Going Out and Having Fun ~ Culebra Lull Style

We don't seem to get much lull time these days (off season quiet time here). It's a subtle thing now, still plenty of visitors are around, but the lines have pretty much disappeared, traffic isn't as crazy - what we consider crazy, anyway, and the seats in the bars and restaurants are more likely to be filled with familiar faces than not. It's all good.

First though, the sky was putting on a good cloud show yesterday.

While back on earth...

With friends coming and going and Susie's closing for the month of May, we decided to do the Friday night small tour. That means not heading into town (all that way into town means going two blocks the 'other' way), we were on a mission. Dinghy Dock music and Susie's. Mission accomplished.

Good to see y'all out! Cruisers fill the table behind, new faces and old

With one Doug in the states, Grady filled in. A different kind of music, in this case, different was good! Harp on.

Mr. Dapper

My favorite dinghy. You've seen it before, you'll see it again.

Just another beautiful sailboat

Mike and Rico talkin' talk, no doubt something that includes fixing something

Pat getting her groove on

The usual suspects

 It was time to head to Susie's and try out that new space. It's beautiful!

What's not to like?

Salmon tartare and tuna bites were the perfect delicious amount for sharing

Too bad we didn't like it much. It's embarrassing to lick plates in public, even among friends

Lookin' good and havin' fun

Quiet spaces

Chillin' faces

It's a wrap.

Have a sweetly sheltered Saturday. Do something subtly sublime.

Yesterday, oh the Sun it Seemed So Far Away

But then, instead of that big bit of rain over St. Thomas heading straight here and dampening our Friday evening at Dinghy Dock's Music and Social Hour(s), we got the softness of washed clean island air and a pastel good night to the light of day.

One of the things I love about Culebra is that most public social events include children. Really happy children. And nobody minds because...it just makes life better.

The rain will change so much, so quickly - cisterns refilled, dried hard and browned hillsides softening and greening, gardens refreshed, blooms reaching out from hidden places.

Frangipani - from nothing to...well, count 'em. Oh, the power of rain!

Yes, we are easily entertained. That's a good thing.

Have a see your situation Saturday. Do something shimmery.

From Beach to Reach to Happy 2 Times

Yesterday friends Mark & Tina, with all their gear finally arrived and installed, listened to the wind and set out for their next destination. I mostly care about them crossing the Mona Passage, since Tina and I spent a good 45 minutes or so writing notes to put in wine bottles (which had been laboriously emptied over the last couple of weeks, for the sake of scientific experiment), where they will be tossed in the drink. The one written from the cats will most likely be answered first.

Of course my camera battery died. Oh wait, I have that phone thing!

While I waited for them to come around the headland there was plenty to occupy my attention. Five or six pelicans right in front of me were putting on a not quite Esther Williams routine. Chickens walked the walk. The water was gorgeous.

And what a wonderful clean up Mario did while working for the bomb guys (this group does not like to be called the bomb guys but I call 'em like I see 'em). I love that instead of just sitting watching equipment, he gathered up his own equipment and beautified the area. Now, let's keep it beautiful!

Imagination station

Zinc boat (yes, these were used - and still are for fun races)

Dinner with friends at Dinghy Dock is always a treat, for the belly and the heart. Thanks, David and Debbie, thanks Chef! thanks, Ben...awesome server as always.

I've never seen this dish done and not be wowsome. And perfectly cooked too.

The other day was World Down Syndrome Day. Paul posted a wonderful video which led me back to another video. If you need some smile miles, here you go!

And here is the Pharrell Williams original

Go ahead and get off your seat and play these while you watch. Dance! Get happy!

And because I'm in a video sharing mood (I could stretch this out over a few days, but why?), here's some dessert. Thanks, David A who shared it and David A who made it!

Have a warm-hearted Wednesday. Do something watercolored. 

Lola, Lucy and a Culebra Cast of Characters

I went to Dinghy Dock to meet up with the girls and Molly and David pretty early, because it appears Friday's at Dinghy Dock is a very popular place to be. Maybe it is every night, but Friday for sure will be full of lots of folks from lots of places. Completely unscripted. Well, except for the music, and even then, anything can and does happen. More on that below.

The cakes got made! One person unfamiliar with Culebra said this looked like a happy whale. I only cried a little bit, it does look like a happy whale.

The Culebra cake pan only holds so much - there was enough for another little cake too.

Here I was, hoping to make a big surprise, when the girls told me they knew a surprise was coming. Who outed me? MOM! "She showed us the blog." But they still didn't know what was coming (since I didn't either) and got to have their cake and eat it too.

With Mariel in the wilds of Colorado, Jef sat in with the Doug's. They played a lot of the same tunes we enjoy, with a different sort of energy, making good music while the decibel and energy level rose. Adroit servers ballet danced between and around patrons who managed to be just in the wrong place at the wrong time, often enough. Oh wait, that was me.

At least they are looking at a screen together. I have no idea who this boaty couple might be.

Background music turned to grabbing our attention music as Monika took the mic. I've never heard her sing and wow! I wish I knew the name of the tune she sang; what ever it was, she rocked it. I, and I think quite a few others, had no idea there was such a powerhouse voice behind that smile. Why I was surprised, I don't know. Monika has high flying energy in anything she does. But I was surprised, in the best way. Rock on, chica, we'll be calling your name!

Later, Molly took a turn behind the mic with a short and powerful version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. We all know Molly can sing, and sing she did, taking one of my favorite songs in the world to a very good place. Thanks, Molly!

Food arrived and even with dessert first, it almost all disappeared. As people piled in and every table filled, Lucy asked me how they would ever manage to feed everyone. I told her they would work very hard and as fast as they could and everyone would eat. She was impressed. I wonder how many adults think about that.

There were a lot of balloons around with every child seeming to have one. Maybe it was because Mike was handing them out, it was his birthday, after all. I graciously taught Lucy (who taught Lola) how to make them squeak. I know Mom and Dad will always appreciate that. Next I'll get her some drums.

If you note a bit of 'I'm going to kill you' in Monika's smile, there's a reason for that. Mikey was feeling birthday frisky.

Lucy was winding down

Lola was making magic

And then it was time to go. No, Molly and Lola weren't in the same dress, but in a Mom daughter set that worked for both of them. Lola is getting so tall!

Garlic update: See, Nancy? I wasn't teasing! It's that elusive and magical Culebra rain.

Go garlic, go!

Have a (yard)sailing Saturday. Do something sensational.

Oh St. Valentine, I Could Pinch Your Cheek!

I missed seeing our Valentine girl out on the street this year but everything else that rolled up on the shore of the day and night kept me, and quite a few others, grinning big if not laughing out loud (that's LOL for you youngin's - yes, people really do that! Face to face! It's beautiful). Another fine Culebra example of taking what could be a grand example of commercialism at its best - which is its worst - and having it be instead truly about the high spirits of love. Between spouses, between friends, Love was shining.

Plus, bless the bartenders and servers. They never stopped from late afternoon until I'm sure long after I departed. And no doubt it was like all that around the island (and every other public establishment anywhere). Treat your servers well, they help your good time be a better time! St. Valentine was all about serving for love - beaten and beheaded, buried in secret, dug up again... I'm not sure what any of that has to do with lace and chocolates but I do know we can try to wrap more of our days in caring and giving, on many levels. Roll on, love!

I missed you out and about this year!! But I can play with time and here you are!

What does a bucket of fish parts have to do with love? Have you got awhile?

Fisher and Olivia are happy to feed the tarpon. Of course they are using forks. Who wouldn't?

My heart soars like an eagle to see our girly girl doing what Culebra girls do...everything. Including having big fun with fish guts.

So good to see Lynn and Aaron! Knowing so many couples who are happy, really happy, after 40 or 50 years together (forty years in this case, they married when Lynn was 2 years old - it's a Maine thing) fills me up with a warm joy.

Two couples in one!

Thanks for the dance, McKee! I love you two.

Go Brenna!

Full house

Of course, while all of this cavorting was going on, another seasonal event was occurring. The edge of the deck dock was loaded with people taking photos of a really spectacular moonrise. One friend who had just come from Flamenco Beach said everyone there was mesmerized and I can only imagine - as beautiful as it was from Dinghy Dock, the beauty of this at the beach would just be intensified. I'm happy I was right where I was though, because of learning long ago that despite ardent longings, being two or more places at once is beyond my ability. So far.

First glimpse (I missed the start, no doubt quietly sitting in a corner somewhere)

Oh Moon!

On the way home (luckily for me, I had a ride right up to Housesitting Hill), we stopped at Susie's. The tables were filled up but Susie and Jacinto have made a little outdoor area that feels like your living room. If your living room ever feels like a theater where you are watching a play on a stage about a restaurant full of happy people. We talked about how fortunate we are to be in this Paradox of a place, full of people we love, full of funny or maddening moments that always come around to grateful.

Life is good. Have I mentioned that?

(So, do y'all think this is spam? It sort of seems spammy. But I mean, heck, if I have a secret admirer...ok, it's a little creepy really. I'm almost 60 for god's sake, speak up before it's too late!)

Hello MJ,

I just sent you a Valentine's card.

Just follow this link: (blocked URL because I'm afraid to click on it and don't want you to either) to see it.

With much love from,

Your Secret Admirer)

Don't forget! The AWC auction is TODAY! See you there! If you can't be there, you can always donate anyway. But I am sorry you'll miss the fun, food and music and chances to buy some great items.

Have a slightly silly Saturday. Do something situational.