The harbor is filling up after 3 days of very, very, windy and stormy weather. Of course, we are expecting more to come in the next few days as those fronts keep coming in. I feel wonderfully secure at our mooring and have even slept through a night of high winds (with a little help from ear plugs). Bill has put up our white lights and more and more lights are being lit in the harbor and around the houses. Our first holiday special was a performance Wednesday evening by the children whose families belong to the Methodist Church here in Hopetown. It was fabulous. An original story with all the children participating. They sang several songs, simultaneously signing as well – even the youngest ones. The story was fun, the actors were energetic and gave their all. Unfortunately the Friday performance was filled with unexpected drama. Just as the children were getting their makeup and costumes on the heavens opened up with a wicked storm. The lights went out, the wind came up, and the rain came down. But…they pulled together and the show went on. Two men held up hurricane lanterns for the entire time and the audience showered the stage with flashlights. I’m sure the children will remember this night forever.

There was the tree lighting where children were given ornaments to place on the tree. However, this was also a forum for one of the Bahamian politicians to make a speech and mentioning all the improvements that were coming in the future (seems like we heard the same speech 2 years ago). Last night we went caroling through the town. About 60 people gathered to sing walking through the town. I made cookies (just one of many) and after the singing was over we had cookies and souse.


Bill and I did get some beach walking in as well as meeting a wonderful couple originally from Ireland and now living in Glouster, Ma. It was a chilly day and they invited us to join them on their golf cart for a tour of the southern end of Elbow Cay. It turned into a bar hopping ride with the finale a cup of coffee with a shot of Bailey’s Irish Crème…yummy.

Thanksgiving weekend was quite busy with many charter boats coming into the harbor. However, when they left there were many, many empty moorings and only a handful of cruisers, like us, around. We talked to several locals and the downturn in the economy has definitely affected all business down here. Many cancellations particularly among the boaters as well as homeowners who were counting on renting their homes for the season. However, there was a huge crowd for the 11th running of the Box Car Derby – a fund raiser for the junior sailing program for youngsters from Elbow Cay, Guana and Man o War. . The day was gorgeous and both young and old participated in the 800 ft. long track down the “Big Hill”. Bill and I volunteered to sell T-Shirts and I took lots of photos. Trophy’s were not only given for fastest time but also for showmanship. Great day all around!
We have been trying to extend our walks on the beach to get somewhat in shape but it’s getting harder and harder. I have also joined a water aerobics group that meets 3 times during the week – the pool is freezing!!!!! But we warm up pretty quickly. This hardy group meets all winter even when the wind is howling around us. Bill keeps busy doing boat stuff and has begun the Conch Hunt. Will keep you up to date on his success.
He also helped string the Xmas lights on the lighthouse and every night at 6 the lights come on and the church chimes a series of Xmas music.

According to the locals we have been having very unusual heat and humidity. Storms, always so far at night, don’t really clear the air and we have put our air conditioner on several times.

It also seems that my reputation as a retired speech/language pathologist is traveling through the islands. Several days ago a woman on a boat was near us and when I went up to ask if she needed something she told me about her the difficulties her 2 year old daughter was having. We spoke at length but she lives on Guana Cay, a boat trip away. I am looking into trying to give her strategies to help her daughter.
And today, while having lunch at Snappa’s our waitress (whose cousin is Patti Lupone), also shared her concern about a speech issue. I guess I’m on a busman’s holiday.
Both Simon and I are on medication for minor issues and I’m very happy we are within reach of medical care. Everyone has been so supportive and concerned from Patti on the cruiser’s net to Ainsley, the manager of Hopetown Marina and friends.

We are looking forward to many more Xmas and holiday events and hopefully a little cooler weather!!!!