10 Years, 12 Nights, 6 Hotels, ONE LOVE - April 2012 Trip Report

Our trip report was put on the backburner due to a medical emergency. It's been a rough two weeks for me and my family.

Thanksgiving weekend I received a phone call from my mother in New York. My 26 year old sister had been rushed to the emergency room and was in critical condition. I immediately booked a plane ticket home to be with my sister and my family. I don’t want to go into details regarding her condition and re-live the experience. I will say that it was incredibly scary. We didn't know what was going to happen. She was attached to so many machines with a round the clock nurse watching her closely. I was so filled with fear and just praying that I wouldn't lose my sister.

Thankfully my sister has made a full recovery. No permanent damage. With an exception of a small scar, she is going to be just fine. I'm relieved and so grateful that my sister pulled through this. She is in very good spirits and views this full recovery as a blessing, a new lease on life. She's truly a fighter. She inspires me daily and I admire her so much. The entire experience was incredibly surreal and very frightening. It's a reminder to never take for granted the loved ones in your life and appreciate every moment with them. Life is so fragile.

I'm back in San Francisco now and still decompressing from my trip home to NY. This next update will be a short one. Mostly pictures but Markus will be posting a new long update tomorrow. Our goal is to finally wrap this trip report up. Hopefully there will be no more medical emergencies in our immediate future. (knock on wood) I think I've reached my limit with that….


Trip Report Continued…
DAY 10

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Today was our designated “chill day”. The only plan we had was to relax and enjoy our time at Catcha Falling Star and that’s exactly what we did…

We slept in. We woke up feeling refreshed to the sound of the birds chirping and the palm tree leaves brushing against the shutter windows. We took a shower together and enjoyed the sunlight streaming in from the open shower roof.

Here are some pics of Pisces for anyone planning on staying there.

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We loved it. It’s so cozy, quiet and removed from everything. A few people had asked us about street noise at night because it’s close to the entrance. That was not a problem at all. We didn’t hear anything over the gentle hum of the air conditioner. It’s now our favorite cottage in Catcha. Best price and still with a nice view of the sea from the porch.

Marley, Ninja, Guirigay and Sweetiepie were already at Ivans when we left our cottage. It was already lunch time by the time we arrived, so I ordered my favorite dish (besides Seafood Linguine) The Jerk Trio Platter. It’s an appetizer that also works as a delicious light lunch.

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Brasi arrived shortly after. It was so relaxing just chilling at Ivans bar together enjoying drinks and great conversation.

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We also went swimming and snorkeling off the cliffs

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Sweetie Pie watching Marley and Ninja floating in the warm Caribbean sea

Markus finally had some time to pull out the sketchbook and draw some of the scenery. He chose to sit on the daybed at the edge of the cliffs and draw Marley’s home. (The Sagi Cottage)

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Sweetness also made an appearance

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Marley and I visited Sweetness in her upstairs suite. We all sat together on her balcony taking in the view and catching up.

We really all felt like family and I felt like this trip would never end, like we would all pass our time together at Catcha in Paradise for the rest of our days. This was the first time I had stayed in Jamaica long enough to feel this way. The urge to run to the next party or chase after the next adventure was dissolving. I was just content, relaxed and happy in the moment. I felt no anxiety about anything… it was a wonderful feeling and a gift from Jamaica that I accepted.

That night we had our last dinner together. Markus, Marley, Ninja, Guirigay, Sweetie pie. Marley and I ordered our favorite dinner yet again. The Seafood linguine and I savored every bite.

We had our last Ivans bar party with our two favorite bartenders, Ty and Kevin.

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Next up was Tawnee’s Birthday bash right around the corner at Seastar Inn. Unfortunately Guirigay, Sweetiepie and Brasi couldn’t join us. They needed to leave early the next morning.

It was time for another round of goodbye’s…

Which meant more waterworks from me…

You would think that it would get easier after the first round of goodbye’s but it didn’t…

I don’t want to write about this goodbye because it will make me cry and it’s already been a pretty emotional week for me.

Guirigay, Sweetiepie and Brasi know how I feel about them. We’ve all been through a lot together. They are compassionate, caring, kind, beautiful friends that hold a very close place in my heart. The connection we all have is one that I can not put in words. I’m so grateful for every minute I was able to spend with them during this trip. (As you all know, Markus had a bit of a bromance thing going with Guirigay…It was pretty hard for him too.)

I still had tears in my eyes as I walked down Seastar lane towards Tawnee’s birthday bash with Marley, Ninja and Markus.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks with the back of my hand and straightened up. “Okay” I told Marley ”it’s our last party together. I’m not going to be sad. I’m just going to enjoy every minute”

We were late arriving to the party and we missed quite a few people, but thankfully the party was still going strong. Here are some pictures from that fun night.

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Jim and Donna

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Markus and Tawnee

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Marley, Ninja and Dawn

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The beautiful Bella Bea

After the party we grabbed some Red Stripes from our fridge and joined Marley and Ninja for one last round at the Sagi Cottage. The four of us sat together on the balcony overlooking the sea.

This was it. The final and hardest goodbye at Catcha and… I just couldn’t do it.

I’ve been trying to find the words to describe how much their friendship has changed my life in a positive way and how much they mean to me. (to both of us) Marley is not just a friend, she is my sister now. Ninja is Markus’s “brother from another mother”. They are such a beautiful couple that I truly love and admire so much. From the moment they arrived in Jamaica, the four of us spent nearly every single day together. I know that whatever happens in life, we will remain friends always. So I knew in my heart that this wasn’t goodbye, it was just the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

I came into this trip struggling with intense grief from a terrible loss and feeling broken, I left with a family of new friends that helped me heal and memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

So when it came time to head to bed, I started to say goodbye… but I couldn’t formulate the words without choking up. So instead I just said “We’ll see you tomorrow”

Marley smiled and gave me a hug “See you tomorrow”

To be continued.
Day 11 – Moving to Banana Shout
Markus is back in the saddle and he’s up next. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Clarity

It was time for another round of goodbye’s…

Which meant more waterworks from me…

You would think that it would get easier after the first round of goodbye’s but it didn’t…

I don’t want to write about this goodbye because it will make me cry and it’s already been a pretty emotional week for me.

Guirigay, Sweetiepie and Brasi know how I feel about them. We’ve all been through a lot together. They are compassionate, caring, kind, beautiful friends that hold a very close place in my heart.

---

Every time I read your words you know what I'll see...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Clarity

The connection we all have is one that I can not put in words. I’m so grateful for every minute I was able to spend with them during this trip. (As you all know, Markus had a bit of a bromance thing going with Guirigay…It was pretty hard for him too.)

---

Let me see what I can do, It should only take me the rest of my life...

(((((((((Markus and Daisy)))))))))

Awwwwwww, you know I feel the same way about you and Markus, love you guys so much
Funny enough, like most, I had fallen in love with you both before ever even meeting you and I was so happy to find out that you are even more amazing in person.

And we have so much in common.....

I too went to Jamaica on this last trip and met some of my FAMILY!
Love you all so much!

See you soon!!!! yay :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marley9808

I had fallen in love with you both before ever even meeting you

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Great stuff. You first bonded over shoes, right?

:) enjoying it!

Thanks for continuing Clarity! I so need something to pull me through the next 36 hours!

So glad your sister is okay! I look forward to the rest of your review! Loving all of your beautiful pictures!!

Welcome back, glad your sister is getting better sorry you had to go through that. Looking forward to some more pictures. Thank you for the ones you've posted.

It's good to see you back and I hope your sister continues her recovery.
May the upcoming Season and New Year be full of blessings for you two.

All I have to say is

1)You guys are he best
B) You always make me tear up at work
III) and of course SEE YOU SOON!! 17days

Thanks everyone for your kind comments! I’m glad you’re still with us on this journey. :o

Another hiatus from this trip report for me, and, while scarcely 7 months have passed since this trip, it feels like it all happened a decade ago. By a strange law of emotional relativity the passage of time feels enhanced as the bonds with those we met have strengthened.

After Jamaica we made excessive use of the new technologies and saw each other frequently through the tiny lenses of laptops and smartphones. We now regularly hasten home to see our family of turtles in a video chat and participate in each other’s lives. We have glimpses of where they live and what they do. We virtually went on car trips with Guiriguy and Sweetiepie, attended wedding receptions, and examined notable bathrooms with Tizzy in Texas. We greet new pets in the family, keep up with each other’s RADIO broadcasts (Spottycatz!) , promotions and struggles and saw Ninja come home with a Hoagie after Karate class.

For a special treat Sandy and Booger brought us back to Negril for a chat and we bantered, joked and danced with the Catcha staff via webcam. We have in essence become a family by choice, straddling the North American continent and beyond.

What happens in Jamaica does not stay there. What happens in Jamaica becomes part of who you are and it makes your life at home better, richer and more textured. Meaningful relationships are formed on this very website and become very, very real.

I can hardly believe now that we have met these people a mere 26 weeks ago and that makes the time, when we had just met, seem decades distant.

Day 11

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We woke up in a sweaty confusion. Above the fan of the Pisces cottage spun slowly. It was early, but through the daze a feeling of urgency crept in. Something was happening. I glanced across Daisy’s shoulder at the clock radio.

Me: “Man, when are they leaving?”.

Daisy: “Dunno, about now? … I think.”

Me: “Oh man! … Wanna say good-bye?”

Daisy: “Oh, no! I can’t. I promised not to cry …and I would.”

Me: “I can’t lay here with them right out that door! I have to go say good-bye again.”

I tossed some water in my face in the bathroom and grabbed clothes of the floor. With my shirt inside out I slipped through the front door and stared into the bright sunlight reflected of the sedan waiting there. Ben at the center of the early action wagged his tail and slowly wobbled towards me.

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Crouching down to pet his wiry fur I spotted Marley and Ninja at the front desk. I ran back inside to report to Daisy, but saw the water built up on her lower eyelid. She waved off and I went back outside without a word.

Ninja came out of the office and sauntered over. We managed a cool hand shake and braved the moment as if it were any other. I asked if everything was going smooth, if they were on time and such. He nodded and we wordlessly looked at office entrance waiting for Marley to come out. Just two men standing there and chatting on the surface undisturbed by the happenstance of one party’s departure.

Then behind me the cottage door squeak open and Daisy emerged hesitantly, asking to be allowed to show her teary face. Marley finally joined and we discussed emphatically all the opportunities we would not miss to see each other, the trip reports we would write.

“It’s the beginning of something beautiful, not the end! “

“You are right. This moment is a joyful one! Good things are in motion.”

“It sure is, isn’t it?”

“Bah, yes of course it is!”

We were so brave.

When the car turned the corner though and the gate was closed and everything continued as if nothing happened: the birds still sang, the security guard smiled at us with no sign of loss or grief, when all the world just pretended that nothing at all had occurred it stung so badly that I could finally not hold back the tears and to my surprise broke out into a full on ten second sob fest. Daisy had already been at it for a while. We took turns. She wiped my tears off and repeated: “It’s just the beginning, honey. You’ll see them ALL again!”

“That’s right my love! That’s right.”

We went to the porch and sat down for cigarette before breakfast. Lost in our private thoughts we sat in silence for a while. Then the landscape slowly took over, the morning glory, the hummingbirds and butterflies. Our little resident land crab was acting extra cute as it tried to pull an oversized blossom into its little tunnel. Finally you just can’t help smiling. It is very, very difficult to stay sad at catcha falling star, no matter the misery.

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Surely we were still shaken up, but positivity had overcome us by the time we headed over to have our last breakfast at Catcha. It really all looked like a beginning, not an end. Besides, not everyone had gone. Coco and her husband were having breakfast at the table next to us. They are so polite . She smiled and waved at us always careful not to intrude.

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We gorged ourselves on ackee, salt fish and caliloo while a magnificent frigate bird put on a show to which we had front row seats. Looking for hot air to rise on the magnificent creature glided by, time and time again, and stalled in midair like a kite, much closer than I ever had the luck to see one.

They are quite common and probably cause little excitement in a more serious birdwatcher, but I absolutely love these birds. I clearly remember seeing them as “little Markus” while watching TV with my mom on our little black and white TV-set with three channels. The frigate bird was a common feature in nature documentaries in those days. When I first saw a male siting near the nest with his pouch bloated like a red birthday balloon, I wished , but never imagined to see one in real life. A land where such otherworldly creatures might live seemed very strange indeed and impossibly far away. How could I ever hope to see one! Maybe that explains my strange obsession with the bird and the absolute delight and disbelief when I spotted scores of them on the first day of my first trip to Jamaica. So, to the annoyance of my honey, I dropped my fork and knife into the Ackee and Saltfish in the middle of breakfast and made like a proper tourist with my camera. Here is my best shot of the Man-o-War bird, the pirate of the sky, the F16 of Ornithology:

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After breakfast and before packing we schedule one last proper excursion through the Catcha-Falling-Star grounds with our camera. A few hours with no pressing events and all the time in the world to discover more flowers, birds and insects.

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Across the cliff we could see our next destination. The mysterious Banana Shout. It looked a bit irreverent and almost unkempt from here, but also enticing, full of mystery and adventure.

It was almost time to find out. After a few hours of chasing critters with my camera, I returned to the cabin were Daisy was all packed and ready. We said our good-byes and thank-you’s to the amazing staff that had doted over us for the last days, we bought a phone card for the kind security guard and finally stepped through the green gate out onto the street.

Trip report Continued from previous page….

Since morning the heat had risen to an almost unbearable level. Away from the shadow of the shrubbery the sun was beating brutally onto the pavement. The few hundred feet of road between the Catcha gate and the yellow fence of Banana Shout were distorted in the slow convection of the air. Dust clouds, that had been swept up by passing cars, hung in the air without a breeze to move them.

In the midday sun the yellow fence shone brightly. A banana-shaped door handle indicated an opening near the middle. The words “Banana Shout” were painted inside an oval logo, looking just like a stickers on the fruit in your local supermarket. There was no sign of a knocker or doorbell anywhere.

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“Do they literally want us to shout Banana?” I suggested.

Daisy wiped the sweat off her forehead, not amused by my brilliant joke.

“Just knock already!”

I did. We waited. I knocked again. Nothing.

Daisy knocked again. Then she screamed loudly: “Hello, anyone there?”

Some dogs down the road responded, but only silence came from the other side of the fence.

“Are they expecting us?” I asked.

“Of course, do you really think I would get the day wrong!?”

“No, of course not! I‘m gonna try it,…… BANANAaaaaaa!”

“Do you hear anything?” Daisy asked.

I pressed my ear against the fence, and then tried to peer through the gaps in the boards.

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“I don’t see anyone,…… BANANAaaaa!!!!!”

The yelling had caught the attention of the neighbors now. From the bar further up the Road a Jamaican approached on a scooter.

“Ya Mon, you need a ride, Mon?”

“No thank you, we just want to get into Banana Shout.” Daisy replied. “I need to drop my luggage off and get a shower.”

“Yah mon, no problem, Marianne is tending the goats, let me get her.” With that the helpful man left his scooter, ran into a field directly across the street and disappearing in the tall grass.

“Herding goats?” I asked, “This is too cool.”

We waited a few more minutes, then heard voices approaching. From the cover of the grass an apparition from the sixties appeared. A tall slender figure emerged from the dried out golden meadow with long flowy dark hair loosely tied into a pony tail..

With a big smile, that exposed a row of glowing white teeth, she approached and immediately took Daisy’s hands into hers and emphatically apologized for the delay: “I can’t believe the groundskeeper didn’t hear you.” Then she kissed both of us on the check and beamed: “Let me give you a tour! This is so exciting to have you here!” I seriously had the impression I was in 1968 during the summer of love and had just arrived in a sunny Oregon commune. Everything in view seemed to confirm that reality.

Beyond the yellow fence the impression only became stronger. In the center of a small driveway a naïve rendition of the sun and moon were carved into the trunk of a tree and painted brightly. Everything seemed to have at least a splash of color playfully applied. To the left a small hut housed an office.

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Marianne led us down a little path between plants and more brightly colored structures.

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“This is the main house”, she said pointing, “if you read the book Bananshout, this is the structure that was first built here.”

“I have read it. “ Daisy said excitedly.

We are inside a book now! These are the real buildings and people!

“And here is the communal kitchen.” Marianne explained further.

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Down from the main house, past a tiny grove of large trees, a flat area extended to the cliff. This was the part of the property visible from Catcha and Rick’s Café. In the center was a little thatched hut. Needless to say it was adorned with all the basic colors of a decent palette, a splash here another one there. If a color had been forgotten on the outside a spot inside was found to accommodate it.

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Art work was strewn about everywhere, mostly Rasta carvings. A wooden Giraffe looked longingly out to the Ocean. A monkey seated on the giraffe’s back held a banana in his hands, like provision for the journey ahead. The two looked ready for the departure. While carved with little detail, the image was so powerful it will probably stay with me forever.

Pointing to the left Marianne finally pointed out the place that would be our home for the next few days. The structure was incredibly large. Walking up the stairs to the porch Marianne apologized, that certain repairs had not yet been made, since the last hurricane had made them necessary, but I could not find what she was referring to.

The house had a single large room and a bathroom. I was again reminded - in the most positive way - of my experiences with communal living. Beside the bed a large wooden dining table dominated the room. Everything seemed to have been picked and thrown together by different people. Rather than the result of a cohesive interior design, chance and cooperation had made this room. I was delighted and so was Daisy.

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In the bathroom Marianne broke the bad news. “The water pressure in the shower is low right now, but….”, and here it got good again,” there is a fresh water shower cut in to the cliffs! Let’s go see it!”

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We put down our luggage and followed her back outside. The stairs cut in to the cliff right outside our veranda were insurance-disaster slippery, so watch out!

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As we descended through little caves and rocky arches, the ocean groaned and bellowed forcefully against the rock. A few feet above the foaming waves the path reached its lowest point. A natural pool right up against the edge was bubbling like a Jacuzzi powered by the tides. Behind it set further back a little platform had been poured from concrete. Above a shower nozzle was ready for your cleaning needs draining into the ocean. So bring some bio-degradable soap. It is way more amazing to shower here than in a “proper” bathroom.

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This ended out tour. We were then officially introduced to “Plug” the groundskeeper. “He can fix anything or provide anything you might need.”

Plug nodded.

“This should be fun!” Daisy exclaimed.

“Definitely!” I replied.

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To be continued….

lol@you shouting "banana":) lovely pics by the way!

Loving this Markus, welcome back. You and Daisy have such adventures.

For some reason, whenever I read you trip reports I get the warm fuzzies:)
I don't get them often, so thank you.

Awesome photo of crab .... Great report!

What an excellent report and pictures,thank you for sharing!!!

okay i went beyond crying - i SOBBED - lol

The funny thing is that I can actually picture (and hear) you shouting "Banana" at the door!

And don't worry, you weren't alone in your sob fest, as soon as the gate closed I started one of my own, Ninja claims he didn't but since we were riding the scooters back to the beach before getting in with Chicken, there was no real way to verify....that wind did wonders on those tears on my cheek! lol

You know if I had just read this a few months ago I would be really sad reliving that moment of our goodbyes, but instead I read it now, many months later after still communicating with you on a regular basis (I love technology) and even more importantly, I will be hugging you HELLO! soon! Yay

Kinda makes me want to shout "Banana!"

B-a-nan-as!

Been waiting for this part of the trip. Need to know what we're going to in April. Don't leave nuffin' out now!
And Plug is the man to speak to, yes?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marley9808

The funny thing is that I can actually picture (and hear) you shouting "Banana" at the door!

And don't worry, you weren't alone in your sob fest, as soon as the gate closed I started one of my own, Ninja claims he didn't but since we were riding the scooters back to the beach before getting in with Chicken, there was no real way to verify....that wind did wonders on those tears on my cheek! lol

You know if I had just read this a few months ago I would be really sad reliving that moment of our goodbyes, but instead I read it now, many months later after still communicating with you on a regular basis (I love technology) and even more importantly, I will be hugging you HELLO! soon! Yay

Kinda makes me want to shout "Banana!"

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You can yell banana when you hug me too......

Quote:

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Originally Posted by booger

You can yell banana when you hug me too......

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LMAO! Ok, I will...just try not to spill your beer on me this time ;)

Banana!!! Shout it :) Yeah the crying is just routine now for me when reading your reports--something about your descriptive skills and writing from the heart no holds barred--when you all are crying, so am I. Ridiculous! I love hearing about Banana Shout. I read the book back in the day and love putting current images and impressions to it. Thanks D and M. You two rock it.

It was such a Pleasure meeting you two. How is that little one coming along??

Thanks Kaycee, Angel, Gerryg123, BillnDonna, sweetness, Spottycatz, Boogs, Marley, Irieworld!

Lol Seveen! You crack me up! Sorry for making you cry..AGAIN! I'd really love to meet you some day!:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spottycatz

Been waiting for this part of the trip. Need to know what we're going to in April. Don't leave nuffin' out now!
And Plug is the man to speak to, yes?

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Yes, Plug is the man. He's great and he'll help you out with anything you need. He'll even go to the grocery store and Milo/Marianne will cook a meal for you. The three of them are so warm and welcoming. You'll feel at home in no time. You're going to love it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jim-Donna

It was such a Pleasure meeting you two. How is that little one coming along??

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It was so wonderful meeting you both too!!:D

We are still working on that and we're hoping for some good news soon! You know that as soon as there IS officially a little one on the way, we'll be screaming it from the rooftops. Believe me, you'll know! lol

P.S. We've also decided to take one more shot at a "Jamaica Baby".*fingers crossed* Soon come!:o