It's Baaaaaaaack!!! Dinghy Dock, That Is.

It's no secret to anyone who reads this blog that my favorite bar is Dinghy Dock. Not easy to say when pretty good friends own many of the bar and restaurants on Culebra. But after living on St. Croix quite a few years, with my favorite bar being Stixx on Christansted harbour (STX = St. Croix = Stixx, now you are in the picture - of course, they called the sister restaurant on St. Thomas Stixx as well...I guess Stitt's would not quite have worked), it's not a far ball toss that I love the location of Dinghy Dock. Bonus! I really liked the owner and most of the bartenders and most of the servers (hey they change, but some didn't and the owner didn't and I liked them very much, okay, I love them very much).

First view of the newold Dinghy Dock

Kelli already hard at work behind the bar, with some of the usual suspects already in place

Apparently, the great crew that used to run Mamacita's felt the same. When Neil decided to head to Flamenco and give Wanda a hand running the kiosko there, taking Bartender Steve with him, Kelli, Dale, Shay and Jean Francois decided that that bigger waterfront, that open space, was just the place to flex their restaurant and bar skills.

Kelli and Shay (with our as yet unknown newest member of the family)

Jean Francois (aka Frenchy) looking quite chic

I, for one and a whole lot of other regulars are delighted they did. These young people are the age of my own children, and I'm almost as proud of them as if they were. Their energy, dedication (did you see them painting away on Christmas Day?), and love of what they are doing is contagious and I wish them all the best.

You could drop in any day during the last few months and see so many people, good friends, many of whom took time out from their own businesses, working hard to get things clean, painted, rebuilt and newly built; the result being something new that still has the same good feeling of what was best about Dinghy Dock - a fun, casual vibe on the waterfront. There are still a few more tweaks ahead. Kelli says hopefully the restaurant will open this weekend ~ but like I heard from at least half a dozen people, the waiting and hard work was well worth the result.

As their good friends, some of whom own or work at bars and restaurants of their own, came in flocks to wish them well, I was gladly reminded of one of the things I love about Culebra. These folks are friends, good friends, like Nestor and Annabelle, with Vibra Verde. Steve the Bartender, Mike from The Sandbox Bar and others. Some are related (and best of friends!) like Monika, Kelli's sister, of Zaco's Taco's, and...well, you get the idea. The point is, when a visitor said last night, you all seem like you all know each other! I could say, yes, we do! Welcome to the fun in the dysfunctional family we call Culebra. No, I didn't really say that. I just said yes we do. I'm pretty sure.

With Greg's sailboat on the new and gorgeous dock (and safe; as funny as it was to jump on that one board and come close to flipping the bar stool, I didn't start wearing sandals with toe protectors for nothing), everything felt in its place.

The Mike's

Kelli on a time out with Olivia

I'm not sure what Kai was showing Olivia. but obviously it was something good.

I am going to blame the transparent Chris G and person unknown on my newbie camera skills. Either that, or this camera is a lot more powerful than I imagined.

Joe showed up, of course. The man cleans up real good!

It was my time to head home. I stopped by Heather's on the way, it looked so good and so did she.

La Boa Brava

 Thanks for the great time, Dinghy Dock crew! The first of many to follow.

Have a follow your friends Friday. Do something faithfully.

So That's What Happens on a Full Moon Friday Night!

To say I don't stay out late is a bit of an understatement, and an old joke around here. But last night was a wonderful night to break the norm. A great dinner at Zaco's (glad I got in early to snag a table), where, across the street the house I took a photo of the other day was all lit up and Christmassy.

Then it was a stroll down to Blue at the Spot. Which is the Spot, including the stretch of sidewalk from the Chinese restaurant to Heather's Pizza and a bit beyond. If you are inclined you can mosey down the street and around the corner to Sandbar, but we didn't do that last night. There was plenty going on right where we were, including a fine time catching up and just enjoying the company of two friends down for the holidays. Thanks, Sue and Keith, for being so you. I'm still smiling.

We stood and sat around,  talking, laughing, getting hugs from and giving hugs to friends who wove in and out and around, like a magically choreographed pas a deux except a lot more than deux. Or dos. Or two. With only one spilled drink (the usual way I spill drinks; there it is, sitting on the table, and I fling my hand in gesticulation, hit the straw and there it goes, which is WHY I should stick to the sippy cup) but I think only the table got splashed. If not, sorry!.

Out of that richly thin magical air appeared some music makers, hand drums and a sax player. I knew three of them but who was playing that sweet saxophone? Caroline's father! After knowing her all these years I'd never met him before; what a nice introduction. My new camera, hooray!, is in the mail - thank you, Sarah, for doing what Amazon won't, ie sending electronics to PR - and I wish I'd had it last night, but hopefully, you'll get the feel of the moment(s).

I loved seeing Caroline making music with her Papa!

Culebra Street Life

Moving inside Blue...

Gretchen and Caroline belting out some tunes

 A good full moon night. Shine on, Culebra!

Have a soul sated Saturday. Do something sweetly satisfying.

I missed the meteors but I got the burrito!

If yesterday, meteor day, Earth day and Zaco's Tacos opening day were having a contest, there would be no problem guessing the winner. Zaco's Tacos - by a long shot. From the 11:00 opening - I know this because I heard from the first customer, who loved the food - until we strolled out with Monika, who was still smiling but quite ready to shut the door behind us at 7 - Zach and Monika kicked Mexican food booty! Lots of friends, lots of great food, some brought in libations along with the many non-alcoholic liquid refreshments in a bright and cheery setting with fun games in the back yard? What's not to like? Best of good fortune (the kind that comes from hard work) to you, Zach and Monika! oh, and Olivia too.

Great decor!!

Not saying Monika is looking divine, but...

Comfortable outdoor seating on the deck

Nachos and the special guacamole - yum!

The above was when I unexpectedly went to Zaco's early with Mike. Francie, Ann, Karen and I had already planned on going around 5, but I got a sneak preview...and definitely wanted the special guac that was ordered next to me. Luckily, there was still some left when we did get back at 5. Why didn't I take photos of the chicken and beef burritos? Of the pork belly tacos? Of the repeat special guac? Because...I was hungry! And it was delicious. And I forgot. No doubt there will be more photos and good times to follow.

 Yesterday was Good Friday, which, around here, means that there are no markets open. Along with the bank, the PO and who knows what else. Every year I feel a little bad because I've forgotten to say 'You'd better do your shopping Thursday! Or be ready to wait until Saturday.' But most years I forget (and anyway, it's good to be a pioneer sometimes; you know you can do it!!) But I'll say it now. Get to the stores today because tomorrow IS Easter, and I make no promises on what will or will not be open!

What happened to Free Range Friday? See above...I let Zach do the cooking! What happened with the meteors? I was asleep, oops!

What happened with the Lyrids meteor show? Dunno!

By the way, if you have been grinding your teeth and getting an upset stomach, saying 

to yourself, I just wish I knew earlier when these dang blasted meteor showers were 

going to happen so I could properly prepare myself or at least set my alarm clock, why oh why don't I know this? And what the heck is a meteor anyway?', check out this page. 

What happened with Earth Day? Well, Desmond Tutu contributed to a book called 100 Places to Go Before They Disappear, coming out May 1st that you might want to read to help understand why we even have Earth Day. 

Beyond that, over 100 million acts supporting the environment were noted around the world. From sixth grade Iraqi war survivors planting trees through about a million acts down to me watering my veggie plants, small and carefully tended in half shade, so maybe I can reap food from them to eat and share. Around here, right now with the lack of rain, planting a tree might have been a bit of a negative. But as soon as the rains come, I'll be back to planting trees and hope you will too. For a few awesome photos of Earth Day celebrations around the world, go here

Have a safe Saturday (there's a lot of crazy boaters out there)! Do something small and sublime.

Two days from home, Zaco's Taco's four days out!

It appears more than a few people think I've left Culebra for the off season. NOT! I just took a couple of weeks to work up here with friends and will be home Wednesday...in the big heart of Semana Santa. Not being much in the religious arena, though my love and respect of many traditions runs high (hey, Jewish father and Episcopalian mother have to have some influence), I love the experience of Semana Santa. Truth? What I LOVE about Semana Santa is the tradition of camping. I first came across this on St. Croix, where I lived for quite a few years and watched families camp, hooking up electric to fridges ON THE BEACH, with great grandma to the newest baby under tent. I believe Puerto Ricans are the best campers I've ever seen - if you think you don't like camping because it is 'uncomfortable'? try it PR style, they have it down! So I'm all ready for Semana  Santa on my return. Ready or not, here I come.

Another big hoorah is that Zaco's Taco's is opening on Friday!! Lots of us have watched this pretty decrepit building being transformed with the work and skill of many in our community. The fun factor is high and I know the food flavor factor is going to be even better. See you there!!

Grand Opening

Good Friday got even better

"Zaco's Tacos" opens this Friday @ 11:00 -7:00

Stop by for the delicious beginning

I've been 'collecting' weather vanes since I got here. Digitally, of course; they won't fit in my backpack. I'd love to do a book on vanes across the country, so if you know a publisher who wants that, I'm their woman! They are so varied and interesting...here are a few I found.

 

Interestingly, weather vanes and lightning rods have a connection I never thought about or knew about. When I looked up the glass balls on lightning rods, they did have a bunch of weather vanes on there as well but I single-mindedly did not pay much attention. Then Bill Kunke sent me a really fascinating article that tied them together plus gave me new information I'd not only never heard about, but that never even had cross my radar. I guess weather vanes weren't enough of the scene in Florida,  and though we sure had lightning and plenty of it, I don't remember lightning rods either. Oh joy, living and learning!

Have a tip-top Tuesday! Do something tropical. 

Congrats, Terrie, on finishing your race!