For Idren Wallace From Spain

This is for you, Idren Wallace.

I promised Idren Wallace, my Loyal Reader from Spain, that I would to try to get a clearer shot of the bus restaurant that I drive past on my way into Mandeville. The original picture was taken as I was driving. Yes, I know, not the safest way to drive in Jamaica; one hand on the steering wheel and the other one holding the digital camera. This time I got out and took some closer shots.

Details will be easier to see if you click the picture to open a larger image in another window.




The bus seats were replaced with counter and chairs.





Under the arrow you can see the Emergency Exit sign. In the yellow circles are bottles of catsup and hot sauce. Unnu haffi see Grace dere pon di label dem, don't?. (Jamaicans will notice the labels of a local conglomerate, Grace Kennedy, on the catsup and hot sauce bottles.)




How would you like to have to change that back tire? It's actually a stack of wood. Did you notice the mango in the upper right corner?

I can't vouch for the quality of the food, but I give it nuff nuff Ras-pect (two thumbs up) for the creativity, the artistry and for recycling a gas-guzzling bus. Rather than another ugly rusting hulk on the roadside, it is an an eye-catching, viable enterprise.

I hope this was better, Idren Wallace.

Out of the Darkness

Giving thanks and praises to Our Heavenly Father, Jah Rastafari, who has kept us safe during perilous times!

I want to say thank you to all those who covered us in your prayers of guidance and protection. Psalms were chanted, bibles were read, prayers were whispered and shouted, chalices were lit and drums were beaten. Jah heard the pleas of all you Prayer Warriors and we were spared.

JPS (Jamaica Public Service) has just restored power to our tiny, rural, south coast district. Just in time for tomorrow's General Election here in Jamaica.

We survived Hurricane Dean's passing two weeks ago and have spent that time putting things back together, as best we can. We suffered major water damage, but did not lose the roof, like many of our neighbours.

All the animals survived this time, but we lost the trees - ackee, banana, coconut, otahitie apple, sweet sop, sour sop, pear (avocado), lime, sour orange, june plum, and the sweet mango. I am so thankful that the robin mango tree from my husband's childhood survived. She lost many branches and sustained severe damage to one side, but she is a survivor and will hopefully outlast my grandchildren's great, great-grandchildren's grandchildren.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Selah.

Wind Chime in a Mango Tree

I am so blessed to live in Jamaica. This is the windchime that hangs from our mango tree. It has a deep chiming sound that reminds me of cathedral bells. My husband ate mangoes from this tree as a child.

This is a view of our side yard.

This is the view from our front verandah (porch for American readers). See what I mean about being blessed?