Mars Tonight and More Yesterday

From the Farmer's Almanac:

"In January, turn to the east to watch Mars rise at sunset above the horizon. The red planet is at its brightest this month.

On Wednesday, the 27th (tonight!), Mars makes its closest approach of the year.

Exactly two nights later, on the 29th, Mars is opposite the Sun—and will really light up in the night sky. Highest at midnight at magnitude –1.2, Mars outshines every star except blue Sirius."

Go out and enjoy the sky show tonight. Everybody's got one and it's free.

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 A friend I used to call Opal Garry (yes, he sold opals - to jewelers and stores around the Caribbean, which is how I met him; he used to stay at a small hotel I managed on St. Croix) is married to this rather phenomenal woman named, ever so appropriately, Gracia. Over the years I get emails from Garry telling me about her work around the world, helping out in disasters in more ways than I knew there were ways to help. She humbles me, in the good way.
When I was looking for some ways to help out in Haiti, I was cyberly introduced to Santiago, (whom I've mentioned here - a lawyer in both Vieques and the big island), through a friend on Vieques, I had no idea he was a Scientologist, and barely remembered that Garry and Gracia are as well. But that commonality within a formalized framework that was already in motion allowed a powerful, wonderful connection to form for the benefit of Haiti and her people.
Here are a couple of photos of Santiago. Maybe you'll recognize one of your boxes of medical supplies in the back of the truck used to get to Mayaquez from Ceiba after Plan A morphed into Plan B/C/D...and in days instead of hours reached Haiti. Ultimately, I think it was a good thing as forces for good united for even more strength. You can read Santiago's story here. For more of Gracia's report and photos, go here.

  

In Puerto Rico, Volunteer Minister Santiago Lampon gets ready to drive 

a 100 by 30-foot tent and several thousand bottles of water to Haiti. 

The first leg: a boat ride from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic.

photo credit: Gracia Bennish

In the Dominican Republic Santiago has an accidental encounter

with South American superstar Ricky Martin and tells him why he is there.

photo credit: Gracia Bennish

Of course, this makes Garry and Gracia sound like 'very serious people.' I've never met Gracia face to face, but Garry, who is Australian, is funny as hell and makes a great drink - what was that drink we made up? - and I figure she must be just as much fun, if only in self defense. Plus, they have one of those marriages where he is her biggest fan, and I like that. Thanks again, all of you, from Culebra.

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I had all sorts of plans for Tuesday. Chickens, garden, making hot sauce...that turned, instead, into a long good day with Laurie and Phil. Culebra is like that...a thing waits that can and what is better often takes its place.

We watched waves and plants along with crabs and chickens and ducks. We listened to crashing water, beating wings, laughter and quiet talk. We ate pinchos and ribs and drank pina coladas and blueberry freezes and soft drinks and some not so soft. We walked slowly and we stood quietly; quietly enough for barely visible crabs to run over feet, as lightly and softly as spiders spinning webs. We turned our strife into plowshares, and didn't let any beauty go unmarked and there was much beauty. We had a very fine day.

 

 

 

 

 (don't forget you can click on any photo to make it larger)

We ended the day at Mamacita's, telling story.

One day, today will be a story we tell...

while listening for whirr beating of wings on water

A posting in two parts - before and later

Soup is on my mind this morning. It was on my mind last night, working at Susie's, when she offered me some yuca soup. It was delicious, partly because it really was delicious and partly because I'd been wanting soup for a couple of days, inspired by the weather. Today is day three of waking up to a rainy day, watching the radar and seeing more on the way. If I didn't have to keep an eye on whether or not the medical supply air flight will actually get here and get to Haiti today, I'd just crawl back in bed and start over again later on.


Speaking of which...there was a good number of boxes donated with medical supplies for the Haiti flight. As of this moment, they are still at the Air Flamenco counters but by 1 they should be on their way toward Haiti, maybe via a couple of detours but by tonight or tomorrow morning. When I know for sure, I'll post it. Gratitude is deserved for everyone who gave so generously, I know this wasn't inexpensive or easy after making donations to the gym as well, and I know many people did both. Both efforts show again the generousity of spirit that Culebra has - small island, huge heart.

I forgot to bring my camera when we were
at the gym yesterday, but Laurie didn't and sent me her photo
All of this (and more was coming in) from little ol' Culebra!!

Diane and Rosarito were at the airport
helping organize things; thanks mucho, you two!

The rain continues for day 3 or 23, I can't remember anymore. I feel bad for the people who have only seen rain their whole time in Culebra during our supposed dry season. The mud is getting pretty deep around here and I'm missing my cart! I just got a new order in and no one is getting to see any of it...waaahhh. Looking at the radar is not an encouraging sight either. But! It's not snow and we have so much to be thank full for. An almost surreal looking rainbow this morning is one of the things I'm glad I got to see.

A rain day song...

Back on track...Culebra style

Yesterday seemed like about four days in one. It started with my laptop cursor laughing at me, going every which way but where I wanted it to go until I gave up. Before I threw it out the door. Culebra teaches patience and I can be incredibly patient, but sometimes...I can't. So I went to the cart early, via the dinghy. It was nice until it rained. I was trying to hook up with Balloon John (aka Computer John, etc) to buy a mouse for the laptop and sort of got that going. Then I went to buy gas for the dinghy. I was going to just walk the container over but it was misty and I was already damp so decided to take the dinghy around.

Except, right behind the ferry, the engine died. I had every *sucked into the props* story instantly in my brain as a few security guards watched me in semi-entertained mode. rowing back to the pilings below the gas station. I climbed out, tied up the boat, threw out the anchor to keep the engine off the rocks. Climbed up said rocks. Filled up with gas, the whole time wondering what on earth would happen next, as the current was running strong and the ferry wasn't gone yet. So standing in the water I tried starting the engine (magical thinking = maybe it fixed itself while laughing at me) and it started! So into the blustery away I went and made it home just fine.

Chick Chick and her two chicks are settling in fine in the coop. Mama Teresa makes sure I'm being a good caretaker (what do I know about chickens!), so far so good. The three hens who run about the yard are sort of hanging out near the coop now. Maybe when the chicks are bigger I'll throw them in too!


John came over (where YOU live, does the computer dude walk to your house in the RAIN? I bet not, unless you live here) bringing a mouse, a USB quadropod thingy and some memory sticks. Along with staying around making sure they worked. Yes, he is a god. It was almost as good as a balloon birthday hat and I'm liking the mouse a lot...when I remember to use it!

After a couple of days steeped in awful with earthquakes and blood drives, it seemed like a good night to respond to a get together at Dinghy Dock. I wasn't wild about walking back in to town but then I didn't have to, as Greg was sailing over, right out of the yard. What's not to like? A good time was had by all and Milton and Grady sang and played, there and later, at Susie's where we somehow ended up. A ride home and I was out like the proverbial light, heart gladdened before the grimness had room to take over again for awhile.

Milton and Grady at Dinghy Dock

Walt looking contemplative

Ann & Taz looking like they are on the bow of the Titanic

Suzanne, who just makes me feel better seeing her smile

Joyce, Sue, Dave Ann, Taz, Tony and
Suzanne, who seems to be seriously searching for something!

Milton and Grady at Susie's
In case you are noting photos for when they become famous
(and of course you'd ask because you wouldn't steal photos off the internet, right?)
they've now been at the big three venues!

Today is rainy and windy and dare I say, somewhat gloomy. Except for these happy flowers! Rain won't stop many of us from taking our donated goods to the old gym across from Palmetto Guest house. Think need. Then fill your box. I think if you have a Tupperware style box it might be a good idea to use it, weather wise and recycling over there into whatever multiple uses a big plastic box could be used for, no doubt MANY things.

Here is the more official word. Thanks Nadeen, Pam and the many more who are pulling this together!!

The Municipality of Culebra will be collecting donations starting Friday morning and will continue to collect thru the weekend.
Articles should be placed in boxes and brought to the basketball court at Barriada Clark across from Palmetto Guest House.

Following are the various articles which can easily be sent -- please help even if it's a small amount.

* Women's clothing
* Sanitary napkins
* Solid laundry soap
* Men's clothing and socks
* Baby bottles
* Children's clothing - boys and girls
* Shampoo and bath coap
* Shoes - no high heels
* Razors
* Easy-open canned foods
* Over the counter medicines
* Aspirin/pain relief (analgesics)
* Anti-diarrea (pepobismol, imodium)
* Band-aids -- any size
* Alcohol prep pads
* Powdered milk
* Blankets and sheets
* Small and easy to handle toys with no small parts

I left out that I was supposed to meet up with Onne Van der Wal, one of the more brilliant marine photographers, who was staying on the Wanderbird with his wife, out in the bay. I met Onne about 25 years ago in Florida at a regatta and was excited to learn he would be in the Caribbean and on Culebra at that! But weather got in the way, so I just yelled out a hello when Greg and I sailed by. Maybe next time. Check out his photos, he's got the eye!

One more thing, even though we can't see it...today is the first annular eclipse of the new year and also the longest annular eclipse of the millenneum! Just thought you should know. Thanks, Jonny!

And who says nothing much ever happens on Culebra?