Care Packages

One year ago today we were on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico when Irma morphed me from a hurricane amateur, into a hurricane whiz.  Unfortunately, when Maria hit ten days later, I became a hurricane pro.  

Well folks, I hate to break it to you, but it looks like it’s happening again. This morning, when I checked my phone, I had three tropical storm/hurricane warnings flashing! Three! Florence, Isaac and Helene! September is definitely hurricane month for this part of the planet. They happen. They are serious business and should be taken seriously when they occur.

After what we experienced last year, we’ve had quite a few people ask us what they could have sent and could have done to help people that are suffering through hurricane disasters.  So we’ve given it some thought.

Where Everyone Knows Your Name

We’ve found it. Our favorite local hangout watering hole here in Belize.

Gimlets? No. Mint Juleps? Sorry. Apple Martinis? Not a chance. 

It’s just not this pub’s style. Let’s try again.

How does this sound to you? The coldest Belikin beer in Belize with a side flask of Caribbean Rum…with your name taped on it. Or throwing darts with a group of locals and expats that make you feel like family. Maybe incredible Belizean cuisine sounds yummy to you.  Or how about an ex-pat proprietor that knows his way around everything Belize and has the charm and larger-than-life wit of a Vegas headliner. Maybe you’re into that “bar around the corner” atmosphere…the place that feels like home.  

It doesn’t matter. You’re going to fall in love with Remo’s Roadhouse. We have.

Holy Cow!

I once read somewhere that the oldest child makes the rules, the middle kids are the reason for the rules, and the rules don’t apply for the baby of the family.  It was certainly the case with David (we call him Pooh).  In fact, had he been born first, the rest of us would probably not be here. As hard as my poor parents, grandparents and Dub, Della and I tried to control him, David, in his early years, was a holy terror.  

Here’s what I mean.  

Beware the Ta Ta Duende

We’re loving it here in Belize. The landscape is breathtaking, the wildlife is awesome, the climate is perfect, the people are hospitable and friendly, and their children are polite, well-behaved and respectful.  In fact, the Belizean kids, that we’ve seen, actually pay attention and mind their parents and adults.  Hmm. Having been a teacher many years ago, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s not like this everywhere.  Upon asking around as to why this is so, I’ve discovered a treasure trove of Belizean tales and folklore that make the Grimm brothers look like Mr. Rogers. With bedtime stories like the ones I’ve heard, no wonder the children around here are such darlings, they are scared not to be!