New Years Eve on the Island...
Lots of events here - really no different than anywhere else except that you will either have to take a boat, or ferry to get very far...
There will be fireworks on the Island of St John in Cruz bay, and some on St Thomas at the Ritz...Most hotel properties will have an event on or close to the beach..All of the beach bars and other adult establishments will be busy I am so sure.
As for us, we are going to stay home. AJ and Katie, Gary's children arrived on Wednesday and will be celebrating with us. We will be able to walk down to Bolongo Bay and begin the count down with the crowd there cheering in the new year and saying good by to 2010.
2010 was an eventful year for the Mertz family. We made the decision to downsize from our Condo in Ft Wright to a much smaller one in Ft Mitchell. Made the decision and with the help from our employers, relocated part time to St Thomas USVI....made many new friends and continue the friendships back in Northern Kentucky. AJ graduated from the University of Kentucky. Experienced my daughter and granddaughter in their awe of the Island.
Our first Christmas away from family was a little tough, we made it through with the assistance of Skype. We were able to "see" and talk with my son Matthew. We were able to visit with my mom and dad..Trying to connect with a few friends and my sister, Christa in Atanta.
btw...vickie.mertz is my skype name
Many choices and decisions were made during 2010 for us that has both enriched and encumbered our lives....so as the world turns....we will continue our adventure here on Island and in saying that...
Gary and I both wish all reading this a wonderful, joyous, peace filled, healthy, successful and prosperous 2011. We hope that you hold your families close and keep those times held tightly in your hearts....Time is a precious commodity that can not be returned, so make each moment count in 2011.
Gods peace-
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
12/27/10 the end of year closing week
It is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone....
This year we had only 2 guests, my daughter Amanda and her daughter Rebecca, my granddaughter.
Gifts were filled with love and thought. Whatever was given had to be taken back to Kentucky..did not wrap a thing...just stuffed lots into Christmas stockings. LikeI a quote that I just read......"love is what is in the air when you stop openings presents and listen." it was a simple ceremony this year but was filled with love and surprise.....
Christmas day, another different treat...we went to the beach to see Santa land via boat and then we hopped on a water shuttle (ferry) and headed to St John. Rebecca had her maiden voyage on that ferry. It was a little cloudy so the water was not going to be as blue as I had hoped. POP.... the sun came out and the trip was beautiful. Crystal, sparkling turquoise water, sail boats in motion, some still anchored, just waiting for a sailor. As we approached the dock on St John, Amanda was hoping for a glimpse of Kenny Chesney at one of the local beach bars ... no Kenny! We did see a big black lab running along the surfs edge playing ball...sun in the sky, and a new island to discover, off we went.
St John is much more laid back than St Thomas just slower and St Thomas is pretty slow, get the picture? Lots of specialty shops in Cruz Bay were we started...open air vendors market selling homemade items from palm frawns, paintings, and hand made jewerly...plenty to see.
Mongoose Junction about a 1 minute walk from Cruz bay on the 84 sq ft Island. 7 miles wide and 3 miles long. Mongoose has nice, high end stores and a few quality eating facilities. The bays are dotted with beach bars all playing caribbean music. Some of the favorite bays on St John, Honeymoon, Caneel, Turtle and Trunk, all prettier than the one before...beautiful white sand, flora galore and the same crystal azure waters.
We ended the day trip walking along the beach in those azure waters waiting for the boat...ahhhh, nice trip. Thankful and blesses to share with each other...
Rebecca and Amanda leave on Tuesday, (sad face here) Then....on Wednesday, AJ and Katie arrive to spend New Years events with us...
Day 1 of our last week in 2010 living Island style.
This year we had only 2 guests, my daughter Amanda and her daughter Rebecca, my granddaughter.
Gifts were filled with love and thought. Whatever was given had to be taken back to Kentucky..did not wrap a thing...just stuffed lots into Christmas stockings. LikeI a quote that I just read......"love is what is in the air when you stop openings presents and listen." it was a simple ceremony this year but was filled with love and surprise.....
Christmas day, another different treat...we went to the beach to see Santa land via boat and then we hopped on a water shuttle (ferry) and headed to St John. Rebecca had her maiden voyage on that ferry. It was a little cloudy so the water was not going to be as blue as I had hoped. POP.... the sun came out and the trip was beautiful. Crystal, sparkling turquoise water, sail boats in motion, some still anchored, just waiting for a sailor. As we approached the dock on St John, Amanda was hoping for a glimpse of Kenny Chesney at one of the local beach bars ... no Kenny! We did see a big black lab running along the surfs edge playing ball...sun in the sky, and a new island to discover, off we went.
St John is much more laid back than St Thomas just slower and St Thomas is pretty slow, get the picture? Lots of specialty shops in Cruz Bay were we started...open air vendors market selling homemade items from palm frawns, paintings, and hand made jewerly...plenty to see.
Mongoose Junction about a 1 minute walk from Cruz bay on the 84 sq ft Island. 7 miles wide and 3 miles long. Mongoose has nice, high end stores and a few quality eating facilities. The bays are dotted with beach bars all playing caribbean music. Some of the favorite bays on St John, Honeymoon, Caneel, Turtle and Trunk, all prettier than the one before...beautiful white sand, flora galore and the same crystal azure waters.
We ended the day trip walking along the beach in those azure waters waiting for the boat...ahhhh, nice trip. Thankful and blesses to share with each other...
Rebecca and Amanda leave on Tuesday, (sad face here) Then....on Wednesday, AJ and Katie arrive to spend New Years events with us...
Day 1 of our last week in 2010 living Island style.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve 12/24/10
Merry Christmas Friends ~ May the peace of Jesus and his bessings flow over and around you this Christmas season...Monday, December 20, 2010
12/20 sun, moon, weather and frogs
The sun here in St Thomas is HOT....there normally is a great wind blowing across the Atlantic from Africa however today no wind...I think a storm is brewing, hot here...no breeze...humid...
Located inside of twenty degrees from the equator, St. Thomas' weather is characterized by lots of sun and warm Caribbean breezes. St. Thomas weather is truly tropical - an annual average temperature in the high eighties and varies little between seasons, keeping winter months hot and sunny though slightly less humid than summer. Many restaurants and shopping malls are air-conditioned to combat the St. Thomas weather, but sticking close to the beaches (with plenty of sunscreen) is also a good idea, as trade winds blowing off the sea tend to make these areas a bit more pleasant and you can always go for a dip to cool off. The St. Thomas weather also backs off a bit inland, where higher altitudes mean slightly chillier days and nights, especially in the winter season.
Really odd thing is the energy company (WAPA) is sooo high but the shops and restaurants keep the doors standing wide open, I suppose to lure you in on from the heat...
A few weeks ago we had so much rain (rainy season) everything was soggy...Remember, we have the Jeep, top down and back out? Well the top was on but the back was open....One morning Gary went down to make sure it was going to be dry for me to drive to 2nd shift....opened up the back door and yes sir …. there was water standing in the back of the Jeep. Along with that standing water, he found two (2) dead baby frogs, floating in the back.....we both laughed thinking about raining cats and dogs but here, baby frogs...poor little guys...as Gomer Pile used to say ... surprise - surprise !!
Today is the day before the winter Equinox which is December 21, we are going to have an Eclipse…total eclipse!! I have read it will be around for two nights......It is so dark here over the water….we should be able to see it really well…Certainly looking forward to that….I hope we get to see it….if I fall asleep early, there will be tomorrow night...
until the next time "There's a bad moon rising!"
Located inside of twenty degrees from the equator, St. Thomas' weather is characterized by lots of sun and warm Caribbean breezes. St. Thomas weather is truly tropical - an annual average temperature in the high eighties and varies little between seasons, keeping winter months hot and sunny though slightly less humid than summer. Many restaurants and shopping malls are air-conditioned to combat the St. Thomas weather, but sticking close to the beaches (with plenty of sunscreen) is also a good idea, as trade winds blowing off the sea tend to make these areas a bit more pleasant and you can always go for a dip to cool off. The St. Thomas weather also backs off a bit inland, where higher altitudes mean slightly chillier days and nights, especially in the winter season.
Really odd thing is the energy company (WAPA) is sooo high but the shops and restaurants keep the doors standing wide open, I suppose to lure you in on from the heat...
A few weeks ago we had so much rain (rainy season) everything was soggy...Remember, we have the Jeep, top down and back out? Well the top was on but the back was open....One morning Gary went down to make sure it was going to be dry for me to drive to 2nd shift....opened up the back door and yes sir …. there was water standing in the back of the Jeep. Along with that standing water, he found two (2) dead baby frogs, floating in the back.....we both laughed thinking about raining cats and dogs but here, baby frogs...poor little guys...as Gomer Pile used to say ... surprise - surprise !!
Today is the day before the winter Equinox which is December 21, we are going to have an Eclipse…total eclipse!! I have read it will be around for two nights......It is so dark here over the water….we should be able to see it really well…Certainly looking forward to that….I hope we get to see it….if I fall asleep early, there will be tomorrow night...
until the next time "There's a bad moon rising!"
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Safety 1st
We went to the annual boat parade in the main harbor....loads of people just like back home at a festival. Fun seeing the work that was put into all of the boats floating by...Christmas lights floating by with a few elves thrown in..no, not in the water on the boats. All of the shops typically close at 5, but for this event they stayed open until 9 for Holiday Shopping, jewerly, jewerly and more jewerly...remember duty free shopping....I was not shopping for jewerly! Food vendors too. Another interesting fact, most of the food vendors were private citizens, made their stuff at home and brought in. Local Island fare....good stuff!
Steel bands on almost every street corner. These were mostly the children from the local schools who learn to play the drums in their bands - great music Christmas tunes via steel drums, loved it!
Also discovered since here that if a driver is caught talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel, an immediate ticket and an instant $100 fine. You really do not see phones up to ears here either, safety 1st.... I can not imagine what the 2nd time would result in. The speed limit on the entire is 35 mph.The roads are narrow and the potholes are bad...safety first.!
Also discovered that you can walk on the street, shop in a store, drive in your car with an open bottle, cup or can. Yes, it is okay .... Safety 1st??
A friend who works/lives at a local resort had some friends come visit for his birthday. He does not have a car, but for this occasion, rented a Jeep to travel the Island with his 3 friends. Gary and I went down to the "best beach bar" on the Island and found John and his birthday buddies down at "Iggies" celebrating. They had been celebrating all day on the water and in the sun. (typically not a good mix while imbibing) they were having a great time and as we left, early about 8:30 noticed Birthday boy seemed a little droopy in the eyes, we said our goodbyes and walked back to the condo......A few days later saw John again. He told us the end of the story.
Seems that they decided to go across the Island to the Caribbean Saloon. Not an easy drive in the day sober. Potholes, narrow road etc. Loaded up and took off towards Red Hook and the Caribbean Saloon. Apparently both cars went right of center and had a crash. Totaled the Jeep. NO injuries; however, after the police arrived on the scene, no mention of alcohol, got the traffic flowing again, no mention of alcohol, and had both cars towed, still no mention of alcohol, asked the guys if there was anything else they needed or anywhere they needed to go .. Caribbean Saloon. The police took them to Caribbean Saloon.......
Gary and I typically do not drive late ..... safety 1st!
Steel bands on almost every street corner. These were mostly the children from the local schools who learn to play the drums in their bands - great music Christmas tunes via steel drums, loved it!
Also discovered since here that if a driver is caught talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel, an immediate ticket and an instant $100 fine. You really do not see phones up to ears here either, safety 1st.... I can not imagine what the 2nd time would result in. The speed limit on the entire is 35 mph.The roads are narrow and the potholes are bad...safety first.!
Also discovered that you can walk on the street, shop in a store, drive in your car with an open bottle, cup or can. Yes, it is okay .... Safety 1st??
A friend who works/lives at a local resort had some friends come visit for his birthday. He does not have a car, but for this occasion, rented a Jeep to travel the Island with his 3 friends. Gary and I went down to the "best beach bar" on the Island and found John and his birthday buddies down at "Iggies" celebrating. They had been celebrating all day on the water and in the sun. (typically not a good mix while imbibing) they were having a great time and as we left, early about 8:30 noticed Birthday boy seemed a little droopy in the eyes, we said our goodbyes and walked back to the condo......A few days later saw John again. He told us the end of the story.
Seems that they decided to go across the Island to the Caribbean Saloon. Not an easy drive in the day sober. Potholes, narrow road etc. Loaded up and took off towards Red Hook and the Caribbean Saloon. Apparently both cars went right of center and had a crash. Totaled the Jeep. NO injuries; however, after the police arrived on the scene, no mention of alcohol, got the traffic flowing again, no mention of alcohol, and had both cars towed, still no mention of alcohol, asked the guys if there was anything else they needed or anywhere they needed to go .. Caribbean Saloon. The police took them to Caribbean Saloon.......
Gary and I typically do not drive late ..... safety 1st!
Friday, December 17, 2010
St Thomas fast facts...
For you political junkies, we received 1.2 B from the Federal government which goes to St Thomas, St John and St Croix.
St Thomas has a population of approx. 52,000 AND for those 52K residents....there are 5 Post Offices....
The island is approximately 32 Sq Ft. = 13 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Charlotte Amalie is the main Harbor and where most of the Cruise Ships visit and if you are in harbor/Charlotte Amalie around 5-6 PM, you will hear the departing horn blow, notifying the "cruisers" time to go.... (or happy hour) that is why more than 1/2 of the city disappears and the shops close...at 5PM...When the Queen Mary 2 visits, she has to stay out away because the harbor will not accomodate the size. Cruisers will have to be ferried in on small dingy's.
The cruise ship industry is a multi-million dollar industry here.
Duty free shopping = no sales tax....
No state income tax....
No passport needed....
If you choose to leave the island, 100 cigars and 5 cartons of ciggs may leave with you, a 5 pack of liquor or if the 6th is Cruzen rum (the island favorite), that may leave with you also....
Money = dollar for dollar the same....
Yea Mon - In Colonial times, Danish was the language of the elite, plantation mgrs. were often Scots or Irish, so English became our base language. Village Islanders greet each other with "Good morning", "afternoon", or "night". More smiles or acknowledgements will come from that instead of "hi"! I have found this to be true working my retail job....really true!
US territory = American citizens, however residents of American Territories are denied the priviledge of voting for President. The Islanders are represented in Washington by locally elected officials. We were here for this years election, and they really get into these elections....even the children....Parades, lots of events along the side of the road, and at the race track with lots of LOUD music....loads of fun.
Driving...left side...which is quite the mind game....remember... always remember to look LEFT....where else can you see how close you are to the side of the road right before you drop off onto the roof of someone's home. The speed limit is 35 mph. Those evil highways with 5 plus lanes of traffic each way and thousands of speed demon drivers - not here....
Historic Attractions:
St Thomas Synagogue, the 2nd oldest in the Western Hemisphere, btw, the past Rabi lives in our community here at Regatta Point...by the way...the Rolex Regatta races will be here early 2011...more later!
Blackbeard's Castle located just above 99 steps where the Danish built a watchtower for enemy ships in the 1600's.
Emancipation Gardems, commemorates the emacipation of slaves by the Danish Gov., July 1848...
Legislature Building, original barrack for Danish trooops in late 1800's
still learning about the rest!
lots more to learn...next post.....ahhhhh.. Night life here on Island...
have a great day today and I hope the sun is shining on you.
V.
St Thomas has a population of approx. 52,000 AND for those 52K residents....there are 5 Post Offices....
The island is approximately 32 Sq Ft. = 13 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Charlotte Amalie is the main Harbor and where most of the Cruise Ships visit and if you are in harbor/Charlotte Amalie around 5-6 PM, you will hear the departing horn blow, notifying the "cruisers" time to go.... (or happy hour) that is why more than 1/2 of the city disappears and the shops close...at 5PM...When the Queen Mary 2 visits, she has to stay out away because the harbor will not accomodate the size. Cruisers will have to be ferried in on small dingy's.
The cruise ship industry is a multi-million dollar industry here.
Duty free shopping = no sales tax....
No state income tax....
No passport needed....
If you choose to leave the island, 100 cigars and 5 cartons of ciggs may leave with you, a 5 pack of liquor or if the 6th is Cruzen rum (the island favorite), that may leave with you also....
Money = dollar for dollar the same....
Yea Mon - In Colonial times, Danish was the language of the elite, plantation mgrs. were often Scots or Irish, so English became our base language. Village Islanders greet each other with "Good morning", "afternoon", or "night". More smiles or acknowledgements will come from that instead of "hi"! I have found this to be true working my retail job....really true!
US territory = American citizens, however residents of American Territories are denied the priviledge of voting for President. The Islanders are represented in Washington by locally elected officials. We were here for this years election, and they really get into these elections....even the children....Parades, lots of events along the side of the road, and at the race track with lots of LOUD music....loads of fun.
Driving...left side...which is quite the mind game....remember... always remember to look LEFT....where else can you see how close you are to the side of the road right before you drop off onto the roof of someone's home. The speed limit is 35 mph. Those evil highways with 5 plus lanes of traffic each way and thousands of speed demon drivers - not here....
Historic Attractions:
St Thomas Synagogue, the 2nd oldest in the Western Hemisphere, btw, the past Rabi lives in our community here at Regatta Point...by the way...the Rolex Regatta races will be here early 2011...more later!
Blackbeard's Castle located just above 99 steps where the Danish built a watchtower for enemy ships in the 1600's.
Emancipation Gardems, commemorates the emacipation of slaves by the Danish Gov., July 1848...
Legislature Building, original barrack for Danish trooops in late 1800's
still learning about the rest!
lots more to learn...next post.....ahhhhh.. Night life here on Island...
have a great day today and I hope the sun is shining on you.
V.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
12/16 early mornings
I am struggling because even though we decided to be here to get out of the cold, snow, sleet and bad roads....I feel bad for my children and others who have to navigate around in this...Isn't this an odd admission.....crazy as it seems, I feel guilty because we are not struggling right along with those in that mess this morning. I have been following the weather at CVG and surrounding areas....sounds like a tough morning to have to go out....SNOW DAY for everybody!!!
Today I am working both jobs and with retail, will be a late day so chores need to get done between both shifts...another reason for being an early riser. Get lots done!
My parents live in Erlanger.....I won't tell you how old they are but they are...However, they think they can still drive, walk, shovel and move about in the snow....WRONG...hopefully they will think today before going out....my dad still works...(shhhh, do not tell him I told, he is 81) and he finds all kinds of reasons to be out of the house...naturally my mom is left behind...hopefully both stay in today....(ARE YOU LISTENING DADDY??) Snow is not your friend...enjoy from the window, inside the window!
Time to go walk and soak up some salt air....to those of you reading this and looking out at snow...Please drive today with caution, stay warm and in a few days you will be enjoying the Christmas break from work....time with family.
Remember those who have lost loved ones and struggling with problems....we are so lucky and fortunate to be healthy and able to work. God is so good.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
10 days until Christ's Birthday celebration
Christmas is feeling just a little different here....Our tree looks like a palm tree that has been struck by lightning....
WOPA...the equivalent to Cincinnati's Duke energy has a monopoly on the Island and the rates are sky high....so we have energy efficient bulbs everywhere and only turn the tree on when we feel like celebrating the season.....or if we want to show it off after dark to the passerbys! (is that a word?)
Anyway...in years past I decorated all flat surfaces in our house, all mantles, window ledges, stair cases, trees, outside doorways etc. Here..storage is limited for off season, decorations are more expensive than the electricity to run them, so with that being said....we just have a few things scattered around the condo......a cinnamon candle helps....oh well...the reason for the season is not about decorations anyway now is it....
Jesus was born in a manger, on dirty hay with cows, sheep surrounding him...The star lead the way for the Wise men to bring the his gifts and to celebrate his birth.....The shephards and angels were so happy to see the Christ child and look on as the night grew long.
We so often forget to remember just WHY we gather together with our friends and family at this time of year....shopping, paying huge fees to have gifts shipped or delivered on time because we are so busy working and forgot to buy. Getting the goodies baked on time and making sure all ingredients are available. Showing off our homes in Holiday glamor,spending more than we have and then struggling through January....Don't forget the reason for the season....Christ's Birthday. Celebrate and enjoy your family and friends.
Merry Christmas friends!
WOPA...the equivalent to Cincinnati's Duke energy has a monopoly on the Island and the rates are sky high....so we have energy efficient bulbs everywhere and only turn the tree on when we feel like celebrating the season.....or if we want to show it off after dark to the passerbys! (is that a word?)
Anyway...in years past I decorated all flat surfaces in our house, all mantles, window ledges, stair cases, trees, outside doorways etc. Here..storage is limited for off season, decorations are more expensive than the electricity to run them, so with that being said....we just have a few things scattered around the condo......a cinnamon candle helps....oh well...the reason for the season is not about decorations anyway now is it....
Jesus was born in a manger, on dirty hay with cows, sheep surrounding him...The star lead the way for the Wise men to bring the his gifts and to celebrate his birth.....The shephards and angels were so happy to see the Christ child and look on as the night grew long.
We so often forget to remember just WHY we gather together with our friends and family at this time of year....shopping, paying huge fees to have gifts shipped or delivered on time because we are so busy working and forgot to buy. Getting the goodies baked on time and making sure all ingredients are available. Showing off our homes in Holiday glamor,spending more than we have and then struggling through January....Don't forget the reason for the season....Christ's Birthday. Celebrate and enjoy your family and friends.
Merry Christmas friends!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
grocery shopping etc.
Remember Gary wanted the Wrangler...back open, top off....well, I can only make one stop at a time when out because I don't want anything missing when I get home....just like everywhere...there are sticky fingers here on Isand.
So today Mertz went to Plaza Extra with me...have to walk each isle slowly and deliberately because goods are higher here than at my Kroger.
We did spend a little more this week but I got to make 3 stops while out...Day off from 2nd shift after my computer work for Cincinnati Works got started early...still took 2 1/2 hours....
Went to the bank....had to take one more additional paperwork for that darn car loan....they needed my SS Card....passport wasn't legal enough..wanted to go to ATM...didn't have one...advised to go to another bank use their ATM, agree to pay the $2.50 fee and after 48 hours that would be a credit to my acount....
Island Banking......way too much drama....
Yesterday I had a conference call from Cincinnati Works staff meeting....it was scheduled right before I went to my retail job....(back to back jobs...) who knew Island living was going to be this creative....
Anyway, I went to Yacht Haven Grande early to wait to make my call and then be ready for my 2nd shift....I had to find a shaded place to sit/stand and with a breeze because I did NOT want to start 2nd shift dripping sweat..I thought I found a pretty good spot away from the outdoor music, away from other benches (conversations) and somewhat shaded....so far so good.........then it happened...the little guy pushing a rolling trash can emptying all of the outdoor cans....the steets are bricked....guess you know what that sounded like on the other end of my conference call....no matter where I walked (slowly and quietly without breathing hard from the intense heat) there he was again....that guy really does a good job....after about 45 min into the call, we had a guest speaker at staff so it was going to run long....dropped the call...thanks AT&T....did not want to call back and interrupt again due to so much background noise...really missed all of the good stuff from staff..gotta catch up.
Today is the staff Holiday luncheon..where everyone shines with their own best recipes...really gonna miss that and my buds at Cincinnati Works.....
Really missing me some skyline right now too!!!!
So today Mertz went to Plaza Extra with me...have to walk each isle slowly and deliberately because goods are higher here than at my Kroger.
We did spend a little more this week but I got to make 3 stops while out...Day off from 2nd shift after my computer work for Cincinnati Works got started early...still took 2 1/2 hours....
Went to the bank....had to take one more additional paperwork for that darn car loan....they needed my SS Card....passport wasn't legal enough..wanted to go to ATM...didn't have one...advised to go to another bank use their ATM, agree to pay the $2.50 fee and after 48 hours that would be a credit to my acount....
Island Banking......way too much drama....
Yesterday I had a conference call from Cincinnati Works staff meeting....it was scheduled right before I went to my retail job....(back to back jobs...) who knew Island living was going to be this creative....
Anyway, I went to Yacht Haven Grande early to wait to make my call and then be ready for my 2nd shift....I had to find a shaded place to sit/stand and with a breeze because I did NOT want to start 2nd shift dripping sweat..I thought I found a pretty good spot away from the outdoor music, away from other benches (conversations) and somewhat shaded....so far so good.........then it happened...the little guy pushing a rolling trash can emptying all of the outdoor cans....the steets are bricked....guess you know what that sounded like on the other end of my conference call....no matter where I walked (slowly and quietly without breathing hard from the intense heat) there he was again....that guy really does a good job....after about 45 min into the call, we had a guest speaker at staff so it was going to run long....dropped the call...thanks AT&T....did not want to call back and interrupt again due to so much background noise...really missed all of the good stuff from staff..gotta catch up.
Today is the staff Holiday luncheon..where everyone shines with their own best recipes...really gonna miss that and my buds at Cincinnati Works.....
Really missing me some skyline right now too!!!!
12/14/10 6:33 AM
I have a sad heart today.
I have a dear friend who has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS).
Another friend lost his father last night.
Another friend though getting better, has been struggling with breast cancer, from there a brain tumor and the aftermath of that disease while being the mom of her two young boys...
My children each are going through personal struggles.
So many unknown to me at this moment are struggling with their own hurt and pain. Forclosure, jobless, death or illness.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I have a dear friend who has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS).
Another friend lost his father last night.
Another friend though getting better, has been struggling with breast cancer, from there a brain tumor and the aftermath of that disease while being the mom of her two young boys...
My children each are going through personal struggles.
So many unknown to me at this moment are struggling with their own hurt and pain. Forclosure, jobless, death or illness.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Monday, December 13, 2010
12/13 PM
I have completed my 4 hours of retail work today....my store is located in the harbor where the cruise ships dock and also where the personal yachts dock...typically they do not come to St Thomas as a destination only to stock up on goods....but some of them are really big and I can not imagine how much work goes into one of them....much less the money..... we do get a lot of the staff from those watercrafts that shop...and they really always have a roll of cash...maybe I should look at another career...travel, dishes, travel, floors, travel, dusting, cooking, travel, shopping.......hmmmmmmm
Before we came down, we decided to ship some personal items so our condo would be more like ours. It was nicely furnished but wanted to personalize it.
UPS outrageous
FED X outrageous
US mail...within certain limitations good pricing...so we discovered that the 18 gal rubbermaid containers were just the right fit. Sturdy and price effective....loaded up on stuff from years past that mean something to us....pictures, kitchen things etc. We shipped six total, it took 6 weeks for them to reach us....Felt like Christmas.....
Mail, another story.....we made arrangements with the PO to have our mail held, and mailed to us one time each week in a bundle....that comes about every week and a half......see these are just some of the adjustments that we had to plan for and make arrangements to take place....
Soooo, we needed a car...found one through networking here on island, a year old Jeep Wrangler and actually got a deal on it....I wanted to get a junker because we did not need a full time car and everybody here is a crazy driver and even though we are USVI, drive on the opposite side of the road....(YIKES)
Coconuts fall on the roof, the hood or anywhere they can... and there is hardly a car here without dents from them falling on your car or a minor fender bender from roaming right of center a little too much....nope, got the Wrangler...we decided to borrow from a bank here in order to establish credit.....Mertz got that process started weeks ahead of time and it still took 3 weeks once here to complete....I almost had to produce my birth certificate......not kidding!!!!
the journey continues....
Before we came down, we decided to ship some personal items so our condo would be more like ours. It was nicely furnished but wanted to personalize it.
UPS outrageous
FED X outrageous
US mail...within certain limitations good pricing...so we discovered that the 18 gal rubbermaid containers were just the right fit. Sturdy and price effective....loaded up on stuff from years past that mean something to us....pictures, kitchen things etc. We shipped six total, it took 6 weeks for them to reach us....Felt like Christmas.....
Mail, another story.....we made arrangements with the PO to have our mail held, and mailed to us one time each week in a bundle....that comes about every week and a half......see these are just some of the adjustments that we had to plan for and make arrangements to take place....
Soooo, we needed a car...found one through networking here on island, a year old Jeep Wrangler and actually got a deal on it....I wanted to get a junker because we did not need a full time car and everybody here is a crazy driver and even though we are USVI, drive on the opposite side of the road....(YIKES)
Coconuts fall on the roof, the hood or anywhere they can... and there is hardly a car here without dents from them falling on your car or a minor fender bender from roaming right of center a little too much....nope, got the Wrangler...we decided to borrow from a bank here in order to establish credit.....Mertz got that process started weeks ahead of time and it still took 3 weeks once here to complete....I almost had to produce my birth certificate......not kidding!!!!
the journey continues....
12/13
Good morning Sunshine...I really do feel a little guilty because we are not struggling in the snow today...Music in the background....Leon Russel .."lady blue"........
Well .... the first thing every morning is to ck emails, facebook, LinkedIn and now Blog...kinda fun....Getting down to business in working my part time job with Cincinnati Works, making phone calls, sending emails, ...(Sales force....that is a force to be reckoned with ..if it isn't in SF, it just did not happen)....... finding new employer opportunities and following those of interest on LinkedIn....Cincinnati Works mission is to eliminate poverty...weekly workshop for those who come thru our doors, job readiness, retention, resume writing and interviewing. When they graduate, we believe they are ready to be a quality employee.....By the way, if you or your company has immediate or future needs for a quality employee, let me know....We have members who could be a fit for you. Our programs are designed to get our member to 100% economic self sufficient...it could take awhile and they have to understand that; but once on track, the process starts changing their lives and those in their family...Cincinnati Works WORKS...Don't forget to let me know if you want to partner with us for jobs or to volunteer at our office, 708 Walnut Street !
When we decided to come down here, we knew immediately that our dog, Sophie was coming too. She is a Maltese/Pom and weighs in at 5 1/2 lbs.. our doggie daughter. My first dog and I did NOT know how much one could love a dog....she has adjusted well and enjoys all of the new smells and sights here...the gecko's...she just ignores those, but point out an iguana....and she wants to run after them....fortunately, one has not turned on her. We keep her on a short lease!!
The Iguana's are everywhere, goats, nothing to see a herd gathered along side of the road after escaping a lot...usually hovered close to one another waiting for rescue....back to the iguagnas they are in the trees, walking along the roads, at the pool...everywhere...really don't bother anyone...they just are not one of Gods beautiful creatures!
We took Sophie down to the beach for DOG DAY AFTERNOON...she wasn't fond of the surf but didn't mind the sand....she is an only (child dog) so kinda a dog snob....she will run to people but not so much to other dogs...because of her size, she is very portable...we love her!
Just checking...did you decide to turn your television off? I challenge you to try it at least for one day....your relationship with yourself, your spouse and house will benefit....quality time, I am just saying to you .....
Gary has been walking every day for 1-2 hours, lost 20 lbs...I have been walking too, have NOT lost 20 lbs..how does this happen. We are eating smaller meals, more fruit and just eating smarter...
Christmas time is different here too....more later. Tomorrow starts the 12 days....."Jingle Bell Jamborie" playing in backgound
have a great day and miss you guys...shop early for a ticket to come see us here..
which reminds me...Super Bowl on the beach...Lisa Raterman, Colleen Bohman and Amy Bayless.........
Well .... the first thing every morning is to ck emails, facebook, LinkedIn and now Blog...kinda fun....Getting down to business in working my part time job with Cincinnati Works, making phone calls, sending emails, ...(Sales force....that is a force to be reckoned with ..if it isn't in SF, it just did not happen)....... finding new employer opportunities and following those of interest on LinkedIn....Cincinnati Works mission is to eliminate poverty...weekly workshop for those who come thru our doors, job readiness, retention, resume writing and interviewing. When they graduate, we believe they are ready to be a quality employee.....By the way, if you or your company has immediate or future needs for a quality employee, let me know....We have members who could be a fit for you. Our programs are designed to get our member to 100% economic self sufficient...it could take awhile and they have to understand that; but once on track, the process starts changing their lives and those in their family...Cincinnati Works WORKS...Don't forget to let me know if you want to partner with us for jobs or to volunteer at our office, 708 Walnut Street !
When we decided to come down here, we knew immediately that our dog, Sophie was coming too. She is a Maltese/Pom and weighs in at 5 1/2 lbs.. our doggie daughter. My first dog and I did NOT know how much one could love a dog....she has adjusted well and enjoys all of the new smells and sights here...the gecko's...she just ignores those, but point out an iguana....and she wants to run after them....fortunately, one has not turned on her. We keep her on a short lease!!
The Iguana's are everywhere, goats, nothing to see a herd gathered along side of the road after escaping a lot...usually hovered close to one another waiting for rescue....back to the iguagnas they are in the trees, walking along the roads, at the pool...everywhere...really don't bother anyone...they just are not one of Gods beautiful creatures!
We took Sophie down to the beach for DOG DAY AFTERNOON...she wasn't fond of the surf but didn't mind the sand....she is an only (child dog) so kinda a dog snob....she will run to people but not so much to other dogs...because of her size, she is very portable...we love her!
Just checking...did you decide to turn your television off? I challenge you to try it at least for one day....your relationship with yourself, your spouse and house will benefit....quality time, I am just saying to you .....
Gary has been walking every day for 1-2 hours, lost 20 lbs...I have been walking too, have NOT lost 20 lbs..how does this happen. We are eating smaller meals, more fruit and just eating smarter...
Christmas time is different here too....more later. Tomorrow starts the 12 days....."Jingle Bell Jamborie" playing in backgound
have a great day and miss you guys...shop early for a ticket to come see us here..
which reminds me...Super Bowl on the beach...Lisa Raterman, Colleen Bohman and Amy Bayless.........
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday afternoon
Well...here we go with number 2 posting...
When Gary and I decided to take an adventure and live "on island" we had no idea...
We wanted to sell our condo (Ft Wright) and downsize, listed and sold it in 7 weeks. The buyer wanted to have immediate occupancy so because we had already been piddling around with moving down here, we knew the area we wanted. Contacted our realtor and made an offer on the unit, they took it and the wheels were turning......had to move into temp housing until we got our smaller condo in Ft Mitchell...so we had two condos and because of family, two college kids and a grand daughter we just were not ready to make a full time committment to Island living....had to put the pen to paper A LOT to get everything right but here we are until April 1....
The Island is very diverse with language and cuture....however it is beautiful and we enjoy being here....
1 bedroom 1 bathroom with two blow up mattresses, 3 pools on property, sunrise, sunset, short walk to the beach and the best beach bar on the island just below our bluff....
We are so darn lucky that both of our employers have permitted us to continue to work remotely with business development via phone and the internet...I work for Cincinnati Works a wonderful non profit downtown and Mertz works for Baldwin Gilman....we only have 1 air card so we work in shifts....so far it is working...one of us gets to see the sunrise while working, actually that is an advantage to being an early riser while the other gets to get up to a pot of coffee..
We both feel so blessed to be able to take this adventure....family, and friends think we are NUTZ however we are here....
GET THIS .......we made the choice for NO TV...yup...no television...we talk more, laugh more and appreciate the other with out a doubt.....actually anything serious happens, I know my mom would call me so if I don't see it on my MSN home page...it doesn't matter...WOW hard to believe--- huh?
When Gary and I decided to take an adventure and live "on island" we had no idea...
We wanted to sell our condo (Ft Wright) and downsize, listed and sold it in 7 weeks. The buyer wanted to have immediate occupancy so because we had already been piddling around with moving down here, we knew the area we wanted. Contacted our realtor and made an offer on the unit, they took it and the wheels were turning......had to move into temp housing until we got our smaller condo in Ft Mitchell...so we had two condos and because of family, two college kids and a grand daughter we just were not ready to make a full time committment to Island living....had to put the pen to paper A LOT to get everything right but here we are until April 1....
The Island is very diverse with language and cuture....however it is beautiful and we enjoy being here....
1 bedroom 1 bathroom with two blow up mattresses, 3 pools on property, sunrise, sunset, short walk to the beach and the best beach bar on the island just below our bluff....
We are so darn lucky that both of our employers have permitted us to continue to work remotely with business development via phone and the internet...I work for Cincinnati Works a wonderful non profit downtown and Mertz works for Baldwin Gilman....we only have 1 air card so we work in shifts....so far it is working...one of us gets to see the sunrise while working, actually that is an advantage to being an early riser while the other gets to get up to a pot of coffee..
We both feel so blessed to be able to take this adventure....family, and friends think we are NUTZ however we are here....
GET THIS .......we made the choice for NO TV...yup...no television...we talk more, laugh more and appreciate the other with out a doubt.....actually anything serious happens, I know my mom would call me so if I don't see it on my MSN home page...it doesn't matter...WOW hard to believe--- huh?
getting started....
today, the day after our 7th Anniversary, I finally started this blog. Been thinking about it for a while.
We have been here since the 1st week in November-about 6 weeks.
I miss my kids, Matthew and Amanda, my granddaughter, Rebecca.
I miss my Kroger
I miss my Target!!
Living on an Island is different from what I expected. We have visited here for about 9 years so we kinda knew what we were in for...
Coffee-$13 for 1lb 13 oz
Milk $7.00 gal...
Rum $7.99 1 liter so we drink rum...ha .. just kidding however we do drink some of each and waste NOTHING!
I decided to get a part time job while here to pay for my beverages at least...... soooo with retail in my past...and there is lots of shopping here, no brainer...well got the job at a national chain retail store and shall remain nameless...they are very serious about sales....VERY. Even though this is not a career for me....I have to sell, add on and check email accounts like there is no tomorrow....If you get the email, the shopper gets an email with a discount code from time to time....When business is down, and the daily numbers are not met, the manager decides to not let anyone know there is a special that day *unless* you have the email....God forbid anyone hearing that...so my effort to obtain email addresses can be futile.....
Speaking of my part time job...gotta run..working my 4 hours today.
start from the beginning in next blog
serious in sales..V.
We have been here since the 1st week in November-about 6 weeks.
I miss my kids, Matthew and Amanda, my granddaughter, Rebecca.
I miss my Kroger
I miss my Target!!
Living on an Island is different from what I expected. We have visited here for about 9 years so we kinda knew what we were in for...
Coffee-$13 for 1lb 13 oz
Milk $7.00 gal...
Rum $7.99 1 liter so we drink rum...ha .. just kidding however we do drink some of each and waste NOTHING!
I decided to get a part time job while here to pay for my beverages at least...... soooo with retail in my past...and there is lots of shopping here, no brainer...well got the job at a national chain retail store and shall remain nameless...they are very serious about sales....VERY. Even though this is not a career for me....I have to sell, add on and check email accounts like there is no tomorrow....If you get the email, the shopper gets an email with a discount code from time to time....When business is down, and the daily numbers are not met, the manager decides to not let anyone know there is a special that day *unless* you have the email....God forbid anyone hearing that...so my effort to obtain email addresses can be futile.....
Speaking of my part time job...gotta run..working my 4 hours today.
start from the beginning in next blog
serious in sales..V.
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