The Big Tree is my friend

How's this for island living???

I'm sitting under the "Big Tree" (which gives me wireless internet) in our truck, with the windows rolled up because it's raining, sweating like crazy! So, no... our internet still isn't working. Have you guys seen that commercial on tv where there's this guy trying to fix the cable and he can't seem to do anything and then someone gives him a tip and he's like "oh yeah, here we go!"????? It's an illustrated commercial, but I feel like I'm living the real life thing. We knew how Batelco was before we came back down... but bless them... I thought just maybe we'd catch a break this time. Now, I should say that we were able to go in last Monday, put down our worth in gold of deposits ($600--YIKES) and came out with a cell phone and land line that are working, but STILL.... I need the internet. I am way to addicted to this whole web thing now to not have it functioning (especially when communicating to my family easily and affordably, and communicating with my customers counts on it). OKAY-- there's my venting rant for the moment... Dallas' ears can only take so much :)

To just kind of sum up the past week or so....

Last Friday, Bev and Kevin took my mom, Joss, Dallas, me and our cats (and all our bags) to the airport. Of course the cats cost us the amount of an extra flight almost... but we got lucky on the way down the first time to not get charged, so I'm just glad they made it. I still don't get it though, b/c if they charge you for your cats, you shouldn't have to use them as a carry-on allowance... ANOTHER TIME!

It was a very sad day (an night before) saying goodbye to my family. I wish things could be different somehow and make things easier on everyone. My mom was a trooper though. She knew how hard it was going to be saying goodbye, but she still came along to lend a hand.

The first trip to the gas station to fill up our "new" truck (not new, just to us) with a V8 engine and the gas station was out of gas :) But, I guess with the way things have been in the US lately.. that's not really that shocking. But, we circled the pond again and went the the other gas station on the island (two within 2 blocks of each other, and the only other one on the main island is a little old lady with a pump in her front yard--LOL.. gotta love it). Gas is only $4.94 down here right now which is truly amazing to us. Last update we had heard it was around $6.50. I don't even want to think about that.

The first couple days was mostly us deciding which apartment we wanted and then cleaning, cleaning and cleaning it. It's still not spotless, but the mess is ours :) I'll post pics soon. Dallas has been working a lot with the kayaks and camping gear just checking over stuff and taking inventory. We're pretty encouraged by most of the stuff. Unfortunately, the big stuff (power boat) is where we are the least impressed and are hoping to work something out soon to upgrade.

Our first rental has come and gone already. They had to leave a day early because of the storm, but we are all safe and sound and nicely sheltered behind Cuba! Our second group arrived today, so Dallas has a day of prep work with them tomorrow. And I hopefully will have a successful day with my friends at Batelco and have our internet up!!! (crossing fingers, praying....anything that brings good luck)

We've had a few hoops we've had to and are still trying to jump through for business licenses and things like that, but we're confident it will all work out. Our household stuff will hopefully get here next week...but we'll see.

There's lots of personality on this little island. I've been thinking of fun little ways to share it with you all on here, so just give me a little more time and I'll share this place with you more. And hopefully tempt enough of you to want to come and see it for yourself :)

As for our little man.... he's taking everything in stride. He's been so good with all the changes and new things going on. He's walking (while holding on) around the table and living room like crazy. He's started (just today) standing for longer periods of time on his own. He will mimic certain things we say a lot. He's started working on his "f" sounds this week. He really likes "f"ans! He is fascinated by them. Our duplex didn't have any, so this is something new to him.

Okay, well, I'm sorry there aren't any pictures on this one, and I'm sorry its so long... Ifeel like I could chat on and on about nothing right now :) I need my Vonage phone so I can talk!!!

Thank you for those that have been praying and sending emails. Your support means a lot!

Love ya!