- Updates from the Islands -

- - Dominica - -

- - - 2011 Hurricane Season - - -

- Rain and Turning Very Breezy

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 20:14:29 -0500

Good evening everyone,

yesterday afternoon turned out to be really lovely. This morning it was a

little cloudy. Did get some blue sky and sea this afternoon, which was very nice.

Around 6.30 this evening it turned a delightful shade of grey. Just plain old grey

far as the eye could see. Some fairly large dark clouds started drifting over from

what appeared to be from the south of us. That was when I noticed the flicker of

lightening. We now have heavy rain and some thunder. Not seen anymore

lightening. I'm sure it's out there though.

The dog on the corner of our road hates thunder. He hears it long before we

do. He goes absolutely ballistic. Wow, the wind is now kicking in. Just heard

something go flying. Sounded very metallic. Guess I better go check.

You all stay safe. Enjoy your evening and have a great day tomorrow.

- Rain and Ants

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 08:03:40 -0500

Good morning everyone,

and another grey day. Watched a fantastic light show yesterday evening.

Not seen one that good for a long time. Completely surrounded by it. At times

the whole sky was lit up. No thunder with it though. The rain started up again

late last night. Sunday it just rained and rained. Not much rain yesterday, until

very late last night. It pounded down in the early hours of this morning. This

morning it is on /off rain. Sky still grey. Sea grey. Humidity feels up. And the

mozzies are having breakfast on me. Nice breeze.

Do hope all are safe in Guadeloupe. Looks like they have had some serious

flooding over there.

We also had the flying ants. Not so bad this year, well so far. Usually it's

run away time. All doors, windows shut tight and wait it out. This time they made

a late appearance. Just around 6.30pm. The birds stayed up late and had a feast.

We sat on the balcony and had a entertaining early evening aerobatics display by

the birds catching the ants. Did notice that only a few ants came onto the balcony

then flew off again. We had left the lights off and they were more attracted to the

light outside of the balcony. Ahhh well, part of the price.

I'm off for that coffee. Look at a very grey view. You all stay safe. Have a

great day even if it is raining.

P.S. anyone got any tips on how to get rid of the smell from a stink bug. (shield bug )

Friend of ours squished one on his arm. Phewww. L O L.

- Thunder and Almighty Lightning

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 08:31:00 -0400

Well what a show! Off we went to bed last night only to be woken up seeing flashing slivers outside the window. We got out of bed and there espied this amazing light show behind the clouds, it was very weird and unusual almost like being at an outside disco! We decided to go back to bed only to be shaken up by a huge thwack of thunder. I jumped out of bed immediately and switched off the electricity. I climbed under the bedclothes only to hear a very, very loud bang indeed, something obviously having been hit by lightning. It looks like the hurricane season has got it wrong and is starting just a little bit too early! In fact it rained all day on Sunday. We ended up going to River Stone in the afternoon and Jaco Ladd did an impromptu performance with Shades of Green; this got everyone rocking and certainly cheered up the afternoon!!

- Rain and a Empty Bay.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 07:49:38 -0500

Good morning everyone,

so glad the cricket is not this week. It's rained on and off for the

last 3 days. Sometimes light, sometimes heavy. We have had thunder

and no lightening. Lightening and no thunder. Although we did have a

pretty good light show last night way out to our west. Not seen one of

those for a long time. Some fairly big dark clouds rolling across the ridge

but the sun is making valiant attempts. Humidity comfy. Horizon just a little

on the hazy side. Nice cool breeze. Just right for some gardening in between

the showers. Hubby thinks the rain is due to me clearing the weeds. Seems

I pull them out and it rains so more can grow in their place.

The cruise ships have stopped for the season. Very few yachts have pulled

in over the last few days. Guess they are all heading for safer ports. It looks

quite empty down in the bay now.

I'm off to enjoy my coffee. Look at that view. You all stay safe and have

a really great day. Drive safe and watch out for those loose boulders.

- Return of the Owl.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:22:00 -0500

Good morning everyone,

some pretty good days for the cricket. Lovely blue sky. Nice breeze.

Humidity comfy. Sea blue with a nice clear horizon. Few sprinkles of rain

but nothing to heavy.

We had a good day Monday when friends and ourselves went to watch

the cricket. Everyone having fun and enjoying themselves. Great atmosphere

in the stadium. Hubby and I went for a meal afterwards. Tried the Stone Grill.

Never been there before but we will be going back. Food was good and the

staff were really pleasant. And not over priced either. Pleasantly surprised.

The owl made a return visit to the balcony. Just turning dusk, when there

he was. Coming straight at us. Full on view of him. He popped up so quick and

quiet I let out a loud WHOAA, and tried to push through the back of the chair.

Unfortunately that made him vear off. Hubby called me a wimp. I'm not scared of

the owl ( honest ) but those talons and beak are another thing. Wing span must

be around 75 / 80 cm.

We are off to town, errand run today. So I'm off for another coffee before

we leave. You all have a great day. Stay safe.

- CRICKET

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:25:33 -0300

The weather today is looking much more settled than yesterday! Here in the valley everything is peaceful and still. Jaco Ladd and I had a great day out yesterday we visited the Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau with the head of Digicel Mr Richard Stanton. We went with a purpose and that was to capture our West Indies team interacting with a lot of the children and teenagers from Dominica! A lot of our children and young adults are very excited about cricket especially the fact that we are having the third and final test match here with the Australians! The really great thing we felt yesterday was the enthusiasm and also the feeling of excitement surrounding the cricket team members, they are so looking forward to seeing the crowds that we are sure will come to see them at the Windsor Park Stadium (WPS) to give their support and cheer them on!

One of the reasons we wanted to be there was because we have a school called the Alpha Center in Roseau which caters for Special Needs young men, women and children. I only just found this out recently through Richard Stanton who is a very motivated person and extremely caring of the youth in Dominica! I used to look after Special Needs children and adults in the UK, so am really delighted to have found the Alpha Center. Yesterday a lot of the members of the Alpha Center were at the WPS and met with the team which was really great to see. I have taken a couple of photographs from that session yesterday to post. Darren Sammy, the captain of the Windies, was particularly kind with everyone and as you can see from both photographs found a friend who did not want to part company with him. It was very heartwarming.

The Alpha Center is always looking for anyone who would like to volunteer some of their time to interact and help the students.

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Attachment: Sammy & Kids.jpg
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- Rain & Mozzies. Aaarggh.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:49:12 -0500

Good evening everyone,

AAAArrrgggh MOZZIE EXPLOSION. Found 3 of the little blighters hiding in the

bedroom. Just waiting for tonight when we are trying to get some sleep. Couple of

them have just floated by while I'm writing. Like my friend says, " why don't they suck fat ".

They would be of far more use to the world. It is all due to those wonderful days we have

had. Blue sky and sea. Light cooling breeze. Humidity down. Then all change.

Sky blanketed in grey. Thick, heavy grey clouds. Rain, although not torrential, just enough

to make the plants sigh with relief. Few strong gusts of wind. Quite cool this evening. AND

plenty of mozzies. Another one just gone by. Looks like my favourite perfume is coming out

tonight. Anything with deet in it will do.

Looking forward to Monday. Off to watch the cricket. W. I. v the Aussies. That should

be good. Believe the stadium is a sellout. So a good day should be had by all. Usually a

great fun atmosphere. Lets hope the weather doesn't spoil it.

I'm off to find the glass. You all stay safe. Have a really great day tomorrow.

- Winter comes back!!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:46:03 -0300

For the past two days and so far this morning we are experiencing winter weather, rain and a great deal of wind plus it has gone really chilly at night and in the morning too,seemingly. We have lost sight of our pregnant snake as she has not been out to sunbathe, due to of course no sun! This morning I went for my walk with the dogs. I was coming down the hill when I heard a loud crack and saw a branch on the ground so I carried on down the hill! On my way back a truck passed me with a load of workers on the back, suddenly I heard the loudest crash and there in front of me a large tree had fallen literally just missing me and the truck! I seriously thanked my lucky stars and said a quick prayer. What can happen in a nano second.............................. It is so good to be alive!

I recently finished a Pirate and now here's his Lass!

Attachment: Pirate Lass.JPG
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- Answer to the amazing light in the sky!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2012 17:50:20 -0400

We have to thank an avid reader and a knowledgeable person on the solar system for this wonderful explanation as to why we had the brightest star in the sky we have ever seen that disappeared after 30 minutes:-

Hello Lisette

Putting all the evidence together, I think I know what you saw. It was
definitely out of this world. Let me explain.

"It was a starlit night, but dewy." This tells me that you had a very
clear atmosphere, which is not all that common in the Caribbean, but
is characteristic of more northern latitudes. Carbon dioxide is a
greenhouse gas, but water vapour is a much more effective greenhouse
gas. When we have a clear dry atmosphere, we know that it will be a
colder night than usual. There's no blanket of water vapour to prevent
heat radiating into space. The heat is being radiated from the ground,
so its temperature drops below the dew point and water vapour
condenses on everything at low levels - hence, a dewy night. This
sometimes also results in ground fog. If you're from the UK, I'm sure
you know what I mean (O I am a bachelor, and I live with my son ...
the foggy foggy dew).

Venus is shrouded in cloud that is very reflective. It is by far the
brightest object in the sky, excepting the sun, and is so bright that
it can even be seen in the daytime sky under certain conditions.

Since Venus is a planet, it presents a disc in contrast with stars
which are so far away that they always appear as points of light. Its
disc will appear larger in binoculars, and it will look like a radiant
globe. If the sky is really clear, Venus will appear almost like a
small moon. We can never see a fully-illuminated disc as this would
mean that Venus would be on the opposite side of the sun. Similarly,
when Venus is between us and the sun, we could not see the sunlit side
as it would be facing the sun. However, when Venus is to one side or
the other of the path between us and the sun, it appears as a small
moon, either crescent or a gibbous.

You said that the light remained visible for 15 minutes until
obscurred by haze, and that before that, it was surrounded by a
hexagonal glow. This was probably due to high cirrus cloud which is
composed of ice crystals. They diffuse the light so that there's not
only a glow around Venus but also the dark part of the disc is filled
in with light. High cirrus cloud is usually a precursor to heavier
cloud. This cloud is diffuse and appears as haze, just as you
reported.

About a week ago, Jupiter was also close to Venus in the evening sky
along with a crescent moon. It was a beautiful sight. By the way,
Venus continues to go around the sun. As with all the planets, its
orbit is tilted. This means that it can pass directly between us and
the sun. When this occurs, it appears as a small black disc moving
across the sun. This will happen this June, and then not again for, I
think, 133 years. If you're interested, look up Venus Transit using
Wikipedia.

So, I'm sure you saw something out of this world. It's all definitely
more wonderful than a spaceship or whatever.

I hope you don't mind this very long email. Next week, I'm taking a
holiday for one week in Exuma. I've wanted to get to Dominica for some
years, so maybe sometime I will visit your island. In the meantime, I
enjoy reading your stormcarib entries.

Cheers,
John
.

- AMAZING LIGHT IN THE SKY

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2012 17:47:00 -0400

- Strange Brightest Light

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2012 21:05:36 -0400

We have just witnessed the most amazing light in the sky that was brighter than any star we have ever, ever seen! The Light we sighted at 8.45 p.m. We looked at the amazing bright light through binoculars and the light we saw was a honeycomb literally round and totally out of this world. The light stayed with us for 15 minutes and then disappeared in a haze!! We believe that we have just witnessed something visiting from another planet totally amazing. Please anyone out there on the West Coast of Dominica who witnessed this light let us know what you thought?

- And Another Lovely Morning.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2012 09:51:35 -0500

Good morning everyone,

and a lovely morning it is. All those bright blue's and green's that make the

eye's hurt. Yesterday we had enough rain to finally make the plant's happy.

Could almost hear the huge sighs of relief coming from the poor little wilted

things. This morning is just so lovely. It's quite cool this morning. Not much

in the way of breeze. Sun is shining and the sky is baby blue. Some wispy

pure white clouds. Sea is flat and calm, with barely a ripple to be seen. And

oh so blue. One small cruise ship and a couple of yachts in the bay just to

finish off the picture. Humidity down. All is quiet, apart from the pigeon on the

roof, coo cooing.

Had a very nice message from Tony who explained that it is not Montserrat

ash all over the house. Hubby was laughing as he handed me the broom.

Guess I do have to sweep more then.

The north side of the garden where I started digging to get to the roots of my

neighbours mango tree ( which were enormous ) that had started to come up,

cracking the path, has finally been refilled. Thanks to Hubby's help. I'm gonna

miss that hole. It's been there for such long time. About two or three years I think.

Well I'm off. Another coffee, enjoy that view. You all have a great day and

stay safe.

- CRICKET

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:27:14 -0300

Let's forget about the weather, although it is good at the moment because we have had a great deal of rain over night and it is still raining this morning here in our beautiful valley! The birds are in fine fettle singing away and are so very busy building their nests! We also have some baby boa constrictors liming around but it is too wet for them to come out this morning. We have to say we love having the snakes here as we never ever see a rat! We think rat is one of the main attractions of the boa constrictor's menu..... obviously very tasty..............................

!

We are just so thrilled by the way the West Indies are playing cricket in the present series. The 20/20 game yesterday through the final hour was nail biting as the West Indies just bowled all the Australians out! It was awesome and you could see the spirit of the team really coming together as a unit. They were all pumped up and absolutely on top of their game. Congratulations Windies.

We are sure our good friend Richard Armstrong - who was a great young cricket player himself - was at the game yesterday in Barbados, we wish we had been as well. It would be fantastic if when the cricket comes to Dominica it will be just as exciting, you can absolutely be sure that Windsor Park will be filled to capacity! We are just biding our time it won't be long!!

- Lovely Days and Montserrate ?

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:23:00 -0500

Good evening everyone,

not a lot to post about, except sun, sun, and more sun. It really has been lovely the last few

weeks. Nice light breezes. Picture perfect blue sky. Humidity nice, although it did shoot up a little

last night. Only one good downpour of rain, about two nights ago. Poor hubby has had to keep

getting the hosepipe out due to the ground being so dry.

Over the last week the horizon can barely be seen. Really thick hazy days. Spoilt our beautiful

sunsets. Looking at the sat pic's it is not showing up has Sahara dust. Can only think that it might be

from Montserrat. What I have noticed is that when sweeping the house out there is a lot of grey,gritty

dust. Can I blame this on Montserrat ?? or do I have to sweep more ???.

This evening is one of those lovely Caribbean evenings. The kind people pay a lot of money to

experience. Calm, warm, quiet.. Well apart from the frogs singing, which is nice anyway. Even the

dogs seem settled this evening. The Royal clipper is all lit up and silently floating past the back door.

Ahhh, what more can a girl ( L O L ) ask for. Hmmm, a nice glass of something might be good.

I'm off to find the glass. You all stay safe. Have a good evening and a great day tomorrow.

- Uninvited Guest

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:55:24 -0300

We have had a great weekend in the valley, the weather has been amazing. The birds have been having a great time with each other as Spring has truly come and our feathered friends are romancing each other, building their nests and generally being very busy. We ended up spending the weekend at home me doing some painting Jaco Ladd watching Rugby and the cricket we both watched the West Indies win their match yesterday and were thrilled with the result as Test Cricket with the Australians is coming to us here in Dominica in April we are keeping a keen watchful eye on the progress of the West Indies and the bowling seems to be really good! The one scary thing that happened to us last night was an uninvited guest in our home. Jaco Ladd got up in the night and woke me; there scurrying around our home was a huge centipede and boy can those things move, it would have been funny for anybody watching us both running around trying to despatch the offending insect, we did finally manage to do this. We went back to bed and I had to think of something really nice to help me go to sleep. It is the first and hopefully the last time we have seen a centipede inside our home!

- Dry with great winds

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2012 09:37:18 -0300

All is quiet in the valley, we are still having cold early mornings and chilly evenings which means that we are sleeping very well. We are getting the odd shower of rain but on the whole it is very sunny in the day time.

I had a very nice meal with the manager of the Fort Young Hotel Ms Frederique Hourde; we ate at the Water Front restaurant where we had the most lovely buffet meal. I was very surprised by the selection of food offered which included a very tasty vegetarian dish. The desserts were very appetizing with a lot of choice. The hotel is offering non residents and residents a lunch with juice included in the price which is 50 EC dollars. I will definitely be going more often to eat lunch at Dominica's premier hotel. The location is lovely overlooking the ocean and on cruise ship days you have a fine view of the ships and all the comings and goings of the crew and tourists which can be amusing and colourful! It is lovely to be able to take friends to lunch where the service is good and the food delicious, well done Fort Young!

- Still Chilly

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:12:34 -0400

Well we really have had a few very windy days with the odd shower! It really is very chilly here in the valley in the mornings and evenings. We have lived here 5 years and this is the coldest winter we have experienced so far; I am sitting here wrapped up and warm writing this report. The garden however is looking really beautiful and everything is growing well. It looks like we could be having a good weekend but I don't think we shall be tempted to dive in for a swim. The ocean is quite cold and we would imagine that this bodes well for a hurricane season that hopefully will be uneventful!

.

- Wow, It's Windy Out There.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2012 08:19:50 -0500

Good morning everyone,

we have had two days of fairly nice weather, this morning it's all change.

It's back to some heavy showers, patchy blue sky, huge dark clouds and

very very windy. Really strong gusts of wind, Strong enough to move the

balcony furniture. Can feel the house being pounded, doors rattling. The

sun is making a valiant attempt against the clouds, but seems to be losing

the battle. Just watched my neighbour run away to the other side of his

house to get away from the wind and driving rain. I haven't plucked up the

courage yet to open the front door and save the furniture. Every chair for

themselves I'm afraid this morning.

We should be going to the beach today. Hmmm, if the wind is still

blowing a gale later, think we will give it a miss. I know I'm getting on a bit,

but I have no wish to be sandblasted like some old building. I'm a fair weather

person and I do like my creature comforts.

I'm off to put the food back into the fridge. Have another coffee, check

out the view, which today seems to be one rainbow after another. Enjoy your

day and stay safe.

- Scary Owl and Wet.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2012 08:54:15 -0500

Good morning everyone,

what a really crummy day we had yesterday. More like the U. K. in November.

Dull grey, breezy, and very wet. And it didn't get any better in the evening. In

fact it was down right cold. If we felt cold, not sure how some friends must have felt

who live up in the rain forest area. Totally frozen we expect.

This morning looks not a lot better. Although the breeze seems to have died

down. Still grey, cool, and wet. Expect we will get an explosion of mozzie's now.

My Dutch friend said " Shame they don't suck fat instead of blood ". What an idea.

They would then be of some use at least.

We have a barn owl living somewhere in the vicinity. It's been around for

sometime. Sitting out on the balcony the other night, enjoying a quiet Kubili, and the

evening ( not last night ), it flew right across the balcony, about 2ft away from us. It

was so unexpected, it frightened the living daylights out of us; but we didn't drop the

beers!

Hopefully it will brighten up by the weekend, bunch of us are planning to go the

beach. No fun sitting on soggy sand. So you all stay safe. Have a great day. I'm off

to have my coffee and look at a very bleak view.

- FREEZING AND RAINY

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 18:00:17 -0400

Well here in the valley we have been cold since the day before yesterday! It looks like there is a weather system over a lot of the Caribbean at the moment. Here we are wrapped in sweaters, jeans and of course socks!!! Our dogs are curled up on the deck on their rug all huddled together for warmth. We have a slight lull from the rain! We are having a roast dinner tonight washed down with a good bottle of wine!! We will snuggle and cuddle watch a good movie. The temperature is 64!!
.

- What Is It ???

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2012 09:10:28 -0500

Good morning everyone,

A change in the weather over the last 2 days. Huge dark clouds filled with water.

Have had a fair amount of rain on and off. Pretty heavy at times. Garden is not

complaining though. It was in desperate need of a drink. Fairly breezy with some good

strong gusts thrown in. Sea is a very dark blue and it looks a little rough out there this

morning. Humidity way down, so nice and comfy.

What we have noticed, over the last couple of days, is some huge patches of something

that appears to be pinkish/brownish in colour out at sea. Some, of whatever it is, appeared in the

bay at Citronniere/Newtown. Anyone out there with any ideas of what it might be ?? Hoping

it's not weed.

Well the sun is making a determined effort. Lots of dark cloud still. If I dodge in and out

of the rain, it will be a good day to do the laundry. Nice and breezy. I'm off to finish my coffee

first though. Check out the view. You all stay safe and have a great day.

- The Carnival is over

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:46:43 -0400

It has been a long while since our last posting! We have had Carnival and it was a great success and fun this year! It is the first time that I danced in a band and had a real laugh, it was a very happy day for us, the sun shone and everyone was in good spirits on the Tuesday. The costumes were colourful and fun, the girls in the WCK band wore bikini tops and bottoms with a pretty feather head dress some were in pink and others in black! It was definitely a first in Dominica as the girls usually dress very conservatively!

It has been a particularly cold winter for us in the valley this year especially in the mornings and evenings very chilly indeed. We have had a real dry spell and the last two days have been squally. This morning started with a lot of rain but now the sun is peeping through the clouds, it could be a lovely Saturday.

.

- Carnival Days

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:32:25 -0500

Good morning everyone,

not a lot to report with the weather over the last 2 weeks. What can one say

when all it's really been is fantastic. Hot, sunny, light cooling breezes, bright blue

sky, flat,calm, sparkling sea, humidity comfy. Very few mozzie's. Plus the added

bonus of some good whale watching from the balcony. Pretty much perfect.

Monday & Tuesday were our carnival day's here. Yep it clouded up a bit and

we had some spits of rain. This is a good thing, though, when in town. Helps to cool

it down. Think everyone had a good time. We certainly did. And I know hubby did,

when he was suddenly accosted by a young lady, in costume, who wanted to cuddle

up. Quite made his day. And all those cruise ship passengers who came ashore had

a nice added bonus to their trip. A lot of effort went into the costumes this year. They

were lovely, bright, and colourful. So a big WELL DONE to all those who took part,

and to the organisers, for one of the best carnival parades we have seen.

This morning is a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It is raining while I write.

Not much in the way of breeze. The sea is grey. Hopefully by this afternoon the sun

will have returned. I'm off for that coffee, check out the very grey view. You all stay

safe, watch for those rocks and boulders which no doubt will come loose now. Have

great day everyone.

The sun is doing battle with those grey clouds.

- Still Wet.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:07:49 -0500

Good morning everyone,

a lot of on off rain over the last week. Enough of the stuff to get the

cricket cancelled on Fri 10th. Then yesterday was all change for the day.

Turned into a scorcher. Our back balcony, at 5pm, reached 88f. Yesterday

was a stay inside day.

This morning we are back to light showers. Sun peeking through

every now and again. Lots of grey cloud cover. Sea doesn't look at all

inviting,very grey. Not a breath of wind. Not even a light breeze. All very still

and calm. Humidity comfy.

Going into town this morning to search out door handles. If it stays like

this it will help, town becomes unbearable when it get's hot. I try to get in and

out of town, fast.

I'm off to have that other coffee before making the trek to town. Check

out the view, and the rainbows. You all stay safe and have a great day.

- WINTER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 17:12:27 -0400

No we have not posted for a while as it is so cold! Here in the valley today I have had a jumper jeans and shoes on all day brrrrrrrrrrrrrgh. It has been rainy, sunny, windy and chilly. We picked a pumpkin from the garden made soup with it and home made bread for lunch delicious! It truly is winter here in the valley. We are making a great dinner, washed down with a good wine and a romantic film to watch! Luckily it is not cold enough for a fire!

.

- Cool and Dry Morning.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:32:02 -0500

Good morning everyone,

the trees, bushes, and plants had a lovely day yesterday. It rained on and off throughout

the day. It looked more like the U K in November. Grey, wet, and chilly. I was a bit poorly

yesterday, so I was tucked up in bed for most of it, but I could hear the rain beating on the roof.

This morning is nice. Still a little on the cool side. The sky is a bit of a mix. Large expanse

of blue to the west, with some dark clouds coming across from the east. Had a very light shower

of rain, which only lasted for about 30 sec's. Light,cool breeze. Sea is a dark blue. Sun is doing

it's very best to break through those clouds. Humidity down to comfy.

Feeling a little better today, which is a good thing because I need to go check on my plant pots.

My neighbour very kindly gave me 3 pomegranate seedling trees and I would hate for them to be thirsty.

Goodness knows what I'm going to do with them all. I only have a tiny garden. He also gave me a

fig tree ( not banana ), where I'm going to put that I have no idea. It's living in a pot at the moment

till I work something out. Might have to give it away to someone else who will care for it, and likes figs.

I'm off for that other coffee, which hubby is making for me. Check out the view. No cruise ships

in today. Had 4 yesterday. The island must have been bursting at the seams. You all take care and

enjoy the day.

- Sun & Light Showers.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:14:04 -0500

Good evening everyone,

so the day turned out pretty good yesterday for the parade. The rain held off and it was

lovely and warm. Nice light breeze. Few dark clouds but they were blown away by the breeze.

Think everyone had a good time in town at the parade. One of our young neighbours went past

and told me that the town '' was a popping ''. One of our local gardener guys was hacking through

the neighbours garden at a great rate of knots so that he could get to town. So I guess all went

well. I am now looking forward to the real thing. Which is on the 20th & 21st of Feb. We should

have a cruise ship in on the 21st so that will be fun for the tourists.

Today we have had light breezes, with a couple of odd gusts thrown in. Sky and sea both

blue. Few dark clouds that looked threatening but nothing came of them. Couple of light showers

in the early part of the evening, just enough to give the plants a drink. The trees and bushes up on

the ridge to our east and north look like they could do with more than light showers. Lot of brown up

there. I think it looks like a head of broccoli gone to seed. Hubby thinks I have a very vivid imagination.

So anyone thinking of burning off their garbage take care. It's getting very dry out there.

I'm off to dig the glass out of the cupboard. You all take care. Have a great day tomorrow.

- What a Change.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:53:52 -0500

Good morning everyone,

And what a miserable morning it is. We have gone from glorious hot days with lovely

light cooling breezes, bright blue sky and sea, to wet, grey, and COLD. My tootsies are frozen.

Think I may have to go find a pair of socks. The breeze picked up yesterday, pretty gusty at

times. My neighbour popped in and the wind visibly pushed her. Not sure if that means I'm

heavier than her ( diet time ? ) or whether she just got caught by an extra strong gust. Some

fairly strong gusts this morning. The dry peas are rattling in their pods. Sky is dull grey, and so

is the sea. Still the humidity is way down, so there is a good side to it.

On Thursday we spent almost 2 hours whale watching. What a treat for the tourists, and us.

Spotted the whale boats out in the same area. They were there for ages. Time to check whats going on. Whales

were everywhere. Looked like most of the resident pod were on the move. So we made ourselves

comfortable and spent a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours, and all for free.

Do hope it brightens up. It's the start of the run up to carnival. A pre-parade should be going

on in town today. We have 2 cruise ships in, so the tourists will see the parade, and have some fun. Much nicer

when the sun is shining though.

I'm off for that other coffee, and watch some big dark clouds floating on by. If your heading to the

parade have a good time, and stay safe.

- SUNNY DAYS

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:22:51 -0400

The weather is perfect at the moment sunny with light breezes keeping the temperature just right. Our plants are growing nicely and we had some cucumber plants left for us this morning to put in the garden, a very good time for planting at the moment with the moon in the right phase! We have been having some weird goings on in the valley, the Chinese have tried to patch up the sink hole in the road by putting down stones and then a load of tarrish on the top what a dreadful mess! It is now like it must be in Hong Kong with huge trucks fully loaded with stones and sand going up and down our road! Goodness knows what will happen to the bridge that has a notice on it that nothing over 18 tons can use the bridge! Obviously none of these lorry drivers can read!! So will the bridge come tumbling down, we sincerely hope not!!

I have been doing some painting recently so have attached photo's of them One abstract of the Sunset (Sunset in Afghanistan) and a galloping horse (Flame Rider)

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- MONDAY

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:25:54 -0400

We have woken up to another sunny morning which is fantastic, it sure is good to be alive!! We had a fantastic picnic yesterday we found a quiet spot on Mero beach under a huge grape tree which gave us plenty of shade when we wanted it and kept the picnic cool! There was not a ripple on the ocean, however, the sea was really quite cold to get into and it took a while before we got accustomed to the temperature! We are so lucky to live in the Caribbean when a lot of the northern world is in the throes of winter! The only thing that was a bit upsetting yesterday is that the road below us needs repairing very quickly or absolutely no traffic will be able to pass so the fixing of the Glo Choud bridge will be rendered useless. The very large orange trucks that the Chinese own are coming up and down the valley fully stone loaded, which surprises us as the bridge is only supposed to take traffic up to 18 tons in weight. The lorries are tearing up the road and perhaps will compromise the bridge!!!

.

- HIKING

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:35:16 -0400

The weather has been pretty stable here in the valley - mostly sunny days with a good breeze, it is cool and beautiful! Today we are off for a picnic on the beach it is a perfect day for chilling and liming! We also have planted a lot of vegetables and thankfully put a fence around the area to stop our dogs and any other animal going on and fouling the beds. The seedlings are looking good and sturdy, so far! There is nothing quite like your own home grown produce beside the fact that it is so much cheaper, we know that they are organic which is terrific.
On a more energetic note, I went on a huge (9m) hike with our friend up the valley Thurs last and took some photo's on the way which I am posting!

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- CHILLY WEATHER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:34:21 -0400

The beginning of 2012 has been really quite chilly; we have had some bright sunny days but a lot of the days in the valley have been, windy, showery with some sunshine in between. At night it is very cold and I have to admit we still have our Christmas lights around the deck as they are so pretty! It is a bit funny because the lights were made in China and only three quarters of them work, surprise nuh?! We have a lot of Chinese goods in Roseau and it's a lottery as to how long - or if ever - these gadgets,clothes, footware, etc.will last. It must be a throwaway society! As they say 'The Times they are a Changing'

- A Lovely Early Morning.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:28:14 -0500

Good morning everyone,

well it's 4am and I have been wide awake since 3am. Goodness knows why, I'm

usually dead to the world once my head hits the pillow.

Still it is a lovely morning. The sky is clear. The moon is bright, making everything

look like it is covered in frost. I can see zillions of stars. What is a shame is that I don't

have much knowledge of the constellation and the only one I can pinpoint accurately is Orion's

belt. Will have to try and learn some more because it looks so lovely out there this morning.

It's cool and calm. Nothing in the way of breeze. All is very quiet, well apart from one dog left

to roam in the next road. Unable to tell if the sea is calm. From what I can see under the

moonlight it looks calm. When it's quiet like this you can usually hear the pebbles and rocks being

moved about by the sea, but I can hear nothing.

You all have good day. Stay safe. I will probably sleep through tomorrow.

- Flat Rainbows & Rattling Peas.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 09:27:05 -0500

Good morning everyone,

we have had 4 days of blue sky, blue sea and slight breeze. This morning it is cool with rain

showers. Breeze has picked up. Can hear the dried peas rattling in their pods on the plot behind

us. Humidity down, so it's nice and comfy. Some pretty big dark clouds coming over the ridge to

the east of us. The sun is doing it's very best to get through.

If it's going to be anything like yesterday, which started off much like today. This afternoon

will be hot. Hubby just called me out onto the back balcony to check out a rainbow, a flat one is

the best way I can describe it. The sea behind town was a mix of all those lovely colours. Have

seen a couple of these flat rainbows on the sea. This one was the best so far. Shame they don't

last longer.

Seeing it's breezy out there today think I'll risk doing some washing. So I'm off, cup of coffee

before I start I think. You all have a great day. Stay safe.

- Whew, Breezy.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 2012 19:58:12 -0500

Good evening everyone,

nice breeze today, which is slowly turning into gale force winds. Everything is a rattling and a banging.

Just checked the balcony furniture which is moving about. That will be stacked before beddiebyes.

Other than the really strong winds, it's been a lovely day. Lot's of blue and green around. Some light

showers. A very good gardening day. Quite cool this evening. Have had to put a woollie on. Humidity way,

way down. So feeling comfy.

Hopefully I will be able to get back into the garden again tomorrow. Pesky weeds taking over again.

Only had a few days off for Christmas and the new year and those weeds knew it. Popping up all over the

place they are. Although I am pretty pleased to see some of my new bulbs showing through. Trouble is I

can't remember what I planted and where. Oh well all the more exciting when, with a bit of luck, they flower.

I'm off. Find the glass. Settle down to watch a bit of Silent Witness. You all have a great day tomorrow

and stay safe.

- Bit of This and a Bit of That.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Jan 2012 09:37:04 -0500

Good morning everyone,

hope there is not to many headaches this morning out there. L O L.

Well the weather has been a bit and miss all over the Christmas. Bit of

sun, then more rain, then sun again. Windy at times, then no breeze or

wind at all. Humidity up, humidity down.

Right now it's pretty much of the same. Sun, showers, breezy, calm,

some superb rainbows. Sky and sea going from blue to grey. Some pretty

big dark clouds rolling across. Humidity creeping up again, or it might just

be me.

Had a lovely evening last night at one of our hotels. Paying the price

this morning. O well it is only once a year. So on that note I would like to wish

everyone a very HAPPY and extremely PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

I'm off to raid the medical box. All the very best to you all. Stay safe.

- HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Jan 2012 09:55:58 -0400

We have woken up to very heavy squalls of rain showers! Not exactly the way to bring in 2012! All our dogs are fast asleep at my feet staying cozy and warm. I have put some bread to rise and will make a vegetable soup for lunch, it is definitely a soup day!

We start the New Year with the Glo Choud bridge now well and truly open; however coming up our road there is a very bad place where the road is sinking - in fact, cars can hardly maneuver themselves across the lumpy bumpy road. Let's hope they come and mend the road very soon! A young man in a sports car spent the night in his car as he was not able to get over that piece of the highway and then backed the vehicle into a gully, not a fun night for him we think!! I truly hope that the New Year brings a much more stable time in the world economy and that there are no huge world disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunami's, floods, volcano's and obviously hurricanes, this indeed would be a good year ahead!

We hope everyone has a fabulous day.

- CHRISTMAS EVE CHILLS

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:09:31 -0400

Well it is that time of the year! Christmas winds which we certainly have today - plus it is very rainy and not good weather for very much at all! So today we are going to cook for tomorrow! Unlike Jackie we have ended up with a 20lb turkey, the only one available at the time! We are hoping that it will fit into the dish without us having to trim the legs as Jackie did last year!!! I am also going to make some mince pies and bread. We actually received some crackers this year from my sister in the UK and went to pick them up yesterday at the GPO. The staff were very fascinated with the crackers and we ended up having to pull one with the customs officer which turned out to be a lot of fun, especially as he was weighing up the duty on the cracker's contents! Definitely the start of the Christmas spirit. We wish everyone out there a very, very Happy Christmas!

- Lovely Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:44:47 -0500

Good evening everyone,

what a lovely day we have had today, after all the rain and wind. Sun shining in a

bright blue sky. Sea bright blue, looking flat and calm. Wind had died down to a gentle

breeze and around 6.30pm became almost nonexistent. All is quiet, peaceful and calm.

Now it's raining again. No breeze though. Humidity way down, nice and comfy. Feels

lovely and cool this evening, which no doubt means I will be cold in the early hours. O well.

Took a trip into town this morning. Total bedlam. Goodness knows what it will be

like tomorrow. Hopefully I have thought of everything and will not have to go back. The

turkey is slowly defrosting.. And thank you Ikea, I have a oven dish it fits into. Now all

it has to do is fit the oven. We shall see. Looking forward to a nice slow, easy going day

tomorrow.

I'm off to check out the glass hubby has just refilled. Listen to the frogs singing. They

unfortunately haven't learnt any Christmas carols yet. You all take care. have a really good

day tomorrow.

- Very Windy.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:04:26 -0500

Late good afternoon everyone,

My goodness it's been pretty windy today. Some good strong gust's. Strong enough

to rearrange the balcony furniture around. Also to rip one of our neighbours windows off it's

hinges and throw it down to the ground. Thankfully no-one was standing below at the time.

Could have been very nasty. Mostly sunshine, with a few very large dark grey clouds, being

blown across. Just a few spot's of rain. Nothing heavy. Been fairly cool today, which probably

means cold through the night. Humidity way down. Regardless of the wind the mozzie's and

no-seeum's are about. Being chewed on has I write.

Had an entertaining half hour this afternoon, watching a wind surfer from one of the cruise

ships out in the bay. ( we had 3 in today ) He/She ended up in the water a couple times and

had some problem's getting the sail back up. Help was at hand though, with a member of the

crew to give assistance. Kept us entertained for a bit.

The humming bird feeder has also given us some entertainment. Not only have we got the

hummer's and bananaquit's, the finches and lizard's come in to use it. Just waiting to see if one

of the pigeons or doves try to use it. That should be fun,

O YES, and against my better judgement I have been talked into buying a turkey. Although

this one is a good deal smaller than the one last year, and I have time to properly defrost. Hmmm, we shall see.

Well I'm off. Start some food. Then check out the fridge for a cold Kubili. You all stay safe

and have a good evening, and a great day tomorrow.

- Parrots

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:19:36 -0400

There is not a breath of air moving in the garden! The sun is shining the shadows are gently creeping over the garden it is going to be another gorgeous day!

The most delightful thing ever is that we have loads of parrots living in our trees, it is truly awesome, they are warbling, yes, that's right they warble when they sing, it is totally delightful. In all the years we have been living here this is the first time that the parrots have decided our environment is perfect for them! I wonder why they have decided this after so very long. We seriously feel it is magical. We are so very lucky to live in such a very beautiful place surrounded by nature, well really we are being allowed to be part of nature as the wild life choose to live with us in our garden! Even the snakes are happy and having fun sunbathing occasionally at the top of the drive again!! Senor and Senora slither, we suppose they might have a load of little slinks that will keep the rat population down; in fact we luckily rarely see rats so maybe they could be the main food of our friends? You see nature has it's own balance so we are all living in perfect harmony!

- More Rain.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:38:22 -0500

Good evening everyone,

It started out a stunning day. Bright blue sky. Sea blue, flat, and calm. Slight breeze.

Which was very nice and extremely welcome.

Went into town to try and find some bit's and bob's for the plumbing. Looked across to

where we live and there was this huge dark cloud. O. K. then, so we are on our way back to

the house and the sun is still shining. Perhaps it's just going to blow right on past.

Sitting having our coffee watching the sky getting darker and darker. Nope it's not going

to blow on past. And down came the rain. Torrential. Great big blobs of it. Straight down.

Alright that's not so bad. At least we are staying dry. Nope, the breeze changed direction.

Then it was every man for himself, to get through the door. The rain came at us so thick and

fast in a matter of seconds, I almost walked across hubby's head to get through the door.

Must have lasted for about about 30 minutes. Total whiteout. The town and the cruise ship in

the bay completely disappeared from view. ( quite spooky really ) The rain slowly headed out

to the west of us. Then the sun came back out. Ahhh lovely.

This evening is cool. No breeze. Humidity way down. Not been plagued by the little

vamp's yet. The frogs are in good voice. So are the dog's.

I'm off. To top up the glass. You all stay safe. Have a great day tomorrow.

- Glorious morning

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:52:09 -0400

We have woken up to another day of clear blue skies! The sunshine on the lawn is exaggerated by the dark shadows of the trees and bushes. The cliffs in the valley are brazenly standing out with the bright reds, greys and greens making a kaleidoscope pattern down the sides till they reach the river! The river we can here running loudly down to the sea, it is just a perfect scene for a quiet Sunday! We had a lovely time at Mero beach yesterday afternoon crossing the fixed bridge and travelling down the Layou Valley through the mountains of sand piled high by the road side, a very weird feeling, like driving on the surface of the moon! It was a total joy to get to the beach in 15 minutes instead of 40 minutes the Warner/Jimmit route! I think we shall head out there again this afternoon! We are so very lucky in the valley we do not get mosquitoes or no seeums up here at all, nor do we feel any humidity! Living above the valley is awesome!
.

- Beautiful Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:37:22 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Well, just as I was thinking of bringing back some SAD lights ( seasonal affective disorder ) the

next time we were in the U K, because it's been so grey and wet ( could have moved to Manchester, it

always rains there ) the skies cleared. Had a perfectly beautiful day. Although still not much in the way

of breeze. All very calm and still tonight. Humidity up. And the mozzies and no-seeums are out in force,

playing havoc with hubby's ankles. The skies are clear and we can see the stars. Frogs are singing.

Another couple of days like today and I will have to get hosepipe out. L O L.

Have had a fairly busy week. Been cleaning the algae off the paths round the house. With all the

rain I could see just how black and very slippery it had got. Do not tend to notice how bad it gets when

it's dry. Have no wish for a repeat performance of slipping over again. Think I started a trend in our road.

At least another two of the neighbours have cleaned their paths has well.

I'm off to find some food and a nice cold glass of something. You all have a great day tomorrow.

Stay safe.

- Our friends home

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:24:20 -0400

I forgot to post this photograph of our friends devastated home

-

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- THE BRIDGE IS FIXED

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:04:21 -0400

Today, at last it is sunny, beautiful clear blue skies! The birds are singing a very merry chorus in the trees surrounding our piece of heaven. It is truly a beautiful day to be alive. We are doubly celebrating as the errant bridge is now open and we can travel once again down the Layou valley to the west coast. I came up the valley yesterday and took these photographs; it is an awesome, nay surreal sight seeing all the terrible damage that has occurred in the valley by the dam bursting! There is still a mammoth job clearing tons and tons of sand in the affected area. In two of the photographs you can see where the Chinese nursery garden is totally covered in sand, also our friend's house which is so damaged downstairs that he is living upstairs and refuses to leave his beloved home; it is so sad but once again proves what a force nature is. The Layou river seems to be finding it's own way again! It is a great Christmas present from the government to get our bridge fixed! Thank you.

-

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- GREY DULL WEATHER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2011 08:30:42 -0400

All we want for Christmas is sunshine and warm weather! The last couple of days has been really wet and miserable! I feel very sorry for the tourists who have come here to enjoy the sunshine, we see the odd splurge of blue but the sky is mainly a greyish colour! It looks like this weather could continue for a few more days as there appears to be a large patch of weather right across our region moving very slowly! Traditionally Dominica is known to have a dry sunny December so we are hoping for sunshine sooner rather than later!

- Lot's more Water.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 23:35:37 -0500

Good evening everyone,

well we have had some pretty odd weather over the last few days to say the least.

After the massive amount of rain that we had, the skies cleared and we had a couple of

really nice days, Everything started to dry out. Then the clouds rolled in again. On off showers,

with grey sky and sea. Still not much in the way of breeze. Humidity going from comfy to

hubby saying to much info and he really does not wish to know how I feel.

Last evening the rains came back. Must have rained steadily for well over 3 hours.

Still hardly any breeze, but humidity down to comfy again.

This morning started out lovely. Bright blue sky and sea. We had a real treat while

sitting drinking our coffee and looking at the view. Spotted one of the local whale watch

boats out, just sitting there. Hmmm. Lets have a quick peek through the binoc's. And there

they were, must have been the local pod of whales, we counted at least 8. It was so great

watching them swimming along, then diving. Had a thoroughly good hour whale watching.

And the best bit of it was, it was all free.

So to this evening. The rain has finally stopped. It has probably been raining continuously

for the last 3 or 4 hours, and fairly heavily. We have a flash flood warning in place. So all take

care. With this amount of rain, we will get more landslides. The rivers will be up and running

fast and furious. Thought I heard rumbles of thunder earlier way out to the west. No lightening.

It has started to rain again, sounds quite light though compared to earlier.

I'm off. Only one guess to where. You all take care. Have a good day tomorrow.

P.S. the rain has finally stopped again.

- Winter is Here

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2011 07:23:13 -0400

Yesterday was showery and the evening was really cool for here, so we stayed in had a fantastic smoked salmon pasta with a great bottle of wine and a good movie very cozy! Today there is quite a lot of blue amidst the sky and looking at the weather charts, it is quite possible that we might have a beautiful day! The birds are singing very loudly in the trees and you can here the droplets of water on the leaves from all the moisture in the air it is so fresh! On Friday I went for an expedition to visit our other erstwhile correspondent Jackie at her home in Wallhouse and was able to see first hand what a beautiful view they have from their balcony! It was a pleasure looking over Roseau and the ocean drinking a great cup of coffee! I took some home made mince pies as a thank you for the mincemeat duly brought back all the way from the UK! Christmas cometh and I think today I shall decorate the house and bake the Christmas cake.

- Not a cloud in the Sky

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 08:43:16 -0400

Here we are: The 1st of December, Christmas is just around the corner and it is officially the end of hurricane season today!!

Last weekend and Tuesday was really, really wet and we had landslides in many areas of Dominica including the main way to the airport! We had a friend who missed her flight in the morning because of a landslide in the Carib Territory and she ended up having to go around Portsmouth way which is a very long way around to get her departure.

On the Tuesday afternoon I had to drive home in the deluges of rain, thunder and lightning, I chose to come back the Canefield - Ponte Casse way home and literally prayed all the way that I did not get stopped by a landslide or that one fell on me, or those loose rocks - Jackie is always telling everyone about - did not fall on me. The water was cascading down the cliffs at a rate of knots, I could hardly see the road as it was so dark and the rain was lashing down on my windscreen, it truly was scary!!

Hopefully now, the good weather will continue and our time will be dry and stable ahead. We feel it has overall been a very inactive hurricane season 'Praise the Lord' as they say here! Just Ophelia deciding to dump on Dominica did us some serious damage - also the miracle dam breaking which is still causing serious problems as the river still has no river bed! It will be great obviously when they get everything (hopefully) sorted and we can once again get down the valley.
.

- Blue's & Green's

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:16:07 -0500

Good morning everyone,

And a beautiful morning it is, at long last. Did not think it was ever going to

stop raining. This morning is absolutely gorgeous. The sun is shining. A few little

puffy white clouds. The sea is back to that delightful shade of blue, and looking

calm and flat from our view. Hardly any breeze. Everything looking bright, shiny and

clean. Looking through the window from the desk I can see a world of bright green.

A lovely morning.

Again all those who need to take a ride under and around those cliff's, please

go with care. I'm going to get another coffee and enjoy that view. You all have a really

good day.

- Landslips & Flooding.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:59:51 -0500

Good evening everyone,

Considering yesterday was a pretty good day,

Wow, we sure did have some rain today. Thunder and lightening. Pretty strong breeze

kicked up for awhile. Quite a few landslides and flooding. The rivers are running fast and furious

judging by the amount of mud being washed out to sea. Some pretty huge patches of the stuff

going for miles. Hopefully no one has been hurt. Some areas are in a bit of a mess.The small

airfield at Canefield flooded again. Good report and pic's on D. N. O.

It is still raining but not so heavy. Not much in the way of breeze. Humidity up. We still

have that huge blob hanging over us, so it's anyone guess how much more we are going to get.

Seems that blob has hardly moved at all for the last 3 days. We could do with a bit of a respite to

dry out a little.

Due to our terrain, most of our roads run around and under some pretty big cliff faces. So

please take care, if you need to take a ride.

I'm off. Finish the glass, and to bed I think. See what

tomorrow brings. Have a great day tomorrow, even if it is a wet one.

- Extraordinary East Coast Rainfall totals...

By Conan Shillingford <nichs at hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:48:44 +0000

Greetings to All!

                       I'm no longer reporting out of my original location in Itassi in the North East of the Nature Isle, however, I'm currently able to report with rainfall totals from Castle Bruce.
If anyone was to call the last few days 'wet' it would be a gross understatement. To say the least we have been deluged with almost non-stop heavy rainfall from around early Saturday evening. In fact, the most intense, and extreme rainfall event came during the period of Sunday (8:00a.m.) to Monday morning (8:00a.m.) when approximately 459mm of rainfall was recorded -really extraordinary-almost an entire month's rainfall in some cases; Saturday to Sunday's total- was 135.7mm and today's 130.2mm. Altogether, over 700mm of rainfall in a three day period.

Nonetheless, we locals are coping in the best way possible -of course we are giving Thanks to God that no lives have been lost though many roads have been covered with land slides and many streams and rivers have been overflowing their banks.
At this point everyone needs to be very vigilant and alert as more slides and slips are possible even as the drying out process begins..

May God's Richest Blessings be upon us always!

Conan Shillingford

                               Rev. Father Conan Shillingford

Priest Associate (Transitory).

Our Lady of Health Parish, Castle Bruce, Commonwealth of Dominica (Nature Isle).

Tel. 1(767) 446-0110
       1(767) 614-4658
Email: nichs at hotmail.com.

The Priestly /Aaronic blessing, Numbers 6:24 : "May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

For Your Edification See: WWW.EWTN.COM

- The Rain's Stopped. Yippee.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:08:48 -0500

Good morning everyone,

the rain has stopped. For how long is anyones guess, seeing we have this huge blob over us.

Everything is grey. Sky, Sea. Apart from the big brown patch in the sea, which is all the mud washing

down from the river. Goes for miles. Nothing in the way of breeze. Although it did kick up a bit yesterday

evening. Humidity really comfy.

All the plants, flowers etc will be enjoying this amount of water. Everything will start growing like crazy.

O yes and lets not forget the weeds. I can almost hear them pushing their way up through the earth.

I can see some really bright blue patches of sky to west and north. Hmmm, the east side is still grey.

With this amount of water, please go with care. There will be a lot of loose shale and boulders. The rivers

will be up and running fast and furious.

The sky is brightening, so the sun is doing it's best. I'm pretty sure that we are in for some more rain though.

Need just enough sun to warm the water, or it's cold showers.

I'm off. A coffee is waiting for me out on the balcony. Will watch the Star clipper drift on past. You all

take real good care. No rush it's a small island.

- THE HEAVENS HAVE OPENED

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:44:03 -0400

We have had rain all night. Now the heavens are in turbo mode and it is just pouring stuff like Niagra through very low cloud. Our yard is sodden and water is now lying on top and not running away. Looking at the weather chart it looks like Guadaloupe, Dominica and Martinique are slap in the middle of this weather system. Ophelia was bad; we have no idea what damage this will cause. Will keep you all posted during the day.

- Winter is here

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:41:23 -0400

Well we had rain all night with some thunder and lightning around 1.0 a.m. I am sitting out on the deck fully attired with socks, dungarees and a jumper typing this report. It looks like the weather is in for the day as there is a horrid blob over us! Jaco Ladd went for a walk this morning with the dogs as usual and came back with the exciting report that the Glo Choud bridge is nearly finished, they poured the concrete yesterday! The railings just have to go up and then the road worked on up the valley! We will lose to - some extent - the total peace and quiet that we have come to appreciate, however it will only take us 10 to 15 minutes to get to the beach for a swim, halleluja!!

- Winter Cometh?

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:56:56 -0400

Wake up call today with temps in the 10 deg colder difference to yesterday, even the bamboo was/were shivering and quivering to the beat of heavy squalls and concrete in motion....yes, for ardent bridge lovers, casting is in progress for the ruptured Glo Chaude bridge, so our ready mix of farmers and provision providers,the only way is up now that regular traffic will soon be back to normal. For whatever reasons the job has been fast-tracked and the lemon grass breathes a sigh of.....mmmm...er...releaf?

- COLD & Wet.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:19:18 -0500

Good afternoon everyone,

rained on and off throughout the night. Still raining on and off. Sky

very grey. Sea even greyer. Good strong breeze kicking through the house.

Just heard the front balcony chairs moving about. Guess I'll have to go stack

em. Humidity way down. Feels a bit on the chilly side. Definitely colder of a

night.

Just watched a huge rain cloud out at sea drifting north. Can barely see

the horizon to our north. Looks more like a good old 50's London fog out there.

Guess I'm working inside today. You all stay safe. Watch for those slides.

- RAIN AND MORE RAIN

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:25:37 -0400

Well I have been off the cyber traffic for a couple of weeks - have been very busy! I left Jaco Ladd at home and visited my friend Jan Farara in Antigua. Well, I had not been to Antigua for two years and I was so surprised at all the new buildings, commercial and private! It was fun seeing all my friends, but I was quite content to get back to the peace and quiet of the valley and rustic excursions with Jaco Ladd and our dogs! This last weekend JL and I went to the Ross University School of Medicine annual Arts and Crafts fair. It was exciting for me as I was showing at my first art exhibition and I sold some interesting paintings which was great fun.

We actually needed this rain at present as our water supply was getting low. We have a lot of thick cloud and moisture today, it rained all night as well, so our barrels are full and the garden - if it could - would be smiling.

Dominica is mourning the death Jeff Jo (Joseph) our very famous Creole musician and affectionado of this colourful culture. Jeff Jo will be sadly missed by so many people around the world. A sad loss of a dear man.

- Clouds & Simple Pleasures.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:32:23 -0500

Good evening everyone,

well we have had some really odd weather here on our little patch of paradise. Lovely hot days,

bright blue skies and sea. Hardly any breeze. Humidity felt high at times. Then along came

these really dark, low clouds. Looks like we are in for some rain. Nope, nothing. not a drop.

And the clouds just hovered over us. Just hung around for hours it seemed. Really slow to

move on. Only good thing was they made it comfy to work in the garden.

With all the strange clouds drifting about, we have had some really nice sunsets. Been

taking the Kubili out onto the back balcony, watching the sun go down. Trying to see the shapes in

the clouds. ( simple pleasures. ) Best I could do was a tadpole. Hubby was even suspicious of

that. Got a lot of Errmm's.

The success story of the week is we have finally got at least one banana quit and one humming bird

interested in our feeder. Although I have a lot of stuff in the garden that they like, thought we would

give them a little extra. Weeks the thing has been hanging there. Food changes every 2 days. ( costing

me fortune in sugar ) Then yesterday it was all worth the wait. The two of them finally plucked up the

courage to use it. We have spent several hours today watching them flitting in and out feeding, even

though we have so much other stuff to do. Ahh well, the other stuff will still be there tomorrow, and

the next day and ????

I'm off to get that glass. Watch a film. You all take care. Have a great day tomorrow.

- Darkness Decending.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:38:57 -0500

Good morning everyone,

HUGE dark cloud drifting over the house. Rain and lots of it. Very breezy.

You all take care. Will update later. Switching off. Just in case.

- Perfect Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:03:33 -0500

Good evening everyone,

And another beautiful day in our little piece of paradise. What can you say except all is perfect.

Blue sky, blue sea. Which was and is flat and calm. Light breeze. Humidity comfy, with just the odd

spell of is it just me or is it hot.

This evening is just as good. Not a lot in the way of breeze. Humidity down, so nice and comfy

still. Clear sky. Millions of stars out there tonight. Frogs singing, but not so loud tonight. So all in all

a pretty good day and night. ( well so far. ) Even the dogs are quiet.

O Yeah and the Muppet's are back. Looking forward to seeing the new film. Love em. Especially

Miss Piggy.

I'm off then to find that glass and fill it up. You all have a good evening and a great day tomorrow.

Stay safe everyone.

- Christmas is on it's way.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 12 Nov 2011 19:12:22 -0500

Good evening everyone,

After a good deal of rain throughout last night, we have had a stunningly beautiful day.

Hot, hot, hot. Sky nice and clear. Sea O so blue, flat and calm. We watched a couple of

guys hauling their catch of fish in down in the bay. The odd nice breeze going through the

house. Just lovely.

This evening is warm and calm. Humidity up a little.

Must be getting chilly in the night. Keep finding I have snuck under the cover during the

night. Time to get those long sleeved woollies out. Heard our first Christmas song in town on

Thur's. So I guess winter is on it's way. L O L.

I'm off to fill the glass. You all stay safe. Have good day tomorrow.

- Raining

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 22:46:19 -0500

Wow, just had at least 30 minutes of torrential rain. Came heavy and fast. Still no stars, so a lot more

cloud cover still. Rain now beginning to ease off. No thunder or lightening. Still no breeze. Fairly humid.

Mozzies having fun. Oops, can hear more rain on it's way. We can hear it before it actually reaches us.

Depends on how loud it is before we decide to make a run for cover. If it's really loud coming down the

hill, it's a sight to see, the two of us fighting to get through the door first. On the odd occasion we will try

brazen it out. I'm usaually the first to run. I don't do rain, wind or just plain cold very well. Sun is my ting.

Take care.

- Was it a Whale ?

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 19:18:35 -0500

Good evening everyone,

a little rain this morning, and a lot of cloud cover which made it just right for some gardening. Odd breeze

now and again, but mostly calm. Humidity felt like it was way up. Hubby hates it when he says I give to

much info. All I said was, my skin is leaking a fair amount today. it was the nicest way to put it I thought.

Also pretty hazy out there. I'm pretty convinced I spotted whales today, but it was so hazy I just couldn't be

sure. Might have been small waves breaking. Had a little more rain this afternoon, and a flash

of lightening.

This evening is calm, warm, and quiet. Well apart from the frogs singing their little hearts out. No stars

so I guess we still have a fair amount of cloud over us.

I'm off to get the glass,and something nice and cool to go in it. You all stay safe. Have a good evening and

a great day tomorrow.

- Chewed Collars what to do?

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 6 Nov 2011 04:40:02 -0800

Today we have woken to a bright blue sunny sky. Hurricane season will soon be over for another 6 months and we seem to have been relatively lucky throughout the Caribbean so far so good until the end of the month right! In the mornings I take the puppies (who will be 1 year old in January for a walk) We walk down the road to the fast flowing ravine with the view of the Layou river below. The one thing that never changes are the glorious colours of the cliffs that descend to the river, deep russet browns, terracotta colours, reds and blues, wonderful shades Hewen into the rock, topped with different shades of green from the trees at the top. Truly breathtaking first thing in the morning! The puppies scurry about running up sheer banks, poking their noses into the leaves and finding lots of great smells, suddenly the bushes part and there goes an Aguti (a small black animal that resembles a guinea pig and is about the size of a large rabbit!) the chase is on and off they run at top speed of course the Aguti gets away but what fun for the puppies, what an adventure and a great way to start the day! It also keeps me fit as I fast walk back up the hill! There is a reason for the story of the puppies. We rescued the puppies they were weaned too young and one of the puppies constantly tries to suckle, he does this to his sister with the result of a raggedy coat on her and her collar gets chewed off constantly!! We are on the fourth collar now!! Is there anyone out there that knows how to stop Chester suckling and chewing up collars which is costing us a fortune!! We would be grateful for some advice thank you!!?

- A Lovely Evening.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 20:28:24 -0400

Good evening everyone,

what a vast improvement on the last two days. After all the rain, thunder and lightening on Wednesday,

then yesterday we had a haze so thick you could barely see the horizon through it. It was like looking through

a flimsy curtain. You could almost taste it. Today was just lovely. Back to our bright blue sky, and sea. Not

much in the way of breeze. Humidity fairly comfy. Just the odd is it very hot or is me feeling. Mozzies out

and about having fun. Hazy but not nearly as bad as yesterday.

Everything growing like crazy after the rain. Especially the weeds. Hubby is blaming me for the rain.

On Tues and Wed morning I planted in some new bulbs and bushes. Well the packets said water in well.

So I gave them a drink, which was obviously not enough, because mother nature took things into her own hands.

And opened the heavens for them. Now looking forward to some more colour in the garden, because they sure

got all the water they needed.

This evening is quiet, warm, and calm. Millions of stars twinkling and frogs singing. One of those lovely

Caribean evenings when you know why your here. You all stay safe. Have a good evening and a great day

tomorrow. I'm off to find the glass.

- PARROTS

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 04:50:21 -0700

Yesterday was sunny which was just as well for the youth parades as it is our independence time here in Dominica - so it's a long holiday weekend. We had thunder and lightning about 7.0 p.m. last night but it did not last long and was not too bad - it sounds like St. Kitts caught the wrath of the storm! Today we have woken up to a grey sky and can here the roar of the Layou river below! The other sound we have in the trees around us are those of the Jaco parrots! It seems to be Spring for them (they have that a bit wrong) as they are flirting and making love to each other in the early morning and at dusk! It is comical to listen to and watch as the male and female start courting on different trees and call to each other rather like crotchety old folk rather than lovers. We are not sure what eventually gets them together on the same tree but it culminates in lots of squawks, oohs and aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhs! Just another wonderful part of living in our valley. The Jaco parrots are an amazing colour they have bright red breasts and are bright green very good camoflauge. We are so glad these wonderful clowns of the skies are protected by our forestry commission! Dominica is the nature Island of the Caribbean!

- Sun is Back.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 10:29:34 -0400

Good morning everyone,

Well Creole week is over, and the sun is shining. The sea is blue, flat and calm. A nice

breeze cooling us down. Humidity comfy. Do have a fairly large dark cloud just coming

over the ridge to our East. Hopefully that will just be blown right out to sea.

From the start of Creole it rained, on and off, everyday and evening. Had some real good

torrential downpours too. Had hardly any breeze all week. Such a shame when so much effort

goes into these events.

Could have done with a good downpour on Saturday night. Hubby and I watched a yacht

burn in the bay. Went out onto the balcony just around midnight and there it was burning away.

Nothing anyone could really do, it just had to burn. Though it was quite spectacular when the fuel

the tanks blew.

The weather gave me some time in the garden yesterday. Cool and cloudy. And that is

where I'm heading today. Beat back those weeds, again, which have enjoyed all the rain.

You all take care. Have a great day. Watch for those landslips and boulders.

- Wellington boots!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:34:18 -0700

Yesterday was a sunny day so we decided to visit Creole in the Park! Well, this turned out to be a mistake given the footwear that we were wearing and the mud in the park was black, squelchy and wet! It was necessary to traverse paths made out of pallets being careful not to get a heal stuck in the gap to keep out of the mud. I have to say we gave up and left the festivities early; so today we will go wearing our wellington boots, this will take any worries about getting muddy away. In spite of the mud everyone seems to be in a jovial mood and ready to party. It did rain in the night so it will be still wet underfoot. The skies look blue and cloudless which is a good sign in the valley! It looks like the storm threatening the South American coastline is turning back, please not another Lenny!

- Raining.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:55:46 -0400

Good morning everyone,

quick update. Very dark, low clouds. Still raining. Not a breath of breeze.

While having my first coffee of the day, just watched a pretty good light show going

on out sea. The clouds are so black the lightening was really showing up against

them. Can just hear another rumble of thunder. Can see a small streak of blue to the south.

You all take care.

- Very Wet Dark weather

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:28:43 -0400

Yesterday was a pretty dull day with a lot of heavy rain showers. In the night we had a great deal of lightning and no thunder, now we are having a lot of thunder and lightning very dark at the moment with heavy rain showers. This is a quick report.

.

- Grim Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:31:21 -0400

Good evening everyone,

A pretty grim day today. Thick grey cloud. Lots of rain, really heavy at times. Not much in

the way of a breeze throughout the day, but the wind has picked up and we are getting some

strong gusts now. No thunder or lightening. Plenty of mozzie action.

Seems it always rains for Creole in the Park. Reminds me of Glastonbury, always seems

to rain then. It is such a shame because people put so much effort into these things. People

look forward to this week at the park, with all the entertainment, culture, food, and fun.

No stars tonight. Frogs sound happy though. Noisy out there. I'm off to find a Kubili.

You all take care. Have a good evening and a great day tomorrow. Watch for those landslips.

P.S........Just got our first bit of thunder and lightening......shutting down the computer....just in case !!!!

- Creole Festival

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:39:25 -0700

Dominica will be alive this week with visitors from everywhere flocking in for our Creole festival. We are really looking forward to the week ahead. Creole in the Park is fun, as we can listen to many bands and different cultural shows, plus there are tents with displays of arts and crafts, plus plenty of food outlets tantalizing the taste buds not to mention the bars! We meet many friends that we do not see a lot of because everyone tends to come to the park on one of the days! Dominica maybe a fairly small island but she is difficult to get around easily, as we are having road works done on two of the major roads and the Layou valley is now out of the equation, even if the Glo Choud bridge is mended cars and trucks would not be able to come up the valley as the river has taken over the whole area. The problem is the sand which is still coming down from the burst dam has overwhelmed the riverbed and so now the river just goes anywhere it can! - so it is more difficult to get from A to B!

I think we might go to listen to Dread and the Baldheads at Riverstone this afternoon as it is just a jaunt down the road from where we live. The weather seems showery for today!

- Cool, Comfy Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:01:46 -0400

Good morning everyone,

woke to what appears to be another beautiful day. Sun shining, which always makes for

a feel good factor. Sea blue and calm. Barely any breeze, but it feels quite cool. Few heavy looking

clouds drifting across the ridge. Hopefully they will keep drifting right on by. Had some fairly

heavy rain last night between 10 & 11pm. My new plants have been well watered in. Never heard

any rain through the rest of the night, but that doesn't mean a thing once my head touches the pillow.

Hubby gets pretty jealous that I can just zonk out, and he lays there for hours trying to get to sleep. I

think its because he thinks about getting to sleep too much.

Barrels were collected and emptied yesterday. I love barrel day. All those goodies you bought

and forgot about. Better than Christmas, there is so much more of it. Endless prezzies.

I'm off to have my other coffee. Check out the view. Then we are off out . You all take care.

You all have a great day.

P S. The mince survived Lissete.

- I have my garden back.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:14:38 -0400

Good morning everyone,

Whew, Finally beaten back the jungle that was masquerading as my garden. And just in time. Down

came the rain this morning. I know it started to rain late yesterday evening, but was just sooo tired I'm not

sure if it continued to rain through the night. Never heard a thing once my head hit the pillow.

Well the rain has stopped. The sun is out. The sky and sea are blue. Bit of a haze out there. Horizon

not sharp and clear. Sat pic's not showing any dust, but I guess it must be there. We seem to have it anyway.

Getting a strong breeze every now and again, but mostly it's calm and still. Humidity comfy. From my angle on

the balcony this morning, there was a lovely big rainbow going right over town. It made it look picture postcard

stuff. Real pretty.

I'm off for another coffee. Entertainment for this morning is watching a guy perched on a strip of 2 x 4

nailed to bamboo painting the house in the next road. Then I'm back in the garden to do a bit of tweaking and

fine tuning. Unless of course it rains again, then I guess I'm stuck doing some ironing. Which is piling up nicely.

You all take care. Have a great day.

- Parrots flying freely across the skies!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:05:49 -0700

It poured with rain for most of the night, so all the water tanks are full this morning! Looking out on the valley today it is very sunny with quite a few fluffy white clouds skudding across the sky. We hope this bodes for a good weekend weatherwise.

We are getting quite a lot of parrots in the valley at the moment; they are quite fascinating to watch and listen to. The way they fly is rather cartoon like as they flap there wings a lot and fly in an awkward jerky fashion across the sky. They talk to each other all the time.... they fly and if one gets a little left behind the noise it makes trying to catch up is as if it is a child literally screaming 'wait for me wait for me!!' We have two breeds of parrot: The Sisserou and the Jaco. In the valley we see only the Jaco species! The parrots love fruits and are very commonly seen at Syndicate, where a lot of citrus originate from. Our parrots are protected by law as in the recent past, they were nearly made extinct by people catching them to eat and sell! It is wonderful to see these fascinating birds flying freely - just another wonder of our nature island Dominica!!

- CHILLY

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:03:25 -0700

The weather today has been extremely wet, windy and chilly, the only clouds in the sky are heavy grey ones scudding very fast across the valley. I am sitting on our deck with socks on and a jumper (plus other clothes as well)! First time for the year. I reckon it must be my fault as I had decided to go to the beach (after working this morning) to relax and read a book! No chance, winter cometh, the hurricane season is coming to an end let's hope gently!

- All is Calm

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:27:01 -0400

Hey Dominica is so cool temperature wise, it is so pleasant, Autumn is kicking in! Jaco Ladd is making the dogs dinner with the last avocados, bananas, meat and dog food ( we have to say avocados are not at all poisinous to our local dogs they love them and do well on them)! It is quiet and cool! The local parrots are kicking up a storm singing away in the trees just hanging out. Dominica is truly the garden of Eden on earth! We hope every one enjoys their evening just for the time being!

- Sunny showery days!!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 9 Oct 2011 07:27:11 -0700

There is the most lovely feeling in the valley today, there is a beautiful breeze which is gently brushing the leaves on the trees and the bamboo giving us a beautiful rustling sound. There are two chicken hawks flying high in a blue sky. There is a truly Autumnal feeling and mixture of perfumed fragrances on the air. We only have two more months to go to be out of the hurricane season which is a wonderful thought! Notwithstanding, there is a very nasty huge patch of weather between us and South America which we hope does not come this way; weirder things have happened when you look at the storms this year! Ophelia was not a funny bunny. It is good to have Jackie back with her view of white puffy clouds from their balcony! I think we shall have to visit them to sit and watch their view with a cold Kubuli in hand! Have a great Sunday everyone.

- A Real Nice Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2011 20:51:07 -0400

A very good evening to all,

Had a really good couple days in the garden, battling my way through the undergrowth. Thought at one point

I should have brought a compass with me. Covered in scratches and cuts and a few bruises. It's not giving in easy,

Intend to win the battle if not the war. Sorted through the pineapple plants. Looks like the neighbours have been true

to their word and helped themselves to what was growing before we left. So new plants have gone in. Had a pleasant

surprise and found a good strong healthy sorrel bush growing. Hubby makes a mean sorrel drink. Looking forward to

that at Christmas. Just add a dash of rum.

The day has been pretty good for gardening. Little overcast at times. Nice breeze with a couple of strong gusts

thrown in for good measure. Everything either blue or green, with a couple of little puffy white clouds to break up the

blue & green. This evening is pleasant. Nice breeze. Frog still looking for a mate.

I'm off to find something to eat and to refill that glass thats been neglected for the last 4 months. Some catching up

to do. You all take care. Have a good evening and a great day tomorrow.

- We Are Back.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2011 12:18:42 -0400

Well, guess who's back in town, and very pleased to be here,

Hello everyone and a very good afternoon to you all. It's so nice to be back home after 4 months of

travelling. It was lovely to see our son and daughter-in-law. First time in about 7 yrs that we have been

able to spend more than a day with them. The daughter and the grandchildren were fun and noisy. Now

for a little peace, quiet, and relaxation; after I have tackled the garden. It's a jungle out there. Everything wants

to be a tree, even the daisies. Neighbours have been tooting, and shouting welcome back. Even a roach popped

in last night to say hi. The mozzies and no-seeums have welcomed us back with open wings.

This morning is a bit of a mix. A little bit of sun then some rain. Light breeze, making it comfy. Sky looking

just a little to grey. Sea grey. Raining again, which we don't really need after the downpour from Ophelia. Seems

she is now heading for the U K.

The first cruise ship of the season has pulled into the bay.

I'm off to find another coffee, then out into that garden between the showers. You all take care. Watch for those

landslips and boulders. Had to go real careful on the way back from the airport, along the Imperial Road, a lot of landslides.

- CLEAR UP FROM OPHELIA

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2011 06:49:57 -0700

Quite a few people have written asking us to report a bit more about the devastation caused by 'Ophelia'. Ophelia was the weirdest storm that Dominica has seen beside the devastation of David in 1979!! Rain only fell on the highest parts of the island's mountains and the westcoast was the whipping boy for the tremendous rains showing the enormous power nature throws at us when she so decides! We have never ever seen the damage before that was caused in Canefield, Massacre and Mahaut which are the villages we visited after Ophelia's punch. Boulders, trees, house debris and a lot of other junk just tore down into every crevice, river, ravine, road, anywhere the water could find to go, with the force of the water that the heavens bestowed on the island indifferent to anything in its path.. Where we live we had the most terrible thunder and lightning accompanied by the rain and in Layou Park, a steel gate and gate posts was blasted apart by one thwack of lightning and thunder! Chunks of concrete from both gate posts and a hole in the concrete are testiment to the power of the storm! It is five days since Ophelia struck and people are still clearing up; I took these photographs yesterday. One of the saddest is to see the Wharehouse night club, which was a very old building totalled!!

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- Calm after the storm

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 1 Oct 2011 06:38:25 -0700

Dominica is having superb sunny weather after Ophelia visiting us so solidly on Wednesday. People have been writing in and asking if everyone is OK here and yes, we have to report that everyone is safe a sound; we think one man had a broken leg and others the odd cut and bruising but no one as far as we knew lost their lives! Dominica again was lucky in that respect, we had the Miracle Lake dam burst 3 months ago and this happened in the middle of the night. We are not superstious but we have had two escapes and supposedly there just probably will be a third we sincerely hope not. We are very sad for those amongst us who lost their homes and their vehicles. The thing we think that really surprised everyone is that in Massacre and Canefield there was really no sign of the storm the sky was blue and then suddenly all hell was let loose when the water that had been dumped high in the hills by Ophelia had to find its way out to the sea and literally came gushing down the gullies, dry ravines; absolutely anywhere it could find to escape taking with it all in it's path! It was really a phenomenon which we hope does not occur anytime soon!

- THE CALM AFTER THE FURY OF OPHELIA

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:22:43 -0700

Jaco ladd and I decided to drive to Roseau as we had some business to do in town. We made a hasty decision and drove via our Warner Jimmit route, this took us through Jimmit, Mahaut, Massacre and Canefield. We were totally and utterly shocked at what we saw!! The heavens had opened and Ophelia dumped everything she had at that time on a very small area of Dominica! This is what we were so amazed at! Dominica is a very amazing island with the fact that she has nine dormant volcanos and is known as 'Watikubuli' (how tall is her body).The weather can e as different from one part of the island to the other it is really weird as the island is only 15 miles wide so how can this be!! We in the Layou valley and our area goimg as far as Ponte Casse and a little beyond then down as far as Canefield to Portsmouth experienced Ophelia full on! The damage to these areas is extensive, severe and seriously awesome and scary. Every river, gulley and ravine on the west coast as far as Canefield was filled with huge roTks, bolders and trees the water was still streaming off the mountains into the sea making the sea the colour of mud! In Mahaut the water had gone through many of the homes and the owners were seen by us shovelling mud and piling all their belongings by the road it was a very sad appalling sight. When we drove to Massacre we saw the usually dry rivers full of huge bolders and trees and men with diggers trying to move the debris, we then went to Massacre and saw gaps in the road where houses had literally gone into the sea! Again home owners mopping out their homes as best they could with friends helping and the mud in some places over knee height! When we came to Canefield just past the airport there was actually a part in that was and is a road that has turned itself into a small river gushing into the main road that we had to drive through! When we went passed Canefield it was like we were in a different country and on another planet. Absolutely nothing had happened in Roseau or the south of the island!! All my staff had worked all day and had not in the slightest been affected by Ophelia! In fact my staff were looking at me opened mouthed when I told them about our experience. Nature is truly amazing! On the way home we decided to go the Canefield Ponte Casse way and had to stop while a bulldozer was clearing up a huge landslide. The road coming up from Antrim is appalling another disaster waiting to happen the road is now coming apart with deep gashes in it and bits of land falling away. On the bright side a new hotel was opened this afternoon the otherside of Portsmouth funded by the Morrocans. No doubt after the celebrations they will all be visiting the devastated parts of Dominica and offering their help and support! Thank you all on the other islands for being supportive to us here in Dominica it is a good feeling to know we are all together. We are looking forward to the return of Jackie and having her post weather reports!

- Calm and Grey

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:18 -0700

We slept very well last night it was peaceful and we heard no rain.! The night was very cool which we were grateful for. Our LIME phone seems to be down but Digicel is working. We have had no electricity since yesterday morning, we are on generator power at the moment. The prime minister has closed the schools for today as the damage to certain roads has to be cleared! I think we will try to venture out later and see if we get some juice for the generator at our nearest gas station in Jimmit! Luckily, no one was badly hurt and there were no fatalities according to www.dominicanewsonline.com This is indeed a blessing. As I sit here on the deck writing this report the sun is peeking through the clouds and the birds are starting to sing which they certainly weren't doing yesterday!! It looks on the weather reports likely that Ophelia will leave the shores of Dominica today! Praise the Lord as they say here!!

- Water, Water everywhere.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:15:43 +0100

Good evening everyone,

Just been checking in with you all and read Lisette's page. Hmmm I thought lets have

a peek at the D N O site, see what is going on. O MY. Sure looks like Dominica is getting wet.

Some very dramatic photo's. Stunned at the water pouring out of the back of a bus. Just could

not believe what I was seeing. I really do hope everyone is safe and stays safe. Please go with

more than great care near those rivers. They must now be raging torrents. I have always had

the greatest respect for water, even more so when this kind of thing happens. Watch for those

land slips and boulders. With this amount of water there are bound to be some.

We have left our property in the hands of very good neighbours and all we can do is hope

that all is well. Thankfully we will be back soon and it looks like we maybe needed to help with

any cleanup after this deluge.

So once again people stay safe.

- Taken TOO lightly…

By Micheal Colaire <nichs2002 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:12:39 -0700 (PDT)

The rains have continued unabated over most of island beginning with the most notable onslaught which started about 9:00p.m. last night. Consequently, many parts of the island have had about 14hrs of unceasing rains of varying intensities- with wind driven rains coming mostly out of the west. As I type more rains continues to fall though thankfully in my area they have mostly been more on the light to moderate side –since I’m on the North East of the island.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the West and south coasts where there are now numerous reports of roads made impassable and several motorists and commuters stranded and impatient as they await the subsiding of some rivers and streams which have overflowed their banks. The most dire of cases is the Layou valley area where the river though very high still may not have crested as yet, and also our smaller airport- Canefield is reported to have parts of its runway under water. Sadly, other reports state that some parked cars have been washed away from their original locations in the surrounding environs.

At this point several schools have either released students earlier than usual or have sent out messages requesting parents come immediately to pick their children. I’m afraid that we definitely took Ophelia too lightly…and the ramifications are now before our eyes- pun intended especially those traversing the roadways.

Nonetheless, commendations are in order for the Ministry of communication and works whose officials have been out from the wee hours of the morning under blinding lightning lit skies, deafening thunder peals and relentless torrential rains to ensure that there has been a smooth flow of traffic as far as possible- Kudos also to the electricity company who ensured that at the worst communities were only temporarily inconvenienced or at best only had a lower than usual voltage- Amazing!

However, perhaps a weather warning/ advisory should have been issued as is the norm for our fellow Caribbean Governments. This has customarily been done, case in point Barbados- pro-activity not reactivity is definitely essential in such matters.

For it’s always BETTER to have been prepared and have no eventuality than to have failed to prepare all together, and suffer the consequences. On a more positive note there have been no recorded injuries or fatalities from the effects of Ophelia’s bands –Praise the Lord! Let’s pray none arise!

May we all continue to be safe and enjoy the Blessings of our God through the good and not so good moments as well! Blessings, love and prayers to all affected!

- BIG FLOODS IN DOMINICA

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:03:49 -0700

We have just visited www.dominicanewsonline.com which is our local online newspaper and have seen a lot of photo's of the flooding in Dominica. We are now getting a great deal of rain and it looks like it is going to continue for quite a while yet We pray that people here will take care and stay in their homes or with friends. We will keep reporting as much as we can.

- OPHELIA DUMPS ON DOMINICA

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:39:01 -0700

Since writing our report this morning the heavens have opened and the back fin of Ophelia has dropped on Dominica big time, she still continues to do so. We have Digicel and Lime cell phones down though online services are up while there seems to be a lull in the storm! Our erstwhile Alpha female dog Tippy - who has never ever been frightened of thunder and lightning - had some horrid experience in the night. We have had to have her in the house to compensate through the storm today - we have never seen an animal so terrified! Tippy and I were both shaking it has been a horrible experience as the storm was overhead and mega noisy plus there was a great deal of lightning with a direct hit next to our bamboo. As we have no contact other than by internet we are not sure what has occurred on the island. I do know that this morning the Layou River had taken over the whole of the Layou valley once again; the sand deposits that had been piled high by diggers has all been swept away. Nature really is uncontrollable. It is 3.30 p.m. as we write this report and Ophelia kicked in big time around 10.0 a.m. We have just had a report by our friend on her Digicel phone which now is working; that no one can get through to Roseau or Portsmouth because the Layou river has spilled over the road by the old petrol station and is very deep so it is impassable for vehicles. Layou village itself is on alert because the river is so high and the sea is also very high so Layou village could be flooded. There has been flooding in Mahaut and Massacre also the river in St. Joseph caused some flooding. We have also heard that we could continue having Ophelia with us until tomorrow!! It seems Dominica has been very unlucky. We will report as and when we can, there is a lull in the weather at the moment. We luckily have not heard of anyone being hurt.

.

- Clouds in the garden!!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:40:33 -0700

Well our friend in St. Kitts is 100% right; we had lots of rain, thunder and lighting in the evening. The action started around 10.15 p.m. and finished at around 12.30 a.m. We had some really heavy downpours of rain which made us feel we were under a waterfall! We can hear the river Layou, it is roaring in the valley and right now - unusually - we can hear the rain coming up the valley, from the west, a fast, loud beating on the leaves. The clouds are literally dancing on our lawn it is a very mystical weird feeling, as if we are being wrapped in cotton wool!! Like our friends in the other islands we are really getting fed up with Ophelia please, please go away today!

- Mystical weather

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:52:19 -0700

Yesterday was really very sticky and I was in town most of the day which was pretty uncomfortable! Ophelia, is hanging about out there off our shore which has been the usual theme to the weather this year! We had some rain and a lot of lightning in the night no thunder really weird! We hope the weather slips away from the islands but it looks like it could give us a bit of a licking today!!

- Spot on Weather; Regeneration?

By Micheal Colaire <nichs2002 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:13:35 -0700 (PDT)

Greetings Everyone!

Well Once again Kudos to the Met Office professionals here on the island as their forecasts have been spot on- at least for the North Eastern part of the island. No complaints here... The rains did come and there have been isolated thundershowers/ thunderstorms at times. Perhaps since we are furthest up along the top end of the island the effects have been more pronounced- given the proximity of currently post Ophelia.

However, forecasting and weather analysis remain an inexact science, thus, its always better that a warning or advisory be put out there for the public in the event that something does happen than to have been complacent or reticent and risk losses -including that of life and limb. The mindset should always be one of relief and tremendous gratitude when an issued warning really amounts to nothing...Thank God! Its certainly better to be safe than sorry -since as a chain of islands we will not always be able to dodge storms whether accurately forecasted or not.

Enough on that perspective...Currently winds are prevailing out of the west and the occasional shower has been falling, perhaps much more to come...

Looking at the latest satellite pics (Re: Ophelia); it appears that Regeneration is now a matter of when and not if -with the chances moving up to a high of 70% according to the NHC. Later today as Tuesday unfolds it may shape up to be interesting weather-wise.

Again let's hope we didn't take this 'young lady' too lightly.

God's Blessings to all!

- Hot and Sticky

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:18:14 -0700

We, that live in the mountains, have to say that the weather people here in Dominica do not seem to get the weather forecast right! The weather is beautiful here today. No we do not have rain! This is what was forecast here for today! I had a huge discussion with my neighbour and told her that the weather would be fine for now and beyond, which it has been and is. Our friend read us the weather report from the Dominican radio feed that said we would have bad weather - aka rain and thunderstorms for this afternoon.......... at present we have a perfect powder blue sky and sunshine, it is balmy at 4.00 p,m.! We just wonder what is happening in the Miami center!! This seems to be where Dominca's forecast comes from? So far this year, most advisories the weather people here in Dominica have given us seems to be off kilt, how weird is this! Not the Dominica weather reporters fault - we are sure - just listening to perhaps the wrong mainland weather center. This year is a slow dance!

.

- Opportunistic Ophelia...

By Micheal Colaire <nichs2002 at yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:00:23 -0700 (PDT)

Greetings to All,

Well -a bit of something 'interesting' here in the North east of the Island...though our very competent Met Office officials did put out an advisory of a possible band from Ophelia affecting our island later in the day- this latest blob of convection has probably been a bit more wet then was originally expected by most locals.

For about the last hour- perhaps the entire North of the Nature Isle has been under pretty heavy rain- though from the looks of the satellite and Radar pics- Guadeloupe especially Basseterre island seems to be having the worst of it. The rains are still pouring down, and there is a fairly constant wind which at most may have had gusts near 20mph. However, the winds have been variable coming mostly out of the North north east, at times North and a times a bit like North north west...Well we shall see what the rest of the evening brings.

I hope we have not taken this 'young lady' a little too lightly.

Let us be ever vigilant and God's speed and Blessings to everyone!

- Rainy night

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:31:34 -0700

Yesterday was beautiful, but I was in town and it was very sticky, hot and oppressive! It was great to get back to the valley where it is quite a bit cooler. We had rain during the night, it is very grey as I sit here on the deck and we have a great deal of moisture, plus we are getting some very gusty winds; our water tanks are full once more! It looks like 98 L is going to saunter up past us which is great; this weather system seems to be doing a fast dance like the cha cha cha! I think this might be how we remember this season as a storm dance! Reading the report from St. Kitts, we feel very lucky here in the valley that we do not have a mosquito problem, this is a huge bonus!
,

- AVOCADOS DELICIOUS

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:37:49 -0700

Yesterday was a perfect day weatherwise and today looks just the same. We just love our home, we are so amazingly peaceful without any through traffic it is very pleasant. We also have a bumper crop of avocados they are sumptious, huge and totally delicious our dogs as well as us are enjoying the amundance of them. It is so funny we keep hearing thud, thud, thud and there goes a few more avocados so off we go with a bag and put them to be eaten as soon as possible. We are getting good at making smoothies with avocado and also avocado icecream plus cooking with avocados. An avid reader of our blogs did write when I reported that our dogs eat avocados that avocados are poisinous to dogs but we can positively and absolutely let everyone out there know that this is not true. Our dogs are strong and healthy and at the moment and for the last month have eaten avocados every day! We actually feed our dogs with vegetables, which include bananas, plaintain, dasheen, yams, fruit except pineapple with their meat every day and they are really healthy. We are watching 98L. We hope everyone has a great week!

- The sky was alight all night

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2011 06:02:19 -0700

We had the weirdest night; the lightning show started in the distance over the cliff of the Layou River at around 8.30 p.m. - it was like the other night - utterly amazing, in fact you could say spectacular! The thunder then started rumbling around 10.0 p.m. Later, about 2.0 a.m. the thunder was roaring overhead accompanied by intense lightning. I dashed out of bed and switched the power off, stuck my head under the sheet and tried to go to sleep! The thunder and lightning stayed above until 4.0 a.m. yet we had absolutely no rain at all it was just so weird. I don't think though we have ever seen more amazing colours in the starless sky than this quasi firework display. I am sitting on the deck as I write this post and a powder blue sky is peaking out through the clouds; definitely there is no wind, it is absolutely still. The birds are singing doing their sporadic frolics so we guess it will be a nice day. It looks like there are a couple of systems to watch coming across the Atlantic. I am going to be optimistic and I reckon they will just hopefully roll by and toddle off to another wavelength!

- WHOOSH

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:11:45 -0700

We have not posted for the last couple of days as the weather has been perfect just a bit sticky in town! Yesterday though was truly amazing; we heard in the distance by the river this very loud whooshing noise that grew louder and louder as it approached. Lo! and behold it was literally a mini hurricane which blew over in it's path banana plants, bamboo and many branches of trees flew about at will. We were just so happy that we did not have the awnings out on our deck, it truly was an awesome sight and freakish noise. Very, very strange because no sooner had it come and gone, we were back to a beautiful hot sunny day. Nature is truly unpredictable. It looks like there is a load of rain to come tonight or tomorrow, no tropical storm warning so just wet we guess. The good news for the farmers in the valley is that the government have promised them compensation for the disaster of the dam bursting nearly 3 months ago now and have promised that the bridge will be fixed within the next two months which will be amazing! We miss being able to pop to Mero beach by going through the valley; it is a very long way around Warner/Jimmit!

- Katia still with us.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:52:53 +0000

Good afternoon everyone,

Well Katia sure gave the U K a battering yesterday. At least one person has died when

a tree fell on his car. A good deal of damage caused. Trees down, flooding, high swells and

roofs blown away. Some gusts were up to and over 90mph.

Today is calmer. Gusts down to 40 to 60mph. Some big dark clouds and rain is predicted

for most areas. Weather channel just said heavy showers this afternoon and it is getting darker

as I write. Katia should be passed us by Thursday.

So you all stay safe and dry and take care out there on the roads and sea.

Bum, spoke too soon, It's started to rain.

- Katia is Here.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:32:32 +0000

Good afternoon from the U K,

Katia is now with us here in the U K and making her presence felt. A bit on the breezy side

you could say. We here in the southeast are getting some really good strong gusts of wind. But the

sky is blue and the sun is shining. Few little wispy white clouds and a couple of mean looking grey

.ones. Had just a very light shower of rain last night, nothing today though.

Ireland, Scotland and parts of the Northeast have been warned of possible flooding from heavy rain.

It is affecting the whole of the U K in some way or another.

The grandsons have just come in from school looking slightly windblown or more like they

have been dragged through a hedge backwards. They don't seem too fazed though,they have gone

straight back out to play. Phew says I to the youngest, bit windy out there today. Yep it is nanny

he says. I nearly got blown into the road. Shrug of shoulders and he was out the door. Ahh well,

guess there are much more important things in life when your young than a windy day.

Shopping spree almost complete and drums being ordered. Just need to sort out flights now.

Hopefully will be back by the end of the month. So looking forward to island life again.

You all take care and stay safe Hope Maria doesn't give anyone too much trouble. Watch

out for those slides and boulders. All of you out on the sea, please take extra care.

- CRY WOLF

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:07:12 -0700

We have had the most wonderful sunny tranquil day in Dominica. Imagine the brightest colours in Spring and Autumn on the mainlands. Words do not express the beauty of Dominica today! We have just returned from Riverstone which is a bar restauarnt situated on the river. First of all you drive onto the property which is lined with red and pink ginger lilies in the backdrop what we call umbrella ferns. The noise of the river gurgling and steaming among the rocks cristal clear waters greet us as we enter the restaurant which is built out over the river.The smells of barbecue and West Indian cooking filling our nostrils! They make a great rum punch and Bob Marley is playing his unique music in the background. What more could any mortal possibly need on a Sunday afternoon. Maria has danced by us just like Irene that is two we have to keep our eyes wide open because we are still well in hurricane season and we do not want the next weather system on our doorsteps! All of you enjoy your Sunday evening keeping your fingers and toes crossed that we are not cying wolf!

- Electric Light show amazing!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:51:56 -0700

What an amazing evening Maria entertained us while we had dinner with some friends on our deck! We have the cliffs of the Layou river as part of our view from our deck and beyond the cliffs is the ocean; well last night the lightning over the ocean gave us the most amazing show of different colours as the sheet lightning lit up the sky time and time again! I am usually scared of lightning but it was not close enough to frighten me - it was like the best fireworks show we had ever seen especially here in Dominica! When we finally got to bed there was a huge roar and crash of thunder closely followed by lightning very close to us. Off went the electricity, I stuck my head under the covers feeling cozy and safe. The thunder and lightning lasted until about 2.30 a.m. We had some rain but nothing much. Maria has finally marched on but will have a lasting effect as the slow dancer not getting her steps together.

- SLOW DANCE

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:41:11 -0700

This is the weirdest storm we have ever seen, talk about a slow dance she is just stalled out in the Atlantic. We have the most glorious blue sky here everything is totally calm and normal except we are sitting with all our shutters closed awaiting Maria! It looks like Maria is positioning herself to visit the Leaward islands more so than here in Dominica which is a blessing for us. We still will wait and watch we can't take any chances. I am off for my normal days walking exercise which I am thankful to be able to do. Everyone still watch and be safe.

.

- Weird day!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2011 15:34:41 -0700

I was in Roseau all day and we had a great deal of showery weather and the skyline was very hazy! When I left Roseau it was pouring with rain and very windy. I am now at home in the valley with Jaco Ladd and it is totally calm! The calm before the storm! Maria looks absolutely enormous. The people in Roseau were shopping and are taking Maria seriously. We hope that nobody takes any chances as we think Maria could give us all surprises. We hope the Leaward islands do not get hit too hard as it looks like they will take the full force of Maria. We are all battened down as we have been through this so many times over the years! We wish all the other islands good luck and just stay safe!

- Dark clouds and ghusty winds

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2011 04:43:27 -0700

Well Maria looks like she is going to dance with us all today and probably into tomorrow. The outlook is that we are going to get a real soaking and I don't think any of the islands need rain at all. We are very lucky that we have had two good weeks of beautiful weather which has helped the gardens and all of us! I am off to town this morning and shall get back before this afternoon as I think the storm will be here by then! The Layou river is really loud this morning we worry about the farmers crossing the river!! Jackie we look forward to you being back in Dominica. Mincemeat, yes please if you have room bring some back for us. I promise to get you your mince pies this Christmas. Safe travel to you guys!

- Sticky and humid

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2011 11:42:36 -0700

We have not posted for a few days as we have had exceptionally good weather, real summertime! Today is the first day that we are having showers and it is quite cooling and refreshing. It fascinates us still hearing the rain approach from a long way off the sound is seriously like a choir growing in strength and then the raindrops pattering on the leaves transform themselves onto the metal roof and it is like listening to a steel band! The storm approaching the islands does not seem to know exactly what it is doing or where it might actually go to rather like a new couple on the dance floor not getting the steps right. We really do hope she avoids Dominica! The farmers are still without a footbridge to cross the river and are still risking their lives daily by crossing the now fast flowing Layou river. The media have been fantastic, our local TV stations have been to the Layou valley and interviewed the farmers. SAT is broadcasting tonight and the Chronicle has written an article which will be in the Chronicle on Friday! We will keep a keen eye on Maria!

- IRENE's here.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2011 21:53:43 +0000

Good evening everyone, well it is here in the U K,

Do hope your all well and safe. From what I am seeing on the sat pic's, and the track models,

you are all being battered a bit.

Just to let you all know we too are getting a bit of Irene. Had a lovely Friday and Saturday,then the clouds rolled in. Some pretty thick and dark. Yesterday ( Sunday ) was pretty grey and breezy.

Today we have had a couple of good downpours, which soaked the daughter through on her way back

from the school run. Water was running off her and making little pools on the kitchen floor,which she

found extremely funny. ( we have odd children ) It's been cloudy, wet, breezy, and just plain grey and

COLD for most of the day. Oh HOW I ENVY YOU ALL reporting on sunshine and humidity. The weather

report on T V just said we are in for some more rain and wind tomorrow. Oh joy. It is very much like

November. Think the guy is trying to cheer us up, just told us it might start warming up again by Thursday.

Hopefully we are now on the last leg of this trip, ( Ikea took a beating. L. O. L. ) So Lisette if you

need anything ( smallish ) you better let me know soon. Like extra mincemeat. ????

I'm off to finish the glass Hubby has just put in front of me. Think that's his way of telling me I'm

rabbiting on. You all take care and stay safe. I will be watching and reading.

- Jenny & Shirley////two elephants

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 13:01:53 -0700

We are having the most glorious day here in the valley. The garden is looking absolutely fantastic as we had a very heavy shower for 10 minutes only!! we have cobwebs dancing on the trees like glitter in the sunshine. There is a heavy scent of rosemary on the air, the birds are singing, the humming birds are collected around the flowers, just a beautiful day to be alive.

I want to share this with everyone on stormcarib. This is the most wonderful humbling story of two elephants meeting after 25 years. I think they can teach the human race a thing or two!

We are very glad to see Martha back on stormcarib and wish her all the best for a swift full recovery.

Enjoy this wonderful video.

Jenny & Shirley were Elephants at the same circus when Jenny was a calf, & Shirley was in her twenty's. The two lived one winter together, but then were separated twenty-two years ago. It's very rare for elephants to display this kind of emotion in captivity, & it's probably the first time such a thing has been documented on film. Just remarkable! And absolutely worth the watch...

Elephants Reunited After 20 Years

- Sunny Day

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 05:13:49 -0700

Beautiful sunny days. We have not posted lately because we are enjoying wonderful sunshine with great breezes. It has been so lovely enjoying dry weather for a good period of time. We are watching Katia and we feel that hopefully she will miss our island and the ones close by. However, Katia is looking like she is going to be extremely large we definitely would not like to be in her way! Our friend from the UK wrote us an e mail this morning. He is still very surprised that as of yet there has been no footbridge constructed across the missing part of the Glo Choud bridge. Our friend pointed out if Disney were here filming the Pirates of the Caribbean they would have constructed the footbridge in a heart beat!!

- Hello from the U K.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 28 Aug 2011 22:16:03 +0000

A very late good evening, or early morning, from the U K,

Been following all reports of Irene through Storm Carib. The lack of news on this Hurricane

in the U K is dismal to say the least. If it had not been for Richard Branson's house going up in flames

I honestly don't think it would have been mentioned at all. Well not till it became a threat to the U.S.

Even one of our T V personalities ( Jeremy Clarkson ) who writes for one of the national newspapers,

mentioned in his column that it took the threat to the U S for it to become national news. Very poor.

From what I am reading in the papers, the Dominican Republic took a bit of a pounding,with an awful

lot of people having to leave their homes due to flooding. Getting reports on the TV of at least 10 people

killed. Unfortunately they haven't said where. Again very poor.

Just been watching the BBC news, and Irene is now down to a tropical storm and it is flooding

Manhattan. Did anyone see the fools of news corespondents out testing the surf conditions in kayaks.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. You could only see the arm and a paddle of one guy. Now if he had found himself

in trouble, someone would have had to put their life on the line to go save him. I would like to meet that guy.

I'd give his backside a dammed good spanking with that paddle for being so dammed stupid. The news also

said that Irene was swinging north and heading towards Canada. Better warn the son he is about to get a

bit wet.

You all stay safe and hope everything is drying out fast. All in the path of Jose take care, stay safe.

- IRENE

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:43:55 -0700

We in Dominica are so saddened to hear the news from the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. It is horrendous to think of the truama and damage caused by Irene plus the deaths. When people read the news and absolutely have never experienced a catogory 4 hurricane they have no idea how absolutely terrifying it is and yes we use the word terrifying. It changes our lives and to an extent our minds. Nature is unpredicatable and awesome, we are but pawns in her hands. We still are thinking about the victims in Haiti from the earthquake earlier and the tsunami in Japan! It is all so very sad but we suppose inevitable. The loss of life is precious, the troubles of the world right now are quite horrendous. We must all live life to the full, help each other, be kind and considerate.

- Advocados Galore

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:02:19 -0700

Yesterday was beautiful, I was out all day and the sun shone all day, it was very humid though so a bit hot and sticky - the aftermath of Irene no doubt! I am sitting typing this looking at a brilliant rainbow and listening to the droplets of what we call snow rain as the rain gently falls on the leaves. We are so lucky we have five avocado trees and they are now ripe and absolutely delicious, it never ceases to amaze me instincts that dogs have in the Caribbean! Our puppies that we adopted have just bought in an avocado each proceeded to peel it gently with their teeth and eat the flesh delicately savouring every mouthful! How on earth do they know? Avocados or coloquilly 'pears' are one of our favourite fruits; the flesh can be served in many different ways; avocados make great smoothies and are delicious eaten with pretty much everything. This year the crop is absolutely enormous.

We have been watching Irene as she has proceeded to our neighbouring islands and we hope that there has not been too much damage. We are half way through the season and touch wood DA has not had any significant storm action, long may this last.

.

- Hi from the U K.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:03:07 +0000

Very early good morning everyone from the U K,

Hope all who have had Irene go past, across and through are safe and well. To all who are in

her path, stay safe and take good care. She sure looks big and mean.

The T V news and the papers are full of Richard Branson's house on Necker Island going up

in flames from what is assumed to be a lightening strike from Irene. Thankfully everyone got out

safely. The house is now just a smouldering wreck.

We are now back in the U K after 6 weeks in Canada. Although no hurricanes we did have a

lot of rain and fog. It also got pretty breezy at times, which made it feel o so COLD. We are not cold

weather people and refused to leave the house. Much to the son and daughter-in-law's amusement.

Unfortunately the rain seems to have followed us back to the U K. We have had a couple of really nice

days though. Just not enough for us fair weather people. Really looking forward now to returning to our

little piece of paradise, ( which will not be for another few weeks, shopping to do, Ikea be warned, I'm on

my way. Hubby looking very worried. L O L ) Hurricanes or not, fed up with grey skies, makes everything.

look so drab.

Well once again, you all take care. Stay safe. Watch for flooding, slides and those boulders that

like to roll down on the unaware.

All the very best to you all. Our thoughts are with you.

- TOTAL CALM

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2011 03:17:28 -0700

We have had a very quiet night not one gust of wind and no rain to speak of which is such a blessing! Our neighbour telephoned us last night at 9.0 pm and told us that they had reported on the local radio we were going to have the full force of 97L ! We battened down and were expecting the storm from 2. 0 a.m. I am a light sleeper so kept waking up all night expecting the rumble of thunder and a howling wind! This morning as I look out of the window it is gloomy but I can see some blue sky peeking through the grey clouds! We wish our friends in the Leawards good luck and no damage.

.

- Lots of Rain Thunder and Lightning

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:53:52 -0700

Since 10.0 a.m. we have had rain and more rain. At about 1.30 p.m. the thunder and lightning started. It is very dark and dreary. It looks like this weather is in for quite a while. We have good books, plenty to eat and drink. We just hope everyone stays safe and that there are no terrible landslides or floods. The Layou river is literally thundering down the valley I so hope the people who are still living in the valley stay safe. Everyone on the other islands enduring this system 97 L stay safe!

.

- More rain to come!!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:42:03 -0700

I was just saddened that when I got home last night 97L had dissapated and now this morning we have woken up to 97L forming again. It looks like big rains are coming and we have promised our neighbour to take her to the hospital on Monday to take the cast of her leg!! We sincerely hope that 97L decides to go well above us as it seems to have a mind of it's own. What a really weird hurricane season so far, just hits of tropical depressions dumping loads of water on all of us!

- Good weather FIXING BRIDGE EXPERT FOR LAYOU

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:20:00 -0700

The last couple of days have been very good indeed; we have had rain during the night but not through the day which is ideal.

We have to write about the disaster in the Layou Valley and the fact that the farmers need to access their land and home owners need access their homes. There is great hope now that our prime minister is back in Dominica that his immediate attention is going to be centred on fixing a walkway across the bridge and diverting the river back into the river bed by the old Layou hotel so that people can safely walk the road and cross over to their farms and homes!! The very liveliehood of the farmers is at stake the longer this is taking!! Plus the fact that some have lost their homes altogether and some people cannot access their homes or farms at all!! This truly is a disaster for Dominica. A friend of ours is an engineer and he has sent us details of how to easily fix the bridge for the time being so we are going to post them:-

" I have only now, at this stage of my email, read your Dominica weather blogs for this week. I am surprised that still no temporary bridge has been put across the Layou at Glo Choud. It is very easy for the authorities to construct a temporary footbridge over the river. We used to use an old “I” section steel girder or “RSJ” as they were commonly known. This was laid across the river, and then short vertical pieces of scaffold tube welded at intervals along one side and then a length of scaffold tube welded along the top of them as a handrail. We even used a similar bridge over the Grand Union Canal where it was raised up on steel posts to give clearance to boats. You climbed up or down a ladder at each end to use it. If two steel beams side by side were used, with some boards on top and a handrail each side, a fairly safe bridge could be made. Even relatively small beams can carry considerable weight without buckling. They may sag slightly under their own weight, but can still safely carry foot traffic.

Another way, adopted widely by the army, is to place a lot of old largish diameter pipes (steel or plastic) in the river so that they are parallel to the banks and the water flows freely through them. They don't have to be the same diameter, but they should tightly fill the gap to be bridged, to well above the water level. About two feet thick of rubble, rocks, earth etc is then tipped, levelled and compacted on top and forms the surface of a new temporary road bridge. The authorities should try to be innovative with what materials they have to hand. There are many other alternative ways of forming temporary bridges, especially if only for foot traffic.

Hopefully this will be very useful information for anyone reading our report that can help?

- A DARK DAY

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:48:47 -0700

Today has been very dark with much thunder not a lot of lightning and quite a lot of rain. Very inconvenient and boring. We continue to have a great deal of hardship in the valley. We feel the powers that be here in Dominica will help the farmers who have been traumatized and are very affected and will be affected in the future some financial help!

.

- Respite

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:56:22 -0700

We have had several hours of rain, thunder and lighning and are now in a bit of a sunny good patch with much more we are sure to follow. We, like the rest oF the islands, do not need anymore rain, we are saturated. How do we say it enough, is enough, is ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

- A TEMPORARY BRIDGE FOR FARMERS ACROSS THE LAYOU RIVER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:10:41 -0700

The last four days have been gorgeous; yesterday was perfect here in the valley, bright sunshine and a fantastic breeze. Jaco Ladd and I stayed at home and enjoyed the total tranquillity of our environment. Since the dam burst two weeks ago we are living in in total peace!! We hardly have one vehicle pass per day but there is a lot of foot traffic. The farmers in the Layou Valley, Cafe, Gould and Cassada Gardens are having a great deal of difficulty getting to their farms now the Glo Choud bridge is broken!! These guys are taking their lives in their hands by crossing through the over undulating Layou River as they are finding it extremely difficult to find the money for the truck ride which is now 5 EC dollars each way, before it was 2 EC dollars to come up the Layou valley and 2 EC dollars to go down. We have suggested that the farmers get together and make a make shift bridge over the existing gap so that they can walk across, this idea seems very logical and would solve the access problem. The farmers, who are our friends and who we have spoken to about this idea, think it is great and really want this to happen quickly! If anyone out there has some good ideas how this could be easily and economically achieved that would be fantastic, we think the gap is almost 50 foot wide. We hope the powers that be here do something to sort out the upheaval. It looks like we will be getting a great deal of wet weather tomorrow and the farmers will be facing major hazards, it is so sad. The dam bursting is truly a catastrophe for so many here already strapped for funds.

We also would like to wish our friend Martha Gilkes in Antigua good luck and a speedy recovery from her emergency surgery.

- Wow

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:40:38 -0700

Excuse the spelling destruction and shore of course!!!

- What a night

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:36:19 -0700

We are having a glorious day today! Last night I thought the heavens were upon us to course distruction. We had thunder and lightning for about two and a half hours, it was horrendous and I was a shivering wreck under the covers. We sincerely hope we have a few gorgeous days! We also have that disgusting brown seaweed but luckily so far it is on the Atlantic side. The seaweed is covering the sure it is thick ugly and nasty. Please Eli Fuller how do we go about getting rid of it on our coastline?

- Grey, dark heavy showers

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2011 05:44:13 -0700

We have had dreadful rain all night and downpours this morning! It looks like we are going to get even more wet weather coming behind this splodge! All we want is some sunshine we are in the Caribbean, yes, it is hurricane season but please let's have some lovely weather in between! Jaco Ladd and I are originally from the UK. We are appalled by the riots that are happening in the London. It seems there is unrest all over the world because of this terrible financial melt down. What was that Bob Dylan song? the Times they are a Changing! We in our peaceful island Dominica have seen some changes recently, it is very upsetting.

.

- Bad weather and bad vibes

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Aug 2011 06:12:33 -0700

We had a night of very heavy showers and this morning it was pouring. It seems we have a nasty system that is coming our way to swipe us here in Dominica more rain.......................... I think this year will go on record as being one of the wettest on record! No sunshine for the tomatoes to ripen, our favourite vegetable!! It feels strange being cut off from going through the Layou valley, we have not quite got used to going the steep Warner/Jimmit road! We used to pop out many afternoons to go to Mero beach for a swim!! It now takes us a much longer time to get to the beach that is just one way we are affected by the dam bursting. We have not mentioned the very serious attack that took place in Pagua Bay last Sunday night. One reason is because this is primarily a weather reporting site. Crime is everywhere today with the recession affecting the whole world including the islands. Dominica is a beautiful place with wonderful people living here, however, there are always bad apples in every barrel. We know Rick and Alicia and we knew Joe. We have been very saddened by the viciousness of this sensless episode. We are so sorry that Rick is in so much pain in hospital in Miami we hope that both of them recover quickly although the emotional scars will always be there! We are also very sad for Joe and his grieving family and friends.

.

- Storms.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2011 23:01:06 +0000

Good evening everyone,

well it is here in St Johns, Newfoundland. Been reading all the reports coming from the islands

and I'm pleased to see Emily passed over without causing too much damage.

Also been reading the D N O site. The news coming out of D/a not so good. Although we do not

know Joseph Costello, Rick and Alicia Davidson personally, we have heard of them through friends who

do know them. Our sympathies to Rick and Alicia for the terrible ordeal they have been through. Our

deepest sympathies for the family of Joseph. Let's hope those who committed this awful crime on the

beautiful island of D/a are caught soon.

Then the news of Miracle Lake. Just pleased that there was no loss of life when the dam burst. Such

a shame though that this should happen. It was a really great place to see.

Was beginning to feel a little guilty about having such a good time in Canada while everyone was suffering

from the winds and rain of Emily. Not anymore. On our way back to St Johns via Halifax, Nova Scotia, we flew

into one of the worst storms ever. Thunder and lightening like we have never seen. The airport closed down just

has we were coming into land. So there we were up in the air with a storm raging round us. O K we are gonna

circle and see if they will let us land says the captain. So we circled, circled and circled again. O K. one more

time and if they don't let us land we will head for New Brunswick. Yep, it's fine to now land folks. So down we go.

Hmmm, thunder, lightening and rain so heavy you couldn't see further than a few yards. Sorry folks but its far to

dangerous for the ground crew to come out of the airport building, we have got to sit here and wait for the storm

to pass. 4 HOURS later we were still waiting. Now joined by another 27 planes. The crew on the flight were

desperately trying to keep us occupied by making up games. Because it was such a short flight, the food and drink

was somewhat limited. At one point the winner of one of the games won a cup of hot chocolate. Things were

getting desperate, when it was finally announced that we were to be allowed off the plane. Along with the passengers

of the other 27 planes. Oh My. Chaos reigned. Finally re- booked onto another plane for the following day. An evening

flight. So we ended up spending the day in a wet and windy Halifax..

We are now in wet, windy, foggy Newfoundland. Oh to be in the sunshine. You all take care. Watch for those

slides and boulders.

- Weather System

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 14:01:35 -0700

Wow, we have just been on stormcarib and looked at Emily, she has got enormous!! We were so incredibly lucky, we have had no damage just a bit of rain and a very dull day. Our friends on the Atlantic side got the load of Emily with lots of thunder lightning and rain. The valley was spared!!

We have been watching trucks with sand and a concrete mixer going down the valley and we are hopeful that we might be able to all use the old Cafe road to get to Layou, this would be a Godsend. We feel the lorries doing the fixing of the roads have to come up the valley there is no other real way. We will watch this space!

We wish Puerto Rico and Haiti well plus Jamaica well. Emily looks really mean!!

.

- Very bizarre weather!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 03:47:02 -0700

We had a very, very peaceful night. We heard no thunder and saw no lightning! We had been prepared for the worst; we did not even hear any real rain on our roof and we have to report we overslept this morning. We are so relieved hopefully there should be no landslides and not very much damage. Just maybe the Heavens were looking down on Dominica as we have had our trials and tribulations this week!! We have read that our sister island Martinique had the brunt of the storm so we hope that there is not too much damage. This has been a wake up call and that all of us are very ready if this is going to be an active season! We hope this system does not form into a hurricane and affect another island or indeed the mainland.

.

- 'Finally Emily' -Booming Thunder and Crackling Lightning!

By Edward Coipel <edward_coipel at hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:18:13 +0000

Greetings to all!

I'm sending my report from the drenched capital city of Roseau after a series of thunderstorms moved over our island. The day started off fairly sunny but the promised moderate to heavy showers of what was to be 'Pre-Emily' did not take long to appear. By about 4p.m. there were impressive bands of low lying clouds which made a dramatic advance ahead of the thunderstorm cells that were to follow. From the satellite pics it looks like 'ground zero' for the core of the convective thunderstorm cells of Invest 91 passed right over our island- just south of the capital to be exact, probably in the village of Soufriere. I do hope that everyone there made it through fine.

This has been at best another good drill in the event of more serious weather related systems like a Hurricane -God forbid! During the worst of the weather it became dark enough to require putting on the lights at the Office -though with the frequent flashes of lightning during the pouring rain there was a generous amount of 'light to see' by. Invest 91 certainly does not lack in thunderstorm activity...Beware! Amazingly the power held throughout the worst of it, which lasted a couple of hours at most, and apart from a few flicks there were no surges either in the current. Compliments to the electricity company -Domlec!
However, throughout the capital there was minor-moderate street flooding, but this has since subsided as the rains have mostly tapered off though at present a light shower is now falling. Thankfully there were no strong wind gusts with these intense lines of thunderstorms/ thundershowers in Roseau, however, other parts of the island might be able to report differently.

*UPDATE - AS OF 7:30P.M. Tropical storm Emily has formed since the well defined circulation center finally formed near Dominica. We are MOST THANKFUL TO GOD for this LATE FORMATION OF EMILY since it meant we got the most weak 'version' of the storm so to speak. We may get some more moderate -heavy rain later but as for now its light rain in the south with no strong winds...no one is complaining! Most likely it may get a bit gusty later tonight but for now Emily has been a most proper Lady. May she be ever so gentle to all in her future path...
Let us all keep safe and sound during this Hurricane season!

Also, My prayers and sympathies go out at this time of tragic loss to the family and friends of Joe Costello who was allegedly attacked on his business premises in the north of the island. May the Good Lord Jesus supply every Grace, Blessing and Peace in this moment of pain, and deep loss.

May God Bless us all and Bless and protect our Lovely Nature Isle -Dominica.

- Nothing Happening

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 18:13:40 -0700

So far we have nothing to report in the Layou Valley. No thunder no lightning and very little rain. We hope it continues this way. Everyone we hope will have a good night.

.

- (Copy)'Finally Emily' -Booming Thunder and Crackling Lightning

By Micheal Colaire <nichs2002 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 17:45:32 -0700 (PDT)

Good Night to All!

*Sending a copy of the following failed post submitted by a new weather colleague in Roseau:

- Silence

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 13:33:40 -0700

We have had a beautiful sunny day with gusts of wind. We hate these days because we are just playing a waiting game. We have been in touch with our friend in St. Vincent and he tells us they have literally had buckets of rain!! We seriously don't want buckets of rain but presumably this is what is in store for us in Dominica!! It is truly a gorgeous sunny evening as I write this report! It is so weird how the weather can just totally change, thank goodness for these weather sites. We can't imagine what it must have been like years ago with no warning, one minute silence and sun the next terrible winds, rain all hell let loose!! No wonder there was so much destruction and loss of life. There is something to be said about all the Internet and communication. We actually wonder sometimes when you see kids, teenagers and adults stuck to their cell phones!! There are ups and downs to this modern phenomenon!!

- Sun is out and the wind kicking up

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 04:58:27 -0700

We are at present securing everything in preparation for the oncoming storm. The sun has come out and the wind is kicking up it is gusting! We are so sad as we have an abundance of Avocados and some amazing bread fruit, the bread fruit tree is at the back of the house and the bread fruit are hanging ready like bombs to be projected probably at the house if we have a lot of wind!! Our neighbour walked up the Layou valley and actually walked across the Layou river where the bridge is completely broken to get to his farm as it is banana collecting day today! We were amazed at his bravery to cross the Layou river but he says the river bed is very solid with large stones making the river bed!! We have warned Patrick that the storm is coming but he seems to think he will be OK and get his bananas harvested and off to the boat this afternoon. I sincerely hope for his sake that he is right! We will keep posting. So far so good!!

.

- Dark Skies lots of rain

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2011 03:17:42 -0700

Well we did not have a drop of rain all night and now the heavens have opened, it is very dark. Jaco Ladd is out walking the dogs so will be soaking when he gets back. We hope everyone stays safe, it looks pretty nasty out there.

.

- The quiet before the storm?

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:30:08 -0700

Since mid afternoon we have experienced very dull weather and some rain showers, right now it is very still and quiet! My gut feeling tells me there will be a lot of rain (which we don't need) I have a feeling the winds will not be too bad over the next two days! Fingers crossed so the system could go onto be a lot worse which nobody wants! The hurricane season is here so we wish everyone well. Martha from Antigua is the oldest correspondent with stormcarib so we wish her well and hope she takes care of herself and her property as she is getting much older and is a senior it becomes much more difficult so we wish her well!

- Deathly Quiet

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 05:05:15 -0700

It is three days since the Miracle lake dam burst!! It is so strange for us here in the valley! We can hear the roar of the river which is very dramatic, from our home we look at the cliffs that signify the track of the river which are majestically tall and are the most gorgeous shades of reds, browns and greens, it is a dramatic sight indeed! I walked this morning and am usually passed by trucks taking the workers to their farms and gardens. I just met one solitary vehicle going to pick folks up from Cafe - a farming area - which is further below us. The gentleman in the car had a very bleak forecast which we certainly hope will not come to pass; we have a couple of small landslides by the road with fairly large bolders. With this in mind, the gentleman in the vehicle fears that the government won't fix the bridge or the roads up the Layou valley which would include our road! I beg to differ though because I have already witnessed trucks with heavy loads stuck on the Warner - Jimmit road and the Ponte Casse - Canefield road. The Layou valley was/is the best route for transporting stone & ashphalt! We are sure this is going to cause huge problems for the people building the roads!

On to another stressful subject: We are watching the weather very closely as it looks inevitable that we are going to get a lot of rain one way or another, which is daunting as the land in Dominica is already saturated. We went out on Friday and yesterday and bought a great deal of provisions, gas, paraffin just in case the worst comes to the worst and we are stuck in the valley for a while!! We hope others on the island monitor the system approaching and have also got their hurricane store in order!

- Tropical depression approaching

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 05:03:11 -0700

Today we have woken up to blue sky with patchy sunshine. There is a heavy scent on the air of moisture. The valley is eerily silent! On a normal day we would have several trucks with workers going to their gardens going past our home. Since about 6.0 p.m. last night we have not heard one vehicle on the road! We live about quarter of a mile from anyone so it really feels very strange. We will have to get used to this for quite a while we think as it is not going to be easy to repair all the damage that has been done to the valley and the bridge; it will probably be months!! We only have two ways now to get to town! The Warner road or Ponte Casse. We are now very disturbed to see that we could be getting our first hurricane of the season by next Tuesday and it could be coming directly at us and the Leaward Islands. This we feel would be a catastrophe for us in Dominica! The soil is already saturated with water if we get anymore rain we definitely will get landslides. It could be extremely serious for us as both the Warner road and the Ponte Casse road are prone to landslides. All we can do is really pray that the weather system in the Atlantic dissipates!! We are going to town today and will make sure we do a great deal of stocking up on everything!!

- VISITED THE SITE OF DESTRUCTION BY THE BREAKING OF MIRACLE LAKE

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:44:47 -0700

We waited for the weather to calm before driving to the Glo Choud bridge primarily to inspect the damage caused by the dam bursting just below us, which is known to us and the tourists who visit the Layou Valley as Miracle Lake! As I am writing this the silence of road traffic close by is deafening but the sound of the Layou river is thunderous. The stillness now is very eerie! Not a whisper in a tree, not a drop of rain just the singing of the frogs. It is almost as if we are on a different planet. There is a pungent damp smell in the air but nothing is moving! The difference between here and when we drove to the bridge was a huge contrast. The muddy waters were cavorting and cascading down the river under and through the Glo Choud bridge. It was obvious at the height of the dam breaking the water was in such a torrent that it came right over the bridge carrying away the horizontal middle section in it's path. The force of the water must have been totally catastrophic to whatever lay in it's path!! Looking at the damage to the bridge appears obvious that there was no visible steel in the bridge, just concrete we think! If there had been moucho steel in the bridge it would have stayed intact. We feel that this current situation in the Layou valley is going to impact the island of Dominica in a big way, as it is potentially going to hinder the construction of the road between Ponte Casse and Melville Hall airport, as the trucks carrying aggregate will no longer be able to pass through the valley. They will have to go by an alternative route which will be time consuming, steep and difficult! We are posting the photographs we took this afternoon - how the conditions change in a few hours. We are just thankful that no one got hurt!! The last photograph shows on the left where the sand is this is where the dam was and is now broken!

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- Layou Valley's worst day

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:48:40 -0700

Just 2 pics so far of what has happened in the Layou Valley today early a.m.

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Attachment: Layou Valley damage.jpg
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- MIRACLE LAKE DAMAGE

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:07:45 -0700

The prime minister, Mr Skeritt, has visited the Layou valley and is aware of the severe damage which has been caused by the Miracle Lake collapsing rendering it as an official disaster zone. A close friend of ours has been in the valley and has reported back to us that he has seen the total devastation which has been done to our beautiful Layou Valley!! Many parts of the road are completely gone. The old hotel seems to be in a very bad state. There are dead fish, cows and other animals all over the place! The Glowsho bridge is badly damaged. We have a lovely friend where we buy our eggs from; his home has been very, very, badly damaged. Our friend was in bed upstairs when the water came into his bedroom and he had to climb on the roof for safety. His garage is gone with his transport, his animals have gone, it is an immense tragedy. We are just very lucky that we live above the Miracle Lake and so are safe. We will take a walk later when the rain lets up and we will see if we can take some photographs to post. The main thing as we can see it is that nobody has died which is a blessing as we said early this happened around midnight. We will keep posting news today.

- MIRACLE LAKE DAM BURST

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:52:26 -0700

We have had so much rain that the disaster we have all feared living in the valley happened around 12.00 a.m last night. The Miracle Lake dam burst and came down the valley at a rate breaking the middle of the bridge at Glosho. Very luckily as far as we know there have been no fatalities caused by this. It is very fortuitous that the dam burst at night. It could have been a total disaster if it had happened in the day time with traffic and people walking on the road from their gardens. We are so grateful that our friends and neighbours in the valley are safe. A couple of our friends had a very narrow escape as the water burst into their homes and they had to get on the roof. Where we live we are lucky as we are above the lake's level. Members of the Dom Defence Force were advising all traffic to avoid the affected area. It is pouring with rain as I write this and I am sure there will be quite a few more landslides around Dominica. We just hope nobody gets hurt.

.

- BAD BLOTCHY WEATHER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:15:49 -0700

Here in Dominica we have been and are experiencing dull rainy weather. Yesterday did actually get very sunny in the afternoon and we had a lovely time chilling out in the garden -even Pimm's can you believe it?! Today we are having heavy showers, sporadic thunder and lightning. Some mini landslides on the lower acreage but the natural spring is still liquid diamond and fridge temp. It looks from Stormcarib that we are in the middle of a weather mess. On a brighter note I am now well again!!

- Still in Canada

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:37:47 +0000

Good morning everyone,

we have just left the town of Sarnia. Interesting experience. Small town where hubby was

born. He needed to go see it, something he has wanted to do for years. There we were getting ready

to go out for dinner and the LIGHTS GO OUT. Total blackout. Unbelievable. Only the 2cnd time

they have lost power in 9 yrs we were told. We found it funny to start with, but they simply could not

cope without power. Everything just closed down on us. Nowhere to go for something to eat or drink.

Our tiny little island of Dominica can cope so much better when the lights go out.

We have now moved onto Niagara Falls. Doing the touristy thing. Must say its a good deal warmer

than Newfoundland. Although rather a bit on the wet side. The spray from the Falls makes it feel like

it is constantly raining.

So you all take care. Stay safe. I'm off to sleep, up early for The Maid Of the Mist and the Windy Caves.

- STORMY WEATHER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2011 06:13:45 -0700

Yesterday was a very, very wet day with bouts of thunder and lightning, my least favourite piece of Nature! The stormy weather that has been forecast is definitely giving us hits. Looking down the valley right now it is gloomy with very low cloud coming up from the river, it feels like we are going to be in for a patchy day weatherwise. I am still suffering with bronchitis but feel I turned the corner today and have started to feel so much better!! How on earth can one get bronchitis in paradise? Good question, my own fault I think taking clients to see property in the rain; getting soaked to the skin one minute and dry the next. Rule 1: I must take water proof gear with me!! Our garden is coming on leaps and bounds, we should be ready to plant some excellent vegetables by the end of next week so long as the moon is right!! We have a great new friend who is helping us with our lower acreage and definitely knows the secrets of gardening, it is truly fascinating stuff.

On a more sorrowful note, we are saddened to hear of the terrible deaths and destruction that has been caused in Norway. No society, it seems can avoid fanatics going on the rampage. It is truly shocking, our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who have been affected by the carnage.

- Sunny, windy days!

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:44:31 -0700

The weather over the two days have been really beautiful. Very sunny with a fantastic breeze, unfortunately, I have been sick with a bad chest cold and have been forced to take some time off to try and get back health wise. It is so pleasant being at home. The garden is looking absolutely fantastic and we are starting a new vegetable garden which involves major cleaning and making new beds; we hope to grow some seriously good vegetables. We feel it is a priority to become self sufficient. World finances seem to be in such a mess, perhaps we will all be going back to the barter system.

- Settled weather, home made potions

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:13:32 -0700

The weather has been showery over the last couple of days. Today it feels warm and it looks like it could be a lovely day. We find it fascinating living in our valley. The valley has a life of it's own which is about the country folk who are making a modest living farming their land, whether it be planting ground provisions or fruit! We are lucky enough to be part of this. We have a new neighbour who is living in a wooden house that he reckons is very, very old. Our neighbour is Dominican but has been living in Antigua and just come back home to live simply on his land. We have a Spring of fresh water on our land which comes out by the road, so many stop and fill up with water that is pure and cold and great to drink we live every day drinking the water. Our neighbour does this every day as well so it becomes a good meeting place! We meet most days I administer first aid to anyone who has cut their hands or other places with their machette, this seems to happen fairly often! We are often given vegetables and fruit as a present I have a nasty cold so have been administered some bush tea! Bush tea can be made from many herbs which do different jobs for our healing for many different illness's. basically we just boil the herbs and then drink the tea. These remedies do really seem to work. Living here is like turning back the pages of a book, you know that the Dominican people have been living through the centuries off the land and absolutely nothing has changed here in the valley today. In this day and age it is comforting and good to know that the people are still carrying on with tradition. Even in this economic climate nobody needs to go hungry still in Dominica. What a blessing and how lucky we are to be a part of this tradition. We have some fun stories to tell.

- From the wilds of Canada.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:12:38 +0000

Good morning everyone,

This is now coming to you from the wilds of Newfoundland, Canada. Visiting the son and Nina ( wife ).

Weather wise it started off lovely. Hot enough to make us believe we were still in the Carib. Hubby even managed

to get a little sunburn. All change last night. The rains came and the wind has picked up. Gusts strong enough

to make us think we are in a hurricane. O well, it's lovely to see the son and Nina.

We will be heading off to Toronto, Niagara Falls, Sarina, Montreal.

So you all take care.

- STORMY WEATHER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2011 05:42:44 -0700

The last two days have not been fun weatherwise at all! The tropical system seems to have travelled a lot faster than we expected here in Dominica. I had a miserable day on Wednesday because of the weather. I had to pick some clients up from Melville Hall airport arriving on American Eagle. As I got to the airport the heavens literally opened and it poured with rain plus thunder and my favourite thing lightning. I sat in my jeep hopefully awaiting the arrival of the plane! ( The landing coming into Melville Hall is over the mountains and when it rains the visibillity is very poor and sometimes planes are unable to land!) I was putting off getting out of my jeep because it is quite a long walk from the car park to the airport. I, being terrified of lightning, seriously did not want to walk in it, however, I had to bite the bullet and get out to walk to the airport. I went to the new restaurant Orchards in the airport and stood and watched as the Amerijet approached to land, talk about terryfying it was amazing to watch as the plane came in over the sea and then banked hard left and came down to the landing strip at an amazing angle, we all clapped when the landing was complete! We also watched as LIAT followed almost immediately coming down at even a steeper angle. My clients came off the plane ashen white and said that all the passengers applauded the pilot when they landed! I was extremely glad not to be on that plane! The journey to Salisbury from the airport was horrendous as it just poured with rain all the way! Obviously Test cricket was a no go. Yesterday was a bit better, but yet again the heavens truly opened mid afternoon. It looks like we have a lull before the next wave of bad weather heading this way. So far this year I would say that we have had a lot more rain than in the last three years. Dominica - can you believe it - is almost bereft of tomatoes at this sodden time.

- WINDY CRICKET

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2011 05:52:21 -0700

The last two days have been really windy with some very heavy showers. We have had some tremendous gusts of wind that have brought some of our beautiful bamboo down. Today looks fairly settled with a good deal of sunshine. We are watching the tropical wave that seems to be approaching the southern Windwards! I think it would be just wonderful if it stayed away from here especially as today is the start of the first ever cricket test match in Dominica. We are really excited and are hopefully going to the match on Friday. We just hope the West Indies pull their fingers out and give us all here in Dominica an exciting sortie.

- Wet, WET, WET

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2011 04:53:40 -0700

Yesterday was really, really stormy with a great deal of high wind and in the late afternoon the rain started. It poured with rain all night, luckily we only saw a few flashes of lighning and heard no thunder at all. The rain was very, very heavy. It looks like today could be stormy especially looking at the weather on stormcarib. We have to say that the weather is really refreshing. We are one month into hurricane season and counting.

- WINDY WEATHER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:31:36 -0700

Wow, what a very windy rough three days we have had here in Dominica! We have had plenty of wind, not that much rain in the day time, in fact quite a lot of sunshine. I have to say that the temperature is really great, very comfortable. Living here in the valley we have a constant concert to listen to as the bamboo are close to our home and they make the most amazing sounds a cacophony of creaks, groans, thwacks, bangs and twangs the rest of the trees join in so we are all very much alive! On Monday evening we had no electricity from 4.30 p.m. We telephoned Domlec our power givers and they did their utmost to get our electricity back on track! So what caused our outage? a fallen coconut tree! This tree managed to also damage the phone line and our internet. We have to thank both Domlec and LIME for getting us back to normal yesterday! You see the trees do make a huge difference and yes, it is very weird but even on a very still day you can sometimes here the crack and crash of a tree falling down for as far as we know no reason at all other than old age!!

- GREAT SUNNY WEATHER

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2011 06:57:23 -0700

Dominica is having just the best weather. Gorgeous sunny days with beautiful cool breezes; up here in the valley it is a pleasure to sit out on our deck and enjoy the view with an almost Alpine feel to it! I have actually had time this week to take a few hours to lie in our comfy chairs on the deck and just read, wow, what a pleasure. We are having all sorts of festivals here at the moment and next weekend is no exception: There is a fishing festival in the village of Anse de Mae and it seems like it is going to be one long weekend of partying to some amazing bands! Good food and great company. It is good to hear from Jackie and know they are safely esconcsed in a very wet UK!! I am sure they would prefer to be sitting on the veranda watching the whales and the sunsets! At least they won't be missing the mosquitos!!

.

- Cold, Wet and Grey.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:30:26 +0100

Good morning everyone, or it might be afternoon,

Finally managed to work out how to let you all know that I'm still alive and kicking.

We are back in the UK where it is, wet, cold, and grey. We are in the South East

of the UK. Think we have had only about 5 days of good weather since we arrived, the

rest has been dismal. Not sure what's happened to Flaming June, we have seen very

little of it. Have hardly left the house because it's so miserable.

The tennis at Wimbledon has mainly been held undercover, because of the poor

conditions. People usually look forward to Wimbledon fortnight, sitting in the sun, eating

strawberries and cream, while watching great tennis. The weather should come at no

great surprise though, it is also Glastonbury weekend, and if it doesn't rain then, it's not

Glastonbury. The whole area turns into a sea of mud. I'm pretty sure most people now

go, not for the music but to roll around in the mud.

The weather men have told us that the sun should be out over the weekend, but

that's to be seen yet. Looking outside it's still very grey and a little on the breezy side.

You all take care and have a great day.

- Sunday Party time

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:06:46 -0700

Yesterday was a fantastic day weatherwise. We had sunshine and a great deal of wind the temperature was fantastic. Jaco Ladd and I decided to go to Riverstone which is a bar and grill right on the river in Belles. The setting is beautiful and the river is great to swim in, many fathers with their children were enjoying the coolness of the river to relax and enjoy each others company. There were many others of us enjoying the live music and entertainment in actual fact Jaco Ladd did a star performance and got everyone laughing and in the spirit of fathers day. There was plenty to eat and drink so it really was a fun afternoon. We returned home to see the most awesome sunset, vivid pink and oranges. We both agreed that Monday, today was going to be a beautiful day! 'Red sky at night shepherds delight', as the saying goes. Well what a surprise when we were woken in the night by very heavy showers. This morning we have already had plenty of rain and a great deal of wind, the temperature is very cool. It is great for the garden though and makes a refreshing change to the intense heat we were feeling in the week! It is banana packing day for our neighbour and he is delighted to have the cool weather.

- June is here

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:21:48 -0700

Last night at 1 a.m. we were awoken by a large flash of lightning and a crash of thunder. My head went immediately under the sheet! I truly hate thunder and lightning! We had heavy rain all night and have woken up this morning to dark skies, wind and rain! So the hurricane season has truly been heralded in! Our puppies Chester and Vallee were very scared as it really is their first encounter with Nature's flash, bang frolics.

Just another thing to learn in a puppies life, they are both crashed out by my feet obviously very tired after being up all night!! It looks like a day for chilling out if you don't have to work!!

- Secret Bay

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 12 Jun 2011 06:41:07 -0700

Today, once again we have sunshine for our holiday weekend. I am sitting on the deck with our awnings already down to keep us cool in the shade as today looks like it could be a scorcher.

Last night Jaco Ladd and I went to the opening of Secret Bay, true to it's name it really is a well kept secret. We were welcomed by very friendly staff and walking down the path to the resort were very pleasantly surprised by the landscaping. Then our eyes fell on the beautiful honeymoon villa with it's infinity pool built right on the edge of the cliff with magnificent views of the ocean and the Cabrits. The villas are built out of hard wood from Guyana and are exquisitely finished; indeed a master carpenter/ builder armed with containers of Greenheart wood came from Guyana to supervise the building of the villas - the result is stunning. The interior is fitted with the most modern up to date stainless steel kitchen. The bathroom is amazing as is the very large bath tub. The style of this villa is suited to outdoor living and the whole concept is open plan, light and airy with views from every angle; there are also four other villas built to the same standard again in beautiful surroundings. The villas have been built in the trees which has the true feeling of our nature island Dominica, there is also a river running through the property which goes to the ocean. What a peaceful tranquil place, we have definitely decided to spend a weekend there, it will be a unique experience.

On a lighter note, our Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit came to open the resort and to everyone's amusement he took off his shoes - as we all did - to view the honeymoon villa; it was good to see he had no holes in his socks lol !

For anyone who wishes to know more about this idyllic place visit the website:- www.secretbay.dm

- Bank holiday

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2011 07:49:12 -0700

Dominica is having very dry, hot, humid sunny weather! We definitely will be needing some rain soon but hopefully not over the weekend. There are lots of events happening all over Dominica: We have the Red Cap festival at Grandbay, the Jazz-Creole festival on Sunday at the Cabrits and the opening of a beautiful new exclusive resort Secret Bay near Picard. So lots of fun things to do. We are going to the opening today of Secret Bay resort and will be able to report on everything tomorrow. The sun is shining and things are looking very good in the garden. We gave all the plants and the lawn a good dousing in ravine water yesterday and every plant is looking fresh and the lawn green. Life is good.

- Muggy Cloudy weather

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 8 Jun 2011 04:38:34 -0700

So far Dominica has escaped the rain! Yesterday and the day before were very humid and muggy, we had cloud cover on both days and we have woken up to the same cloud cover today. We seem to be very lucky at the moment not to be getting the torrential rain the other islands above us are experiencing. It looks likely that we will miss the rainy bad weather altogether. Not sure if this is totally good news as a drop of rain would be useful, not gallons though. It is a very interesting start to the hurricane season. We went for a swim at Mero yesterday, the ocean was very chilly which in our opinion is good for staving off bad hurricanes.

- Thunder and Lightening

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2011 04:44:58 -0700

We had a glorious day yesterday; the sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze. We went off to Mero beach for the afternoon and had a very pleasant time with our friends. We were really surprised as we were sitting on our deck eating dinner to see black clouds roll in and then had the sky set alight by lightning and the crash of thunder. The thunder and lightning continued well into the night and we had some very heavy rain. This morning so far is bright and clear but looking at the satellite picture on Stormcarib the weather for the Caribbean looks incredibly messy so I guess we will be in for some action! The hurricane season is definitely here and Donner und Blitzen no doubt in abundance.

- Start of the Hurricane season

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2011 04:36:59 -0700

Hi everyone - it is now the start of the 2011 hurricane season. We are told that six large hurricanes are predicted for this season. It is interesting but we have had the wettest May on record and the the water temperature has been really cold in the ocean for this time of the year. We will never forget the year 1995 when Luis struck in Antigua; we remember the ocean temperature being really unusually warm in May and we all felt that this did not bode well. Hopefully, with the ocean temperature the way it is now, this is a good sign for us not to have that bad a a hurricane season. The last few days have been beautiful. I apologise for the link message on the website; I actually did not post this at all! The websites out there Twitter, Facebook, et.al, seem to have their own agenda!!

- Lovely Morning.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 26 May 2011 07:56:48 -0400

Good morning everyone,

and a stunningly beautiful morning it is. I love these mornings where the sky

is so bright it makes you squint. Sea calm and o so blue. Not a breath of breeze,

everything perfectly still. With the amount of rain we have had the island is the

now the most amazing green. Humidity comfy. Everyone gone to work or school,

no builders yet, silence except for the birds tweeting. The only down is the horizon.

Can hardly see it through the haze. Looks like it is lost in a mist out there.

Off to town this morning. Aaarrrggg. Dentist time. Town will be like an oven.

Get in and out fast. So I'm off to find another coffee, calm the nerves.

You all take care and have a really good day.

- Beautiful Days.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 23:49:45 -0400

Good evening everyone,

Wow two and a half beautiful days. No rain. Light breeze through the day,

which seems to have died down a bit. Making this evening very humid. Well more

of that hot, sticky, yukkie, feeling. Oh well, it's the price we pay. It is a really lovely

evening, even if it is humid. The sky is clear and we can see zillions of stars, first

time we have seen this many for days, we have had so much cloud cover.

Hopefully we will get another good day tomorrow. Have been able to get some much

needed work done in the garden. Now need to get into my neighbours garden, who

is off island, and do some pruning and weeding for her. Seems whatever I plant wants

to be a tree. With all the rain we have had the Frangipan and Snow Vine have shot up

like rockets. Freddy frog, with no mates, seems to have disappeared tonight. Perhaps

he has found himself a lady friend. We could hear another one calling last night, but

seemed a fair distance away.

I'm off to find the glass and something interesting to go in it. You all take care.

Have a lovely evening and a really great day tomorrow.

- Storminess and more...

By Micheal Colaire <nichs2002 at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 18:49:02 -0700 (PDT)

The ongoing ‘assaults’ of our rainfall deluge have become practically a daily affair…today however it returned with a vengeance changing early afternoon skies to an almost dusk appearance (see photos) and even throwing in flashes of lightening and booming thunder too boot -which was certainly unexpected.

Rain thundered down hard with accompanying peals of thunder for more than 2hrs straight and a quick visit to the rain gauge revealed totals in excess of 70mm and counting...no doubt this May -'may' -just may (Pun intended) be one for the hydrology record books of the Nature Isle -at least in the North and North east sections of the island. Later tonight seems like it will bring more of the same…

And as if all of that rainfall 'excitement' wasn't enough already having recorded approx 65.2mm from our last major rainfall event on the 17th into the 18th, -a shallow, localized, small scale Earth tremblor was verified by independent officials in seismology as having occurred on the morning of Tuesday 17th May at about 6:56a.m. in the North east areas of Thibaud/ Vieille Case.

Well I suppose that the lead up to the start of the Hurricane season is definitely set on being dramatic to say the least...Let us just hope and pray that the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane season doesn’t turn out to be anything like what it has been forecasted to be so far.

Also, deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to all the grieving families and relatives on the island, especially to the family of Linus George, Sully from the Community of Atkinson/ Antrizle.

Its precisely in moments such as these that we are surely made to realise how fragile life truly is and how much we really cannot be boastful or arrogant about our lives or our future. Truly -No one knows the day or the hour…so, we Really ought to do our best to live well- ‘not by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’, and by the Grace and strength of God which can help us all find much needed Hope, Courage and Peace within to continue living and soaring over any and all such adversities.
Yes, We Can do All things through Jesus Christ who strengthens Us! Phil 4:13 -We face our future therefore with a bold confidence that comes not from our own Power, or might, but by the Spirit -says the Lord!

Take Courage Brothers and Sisters in Atkinson/ Antrizle – You are in the thoughts and Prayers of
many in this Nature Isle at this time.
-Through the Mercy of God -May he Rest in Peace!

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- Hot & Sticky.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 18 May 2011 21:17:18 -0400

Good evening everyone,

Phew, hot and sticky this evening. To much info hubby says. Had a torrential downpour of

rain at about 6. 30 am. The rest of the day has been a bit of this and a bit of that. Nothing too

exciting. Lots of grey sky with the odd bit of blue now and again. Think the water for the showers

are going to be a little on the cool side this evening. If you hear this kinda of high pitch hum it is probably

me screaming.

Not much in the way of breeze this evening. Humidity way up. Makes for feeling pretty yukkie.

We have one lonesome frog out there. Not to sure if it is one of our mountain chickens. He is fairly big,

and makes a sort of whoop, whoop sound. He as been on the plot behind the house for several nights

calling, but no one is answering him. Beginning to feel quite sorry for him out there all on his own.

You all take care. Please watch for those landslides and boulders. Have a great day tomorrow.

- Landslide.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 20:48:13 -0400

Good evening everyone,

Quick update on the DNO news site. Seems we have had a big landslide over

in the Atkinson area. 2 injured and 1 death. Sympathies to all families.

Please everyone, take care. Not just watching for landslides but also the speed

of driving on the roads.

- A 'little' more of the same...

By Micheal Colaire <nichs2002 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 15:36:23 -0700 (PDT)

Although we often refer to the Nature Island of the Caribbean as being Well watered- it may very well be an understatement… Last night and during the wee hours of this morning brought the heaviest of the showers –In fact, today the measured rainfall for the last 24hours was about 90mm in my location; actually 91.9mm to be exact, which is certainly a bit more than the last major total from our previous deluge event (last Saturday on the 7^th )–when a total of 75.5 mm was recorded that proceeded a 24hr accumulation of 70mm.

So all in the North east are mindful that today’s accumulations have added to an already saturated soil condition, and that extra vigilance should be exercised by those who reside in areas prone to land slips, rock slides and the like…indeed it looks like we are still in for a few more showers perhaps later tonight though thankfully; which may not be as heavy as those early this morning.

I imagine that today must have been a struggle for most school children to be out and about early this morning –having to contend with those -extra large raindrops…well the ‘rainy season’ this year should be rather interesting after all of this ‘pre-season’ wet stuff…

Some photos are attached which show a bit of the early morning heavy rains in the North East of the island.

Pic 1 shows a ‘curtain’ of white rain moving in early this morning as (Pic 2)-the rain bands increasingly block out more of the early morning sunlight . Pic 3- Shows the great amounts of ‘liquid gold’ descending from the heavens during one of the heavier early morning showers (Of course, the mini chute of water in the picture is from the excess water overflow of my roof guttering) . Pic 4 –With no where to go for now…The after-effects of our soaking reveals extensive lawn pooling of water. Thank God the lawns survive this kind of hydrological pounding year round- And Thank God for the resilience of the Nature Isle, Dominica.

God is Good –All the time! Last pic :-At dusk, at the same location showing the contrast from dawn -early this morning (cf.Pic 1&2).

Do continue to take good care & A Blessed Evening to All!

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- Beautiful Days.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 10 May 2011 00:24:17 -0400

Good evening everyone,

O K so I asked for sun, and have sure got some over the last two days. Beautiful sunshine.

Brilliant blue sky. Bright blue sea. Not much in the way of breeze. All very still and calm. Humidity

up. Not comfy at all. Horizon clear. I dare not ask for R rrrrr for the garden after the last time I

asked. Hubby said to ask for sun so I have, now he is looking at me kinda of suspiciously. Scary stuff.

Had the most brilliant sunset I have seen in a long while this evening. Oh my, all the colours, even

green. Totally stunning. I am going to have to get myself a superduper camera. I'm looking for

something that will pick up the light change without me having to press buttons, pull switches etc. Hubby

says I really need a voice activated one, so I can just say light, dark,something in between, etc., cos I'm to

lazy to read the book of instructions. Any ideas who would do such a camera. ????

I'm off to find the glass. Enjoy the evening. You all have a great day tomorrow. Take care.

- Need Some Sun.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 8 May 2011 10:00:29 -0400

Good morning everyone,

It's finally stopped raining but for how long ???. Non stop rain yesterday and

just grey. Reports this morning on the D N O site that we have had some pretty heavy

land slippages, on the Pond Casse to Melville Hall road and in the area of Blenheim.

The rivers are swollen and are running fast and furious. The roads are pretty slippery,

so go with care. We do not need any more nasty accidents to occur with the loss of life.

Although the rain has stopped it's still grey out there. Very big large dark clouds

coming across the ridge to the east of us. We do have blue sky on the west side and the

horizon is clear. Not much in the way of breeze. Little puffs now and again. Humidity

comfy. The mozzie's are out with a vengeance.

Such a shame for those on their holidays. People wait all year, saving hard and spend

a lot of money to come here and then they get rain, rain and more rain.

The trees, plants and bushes are enjoying the rain. Hubby is fed up with it now and

is blaming me. All because I said that the garden was in desperate need of a drink and

would have to get the hosepipe out soon if we don't get some rain.

I'm off to have that other coffee, check out the view. You all take care.

- Incredible rainfall intensity rates…

By Micheal Colaire <nichs2002 at yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 7 May 2011 13:41:19 -0700 (PDT)

Greetings to all,

What a an amazing transition of rainfall activity… we have had almost 9hrs of non-stop rainfall ranging from Heavy at times to moderate and light with an additional mix of light mists and heavy low cloud cover -hanging from every hill, mountain side and slope. Its still raining as I type, but albeit not as heavy, thankfully. Unfortunately, there has been an apparently deadly accident on the Interior road-way sometime early this morning. Its seems like the driver lost control of his vehicle during the rainy conditions…Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected including their families.

Today’s bucket a drop rainfall episode arrives upon already saturated soils so the evidence is everywhere as our rivers are running very high- which is probably the highest the rivers have been all year so far.

Yesterday, was no exception –all day in fact though the rains were more moderate in the Nature Isle- a wonderful and rainy -almost ‘wintry’ type scene yesterday –also complete with low hanging clouds and thick eerie mists.

Today’s weather has taken some by surprise who had been looking for a little ‘break’ today especially in the North east of the island. Also, most Flights at the Melville hall airport have so far been suspended from what I was told. The Melville hall Airport (the largest of our two airports) is also in the North of the island…my heart goes out to all affected travelers…however, remember safety must prevail at all times! At one point in the midst of heavy rains I did hear a plane flying overhead, that must have been One very BRAVE pilot and crew- I hope for the sake of passengers that this was a cargo plane and not a commercial airline. Visibility must have been near Zero…

This month of May will probably bring a record in rainfall totals as accumulations in the north east are already well over 100mm thus far. Early this morning 70mm was recorded for the last twenty four hour period, Since then the sky has poured a lot more so I would not be surprised to record again at least 70mmm or greater by tomorrow morning for sure.

Wisely, there have been virtually no drivers taking to the roadways in my area, thus far anyway -with the exception of a couple of buses who left much earlier in the morning when the deluge was just beginning.

I’ve ventured out to capture some photos- lawn pools are everywhere and all major & minor rivers and rivulets are now at full capacity and raging.

God’s speed to all out there preparing for Mother’s day tomorrow and for Holy Mass on the Lord’s day tomorrow as well.

Lets all keep vigilant and May God’s grace, courage and guidance continue to be with us all as we approach yet another Atlantic Hurricane season!

Some photos of today's rainfall event have been attached:

The first Pic shows another approaching band of showers from out in the Atlantic Ocean.

2nd- Hillsides adorned in their Mists and 'cloud thicket'...

3rd-Some lawn pooling (standing water)

4th- Shades of brown and blue -Usually Azure waters are discoloured from heavy river runoff

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- WEATHER FOR DUCKS

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 7 May 2011 04:46:54 -0700

What on earth has happened to the usual dry month of May? We in Dominica have had our fair share of rain, albeit not as bad as in some of the other islands. It is raining cats and dogs this morning and the island is covered with a great deal of cloud. It is totally amazing watching the mist rising off the Layou river. I am sitting here on the deck watching a series of Nimbus-like clouds making their way upwards to the heavens; it looks very mystical. We could be in the middle of Cornwall where I used to live, with all the greenery, trees and shrubs in glorious rich colours just like Spring time! It certainly is chilly enough to be there! It is 64 farenheit this morning.

By the end of this month we will be into the hurricane season and goodness knows what this is going to bring!

Worth mentioning that we have a wonderful new Supermarket in Picard which has been built by the company H H V Whitchurch. It is a treat to shop their; definitely of a mainland standard. We have a wide variety of foods, fruits, vegetables, dry goods and a great deli! With the amount of different nationalities studying at at the Ross University School of Medicine nearby ,it is like shopping anywhere in the world and a big plus for Dominica. I am off to shop there today, weather permitting!

- Bit of Blue at Last.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 23:32:11 -0400

Good evening everyone,

weather a lot, lot better today. Patchy blue sky. Still a lot of dark clouds floating

around up there though. Sea a sort of grayish blue, but did turn a nice shade of blue

early afternoon. Looked pretty calm out there too. Bit of a breeze, fairly strong at times.

Humidity comfy. Plenty of mozzies about. they don't seem to be bothering me much

today, must have found someone new to suck the blood out of. Hope it's not you Kate.

No screaming coming from the bathroom tonight, Hot water at last. Thought we

might have to end up going to the hot pools. Luckily the pools stay hot regardless of what

the weather is doing. Be nice to go for a soak, haven't been for ages. Makes the old bones

feel good. And after today they feel like they could do with it. Been battling with making

new curtains. Only another 2 to make.

I'm off to check out the COOKER, yeah, you all thought I was gonna say the glass.

That's next. You all take care. Have a great day tomorrow.

- Still Raining.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 May 2011 21:40:16 -0400

An extremely wet good evening to everyone,

O K, I know I wanted some rain for the garden, but this is getting a bit ridiculous now.

Really thought we were in for a nice day first thing this morning. The sun was shining in a bright

blue sky. The sea was blue and calm. Nice light breeze. Then a few dark clouds drifted across

and down came the rain. And it is still raining. Pretty heavy at times as well, and complete

whiteouts. Quite cool this evening. Lisette will be freezing, because she is further up in the island

and our friends over at Pond Casse, even higher up will probably have snow. L O L.

Now is the time to be extra careful. Watch for those landslips and boulders bouncing

down the sides of cliffs. The rivers will be in full flood, so again go with care. Have been watching

the mud from one of the local rivers being washed out to sea. Looks pretty gruesome. Goes for

several miles.

What a miserable May Day, and it looks like no let up for awhile. I'm off to find the glass,

make something nice to cheer and warm us up. You all take care. Hope the sun comes back soon.

- Introducing Chester and Valley

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 1 May 2011 05:14:51 -0700

We are just experiencing more rain today after we thought that the rain had passed by yesterday afternoon when the sun came out! We are so surprised by this weather in May like all the other islands, we are just glad that we are not having the rain as badly as Barbados and St. Lucia. We thought we would post this story of our two newest members of the family and how they came to be with us! Hopefully, this will cheer some of us up:- The story of Chester and Valley..................................................

We have been adopted by Laurie, Lisette, Sinbad and Tippy,

We are so lucky, we were living across the road in a terrible place, we were expected to sleep in the outside lavatory or compacted into a very small rusty pipe! We chose the rusty pipe as it was not smelly and we felt so much safer! The people who were supposed to look after us were not kind to us at all; they used to tempt us to be patted by them and then they would hit us and chase us away. We were very lucky to get fed. Laurie and Lisette used to pass by where we lived with Sinbad and Tippy they realized we were not being taken care of!

The workers went away the first time and left us all alone for five days! We had nothing to eat! Laurie and Lisette came to our rescue and brought us food twice a day. We were all alone and Vallee (I'm light brown) was attacked by something with nasty fangs. Lisette found me and brought me to her home and looked after me for the day until the worker came back and wanted me back!!

Then a very scary thing happened to Chester, he got his hind leg caught in a Manicou trap, he was in terrible pain and very, very frightened. The worker, Shortface, was very upset and could not find Chester so he came and got Laurie and Lisette. They found Chester with his mangled leg and Shortface gave Chester to Laurie to look after and make better. I was so frightened that I ran away and hid and watched where I could not be seen. I spent all the night alone and was very scared. The next morning, very early, Lisette came down with some biscuits and I was so relieved and ran to her, she took me up in her arms and carried me back to be reunited with Chester. It was the best day of my life so far to know Chester was OK and we had come to this safe place.

We had been introduced to Tippy and Sinbad by Laurie as he walks them every day so we all new each other. Sinbad and Tippy new that we needed to be looked after and soon took to licking us and sleeping with us to keep us warm. Sinbad and Tippy are making sure we behave and do not over step the mark, we are having a great deal of fun now as we have lots of toys to play with and are having proper food. We had a very nice bath in the shower which made us clean and shiney it was a bit scary at first but we got used to it and we so enjoy being clean!

We are learning very quickly to sit when we are told and to come when we are wanted and Oh... we are so happy to have a new home, we are never going back across the road to that terrible scary place.

With love from two members of the family,

Chester and Vallee XX

PS We have enclosed our photographs!!

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- A Very Grey Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:16:14 -0400

A very wet good morning everyone,

well it's just grey this morning, grey sky, grey sea. Horizon lost out there somewhere. I know

it's there, just cannot see it. Humidity non existent, cool is a good word. Not a breath of breeze.

The ridge and mountains at the front of the house ( East ) are shrouded in clouds. So I guess a lot

more wet stuff coming our way.

Had to go into town yesterday, must say the rain did help to keep it a little cooler. Still found

it stressful though. Two and half hours, four different buildings, spread from one side of town to the

other to get one piece of paper. Aaaaaagggggg. Today could end up being another lazy day. Not

really, I have ton's of stuff that I need to do.

It is getting darker. Rain getting heavier. I'm off to get the other coffee Hubby's made for me

and look at this grey wet day. You all take care. Watch for those slips and boulders.

- WINTER IN PARADISE

By Lisette Stevens <jaco.lass at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:05:48 -0400

What did we do? Yesterday in the valley was wet! Today is wetter and really cold. I have been dressed in dungarees, t shirt, jumper and socks all day. As I write this it is pouring with rain it is also extremely windy. It has been a day of work and cooking hot soup and home made bread for lunch with a glass of wine. I am curled up reading a book actually enjoying a break. I have to say Jaco Ladd and I are very cozy. The weather though is really weird we want the sun to shine tomorrow! The garden is enjoying the rain. The dogs including two little new rescued puppies (that story to come later) are curled up on the mats sleeping keeping each other warm. It looks like an early night with a bit or romance thrown in!!!!

- Wet & Windy.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:49:01 -0400

Good evening everyone,

whew it's pretty breezy out there. Good strong healthy breeze been with us all day. The washing

dried in no time at all. Hubby had to chase the undies round the garden before they were whisked over

the fence and away. Had a torrential downpour of rain late morning and early afternoon. Friends came

over from Pond Casse and told us that it had been raining heavy over their way throughout the night and

into today. Around 3pm the sun managed to break through. Still the garden was in desperate need of a

good drink, and the amount that came down was more than a thirst quencher. Sea looked more than a

little rough for my liking. Humidity comfy. Trouble seeing the horizon through the rain.

Our friends have told us that their self catering holiday apartments are now ready, and open for customers.

Anyone wishing to stay in the middle of the island up in the rain forest area needs to check out the

Trois Piton Apartments. It is lovely up there in the forest. Very cool, and very near to Emerald Pool. They are

also at the end of one segment, and the beginning of another, of the new Watakubili Trail. The trail is for those

of you who are into serious hiking and walking. The trail start in the south of the island and finishes in the north.

There are 14 segments of this trail. Some easy, some not. You make your choice, depending on how good you are

in Hiking boots. Me, I'll stay at the local hotel with all it's amenities. Hubby says lazy. Hmmph.

I'm off to fill the glass with something. You all take care. Especially after all the rain today. Ideal

time for those slips and boulders. Have a great day tomorrow.

- Dolphin Day.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:50:42 -0400

Good evening everyone,

well we ended with another glorious day. Did think that it was going to be a bit of a grey day

to start with.

For the morning we had large dark clouds obscuring the sun. The sea was grey. A

good strong breeze. Then early afternoon the sun broke through. Sky turned blue. Sea that silvery

blue and fairly calm, could see a few white caps out there. Humidity up. And I had a lazy day,

sitting in my favourite spot, watching the DOLPHINS playing outside my back door. So no complaints.

Poor Hubby kept missing the dolphins, every time he came out they disappeared. He gave up

in the end, and carried on with the tiling, and told me not to make ooohs and aaahhh sounds when I

spotted them.

Well I'm off to find the glass. You all have a good evening and a great day tomorrow. Stay safe.

- Hot Days.

By Jackie Fullbrook <fullbrookt at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:07:09 -0400

Good morning everyone,

well we have had mostly lovely sunshiny days for the better part of this month. Yesterday was a little

overcast and we had a sprinkling of rain late afternoon. Not enough to make the plants excited though. Had

to resort to the hose pipe last night, Hubby said rain is now guaranteed, I think its only really guaranteed

when our neighbour washes his car, then we water the garden.

The morning is bright. Pretty blue sky with a fair amount of clouds. Some of them pretty dark.Light

breeze. Sea calm and a sort of silvery blue. ( good for whale spotting ). Nice clear sharp horizon. Humidity

comfy.

Have had a bit of a mozzie explosion over this past week. Little blighters are everywhere. Poor Hubby

has picked up a nasty cold. Something we rarely suffer from here. So no doubt I'll get it next. Lovely.

I'm off to finish my coffee, check out the view. You all stay safe. Have a really great weekend.

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