Snorkeling

Dominica is known for its diving and snorkeling.  Many times it is on the top ten list for diving in the world.  I am a weenie when it comes to diving but I like snorkeling.  There are still many things to see under the water while snorkeling.  It is a great adventure!

Wherever you are take advantage of the adventure and do it at your speed.  You will have fun.

Caution Where You Build Your Home

Birds decided they were going to build a nest in this palm tree in our front yard.  Not a problem except the leaf the nest was on has now fallen down.  The first photo is of the entire tree and the broken leaf is in the front and the nest is in the middle of the leaf.  The second photo is a close up of the leaf with the nest in it.

Always remember - when building anything make sure there is a good foundation to hold up the rest.  If not, items could start falling......

Beach Toys

There is nothing like beach toys.  They are a symbol of past times on the beach.  They are a symbol of innocence and the hardest thing to figure out was how to build a really good castle.  It was a time when digging holes and putting someone in them was OK.  They are a symbol of just being in the moment of sun, water and beach and enjoying and appreciating the time of play.  Make sure  to find the time this summer!

Enjoying the View

Here is another view of the coastline of Dominica.  Some days you just need to relax and enjoy the view!  Appreciate it while you have it!

Wall of Rain

So it is May in Dominica and it is HOT.  The temperature is increasing and there is no wind right now, so it is hot.  Going to the beach at the end of the day is one of the best options to cool down.  So we were at the beach today and we looked into the bay and the rain was covering the other half of the bay.  It looked like it was crawling across the water towards us.  The rain here is amazing as one can actually see the rain line and anticipate its arrival.

Thursday May 26 - Lokk Down

So I took this photo but didn't post yesterday.  By the time i got home I was too tired.  Sorry!  But I did take this photo yesterday!

I was out with friends looking around the restaurant.  I saw these small plants at the base of these trees.  They started to grow in-between all the trunks.  The plants are small and trying to grow larger. 

I am glad that I kept looking around and looked down.  We forget to look down sometimes (ecxept if we are walking somewhere hazardous), there are so many possible treasures below that need to be seen.  Take some time during the day and see what is below - there might be a nice surprise waiting!

Little Surprises

I went off to take some photos today and was looking for something specific.  I was taking some photos and I found this spider and its web.  I have wanted to take a photo of a web for awhile and hadn't been able to find one until now.  I am glad I saw it.  The spider did not move at all when I was standing there. 

Sometimes, even though there is a goal/mission in the day, you have to accept and welcome the gifts that are given to you.  Appreciate what is given whether you were able to make that goal/mission for the day as there seems to be another plan for the day that you weren't aware of!

Tuesday May 24th - Looking at the Old Again

Sorry for the delay in posting.  I couldn't get into the website - it kept redirecting me to somewhere else even after signing in.  I tried again today and after many failed attempts and different variationns to get in, I finally did.

So yesterday I decided to go to Morne Bruce and look at Roseau, the capitol of Dominica, from above.  I haven't been there in years and wanted a look.  It is only a five minute ride outside of Roseau but I just haven't taken those few minutes to go there.  I think I was just being lazy, knowing I had been there before and why go again.  There was always something else to do and since I had been there what was the big deal.

Well it reminded me to appreciate the stuff we have done and seen and that we all get lazy.  Wherever we live, I think we stop appreciating what is there and forget to look at the wonder of it.  We need to take the time to see again what is there all the time and don't let it go by.

Now I am off to find a photo for today.

Trying again...lines

I know I have taken a photo of the pink flower before but I am trying to get photos of lines.  I have an assignment to get photos of lines and I thought of this flower.  It has great lines - the lines in the flowers as well as the lines of the plant itself.  I am trying to see what angles show the flower and plant at its best.  I am going to try to keep getting photos of the plant and other lines.  Have to keep trying....

A Sunny Day

So today was a sunny day - after all the rain we have had.  It is now getting warm for the summer.  It was a beautiful day and lots of opportunity to be outside.  We went into Portsmouth in the morning to walk around and take some photos.  This is the new dock that was built recently.  They let us walk out on it which was great.  We got to see Portsmouth from a different angle this morning. 

Rain Rain Go Away!

Rainy season has come a month early and boy has it hit!   Today has been another day of rain.  There have been bouts of sunshine but eventually the rains come again!!!  While we are trying to entertain ourselves inside (not at the beach, hiking, etc) the plants are growing like crazy as you can tell from the new light green leaves on this plant. 

Friday May 20, 2011 - Rib Night

I apologize for the day delay in this posting.  I took the photos and then fell asleep before I posted them  I did take them yesterday - promise!

Friday night is rib night at Pete's Barbecue in Portsmouth.  It is delicious.  It started years ago as a grill on the side of the road and a couple of years ago built a small "dining area" for customers.  The ribs are good as well as the other food - chicken, fish, fries and salad.  This is a custom on mnay of the Caribbean islands - Friday night grilling and eating.  If you ever get the chance on an island - eat at one of the local rib/chicken/fish fries on the street - it is great!

A Really Cool Beetle

So this morning I was looking at the soursop tree and what did I find? This really cool beetle.  They are hard to find as they are very allusive and it was hanging out in the tree.  It was fun watching it move around this morning.  This is actually a small one compared to the couple of others I have seen.  Good thing the camera was nearby!!!!!

Plantation Cemetary

This is a photo of an old plantation cemetary.  It has been pretty much left undisturbed but there aren't any headstones that I can see.  I am glad it has been left undisturbed - it shows some respect for those who worked the fields in the past.  We need to respect what they had to go through as we move forward.

Playgrounds...

I love playgrounds (and it is not because I have a two year old and playgrounds can entertain him for hours - always a good thing).  I love them because kids on playgrounds are happy.  They get to run around, climb, slide, swing and laugh.  They are free for a little while to have fun - no cares, just immediate fun.

As adults, I think we forget to have that time and place for ourselves.  We need to have that space of freedom, it is so important to our sanity.  We need to have a place where we can laugh with no worries.  Find that place - that place of innocence where you can be you and have some fun and laughter.

Closer View of a Coconut Tree

Usually trying to take a photo of a coconut tree involves standing under the tree and taking the photos fast.  The photos are usually from the underside and you have to be quick just in case a coconut decides to drop.  This tree was on the side of a hill and I was eye level with the coconuts.  It was great to see them from this angle.  There is lots more detail there when seen from this angle. 

Keep looking at all the angles - there may be a view that gives different perspective than before and you can see a new view and understanding.

Keep Your Camera Around....

I always try to have a camera with me at all times.  It is just one of those things I do.  Some days it gets cumbersome, but I can remember times I wish I had my camera and missed a shot.  Today I had my camera.  We were at a beach bar and this lizard starting running on the top of the railing towards us.  He slowed down and stopped at points as he eyed us and was not sure what to do.  I was able to get many shots of him and I am grateful.  It is hard to get photos of these guys because they are quick!

So today was a reminder to carry my camera because you never know what will come along.  It also reminds me that we should carry some other things along too - a sense of adventure. a sense of humor, a sense of humility and a sense of companionship.  All of these help make the day go better.

Steel Drum Bands

I have to say - I love steel drum bands.  I love listening to the sound of them and the music they make.  Tonight there was a fish fry in Portsmouth.  It was a fundraiser and we decided to go.  It was great.  The band was there to entertain folks while they ate.  It was nice having the music while eating.  This group did a great job and people were dancing.  If you ever get a chance - go listen to a steel drum band play.

Staying Cool...

So now I am having trouble with my e-mail and can't get into my photos of the day.  Don't you just love technology?  It is supposed to make life so much easier but in fact it can just make it a longer day.  For instance - it just took me two hours to print three prints.  Yes two hours.  WHo knows why but the printing was slow...

Anyway - onto my photos.  This week here has been HOT.  It is becoming summer here.  Our dog is trying to stay cool in this heat.  She is not moving much (either are we for that matter).  I find her lying very still or rolling around to scratch her back or convince us we want to rub her stomach.  I took photos of her today lying very still and one of her rolling around.  I hope to be able to get them off my e-mail tomorrow and I will post them on this post.

A friendly reminder - stay cool this summer.  Do what you need to do to stay cool!

Thursday May 12, 2011 - Location...Location...Location...

This posting is your yesterday.  When I logged into blogspot it said it wasn't available.  Don't know what happened but I have my photos ready to go...

 So I am back on the theme of location.  If you look closely there is a bird's nest in this tree.  I really don't know how the birds build their nest there.  This is the second year they have built a nest in this tree.

This is a view of the same tree just from farther back.  I think it shows how fragile it looks for a nest but the birds seem to think it works fine and it has in the past.

Flowers...Flowers...Flowers...

Here is a false bird of paradise.  These are around the island, just growing where they want.  In the States they would be a small fortune.  It is all location, location, location....

Coastline Beauty

The coastline of Dominica is beautiful and varied.  Depending on what side of the island one is on, the view changes.  The Caribbean Sea side is calm and great beaches.  The Atlantic Ocean side is violent and rugged.  On the Atlantic side, there are steep cliffs and large waves.  This part of the island is the transition between the two.  This is the Atlantic side but is protected by reefs, and the cliffs are great!

Monday May 9 - Many Happenings Today....

Today was an unusual day for photos.  I was up with the sunrise and thought I was done for the day with my photo of the day.  I found as the day went on that there were a couple more photos I wanted to add to my day.  So here are a few photos of the day...thanks for putting up with more than one today.

We live on the west side of the island.  This means we ge tto see wonderful sunsets each day.  Today was different though.  We were on the east side of the island, so I made sure I was up for sunrise.  I just had to see the sunrise as it came up from the ocean instead of it setting into the sea.  I love mornings - the quiet, the slowly wakening of the day, the coolness of the air and just the peace all around.  This morning was no exception to that.  I was able to see the sunrise while listening to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean break.  It was a great way to start the day.

So of course the heat is on here as it is May and this is a hot time of the year on Dominica.  By the end of the day we decided to go to the beach and cool down.  I always bring my water proof camera as you never know what you will see or what could happen at the beach. 

As we were swimming, seaweed starting drifting into shore.  Seaweed at this beach is rare.  On closer insepction, we realized there were small fish (and crabs0 swimming with the seaweed.  I was able to get this shot of one of the fish.  I am sure this has happened before but we had never seen it before while we have been swimming there.  It was fun to watch the small fish try to stay with the seaweed so they wouldn't become dinner for the pelicans!

So we made it home today and are now back on the west side - so that means sunset!  This was the end of the day with these colors coming to life as the sun set.  This was a very nice ending to a fun day of lots of nature and surprises.  I am grateful I was able to see the sun rise out of the Atlantic Ocean and see it set in the Caribbean Sea.  What adventures are waiting for tomorrow?

Sunday May 8th - Narly Trees

I am fascinated by coconut trees.  I am not sure why.  I like the way they move all over and create their own shape.  They have very interesting bark with a lot of texture.  One has to watch out for the coconuts above they could hurt a lot if hit on the head) but I think it is worth the risk to look at them.

This patch of trees is in the southeast part of the island.  They go in many directions and looked tangled.  I like the impression they give against the hill and the water.  It is so "islandy".

P.S.  Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday May 7th - Mother Nature Strikes Again!

So on Saturday it RAINED!!!  And RAINED and RAINED.  This is the Rosalie River.  This is the bridge that crosses the river (yes we did cross the river using the bridge).  Once it starts raining in the mountains in Dominica the rivers run fast.  The amount of water and debris is amazing - everyone stays out until the rain stops.  Once the rain stops, the rivers quickly go back to normal and one can start swimming in the rivers again.  Here in Dominica, one is reminded OFTEN that mother nature is in charge and you have to go with the flow of her wishes.  It is a nice reminder some days of patience.

I have missed three days of posting....

I went away and had trouble getting to the internet.  I continued to take photos though and here are the postings....

Keeps on Raining

It has been raining here, each day, for over a week.  Some days it is constant, other days it is in the form of showers that come and go pretty consistently.  Either way, it effects doing things outside, including going to the beach.  It is guaranteed that you will be rianed on at some point.  Today there were showers but it was interesting.  Most of the rain was coming down this one valley all day long.  The outside perimeter of the valley would get sprinkles now and again, but not the steady rain that a few feet away was getting.

In this photo, I am trying to show the rain and the valley as well as the nice weather above the clouds.  There are mountains behind the band of clouds as well as sunshine above it.  This is what it looked like for hours from one side.  Underneath those clouds must have been very wet, while we on the outside edge only got grey weather and an occasional LIGHT rain.

I love the weather here - this is the dry season and we are soaking wet!

The Fun of Wildlife

The "wildlife" in Dominica is pretty benign.  This guy/gal hung out in our kitchen today.  S/he walked around and tried to hide from us.  The kitchen door was open but he missed that.  He was caught at the end of the afternoon and we brought him outside to live there.  The wildlife is here fun as he gave us great enjoyment this afternoon watching him and seeing what and where he would go.

Another Surprising Day...

We have lived in Dominica for over 7 years now.  There are always new things that surprise me about the island and today was one of them.  We stopped at a local restaurant today in Massacre.  While there I was outside the restaurant and looked away from the road.  Above is what I saw.  I have driven on the road many times and have not seen this view at all while driving.  Now to give myself a break, it is at a narrow part of the road with a bridge that is essentially one large truck width.  I am focused on driving successfully through this stretch of the road then looking around at what is near by.  I need to stop more and walk through the towns to see what I am missing when I drive through.

On the right of this photo is a stairway.  So if someone lives in one of the houses on the side of the hill, they need to walk up the path, past these houses, and then up a large set of stairs to get to their house.  It is an amazing walk and one I hope to do soon.

Again, this reminded me that I need to slow down, walk some more and see what is behind that initial layer to see more deeply.

Giving Time to Grow....

We have had this plant for a couple of years.  It has sat in the same pot for that time.  It has a nice place on our porch where it gets some morning light and gets watered when needed.  All of a sudden for the first time it has started to flower.  We didn't even know it could flower.  We are very excited to see what it will look like at the end of the flowering stage. 

This plant and the flowering process it is going through reminds me that sometimes we all need some time to ourselves, get to see what is happening and then start shining like a star to the world.  Show them what we are made of so to speak.  We also need to give time, patience and caring to those who may need time and care to show us what they are made of.  We just need to remember that sometimes things just don't work on our time line, but that is OK too, because it still worked in the end and the world was wowed and a better place.

Bananas....

Bananas growing are a great sight.  One knows shortly there will be fresh bananas to be eaten.  A fresh banana, that was allowed to ripen on the plant, is the best.  There is just a different taste when you allow a fruit to ripen on the plant or tree instead of while it is one it's way to a store.  If you ever have the chance, get a fresh banana.  It is worth the effort!

A Beach on Any Day is a Good Day

It has been raining here for days.  There was a tease yesterday when the sun came out inthe afternoon.  There was some sun this morning so the bathing suits went on.  By this afternoon is was raining steady again.  Despite the rain we still went out to the beach.  Today reminded me that the beach is wonderful no matter what the weather.  I have been at the beach in the Northeast US in winter and I have been in the middle of summer in the Caribbean.  Each is great.  There is a peacefulness about the beach that happens no matter what time of year - you just have to remember to pay attention and listen......