A Time For Transitions ~

[Laurel]

Hi G-Locksie ~ Happy Happy Holidays to you as well! While it was a really tough summer being forced into this transition ... one door closes and the next window opens! What a thrill it was to be able to live with my Sweet Baby for a few months.

We visited The Blue Hole another time later in my stay with a wonderful couple we met during their long stay at Whistling Bird; unfortunately - we were too late in the day (even tho is was only about 1:00pm), the sun was too low in the sky due to the time of year, so they did not get to enjoy the spectacular show The Blue Hole offers - we still enjoyed showing them the property and some of the other near by sights over that way ...

I only expect to drive the scooter to the beach, and be able to run into town to the store if I need a few groceries ~ just to have the independence. I LOVE riding on the back of the motorcycle!! I was a bit anxious the first couple of rides ~ but soon got the hang of it ... Bike Back Girl ~

[Laurel]

Gosh ... things were SO QUIET around Negril the end of September thru the end of October ... when Ari or Jaith did not join me at the beach, there were times I felt as if I was the only person on the beach beside those trying to make a living.




We spent almost every weekend we were home with family cooking and celebrating family times together:

[Laurel]

I feel so sad about this next bit ... remember his prized goat Charlie ~ well - someone stole him about a year ago - that broke both our hearts. Charlie was his pet ... really a special Rammy Goat.

So - he replaced Charlie with a next prized Ram Goat ~ see Joshua below:



This Rammy had some wonderful unique qualities ~ made him very special in many ways as well ... very much a part of our Yard.

Well - a couple days after I returned to Minneapolis, Bim called with the sad news that there was a sudden death in the family ... a young woman - completely unexpected.

So - in usual fashion everyone in the family pulls together ... and it just made sense for him to offer up Joshua to the big cook pot.

[Laurel]

We had the wonderful good fortune to have a weekend booked on the North Coast at Jamaica Jewel ~ we planned to spend my birthday weekend with Cher and Barry G as our gracious hosts. I had chatted with Cher for a few years so it was such great fun to be able to take things to the next level ... We fit in with them and made such great new lifetime friends! Spent time on their unspoiled beach, visited Leroy's Bar, went to an awesome Friday night party up in the country town of Clarkstown ~ Dance Dance Dance ~

[northcoast]

I'm really enjoying your report, Laurel....the pics look great. Barry & I also so enjoyed spending time with you & Bim....anxiously awaiting di nex time

[Laurel]

Hi Northcoast ... miss you ~ miss Jamaica!!

BarryG had a wonderful plan for our day adventure deep into the CockPits ~ we visited THE MOST glorious river park area. This family has a property with an awesome river jacquzzi sort of sweet spot. They have worked endlessly at planting ginger, and many other tropicals .... they have placed benches at clever spots for resting and contemplating .... **sigh** it was SUCH a really special day!

[Laurel]

I enjoyed a brisk river bath on my birthday ...

[Homegirl]

Laurel, so enjoying your trip. Glad I was able to have a good float with you. merry Christmas and Happy Happy New Year......

[Seveen]

seeing the family breaks my heart that i won't be in the country with them this holiday - i love them and i love it up there - so many good laughs and they are so welcoming to me and abu

and i am so glad you had this time in jamaica - transitions are good as long as it isn't the big one :-)

beautiful picture of my future daughter in law - lol (fingers crossed)

it's amazing when i can recognize folks by their feet and hands - BOAL

[Laurel]

I know Seveen ... while I know how fortunate I was to have had all that time with them all ~ I know the Holidays will be so very different and much more quiet this year. We (you, Abu, and I) do love us some Country Folks Christmas ~ Aunty Peggy Yard Style. I expect the Family actual Christmas will be a bit on the quiet side as well ~ due to the recent big family gatherings with the grave digging, wake, and funeral ~