In Light of Current Culebra Events

I've been writing blog posts about Victor Gonzalez for many years now. But truthfully, there is just so much that can be written about his violations over and over again and the result of same that gets worse and worse every year, so I'm going to repost this one from 2009 and this one from 2010. Watch or don't, but this is what's going on. 

2009 March on the Muellecito

Today, the water flows muddier, the consequences of Victor's selfish, uneducated and wanton destruction more obvious than ever. 

If you want to help, check in with Coralations, and talk to the Mayor about what you can do. 

Have a refuse to take the toll Tuesday. Do something timeless.

Catch up day

With the official holidays now behind us (yes, there are a few more things but nothing you need to buy a present or dress up for), I'll use today's post to catch up on a few moments that got buried following the tinsel trail of parties and glittery fireworks. That noise you hear is the collective sigh of the participating universe...thank goodness THAT'S over with! Such a big deal over a little kid! You'd think he was a god or something. Why, back when I was a girl...oh never mind.

For all of you who have giggled and pointed over the wool hats (and remember the toe socks?) that my daughter Sarah knits and I sell, here is proof that people DO buy them. This guy is from a cold place (of course, these days in winter EVERY place is a cold place in the US) and was delighted to purchase a head warmer. I actually saw him wearing it the next day too. Buddy, you rock! Thanks.


Sometimes I have a little stony beach, sometimes not much at all. It is so obvious how the mangroves keep it from totally eroding away and I am thankful for them. If you see someone messing with mangroves, they are breaking not only an official law, but they are violating the natural way our part of the earth holds itself together. Very very naughty.


This is one of the trees Victor Gonzalez had planted to block access to the muellecito. The city took them out, he had them replanted to continue blocked access. Now they are dying. Karma is a strange and wonderful thing. No, I'm not happy trees are dying, but I'm not unhappy that these trees are dying. Thank you, Sylvia!

photo by Sylvia V. Nieves

From looking down to looking up, I got info on this very cool and very affordable telescope from Orion. It's basic for sure, but if you want to use a telescope and your budget is limited, this is a great starter that is not a toy. Of course, you can always spend more and get more too...



And now to under the water...I get a few emails from food blogs and I got one yesterday that had a recipe using an opah fish. I'd never heard of it so I googled it and it's also called a moon fish and gets up to 200 lbs! It's a pretty interesting fish and I think it's one of those that sushi lovers and chefs found to get something new on the menu that, like escolar, is not the usual catch of the day.

When I lived in Florida, I caught a fish that I'd never seen before, which, fishing a lot in Florida, was an exciting event. The guy I was fishing with called it a moon fish. So when I saw this, I was terrifically excited, as they consider it a rare catch and not from Florida river waters. But the more I read, the more I realized I probably caught a fairly common fish known as a butterfish. It was so beautiful that I tossed it back and have never caught one since. Too bad!

I guess if I caught one of these that was bigger, I'd know what it was...

And finally, I'm all caught up and at the end of the holidays. Three King's Day went off well, with a lot of happy children and smiling parents, family and friends. The horses were up down and all through the town/island. This really is the end. Next!

Victor Gonzalez, we can see (through) you

A funny thing happened on my way to town yesterday...oh, isn't that just like Culebra? This time the detour from the cart took me to the Muellecito with Laurie, Phil and her Mom to see what Victor had ordered done that was RE blocking the road that he was, by law, ordered to dismantle only the day before.

I'll give him points for clever, even if it won't prevail again the law ultimately. In fact, just the opposite as he is now playing the police, the mayor and other officials for fools, planting trees to block the road. Angry officials are really not your best bet, Senor Gonzalez, but too late now, you cheeky boy! And the posts were a bad idea...I imagine you simply couldn't resist raising the level of *things I snookered you for* ante. (Victor, you see, has a contract to plant indigenous trees, but I don't believe that was meant to be used for a fence...oh dear) And we know you don't think we're the brightest people, but wooden posts don't count as trees. Just joshin', weren't you? Shucks.

While we mulled about, I had a talk with Victor's head henchman. In another universe, I'll admit I'd probably like the guy. I half way liked him as it was. Married, four kids, a, according to him and I certainly believe him, very good paying job...and he's worked for Victor for 20 years. Since he looks pretty youthful now, I'm figuring Victor plucked him quite young, since this man calls him his second father. "Yes?" I asked him, "your first father must have been very bad?"

This man isn't a fool; he knows he is doing a very dirty job, but he is loyal and his wallet is loyal as well. It's, truthfully, pathetically sad. He seems pretty well practiced at putting up the 'this is my job' shield but for a few moments there..well, if you haven't guessed yet, I do a fairly good Pollyanna carrying Don Quixote's lance...with a couple of ninja stars up my sleeve.