Insert Something Clever Here

For the weekend starting Semana Santa, it was a very tranquil time in town for a Saturday night. This was Culebra. This was joy.

Young musicians from UPR (University of Puerto Rico) entertained us with the gentle sounds of flutes and windwoods, making for a very peaceful street scene.  On a Saturday night. It was a beautiful thing. Thank you, music makers!

Back at Heather's, I was talking with my son when a woman came up to me, asking with great enthusiasm if I was Island Woman MJ. I hadn't heard that in quite awhile but admitted yes, that was me. She lives in cold country, loves Culebra and reads my blog. "You don't even know who I am, but I know a LOT about you!" Pointing to Elijah she said, "You're her son! You are working on the houseboat!" After a few more points of notice, I was glad to realize she wasn't a crazy stalker, but I did want to ask her to read my future fortune as she appears to know more about me than I know myself. She and her lovely daughters and their friends chatted with us for awhile before heading off on their way. So here's to you, Jennifer! You made my night (and week and month and year).

Down the street only a little way, the Krusty Krab was open to a full house. I didn't have the right lens on my camera to take in the fact that every seat was occupied and there were a lot of smiling faces. The menu looks really good; check it out!

Oops! Sorry I didn't notice your eyes were closed, Chef!

The water yesterday was so beautiful, with a sweet breeze and a lot of sun sparkles. I missed the super yacht Le Grand Bleu that was briefly in the harbor yesterday, only to be replaced by the cruise ship Sea Dream. Does it mean Culebra has truly been 'discovered' when a Russian businessman finds us (from Wikipedia - Eugene Shvidler is chairman of Millhouse LLC, the investment and asset management company he shares with Abramovich and their partners. He also owns the Château Thénac vineyard in France, a $37 million home in Belgravia in London, a $14.5 million home in Aspen, and the yacht Le Grand Bleu)? Hmmmm. 

photo credit - Sue Klumb

I'd rather see this.

And this.

Have a mystic Monday. Do something meritable.

Culebra Here and There

Serediptous rock find. Full moon. St. Patrick's Day Fun. Beach morning. That's about as much excitement as my weekend held, which is about as much as I want.

This is my favorite of the quartz I found

From looking online, it seems like it could be citrine, which is supposed to be pretty rare in Nature. Apparently most citrine used in jewelry is man-made, by heating up quartz to get the color. Regardless of all that, it was just very cool to find yellow quartz at the edge of my own yard. Never stop looking at what you think you've already seen!

I was heading out to my friends boat when I heard the music. The St. Patrick's Day fundraiser was just getting started. It was one of those smack my forehead moments as I had mentally put it on my calendar for today. But at least I got some of the good parts!

Being early doesn't mean the party hasn't started yet

All sorts of wonderful food. The pig hadn't arrived yet but we were told it was on its way

One of a lot of helpers makin' it happen!

After getting some photos needed to send to a sailmaker, we came in, hoping there would still be some lechon left. The music was still playing but...the celebration was GONE. I mean totally gone, the circus had packed up and left. Except for the dj's and they were packing up too. I've never seen anything so on time and over so fast here. I think I'm still in shock. 

We haven't quite gotten to the stage of the St. Patrick's Day parade on St. Croix, but they are about 15 years ahead of us on that one. This is my friend Michael, who rides his motorcycle and helps keep order during the craziness. There's an official name but I forget what it is. photo credit - Stephanie Shoyer

Moonlight on the bay. Isn't that a song? It sung to me.

The sky made so many magic moments all weekend long

This morning, even though it's not officially the weekend - we stretch time here - Flamenco was its calming self. Yesterday I was told by Jeff (he's out there doing the stand up paddleboard thing or on his slick outrigger long before most people are hitting their first cup of coffee) that the swells were double digit big; I was hoping they still were. Maybe so, but not where I was looking. No disappointment...how could there be?

To the woman who reads this in Minnesota? This is for you!

Have a microclimatic Monday. Do something  moonlit.

Week Ends Starting Over

Sometimes it's hard to tell the weekends from the weekdays around here. Sure, a big holiday weekend is easy to spot; you have to wait in a line someplace. But this is the time of year when more than one place is open sometimes and closed others. You might walk through town and see a dozen people you know, you might walk through town and see, well, three people you know. In fewer words, it's very quiet around here right now. While the weather is still hot, it's beautiful. One place I wasn't expecting to see a lot of people was at Melones, but there they were! Oh the endless small unexpecteds...but if you're looking for a getaway, air fares are still low, and tranquillo is high.

 On a clear day, you can see...Vieques

 This hummingbird was the biggest and fastest I've ever seen...if you can see him...he taunted me about a foot away from my face and then flew here...and that's as good as it gets. 

 This time.

 The bees are particularly in love with this palm in blossom

 On a football Sunday, Dinghy Dock was the place to be, cool and breezy and good company. And sausage! Four kinds but I have to say the jalapeno mango was incredible.

 Good night, Sol

Have a mellow Monday. Do something melodious.