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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
“ME SEEIT…ME SEEIT SIDNEY!!! ME SEEIT…LAWDEMERCEE JEESUSS ME MERCEEEEE!!!
“What??!! What scare you suh??”
OH MY SWEET JESUS!!! Oh noooo…me SEEIT, SIDNEY”
“Get down woman..get off the bar!!?”
“NO SUH! ME NUH COME DOWN!!! You hear me…me NUH come DOWN!!!”
I’m looking at her laying horizontal on the bar and can NOT for the life of me come up with what she saw. A dog?? A evil cat?? A mongoose?? I take sip of the rum and wait.
“Me say COME DOWN!”
She rolled off the bar, feet hit the floor and she was out the door.
“Come out!!! Come out!” she screams to me. "O’NEIL…tell you wifey fe come out!!!"
**did she say wifey? Oh yeah, he and I must talk.**
“Vi, come out.” I walk out and stand by the door waiting to see what comes out behind me.
"What did you see, Erffa???" Sidney demanded
“Ah rat, me see. BIG RAT! Him look at me, I look at him…ohlawdemerceeeeeee. Find him Sidney. Find him and kill him!”
Sidney slips behind the shop and comes back with a machete. O’Neil grabs an iron pipe. I’m like…a rat?? All that commotion over a rat??
The two old guys were cracking up. Told her the rodent was more afraid of her then she was of it. I agree, but had to be sympathetic of her fear. After all, I’m afraid of dogs and cats of any size. She’s pacing, O’Neil and Sidney are hunting and the two old guys are still laughing. They start moving appliances and boxes. I’m slowly loosing my buzz.
Sidney told her it must be gone. I hoped so because I really didn’t want to see them chop up a rat. Ten minutes later, they give up the search and conclude the rat was gone. Erffa goes back in with a lot of hesitation. My buzz is just about gone. I’m so ready to leave.
“Yo, O’Neil…let’s bounce.”
He didn’t waste anytime grabbing his cap and saying good night. Actually got to the car before I did. I get in the car and roll down the window to catch the night breeze. As we were pulling off I hear the shrieking again…
“SIDNEY…HIM STILL IN HERE!!!!!!!!! OH SWEETLAWDEMERCEEEEEE!!!!!!”
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Wait...what?? I'm confused?
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Hi kaycee, as we were pulling out of the driveway, we can hear Erffa screaming again because the rat came out and ran to another corner. O’Neil wouldn't stop to go back to help find the rat. We pretended not to hear her and made our way to town. But we did find out they found him the next morning, which turned out to be his last morning.
I shared the story because the event was a sight to see and one I will never forget. Especially that woman landing herself on the bar. Sorry my writing/wording wasn't clear.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
She wouldnt have liked what we saw in Negril one night. There's a place by samsara where I think maybe the store garbage behind a set of steel doors. We were walking the road there one night and came upon probably 20 rats on the road. They all scurried back into the enclosure. Yikes!!
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
oh my sandman, you saw that from the road??? no she wouldn't have liked that at ALL. Neither would I!!!!!!!!!! eewwwwwwwwwww!!!!! LOL
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Oh okay,lol! I don't like rats either...I probably would have let off a string of curse words.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
LOL Kaycee, Erffa did too. Especially when the old man made fun of her. I kept dem words out due to this being a family friendly message board.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
7/10/14 thursday, day 7
Cloudy with a chance of liquid sunshine? The weather looked rain so I decided to hang around Port Antonio.
Breakfast today, cheese omelet. So good. I met Kashawna, Mrs. Scott’s helper. A slim, pretty young lady of 19. The daughter of one of Mrs. Scott’s closest friends, Kashawna, from Kingston, has been staying with the Scotts for about a year. Not only does she help with the cleaning and cooking, Kashawna is like a big sister to Mrs. Scott’s cute as a babydoll granddaughter, Nyla. She will be leaving soon to attend the university. I know the Scotts are going to miss this studious young woman when she leaves.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...7/IMG_1018.jpg
Decided to get the attention my horrid feet desperately needed. Tried a new salon..this one is located on the same lane as Tim Bamboo. It’s been there for a while so I figured they were established with a solid client base.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...7/IMG_1020.jpg
The massage and pedicure was fantastic, the best I ever had!! I could tell the tech not only knew what she was doing, but she enjoyed it. Spent a good 75 minutes working on my feet and calves. I like this salon more than the one I usually go to. The staff made me feel comfortable being there. Didn’t feel like a “foreign” customer, but just a regular woman coming in seeking help for her jacked-up feet.
I bought my own polish, which was bad. The color was dull and the liquid was lumpy. They tried to make it work, and even apologized although it wasn’t their fault. I apologized for bringing a defective product for them to use.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...7/IMG_1021.jpg
While I was watching the Crosby show waiting for the polish to dry, a man came to the salon. A very LARGE man whose body blocked out the sunlight coming through the doorway. I heard him ask about pedicures. How much & how long. Then he asked about having nails done. He was told they don’t do manicures. I was surprised to hear that. He thanked them and went on his way.
Toenails dry, paid the tech and went on my way. Going to hang out at the good old marina. I know, I know…just how many more pictures can me post of the marina???? Please bear with me as I so love the peacefulness of that place. I visited the pier twice this visit, but I’m going to combine the pictures and stories to this one post.
BUT before the marina…I needed FOOD!
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
The weather was perfect for being outside. Yeah, the rays were hot, but no humidity so I was comfortable under the hat.
It all started out nice, then got better but as I remember the entire day, it didn’t end on the positive side. I’m sure as I type, I’ll understand why and when it turned from “irie” to “irritable”. But for now, enjoy the gorgeous scenic view as I stroll to the good old Marina.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013800.jpg
This is my favorite pic of that afternoon...
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013802.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013807.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013810.jpg
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
I had to stop at this fruit stand because the presentation was so inviting. I didn’t have a taste for fruit, but I was attracted to the colorful display and wanted to take pictures of it. I also wanted to commend the woman who set it up. Maybe I’ll buy two bananas and tip her if she allows me to take a couple of pictures.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013774.jpg
Around the corner comes the owner, a tall, lean Rasta with hip-length locs.
“Good morning, Empress. You see something you like?”
“Yes, everything!”
**Empress…sign. First time addressed as “Empress” this visit. What a smile he pulled from me.**
“Your stand is so nicely arranged. Everything looks delicious and sweet.”
“Everything is fresh.”
“How much is the pineapple?”
“This one is a sweet fruit.” He picked up the pineapple, examined it then again confirmed it’s taste to be nothing but sweet. I didn’t need more pineapple but I couldn’t say no.
“I’ll take it.”
“You want it cut up?”
“Yes, please. Thank You.”
“If it is alright with you, Sir, could I take pictures of this impressive display?”
He paused then said “I am part of the display. You can take my photo as well. No Problem.”
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013783.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013781.jpg
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013775.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013776.jpg
After peeling off the outer covering and removing the nibbies, he sliced off a sliver for me to sample.
“If you aren’t satisfied, you don’t have to pay.”
I quick looked at his hands…whew…they were CLEAN. So I popped the piece in my mouth and enjoyed the fruit tremendously. It was soooo sweet. I can still remember the aroma and sucking the juice off my fingers.
“This is really good.”
I paid him for the pineapple with a little extra for allowing me to take pictures.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013779.jpg
I decided to double back and check out the craft market which recently opened up. I remember O’Neil saying there are a couple of restaurants out there.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...7/IMG_1039.jpg
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Hi Honey... enjoying your report... that conch looks so good.... makes my mouth wata... Looks like you had a great time and met lots of new folks..still following along:cool:
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
I am so intriqued by your style of writing and your response to everyone's comment. You are truly a beautiful person, which attracted you to such a beautiful place as Portland. I'm at my desk reading your report and can't contain myself with excitement knowing I will be there in 4 months. Your picutures of Port Antonio are true beauty and I can't help but to show off the pictures of the Palm trees and the seas to co-workers. I'm not just saying this so that I can have my name written in sand on your next trip there. "hint hint".:o As for the rat situation, I would've done the exact same thing the bartender did. lol My first apartment, after living there for 3 years I seen a rat and moved out the same night. I moved in with my mom temporarily . :D I packed during the daytime because I was afraid to be there in the evenings.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Quote:
Originally Posted by
*vi*
this is postcard worthy!
wanted to check out the new craft market, so the food you had was from there? I liked that they had a little play ground, passed it several times but never stopped in. How were the prices?
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Attachment 38745
This little bamboo cottage speaks to me. Obviously built with great care and as much precision as bamboo will allow. Why do people laugh at me when I suggest building something similar?
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SPARKLE1010
Hi Honey... enjoying your report... that conch looks so good.... makes my mouth wata... Looks like you had a great time and met lots of new folks..still following along:cool:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013661.jpg
I was wondering where you been, darlin!!!!!!!!!! I did meet a lot of people this visit. I got out on my own and walked a lot plus, get this, made myself more approachable. You know, not like here where I wear my “do NOT come near me” look proudly. The conch was good…a little pricey, but satisfying.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Enjoying all of these great pictures, but I sure could go for a fruit salad about now :o
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Quote:
Originally Posted by
butterfly
I am so intriqued by your style of writing and your response to everyone's comment. You are truly a beautiful person, which attracted you to such a beautiful place as Portland. I'm at my desk reading your report and can't contain myself with excitement knowing I will be there in 4 months...
((((Butterfly)))) your words ALWAYS move me. I appreciate you taking the time to post your kind words and support. You know what, some people HATE that I respond to each poster. I can’t help it. Not responding is like ignoring a spoken comment. Share the photos with whoever you want. These pale compared to the magnificent pictures you will take while you are there. I am so excited about your upcoming visit to Portland. Do YOU every second you are there.
LOL at your rat memory. The same night??? Okay I can understand that. How I wish I could dash to Jamaica right now and capture your name in the sand, but I have something just as special for you. This photo is in my top ten favorites of all the clicking I’ve done over the years. This is for you babygirl.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...99_299_133.jpg
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sammyb
this is postcard worthy!
wanted to check out the new craft market, so the food you had was from there? I liked that they had a little play ground, passed it several times but never stopped in. How were the prices?
Thanks Sammy. The prices were good for the regular food items like jerk chicken, brown stew pork (300 - 350J). The conch was a specialty on the menu so it cost a little more. I think it was 700J for the conch alone, the salad was 100 extra. There's also a restaurant that serves nice pasta dishes, but they specialize in pizza. I NEVER bother with dessert but I was curious about their pumpkin bread (cake). It was wonderful and their prices weren’t bad either. The place gets packed at night so the wait for food is forever but worth it…just don’t go near starving.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Quote:
Originally Posted by
goldilocks
This little bamboo cottage speaks to me. Obviously built with great care and as much precision as bamboo will allow. Why do people laugh at me when I suggest building something similar?
Goldilocks I know you would find all the little cabins, cookshops and fruits stands along that side charming. I love walking the length just to admire the patched construction and creativity put into each tiny building.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Patricia
Enjoying all of these great pictures, but I sure could go for a fruit salad about now :o
Thanks so much Patricia...
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...7/IMG_1037.jpg
This is Rock Bottom’s new location. Of course his inventory is smaller because he has less space, but the products are still top quality. He’s so proud of his work and he should be. He looks great…sorry I didn’t get a picture of him but I never made it back like I hoped. Not even to buy the wall fish I wanted so badly. He gave me a handmade bracelet. I cherished the simple, but perfect gift. Made the mistake of wearing it to my second job and it got hooked to a spindle and broke. I can’t wait to get back to replace it. Butterfly, please stop by his shop…he’s a BIG man with a gentle soul.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...7/IMG_1038.jpg
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Vi, you take the most perfect pictures!
And the rastas fruit, stand looked very neat and inviting. No flies, trash or spoiled fruit...Nice.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Thanks kaycee. To me, my eyes, Portland/Jamaica is the perfect photographic subject. Yes, his place was very clean.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Continuing on…
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013756.jpg
Finally reached the narrow seaside walk. I’ve gotten better at balancing myself along the sidewalk. Don’t fear slipping off onto the rocks when someone passes me…well not as much as I did. I like the elevation which is ideal for pictures.
I hear someone call out “Hello!! Hello!”
I stop to look around because I was sure they were trying to get my attention. I see the big dude that was at the salon doorway blocking out the sun. He’s making his way towards me from across the street. Do I go down or wait for him to come up?? This sidewalk isn’t wide enough for both of us. I decide to take a couple of steps further up the walk where the incline isn’t so steep.
“Hello”
“Hi”
“I saw you walking and come to meet you. My name is Andrew…I’m from…My age is…”
Andrew gave me his complete single&desperatejamaicanmale.com profile before I could tell him my name. Well it sounded like a profile.
“Hi Andrew, I’m Vi.”
He said he was interested in me and wanted to know if we could have dinner together. Thanked him, but said I’m very happy being single. He didn’t try to push, just simply asked if I had a friend, sister, cousin, auntie, mother, grandmother or female enemy who he could meet. No, I can’t think of anyone. (What was I suppose to say????) He insisted I take his picture and show it around. I took the picture, actually 3. He checked them to make sure they looked good. Nothing like a bad profile photo, huh? Of course he didn’t forget his contact information. I won’t post his picture because the white shirt he was wearing had a stain on the right nipple area. That would have turned anyone remotely interested off. I think he would thank me for making that decision. LOL
“Wait, didn’t you come to the salon this morning?”
“Yes. I didn’t think you saw me.”
“Yeah, I saw you and heard you ask about a manicure and pedicure. I’m going to be honest and let you know I didn’t think you were interested in women.”
“I came to see you. I saw you go inside and wanted to meet you. But when I got to the door, I got shy so I asked about the foot rubbing.”
“Oh…okay…”
**silence**
“Have a good afternoon, Andrew.” and I quickly went on my way.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013757.jpg
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
the craft market finally opened . . . wonderful pics. thanks vi.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Awww, that flower is so beautiful, I can't believe I actually have a tear in my eye. I woke up with a heavy heart thinking about my mom. It's always the small things that count to me and I must admit that flower made my day. I can't wait to reach Portland and hopefully I will have an opportunity to meet such a special person as you. I can tell by all your responses to your post, which I love by the way,:) that you have a good heart.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Awe Vi, Luv the story of Andrew coming into the Salon to meet you and getting cold feet.... and admitting it... Your pictures are so inviting...My heart is a little heavy today, wishing and needing a reach badly.:(. soon come?
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
LOL *vi* I'm surprised Andrew didn't come in the shop and take over your pedicure!
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
When we were there in Dec/Jan that new craft shop area was pretty much empty, glad to see businesses open now.
In a somewhat unrelated event, we have been getting quite a few phone calls ftom TJ, the guy that ran the tiny cook shop not far from Tim Bamboo along the beach. I feel really bad for him, he told us he was forced to close because his place didnt meet the proper health regulations, something to do with no running water I think. He is really hard to understand when he talks, I only pick up half of what he tells me.
Honestly, I wish I knew if he was sincerely in need, or is he just looking for a handout from us. We have actually been avoiding his phone calls the last couple weeks. I know my wife would like to send him some money but I have told her we can't make him think we are walking ATM machines. A few months ago we had a sign built for his shop and sent to him, which he received a long time after we sent it, along with a few other trinkiets. I am going to call him in the next few days, and explain to him he needs to slow down and talk slowly and try to figure out how desperate he really is.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JitterBug
the craft market finally opened . . . wonderful pics. thanks vi.
Yes, JitterBug, open and the restaurants are doing quite well. I’m not sure about the other stores. Hard to tell because it was a weekday so not a lot of traffic. Oh yeah, there’s a nice looking bar in there. Man, I really meant to check that out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
butterfly
… I woke up with a heavy heart thinking about my mom. It's always the small things that count to me and I must admit that flower made my day.
Butterfly, you are going to experience days/moments like that. Without warning, the sadness will swoop down on you, but it won’t last for long. You continue to cling to that precious memory of sharing Jamaica with your Mother. Those memories along with God’s strength will carry you through the difficult times. I’m glad you like the flower photo. Hopefully it lifted you from your grief for a moment or two. Like I said, Portland will be a tremendous help as you heal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SPARKLE1010
Awe Vi, Luv the story of Andrew coming into the Salon to meet you and getting cold feet.... and admitting it... Your pictures are so inviting...My heart is a little heavy today, wishing and needing a reach badly.:(. soon come?
Sorry to hear you also being weighed down by a heavy heart. Sounds like you could use a flower too, honeybee. So much nicer it would be if you can have the real thing fresh from the Jamaica soil. Sparkle, darlin, pick a month and make it happen!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
goldilocks
LOL *vi* I'm surprised Andrew didn't come in the shop and take over your pedicure!
Goldilocks!!!!! LOL and noooooooo way! See you ladies are going to force me to post his mug so you would understand why I declined dinner.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sandman66
When we were there in Dec/Jan that new craft shop area was pretty much empty, glad to see businesses open now.
In a somewhat unrelated event, we have been getting quite a few phone calls ftom TJ, the guy that ran the tiny cook shop not far from Tim Bamboo along the beach. I feel really bad for him….
Sandman, you and wife sound like very giving people. Big up to you both for even caring enough to understand him and “consider” helping him in any way. It is a hard call for sure. I know how strict Portland is with enforcing taxi drivers to adhere to the rules. Cook shops along that main strip must be regulated also. I agree with you, talk to him and ask questions in order to find out exactly what he’s facing then decide whether or not you are going to help him and to what extent.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Ah, men...Lol!
I definitely have to get out to Portland. It's too beautiful not to explore.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
dang even Rock Bottom is in the "new" craft market!
sorry I missed that.
Your photos leave me speechless!
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Kaycee, these pictures don’t do Portie justice!!! As you can see, I can’t put my camera down because I see a photo opp in every glance. Tell her Sammy.
Thanks girl! Yeah Sammy, RB has a nice set-up. Gave me the run down of how things are done there. You never get “called over to look” or pressured to buy. If a vendor gets aggressive with visitors they can be reported and kicked out. I hope everyone prospers and the market continues to expand because it’s in an ideal location.
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Re: trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen
Settled down to do some writing and drinking and soaking up the exquisiteness of the view. No matter where you walk or sit in the marina, you get a view you can’t take your eyes off. I like the gazebos but you can never find one empty. I don’t mine people joining me, but I’m not comfortable crashing other peoples’ parties.
The red stripe hit the spot.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013918.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013236.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013242.jpg
The walk that leads to, now closed, Norma’s Restaurant has been blocked by the new owners. I asked if there are plans for re-opening but no one knew. Shame because the intimate beach on that end is so pretty. I would see a few teens swimming there before dusk. Not anymore.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...Oct2013247.jpg
