The Invincible Slime

Being a mom is sometimes not exactly what you sign up for. Sometimes, it's quite disgusting. I would say that having grown up on a farm has prepared me for the creepy crawlies that my son seems fascinated by. And, loving animals has made me immune to the 2 dogs, 2 cats, 5 turtles, 3 lizards, and whatever else happens to claim us as home every now and again. But, nothing could quite prepare me for what we experienced this morning. It's been raining so much in Memphis that we really think its spring and with the wet comes mushrooms and other uncommon sightings.

I'm used to picking up bugs for my two to examine, and so it was not at all alarming to pick up the slug that I found on the front porch 2 nights ago....AT FIRST. This gargantuan gastropod was the largest one of its kind I have ever seen. I thought Harrison would go crazy (boys love this stuff, right?) But, he was so disgusted he wouldn't even touch it. I thought the kids science teachers might like to show and tell, but, my kids' internal alarms were saying "No way. We're not taking that to school. Mom, you're insane!"

The plan was to let “him” go far away from our house, but Lloyd decided to keep him to show his team at work...that was until The Great Escape. Can you imagine my Spanish speaking housekeeper's horror if she were to find this climbing on the wall? The slime is INVINCIBLE. 409 doesn't touch it. I've learned my lesson. If even my kids are grossed out, it's not coming in my house!!!!!!!!!!!!! We'll be cleaning up slime for days.

09.09.09

Lloyd was born on September 9th. This date in particular has become very important to us, as many special memories throughout our years together seem to fall on or around his birthday. This year was had special significance, since this particular numerology sequence won’t occur again until 1000 years from now (in the year 3009). It seemed only fitting that his birthday should be celebrated with 9 friends at 6 PM (that’s 9 upside down) at 959 Cooper Ave. (a Mexican joint in Memphis called Café Ole). His guests brought $9 each to give to a chosen charity, and he happened to give it to his favorite 9 lives (A.K.A. the cat rescue place called The House of Mews) haven. Happy birthday, love!

Live Slow, Sail Fast (7.31.09)

We all were just a bit melancholy on our way back into Road Harbour. Every journey has an end, and we all could feel that we were about to end this one and begin our acclimation into the real world. Boy, do we really have to go back to work? Can this never end? We vowed to keep this state of mind (inspired by Andy’s song) with us when we return, but, there’s something about our lifestyle at home that squelches it. The rushing and activities would certainly be missed if we lived down here (don’t worry Mom, but the thought has crossed our minds). But, in a world where there is abundance of busyness, it feels right to live slow and sail fast (if only once a year).

Sandy Cay (7.31.09)

Since we were as close as we were, we decided to hike around Sandy Cay before heading back to the Moorings (sad, sad). Sandy is every bit as “deserted tropical” as you might find here in the BVI. Once owned by Rockefeller, it was given back to the BVI as a natural treasure. The National Park Service keeps the trails clean, and you can hike all the way around the perimeter. We saw lizards and birds and cacti and hermit crabs and unusual trees (that Andy had to climb). The terrain changes drastically on the north side to include a 40-50 foot cliff (we kept the kids curiosity at bay). But, the most beautiful place by far is right on the beach itself. Who could argue with this scene?

Meeting Foxy (7.31.09)

Our last day just wouldn’t be quite right without dropping in Great Harbour and saying hello/goodbye to Foxy. Foxy Callwood has lived almost his entire life on the island of Jost Van Dyke. He’s a troubadour, who is as legendary as the songs that he sings. And, his spot brings a tourist crowd whose revenue makes up a majority of the islands profits.

We had gone to Foxy’s gift shop and were tooling around when I walked out to find GB unknowingly talking to Foxy himself. Although we’d not seen him in several years he immediately gave me a hug and kiss saying “Look who’s here! Good to see you!” (Bet he does that with all the ladies). That’s Foxy.

He’d recently been awarded a medal as a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen for his exemplary contributions to tourism and preservation of his territory’s culture (impressive). We toured the wooden boat he's building which somehow will sail around the world and teach the kids of the island about working hard and giving back (equally impressive). Good luck with that and we’ll see you next time, Foxy!

It's a Caribbean Thang (7.30.09)

We had one full day after this one left, and of all the places we could have gone, it seemed appropriate to go back to White Bay (remember Soggy Dollar?). This time was more relaxed. One, because it was nearing late afternoon when we got there, and secondly, the newness and excitement we experienced just a week ago in this place was not at all new. It was much like making ourselves at home—we were no longer visitors. We belonged here.

You know it’s a true Caribbean vacation when the kids build their sandcastles with palm trees and coconut fronds. And, of course, when Grayson gets her hair braided. These are things that just become second nature when you are down there, like throwing back on the couch and watching the Discovery channel. Or, curling up to read a good book. Or, eating BBQ chips and Oreos on the beach. It’s a Caribbean thang….

The Indians (7.30.09)

Spectacular snorkeling can be found beneath the Indians, which is a series of tall jagged rocks just off Pelican Island. Underneath is amazing coral and the largest variety of fish that we’d swum with so far. On the north side, shallow water creates a "fish bowl," where there are swirling clouds of bait fish. Pelicans dive-bombed fish below as we made our way in and around the Indians. There is a natural tunnel about 10 feet underwater that those with good diving talents can swim through while exiting the fish bowl. Lloyd always dives it; GB and Andy did it, too. Jen, Mandy and I just wished we were that cool. Hey, someone has to stay behind and be a spectator, right? Thousands of bait fish (and I mean thousands) clouded our view, but, here’s Andy coming up for air after swimming through the tunnel (see the tiny speck of light at his foot?—that’s the tunnel!). But, just so you can appreciate that it's a tight fit, you can see the tunnel better in the next pic.