We are turning our attention to New Year’s Eve and getting ready to make our ill fated resolutions. Statistically New Year’s Resolutions fail by about 90%. Most fail before January 31st even rolls around. According to the news the number one and number two resolutions are: quit smoking and dieting.
I succeed at number one a little over 7 years ago. No it wasn’t a New Year’s Eve Resolution it was a Birthday Resolution. I desperately wanted to go cruising and Michael said only if you don’t smoke. I quit and have only looked back a couple of times. I have been known to take a puff off an offered cigar when drinking. And once I actually snuck a puff off a cigarette. Thought that I was going to lose it right there at the bar. Notice that my smoking is triggered by drinking. Could cutting down on drinking be number three?
Dieting has happened over my life time since I had children. Before then I swear my metabolism was faster. Now if I look at food it adds on pounds and drinking doesn’t help. I am sure that I have lost and gained two small toddlers over and over in the past 20 years.
Exercising is usually a good resolution. In fact we (Michael & I) went in halves with Jim on an elliptical bike. I have been on it about 5 or 6 times in the last couple of weeks. Shouldn’t it be at least every other day for real impact? I will try and be better. Saying I resolve gives me the shivers. I am afraid to make grand pronouncements as it is always so embarrassing when one doesn’t hold up to the resolve. I am reminded of a line in the movie Mary Poppins…”Pie crust promises, easily made and easily broken.” That’s what New Year’s Resolutions bring to mind…Pie crust promises.
So where does that leave us? Wanting to improve our lot by improving our behavior…doing what we know if right and good for us or wallowing in a sea of procrastination… I certainly don’t have the answers. But here goes:
I will drink a little less
I will be a little nicer to everyone
I will eat a little less
I will play a little less Zuma
I will exercise a little more

That should be a good start. We’ll see how it goes.
And now a special message to my friend, Carole. I miss you and our lessons too. We think we may get out a little earlier than expected. We will catch you up!

"...And So This Is Christmas..."

So this is Christmas…

I am having a hard time getting into the spirit this year.  Many of the people that I talk to are having the same problem.  Economic issues, family health issues, getting older, missing the kids (holy crap did I say that?), life changes.

I had it for a minute yesterday when we were wrapping the gifts for the children from the churches in the village.  It grew a little when the two teachers came to pick up the gifts.  Funny how when you sit in the Cayuco club with other people, Christmas Carols on the Sirius radio, wrapping toothbrushes, notebooks , pencils and assorted toys you forget your problems.  You start to realize that your problems are small.  You are more blessed then damned.  You have a roof over your head, your children are employed, your parents are healthy, you have good friends around you, and you just started a new exercise program.

So where is Christmas?  It is where it always is… in your heart.  May your heart be filled with the Christmas spirit.

The New Oakland Mall In Guatemala City

Well it sure looks like Norte America to me.  North Face, I Shop, Claire's, Pizza Hut, etc.  The new mall in Guatemala City is impressive to say the least.  Three floors and an indoor Merry-Go-Round on the third floor,  more kiosks than you can shake a stick at, bookstores with books in English, and let's not forget the resaurant that is inside a salt water aquarium.

We ended up spending the day at the mall.  Now that is something that we just do not do much of anymore. 
We had to keep closing our mouths.  It was wonderful to just walk around and see everything that they had to offer.

We had lunch at a new resaurant called Skillets...Laid Back Gourmet Dining.  It was fabulous.  We had burgers that riveled anything that we had back in Orlando.  In fact my Bahia Burger ( a burger topped with melted swiss cheese and then garlic shrimp on top of that) didn't need any catsup or mustard...just my mouth wrapped around it!  Michael had a half portion of what they call sliders.  Two miniature burgers with fries.  Did I mention that the fries had skins on?  Man where they good.  Cynthia was the only one that behaved herself.  She had a chicken salad.

We had a great time and I am sure that USAA is thinking about blocking that VISA Card right about now.

All I Want For Christmas Is...

My list for Christmas is short this year.  I am borrowing my first wish from my Mom.

1. Well behaved children
2. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
3. The Senate Seat in Illinois

Well the first one is a crap shoot.  My Mom asked for it every year that I can remember and I am not sure that she ever got her wish.  Well may-be one or two years, but not consecutive years for sure.

The Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  This one only requires a nomination and a check for $20,000.  That is less then any bailout currently being considered.

The Senate Seat in Illinois.  Well, I am sure you want my qualifications.  I was born in Illinois and I still have family there.  Truth be told I probably would not recognize any of them, but they are there.  I am college educated and have a fair level of intelligence.  The hard part is paying for it.  This is going to cost more than the Star.  Anyone got a spare Million?

Okay I will settle for well behaved children.  They cost less and are priceless.

Walking Down Memory Lane

Today was interesting.  We finished the engine projects and made sure that we do indeed have a working engine.  We have been preparing for the cruising season and deciding what to keep and what we could sell at swap meet on Saturday.

We got a new video camera when we went to Florida and we still have the old Sony Handycam.  Trying to decide what to do with the tapes was now our dilema.  First we started to watch them.  Cynthia around three or four years of age.  Sailing Corpus Christi Bay on our old boat, Kokopeli.  Sailing with Debi and Roy when they still owned Maiden America.  Views of Christmases past.  The Blue Angel show when we were making our trip down the intercoastal.  Seeing the kids fishing at Padre Island and off the back of the boat.

So we had some great memories, we laughed alot and talked about what a great time each video was when it was happening.

We finished the night with friend down in the Cayuco Club watching the film, Mama Mia!  It was great fun and we all laughed until we cried.  Even a small sing-along.

Hope your day was just as good.

Possible New Exercise Program

This morning as several of us were drinking our coffee in the Cayuco Club we were a little taken aback at what we saw moving up the Rio Dulce.
A small blue hulled sailboat with head and mainsail up (I do believe that the main was reefed) was being rowed by her Captain in front of the boat by dinghy! Yesterday we had watched this 28-30 foot sailboat ghost it’s way down river. It provided conversation during the Sunday afternoon Mah Jongg game. We postulated and gestured about him for awhile. “Does he have an engine?” “Is he trying to save diesel?” “Does he not realize there is NO wind?” “Does he care?”
So there he was this morning still without any wind rowing against the current. I wish him well.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it is time to think about all the good things in our lives. I have a great life. Michael and I worked hard and bought a boat and are able to live on our sailboat and cruise around the Caribbean. We have found a great place to keep the boat out of Hurricanes that is inexpensive and a lovely country.

After 4 hurricane seasons in Guatemala we have made fast friends here. Many of them are not gringos. Marco, Mirna and Kathy are top of our list. Marco is the Dock Master here at Marios. Mirna is working in the office and tienda. She has a ready smile and a warm personality. Kathy regularly beats me at a local card game called, pairs. She too has a ready smile and a warm laugh. Marco always has time for the gringos. Making phone calls in Spanish and working to make your stay easier.

The list of employees here is not just a list of people who work at the marina, it is a list of friends. Carmen, Inez, Delmi, Miriam, Delmi, Nerdia, Soila, Fito, Julio, Jugo, Jose, Irma, Carmlina, Blanca, and Auralia. We have seen them get married, become parents and grandparents. We have comforted them in the loss of loved ones and eased them during sickness. We have laughed over miss-spoken words and hugged in happiness and sadness.

There are so many things that I am grateful for this year. I hope that I don’t forget anyone…

· My Dad’s successful surgery. I wasn’t ready to say Good-bye

· My brothers and sister… you guys are the best

· My Mom and her strength. Mom you are one S T A U N C H woman

· Michael…my faithful husband who puts up with me and cruising

· Cynthia for making me laugh and keeping me young

· Sarah, David, and Tina for being great kids of whom I am so proud

· Kelly and Michael, Jr. for broadening my life and making me a better parent

· The “British” contingent here at Mario’s who have broadened our eating habits, by introducing us to lamb.

· All the friends here in the cruising life that accept you for who you are and still like you

It may seem like a short list but really it isn’t. We have a roof over our head (though we are still looking for that leak), food on our table, money in the bank, clothes on our backs, wonderful family and friends. So when you add it all up we are wealthy beyond measure.

Here’s to your Thanksgiving…may you be as blessed as we!

Ambulances and Ankles

I was sitting in the Cayuco Club drinking my coffee and starting to think about what I was going to do for the rest of the day.  Plenty of cleaning on the boat for sure and how about the laundry.

All of a sudden Jim appeared at the top of the walk and without saying a word motioned for me to follow him.  He was now running in the opposite direction.  As I ran to follow him, I lost him.  He has really long legs and I am really out of shape.  What waited for me on the dock was Jo from Mystic Adventure.  Jo was wet and in some pain.  She had fallen over board and it looked like she had broken her ankle.

Once she was assessed we were ready to move her to Morales first via launcha and then by van or ambulance.  No litter on the property so one was made with 2 tree branches and a sheet.  Six of us were able to move her from the dock into a covered launcha, up river, off the launcha onto another dock, a short stop while we decided who would take her....Marco in the marina van, or Bob and Trish in their car, or wait for the ambulance.  In the end the ambulance won out and Jack (Jo's husband) and I climbed in the back of the ambulance with Marco following in the marina van.

We traveled at about 110 KMph.  It was one fast trip.  We had excellent care at Bethesda Hospital in Morales.  After her eval and X-rays we had good news.  No fracture just a bad sprain!  Pain meds on board and ankle care instructions in hand we had a very slow return to the river.  Thank you Marco for that.

I can't tell you how fast everyone responded at the marina, staff and cruisers working together to get the job done.  A community I am proud to be a member of.

Remember Jo...he said 3 weeks off your foot.

When Things go Off the Transom

Somedays things just go your way. It had been a great couple of days…celebrating our birthdays, having the election party, great cool weather on the river.
Today Michael decided to go to town with our launcha. While I was sitting in the resturant waiting for my Spanish class to begin  Jim came up to me and said," I just saw Michael on the river and there wasn’t an outboard on the back of the laucha."  This was not good news.
Michael and Tom rowed up to the dock and sure enough there was no outboard on the back of the launcha. To say the least I was not happy and neither was Michael. It seems that they were hit by a large under water wave which tore the outboard from the transom of the launcha. Michael was lucky that he arm wasn’t broken.
Now two Guatemalan fishermen saw what happened and agreed to help find the outboard. Now this is a deep part of the river. At least twelve meters deep. They tried with the help of Inez and Fito. No luck. They broke for lunch. When they returned after lunch the two fishermen were dragging the bottom of the river with their net. Much to our amazement at around 3:30pm they showed up with the motor. It was cleaned up and running. The cost Q1800. A small price to pay.
We now have it secured with more than the standard two clamps. The moral of the story. Make sure that your outboard is secured to the transom. A good outboard is a horrible thing to waste.

Halloween Rio Dulce Style

Halloween at Mario’s Marina was once again a Rocking Affair!  We had special guests last night.  John McCain and Sarah Palin were out stumping for votes here on the Rio Dulce.  They won the Scariest Costume award.

They weren’t the only celebrities in the house last night.  We had Paris Hilton, lots of pirates, a Lego Block, Joe Fence Sitter, and the most politically incorrect couple on the river!  But my personal favorite was the Tooth Fairy...

Any party at Mario’s would be incomplete without the rockin’ sounds of the Sweet River Band.

We had a BBQ Buffet of ribs, pork, chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob.  Yea El Jeem did it up brown last night.  83 people danced and sang the night away.  What a party.

A Very Happy Birthday to You

The Cayuco Club out did it self last night… The celebration of Geoffrey’s 60th birthday. Gerry had been cooking up a special night for some time and was able with the help of the staff and owners of Mario’s Marina to pull it off!

The table was set with fresh cut flowers, chilled wine in buckets, fresh smoked salmon, candles and party favors all around. In my opinion the confetti pistolas were the best. I still am picking confetti out of my bed.

The appetizers of shrimp were followed by a steak that was fork tender with baked potato, & steamed vegetables. The main course was followed by fresh baked Key Lime pie. Not full yet… a plate of various cheeses and fruit was placed in front of each of us. Still not enough the birthday cake (tres leches) followed. Oh, and did I mention the champagne?

It certainly was a special night full of laughter and good friends and food. Hope you had a great birthday Geoffrey. We certainly enjoyed the celebration!

An Open Letter to My Brother

Dear Paul,

All the kids in our family were wanted by our parents.  We have all felt that way our entire lives.  You though Paul were and are special.  Paul you weren’t just wanted by Mom and Dad.  No, all of us wanted you.  By the time you were coming along we were at least old enough to know what was happening.  Your older brother, Joe, especially wanted you.  I guess that he was feeling a little out numbered by us two girls.

When you came home Joe put Oreo cookies and his favorite Tonka truck in your crib.   When Santa brought him the blue Air Force Jeep, you were the one that road in it all the time.

You were some handsome boy.  That blonde hair and blue eyes fringed with great black eyelashes that were and are the envy of most girls.  The door bell rang all the time with girls and boys who wanted you to come out and play.  You have a wicked sense of humor.  You always have.  How much did you charge the other boys to look into the neighbor’s yard and look at the topless sunbathing teen-age girls?

I brought you on my dates, because we all loved you so much and hey I did date guys with great cars and you have always been a sucker for a great car.  How many hours did you spend sitting in the driver’s seat in my car pretending to drive?

Now I don’t want you to think that you never did anything wrong.  You did.  I won’t go into detail though because that is not the point.

Here is the point Paul.  You are loved.  You are special and we all love you.  You are in a hard time.  Some really bad things have happened in the last couple of years to you.  Two accidents that you were not responsible for, yet you feel responsible.  You are doing all the right things to get over it.  We are all proud of you for that.  Even though you are doing all the right things it still feels like crap and you still aren’t you.

All we can do is support you in your healing.  So keep putting one foot in front of the other.   And even though you don’t feel real loveable right now we all think that you are and we all love you!

Love Nanny Goat

P.S.  I took the liberty of speaking for the family.  What else would you expect from your big sister?

Rock'n Down the House

Last night at the Cayuco Club was close to when we first got here. The place was packed. We had over 50 people and it was SRO (Standing Room Only)! The band was hot and not just because of the heat and humidity...they were HOT! Sometimes it just all comes together and last night was one of those nights.

Lots of dancing, conga lines, shaken tail feathers, up close slow snuggles and just good old fashioned "dirty dancing".

The coffee group was a little slim this morning. Because most were sleeping in a little late I was able to grab the laundry room at 0600 hours. Yep clean clothes before 0800.

So thanks for a great night to the Club and the Band.

Assumptions, Assumptions...

There is a line in the movie, “The Big Chill” where one of the characters asks about rationalizations. “You try and get through the day without a rationalization.”

So my question to you is…”Can you get through the day without an assumption?”

Interesting things are always happening at the marina. Some people follow the “rules” or “guidelines” use what ever floats your boat. The reality is that there are RULES. Some rules are unspoken, some are written. Without rules we are like the ‘Lord of the Flies”. We like to believe that we are living some idyllic life or that we are on permanent vacation being cruisers. To my way of thinking we are not on vacation. We live on our boat 24-7-365. We do not have a condo, a home, an RV or any other abode to which we live part of the year. This boat is our home. During hurricane season we live in a marina. During the cruising season we are chomping at the bit to get out to the salt water.

So, you may be asking yourself what is the assumption? Last year I was the Activities Director for the marina. I was an employee. At the end of the hurricane season I told the owner that I no longer wanted that much responsibility. I was retired. Besides the fact that he really could not afford me. Here is the ASSUMPTION…I have so much influence that the owner does what I want. I wish. Now I am not naïve enough to think that I do not have some influence, but I can assure you that the owner of this marina has enough backbone to do what is right. I can also assure you that the two of us do NOT always agree. When we do not agree I am not afraid to tell him and visa versa.

So when a boat is asked to leave because they are not following the provisions of their lease I find it interesting that the owner of the boat came to me and my husband and asked us if because of our/my influence on the owner were the reason that he was asked to leave. My answer to him were that we/I was not the reason, though; we supported the individuals that did complain about the constant work on the boat and that it was against the “rules” or “provision” of the lease.

His assumption was that my influence was the reason that he was asked to leave. My assumption…he told others in the marina about his assumption and that is the reason that I/we are getting the cold shoulder. Either way it doesn’t matter. They have their assumptions and we have ours.

But, remember this…”When you assume things you make an ass of u and me.

A Travelers Tale or Will We Get Satisfaction

We became converts to flying Spirit Airlines last year.  We joined the $9 Club and have flown from Guatemala to the States and back several times.  Yes, the flights are cheap, but you pay for everything else i.e. seats, luggage, food, drinks, etc.

On Oct 1^st we were returning from our trip to Orlando.  We had our return tickets in hand ready to get home to the boat and Mario’s Marina.  To our shock we were told that we would have to purchase a round trip ticket back to the States!  We attempted to plead our case about having a boat etc.  No, this is the one time that we forgot to carry our boat papers or a copy of our lease.  Though the Supervisor did state that even if we had them because we are not residents of Guatemala it would not have made any difference.

What is so very frustrating about this is that I had just flown back from that very airport not more than 3 weeks ago and was not made to purchase a ticket back to the States.  The same can be said of the 10 other boaters that we have since talked to about this issue.

Not only did we have to purchase new round trip tickets, they cancelled the remaining half of our return ticket.  The supervisor stated that because we had purchased them on a special deal that we could not be reimbursed for those tickets.  The supervisor was unable to tell us when or what had changed about the requirements.  Her only statement was that they change monthly.  My response was that it was lucky for her that it was the 1^st of October.

We are disputing the charge and we are writing a letter to the president of the company.  We will let you know if we get any satisfaction.

 Just found this article on www. ceosmack.com  click on link

http://www.ceosmack.com/index.php?s=Spirit+airlines&searchbutton.x=0&searchbutton.y=0&searchbutton=Search&title=ceosmack&locc=en_US

Sad New from the Rio Dulce

 I have cut and pasted this from Gerry's Blog.  I feel it says all that needs to be said.

Leonidas was a fine man and friend.  He will be missed.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Well liked Mario's employee murdered.

Leonidas was one of the Guardian's here at Mario's. His reassuring presence could be found patrolling the grounds and docks from sunset to sunrise most evenings. Last night he was shot dead at around 6pm on his way to work here.

He was not on marina property and he was not carrying the weapon that is issued to whoever is on duty at night time.

The marina staff are deeply shocked. Most of them live in the same village and he was a popular man. The cruisers gathered at coffee time to digest the news given by Jim, the marina owner.

We await further information but for now our thoughts are with his widow and two children.

When Will I Get My Sources Right?

Sorry that I got the wrong Steak House name.  Here is how it happened.

As we are driving into Orlando we start trying to remember the name of the steak house Gerry & Geoffrey recommended.  Since both Michael and I suffer from a chronic case of CRS (can't remember shit) we knew it was a name like Chuck, Charles, or Charley.  While waiting at a light I see a taxi advertising Charley's Steak House and convince Michael that that is the name of the place that was recommended.

NOW PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!  I was wrong and Michael was RIGHT.

So it was my fault that we had the best, most expensive steak meal of our lives because I suffer from CRS.

Sorry Gerry & Geoffrey.  You both are off the hook.

STEAK

 Our daughter, Tina, and her partner, Jennifer, joined us for a couple of days in Orlando. We wanted to go out for a steak dinner. Gerry & Geoffery said that they had had the best steak in Orlando at Charley's Steak House. I can't remember if they said anything about price, however they did say it was the BEST steak that they had had in a long time.

So after a long day of parks and riding rollercoasters we decided to go to Charley's. I was afraid the minute that we walked into the door. The decor was judge's paneling, wine racks, lush carpeting and the waiters/waitresses were better dressed than us!

The real shock came when we opened the menus. Now these are not just menus these are over sized leather with gold ribbon menus. It took two hands to hold them and my carpel tunnel syndrome started to kick up. There was NOT a entree under $30.00 and I didn't even look at the appetizers. The kids kept asking if I was okay. I was barely able to breath.

I quickly realized that the girls couldn't afford this meal. Yes, I know we could have and should have walked out with our dignity and credit rating intact. Another family did just that, but NO....we stayed and looked at the wine list like it would save us. It did not. So with all the graciousness that I could muster while performing CPR on myself, I stated, "This is our treat. Order what you want." I must say that they were kind and didn't go for the most expensive meal. So we all settled down and enjoyed the meal of a lifetime. At the end of the meal they put up the $40 tip. Jennifer made my night when she stated, "That was the best meal I have ever had in my entire life." I sure hope she wasn't blowing smoke.

I wonder if I could get the recipe for that califlower, jalepeno, cheese, cassarole dish?

The Land of Hamburgers and Keep the Safety on your Finger!

There are not words to describe the hamburgers back in the USA. I think that I have eaten at least one a day and some days two. There are so many choices: swiss, chedder, american, povalone, morzarella, bacon, applewood smoked bacon, chipolte sauce, iceberg lettuce, real ketsup, mushrooms, BEEFSTEAK TOMATOES!

I think that that is what I miss when not in the USA. OK, there are other things, but right now it is the top of my list.

I bet right now you are wondering about the "Keep the Safety on Your Finger" thing. Well we got to meet Spiderman today. I got so excited that when we got ready to sling our webs...my "Bird" Finger went off! Yes, everyone saw it. Everyone laughed even the webbed one. So just make sure that when you meet Spiderman and get ready to sling your web that you don't shoot the Bird!

The Webbed One Laughed!

Sherman's March to the Sea Ha...We DID Disney

Planning a trip to Disney is like a Military Operation.  After shopping around for the “best price” you come to find out that Disney just doesn’t need to discount their tickets.  People will pay because it is Disney.

So even though our 7 day ticket for 3 adults to Universal Studios and with Wet “N” Wild included was cheaper, you just can’t NOT do Disney!  We watched the Disney Channel for Orlando and found the 7 top attractions.  We thought we could do IT.

The PLAN was 3 adults, 1 day, 4 Parks.  The day started early with breakfast at Perkins.  Hey you got to carb- up for all the walking.  Then we headed to the Magic Kingdom.  The young girl at the ticket counter was astonished at our plan.  Armed with maps of the 4 parks we established the closing time of each park and started the attack at 0930.

I can tell you that we made 3 parks.  We decided to blow off Disney Studios.  So what did we ride?

1. Splash Mountain

2. Big Thunder Mountain

3. Space Mountain

4. Pirates of the Caribbean

5. The Haunted Mansion

6. Spaceship Earth

7. Mission Space

8. Soarin’

9. Kali River Rapids

10. Expedition Everest-Legend of the forbidden Mountain

It may not look like many rides, but let me tell you Expedition Everest Rocked.  We saw the Yeti!  In Soarin’ we were hang gliding.  Even though I am terrified of heights I managed to enjoy the sights and sounds. Truly amazing.  Mission Space we got to fly a rocket ship to Mars.  Closed dark spaces, spinning and crash landing were just some of the things we overcame.

We got back to the hotel and ordered a pizza.  We still need to get to the Chinese Buffet.  May-be tomorrow?  Right now my piernas need some hot water and then elevation.

What a GREAT DAY!  Thanks Walt…..

We Are Off

We are headed to Orlando to vacation for a couple of weeks.  We plan on hitting Disney World, Universal Studios and Wet 'N' Wild.

Think that we can increase Consumer Confidence as we will be shopping at West Marine, Book Stores, and Clothes Stores.  Yes, it is a vacation, but it also a replenishing trip.

Promise a good update when we return with lots of pictures.  Tinkerbell better watch out the "Dragons" are coming.

We wish that our family could join us, but Dad is back in ICU.  He developed blood clots in his leg and they are working to dissolve them.

Galveston, Oh Galveston

As hurricane Ike travels to Galveston I am reminded of the old Glen Campbell song.  We spent a wonderful time in Galveston while waiting for weather on our first sailboat adventure.  We have always loved the town and the island.

We have enjoyed the bay, Dickens on the Strand, walking along the beach, sailing to Pt. Bolivar, touring the museums and walking the decks of the Elisa.  We read the book Isaac's Storm about the 1900 hurricane that destroyed Galveston.

Now Ike is churning toward Galveston and we are thinking of all our wonderful times there.  We are praying for the people there who's future is bleak at the moment.  We hope that they will find the strength to rebuild and go on.  Life is full of uncertainty.  Right now the only certainty for Galveston is that Ike is coming and he is is awesome!

My Dad is Better

I took an unexpected trip on the 28^th of August.  My Mom called and said that my Dad was in the hospital and had had brain surgery.  Those words, “Brain Surgery” sound so very scary!  He had 4 subdural hematomas.  The one in the center of his brain had 4 layers the size of small pancakes.  His only symptom was he got a headache when he blew his nose, and he started to drag his foot.  Mom noticed the foot dragging and insisted that he go to the hospital.  Lucky for him she was observant.  He had surgery within the hour and they were not sure that they were in time.

I won’t bore you with all the medical details, but know that he has a long road ahead of him.  I do want to share with you how it felt to be his daughter.

I have always thought that my Dad was the BEST.  He can do anything.  He was my first love and I am grateful to him for all the life lessons he has taught me.  To see him lying in a hospital bed was very hard for all of us.  Because I was a nurse in my previous life and ran a physical rehabilitation unit I was aware of many things that thankful the rest of my family was unaware of.  I really did try to just be his daughter, but when I thought that things weren’t going the way they should then I had to say something.  Heck, the staff knew I was the “Nurse”.

Giving your father a bath and helping him in the shower busts down a barrier that is difficult to cross.  My thinking was this gave Mom some down time and I could observe him and let Mom know of my concerns.  Role reversal is never easy, but I would stand in the shower with him everyday if it would make his life easier.

I noticed the small subtle cognitive changes.  It was frightening to notice that he couldn’t follow conversations.  I nearly jumped for joy when he finally said my name.  He is working hard on regaining his memory and manipulation skills.

I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about my sister, Helen, and my brothers, Joe and Paul.  They are the best siblings.  Helen got there first as she lives the closest.  She saw him in an induced coma and when it really was touch and go.  Joe arrived next and he brought humor and strength to Helen and my Mom.  Paul was unable to come, but he called us or we called him every day.  I of course flew from Guatemala to Fort Lauderdale, Fl. to Las Vegas and then was driven 2 hours by my niece to pick up my car and drive almost 6 hours to Tucson.  My brother-in-law Einor talked me into the parking lot of the hospital.  What a get calming influence Einor is for all of us.

Being the oldest I have always taken charge and think of myself as the Head Honcho.  It was difficult for me to realize when I saw the emergency contact sheets and realized that I wasn’t the first or second contact.  Helen and Joe are.  I know I live in another country, but my heart felt like I was letting them down.  I know they are all competent, they proved that.  They are all successful in their lives, but I am the oldest and I feel it should be my responsibility.  I understand and accept.

We talked about all the hard things: funerals in detail, what our parents want, cleaning out the house, etc.  We talked about on our way to Dad and Mom that we would just start crying.  I am sure that the guys sitting next to me on the plane thought I was a wacko.  We laughed too.  We hugged.   We kissed.  We told stories.  We sat in silence and just enjoyed being together.  It was hard to leave Mom alone with Dad, but it is time for them to be them.  They know any of us will come when needed.  They need continued prayer so don’t forget them just because the crisis is passed.

My last day with Helen and her family was wonderful.  They let me play Guitar Hero on their Wii.  What a blast!

To all my friends around the world who emailed me.  I can’t thank you enough for your prayers and thoughts.  It does make all the difference.  I was reminded of the scene in” It’s a Wonderful Life “when Joseph and God are talking about George and all the prayers offered up for him.  We knew they were listening to all of you.  Thank you just doesn’t cover it, but THANK YOU.

Turk's Heads, Knots and More

I love knots. The trouble is that I am not very good at them. My friend, Roy, helped me do a lovely Turk's Head for the Kingpin on the wheel. Trouble was...I didn't do it on the Kingpin. Heck it has been on the wheel for over seven years. We got use to it.

Well today Geoffrey offered to have a class for Kim and I and I made sure I had the knot on the correct spoke. Several demonstrations later suddenly Geoffrey is offering to do my entire wheel in lovely French Hitches and each spoke with a Turk's Head and the Kingpin with a special 5 bight four bend Turk's Head. Yea...I am just as confused as the rest of you, but it will look great when it is finished.

So I am not sure if I passed the class. I promise I will practice. But in the end I will have a lovely wheel and we had a great morning looking at different knots and projects.

Pirates, Pirates Everywhere

Morning Coffee conversation has turned to Pirates. Pirates the game that is...now we are playing a computer game where we are the pirates.

It is great fun and we have all become quite addicted. Naming your pirate is a big deal. I must admit that I picked a name that is lacking in luster and doesn't fill you with dread when you hear it, Jamie. But I wasn't sure that I was going to like the game and now I am addicted and am playing daily and he is kicking some serious butt out there on the Caribbean.

So conversation focuses on type of boat and upgrades, how your dancing and fencing skills are, who you are working for and you various ranks with the various countries. It is important to gather not only information but upgrade your vessel(s) and keep that crew happy or there will be a mutiny, but gather up specialty items that make your life easier.

Currently I am focusing on fencing. Figured after I got my butt kicked by the Captain of the Guard that I needed some lessons. Oh and dance with the attractive Governor's daughters. If you don't step on their feet they offer you cool gifts.

So avast me hearties we have gold to capture! See you soon...Captain Jamie is calling me.

Public Out Cry

I am saddened by recent events on the Rio Dulce of late. The regular dinghy and outboard motor thefts are the norm, but lately we have had murders and boardings, local villages searched, suspects arrested and the list goes on.

The forums are full of vigilantly justice when it is the gringos being killed, but not so much when a Guatemalan is murdered. No outrage at the “Cleansing in Seja”. I am confused when told by a marina owner that Raul (the Guatemalan agent when you check-in to the country) had warned incoming boats that they should NOT anchor on the river at this time and gave them the name of a marina that they could reach before dark and have security. They chose to anchor and they were boarded.

I believe that we all have the right to our own opinions. Everyone has one. But I am dismayed that a friend of mine has received a death threat via a local forum. In my estimation she was attempting to have people look at another side. COULD there have been a drug element. Events following the murder did have that flavor. She did say that because Dan smoked pot that he was a drug abuser. She did say that it is illegal to have in your possession pot in the USA and in Guatemala. I know that the enforcement of the Drug laws is different in different jurisdictions. She did NOT say that he was murdered because he smoked a joint in New York or that he was murdered because he may have or may have not purchased pot here in Guatemala.

What concerns me most is that when a Guatemalan is murdered there is no out cry in the gringo community. Most of us are not even aware. When a death threat is made on a forum against a gringo there is NO OUT CRY! The forum, however, was full of cries for lynchings and local forms of justice, such as burning people alive etc.

The cruising community on the river is divided. This is not a new thing. It is just in our faces now. The cruising community as I see it is divided into categories.

1. Cruisers who live on their boats year round and this is a hurricane hole.

2. Cruisers who live on their boats part of the year. Leave the boat for hurricane season.

3. Cruisers who may or may not continue to live on their boat, but are active in the local community. Some marry or live with Guatemalans.

4. Cruiser Missionaries that may or may not live on their boats and I am not sure of their impact.

5. Cruisers who live here year round and no longer take their boats out if they still have them until they have to because the law states that every 2 years the boat must leave the country. You can get around this by paying a bribe.

6. Cruisers who are here for the first time.

7. Cruisers who come back season after season.
We are divided by social, financial, political, geographical, and religious differences.


Bottom line…As long as I agree with you then everything is cool. If I ask you to look at something differently then I become a social pariah. I would hope that we could have dialogue, even heated dialogue, but at the end of the day and we are facing ourselves in the mirror I want to know that I did the best I could.

I may not agree with you and what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

I want to write about Happier things

Sorry to say that the river has not calmed down.  More boats were boarded, no one was hurt.  Things were taken.  They were anchored in a bad part of the river that the cruising guides warn you not to over night near.  Outboards were stolen from some locals and that raises eyebrows.

Everyone is a little hypervigelent which is a good thing.

The National Police came today by the boat and pickup truck load to search the village of La Esmeralda.  This is were most of the workers in the marina live.  This is were I worked for two years at the health clinic.  I know most of the people there.  I have birthed their babies, cleaned and stitched their wounds, helped their dying and helped bury a few.
It has made me think about my friend in the States who's son was involved in a robbery in which a murder was commited.  I don't know if he actually pulled the trigger it doesn't matter.  He has a life sentence.  So does his family.  It is hard to ask about him and how he is.  Part of me is embarressed for her and part of me is embarressed for me because I don't know how to ask her.  I know her heart is broken over and over because her son the child she carried in her body and gave birth to walked away from all she had tried to teach him.  Even after what he has done...he is her son, her child, her little boy.  He is also a convicted felon.

I want justice served.  However I don't want us to forget that it is the innocent on both sides of the crime that suffer.  For every criminal there is a father, mother, brother, sister, and friends who are hurt by the crime.

I heard today that Nancy is flying with the body of her husband, Dan to Guatemala City for cremation.  She is healing physically.  From what I was told  she and the family are planning on SAILING the boat.  That feels right.  I am also sure that Dan will be with them in spirit as they continue the dream.  Fair Winds and Following Seas  you deserve nothing less.

Sometimes I should keep my big mouth shut

Well this morning there was a section reserved for discussion on the Murder on the Rio Dulce on the morning NET.  I still am having difficulty on a personal level about the robbery and murder of someone that I knew.  I didn't know them well, but I knew them.

I usually have strong feelings on issues and more times then not I speak my mind.  I am concerned that some people new to the river feel as if the "old timers" kept a secret from them about anchoring out on the river.  I know that if I know someone is going to anchor out we usually go through the list of  "have you thought about..."  Actually I had had that discussion during Spanish Class with Dan earlier in the week.  Mel, another classmate wrote one of her stories for class about the security issues that they faced when anchored up on the lake and what steps the boats in their group took to keep themselves safe.

If you read the State Departments warning on Guatemala you would be hard pressed to want to come and visit.  I will restate, that yes it is a dangerous place!  So is Tucson, Arizona and Fargo, North Dakota.

I am reminded of when I was active duty Army and stationed in Korea.  I extended my tour so that I could have my children with me in country.  It was hard to leave and 18 month old and a 6 month old in the care of friends while I flew half way around the world to serve my county.  Because both my husband and I were active duty we had to have plan of who would take our depenedents out of the country if something should happen.  The reality was that if "the balloon went up" a phrase that meant war had broken out, all the dependents were to go to Osan AFB and they would be evacuated out of Korea.  It was a joke, but it made people feel good.  Reality was that the highways would be closed to land plans on them and would be so choked with so many Korean Nationals that NO ONE was going to get off the "ROCK".  I knew that when I brought my children there.  I use to worry how I would deal with it if they had been killed because I wanted them with me instead of in the States growing up without me for a year.  Bottom line...I wanted them with me and hell be damned I wasn't going to let fear stand in my way.

So the Rio Dulce is a dangerous place.  A marina is a "safe place" on the river as we do have a weapons toting guard, however, safety is an illusion.  I am not leaving the country or river that I have fallen in love with...I and my family are staying.  We will be a little more cautious. 

Tragedy on the River

We had a tragedy on the river last night.  A boat was boarded, the people were robbed and the husband was killed and the wife seriously injured.  We know the people on the boat.  As a matter of fact, they were in my spanish class and I had had lunch with them on Thursday.

They were excited about the purchase of their boat and  had just completed fixing it and getting it ready to cruise.  This had been a dream for theirs for almost 20 years.  They told me on Thursday that they were going to start taking the boat out and anchoring out so that they could familiarize themselves with the systems and get use to the boat.

Sadly, their dream ended in tragedy.  There is much talk on the river this morning about what should we do about this incident.  How dangerous is the river, should you have weapons on board, and what if anything will happen between the Guatemalan Government and the US Embassy.  Based on past history not much.

I am sure that some boaters will now think that the river is too dangerous a place to be and there will be an exodus from the river.  The Rio Dulce is a dangerous place.  So are most major cities in any country and I know of a number of boats that were robbed and people killed anchored in Florida.

We aren't over reacting.  We are trying to do our best to be vigilent and not spread rumors.  I am sure that the Rio Dulce Chisme  will have the full story as soon as Roy can get more details.

Bad things happen to good people.  We mustn't rush to judgement on Guatemala as a whole.  Please keep the wife and the family in your thoughts and prayers.

IS The Love Boat is Calling?

Jumping to conclusions is something that most of us have been guilty of at least once in our lives.

I am not sure if when you read my blog you read the comments posted. It seems that some concerned friends read my blog about a trip to Guatemala City to shop for the tienda at the marina started speculation that I am going to be the Activity Director. I then wrote the Exclusive tongue in cheek response.

Now I am wondering if it is I that have jumped to conclusions…were they pulling my leg and did I fall hook, line, and sinker for their tongue in cheek comments.

Sources close to me have stated that I have been falling into old habits lately and am only steps away from jumping back into my old ways and previous job.

So… after ordering the above book and getting certified as a Professional Activity Director you make up your mind.

EXCLUSIVE

Rumors are flying at Mario's Marina and in the United States that Cindy off the S/V Dragonheart has agreed to be the Activities Director once again at the marina for an undisclosed amount of cash.

Our reporters were not able to catch up to Ms. Miller, however, our sources in the know state, "We have heard rumors that she will be returning in her capacity as Activity Director. We can neither confirm nor deny any such claims."

Our efforts to talk to Jim Ellis owner of Mario's Marina have been unsuccessful. Marco Linares, dockmaster at Mario's will only offer a "No Comment".

Speculation began that Ms. Miller would once again be the Activities Director after a non scheduled trip with marina staff to, "do some shopping for the tienda." Anyone familiar with the politics of the marina are well aware that one seemingly innocent trip can be and often is a cover for much more sinister activity.

We will continue to cover this breaking news event as further details become known.

I had a good day

Yesterday, Marco the Dockmaster, and I went to Guatemala City to do the tienda shopping. We started out at 0400 because on a good day it is a 5 hour drive one way. We had a fairly good trip considering the mudslides, traffic and rain. Coming back was a little more difficult, but more on that later.

Riding along with us were 2 virgin cruisers to Guatemala. After being here off and on for four years I have learned a little about the country, the people and the politics. So I got to show off yesterday and be the tour guide. It had been awhile since I had driven to the City. Lots of changes and progress, that double edged sword is visible everywhere. The new four lane highway through the mountains (in partnership with Taiwan China) that crowds out small tipico homes. The new lean-tos that dot the side of the road selling illegal diesel, fruit, drinks, and other commodities. The tree branches placed like flares to let you know that there has been an accident. The painted rocks that are fading…they carry the political parties endorsements of the last presidential campaign in Guatemala.

Arriving in the City you are accosted with fumes from the trucks and buses, the cacophony of noise, goats being herded and the occasional clown driving to gig. Then you arrive in Zone 10 the Zone of Life and the shopping, fine dining, and hotels. You realize that you are away from the river.

For me the best part of the trip was being with Marco. He is a warm friendly guy that I consider a good friend. He lets me practice my Spanish and doesn’t laugh too much when I say something wrong. He talks to me about his country and how young it is in a democratic sense. He talks to me about how horrible it was as a school boy to be stopped by the soldiers and even though he was in a school uniform he had to be able to show his school ID or face arrest or possible worse. (It reminds me how lucky I am that I was born in the United States.) We share our lives with each other. Marco and his family are part of the reason that we love Guatemala.

So we drove back home to the river after a good shopping trip. It rained. It rained hard and there were waterfalls and mudslides that weren’t there on the way up. There were 6 accidents all involving 18 wheelers. We made it home after dark, but the pontoon boat was waiting to take us to the marina with our stuff.

It was a good day…I spent it with my friend, Marco.

WE HAVE POWER !

We have power to the docks again! Yes, the river finally went down enough to turn the power back on to the docks. So yesterday afternoon was most quiet outside. The sound you did not hear was generators running to top off batteries. What you did hear was the sweet sound of water pushed through cooling water pumps to run air conditioners.

It was quite festive at the Pot Luck last night. People even showed up late to Happy Hour. Just couldn't tear ourselves away from that lovely Magic Box that makes our boats cool and dry. So toast all around to the power and to Marco who put up with our bitching and complaining.

We had started a pool on when the power would be turned back on. Seems no-one thought that it would happen as soon as it did. So no-one won the pool. A vote was taken and we decided to put the money aside for the Christmas fund here at the marina. So for the first time in four seasons we have a head start on raising money for our annual charities here on the Rio Dulce.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

Rain, Rain, Go away! Well it is looking like Deja vue all over again. The river finally hit the magic mark two nights ago. They had to turn the power off to the docks, so we are without power. Yes, it is still raining.
O.K. we live on sailboats. We have generators, our own water supply and heck we live on the hook without being plugged in. I know we are in a marina because we want power and air conditioning and internet. We are trying to keep a positive attitude about the whole thing. Yesterday was boat moving day as some boats were in danger of being put on the dock if a wave of any size came our way.
It looks like boat spaghetti around us. We are tied off on both sides to keep us off of the dock and our fenders aren’t doing much. So now we are wondering when will it go over the docks?
Stay tuned!

We have a Teenager on Board

Many of you know that we adopted our Grand-daughter, Cynthia. She has been on the boat with us from day one on this cruising journey. When she was little in size and age we didn't think far enough into the future when purchasing our boat.

In the beginning she fit quite well in the quarter berth by the stairs. Now she is 13 and a little bigger physcially than when we started. Perhaps we shouldn't feed her so much.

Overall, Cynthia has always been a great "boat kid". She loves the water, swims and snorkles well, she has a sense of adventure, and she doesn't have alot of fear. Her main qualification is that she is willing to put up with Michael and I. Not always an easy task.

The last couple of years have been hard on her. Not many kids around here and she was bored and grumpy and really not much fun to be around. So imagine our horror to realize that on June 15th she would be an official teenager.

Some amazing things happened over this last cruising season. She started to smile. She started to join in activities again. And when we returned to the marina for hurricane season the positive changes were even more bountiful. She is walking every morning before 7am. She is participating in water aerobics every afternoon. She applied herself to her studies with a new enthusiasm. She is singing karaoke and really seems to be having fun again.

We couldn't be happier. She keeps us young and in touch. She reminds us when we are asses and she makes us laugh. It is not all us though. There is an entire group of cruisers that have helped raise her and make what she is today.

Thanks for putting up with us and sharing the adventure.