Winter Wonderland!

I haven't been in touch for about a week now because and there is no other excuse but time has simply slipped away from me. Blah, Blah, Blah, right?? right!

I just have not been in the mood to express my feelings because I have been caught up in a world wind of probate BS since my brother passed away. Sign here but not there, we need one more piece of paper before we can finalize this, etc. etc... There has to be a better system than this.

On the bright side, we are planning a trip to see the family in March and my hopes will be that we could get a treat by seeing a little snow while we are there! Sister Sue sent us some pictures of the Winter Wonderland they are experiencing in WV along with a shot of our nephew's Judge and Oreo. Remember, Us folks in the South don't see snow so we get excited about stuff like this!

I Don't Remember Clicking My Heels To Get Home, Dorothy!

There's no place like home.....There's no place like home.........

Hmmmmm......I don't remember having that burning desire to be back home but some how or another, I sure did end up there, thankyouverymuch!

Although I missed my children dearly, home is REALLY where my heart is and it was time to get back to doing what I do best - Being a Mom. I had about 24 hours to rest up from the virus that I had upon my return before the oldest princess came down with a full blown cold. No rest for the weary. Off to the doctor, pharmacy, and cooking homemade potato soup!

I will give kudos to Chef Ed for putting up the book shelf without being asked for the millionth time (it's only been in the hallway for 4 months). It doesn't matter that it has cosmetic issues, honey. As long as it can hold all of those cookbooks of yours, I am sure it will be fine. I love you, anyway and your efforts don't go unnoticed.

Back to life......

Montezuma's Revenge??

Bar Tuch at night.

Lime juice,hot sauce and Sol in a salt rimmed glass!

The beach as a norte blew in.

Our hammock on the beach near our palapa.

I finally made it home yesterday afternoon. Our initial arrival date SHOULD have been Friday night but Jet Blue gave us a 3 hour delay in Cancun due to engine trouble out of Boston. We missed our transfer flights in Orlando and ended up having to spend the night in Orlando getting a flight to Atlanta with a 4 hour lay over into Charleston the next day.

Unfortunately, during our stay in Orlando, I was awakened in the middle of the night with terrible stomach pain and all of the ailments that come along with the "bug!" Have you ever tried to travel through the Atlanta airport with a 4 hour layover accompanied by nausea and diarrhea??? Let me be the first to tell you that it was not the most pleasant ending to my trip. I was able to arrive home safely thanks to my biggest fan, Chef Ed. God love that man! He really made our trip what it was ( and I'm not just buttering him up so we can go again!)

Today I spend laying on the couch and began to feel much better. I checked my emails and responded to my trip advisor friends and was able to reminisce on my secret hiding place that we left behind.

I am anxious to have a day to spend with the girls tomorrow as there is no school and my "real" life will begin to get back to normal on Tuesday. It's good to be back! I wonder if the island misses me already??

A World Apart

Today is the day that I knew I would come to regret. I always dread the last day of vacation and this would be no different than all of the others. The tears flow and I reflect on the days past. It's cleansing for me.

The weather is still cooler than normal here and we took the tour of three islands today. We saw so many things that mother natures has created until it is hard to take it all in. From Bird Island, stopping at the fresh water lagoon, and bringing it around to Passion Island; each one had something different to offer. We have met so many amazing people and seen such unique treasures until it is hard to leave this all behind. You may leave this physicial place behind, but you will always remember the many lessons that it has taught you.

We walked the beach to reach town this afternoon for one last time. I have realized that all things must come to an end just like life it self. I have learned that so much time is wasted trying to have more while missing the blessing of what you already have. I have come to know the joy and peace inside of one's self and the importance of love and forgiveness. Our new friend, Tonya, said it best. "This is a place that you come and cry between you and God. No one else matters."

This island may be a world apart, but we will always be one in spirit.

Until we meet again, Isla Holbox. Until we meet again.........

The Norte Has Come & Gone!

The norte blew through yesterday and light rain gave way to mostly cloudy skies. The wind was fierce! I took a few pictures of the storm coming in from the ocean and the colors are amazing!

Due to not having any paved roads here in Hobox, this place is a mud hole after a good rain storm. In the afternoon, we were able to walk into town and pick up a few things from the fruiteria. The markets contain things like onion, garlic, mango, small eggplant, eggs, juice in small bags, avacados, etc. The avacados are the best I have ever tasted. Thank the Lord for my personal chef that can whip up a meal with very little to choose from. The tomatoe and avacado salad was to die for!

We came home to take a shower and decided to eat in a small Italian "hole in the wall" that was recommended to us by Italo, the owner of Los Mapaches, where we are staying. Needless to say, he is Italian and they support each other. Luciano, the owner of the restaurant makes his own pasta daily and we were lucky enough to be joined by Antonio, the Columbian gentleman that owns the Fly Fish House next door to Los Mapaches. He has been here 5 years and provided us with great knowledge of this small, quaint island. Luciano suggested the fresh lobster from the menu as the fisherman had provided him with 30 kilos fresh off the boat. Italo later showed up and we shared our table with Antonio and the night was nothing less than perfect.

Ed agreed that this place is much different than island living in the Caribbean. He says that people KNOW what they are looking for when they come here unlike St.Thomas. Those people are in search of something but they have no idea what it is. Holbox is a community of like-minded people who appreciate the quiet and charm. You won't find any parties or loud noises coming from the few bars that surround the main square. You will find small cafe's that allow you to have a cup of espresso and a danish until you are ready to move towards your next venture. "Do what makes YOU happy" seems to be the common factor that joins everyone together here. I am really glad we chose this place. As we sat outside the restaurant last night, a taxi (golf cart ) rode by with a loud muffler. Italo yells from our dining table in a strong italian accent, "this is Holbox! There is no noise in Holbox!"

We have been invited to Antonio's house this afternoon for Columbian coffee and a rare Columbian rum. How lucky can we be?!!!

I am writing from the restaurant this morning as Tonya, the owner, makes me fresh squeezed mandarin juice. The wind is still lurking around but a beach day is in store for us.

I am having trouble downloading pictures because of the weak internet connection. I am certain that pictures will do no justice to the beauty of Holbox.

I am learning more and more about myself as time passes here. Change is in the air.

Breakfast is here so I'll be in touch again tomorrow. I miss everyone back home but nothing could replace this "me" time that has allowed me to soul search.

Adios!

The Perfect Scent

Last night it started to rain. It rained all night and in between the sounds of the ocean and the rain drops hitting our thatch roof; nothing could be more peaceful. We woke to the same sounds early this morning.

Things are sleepy here today and the weather is massively cooler which is appreciated by the few tourists that are here. The locals think norte's bring brisk temp and they are dressed in light weight jackets. It has to be around 72 degrees but you would never see a thermometer anywhere around here. Quite honestly, you would be lucky to even find out a weather forecast.

Right now, we're sitting in the palapa style restaurant and we can hear the tropical birds singing in the palm trees. The smell of rain is in the air for the rest of the day - so they say. No one seems too bothered - and neither are we. It's perfect.

We were scheduled to take the classic island tour of three small islands to see a bird refuge, a fresh water lagoon that feeds into the ocean and a beach for shelling. There are quite a few promises of us seeing white dolpins swimming along the way. We will cancel that for today and put it on our busy agenda tomorrow (wink).

Until then, I guess we'll have mojitos for breakfast and take a nap.

Hola!

I can't believe we are finally here. This place is magical and I don't have time to download pictures but that is soon to come. The transfers here were an experience but all of the locals welcomed us with open arms. Time really stands still here.

We were blessed to be able to ride over on the ferry with Victor. He teaches the children music here on the island and also requires them to make their own mandolin. He has such an amazing story. He shared with us that 25 years ago, he tossed his shoes and glasses to the sea and he has never looked back. I became teary eyed when I saw his passion for nature and this small place that they call home.

Pepe, our taxi driver (golf cart), took us into his home where he shared his palapa with Rod, the "Whale Shark Daddy." He advised us to toss our cares away and soak up spirit of the island and recharge our batteries. That is just what we are doing!

Rachel, I haven't even touched a hair dryer since I have been here! I know everyone will be shocked to know that! The crazy thing is, I don't even look out of place!!

That's all for now. If anyone needs me, I'll be at the beach.

XXOX

Stay Tuned.....

Stay on the edge of your seats. In a few days, I'll keep everyone posted on our whereabouts. I will make one promise.......I'll drink at least one mojito for each and everyone of you! Ahhhhh!!

Thankyouverymuch, K-9, for dropping by! Us "dogs" think alike!

Travel Tip Tuesday

Ummm....if I don't get out of this place and bake under the Mexican sun within the next 3 days, I am going to have a complete meltdown! Of all things, my oldest daughter has been sick intermittently for two days with a fever of unknown origin. I swear, I think kids can turn it off and on like a water hose in order to throw a monkey wrench in your plans.

Note to self: Take a pre-vacation before your VACATION in order to get everyone else straight so you can actually enjoy your time away! I have not competed MY packing yet and I still have Chef Ed's clothes to gather as well. Please tell me that these vacation plans were not just a figment of my imagination! Say a little prayer for us. We need all the help we can get! Hopefully, by Sunday, we will be drinking Tequila under the Yucatan sky!

It's All In How You See It

Today is the second full day of 2009 and I am determined to have a fresh start. I REALLY mean it this time.

Over the last year, I have really had quite a few eye-opening experiences that have allowed me to reform my way of thinking. My spirit tells me that this year will be one of great things for me and my family. Ed and I could sure use some positiveness (is that even a word?) in our lives. We both have had people from our past, at one time or another, spoil our moment, and pose as excess baggage - and my oh my, how we have moved beyond that phase. It is almost comical to look back at and the see the amount of growth that has taken place since then. AMAZING! AMAZING! You really don't realize how heavy that load was until you dumped it some place. Those times were forever and a day ago and thank the Lord those monkeys are off of our backs!!

The new concept will be one of physical and spiritual training. I can feel it already!