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.
  

Guanaja Reef Realty

Hello!

We just wanted to update & clarify some information that we posted earlier about Jim & Cindy Jones. 

Jim & Cindy own & operate Guanaja Reef Realty.  As stated earlier they have unfortunately relocated back to Florida.  We wanted to let everyone know that they are still fully in business here & we apologize for creating any confusion in regards to this matter.  All current listings are still being promoted, new listings will be forthcoming & showings are still occurring.  Clients & customers can still rely on the outstanding service that Jim & Cindy have always provided.  Prior to their move, they invited Bonnie & I to join their business & we are honored that they have selected us to provide as much assistance as is needed here to keep the company fully functioning.  They will still be 100% involved in the daily operations via the Internet & telephone & will also be making return trips here to Guanaja as necessary.  .   

We look forward to your visit here.  If you have any qquestions or need information on Guanaja real estate please contact Jim & Cindy in Florida at 941-876-3255 or sales@guanajareefrealty.com 


You can also us, Bob & Bonnie, here in Guanaja at 50494609824


We are all here to assist you with everything from travel to purchase.

http://www.guanajareefrealty.com/

Thank you & have a great day - Bob Langston



      

Celebrations in Guanaja!

Hi to all our family and friends!   Once again it's been awhile since our last post.  So very sorry.
We have been extremely busy; no lie.   Martha and her guests occupied the island all of March thru the end of April.  Jeff and Cindee Jobe were on the island the full two months and aside from them we had a consistent rotation of guests who became our wonderful new friends.  I used to kid Jeff that I would get so much rest when he left but the truth of the matter is; I miss both the Jobe's dearly.   They are awesome people.  

We finally had guests of our own.  My dear friend, Stephanie and her husband Bracy flew down to visit for 10 days.  I was so sad to see them go.  We had a great time with them.  

We took them out snorkeling a few times

We had intentions of more excursions

but porch swings, naps and relaxation got in the way.

They enjoyed the slow lazy pace of this island.

Bob and Bracy had never met before but you would have never known that.

We played lots of Spades while they were here

(of course Boys against the Girls) and they were

a great team. 

Pretty evenly matched in pool.

We introduced them to all our friends at Manati's.

Stephanie and Cathy

The gals of Guanaja

Geri, Capt Al and Mercedes

How can a Texas Girl not know how to Two Step?

Bracy loves to dance and Stephanie was a rocker chick when we

were growing up.   She's more tolerant of country music now.

We took them to Graham's Place and got them on the dance floor.

yeah...no broken toes.

It was very sad to see them leave.  But I'm

pretty sure they will be back.  They seem to enjoy

their time here on this beautiful island.

So what's to celebrate?  Definitely not the departure of our friends.

Jim and Cindy have sold their beautiful home.

Yes, this is sad news for all of us.  But, excellent news for them.

Jim is the gentleman that welcomed us to their home when we

arrived on this island.   Cindy has had her bouts with cancer and

lives in Florida.  They had hoped that she would be able to return to the

island but with all the doctors visits and necessary medications - they

needed to relocate back to the states.   Cindy made the journey down to

close on their home.  It was absolutely wonderful to see her again.

And I might add she looks wonderful.

The real estate business they have created here is still in full swing. All current listings are still being promoted, new listings will be forthcoming & showings are still occurring. Clients & customers can still rely on the outstanding service that Jim & Cindy have always provided. Prior to their move, they invited Bonnie & I to join their business & we are honored that they have selected us to provide as much assistance as is needed here to keep the company fully functioning. They will still be 100% involved in the daily operations via the Internet & telephone & will also be making return trips here to Guanaja as necessary.

If you have any questions or need information on Guanaja real estate please contact Jim & Cindy in Florida at 941-876-3255 or sales@guanajareefrealty.com. You can also us call us here in Guanaja at 50494609824

We are all here to assist you with everything from travel to purchase.
http://www.guanajareefrealty.com/

Eugene and Cynthia

The new proud home owners of Jim and Cindy's place.

They will be our new neighbors when ever we move over to

our side of the island.

Welcome to Guanaja!

As you can see we are living it up here on the island.

Cheers!

Bonnie and Bob

Alive and well in Guanaja

Hello!   It's been awhile since you've heard from us; we are doing fantastic.

As you know we're living on Clark's Cay as "caretakers" and we've been busy.   We've had guests on the island since March 6th.   So far, all the guests have been friends of the Pullum's and great people to hang around with.  We do have a staff of a few gardners, and two ladies that come in daily to help with breakfast, lunch and cleaning the rooms.  Bob is in charge of the guys and I get to direct in the kitchen.  I prepare and cook most of the dinners, except on Saturdays.  (That's our day; Bob and I hang out at Manati's with our friends.)  As you can imagine, I spend several hours daily looking at recipes and preparing the evening menus.  Depending on the mood of the guest we'll have appetizers around 3:00 and of course a sunset Happy Hour around 5:00 and dinner is usually on the table by 7:00 p.m.   Bob has been keeping himself occupied by trying to figure out why our satellite tv signal has not worked since day 1 when the Pullums arrived with the receivers and tinkers with minor issues w/ the boats.  Plus other problems pop up all the time, like the internet went out the other day on our end of the island & he had to run a new cable & put in a new router.  We both do all the shopping for ourselves and the guests.   That's a full day, I might add.   It's not like going to a major grocery store and buying what you need.  We have to plan for a week at a time since the boats bring fresh veggies, fruits and dairies once a week.  Everybody is doing their shopping on the same day, at the same time and it's hectic.  Once the produce is gone...they are out till the following week.   And if you forget something, you pretty much do without till the next shipment comes in.   Staples are a different story; the shelves are always plentiful of can goods, rice, flour, paper goods and so forth.  Of course now we have the system down to an art.
 
1. Get to town early (9:00 a.m.) to get a good parking spot for your boat,
2. get first dibs at the produce and veggies  (if you arrive late, the good stuff is gone fast)
3. stores close up at noon and re-open at 2:00.  This is a good time for all the expats to meet at the local watering hole to re-group and check over their list for round 2.
4.  At 2:00 start shopping for frozen goods and then head home.
Told you it was a full day.

How about I introduce you to some folks?

Here are the Pullum's (Bill and Martha); owner's of Clark's Cay.  They reside in Florida and visit this beautiful island a couple of times a year.   Martha has been here with us since March 6th and will depart the island April 10th.  Bill came on March 6th but only stayed a week to return back to work.  Both will be back on the island April 19th for a week stay and will be bringing a wedding party with them. 

Bob, Dave and Bill.

Dave was our 1st guest to arrive.  He lives in the Pearland area;

in fact he's neighbors with some of our friends...Ginger, Sam and Barbara.

Not that they know him but still a small world, huh?!

Cindee and Jeff Jobe

They are from the Washington State area.

Cindee is a hoot.  She loves to kayak and swim.  Everyday!

Jeff's name might ring a bell with some of you waterski enthusiast.

He was a professional skier in the mid 70's & created his own water ski back then that competed with names like Connelly & O'Brien. He built a successful company developing & producing water sports equipment that later sold.  Now he's an avid kite-surfer.   They will be on this island for 2 months enjoying

the fun and sun.  Jeff loves to give lessons to anyone

who has an interest in learning to kite-surf.  Bob is taking

full advantage of this.  Today he finally felt some success on the board after a good 200 yard run that lasted 20 seconds.

Mike and Susan

They too are from the Washington State area and

friends of the Jobe's.  This was their 2nd yr to visit the Cay & 

I'm sure they'll be back again next year.  Mike is a dedicated student

 of kite surfing.  Very nice couple.

This is the Boathouse where we host our sunset Happy Hours.

Music is piped in, nice breeze, and great place to watch the sun set.

How is this for a porch swing?

The sun sets on the other side of the mountain but still makes

for a great time and scenary.

Nice color.

Not only is the Boathouse a great place to party

but here is where we set up for the massuse.

This is Filiberto. 

We had a ladies luncheon and spa day one afternoon.

Nice massage to be had by all.

We celebrated Bob's Birthday!

In fact we had 3 birthday's within the same week.

Bob and Mike's birthday was on the same day (March 24th)

Jeff celebrated his birthday (March 26th). 

Each one of them got their own special cake.

We're always finding ways to keep ourselves busy and living

more and more like the islanders.

I mentioned before, Bob tinkers with the boats.

We had one boat on the island that wasn't working

so he's learning and doing very well.

Wha-La...It's working.

The battery cable connectors were corroded.

Bob went in town to find replacements but no luck.

Who says he isn't resourceful?

OK. It's a temporary fix till the part comes

down from the States but at least the boat is fully

operational.  Good Job, Bob!

Another example of island living?

Bob and his machete.

How many whacks does it take to open up a coconut?

Lost count but check this out.  As long

as we live on this island and Bob still has

all his fingers from using his machete; I'll

never buy coconut milk in a can again.

Homemade is the best.

Found another use for these shells.

(not what your thinking)

They make the perfect planters for seeds.

I brought down several seed packets

of cilantro and peppers.  Let see how they do.

Awe man, I can't wait to use this cilantro.

Pretty!  Thinking its time to transplant

and start my next package of seeds.

Well its about time for me to get back to work.

We just wanted to share a few pictures with you and let you

know we are doing great.

We do have some family and friends scheduled to come visit

in the near future and we can't wait.  We're missing

everyone dearly.

Love ya -

B and B