- Updates from the Islands -

- - Dominica - -

- Last Day.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:59:45 -0400

Good morning everyone,

A quick peek at the sat pic's and it sure looks pretty busy out there.

Yesterday was dull, grey, humid, no breeze. Rain arrived here on the

west coast just before 7pm last night. A real good downpour which we

were in need of. Thunder and lightening joined in, trouble was it only lasted

for about 10 min's. The rest of the evening turned hot and humid again, with

plenty of mozzies about.

We all went to the beach again, the boys just love being there. On the

way home we stopped off at one of our favorite spots. There is a small jetty

and a gas station. Lot of the local guys use it to fill up their boats. We

watched the most appalling dump your garbage in the sea we have ever seen.

Diesel, plastic bottles, ect. Someone forgot to tell these guys that this is

supposed to be the nature island of the caribbean. Other than that we all had

a really great day again. We are now down to our last day. I'm really not

looking forward to tomorrow.

This morning is a little dull and humid. Still no breeze. I'm off to

have a look at the view, enjoy my coffee before the gang arrive.

Everyone take care, stay safe. Anything happens will let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- Time Almost Up.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:06:10 -0400

Good morning everyone,

Hope everyone who's been hit by Gustav and is being hit and in his

path are all safe and well. Stay safe and well. Just hope that he blows

away soon for you guys.

Yesterday evening we had some thunder and lightening here on the

west coast. Nothing to serious and it did not last for to long. The boys

loved the light show and were disappointed when it just blew over. No rain,

no breeze.

Today was incredibly hot. Still no breeze. Hot and humid and still is.

We are now down to our last 2 days. The family flying back to England

friday. Just cannot believe that 7 weeks have gone. We have had so much

fun. We all trooped into Roseau today, the daughter was determined to see

the one and only cruise ship still coming here dock. Goodness knows why,

but that's what she wanted to see. This was our 3rd attempt and we made it.

She had a great view, sitting on the bay front having her hair braided

watching the ship. Then everyone coming off the ship looking at her having

her hair done. People videoing and taking photo's. She wasn't expecting that.

Think she enjoyed the attention really. The young girl doing her hair was

pleased, drummed up trade for her.

Well I'm off to get some sleep, busy day again tomorrow, running out

of time now.

Once again, hope all are safe. You all take real good care.

Anything happens here will let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- Still Raining.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:47:41 -0400

Good afternoon everyone,

We have had plenty of rain over the last couple of days. No thunder or

lightening. This morning a nice gusty, cooling breeze has kicked in. Still getting

some light showers, the sun is still shining though. The garden is very grateful

for the rain. It was beginning to look a bit like a desert garden. Everything

struggling except the weeds.

Yesterday was the daughters birthday and she opted to go back to

Champagne Beach for the day. Her and the eldest boy are really into the

snorkeling bit now. We had a couple of heavy downpours while there, but

most of the day was lovely. Made her a mango birthday cake, probably the

strangest birthday cake she has ever had, but at least she had a cake.

Everyone ate it anyway and I'm not the best cake maker in the world. My cakes

usually leave a bit to be desired. Reminds me of the time I made a Christmas

cake, that was so bad we gave it full funeral rites and buried it in the back yard.

Something akin to a block of concrete. It's probably still there, couldn't see it

breaking down to quick.

I'm off to enjoy the breeze. Check out the garden, see whats survived.

You all take care. Anything happens will let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- Blustery Day

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:38:16 -0500

This morning was so close, Jaco Ladd had a tough run back up the hills, hardly any fresh air to fill his lungs. It is now noon and the wind has kicked up coming in gusts across the lawn making the bamboo click and sigh as it sways back and forth.

We have been having a great time in the mornings at breakfast watching our family of Dr. Nicholls birds in their favourite tree. The two babies one of which we rescued (stayed overnight in the cottage after Tippy had captured it in her mouth) all preening and cleaning each other while making their weird calling sounds to each other. It is really fascinating because they have a regime just like we humans. They tend to plan things and have certain routine habits - an engaging, wonderful little family.

Their nest is in the bamboo by the cottage, they have a habit of going for the same trees at similar times of each day. We feel they watch over us in a way, maybe they feel safe in the bounds of our garden. It is certainly a delight that they stay so close to us.

This afternoon I am going to Watton Waven to laze in the fabulous hot sulphur pools, just great for relaxing in with a really potent local rum punch! Just another day in Dominica.

- THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:31:41 -0500

What terrible weather we have had over the last two days! Here in the valley we have had a great deal of rain. The worse thing was that our cottage was struck by lightning, even though we had all the switches on the plugs off and the telephone line out of the wall. We lost our modem, the internet card on the computer and the phones got frazzled. Not good at all!

It is the second time this has happened to us so we must do something to divert the lightning. I really hate lightning but it must love me!

Today is now sunny with a fabulous wind blowing to keep the temperature very good. I got my eggs this morning, brought to me by Frank our neighbour from the garden next door. I just love our egg delivery, in a plastic bag, the best eggs we have ever had a golden yellow yolk, really great. Once again we are feasting ourselves on avocados, breadfruit, passion fruit and veg in the garden. Can't be bad. We also have the internet back, new modem! What would we do without the Net?.

Great win for Jamaica, go Bolt, go!

- THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:06:40 -0500

- Rain at Last.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:03:57 -0400

Good morning everyone,

Sorry to hear of the deaths due to Fay on Haiti.

Congratulations to Jamaica, for a terrific performance in the Olympics.

We have had some good downpours at last, the rain started on tuesday.

Yesterday started dull and humid. We took the family down to one of the rivers,

so they could see how after just a small amount of rain just how fast and deep

they flow. In a very short space of time. Took a picnic with us. Thought we

could make a stop at Rodney's Rock, the government have made this a project

site. Good snorkeling. No beach really, all boulders and pebbles, But the boys

like this. They look for little pools and crabs amongst the boulders. Sorry but

no way could you have a picnic there. People have left some of the most

unbelivable filth. The whole family were shocked and saddened at the state of

the place. Even the guys who are working on the project are leaving roofing,

wood, nails ect on the sealine.

Back to Mero, the boys were soon joined by several local children and a

fun afternoon was had by all.

Some really good downpours during the night. No thunder or lighting though.

This morning is bright, clear and warm. Little humid, no breeze. Sea looks just a

bit to grey for me. Still watching the east, lot of ugly looking stuff out there.

Sun is making it's breakthrough, I'm off to enjoy my coffee and the view,

all is quiet and peaceful.

You all take care, anything happens will let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- Lazy Days.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:55:17 -0400

Good Morning Everyone,

The last 2 days have been brilliant sunshine, bright blue skies, calm, flat seas,

much to the boys delight, slightly humid evenings with very little breeze.

Last 2 days are have been lazy days. I like lazy days, get a chance to

recharge the batteries. A trip into Roseau market first thing Saturday morning for

fresh fruit and veggies. A cup of coffee at one of the little cafes, back to the house,

siesta. Sunday is usually our laziest day. We go nowhere and try to do as little as

possible. Yesterday was extremely hot, not a soul about, no noise, Ahhh lovely.

Had a sprinkling of rain last night, but not enough to water the garden well.

This morning is just a little dull, but the sky and sea are still that lovely shade of

blue. Not much breeze. I'm off to have another coffee before the gang arrives, enjoy

the peace and the view. Think I will take the boys guava picking, my neighbour keeps

asking me to go round with the boys and help ourselves. She as an abundance of guava

and cannot reach them all, so the boys being natural tree climbers, they should be able

to reach the high ones. Which I'm sure she is hoping for.

Well off for that coffee and if anything happens will let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Hurricane DEAN ---A Year down the road!

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:53:42 -0400

Without, but having to use the 'F' word, Tropical Storm Fay looks likely to continue the mischief around Jamaica and environs to the west and counting; we all endorse good wishes and safe harbour to the battered ones unfortunately in it's path.
A good time perhaps to reflect upon a year ago to the date that we in Dominica - not forgetting Martinique and St Lucia - had the 8 to 10 hours of anguish through the passing of Hurricane Dean, not I may say a memorable blow to the ones that didn't get it but the gentle scars are still there for the ones that did.
It's well known that Dean was not a structural menace, many buildings came through it totally unscathed, but the rub is that when Nature hurts Nature, sometimes the damage is permanent and even ugly. Evidence of multi landslips are still in full view, certainly around the Layou Valley, Imperial Highway and many too-numerous-to-mention tourist spots. Raw rock, not pleasant to the eye that nothing in growing mode can adhere to - almost like AV bikes et.al. have had there get-togethers on these surfaces for the last 20 years and are licking their lips at the prospect of another lick or two.
Roots of big trees are bare and possibly brittle; one can only hope that the fabulous growing rate in Dominica will strengthen the vulnerable forest giants so that generations to come will identify with everything that's come before.
Some rivers have become shallower, many ravines are now wider and deeper, funny old game isn't it? River tubing is still fun in the right places, so some things remain the same.

With a little bit of luck and a shepherd's crook we might get a full harvest of avocado after 2007 when the Jolly Green Giant blew it away and gobbled it all up himself.

And as we say in times of potential turmoil: "May your God go with you"

Snooze time for Jaco Ladd.

- East Coast Trip.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:17:16 -0500

Good Morning Everyone,

Hope everyone who has been hit or is in the path of 92L is safe and well and stays

that way. We have had just a few light showers over the last couple days. Most of them

were through the night. Wednesday night a fairly heavy downpour at about 3am. Nothing

substantial. The days have been hot and humid, not much breeze either. Yesterday morning

thought we may get a bit of rain, had some very large dark grey clouds above. by 9am they

had floated on by.

Yesterday we had one of our local bus guys take all the family for a trip. We did the

east coast, which is very dramatic scenery. The coast line is sheer cliffs and rocky, crashing

waves from the Atlantic. There are a few golden beaches along the east side, but the sea can

be quite dangerous. Lots of undercurrent. Not suitable for the boys to play in unfortunately.

We had a good visit to the Carib Territory. Ended up going to Kalinago Barana Aut'e which

is a traditional Kalinago village. Watched the ladies weaving baskets, which they sell across

the island. It is an interesting place to visit, shows a way of life that is long gone. The sun

stayed with us all day again.

The evening was warm and clear, slight spatter of rain about 8pm. It has rained through

the night again, but just so tired never heard a thing.

This morning the sun is out, the sky and sea are a delightful shade of blue. A slight

breeze kicking up. Still watching the east. Nasty things out there and lots of them looking at the

sat pic's. I'm off to have another coffee and enjoy the peace while it lasts.

You all take care, anything exciting happens will let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- THINGS THAT SPRING UP!

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:25:10 -0500

It looks like we could get some weather coming in tonight, there is a great big splodge en route . Today, though started rainy and is now gorgeous sunshine, a cool breeze blowing, ideal conditions for taking a river bath.

Each morning Jaco Ladd runs three miles and I try to get out of bed and walk a couple of miles with the puppy on the lead. This morning was no exception. On the way down we pass the Frenchman's banana shed which has a couple of guys living there in the week. They are good neighbours; this morning I said 'hello' and one of the men told me, that his - so I thought - coat was bitten by our father dog. I apologized and asked if I could have it mended or replace it! Well he said, 'no he (Sinbad ) Daddy dog bit the goat'! I said, 'oh I'm really sorry is the goat alright'? 'Yes', he said but I don't want him doing that again'. I explained I couldn't tie him up or keep him in and that this used to be his home before he decided to come and stay with us.

Well we chatted about it for a while and came to an agreement. On the way back up the hill from my walk I passed our spring which comes from an underground labrynth and is 'stylo grande', acceptable nectar for Hades and his mystical buddies no doubt!. My friend waved goodbye and stood there, avec another ami, lathered with soap and stark naked as the day they were born. I tried to avert my eyes but surprise! surprise! was not wholly able to. I had a giggle all the way back to the cottage! The long and short of it - no pun intended - I suppose is that's just nature and living in the country, deep in Dominica.

- Glass of Champagne Anyone.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:42:02 -0500

Good Morning Everyone,

Sizzle, Sizzle for the last couple days again, no rain till yesterday

afternoon. Then we had quiet a heavy downpour which lasted all of 15 min's.

Still better than nothing. The sun came back out and it was straight back to

sizzling. A very slight breeze.

Yesterday was an excellent day. One of the family is suffering from a

bad back, ( not me, granny is still getting out there ). Best thing we could

think of was a dip in the hot mineral pools up at Soufriere. Off we trooped,

and what a lovely experience. Sitting in water warm enough to be a bath,

under a forest canopy. Just so relaxing. We all felt so much better for it.

Next stop, Champagne Beach. Not one of your lovely golden sandy ones,

very rocky, and pebbly but worth it. The water is warm, oh so clear and clean,

you can see the bubbles coming up from the fissures in the rocks from the

volcano, ( hence the name, it's like being in a giant champagne glass. ) All

kinds of wonderful marine life, which can be seen so clearly. Even sitting at

the edge of the water, you can see the small fish darting around, and their

colours. We all had a real good time.

Seems it rained through the night, never heard a thing. This morning is

dull, overcast, with some showers, no breeze, very humid. Pleased to see 92L

moving away, will 93L do the same ? but we all know to keep on watching, take

nothing for granted in this season.

I'm off to enjoy a coffee, look at the view, then a trip into Roseau.

You all take care, anything happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- BIRDS

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2008 07:50:54 -0500

The weather has been really perfect the last couple of days, sunshine most of the day, then a lot of rain all night. This keeps the cistern full, the vegetables and the flowers growing in abundance; speaking of which we are enjoying the most amazing crop of avocados, luckily we have four avocado trees and they don't all ripen at the same time which is lucky for us. Impossible to eat them all so we give the majority to our friends and neighbours.

The day before yesterday there was a terrible commotion in the garden; there were four Dr Nicholls birds and a pair of white fronted sparrow-like birds who live in the avocado tree dive bombing our puppy Tippy. To our horror she was carrying a large baby Dr. Nicholls bird in her mouth. I jumped off our deck ran to Tippy and got the baby bird from her mouth! Luckily the baby bird was not damaged in anyway. I brought her into the house in my cupped hands and let the warmth revive her. Well this big baby bird was amazing! I found a large plastic container to put her in a hot water bottle to rest her on, got out a syringe that I keep for worming the dogs, then set to feeding her with sugar water and later soft dog food mixed with water. The morning came the baby bird was alive and definitely wanting to get back to it's parents. Off I went and put the bird in the tree near to the cottage. Big mistake - the puppy got the baby again, luckily it did not harm the bird. Jaco Ladd then took charge and popped the baby bird way up in the Christophene tree. We are so glad to report that the baby bird is still alive and being looked after by it's parents.

Watching nature is amazing because when we go out in the garden anywhere near where the family live we have no problem, on the other hand if Tippy goes anywhere near the family - including the two birds living in the avocado tree next to our cottage - the dive bombing of the puppy starts.

It is just fantastic watching nature all around us; it is as if we have moulded ourselves into the forest life. We are woken up each morning by a Blue Heron who lives near the ravine at the back of the cottage and through the day, many different squawks, squeals and thuds add to the background entertainment!

Stormwise, it looks like there is a lot of messy weather coming across the Atlantic that we shall be watching closely.

- Boeri (Boring) Lake.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2008 23:30:53 -0500

Good Evening Everyone,

Yesterday was hot, very hot here on the west coast. We all went up to Boeri Lake, ( the boys are calling it

Boring Lake, ) It was cool and fresh up there. Quite a trek though, but everyone made it. We slipped and slid over

boulders, and down a muddy track, nearly lost the the little one through the vegetation, down the side of the mountain.

Grandad to the rescue there. We were filthy by the time we reached the lake. Only to find more boulders all round

the lake, which we had to climb over before we could even dip our toes. That's when granny gave up, found a comfy

boulder and refused to go any further and was not looking forward to the return trip. By the time we got back to the car

we were exhausted and just needed a really cold Kubili. We all agreed it is one place we have no wish to go to again.

This morning was hot, went into Roseau market, one of the boys came with us, and the heat soon started to take

it's toll on him. By the time we got back to the house the heat was incredible. Not even a mouse stirred today. Everyone

and everything stayed inside or in the shade. No barking dogs, no children out playing, no birds, nothing. We have had

a couple of very light showers this evening. A slight breeze, which is warm. It is still hot and humid. A quick peek at the

sat pic's and it it looks like clear skies. Unless we have rain tonight looks like another hot one tomorrow. ( Yahooo, I can

hear the pitter patter of rain. )

I'm off to get some sleep, which is sorely needed. I know I'm not going to hear a thing tonight, whatever happens.

You all take care.

Tommiegirl.

- Cabrits , to the top.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 21:50:59 -0500

Good evening Everyone,

Yesterday was a bit dull and overcast. Thought we were in for some rain,but not

a drop fell all morning. We all went to The Cabrits, to see the fort there. One of our local

historians. and a whole crew of other people, have done a fantastic job of reconstruction.

Thought it a great idea to go all the way to the very top. Nobody tells you though that it

takes about an hour to get up there, along a tiny tree rooted, boulder strewn track. 3/4

of the way up, puffing and panting, legs screaming for a rest, the heavens opened and

the wind blew hard enough to make it feel like you were going nowhere. I'm sure it wasn't

my idea to go up there. Even our little one almost made it, but declared, with about a

hundred metres to go, no further and simply refused to budge. Still the rest of us did go

on up in relays, while looking after the little one, who by now had found some tiny land

crabs and was more interested in them, than looking at some old cannon and views. We

then all trooped off to Purple Turtle beach and spent the rest of the afternoon there.

Much to the boys delight. Just one small shower, we were all wet anyway. The rest of the

evening was cool and calm.

This morning the sun was back out and it's been hot here on the west coast. No

breeze. Had a bit of a lazy day, lunch and swimming at one of the local hotels. The

evening is cool, fairly clear, ( few very dark clouds up there ) and calm.

Had a lovely message from one of our readers, thank you Patrick. You should

come back sometime. Been a lot of changes I expect, but it is still just as beautiful.

Well I'm off to have a well earned cold glass of something with lots of ice.

You all take care, I want nothing exciting to happen except sleep.

Tommiegirl.

- Wet Days.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 06:46:32 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Yesterday turned cool, dull, and very wet. Rained for most of the day here

on the west coast, plus thunder and lightening, the rain followed through the night,

and is still coming down. No sign of sun at all, just a thick blanket of grey cloud

hanging over us. No breeze either. Still this being the Caribbean anything could

happen and we could all be slowly roasting this afternoon.

Took the boys down to Roseau bay front yesterday regardless of the rain,

to watch the only cruise ship that calls at Dominica in this season docking. They

have never been so close to one of the big ships, and were unaware of the sheer

size of them. We all trooped off to our favourite spot for the afternoon, the rain

held off for awhile, the eldest got lessons from one of the local children on spear

fishing. Several of the local children came over and played with the younger ones.

Would'nt it be lovely if the whole world could stay like children, they make friends

so easily, religion, class, colour, no politics,just does'nt come into it. The grownup

world needs to step back and just watch and learn from our children.

Hopefully it will brighten up a bit today, were planning a trip north, going to

Cabrits, to see the fort then back to Purple Turtle beach.

You all take care, anything exciting happens today will let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- Abundance of Fruits

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 07:22:36 -0500

The August Bank Holiday weather here has been fantastic, lots of sunshine with a great breeze. We have been bathing in the river as it is definitely cooler than the sea.

On holidays people go to the rivers and yesterday was no exception. The part of the river we live very close to is where the swing bridge was swept away in hurricane David. The river here is wide and deep, there is a great rock for diving or jumping off into the cool waters. The Wacky rollers who take tourists down the river in tubes and canoes use this spot to start their tour. In the winter months with the cruise ships utilizing this facility it can become a bit congested. Tubing is a great way of seeing the river from a different perspective, we have not had this adventure yet, but are putting it on our to do list!

We can't get over the fact that fruit is in such abundance in this country. Most mornings we have a bowl of fruit which consists of papaya, bananas, pineapple, sugar apple and yogurt. Sugar apple is just wonderful it tastes like a fruit version of custard, it is creamy and rich and smooth; we are growing it in the garden. The avocados are in abundance and starting to fall ripe off the trees. We really could be totally self sufficient if we wanted to be vegetarian which we of course we don't. The dogs are amazing because they are forever turning up with bunches of bananas, papaya and coconuts full of rich milk. We literally have food dropped at our door. It truly is amazing. We thank our blessings.

Once again we had a lot of rain in the night, which was fortuitous as we planted a load of lettuce in the garden yesterday. It seems to rain every night and be sunny all day the conditions could not be better for growing. We feel we live in a paradise, literally the garden of Eden.

- Good Days.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 08:47:00 -0500

Good Morning Everyone,

Another stunning day here yesterday on the west coast, it became very, very hot by mid afternoon.

For all the rain we had over the last couple days, the ground turned to concrete in a short few hours.

Evening was warm and clear, no breeze.

Today looks like it will also be another stunning day. Sky and sea that lovely shade of blue, nice

gentle breeze making the palms, plantain trees and grass shiver. A couple of fluffy white clouds lazily

drifting by. Paradise.

We left the family to care for themselves yesterday and did a little tidying up around the garden.

They called in and said they had all had a great day again, took the boys to one of the local beaches,

then went down to Scots Head. This is a small strip of land leading out to the headland, (a fort once

stood here, but it's now mostly slipped into the sea, shame. ) On one side of the strip you have the

Atlantic and on the other side you have the Caribbean Sea, one side rough, the other side smooth.

It is a popular place for divers and snorkelers.

Not sure what we will be doing today, but I have no doubt that it will involve water and swimming.

We are trying to get the 3 yr old swimming before their return to England.

All is very quiet and peaceful, another coffee, enjoy the view before the gang arrive.

You all take care, anything happens I'll let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- SUNSHINE

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 12:43:05 -0400

We have had some rough days starting on Thursday.  Thunder and
lightning most of the day and through the night.  We decided to take
the day off on Thursday which was really pleasant, chilled out and
watched some movies.  I baked bread, made soup and other cozy things
for the day.

Friday was still very overcast, today the sun has started to shine,
the whole place looks pristine.

We are in the process of making a fence along the garden by the road
side to keep our dogs from running out into the traffic.  We had
thought about proper wire fencing but decided on using the saplings in
the forest instead giving a truly rustic canine defence set up.

The fence really seems to work so hopefully we will keep the dogs safe
from themselves.

Jaco Ladd and I went out on Tuesday to Delices which is on the
Atlantic coast, it is a beautiful part of Dominica, very wild with
mostly pebble beaches.  We went to Jungle Bay for lunch which was
delicious; on the way home we took photographs. The first five are
from the trip; the last one is of our dog family. Mum with very large
baby on her tummy and dad curled up next to them.  Still can't get
over watching them interacting.  They could teach some human families
how to behave; there is definitely a pecking order, some irritability
but no rudeness!

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- Hmmm, Shooting Stars.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 08:08:08 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Yesterday was dull and wet here on the west coast, lots of small showers.

By late afternoon it did dry up a bit, not much sun though, lot of low cloud. The rain

held off for the drum night down at the bay front. It started to rain again at about

10.30pm. A good substantial downpour. Odd showers throughout the night. Not

much wind about. This morning is fairly bright, clear, little humid. See 98L / 99L

still not made it's mind up. Is this going to be the year of "yes I will, no i won't,

perhaps i will". Keeping everyone on their toes.

Thanks Bonbini for the info on the meteor shower, the boys have been spotting

them. " look nan, another shooting star". Wondered about how come they were

seeing so many. Thought they were really seeing firefly bugs, but did'nt want to spoil

things for them. Now I know, I can tell them what they are seeing. Thanks again.

The sea is back to it's normal pretty blue, so I'm off to enjoy another coffee and

watch the guys fishing, while all is still quiet and peaceful.

You all take care, anything happens I'll let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- Wet, Wet, Wet.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:37:40 -0500

Good afternoon everyone,

Not normal for me to do 2 messages in one day, just had a quick peek

at the sat pic's, 98L seems to have broken up, no predictions for anything for

the next 48 hrs. Good news. Having a real wet, blustery day here. The Roseau

river is in flood, mud coming down and being washed out to sea for several

miles. A brown sea does'nt look very nice. The sat pic's also show a very large

blob hanging over us, hopefully it will be blown out to sea fast, especially for those

having carnivals, fests, ect.

You all take care.

Tommiegirl.

- Rain at Last.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:46:48 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Rain, we have had rain, yahooo. Had a substantial downpour yesterday,enough

to keep the plants happy for awhile. Plenty of sheet lighting last night, no thunder, no

rain with it. This morning is grey, cloudy and humid. Looks like we are in for some

more rain, going on the sat pic's it could go on for a few days, not complaining at all.

It is so needed. 98L still floating around out there, deciding what it wants to do, just had

a quick check, and the predictions are saying it's breaking up. Good, but still needs watching.

Even though it was raining we all went off to check out some beaches on the east coast

yesterday. The daughter wanted to see some particular beaches, that she had read about in the

guide books. We hired a local bus driver, who was simply great, even showed us a real secret

beach, even the boys were impressed. Have hopefully remembered the land marks, so we can

go again. ( I can hear thunder rolling while writing this ). Talk about luck, the rain held off

every time we hit a beach, finally ended up on Purple Turtle beach, which is great for the kids.

Shallow, clean, water like glass. ( It is now raining ). Another great day had by all.

Going for another coffee, watch that liquid gold coming down.

You all take care, anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Hot Again.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:34:29 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Another stunning morning, bright blue sky, blue, blue sea, no breeze. Already

hot,hot,hot. Had one small shower last night at about 9.30. We could have had the

storm of the century last night, but I would never have heard it. Totally exhausted.

The tiny little pinpricks I noticed a couple days back, are now another Tropical

Wave just coming off the west Africa coast. No predictions yet for it to turn into anything

else, thank goodness.

We had another great day yesterday, up at Freshwater Lake. Cool and peaceful.

So high up, you can walk through the clouds, the boys thought this was just so cool.

They were a bit disappointed when told no swimming in the lake. Still we stopped on the

way home, at one of our favourite spots, so they could have a their daily swim. Unfortunately

the eldest one must have found the only jelly fish for miles. Only just brushed the top of his

shoulder with one tentacle, but it's enough. Not put him off though. Half hour later he was

back in the water.

Well I'm off to get another coffee, sit and look at that pretty blue sea, watch the guys

out there fishing. Anything exciting happens I'll let you all know. You all take care.

Tommiegirl.

p.s.

So sad to read about the English couple on Antigua. We have had some lovely times

on this island. Met some real nice people. This kind of thing, is not good for the any of the

islands, so I hope who ever did it is caught fast.

- To The Lake Today.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:56:11 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Had another 2 beautiful days. Saturday was fairly busy, market day. The family wanted to

take a walk round Roseau, which became very hot. We headed for one of our favourite little spots,

close to a safe swimming area, let the boys cool off. Sunday, pure laziness, pottered around in

the garden, it's been sadly neglected since the family arrived.

This morning is cloudy and cool here on the west coast, still no rain. Slight breeze.The tiny

little pinpricks I noticed coming off the African coast have now grown to a considerable size.

Hopefully all it will be is some much needed rain.

The sun is trying to fight it's way through the clouds. We are all off to Freshwater Lake.

So lets hope the sun wins today. It can be pretty cool and wet up there.

One last coffee before we go. You all have a good day.

Tommiegirl.

- RAIN

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:53:26 -0500

We have a change in the weather; it rained virtually all night, fantastic! Our cistern is nearly full again and the garden is smiling and heaving a sigh of relief. Isn't is typical? We watered the whole garden last night. This is quite a feat as the garden is at least 1 and a half acres; this however, must have ensured that it rained. The temperature today is really lovely, sunny with a cool breeze, great growing weather.

The dogs never cease to amaze us. Tippy the puppy has never had to fend for herself yet her instinct is to forage for food. I suppose it is because her parents were strays and had to live off the land. Tippys new delicacy is the same as ours - avocados. They are just coming ripe and we have four trees; luckily one of the trees gets ripe before the other three, however you can't eat all the avocados at once and they are very difficult to freeze!

Before we lived in the Caribbean the avocado pears we used to get in the UK were really small, I suppose they came from California or Florida. Well, the pears in Dominica are enormous they are the size - definitely - of two tennis balls, the flesh is gorgeous. There is nothing quite like picking a ripe avocado off a tree, peeling it and devouring it with relish. I have many recipes for avocados so Jaco Ladd and I are glad the season has started.

Just another wondrousl reason for living in Dominica.

- The Boys Love Water.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:25:36 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Another glorious day here on the west coast, did think that we were in for some

rain early this morning, some pretty dark clouds rolled over us. Good time to pop into

town and do a quick shop, I hate going into town when it is hot, feels like you can't breathe.

Well the clouds rolled on past, the sun came out, not a hint of rain, Shopping done in

double quick time, Hot, hot, hot, you could fry eggs on the top of the car.

Considering the boys don't like being out at sea on boats, they are showing a real

love of water, we took them down for more swimming today, I'm convinced by the time they

have to go back to England they will have grown gills and fins, they played for nearly 6 hours,

and complained when we got them out of the water because it was getting dark.

Just need to finish whats left in the glass, and I'm off to get some much needed sleep,

we are all off to Emerald Pool tomorrow, more swimming, they will be the cleanest kid's on

Dominica.

While writing this it's started to become quite humid, no breeze, feels hot and clammy,

perhaps some much needed rain is on it's way.

You all take care, just gonna sleep right on through anything exciting.

Tommiegirl.

- Another Brilliant Family Day.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:50:11 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Hope all you guys in Texas are safe and well, hopefully not to much damage

from Dolly. Am I just being paranoid or is there something else trying to creep off

the coast of Africa, just looked at the sat pic's to check on the tropical wave that came

off the Cape Verde islands and is now in the Eastern Atlantic, hmmm, hopefully me being

paranoid, but I'm now looking at some tiny, tiny little white pinpricks. Perhaps it's just

a good old bit of cloud with some much needed rain, the west coast could sure do with some.

We have all had a really great day again, we went down to the Layou river, had a

picnic, let the boys swim in beautiful crystal clear water, it was running a bit fast for the

3yr old, so nanny made some shallow pools at the waters edge, I shifted a couple ton of

rock, so that he could paddle safe, Ahhhhggggg my back and leg muscles are now in need

of some physio and a hot mineral bath. O well that's love for you. We had about 2 drops of

rain fall on us all day, totally brilliant day had by all. Other families arrived and thought the rock

pools were a great idea for the little ones. When we left the pools were still being put to good use,

so my effort was worth it. I'm gonna sleep well tonight.

Just going to finish whats in a long tall glass and off to sleep. Don't think anything exciting

will wake me either.

You all take care.

Tommiegirl.

- D's

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:54:07 -0500

Hot, hot, hot, what amazing weather we are having. Here in the valley the temperature has been nearly in the 90's, luckily for us though we have our awnings that keep the sun off the deck and keep our house degrees cooler. Our friends on the west coast could probably do with our drop arm and retractable awnings, in a variety of fantastic colours. The sun tends to beam full into the houses on the west coast, where it can be so dry with no breeze, we are so glad we live in the valley.

Some of the folks here in Dominica have been telling us that we will not have a hurricane this year as the D's have passed and all the hurricanes that have come to these shores, have started with the letter D, David being the worst one in 1979. Jaco Ladd and I so hope that this is the case. If we had a crystal ball we would definitely be looking in it now!

We have just have a great shower of rain, which has cooled everything down the frogs are starting to do their evening coral stint. I think we will retire with a sundowner..........but not before.......................

Many Dominicans will tell you that the "Rainy Season" is between June & December as a ball-park assumption, others will proffer that if it wasn't for tropical wave activity - and worse - the months of June through September could be likened to the dry conditions that occur in April and May. If the last three weeks are anything to go by, the latter statement holds water if you get my drift?

- Lazy Day.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:50:42 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Today was hot, hot, hot, and very lazy. Had a little trip to a local supermarket to top

up on food, the boys can sure eat. Just lazed around and slept for the rest of the day,

shame we cannot buy energy in the supermarket, sure could do with some. If we could buy

energy, price would be no object. Age is taking it's toll.

Today, hot, no breeze, have had to resort to the hosepipe, plants looking a bit sad.

Still something nasty sneaking off the African coast, that will need a close watch, hopefully

it will not develop into anything serious. Glad to read from all you guys on Jamaica and the

Caymans that all is well.

I'm off to bed, sleep is needed, people visiting tomorrow.

You all take care, anything exciting happens during the night i'll probably sleep through it.

Tommiegirl.

- Another Good Day.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:31:04 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Another beautiful day here on the west coast, sun shining, very light breeze now and again.

Been sitting out on the balcony this evening enjoying a nice cold wine, some pretty big black clouds

up there. If it does rain I will be thankful, the garden could certainly do with it, if not than it's the

hosepipe tomorrow.

Pleased to read that all is well on Jamaica and the Caymans. Just had a quick look at the sat

pic's, hmmm, something nasty still sneaking off the African coast. Hopefully it will just stay has a few

scattered rain clouds.

The dive fest at Soufriere was not what we all expected. The boys had a great time on the beach

though and the weather was excellent. The idiot award goes to the guy in the speed boat, who ruined

the Carib Canoe race and did not care that a lot of children were in the water playing. Other than that

another good day had by all. Going to have a lazy day tomorrow.

I'm off to finish what's left in the glass, you all take care, anything happens I'll let you know.

Tommiegirl.

- Magnificent Rivers

From: "Lisette Stevens" <lisette at caribbeanlandandproperty.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:46:13 -0500

The weather is really hot and sticky.  It has been like this for the
last two days and nothing seems to be different today.  We were lucky
and got some rain in the night which of course is great for the growing
process in the garden.

Dominica has the most fabulous rivers, the delicacy from the river are
the kray fish which we are only allowed to eat and catch once a year
which is the month of November, as they are a protected species.  The
kray fish look like lobster, the taste though is sweet and very tender,
I prefer the kray fish to lobster.  The cooking time is the essence,
just cook them in boiling water until they turn red take them out let
them cool and prepare them how you want to.  Goodness I've never wished
the time away before but I would love to have some Kray fish for lunch,
if that were the case it would be November and we would not be having to
watch out too much for hurricanes.

Let's hope our friends in Jamaica and the Caymans are OK.  It is
definitely a river bath day today.    

I have put some photographs of the Sisserou falls which are off the main
road from Ponte Casse to Marigot.  A good spot for tourists to stop have
some local juice and a swim in the river.

Attachment: Q 121.jpg
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: Q 126.jpg
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: Q 127.jpg
Description: JPEG image

- 2 Excellent Days

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:07:30 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Hope everyone in Jamaica, and The Cayman's are all safe and well. Lets hope

that Cristobal decides to move away and head somewhere where it cannot do any

damage. See Bertha is not giving in so easily, still skulking around out there.

Yesterday was a brilliant day here on the west coast, we all went to the Botanic

Grd's. The boys found the Banyan tree, they all turned into Indiana Jones's. We all managed

to climb Jacks Steps, even the 3 year old. These steps lead right up to Morne Bruce and are

quite steep and slippery. We cheated a bit coming down, we followed the road. A good day

had by all.

This morning was bright and hot again, bright blue sky, little white puffy clouds, the sun

shining. So it was a great day for whale watching. Our daughter and family went off on a local

whale watch trip. Hmmm, turns out the boys are not sailors. Still apart from the eldest one, who

had a real rough trip, think they had a fairly good time. Several whales and lots of dolphins

spotted. Asked the eldest if he would like to go on a fishing trip, the answer was a resounding

no thanks.

The evening is warm and calm, slight breeze every now and again.

I'm off to bed, busy day tomorrow, going to the dive fest at Soufriere. the boys can get

back on the beach and have fun.

You all take care, if anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Nice Bright Morning.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:30:36 -0500

Good morning everyone,

At about 5 min's to 8 yesterday evening, the heavens opened and down came the rain,

it lasted a good 10 min,s. I'm going to try and make a water gauge, part of my garden as a small

wall round it, that area filled right up, only a couple flashes of lightening, no thunder. It eased off

and the family got ready to make a mad dash to thier apt, yep, down it came again. But it did not

last long, couple gusts of wind and that was it.

This morning is bright and a little breezy, had one small shower.

We are now all of to the Botanical grd's, let the boys have some space and let out the steam.

You all take care, if anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Gusty Night.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:33:41 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Nice to see 94L is moving on fairly rapidly, last night we had some pretty heavy rain

and some very strong gusty wind, here on the WEST coast. The chairs left on the balcony

flapped thier arms and went flying again. This morning is a little dull, wet, breezy and sunny.

Just had a look at the sat pics, nice big something coming off Africa again.

Not feeling quite so tired now, had a real good nights sleep, but think I may have to go

to Soufriere and have hot mineral bath, all that climbing over rocks and wading through water

pools, AAAAhhhhhh my poor old back. Granny feeling her age this morning.

I'm off to relaxxx, have another coffee, check out the view.

You all take care, if anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Sucker Fish to 94L

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:10:03 -0400

94L may be history in this neck of the woods, but the Nature Isle - certainly the Layou Valley - felt a good blow last night and morning light revealed an array of fallen banana plants and a mash-up of large branches across the roadways that could be a precursor of things to come.This heavy weather could have been riding on the back of the 'yet to be a depression' 94L

Due to the landslips of the 2007 storm season, many trees in the valley have lost the soil around their roots and some are definitely in tottering mode. One mega gust in the right direction could leave the area looking like an overworked sawmill! The ravines too are gushing on max - sometimes when the water force is really intense, it cuts a new course for the ravine and should this happen to a waterway that is a land boundary, someone ends up gaining square footage and obviously someone else loses.

Just passed mid-July and it feels like a ton of stuff has already happened.

Jaco Ladd - me gone.

- Dim or What

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:10:15 -0500

Good afternoon everyone,

Jeez I'm so worn out from today I've even forgotten where we live, It should read west coast. Dhuuu.

Probably thinking about going over to the east coast, DIM.

Sorry for the confusion.

Tommiegirl.

- Brilliant Day.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:03:18 -0500

Good afternoon everyone,

Light showers this morning here on the east coast, nothing to serious.

Decided to take the family up to Tralfalgar Falls then on to the Papillote Wilderness Retreat,

being a keen gardner, I just love these kind of places, I wander around in a daze just taking in the

sheer beauty of the all the trees, bushes and flowers. I tend to go off in to my own little world,

wondering how I can get some of those stunning rain forest plants to grow in my hot little patch.

We all had a fantastic day again, scrambling over rocks and wading through hot water, then cold

water. The boys really enjoyed being in the forest and went looking for Dinasours, which I had

convinced them were still roaming around. Naughty Nanny. The sun shone all day for us.

Arrived back at the house just in time again, down came the rain, have a little bit of a breeze but it

feels very humid.

I'm off to have a well earned rest, nice little siesta I think is called for. Completly worn out.

You all take care and if anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- A Great Day.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:28:39 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Well we decided to go for it, rain or not. Off to the beach we all went. just could not keep

putting the boys off. It was still raining when we arrived at Mero Beach,but the boys didn't care.

Pretty heavy surf for Mero, it is normally calm. And still the rain came down. Thought we would

stick with it for an hour, give the boys some space and let off some steam. Then the sun came out

and we had a fantastic day. The best bit was we had the whole beach, and I mean the whole beach

all to ourselves, all day. Not another soul stepped onto the beach till about 3pm, and they only stayed

for half hour. Finally called it a day at about 4pm, and down came the rain again. Good timing.

Pleased to hear that no serious injuries, on Bermuda so far, and that Bertha is moving on.

This morning is bright, but we are still having some light showers, slight breeze. Watching 94L

with interest. Will make sure the family are prepared as well.

I'm off to look at that pretty blue sea, finish my coffee, then take my daughter into Roseau.

You all take care and if anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Wet and Sunny Today.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:46:57 -0500

Good morning everyone,

It started to rain at about 7pm last night, carried on through the night, had some

fairly heavy showers in the early hours, and the rain has only just stopped. The sun is

doing it's best to beat the clouds back. Not sure who is going to win today.

Still the garden is thankful. It was begining to look a bit thirsty. I have a Papirus

growing, and it really being a river plant it needs an awfull lot to drink.

Was planning to take the family to Mero Beach today, the boys have asked constantly

since they arrived about the beach, so lets hope the sun wins the battle.

See Bertha is finally on the move again, hope everyone stays safe on Bermuda.

You all take care, anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Family Being Cooked.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:29:19 -0500

Good afternoon everyone,

Yesterdays weather was a bit of a shock to the family, HOT, HOT, HOT. Felt like we were being

slowly roasted here on the west coast. We went into Roseau, with our daughter, to shop at the market

and get some fresh fruit and veg. Watched her slowly wilting, and getting redder and redder. Poor girl

is the only one being attacked by the mozzies. Will have to try and track down some Neem, which some

one suggested to me a while back, see if that helps.

It did rain a little during the night, fairly cool and dull early this morning. No breeze again. The sun

managed to break through and it's been very hot and humid again most of the day.

See Bertha is still trying to make up her mind what it is she would like to do. Now we have 94L to

watch for. Looks like it's gonna be a pretty busy watch and wait to see what happens this season.

Well I'm off to have a nice cold bottle of our local brew, Kubuli, made from the water of the island.

The water here is cool, clear, and clean, you can actually drink it straight from the streams, it is that clean.

You all take good care out there, and if anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- BERTHA

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:53:18 -0500

Dominica is experiencing wonderful weather. Last night it rained a little which was great for the garden. Today we have a gorgeous sunny day with a light breeze blowing on our deck. The weather for the past week has been just fabulous. One would never know there is a hurricane that could kiss or hit Bermuda on Monday, with the conditions of the weather here. However, there is an ominous looking blob that could turn into a nasty tropical storm or hurricane lurking in the Atlantic; we will have to watch this very carefully in the next few days.

The weather has been really lovely for swimming in the river. Yesterday we took the dogs to the Layou waterway and gave them a welcome shampoo. We were not sure quite what our dog family thought of the ablutions but they are all very clean and are shining brightly today, Canine Diamonds one could say. Tippy is so much better; we are so thankful she is stable and seems healthy.

Our thoughts go out to our friends and all of those in Bermuda. Last year in August we experienced here in Dominica the ominous Hurricane Dean. The season seems to be hotting up early which is not at all a good sign.

- Hot and Humid

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:48:26 -0500

Good evening everyone,

I really do hope that Bertha bye passes Bermuda, just swings round and stays well out at sea.

The family all arrived safe and sound on Wednesday. So they have now been with us for

2 days, we are exhausted already, the boys are 9, 6, and 3. Gives some idea why we are exhausted.

We had 2 flashes of lightening and 2 rolls of thunder here on the west coast last night, and that

was it for the rest of the evening. It's been very hot and humid today and it still is. No breeze, no rain.

It looks fairly clear out there for a couple days at least, looks like beach weather.

I'm off to find something cold that will fit in a nice long glass, with plenty of ice.

You all take care, especially all on Bermuda.

Anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- So Excited

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 22:27:23 -0500

Good evening everyone,

We have had a beautiful day here on the west coast, became a little humid late afternoon,

with some big thick dark clouds at around 4. 30 pm. Looked like we were in for some heavy showers,

but no they just passed on bye. It is still pretty humid this evening.

Real pleased to see Bertha heading out to sea, just hope that no ships, or any other boat runs

into her.

Well the family should be with us early evening tomorrow. Just so excited to be seeing them.

The best bit is that we have them for 7 weeks. So pleased that our daughter decided to spend the

whole of the childrens school holiday with us, so we have plenty of time to get to know our grandchildren

again.

I'm off to finish whats left in the glass.

You all take care,anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- A Good Day

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 22:40:47 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Just so pleased to see Bertha moving away from us, really hoping that she does not hit land at any point.

Now down to 2 days before the family arrive. Just so worried that they would get caught up in Bertha.

So looking forward to seeing our daughter and grandchildren, waited a long time for this visit.

Today has been really lovely here on the West coast, plenty of sunshine, a few light showers. Nothing to heavy

though. This evening is cool, with plenty of mozzies about.

The Ponciana trees are in full bloom here, stunning. Most of my neighbours call them Flambouyants because

they are so showy. We have two real beauties opposite one of our local hotels, the taxi guy's have built little seats

underneath one of them, and they take shade while waiting for a fare. They look so cool and comfy sitting there.

They always get up and come over to say hello, and ask how we are, when we go past.

Well I'm off to finish what's left in a long tall glass, If anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

You all take good care out there.

Tommiegirl.

- GRAMAZONE POISONING

From: "Lisette Stevens" <lisette at caribbeanlandandproperty.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 09:45:27 -0500

      
Bertha looks as if she is making her mind up to maybe touch Bermuda.  A
friend of ours who live in Bermuda told us earlier in the year that one
of their trees was flourishing which they felt was not a good omen for
the hurricane season.  I so hope that she is wrong.  We will all be
watching out for our friends in Bermuda.

Today is gorgeous we had lots of rain in the night and now fantastic
sunshine with a cool breeze.

We have an article that some Dominican friends of ours have written
because of our puppy Tippy's fate.  We would also like to thank everyone
who has written to us giving us their support and kindness for the puppy
who is gaining strength day by day.

We have put in a couple of pictures of Tippy when she was so ill, her
Mum and Jaco ladd giving her lots of loving attention.  We are sure this
helped her full recovery.

Here is the article:-

I have read sadly about labourers in Asian fields in third world
countries like Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam and many others who use
deadly pesticides on a daily basis to spray on different types of crops
to kill pests.

30,000 women have been discovered alone in Malaysia who use these killer
poisons and the stories of their painful diseases most often cancer, is
horrific.

Gramazone which is paraquat, is top of the table of the most dangerous
of these herbicides and is totally banned in Europe and North America
because it is a known carcinogenic.

So it was a shock when a friend's dog became very ill last week and the
vet told us that it was Gramazone poisoning. He gave the dog a 20%
chance of survival. Gramazone, he told us, attacks the organs and they
fail one by one. Often it can take three days but the end is inevitable.
We could'nt understand why the dog would have eaten something covered in
a nasty pesticide.

The vet explained that one of the many banana farmers in the area would
have sprayed his 'garden' recently, and all the dog needed to do was a
get a little on her coat or paws, and licked it off. Young Tippy, the
sick dog, could even just have breathed in the particles borne on the
air. The vet knew a great deal about how animals, not just dogs, died of
Gramazone poisoning, experience gained through far too many accidental
poisonings.

It's true, I do see farmers spraying their fields with protective
clothing, not proper suits, just long sleeved shirts and jeans and a
thin mask. So this is a known contact poison.

In Guadeloupe which is a French Departement, (a Province of France) the
farmers continue to use Gramazone illegally. Its use is banned in France
but in the islands that ban is harder to police, and the use of
pesticides is deeply engrained in decades of banana agriculture.

Professor Belpomme, a Parisian cancer specialist said: "The tests we
carried out on pesticides show there is a health disaster in the
Caribbean. The word is not too strong. Martinique and Guadeloupe have
literally been poisoned," he told Le Parisien newspaper. The French
islands use kepone another dangerous poison along with paraquat, and
this has entered the groundwater system.
On June 23rd EU agricultural ministers proposed yet another tightening
up of the use of pesticides in Europe, and even more bans to be imposed.
What is most interesting is that according to the new
regulations...."Under the new arrangements, professional consumers and
producers of plant protection products will have to keep records of the
use of pesticides."

The banana farmers of the Eastern Caribbean don't as a rule see a doctor
when feeling sick. They tend to 'take a bush tea', an infusion of one of
the many medicinal herbs growing wild in the countryside.
But if the animals are dying in such numbers, what about the families,
especially the children, who live and work within the environs of the '
banana gardens'?

These pesticides are brought in by the tons through the Ministries of
Agriculture and a few commercial importers, on all of the islands, and
distributed to the farmers. Bananas, in order to be sold to European
markets, have to be of a certain standard. Standards dictated by large
British supermarket chains. It seems to me, that the farmers, who are
probaby also the losers in the middle of this commercial chain, deserve
to be given a choice. Surely they have earned this right? Especially for
the sake of their children.

There is a happy ending to this story. Tippy, miraculously and thanks to
the vet, is fully recovered and running around the garden again, with as
much life and exuberance as ever.

But, one is sadly aware, that she is one of the lucky ones!

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- Cool days

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 08:20:42 -0500

Dominica has been having very temperate weather, lots of showers, cool breezes and sunshine. This has been for the last two days, today looks a like there will be more rain than sunshine.

The first real storm seems to be brewing aways off us at the moment, we pray Bertha continues on her way, veers away from all of the islands and gets lost in the Atlantic. It looks like there is some messy stuff coming behind her though.

We have had a very difficult few days our puppy Tippy ate poison, we are not sure how she consumed this but we are very lucky to have her alive, it was touch and go as we nearly lost her twice. Unfortunately the banana farmers use Gramazone and another poisons to kill the grass and weeds around the banana plants. Tippy with her love for bananas we think just may have picked up some poison somehow from her wanderings. One of the reasons we feel Tippy survived is because of her mothers constant attention, licking her, cuddling up to her to keep her warm and of course our input of love. It is truly amazing watching the family interacting, Tippy's dad Sinbad kept a vigilant watch, at night we made sure there were no drafts around the puppy and would wake up through the night to check on her. Lying on one side of Tippy was Mindy her Mum the other Sinbad her dad keeping her warm and watching over her. We are so lucky to have such lovely dogs, they bark and protect us, also giving us their trust. Jaco Ladd has a lovely story to tell on the dogs and the land. We have recently put up a long bamboo pole as a barrier (gate) at the beginning of our property to keep out any unwanted visitors, making a clear boundary. One of our neighbours said to Jaco Ladd well that is a very good idea 'mon, so jokingly Jaco Ladd said 'it's to keep the dogs in', our friend rubbed his head and said 'ugh but they can jump over that'!

We really hope one day that the Dominican farmers will stop using these highly toxic poisons on the banana farms and go organic. We have organic vegetables and love to be free of poisonous sprays.

We are going to take it easy today but are keeping a good eye on Bertha.

- Wet Day.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 19:30:02 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Plenty of rain on and off all day here on the west coast, with some cooling breezes thrown in,

still feels hot though.

Watching Bertha and 93 with interest.

Just want all the kid's to get here safe, just have'nt seen them for so long. We have been looking

forward to them coming over for nearly a year now. Once they are here the rest we can deal with.

The bananaquits have given up with the rose bush, and have moved to my neighbours mango tree,

a lot safer.

Well I'm off for a nice glass of cold wine and to watch Cracker.

Everyone have a real good evening and all take care. If anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- Hello to all.

From: "Tom Fullbrook" <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 08:47:24 -0500

Good morning everyone,

Finally back after 5 weeks. Nice to be here.

We managed to get some nasty little virus into the computer, and it just flatly refused to let any messages

in or out. We had to compelety clear out everything and start again.

Then we decided to go off on a caribbean holiday. Friends from England were holidaying over on

Antigua, so we thought we would join them. Made a nice change and it was great to meet up with our friends.

We are now gettiing ready for a family visit. Our daughter and family will be joining us from next week,

....for 7 weeks.. Really looking forward to seeing them all. Just hope that horrible thing coming off the African

coast gives up and dies, so that we can all have a real good time.

A pair of bananaquits have taken up residence in one of my rose bushes. Hmm, bit worring, seem to be

very low down and we have a lot of cat's in the area. Hopefully the thorns will deter the cat's.

This morning is bright, clear, hot and breezy. Very breezy.

I'm off to put the kettle on, cup of coffee and enjoy the view.

You all take care and if anything exciting happens I'll let you all know.

Tommiegirl.

- SUNNY BARMY DAY

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:30:10 -0500

What a gorgeous day today, the weather over the last couple of days has been so pleasant, the odd shower but mostly sun with a wonderful breeze.

I am sitting on the deck working looking out over the garden which is amazingly green, the flowers are all growing really well and are so colourful. We now have our gardener, who had gone on walk about, back. We are happy and so is he. We also have another gardener who is fantastic as he loves to weed so we are getting our vegetables planted and hopefully will have lots of variety of vegetables to enjoy in a few months time

I have been working hard and also staying close to home except when I walk with the puppy on the lead in the mornings for my daily exercise. I have to say that nobody has accosted me lately with amorous requests, this is a decidedly good thing as Jaco Ladd is my mate!

It looks like we could be getting some rain tomorrow. We are just keeping our fingers crossed that those hurricanes stay away from us in the Caribbean for a long time to come!

- Wet Saturday

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:32:15 -0500

We had a really lovely day yesterday, the odd shower but lots of sunshine. Today it looks like we are going to have rain, rain and more rain. The temperature is a little chilly, the frogs that usually sing at night are singing as if they are in a choir, obviously enjoying the weather. All the dogs are lying curled up around my feet. It is a day for being lazy, baking, just chilling and liming at home. I have also got some good movies to watch.

It is interesting to note about the yacht sinking in Tortola. Jaco Ladd and I love to go sailing on our friends yacht. We have always felt very safe on the yacht and never really considered that the yacht would capsize. Luckily the captain of the yacht we sail with is a good sailor with lots of experience. It must have been very frightening for the three young men who managed to sink the yacht, in, as it states under three minutes!

Definitely today is not a day for venturing on the ocean.

- INTERNET STILL DOWN

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:29:53 -0500

The weather has been really wet and extremely windy for the last three days. We lost our internet on Thursday the night of the storm. Cable and Wireless are working frantically to restore our area. Apparently lightening damaged the wireless at Ponte Casse. It is really weird not being on line! I have to come to my patient friend and use her facilities.

It is definitely more like winter than summer and there still looks like there is quite a lot of rough weather to come. Still it makes me feel like baking so am making loads of bread which freezes well.

Speaking of bread, I had to go and get some eggs from our friend in the Layou Valley. On coming out I encountered a Rasta who I give lifts to sometimes as he has a garden above us. The Rasta, who is very tall and skinny, has very long skinny locks, obviously, has an aversion to the dentist as he has bad front teeth plus his fly was open; gave me a large smile, said he had heard that I needed a lover, he is extremely good at this and when would I like him to service me! Well I nearly dropped my bag of eggs! I have been in Dominica one year and three months and had never encountered anything so bold. I could not be angry or upset, I just stood there with my mouth open, as he pressed his telephone number firmly in my hand and said ring me! The thing that made me laugh was if I really needed a lover I think I would choose someone who at least looked after their teeth.

I declined the offer and went back to Jaco Ladd with my eggs in tact and my sense of humour, Jaco Ladd had a good laugh as well. Dominica has many wonderful things to offer, just another day in our wonderful stormy paradise island.

- THUNDER AND LIGHTENING

From: "Lisette Stevens" <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:59:18 -0500

What a dreadful night! I am really terrified of lightening, last night that is exactly what we had to put up with all night. Thunder clapping loudly around the cottage and rain pounding on the roof with no let up. The lightening kept lighting up the sky like a fire work display. Sleep, we got no sleep last night so hope to get some tonight, fingers crossed.

The rain has stopped our internet working. Cable and Wireless have been working on the problem for us very kindly today and hope to have it fixed by tomorrow. I have come to a friends house to post this message for everyone out there in Stormcarib land.

This system seems to be over the Caribbean as a whole so I am sure others have been experiencing the same storms we have. We have had rain most of the day, plus the odd thunder and lightening. It seems to be letting up now.

Hopefully I will be back on line tomorrow care of Cable and Wireless. Good luck to all the other islands with the tropical depression.