Living the life most people just dream about~

Today – 61 years ago – the woman who has consumed almost my entire world, popped into this world and today has been all about her…. 🙂
We were greeted when we got up this morning by another crab – much bigger – actually knocking on the glass door. We opted not to let him in.
After that, we started the day off with breakfast at what is becoming a favorite little spot called Over the Edge. Following up a tasty breakfast we came back to the apartment and spent several hours snorkeling off of our beach – then moved to the pool to check out some new snorkeling gear.
Came back in, took a quick shower and ran up to what I think will be our new go to place (TUKKA) for a quick drink, then back again to get changed and out to a fabulous dinner.
If you ever get to Grand Cayman, and want a VERY nice, appropriately priced meal – you have got to check out The White House – (no not THAT white house) Because it is still low season here – we had the entire placed to our selves – but something tells me- regardless how busy it is – food and service will not suffer. Absolutely wonderful~!
Started off with some of the best mussels I’ve ever had – My Bride ordered Snapper and I ordered the seafood sampler. We wound up switching plates (after she tasted what has to be the best scallops ((even by my standards)) I’ve ever had)- but both of us had our fill. All followed up by a ‘birthday’ cheesecake.
Between the service, the food, the view and the company — it don’t hardly get any better than that.
A very close shot to a perfect day for my Bride of almost 40 years.
Happy Birthday Baby – I sure do Love You~
xo

Nice easy start to the day today – started out with a nice quiet breakfast here in the apartment and then lazed around until about noon — off and on showers continue to keep everything wet and locals say to expect the rainy season about another week. Spent lazy time mapping out bars, restaurants and good snorkeling spots on the map we have been using to get to know our new island.

Gathered ourselves up and headed out for a seek and explore tour of the East end of the island – stopped at the blow holes designated on the map and then found and checked off  a half a dozen bars and restaurants. Finally pulled into a small place that looked inviting named TUKKA. Right on the waterfront where you could see remnants of a couple of old wrecks out on the reef. We ordered conch-gator fritters with a Rum Runner for me and a Crown & coke for my Queen. All wonderfully delightful~!  A storm was blowing in as we left and we stood and enjoyed what felt like super cooled air coming at about 30-35 mph – It was a real eye opener as to what the people of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico must have went through with hurricane force winds. As the rain started, we jumped into the car and took off. We stopped at a small local grocery store for a few needed kitchen items and headed on back to the apartment.

A nice lazy day – even though it was short – a perfect kind of day for people learning the art of retirement~~ 😉

 

Day 2 – every since we started dreaming about a life in the Caribbean, one thing stayed consistent – The thought having Lobster and eggs for breakfast, with Bloody Mary’s (of course)

Today we realized another one of our dreams. Lobster & eggs with Bloody Mary’s over looking the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Even with overcast skies, that is one gorgeous body of water~

After a hearty breakfast, we took off to explore, covering the entire East end of the island and a run all the way up to the Northwest point of the islands to a fun little place called Rum Point. We stopped and each had a cocktail. My Queen had an Electric Margarita and I had a drink called the Rum Runner. Both cold and delicious while we sat and soaked in the view. We were talking about maybe running up there again soon to check out the snorkeling up there.

So much beautiful scenery – so much more to explore, we can’t wait….. and until our next Lobster and eggs~

Started our first full day on the island casually and then taking a riding tour of most of the island. Ended up renting a car and driving ourselves back to our place. Tis the rainy season here right now and on an island that has very little elevation — there is lots of standing water. Factor that in with a car that has the steering wheel on the ‘passenger’ side, driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, through a small monsoon and not sure where you’re going — all adds up for quite an adventure~!

Finally made it back to the apartment (you can only get ‘so lost’ on an island)… had a drink to calm the nerves – then headed out to find a place for a bite to eat.

Found a fun little place called Over the Edge not very far from us (thankfully). Settled in for a drink and dinner. Open air, watching the rain move toward us from the distance. If you’re not a fan of humid salt air – you probably won’t like the place, but the breeze picked up a little bit and we enjoyed the atmosphere. Young man with a strong Jamaican influence waited on us. My Queen had Snapper and I had a Wahoo steak. Both agree each meal was very good. Meal was served with a massive salad that neither of us could finish. We shared a delicious piece of cheesecake for dessert. They serve breakfast there, so were are looking forward to our first breakfast of scrambled eggs and Lobster soon,(particularly so we can send pictures to the ‘damn neighbors’) – but that is also a breakfast we have been dreaming of since we started talking about our little adventure.

Back to our apartment for a shower and some much needed rest….more tomorrow!

 

After a very long day – my Queen and I are now in our temporary residence on Grand Cayman Island. Most of the day was spent in in airports and airplanes – but at last settled into our new temporary abode.
Went for a much shorter than anticipated stroll on the beach (we are both much farther out of shape than what we thought) Came back for a gorgeous sunset swim in the pool, before collapsing on the couch.
Going to go pick up a car and some groceries tomorrow and start exploring the island a little bit.
Hopefully a little more clear headed and not as tired for the next entry.
Sitting out on the porch and noticed we had company (if I can get the picture loaded) – sure won’t see that in Posey County~~~

Man-o-man….. talk about one extreme to another.
Hurricane Maria roared through our future home and just absolutely devastated it. While our hearts go out to the people of USVI it also means the plans we have been making for the last year or so got blown away with Maria.
A lot of scrambling in the last 2 days has now got us landing in the Cayman Islands. Don’t have a lot of details yet – as it takes time to get confirmations for everything.
Not sure what we’re gonna do when we get there. Going to have to look into getting visa’s now – and Lord knows what else. This is now turning into truly an adventure, but we are amped and looking forward to it.
Keep checking in here for details – it’s gonna be a wild ride –
Oooh-Rah~!!

Wow – what a week….. so many people to see before we fly out…. so much fun and even more memories. Got to spend several really fun nights with Sisters and Brother-in-laws, eating, drinking and good times. Calendar is rapidly filling up with remainder of friends and family we want to see before flight time  : )
Our new home has been taking a whuppin’ with hurricanes lately and damn if there ain’t another on the way. Keeping our fingers crossed for the people of our new home – and that it don’t louse up our travel plans to get there…. but one way or another – we will get there.
Really busy week this week – but will happily stop to chat with any family or friends that want to stop by, like a surprise visit yesterday from a working acquaintance and friend who dropped in to wish Bon Voyage….
Always happy to see you…. here – or in the islands~!

Wow – that was one quick week… almost like I’m working again…. but I’m NOT 🙂
Had a night out with oldest Sister and Brother-in-Law last night, with them saying “Bon Voyage” before we fly out. Many more of those coming up this last 2 weeks. I hate to leave these people behind – but I have to go. Most of my life has been about other people and their needs. Now it’s MY time, along with my Queen, to live what I consider a life we both have earned.
I have never been one who put a lot of merit into entitlement – I think entitlement has been abused entirely too much this past decade, but I dang sure think we earned this – and I say that proudly.
So, if we can keep the hurricanes away – we fly out 2 weeks from today – woohoo~!!!

 

About this time 3 weeks from now – we should be sitting on a beach [drink in hand] in St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands.
Spent portion of the time today hauling off a closet full of clothes to a local mission, getting inventory down to a couple of suitcases worth.
Scheduling a bunch of nights out with family and friends to see them one more time before we fly out – still several I need to book. Been waiting for this for a really long time…have GOT to believe it will be worth the wait and time investment.
Catch ya next week.

Well…. the house is not sold yet – but we are taking off anyway~! We are now the very proud owners of 2 ONE-WAY tickets to St. Croix~! A nice little cottage on the beach has been booked and confirmed for a place to stay while we hunt for our first residence on the island.
My mind is starting to race.. and I love it. SO many things to do before we take off. Not sure how much I will be on here during the time we are preparing to leave – but will update as often as I can, so stay tuned – it’s fixin’ to get real up in here 😉