Between the move to another housesitting hill and not figuring out how to hook up to the internet there, it feels like days have gone by since last posting, even though it was only one. AND I missed the lunar eclipse for the Blood Moon yesterday morning.
But I did get the bay, probably not long after the moon was out of the shadows in the dawning.
With virtually no wind, the water of the bays has been totally glassy early in the day, the heat seeping into the cooled night air like that cooling didn't even happen, just something imagined in the dark. What happened to Fall?
Instead of a lunar eclipse, the big event yesterday on earth here was the reopening of Zaco's. Wow! Monika and Harry did an amazing job, with the pitching in of a few others to totally transform the space of the place.
Yes, the twinkles are added but the feeling was there. The new bar is gorgeous, from stools to bar to liquor display. The bar is done with coins from all over the world, including Olivia's favorite Harry Potter coin. Treasure hunt, game on!
Below decks give lots more seating in the jungle.
Harry is drinking a new concoction called a...Mexico...something. I forget. What I don't forget is that it is made of Zaco's home aged tequila, from true little aging casks. There's additional bits but I forget what they are. You'll just have to find out for yourself. All I can tell you is I tasted it and it is oaky, smokey and delicious.
Oops, I missed getting the aging casks in the photo. Bet you didn't notice that, did you? There are plenty of new drinks on the menu for your tasting pleasure. And a pleasure it is.
The Zach behind the Zaco's. A place can look real good and if the food doesn't live up to the decor, it doesn't matter much. In this case, the food does, consistantly holding its own good standard. With a few additions, there's more fun to be had ordering!
And onward! There is a low buzzing in the air as winter plans start ramping up for season. Buzzing saws, slapping paint brushes, concocting AWC events, this is how we prepare for winter here. A few more weeks and Abierto will be the sign of the times. Unless you get to Zaco's first.
Have a teasingly temptational Thursday. Do something tastefully transitional.
Sometimes, it is good things that come in threes, or maybe fours. The day piled up reasons for us to celebrate and celebrate we did! Zaco's and Dinghy Dock helped. A drive to the roof of Culebra was a pretty good place as well. No, not Resaca.
Early early there was a color show to the east.
At Zaco's, Fortune keeps the water going
A different view on a grey, hazy afternoon
Back at Dinghy Dock, a mysterious woman appeared.
And then there was music
I was sorry I missed Milton playing at Susie's but being offline all day, the event was overlooked. I won't miss today, though. Milton will be playing at the community theater (by the airport, the one that's never been used except by horses) at 4 p.m. this afternoon.
Ok, where was I? Right. Dinghy Dock on a Friday afternoon with the usual suspects.
Blue eyes
Thanks to you owners, servers, bartenders and cooks, musicians and friends for making everything good even better! It's the Culebra way.
Don't forget to look up for the full moon tonight! Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon, Flower Moon, Hot Moon, Old Moon, Long Night's Moon, Cold Moon, Oak or Wolf Moon ~ where ever you are in the world, there she is or will be sooner than later.
Today's full moon from India - credit: EarthSky
See you at the theater!
Have a somewhat surreal Saturday. Do something showstopping, in the good way, of course.
p.s. Some people leave behind a smile. Mary was one of them. Rest with peace, Mary ~ the hard part of the journey is over for you, and we will remember the very good parts. Heartsong to Art and Bryer.
There is something about cloudy, rainy days that make the sun's return just that much better. Especially if it does that early morning come back with a rainbow.
Everything feels more wide awake, with more energy. In winter, with a crispness in the air replacing the sloggy sogginess of humidity, even hard work was easier. Culebra was almost showing off.
Our work day was done. The sea artists were still going strong. Mercury water, yes, nice!
After a few hours of home chores and resting time out, it was time in. The two Doug's and Meryl were going to be playing at Dinghy Dock (gotta find a name for them); my feet knew where to go.
One of the fun parts of winter here is seeing friends not seen in the off season. I know I say that fairly often, but on a small island the things that really make you smile tend to come in surprise moments here and there, since expectations of anything occurring for certain are best put on a shelf, high up in the mental closet behind the faded photo albums. Be here now is a pretty good motto next to be nice.
No, Kevin is not a winter person. But his being at Dinghy Dock during Happy Hour? That was a surprise!
John isn't a winter person either. But his shirt was pointed out as a photo op and I took it.
Monika and, yes, her Mom. How did you guess?
Actually, there were not too many winter people there last night. This was just a test of your expectations. Maybe it's just that I don't get into town much anymore. Which reminds me, the tunes the Doug's and Meryl were playing...from Summertime to a little honky tonk to - well, I'd ask for a set list, except I think they were winging it. Really well.
The sun couldn't resist ending the daylight hours without one more show.
Arlene was in the kitchen cooking up a plethora of tapas. Yes, a plethora.
You know those nights when there are a lot of people, eating and drinking and music is going on and you want to hear the music but you can't, and you're thinking why aren't people listening to this? It wasn't that kind of night at all. Rather, it was that good blend of listening and talking, with plenty of space to have both happening, both enjoyed. With no temptation to sing (it would have been like one of those birds that puts its grackly egg into a bird of paradise's nest), instead I danced. Thank you, dancing partners! Thank you, Universe, that I didn't try to defy gravity too much.
Full house
All of me...why not take all of me?
And the wind cried Mikey (no, there is no smokng in DD, he was in prep mode)
Life is good.
This is a video Mr. Sippy Cup made at Zaco's Tacos one late afternoon. Thank you, Neal!
Edited to add: Last night I saw this hat that Walt made and thought it was one of the best yet. He told me it was from the heart of the palm (not to be confused with heart of palm the edible variety, which would give a whole new meaning to 'I'll eat my hat'). It hasn't dried yet, obviously but the symmetry and colors were practically glowing. He let me take it home to see it in a setting better suited to its essence than the bar - though the bar is really pretty. I don't know how much he sells them for, you'll just have to find him and ask!
Have a scarce as hens teeth Saturday. Do something snazzy.
