Saturday was Belize's 43rd Independence Day, having split from the rule of England in 1981. I still have plenty to learn about Belizean culture, but one thing I know for sure: They take holidays and celebrations seriously! "J'ouvert" (translates to, "Daybreak" in French - not sure why a French word is used) starts at 5 on the morning of Independence Day, and seemingly, most folks stay up all ...

It's been a long week! The King Tide continues to torture us. The full moon was a few days ago, we had hoped it would take all of the water with it. It did not. So we now park our cart on the driveway into our bodega. Monday night I decided to make pierogi for the first time ever. My grandmas both cranked these out when I was little, but I was not involved, so this was 100% Internet Learn ...

Wednesday was pretty uneventful - although I did draft out a design for a grill table for our patio. We have a lovely gentleman on the mainland who sells teak furniture for a song (compared to the U.S.). He sent us 4 teak pool lounge chairs last year, they were $225U.S. each. We want 2 small tables for those chairs (for drinks, phones) and a 36" wide x 24" deep x 36" tall table with a shelf. ...

Saturday we met with a builder we are considering for our beach home; we have identified three that we would like to interview and do our due diligence. He made arrangements for us to walk a home in the final punch stages with the homeowner, who has built three other homes (spec homes, he sold them) which tells me he is happy with the outcomes, which is a big plus! We drove down south, almost ...

On Tuesday I completed another installment of "Try It Tuesday" with Relleno. Not what we had back home, which was a hatch chile or poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, dipped in egg batter, and deep fried - this is a black-colored stew! Here is the video: Try It Tuesday - Relleno Wednesday I journeyed to Caribbean Queen, the barge system that brings goods from the mainland to the island. I fo ...

Saturday we ventured out to Secret Beach to drop off a metal rake and cash for the guys clearing back our lot. They also informed us that the guy who is not afraid of snakes or crocs but DEATHLY afraid of spiders and had a tarantula crawl up his leg! He swiped it away and immediately a large iguana was on it and ate it. Our previous clearing crew relocated an 8' boa out of the way a few years ...

Wednesday we had our Family Fantasy Football Draft, and as the lone participants not in Phoenix, we went out for wings beforehand at The Alibi. We also had Joe (who won the National Cocktail Championship on Sunday) make us craft cocktails, simply telling him the flavors we liked. All three rounds/six drinks were BANGERS. The man is an elixir magician! Oh, and the wings were phenomenal, too! ...

Monday, I had a waxing appointment in town at CG Esthetic - this was rescheduled from Friday, due to a staff miscommunication, which had my guard up. I met Deli, the esthetician, and she is DELIGHTFUL! Born and raised in San Pedro. I spoke with three providers on the island, and she was the best priced - one was higher than I paid in AZ for the same service. I am glad I have that "in search o ...

Thursday, our water pump again had leaks, just slower, and in new spots. Nathan made a band-aid repair that has slowed the leak considerably, but we know it's just a matter of time before it has to be replaced. We ping-ponged to three different hardware stores, and probably my biggest frustration is that hardly anything has a price on it. Anywhere. In grocery stores most things are priced, bu ...

Saturday morning, I dreaded getting out of bed. I expected to find our outdoor kitty deceased. Nathan went outside first, and came back in, distraught - he said she was laying down under our neighbor's dock, and came out when he went outside. She tried to jump to an 18" tall sea wall to come over, but didn't have the strength, and fell in the shallow water, unable to get up. He hopped down a ...