Well no one can say that I bombard you with blog posts! Realize it is time for my annual update.

We had the good fortune to spend over 2 months at our home and somehow the myriad of projects, small repairs etc. never ends. Sure, we interspersed these with frequent walks, snorkels, swims and new to our repertoire “Corn Hole”! This Canadian girl had never heard of until this past year, but oh boy some of our American friends are fanatic cornholers…..I liken it to a cross between horse shoes and curling. We participated in a couple tournaments, there had to be over 40 people, lots of fun even when you do poorly.

A typical day always begin with freshly ground coffee on our deck, Bill is the breakfast eater, it takes me longer to get moving, so after a couple cups of joe, will begin the day. Sweep the constant invasion of sand off the floors, perhaps some laundry do up dishes, meal planning, pull weeds, must be time for a swim. After lunch, more small tasks and before you know it, time for a swim and than it’s cocktail/sundowner time. After dinner, if nothing on our social calendar which somehow can be busier on Cat Island than back in Ontario, it is time for Jeopardy. Who does not love Alex Trebek?! It gets dark quickly and our sleeping pattern is more in tune with the natural light, up earlier and definitely to bed, hate to say it but occasionally shortly after 8. Bill fortunately is able to handle many of the small repairs that the house and appliances sometime need. This trip it was the doorspring on the dishwasher and a small leak in the reverse osmosis. Also our metal roof is an ongoing project. Back when we built, metal roofs were highly recommended for coastal homes, unfortunately nothing is perfect and Bill spends a fair bit of time, ensuring that corrosion stays at bay. Funny story, when he is up on the roof and knocking off any existing rust, he than takes our vacuum up to clean the roof and any particles that may land in the eaves. Some visitors who were staying in Bennetts Harbour happened to be walking the beach. Bill on the roof, vacuuming waved to them and they said “nice day for that”! Sure, doesn’t everyone vacuum their roofs. Speaking of Bennetts Harbour, we have cleared a small pathway from our end of the beach so you can avoid the rocks when walking that way. Makes it handy for us as the restaurant at Pompey Rock is a godsend. Andrew the chef, makes the best bread on the island, he is doing 3 meals/day every day except Mondays. We ate there half a dozen times this time and never disappointed. Please support him. Andrew is a well read and informed man and he loves to chat on a variety of subjects.

The main news of the island is that SkyBahamas no longer exists, Western Air has changed to only one flight/day, possibly 2 on the weekends. Petitions were circulated and in the end, a charter has begun flying to both Arthur’s Town and New Bight. Contact me for more information or also email them directly at bamscharter@gmail.com

The Bahamas effective January 1st, issued a ban of single use plastic bags. We have a number of reusable totes and cooler bags at the house. Also, please travel with your own water bottles, we all need to do our part. Collecting plastic from the ocean is so therapeutic. Recycling on the island is still limited to aluminum cans.

After the devastation from Dorian last year, we are all deeply concerned about the coming season. Finally, to quote Sylvia Earle, “We need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do”.