I bought a big sack of dirt to use in planting our hanging baskets and to perhaps add a little color along the retaining wall out at the property. The dirt is extremely black and clumpy. Actually, it resembles a sack of horse manure and I have had some experience with that in previous years. But I plunged my hands right in and worked it into a softer more plantable consistency. Already the basil and arrugala is popping up and a few of the flowers are beginning to peek out. I plan to take the rest of the seeds out to the property soon and after planting there will save some to plant in several sites on the route back to the village. Kind of a Caye Caulker Diana flowerseed!

We have a giant philadendrum (sp) growing up the front of the house. Lester draped our Christmas lights over it in the shape of a tree and we are snapping pictures every evening and morning trying to find the perfect lighting. Maybe this is next year's Christmas postcard?

Today is Saturday which is the best shopping day here as the barge from the mainland comes in on Friday evening. All the produce is fresh and plentiful on Saturday and gradually dwindles over the week. It is all so good! We are eating well. okra, beets, tomatoes, eggplant, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, etc not to mention the to-die-for seafood! We have been eating at home as I kind of enjoy the challenge of cooking here and there has been a lot of rain. But if this evening is dry we are going down to the Wish Willy. Yes!

Lester is closing in on his goal to get the boat back ion the water by the end of next week. He has been repairing, chipping rust off the keel and getting ready to apply a coat of anti-fouling paint to the bottom before the crane moves it back into the water. Then a little fine tuning and we'll be sailing! Exciting!

Merry Christmas to you all!