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- - - 2009 Hurricane Season - - -
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- Holy Week
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 13:04:44 -0400
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It is Holy week here
in the Spanish Virgin Islands. The island is packed and the party is
in full swing. I walked down the beach with my nieces and we were
amazed by the amount of campsites! All of the locals have set up
truly incredible sites complete with kitchen cabinets, generators, blenders,
speaker trucks (for music), port-a-johns, and copious amounts of
libations. If I knew that I could camp in such style I would have pitched
a tent, kitchen, and living room. I am starting to wonder if
anyone is living in a house this week.
Unfortunately
for the campers it finally decided to rain last night. We received 1-1/2"
of greatly needed rain. It rinsed the plants clean and brought the dust
down to tolerable levels. Yipeee! But with all of the
spectacular weather our fishermen have been really busy. We have fresh
fish for Good Friday and lamb for dinner on Sunday. I love
holidays!
Sunday we will
have our Easter procession and play. Last year this event was canceled (I
still don't know why) but this year we will have the procession down the Malecon
with the crucifixion and resurrection in the lot across from Green Store.
This is definitely something to see! So as the speaker trucks say... "Don't miss
it!". The procession occurs on the Malecon around sunset. Make sure
to have your spot claimed and the car parked as this will stop traffic for a
good hour.
So off to weed
the garden and take care of the books...
Have a Happy
Easter!
K
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- A little rain..
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:13:50 -0400
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We're feeling very
lucky here. We received a little under an inch of rain in Esperanza
yesterday. The frontal boundary is still here but looks like it is on its
way out. We apologize to our visitors for the completely cloudy day
yesterday. It is unusual to have a gray day. But the plants are
happy and the weeds are growing! Time to get out there and pull them while
to ground is still wet. It is nice to have a break from watering the
plants. Last night in the restaurant we heard the sound of frogs and
crickets very faintly right at sunset. By 8:00 they were a symphony!
I think they hopped their way out of the mangrove and up to the trees along the
side of the building. It was beautiful. I turned the music down just
so we could hear nature.
The island is busy
with lots of visitors from all over the States and Europe. We have had so
many really wonderful guests in the restaurant that are escaping the rest of
winter in the States. Thank you to everyone that is sharing their evening
with us.
Have a great
one,
K
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- Rain
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:18:06 -0400
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Woke this morning to
the earthquake news. We send our prayers to everyone in Chile. And
to those that are in the Tsunami watch areas. It appears that the waves
will arrive soon.
I took the baby
Labrador for a walk down Playa Grande this afternoon. (He needed to get his
ya-yas out). Large dark clouds were rolling in from St. Croix.
From our perspective we watched the rain drench Cayo Fuera and Esperanza with
just a few light drops hitting us. Playa Grande is the perfect walking
beach. Lots of room for the Labrador and great driftwood. We
arrived back in Esperanza for round two of rain. Between the
rain last night and today we have picked up 1-1/2" of rain. Not bad
at all!
This is certainly
the winter of the South/ Southwest wind... First was Christmas, then New
Year's, two nights in January and finally Feb. Last week the wind was so
strong in the restaurant dining room it knocked over full glasses of wine
and moved plates on the tables. We had to close the doors so the food
would stay on the plates! We had sailors in for dinner that said it was
about 20 mph. I wouldn't doubt it. It is unusual when
the wind shifts from it East Northeast pattern. One guest (and
frequent reader of this post) said that Villa Borinquen was really
windy!
Well off to work
again... Tomorrow will be a day for gardening. With our wonderful
rain the weeds love to grow.
Take care
all,
K
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- Rain!
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:27:49 -0400
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We have not had much
to post here on our Isla Nena. It was dry, dry and hot! But
yesterday it decided to rain. And rain it did... My rain gauge
filled to the 4-1/8" line. Whopeee! It started yesterday afternoon
(right after I finished fertilizing the plants) and continued most of the
night. Now it is sunny with a dark cloud passing to the North of us.
The showers should resume later this afternoon. Thank goodness for the
rain. The last significant rainfall was in January. Now the rain
barrels are full and the ground is slightly squishy instead of rock hard
dry. We apologize to our visitors that we get so excited about rain.
But even paradise needs a couple of showers to keep it green and our horses
fed.
A great article is
in the New York Times. It features what to do on Vieques. Here
is the link:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/travel/21hours.html
Hope everyone had a
great time at the Humane Society Art Auction last night. Early feedback
was that everyone had a great time. Don't forget the events for the
Trust. They have another house tour coming up and it is fun to see
different parts of the island.
Take care and Happy
Sunday!
K
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- Sun ,breeze and perfect temperatures
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:26:36 -0400
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It is
glorious! This is the weather we dream of in September. The breeze
is pushing through the palm fronds, the sun is reflecting off the fish pond and
the temperature is perfect. I love this
weather!
Last night we all
gathered at the open house for "Malecon House". It was a perfect evening
and they have such a cute guest house! The pool is really beautiful, the
rooms are sparkling and tastefully appointed. Scott Gouge has done it
again creating a fabulous landscape. He creates such beautiful
gardens. We are delighted to have new neighbors and new a new business on
the Malecon. Congratulation to Marcie and Robin on a job well done.
Don't forget ladies she is opening a little boutique in the guest house.
Ah, shopping!
We had a spectacular
sun set night before last. I had to leave work with a cup of coffee
just to enjoy the show. I waited for the green flash but it was for
naught. I don't think I will ever see it.
We are still
battling iguanas in the back yard. They have eaten all of my passion fruit
vines. I am looking for a natural solution to this problem. I am not
going to get an air gun and shoot them! If anyone has advice please let me
know.
Well, I am off to
the garden...
K
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- Sunny
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- By "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:17:46 -0400
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Wow, things have
been really busy here on Vieques! We have had so many houseguests and
visitors that I forgot to post.
Well, we received
lots of rain during our unusual rain event last weekend. 4 days of
showers. My rain gauge gave out after 5" but the plants kept
drinking. The cisterns are full, the frogs are singing and the horses are
watered. Strangely the mosquitoes are not out in their usual swarms.
We are thankful for that!
Our island is
green, really green and the sun is out. Just a couple of passing
showers over the past few days and lazy puffy clouds. We are so spoiled by
the temperatures and the beauty of the island.
Last night the
Malecon was wild! About 200 horses showed up around 12:30 AM and the fun
commenced. I have no idea what time they stopped... I closed the shutters
and went to sleep to the sound of horses clippity clopping up and down the
street. One of my fine, hoofed friends decided that he was
hungry after all of that cantering and he decapitated my palm for his
midnight snack. Oh, the perils of living in Vieques.
Many thanks to the
Trust for putting on a spectacular " Vieques Pops". We sipped champagne
and listened to a fabulous musical evening. It was truly amazing with
world class singers. Make sure to mark your calendar for next years
"Pops". It happens every year on MLK weekend. As the information
trucks here say "Don't miss it!". Also don't forget the VHCT house
tours and the Pig Roast. Contact them as all of these events support a
really incredible organization.
Have a great
one...
K
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- Cloudy
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:30:20 -0400
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It is cloudy with a
little light rain today. Good for the plants and horses.. They need
it. The plants are really responding to the rain on Christmas Eve and on
New Year's Eve. The breadfruit trees are about to really put on a
show with 60 fruits. Bring on the Mofongo!
It is finally the
end of our holiday season. Technically there is more to go until San
Sebastian but here on the Malecon the marathon is over.
Yesterday was Three Kings Day. It was a great celebration with horses
galloping down the Malecon and Medallas consumed by all. The horses
were really spectacular and our guests really enjoyed the
show.
A couple at the bar
told me that the cold front from the States has extended down to Cuba. It
was in the 50's in parts of Cuba last night and in the 30's in Miami! So
if you are in those locations come on down for a tropical holiday. We can
warm you up.
A quick
funny, quasi-weather story... My husband and I were exhausted
late one night and my little Labrador wandered up. I said to him your
job is to make us laugh. I think he nodded his head in agreement and we
all went to bed. Late the next evening he followed up on his end of
the bargain. He decided to make it snow with a one pound bag of flour
in the house. He grabbed the bag off the shelf and shook it around until
we had a white Christmas with white Labradors. We laughed until we
cried. Good dog...
Have a great
one,
K
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- Merry Christmas
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- By "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:46:25 -0400
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A wonderful
Christmas is in progress. We just had another heavy downpour.
According to my brand new rain gauge (thanks to Santa from North Carolina) we
received 1/8" of rain in a passing shower this evening. It canceled
our champagne and sunset ideas but thankfully another Santa from Carolina sent
us the latest season of "Lost" on DVD. So a good time is still in
progress. Tomorrow I will set up a new thermometer from Santa in Virginia
and I will have a real temp "a la Thomas Jefferson".
Last night was a
doozy with unbelievable winds from the South around 9:30 and copious
amounts of rain. It rained buckets for several hours and I lost count
around 4". Rumor has it we received 6". It was totally possible. But
it did not dampen our holiday cheer.
Felicidades a
todos! Our holiday continues until Three Kings
Day.
Merry Christmas to
all of friends on the island and all the folks who are yet to join us...
Kate
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- NITN and Merry Christmas to all
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- By "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:20:40 -0400
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I think this will go down as a Christmas we will not forget
soon. As of a few minutes ago we have received a total of 4.53” of rain
since last night and I do not think it is done yet. You can follow our total
rainfall throughout the day at our weather station www.playacofi.com/weather.
PRZ013-252015-
VIEQUES-
505
AM AST FRI DEC 25 2009
...FLASH
FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AST TODAY...
.TODAY...CLOUDY WITH WIDESPREAD SHOWERS IN THE MORNING...THEN PARTLY
CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS 87 LOWER
ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 77 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. EAST WINDS UP TO 5 MPH.
CHANCE OF RAIN 90 PERCENT.
.TONIGHT...VARIABLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. LOWS 78 LOWER
ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 63 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN 40 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY...VARIABLY
CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. HIGHS 88 LOWER
ELEVATIONS
RANGING TO 78 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
CHANCE
OF RAIN 50 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY
NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. BREEZY. LOWS
80
LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 64 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. NORTHEAST WINDS
15
TO 25 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN 40 PERCENT.
.SUNDAY...MOSTLY
CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. HIGHS 89 LOWER
ELEVATIONS
RANGING TO 80 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. EAST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
CHANCE
OF RAIN 40 PERCENT.
.SUNDAY
NIGHT...VARIABLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. LOWS
78
LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 65 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN
30
PERCENT.
.MONDAY...VARIABLY
CLOUDY IN THE MORNING THEN BECOMING MOSTLY
CLOUDY.
SCATTERED SHOWERS. HIGHS 85 LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO
80
HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN 30 PERCENT.
.MONDAY
NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. LOWS 79 LOWER
ELEVATIONS
RANGING TO 63 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN
20
PERCENT.
.TUESDAY...PARTLY
CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. HIGHS 89 LOWER
ELEVATIONS
RANGING TO 80 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN
20
PERCENT.
.TUESDAY
NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. LOWS 78 LOWER
ELEVATIONS
RANGING TO 64 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN
20
PERCENT.
.WEDNESDAY...PARTLY
CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. HIGHS 89 LOWER
ELEVATIONS
RANGING TO 80 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN
20
PERCENT.
.WEDNESDAY
NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. LOWS
78
LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 63 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN
30
PERCENT.
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Christmas
Day
Light Wind
2ft
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Tonight
NE 9kt
2ft
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Saturday
ENE 12kt
4-5ft
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Saturday
Night
ENE 20kt
5ft
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Sunday
E 15kt
5ft
|
Sunday
Night
E 12kt
5ft
|
Monday
E 11kt
5ft
|
Monday
Night
NE 9kt
5-6ft
|
Tuesday
E 10kt
6ft
|
|
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- Holidays are a comin'...
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:34:24 -0400
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The weather is too
beautiful. It makes it to hard to stay inside on this computer. The
breeze, the cool temperatures and fast moving night time showers make this my
favorite time of the year. But what really tops off the weather are the
locals. Saturday night I sipped on a glass of wine after work and listened
to Cookie and the gang on the drums. It is time for Puerto Rican
caroling. I love the drums and percussion. In addition I am starting
to learn the words. Now if only I can come up with a Bomba. It will
take some work but to be able to participate in this tradition would be
incredible!
Mere weeks until
Trova! Don't forget that it will be in the Plaza on the Saturday night
before Christmas. I need to get out my dancing
shoes...
K
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- Beautiful
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 13:31:51 -0400
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It is beautiful here
today. We have a nice breeze, sunny skies and an occasional misting of
rain. The rain is needed but we really love the Christmas winds.
Things have finally cooled off! Perfect beach and sleeping
weather. We went to Sun Bay on Monday and the breeze was so strong that I
didn't realize I was getting sun. I turned a light pink color. So
this is just a reminder for all of us that sunscreen is imperative at all times
even in the shade! We are only 18 degrees North of the equator. Make
sure you pack plenty for your next trip to our sunny
isle.
Just saw the reports
of the snowstorm hitting much of the US. Poor folks... I don't miss
the snow and ice. Here in the tropics the only ice will be tinkling
against the glass in your cocktails!
Only two weeks and
then we will see so many friends and make new ones. Come on down, it is
truly bliss.
Kate
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- Breezy
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:55:50 -0400
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So after a long
hiatus I am finally back to report on our weather. Life (construction,
re-opening, watering the plants) seems to speed up this time of year. But
today is absolutely lovely. We have a nice breeze, I am thinking it is the
start of the Christmas winds, and beautiful, perfect blue skies. The water
is still warm enough for us locals to swim in the little chop. Ahhh...
perfection! So if you are up in the States and the chill is starting to
seep into your bones we are thinking of you and invite you down for a
visit.
We are
hoping for a little rain. It doesn't look like we have a chance until
tomorrow and then only 50/50. The plants and horses are
thirsty. On a drive across the island on Monday night the horses were
everywhere. We took it slow. Also we had to drive slow as
the holiday decorations are starting to appear. I love the
multicolored lights, candy canes and blow up Santas. But my all time
favorite Caribbean holiday decoration is the snow globe! It is hysterical
to see the snow swirling inside silhouetted by a palm tree strategically
growing nearby. (Of course during the day the sun heats the globe and
the snow sticks to the plastic!). Last year I counted no less than 6
globes. I am hoping this year I will find more.
Thanks to all of our
visitors that joined us for Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to see all of
our friends and meet new ones. That weekend I heard La Nasa
start the Christmas carols. We don't have a silent night, holy night here
in Vieques, instead all of the carols have a wonderful danceable
beat. I love the holidays...
Off to
work,
K
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- Rain
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:15:29 -0400
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It started last
night around 10:00PM with loud booms of thunder. Sheets of rain fell with
a great lightening show. I finally had to turn off the movie as the storm
was too loud to hear the sound on the TV. Oh well. I snuggled in
with a book. The rain continued all night. Heavy rain occurred
around 2:00AM and continued all night until 6:45 AM. The plants are happy
but it looks like a flood raced through the paths in the back
garden.
It has just started
to rain again. Thank goodness I had time to clean the gutters and sweep
the wet leaves off the porch. I think that this means I should have
another cup of coffee and focus on projects indoors. We should see rain
most of the day. Be safe if your driving. Town should be dead so it
might be a good time to go to the post office and the bank. No
lines!
Have a good
one,
K
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- Main Island
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- By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:00:22 -0400
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Good Morning to
all,
I was over on main
island yesterday. Arrived in Ceiba at 7:00Am and saw a big dark black
cloud reaching way up high into the sky. I thought that isn't natural but
had no idea what it was. Arrived in Rio Piedras at 8:00AM and saw the
news while I was waiting for electrical parts. Immediate understanding hit
me when I saw that an explosion had occurred. As I traveled up the coast
to Carolina I watched the cloud grow until about 11:00AM then to top started to
disperse with the winds. All day this great big plume of black smoke hung
in the sky. According to the latest reports 15 tanks are currently are on
fire and the pipe to the water retention pond is broken.
Investigations are under way as to the cause. Rumors abound but
nothing solid. They have measures in place to prevent above ground
seepage of oil into the bay but have no control over seepage into the ground
water. Prices on gas are frozen and we have 24 days of gas with
more on the way. Arriving home in Vieques the gas line was at the top
of the hill with only one station open. I guess people aren't taking
chances and decided to fill up.
This morning in
Vieques the breeze is lovely and the sun is shining. Our neighbors are
here from main island with their horses. I hope that there is a ride this
weekend. They have a white stallion that decided to wake us up with a
couple of well placed kicks on his metal trailer. He is a handsome
devil.
Coffee is
waiting on the porch and hopefully the hummingbirds will buzz
by...
K
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- Home at last...
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- By "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:15:21 -0400
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|
We have retuned home
to our Isla Nena after a whirlwind tour of the States. We really enjoyed
seeing family and miss them all. We experienced many types of weather
while we were gone. In Montana it was shorts weather mid-day and cashmere
sweaters at night. Utah was hot at the Arches and Canyonlands with
spectacular scenery. Then to Colorado with a huge electrical storm to
welcome us. After that in Telluride it hailed, rained and was really
chilly but the fireplace was cozy to ward off the 20 degree
temperature. Then to the East Coast where fall weather prevailed but we
were too early to see the leaves. What a diverse and wonderful
tour!
Then we returned
home. In the San Juan airport I stated taking off layers of
clothing. Back to my sundress and flip-flop uniform! Hot, humid
and oh, so fabulous!!! I do wonder if it rained while we were
away. The gardens are dry but the weeds flourished. (Our dog/plant
sitter did a great job to combat the dry conditions). So we
have raked, weeded, watered and fed everyone. They are
responding well with additional flowers and new growth. We are thankful
that the hurricanes stayed away (it made it easy to relax since there were no
storms to track). But please send some rain.
So off to another
day of gardening and tomorrow is a trip to main island. Paint and
supplies.
Have a good
one!
K
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- No rain!
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Sun, 6 Sep 2009 06:01:06 -0400
|
When I went to bed last night there was still a light rain
falling. I was sure that I was going to wake up to stars. Nope.
It is still cloudy but there is nothing on the radar and the
NWS in San Juan has dropped our chance of rain to 30% so I think all of the
beach parties are back on J
As for Erika, we received here at the house a total of 2.01”.
Mind you we do live on the north coast and from what I hear the south coast
received more but I have not heard from anyone an “official”
amount.
I checked our Weather Hawk system (which thankfully you can
go back and check the archives) www.playacofi.com/weather
and this is what I found for total rainfall of the year for Sept. 6th.
2006 30.00”
2007 30.71”
2008 24.21
2009 18.31
So as you can see we are definitely in a deficit as far as
rain is concerned. We average around 50” per year so if that is the case we
need approximately 31.00” to catch up. If it keeps up this way it is not
going to happen unless we get another rain event like Jeanne.
So everyone go out and enjoy what is left of the weekend,
try not to eat too much BBQ and remember to drink your favorite beverages J we would not want anyone out there to
get dehydrated, now would we.
Enjoy!
|
|
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- rain, rain and more rain
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2009 10:59:35 -0400
|
Good morning all,
Since midnight we have received .98" mainly starting at about 6 am.
Yesterday we only had about 1/2". From what I hear the south side received
much more.
It is still raining but I think we are done with the heavy stuff.
The main concern right now is those wanting to get off the island, especially
those going to San Juan International (SJU). Our local airlines have not been
flying but Vieques Airlines is going to try to get a flight out to SJU at noon.
Not good for a friend we are taking to the airport in a few minutes. Her flight
out of SJU is not until 8 PM tonight. That is a long wait.
The ferries are running on schedule though.
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|
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- Rain
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2009 10:47:17 -0400
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|
Woke at 7:00 am to
rain. It has been raining ever since. The thunder is rumbling
around. So far from Erika and the remnants of Erika we have had 2" of rain
in my informal rain gauge. Thankfully this last inch has come down nice
and easy to really soak the plants. Looks like rain for the rest of the
afternoon from this slow moving storm.
It is really cool
this morning. All the fans are off as it is only 76 degrees and
damp. I am off to put on a pair of jeans and finish my coffee.
Only two nights left
for El Q this season....
K
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|
- Windy
|
- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:37:19 -0400
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|
The wind just picked
up and the quenepas are flying. Thankfully I am inside away form those
sticky little missiles. The sign is rattling on its chains and I can
hear the waves. No big waves here in the bay but there is a nice beak on
the point. As I am not a surfer I don't know if it is something to grab a
board for.
So far in my
informal rain gauge we received 1.25" of rain. Most of that
came during a 6:02 AM squall. Oh my weary restaurant body has to
ask why do the storms this year insist on waking me at such an early
hour? Rain from the East and from the
West. I had to shut the shutters. Grabbed a towel to mop up.
But the temperature was so cool my Labradors hopped up on the bed to
snuggle. What happened to their fur coats? It was nice to watch the
rain and pet their furry little heads.
So... it looks
like a bust of a Labor Day weekend for all of Vieques. MJ in Culebra
indicated the same thing is happening over there. But it is nice to have a
cool cloudy day. I am really looking forward to packing now as I have
to pull out sweaters and boots for vacation. Maybe these cool temps
are conditioning my body for Fall weather in Montana.
I'll keep you posted
if anything changes. And to all of those in the betting pool
for rainfall amounts I will let you know who wins. So far Casie is in
the lead!
Only 3 nights left
until El Q is closed for the season.
K
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- Current conditions
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- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 07:01:35 -0400
|
Well it looks as if we are in
for rain on and off until late Sunday. Right now we are under a small craft
advisory and flash flood watch. No wind to speak of. Stay dry.
If you are traveling on Cape
Air in the next few days you may to call them. Caribbean Business reported
yesterday they have suspended all flights until further notice. I just spoke to
VAL at the airport and they are not flying, “they are going to wait”.
The number to the desk at the airport for VAL is 741-8211.
Anyone interested in seeing
the rainfall totals here at the house go to our site www.playacofi.com/weather (and if
you want to hear some great music while stuck inside pop over to Lee’s
music website www.tropicalglen.com.
It is the top 100 songs from the 50’s thru 80’s).
So far we have had .43”
in the last hour. Hubby went over to the south side of the island with the dog
at about 6 and hit a wall of rain so they apparently are getting much more of
the moisture than here on the north side. We hear rumblings of thunder but
right now we have just a steady light rain.
|
|
|
- Port Conditions in PR from the Coast Guard
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 16:01:59 -0400
|
|
News Release
|
Date:
Sept. 3, 2009
Contact:
Ricardo Castrodad
(787) 510-7923
|
|
Captain of the Port sets Port Condition YANKEE for Puerto Rico, U.S.
Virgin Islands
“Tropical Storm Erika Update 3"
|
|
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –
Coast Guard Sector San Juan Captain of the Port, Capt. Eduardo
Pino, set Port Condition YANKEE Thursday at
3p.m. for all the ports in Puerto Rico due to the
expectation that gale force winds generated by Tropical Storm Erika will
arrive within 24 hours.
The ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands remain in Port Condition YANKEE
subject to changes in Erika’s storm track or strength.
"WARNING"
During Port Condition
YANKEE all ports are closed to inbound vessel traffic greater than 200 Gross
Tons. All vessels greater than 200 gross tons without permission to
remain in port should have departed or be prepared to depart prior to the setting
of Port Condition ZULU.
In Port Condition ZULU
the port is closed and all port operations are suspended.
|
|
###
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since
1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud
History. Powerful Future.
|
|
|
|
- Misinformation
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 11:09:54 -0400
|
Sorry I jumped the gun on that. I misread the post wrong.
The bars are still open J
|
|
|
- Tropical Storm Warning now in effect
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:52:42 -0400
|
For all of PR and the USVI.
|
|
|
- Rainbow
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:07:53 -0400
|
|
We had a shower
early this morning and a beautiful rainbow. It seemed to start right
in the middle of Esperanza Bay and stretched to Pilon. It is sunny and
breezy right now. Clouds are moving in clumps. We are looking
forward to the rain. My plants put on a fine show this morning. New
orchid blooms, purple water hyacinth flowers and two cactus are blooming as
well. (Photos attached.) Then to top it off a hummingbird came in to
feed on the orange heliconia. Heaven!
So off to
work... Dinner will be served... Only 4 night left in
season.
Have a good
one,
K
Attachment:
El Quenepo Interior Flowers 042.1.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
El Quenepo Interior Flowers 044.1.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
El Quenepo Interior Flowers 048.1.jpg
Description: JPEG image
|
|
- This mornings forecast
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 05:31:13 -0400
|
We are still in a Tropical Storm Watch. Here is the latest
from the National Weather Service in San Juan.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN JUAN PR
440 AM AST THU SEP 3 2009
.DISCUSSION...SCATTERED PASSING SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS
WERE
DETECTED OVERNIGHT AND EARLY IN THE MORNING ACROSS THE EASTERN AND
NORTHERN SECTIONS OF PUERTO RICO AS WELL AS ACROSS THE SURROUNDING
COASTAL WATERS. THIS ACTIVITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEADING EDGE
OF
TROPICAL STORM ERICA. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACTIVITY WILL
INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT AS
THE
NORTHERN AND WESTERN FRINGES OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONE APPROACH TO
THE LOCAL ISLANDS FROM THE SOUTHEAST.
ERIKA WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE MAIN WEATHER CONCERN FOR PUERTO RICO
AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TODAY AND TOMORROW. GLOBAL FORECAST
MODELS AND THE OFFICIAL NHC FORECAST CONTINUE TO BRING ERIKA VERY
CLOSE OR ACROSS THE LOCAL ISLANDS LATE TONIGHT AND TOMORROW. A
TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUE IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF PUERTO RICO AND
THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. THE MAIN THREAT TO THE LOCAL ISLANDS
CONTINUES
TO BE HEAVY RAINFALL...AS THIS SYSTEM CONTINUES TO REMAIN HIGHLY
DISORGANIZED WITH THE CENTER OF CIRCULATION TO THE WEST OF THE
MAIN AREA OF CONVECTION. EXPECT SHOWERS TO INCREASE ACROSS THE VI
DURING THE THIS AFTERNOON...AND SPREAD ACROSS EASTERN PUERTO RICO
DURING THE EVENING. ERIKA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL
ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES OVER PUERTO RICO...WITH ISOLATED
MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 8 INCHES
|
|
|
- Just in
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:36:19 -0400
|
|
Captain of the Port sets Port Condition YANKEE for the U.S. Virgin
Islands
“Tropical Storm Erika Update 2"
|
|
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Sector
San Juan Captain of the Port, Capt. Eduardo Pino, set Port
Condition YANKEE Wednesday at 6p.m. for all the ports
in Saint Croix and at 8p.m. for all the ports in Saint John and
Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands due to the expectation that gale force
winds generated by Tropical Storm Erika will arrive within 24 hours.
Ferry operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands are allowed during Port
Condition YANKEE.
The ports in Puerto Rico remain at Port Condition X-RAY subject to changes
in Erika's storm track or strength.
"WARNING"
During Port Condition YANKEE all ports are closed to inbound
vessel traffic greater than 200 Gross Tons. All vessels greater than
200 gross tons without permission to remain in port should have departed or
be prepared to depart prior to the setting of Port Condition ZULU.
During Port Condition X-RAY waterfront facilities should be removing
potential flying debris, hazardous materials and pollutants from dockside
areas. All oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 200 gross tons
must prepare to depart the port and shall depart immediately upon setting and
increasing port conditions to YANKEE. Vessels unable to depart the port must
contact the Captain of the Port and submit a safe mooring plan in writing
when requesting and prior to receiving permission to remain in port. Inbound
vessels that will be unable to depart the port upon the setting of port
condition YANKEE are advised to seek an alternate destination.
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|
|
|
- Hello...
|
- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:15:06 -0400
|
|
I have waited all
day to see what would happen before I posted and we still don't
know. So I make the following forecast for our Isla Nena.....
(Drumroll please...)
Rain.
That is all we
really know at this time. Erika is truly hard to read. Everyone
seems to be shaking their heads and watching. I took the precautions of
emptying the rain barrels to catch new rain, removing any object that can blow
around the backyard and sweeping the gutters clean. Other than that I am
watching and waiting. We are keeping the restaurant open at this
time. (It is our last week, we close Sunday!!!!!). It seems a shame
to have all of this during our very last weekend of season. Labor Day
signals the end of season for most folks. A lot of restaurants are closing
after Monday. But our plants and horses will be happy!
But back to the
weather... A couple of showers this afternoon. Hot, hot, hot and
currently the skies are clear.
I will post again as
conditions change.
Have a good
one,
K
|
|
- Wake up call...
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:19:54 -0400
|
|
Hi
everybody,
Check out the latest
NHC report. I find it very interesting. The track is all over the
place and now they have it heading east. The models aren't agreeing
where exactly is it going. So keep an eye to the East. Best case we
just get rain. I don't want to be an alarmist but the water
temperature is going to heat up when 94L hits 50W. We will have a new
named storm soon.
It is sunny and
breezy today.... Hot, hot, hot and mozzies that have no
fear.
Have a good
one.
K
|
|
- Hello...
|
- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:25:03 -0400
|
Hi
everybody,
Check out the latest
NHC report. I find it very interesting. The track is all over the
place and now they have it heading east. The models aren't agreeing
where exactly is it going. So keep an eye to the East. Best case we
just get rain. I don't want to be an alarmist but the water
temperature is going to heat up when 94L hits 50W. We will have a new
named storm soon.
It is sunny and
breezy today.... Hot, hot, hot and mozzies that have no
fear.
Have a good
one.
K
|
|
- Hot, hot, hot
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:10:32 -0400
|
|
And one more time it
is hot! The breeze was from the South yesterday. It made the leaves
dance the other way on the Quenepo tree and the mozzies were everywhere.
Not that I am blaming the wind for the mozzies but this new batch of little
monsters are really vicious. They latch on in broad day light. They can
negotiate wind. They swam a person and blam!!!! A big welt on the
skin. Good news is they don't move too fast so you can kill them.
Bad news is they are attacking in swarms and I only have two hands to swat them
away. So I am back to my favorite perfume... OFF with DEET. It
works but I really hate the smell.
The garden is
looking fantastic after the rain last week. I emptied the rain barrels
with the sprinkler on Monday. My hummingbird friend knows exactly when
I water and he comes for a chat and a bath. He seems a little vain with
all of the primping but he absolutely fascinates me.
We had
great visitors last week. We met two gentlemen that actually recorded
the sounds in the bio bay at night. I was amazed at the sounds! The
shrimp talking back and forth sound like monsters from the deep. So
much for the snap, crackle, pop sounds that I expected. This was really
extraordinary!!!! The Trust is putting together a film that
will hopefully include this audio footage. Don't forget that the
Bioluminescence Symposium is October 9- 11th. This is the first ever
symposium here in Vieques. So make your plans to join the
fun. Here is the link with all of the info:
Off to work.
Only two weeks left. Then I will be a lady of leisure...
Ha!
K
|
|
- Sunny
|
- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:59:21 -0400
|
At the moment we
have sunny skies with some clouds. The breeze is pretty consistent.
We had a couple of showers last night. Nice to have the additional rain
for the plants.
So we have Bill at
18 degrees at last. It is a nice thing to see. He is a strong,
healthy boy for the time being. We are so fortunate that he has decided a
trip to the Caribbean islands is not in his schedule. So we might get some
passing showers when he goes by from that long tail. We will definitely
see some surf on the North side. The swells should be
impressive. But that is all for now. Of course we will watch
him to make sure he keeps on traveling and doesn't stop by for a rum
cocktail.
Things are normal
here. Dave and Chipper took a group out this morning for a
dive. The horses are clippy, clopping down the street. The
doors on the Malecon restaurants are rolling up for lunch. The
bay is peaceful and calm. And we only have 3 weeks left until the end of
season and we close the restaurant.
So off to
work. Bermuda we are thinking of you! And St. Lucia what a
fabulous photo.
K
|
|
- Cloudy...
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:07:28 -0400
|
|
All is well here on
the Isla Nena. Woke with a start to loud thunder and rain at 6:08
AM. It was an early morning wake up call for us restaurant
folk! Had to run outside and shut the shutters on the East side of the
building. I laid back down and watched the quenepa missiles blowing and
then felt raindrops on my head. Shut the west shutters as well. Up
again and mopped up the floor in the guest bedroom and the living room.
Laid back down for a little more shut eye.
Woke again at 9:00AM
to another squall moving through. Ran outside to clean the already
overflowing gutters and re-adjust the shutter blowing. Hit repeatedly by
quenepa missiles. By this point I am totally soaked. But the
excellent news is we received rain. Unfortunately I have no idea how
much as my informal rain gauge blew over. But it was enough to fill all
the rain barrels and flood the porch. It also caused a little creek
to form through the back yard.
I was a little
surprised at the early wake up call. I think that Ana moved a
little faster than expected. I thought we would receive storms this
afternoon. Her thunder was truly tremendous and the lighting was a great
show. Not too much wind. Just enough to blow over a fan palm and two
banana trees. But that is to be expected as they are not designed for
wind.
The most surprising
thing was the bay here in Esperanza. It was so flat! Looked for
a while like we could skip stones to the Cayo. Now we have tiny
waves. Everyone was out for a drive to see if there was wave action but
most left disappointed. Hector got called into action to move a
boat. He is always around to lend a hand.
So now we have a
light, intermittent breeze, overcast skies and I see nothing on the radar.
Thank you for the rain Ana and take it easy on the DR. Bill please go
North out to sea. Bermuda really doesn't want to repair the roof
again.
Off to read my book and listen to the little
waves.
K
|
|
- Ana
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:25:05 -0400
|
Okay, I think Vieques can breath a little easier now that
Anna has passed.
It started raining at about 5:30 and other than a brief
period for about 25 minutes it rained straight through until about 11 a.m.
We have lived here for 5 1/2 years (full time) and for about
a hour and a half it was the most intense lightening and thunderstorms we have
ever experienced here. It literally did not stop. There was very little wind
associated with this system on our side of the island (north side) but then
again we are protected by the ridge and are close to the north beach.
I am not sure about Esperanza and how they made out but Kate
can give you an update.
Overall we received 1.89" of rain and for the month, so
far only 2.24" so we are way behind. We are not worried though since we
have almost 2 more weeks and things will probably continue to be active.
So all in all, we made out okay with Ana.
|
|
|
- Sunny and rain coming
|
- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:07:25 -0400
|
|
Everything is still
sunny here in Vieques. We have a nice breeze and La Nasa is playing music
across the street. It is a typical day on
the Malecon.
Looks like Ana
should be a rain event and we do need rain. And hopefully a
little wind to blast those quenepas out of the trees. I skipped
sweeping the porch today in hopes that more of those little fruits will be
down by Tuesday. Hopefully we will get the 2-4 inches they are
predicting. My plants would love the rain. All the rain barrels are
cleaned out and ready for a refill.
Almost all of the
boats are pulled from the Esperanza bay. I miss their bright colors.
Since the storm is going South of us we should see some waves tomorrow.
The closest point of approach is 89.5 miles as of now. It is a small storm
and is predicted to stay that way. On another note some of the vendors
stopped by to take down their tents. Probably just to prevent tearing and
the potential of them blowing away.
Quick note they are
stopping the ferry service. I heard that from another local on the
island.
So we are going to
have a couple rainy days off. Think I will draw for a little while
and curl up with a book. I am finishing "The History of Rum".
Maybe I will have a cocktail or two and watch the waves. Sounds like a day
off heaven to me. If anything changes I will post again. May be
a photo or two if I get the batteries charged for the
camera.
Hopefully Bill stays
on that course to the North. Now we have to watch the next wave off of
Africa. See what this new guy can do...
Have a good
one,
K
|
|
- FW: Breezy
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:55:51 -0400
|
|
It is a
beautiful breezy morning here in Vieques. All is sunny and
beautiful. We did not receive as much rain as I had hoped out of the last
wave. But any rain is good rain for the garden. And I am NOT
complaining as I may get more water than I want!
Keeping an eye on
the East to see what will develop. I need to run to town to go to
the grocery so I may buy a couple of extras including Milkbones for the
dogs. A just in case trip. We are prepared with our storm kits,
batteries, water, etc. and of course dog food! Sorry for the
repetition but don't forget your furry or feathered friends when you are
preparing. Buy extra food for them!
We can feel our
season really winding down. Last night it was so quiet on the
Malecon. It is great to live in a community where you can actually feel
the tempo. In the States it was always rush, rush. Here we follow
the season and right now the season says slow down, take a rest and prepare
for next year. I enjoy this time and all of the beautiful things that this
island brings.
Off to
work... Have a good one...
K
|
|
- Vieques
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:29:13 -0400
|
We managed to get some rain today! .12 but we sure needed
it. We will take any we can get. I looked at the radar and was hopeful that we
might have received more tonight but when animated, it appears that the system
is moving more north up the island chain, than west.
I am agreeing with all here. It is time to open our eyes and
keep a watch for what is happening in the Atlantic.
Karen
|
|
|
- Good Afternoon
|
- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:00:40 -0400
|
|
Well, well things
are finally starting. I really hope that we will get some rain from the
wave passing us tonight and tomorrow. I have watered and fertilized all of
the plants. Check. All rain barrels are empty and rinsed clean.
Check. All the beach towels are on the porch drying. Check. The car
needs to be washed and I will do that today. Check. I am
planning a quick trip to the beach tomorrow afternoon with the little Labrador.
Check. All of these things should confirm a rain event. We are in
need of rain. A good soaking one. Of course just when I
want to watch the rain showers on the move the San Juan radar is out for
maintenance.
I see that storm
that just blew off of Africa. Hmmmm... Glad I bought my extra
hurricane dog food. Don't forget your pets when preparing for a
hurricane. Stock up on food for them too.
As for news
from our Isla Nena... Not much going on. Things are
quieting down and we are only 4 weeks from closing the restaurant. We are
really enjoying our visitors and they continue to make us laugh with their
stories. Just a reminder to everyone that you do need lots of
sunscreen this time of year. The sun is strong!!! A sunburn can
wreck your vacation and make sleeping uncomfortable. And those are
only the immediate effects. Think long term too for healthy
skin.
We went diving on
Monday with Chipper and Dave. What a great trip! They are
a wonderful team. We dropped in for our first dive and saw
two 7 ft. nurse sharks cruising the reef. Then on other dives we saw
a large eel, lobsters, turtles, rays and lots of coral and fish.
We headed to the west side of the island for a great dive over healthy
reefs! Mother nature really can outdo us gardeners when she puts together
a reef. She matches color, pattern, and texture with such wild
abandon! It was also so much fun to see the west side of the island
from the water. We do live on a beautiful island. And it gave
us ideas for another adventure. Thank you again Chipper and Dave for
a fabulous day.
Off to work.
Only 20 more working days....
Regards,
Kate
PS- Don't
forget to watch the meteor showers
tonight!
|
|
- Land Crabs
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 11:40:17 -0400
|
|
Good Morning to
all,
First I want to send
our warmest recovery wishes to Dear Miss Mermaid. Get well soon. I
am on my way to purchase her book for Christmas presents. Hopefully that
will provide a little help!
As for the weather
here. It is hot, breezy, humid and sunny. I really need to go for a
swim today just to cool off. The weather is the same day to day with only
quick showers to supply a little water and cool us off. At least
my rain barrels are half full. We had to perform a plant rescue on Tuesday
as some of our plants are exposed to too much sun and needed a new site.
They are already happy for the move but want more water.
As for the land
crabs... It is mating season here and these big and little guys and
gals are on the move. They are working the Malecon like teenagers
looking for a date. Unfortunately some take a wrong turn and end up in El
Quenepo. On a nightly inspection of the restrooms I found one hiding in
the men's bathroom. He startled me (and my toes in their flimsy flip
flops). After a quick threatening shuffle back and forth with his little
nails scraping on the tile I closed the door and called for Pedro. Thank
goodness for him! He is a godsend. All I did was yell "jueye" and
here he comes with the long handled tongs and a bucket. Saved... or so I
think. Later in the evening I am standing behind the bar and I hear a
bottle fall over in the liquor closet. I take a look behind the curtain
and the dry vermouth is laying on its side. "Strange" I thought. I
placed it upright and went back to work. A little later I hear
multiple bottles falling over in the closet. I open the curtain and
there is a land crab waving his arms in the midst of over turned
bottles calling for a second round. Again I call for Pedro and the
tongs... A few minutes later a slightly tired (drunk?) land crab
is removed. Perhaps he just needed a drink before a big night
cruising the Malecon looking for a date? Or maybe he was looking for the
vodka to make a perfect martini?
Off to work and
water the plants. Have a good one.
Kate
|
|
- Please send a little rain...
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:58:33 -0400
|
|
Blue skies, a gentle
breeze, flat water in the bay. That is what our visitors dream of.
Right now I am dreaming of two days of gentle rain with an occasional roll of
thunder and a bolt of lighting for entertainment. The ground is so dry and
my plants are begging for rain. My lovely, little green friends send a
special request to those in the weather department to send rain. But they
send a request for no named storms. Repeat do not send us a storm (they won't
say the "H" word). Just a wave with rain and please let it miss
Haiti.
OK, that said, it is
beautiful here. We have lots of visitors this weekend as we
experience our wedding season peak. We wish all of the brides and
grooms years of happiness. According to all of the forecasts the
weather should be great for outdoor weddings.
The cactus is
blooming, the orchids are a riot of color and the quenepas are
flying. All indications that we are heading to off, off season!
Only five weeks until we close the restaurant. Then we will see everyone
in late November.
Happy
Thursday,
Kate
|
|
- Windy!
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:28:55 -0400
|
|
We are having a very
gusty morning here in Vieques. The skies are gray and the trees are
bending in the wind. I looked at the satellite and it looks like a
day to stay inside. Right now radar shows most of the rain to the south of
us. Hopefully we will get some rain. Last night right in the middle
of dinner the rain started pouring down and the wind was driving it through the
east facing windows. I quickly jumped up to close the shutters and got
drenched in the process.
Well I am off
to sit on the porch before it starts to rain and finish my
coffee. Hopefully I won't get hit by too many quenepa
missiles!
Take
care,
Kate
|
|
- It is that time folks...
|
- From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
- Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:45:03 -0400
|
Of course having a dinner party includes lots of time in the
pool, drinks and a great dinner. Skip dessert. It is liquid.
Watching the radar today made us really remember it is our
time of the year. We tried to balance pool time in between heavy, but short
downpours. When we had a downpour, we went to our bar and poured.
That being said. Yes, now is the time to start looking
around your property and ask yourself “do I need that now?”. If not
start stowing things away at whim.
Every year we say we will be ok, watch the spaghetti lines that
look like it is coming here and then it goes 500 miles away….
But if we do not prepare, it could come back and bite us in
the butt someday.
Karen
www.tropicalglen.com
|
|
|
- Sunny...
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:50:29 -0400
|
|
Well we have a
chance for rain but I don't see it on the radar. Maybe later tonight as
the tropical wave moves in. But that means I have to water before service
tonight. The plants are thirsty. I think my full time job is
watering plants and my part time job is the restaurant. Ha
ha! But the good thing about all of this watering is a little
humming bird that comes to sip the water. He will hover around me for 15
or 20 minutes, wait for the Coffee Cup Elephant ear to fill up with water and
then zips in for a drink. He makes me smile and keeps me company. I
love his bright dot on his back. It wasn't until he landed that I
realized he isn't black with a yellow dot. He is actually
multi-colored!
Mangoes are arriving
by the bucket load. We are eating starfruit as snacks and the passion
fruit is tart and out of this world. I love this time of year. We
have an embarrassment of tropical riches! The Flamboyan blossoms drop in
your lap and the Heliconia are in full bloom. Mara is bringing in tons of
local sprouts and mint. (Fresh mojitos tonight.) And the arugula is
so spicy I cannot get enough of it. To top it off the lobster catch
just came in. Life is good here at El Q.
Off to water and it
looks like more dust next week. That means no "himmicanes" and that makes
me happy.
K
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- Dust and now rain
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- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 14:01:22 -0400
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I was sitting on the
porch last night and glanced up to see the stars. With the dust I could
only see the brightest ones shining through. I hunted and hunted for the
little ones to no avail... I headed in and fell asleep to the music across
the street. A little procession wandered down the Malecon playing
Paranda. I love to fall asleep to the sound of the
drums...
Woke today to partly
sunny skies that turned dark quickly. The thunder boomed and the wind
picked up. I ran around closing the shutters as the wind was driving the
rain into the house. Now all is quiet. We are looking for another
cell to come through soon. Thank goodness for the rain in the rain barrels
and for the plants. It has been so hot I have another full time job
of watering the garden! But with rain come the mozzies. Thank
goodness we have a new screen door to keep them out.
After the rain it
looks like lots of dust for a couple of days. Not a pretty sight but it
does keep thoughts of hurricanes at away.
Have a good
one!
Kate
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- Good Morning
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- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:41:30 -0400
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It is so nice to see
a blue sky this morning. On the horizon we have a blue sky that meets
the blue sea instead of gray sky meeting blue sea! The Sahara dust has
moved on for the moment but we do expect a return of the dust
tomorrow. The good news is that we have a tropical wave that should
roll through and a good chance of rain on Friday. That is good for
the plants and cisterns. It will also rinse off some more of the
sand.
Last night I woke to
the sound of rain. It was a surprise shower. I think my little
plants loved it. I emptied all of my rain barrels yesterday onto the
garden and then they got an extra bit of water. Now I have some fresh
water in the barrels. My lobster claw heliconia is full of flowers!
This little guy was so pathetic for 2 years as I searched for a perfect
location in the garden. I finally found it. Now he has new growth
and in 6 months has tripled in size. Now if I can only find
someone that sells the beehive ginger. I love the waxy, showy flowers of
these tropical beauties.
Today we are
taking Ceiba, the younger Labrador, to the beach. He is learning to
snorkel with my husband. It is quite a sight but they are having
fun!
Take
care,
Kate
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- Sahara Dust
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- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:07:06 -0400
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Wow! The sky
is gray and Mt. Pirata is just a hazy outline when viewed from Esperanza.
The Sahara Dust is thick, thick, thick! And it looks like we have 2-3 more
days of this stuff. At least the sea is still blue and the sun is
trying to really shine from above all the dust. The good news for our
visitors is that we will have clear skies for a while. The bad news for my
plants is they won't get a rain shower. I watered this morning and rinsed
the leaves of dust just to make them perk up. As for the inside
of the house... Dust, dust, dust. I really have no chance of keeping
it off the furniture. Not that I am a bad housekeeper but there is no way
to keep up with this gray haze.
In addition it is
hot. I just got off the phone with Diane (our island angel that picks up
our hearts desires from main island) and she is bringing me two new fans!
That will help at night. At least the mozzies are disappearing.
Unfortunately I know they will be back.
Off to work here on
sunny, hot, hazy Vieques...
Kate
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- Noche de San Juan
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- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:59:12 -0400
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Last night we had a
strong breeze and choppy seas to celebrate Noche de San Juan. The breeze
was greatly appreciated after the still air and heat at home. We
headed down at 7:00PM to see the end of sunset and set up for the
festivities. The crowd was a mixture of Norte Americanos and
Viequenses. We met at the fisherman's pier and enjoyed wonderful food and
cold beverages. It was fantastic to have all of us there with a mixture of
Spanish, English and Spanglish as we celebrated this wonderful holiday.
The salsa played in the background with an occasional reggeton song mixed
in. The kids were in the water for hours shrieking as the
played. We all watched and commented on how when we were
young our parents would have to pull us out of the water before we turned
blue! All of the sudden midnight was arriving and we all ran down to
the water. We walked forwards into the water, turned around and
dunked ourselves backwards three times. All of this is based on St. John
the Baptist. Then with our sins washed away we are ready for a new
year. One of the girls with us decided she had been really bad last
year and dunked herself 10 times. Silly nut! And another
superstition says if you throw a coin over your shoulder it will
bring good luck. We gave it a whirl. Still
laughing and tapping our feet to the music we headed home. What a
wonderful evening and we thank everyone for bringing their favorite covered
dish!
We woke at
5:00AM this morning to a loud clap of thunder and streaks of lighting
across the sky. The wind kicked in and the rain followed.
It rained a steady downpour for about 30
minutes. Thanks mother nature for watering my plants and for the
great show! Currently it is hot, hot, hot with a tiny
breeze. I keep making ice cubes and chilling down the drinking
water. Little attempts to keep it
cool.
Have a great
one!
K
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- Drying Out
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- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:56:06 -0400
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Monday night we
returned home from dinner to a spectacular display of lighting behind the
cayo. We decided to forgo the movie at the house in favor of mother
natures show. It was really spectacular to watch the sky light
up. In between rounds of lighting we watched the water for the
stingray's and barracuda swimming under the fisherman's pier.
It is finally
starting to dry out around here. Yesterday we did not receive any rain for
the first time in days. So it is back to our roofing project. At
least the sealer is drying and hopefully we can get a finish coat on it
today. Things look good on the satellite so far but that could change as
the day heats up. Keep your fingers crossed!
One of the side
effects of too much rain are centipede's. They are out and about because
there are so many moist damp places to hide! These things really scare me
to death. One decided to cruise around on the porch the other night.
Armed with the lethal Tat and a butcher knife my husband chased it to no
avail. It disappeared inside a plant. We pulled the plant out of the
pot and still could not find the bug! Well yesterday I ran into the
office/ guest bedroom and there it was in the floor. I screamed, grabbed
approximately 150lbs. of chocolate Labrador and fled the scene to grab the
Tat. Of course I am screaming for my husband. I hit the 6" long
devil with the Tat, screamed and waited for back up. 30 seconds later my
back up arrived with a knife and Tat. As I tried to relax (these bugs
are really freaky and I have an irrational fear of them) Scott chopped him
up and disposed of the body. Hopefully that means we should not have
another one this year. Their horrible appearance is always
after the rains have soaked the earth and they can move with wild
abandon!
So I am off to put
the finish coat on the roof today. Hopefully it will be a centipede and
rain free day!
Have a good
one,
Kate
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- Back on Island
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- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:44:12 -0400
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I am back after a
trip to the States to go to my 20th High School Reunion. What fun!
Of course my warm Caribbean bones just about froze to death in 62 degrees and
drizzle. Despite the jeans, long sleeves and multiple layers it was
cold! But I did get to see my family and attend a baseball game. I
miss my family already.
Upon my return
I was greeted with warm, sultry air and the smell of the sea. I love the
smell of saltwater. My bones warmed up very nicely!
We currently have very cloudy skies and a strong breeze. My pups have
their noses high in the air sniffing. I think that they can smell the rain
that the radar shows. So off to a
long day of work just to catch up!
Have a good
one!
K
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- Hello all...
|
- From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
- Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 14:02:30 -0400
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Things are sunny and
bright with a nice breeze today. We are working on the roof and this is
perfect weather for that project. It is so nice to have a break from the
rain! Although the little mozzies are having too much
fun.
FYI- There are
rumors that the Port Authority is going on strike Friday. That means no
boats! So if you need gas now might be a great time to head to the
station. Also if you have plans to visit Vieques a plane might be a better
option than the ferry.
By the way we have a
hurricane Kate this year. Hopefully she will stay at sea and not cause any
damage!
Take
care,
Kate
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- Clouds, clouds, clouds
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- From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
- Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 11:10:07 -0400
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Hello from cloudy
Vieques,
We continue to have
overcast skies and passing showers. Unfortunate we are on day four of this
weather pattern. I need to check in with Mother Nature and let her know
that we live on islands for the sun and I need a strong dose right now.
Also I need to see if she can stop the dive bombing mosquitoes. With all
the moisture they are breeding like mad!
But there is good
news... The waves are up just a little in Esperanza Bay and the
sound makes for great sleeping. It is not hot just really
humid. The plants are growing like mad (and the weeds). The horses
have left town to eat all of the grass that is growing in the fields. The
bats are having a great time eating all of the mosquitoes. Guests are
still coming to our little island to enjoy off season.
We have had several
people tell us that we have a hammerhead shark cruising the cayo. He is
looking for rays. Picchi, our friend and garden helper, said he is bigger
than he is. Keep in mind Picchi is a big, strong man and about 6'-6"
tall. I don't think that I would like to run into this hungry shark in the
bay. But it does make for entertainment as we watch the waters
hoping for a peek.
Have a good one and
to all of those islands that are under the rain storm remember this too shall
pass.
Kate
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