BARBADOS

It seems like forever since we last had drinks and talked! It may still be a few days for me to get caught up and make my rounds. The vacation was overdue and very much enjoyed and relaxing. I would have to say most of the time was spent being a huge near naked, beach bum. Some of my friends give me flack for traveling abroad all the time, but for me, I have seen most of what I want to of the US for now. And as I told Travel Penguin on his blog, the world is a big place, with many places. It's nice to get out of the four walls so to speak. This was my first foray into the Carribean, and I was not disappointed. For a hot minute, I gave up gin for the legendary rum which they are so famous. Barbados is small enough that you can easily get around to anywhere you want in an hour, as it's a mere 21 miles long by some 14 miles at its widest point. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Barbados is popular for its crystal waters, dynamic culture and very warm hospitality. It certainly delivered good times and some fond memories. The colorful and lively capital of Bridgetown which lived up to my expectations. Bustling streets are full of life and noise, fresh foods markets, and boats unloading their catch of the day, charismatic bars, and sensational restaurants. But most of our time was spent on what Barbados is famous for...it's white sandy beaches. The views were spectacular. Our hotel was at Sandy Lane Beach...a ten-minute walk through what seemed like a small rainforest...and then volia....on the beach. The other beach was a more rugged beach, that of Bathsheba Bay.

Our hotel, Cobbers Cove

And behind the hotel was this view.

Which led to this!

Warbucks had some fried Flying Fish. Nope, not me.

A view of Bridgetown.

I soooo need to live at a beach.

BUTTERFLIES AND ROSES

 

The one thing about getting ready to leave on vacation is trying to get everything in order before leaving, so it is nice to have some extra days getting the garden in order before leaving. I know once back, it will need some TLC. What must be like a never-ending wave of roses this summer keeps coming, thanks to all the dead heading. This has been a great year for roses in the garden. Probably te first year I didn't lose any bushes over the winter. Over the last week or two, the garden not only bring the hummingbirds, but I noticed we had more butterflies then normal. That has to be a good sign. Some years I don't notice as many.  It could be in thanks to I have planted more flowering plants and the ones existing are more mature. All I know it's great to have a sit some days and enjoy the fruits of labor.

GARDEN AND OTHER SUSPECTS

 

It's been a busy weekend around here. Some time spent in the garden today. The weather of late has been glorious...I dare even say heavenly. Thank heavens the humidity broke...I was beginning to think I had a mushroom farm. Sleeping at night has been so relaxing with cooler temps and open window sleeping, open windows in general.  This weekend I attended my fifth protest since the Great Oaf took office. The Rage Against the Regime protest left me a bit disappointed as it was not attended like the last four, and I wondered if people are giving up. I like to hope it's only because people are vacationing. Friends in Philly said it was a HUGE protest. I can say it's one city that just hates and despises the dump more than others, and it's made funnier only because it's basically the birth of the nation and where much history and important declarations were written. After, I had my good friends Wayne's Pool party and Chicken corn soup picnic to attend, which is always a good time. The soup is actually made in a huge cast iron pot, and hung and cooked over a open fire. It was delish, not to mention all the other foods! Today was spent doing bits and bobs in the garden and making 3 loaves of zucchini bread... my neighbor gave me two very nice size, 13" and thick zucchini's. ( reminds me to give Claudio and Mario a call) But the garden of late still continues forth, giving us color and amazement.

Some of the seed when I planted more wildflowers must have blown into the back garden giving me a nice surprise of more poppies!

Our garden hummingbird

My newest coneflower. The color is called Tomato Soup.

Can't recall the name of this. The whole thing closes up at night.

Meanwhile the Datura Ballerinas have gone insane, and very intoxicating.

Black velvet petunia

Believe it or not this is a hummingbird moth, not a hummingbird. Came out blurry but neat to see. They are actually very pretty, and the only moth to enjoy the daylight.

I also made my famous deviled eggs for cocktails tonight. Made with Coleman's hot mustard and fresh herbs from my garden, so there was that too.