson. PREPAY your frieght.
As for Salt Cay: It is 76 degrees, breezy and the threat of rain is passing. Our cistern was to the bung hole when we arrived and we’ve had a little rain since to keep it that way. So figure your cistern’s are full and more when you you get here.
Water temperature is a little cool. Feels good when you’re hot. I’d say low 80's right now on the surface.
The paymaster’s office–the subject of a photo down below–is torn down and all cleaned up. The bad news is the building didn’t make it all the way to the dump and is now piled across the street from our house, next to the Cemetery off ramp. And of course some one now thinks that must be the new garbage dump. Lovely sight.
The government is now using cement to fill holes on Victoria St.
The Governor’s House is coming along at its usual speed of nothing happening.
The Barns next to Sunset Reef are now white in color.
The No See ‘Ums are out in full force. You can only see them when they open their mouths it seems and then it is too late. And they seem to like Skin So Soft now. If you’re coming any time soon, be sure to find some high strength anti-itch stuff.
Porter’s new drink is a Mojito–not sure what’s in it, besides mint and rum, and it is good.
Until I have something other than a bicycle to drive around, information will be limited. Our golf cart is lying on its side in the yard as Joel attempts to free up the wheels in back. It’s a lovely site to behold.
We do get to go to Grand Turk this week. I can hardly wait.
In this edition, let me give you a head’s up on shipping to Grand Turk. PREPAY and get your Bill of Lading.
Joel prepaid for our truck and 2 ladders. The ladders were bound together, but not on the truck. He paid for everything there. But, G&G for some reason, split the ladders from the truck and shipped them separately. Building Materials then wanted $500 for whatever came in by itself.
If we were paying here, we would have to pay the $500 "bail" and hope for the refund that never happens. But Elma, in Florida, said she’ll call Edwin and take care of it. Plus a fax goes to John Robinson to take care of it on his end.
So that is your local shipping lesson. PREPAY your frieght.
As for Salt Cay: It is 76 degrees, breezy and the threat of rain is passing. Our cistern was to the bung hole when we arrived and we’ve had a little rain since to keep it that way. So figure your cistern’s are full and more when you you get here.
Water temperature is a little cool. Feels good when you’re hot. I’d say low 80's right now on the surface.
The paymaster’s office–the subject of a photo down below–is torn down and all cleaned up. The bad news is the building didn’t make it all the way to the dump and is now piled across the street from our house, next to the Cemetery off ramp. And of course some one now thinks that must be the new garbage dump. Lovely sight.
The government is now using cement to fill holes on Victoria St.
The Governor’s House is coming along at its usual speed of nothing happening.
The Barns next to Sunset Reef are now white in color.
The No See ‘Ums are out in full force. You can only see them when they open their mouths it seems and then it is too late. And they seem to like Skin So Soft now. If you’re coming any time soon, be sure to find some high strength anti-itch stuff.
Porter’s new drink is a Mojito–not sure what’s in it, besides mint and rum, and it is good.
Until I have something other than a bicycle to drive around, information will be limited. Our golf cart is lying on its side in the yard as Joel attempts to free up the wheels in back. It’s a lovely site to behold.
We do get to go to Grand Turk this week. I can hardly wait.
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