Time to catch you up!

Hi!  

I hear I'm taking way too long between posts.  Ut-oh!  Guess the island life has made me a slacker.   I gotta tell ya, I like being a slacker but we've actually been pretty busy around here.  Not work wise but entertaining... My Favorite!

We've had several friends and family visits over the past couple of months.  It's been awesome.   We've taken them on some amazing snorkels trips.  I'm hoping some of our pictures came out.  We actually bought a case to fit our camera so we can take pictures underwater.   We just haven't had time to view them on the screen yet.   During our snorkel... we swam with large spotted Eagle Rays, lots of reef fish, turtles and saw a 6-7 ft. nurse shark.   Now, why do I need to get certified to dive?  I don't think so.   And listen to this; we've been living here on this cay for 4 months and just discovered all the amazing night creatures living in our own marina.    We have octopus, sea horses, red-banded shrimp, brittle starfish, and tons of sea urchins.   It's absolutely beautiful!   Thank you Ken for leaving us your dive light.  Checking out the marine before going to bed has been fantastic.

Jack and Cheryl from Dallas TX

Greg and Sandy from Tempe AZ

The cousins!

We had lots to celebrate while they were here. 

Cheryl's birthday, Greg & Sandy approaching retirement.

Cheryl and Jack closed on the sell of their home while here.

They too were homeless.  We'll at least for a few days

till they got back home to make their move as empty nesters

from the casa grande to the condo life. 

We loved having them visit.  Sounds like they want our jobs as caretakers

when ever we decide to vacate and build our own place.

We look forward to a returned visit!

I did make a quick trip to Texas a few weeks back.  My Dad got married in Corpus Christi.  They had a beautiful large wedding.   Now, don't get all mad that I didn't call you while I was there.  My time was split between Corpus and Houston and it was a whirlwind trip.  I'm waiting for you all to come down and spend some quality time with us. 

My handsome Father!

Ester.  It's not too late.

Me offering my words of wisdom...

"Are you sure you want to go thru with this?"

No turning back now.

I'm very happy for them both.

Ester is a wonderful person and I'm so

happy to welcome her to our family.

While I'm at.  Might as well introduce you to the rest of the family.

My Dad's side of the family is very small but we be tight.

My Dad's sister, Mary Alice and my uncle Nacho.

My brother Mando and cousin Ronald

Ronald lives in Austin.  He joined us for a few hours at the

rehearsal dinner before having to head back home.

Thank you Ronald for driving all the way down to Corpus

to wish my Dad congratulations.

It was great to see ya.

My cousin Danette

 Danette's kids.  Devin and Dylan.

Don't let those smiles trick you.  They're rotten!

But love 'em.

My brother's girlfriend, Lynn.

    

We all had a great time at the wedding.  To paraphase my Dad's comments;  "We have all come together today on this joyous occassion.  At our age, to achieve this feat would usually be for a funeral"   That's my Dad!  Love you!!

I had a week to get things together before welcoming our next guests all the way from Sacramento CA.   Ken and Cyndra.  Ken is a long time friend of Bob's and was a groomsman in our wedding.   LONG time ago.  I guess that makes him my long time friend, too.

Ken is 6'9.  We were a little concerned if he wouldn't fit

in the puddle jumper.   Whew!  No problem.

Cyndra and Ken are divers.

Bob is a diver also but has yet to dive here.

Can you believe that?   Guanaja is known for its diving.

Glad they all went.

Looks like they had a great time.

Still doesn't appeal to me but they loved

exploring the underwater world.

Bob.  My goof-ball husband.

The guys dove with George.

He's a the owner and dive master at Clearwater Paradise Resort.

George and Scooter (a white-nosed coatimundi, or coati)

The guys were very impressed w/George and loved diving with him.

Cyndra is a lot worse than me when it comes to animals.

As soon as they show me their teeth; I'm gone.

But Cyndra...another story.

She fell in love with Scooter.  Teeth, nails and all.

He's tricking me.  He's hoping for me to reach down and pet him.

I'm not falling for it.  He is cute from a distance.

Let's see what else....  This is huge.  I've learned to drive a boat.  Woohoo!   Bob was out fishing with the guys and was running late to take the gardener home.  Cyndra, my friend gave me all the confidence in the world to take the boat out.   I asked her, "are you sure I should do this?  I've only driven the boat once before and for a very short distance."  She stated she trusted my abilities and she would join me on the ride.  I thought about it for a brief moment and said, "Hell ya.  I can do this".     Off we went.   The boat ride is about 15 mins to the airport where Cefe the gardener lives and 15 mins back.   I was expecting a Lucy and Ethel scenario but turned out we were more like Thelma and Louise.   Cyndra, you believed in me.   Thank you, my friend!  

Who cares that I can't see over the bow.

Bow is the front of the boat.  Don't feel bad;

I just learned that myself. 

I stood on my tiptoes or off to the side.

My friend, Trechell has been asking what kind of boats do we drive.

We'll here's the one we're happy to have.  It's a called a Panga.

I think it's 26'f.  Large enough to fit 6-8 peeps on it.

This one we call Clark's Ark.

It's a monster boat.  40 ft. 

This boat was used to haul materials and construction crews.

Now, it mainly sits and used on occasion to haul large debris.

This boat we use to go out snorkeling.

Much smaller at 16 ft, has a ladder to get in and out of the boat

and we're able to get closer to reefs since the hull isn't so deep.

That's it. 

These two boats we take care of and they

take care of us.

So what's next for us?   Let me tell ya.   We have a wedding here on the island coming up.  My girlfriend, Ginger wants a barefoot, beach, sunset wedding.  We are more than happy to accomodate her wishes.  Well, hopefully the sunset will cooperate.   Have I ever planned a wedding?  Sure, my own 21 years ago.   Thank God, Ginger is so low maintenence.  She's all about the scenery, family and friends coming together to share in their celebration.   I'm sure everything will work out!  I'll definitely post the pictures of that event in the near future.  The wedding date is July 3rd.  Let us all pray for nice weather.   With that being said,  I have lots to do when I close out here.   Doing a little each day so I'm not overwhelmed nor am I in the kitchen too much while they are visiting.

We are doing fabulous as we hope you guys are also.  We've enjoyed our company and look forward to having more.  Will you be the next to book your flight?

Next, we'll be celebrating my cousin Kris' 40th birthday.   She and her husband will be here July 5th.   August 5th - Mom and Sandy will be make the trip down to visit as well.

I told you we've been busy.   It's actually been a blessing.   We love having our family and friends visit us and check out our new lifestyle.   We enjoy showing off a bit.  The island life works for us and enjoy living it everyday. 

Love to all,
Bonnie and Bob.