Belize & Back

We had a fantastic time! We stayed in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. We went snorkling (not a fan), went on a trip to the mainland to see the Mayan ruins at Laminai (and got to hear Howler Monkeys- http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/howler-monkey.html - click on Hear A Howler Monkey - they sound much scarier than this recording - super wicked), rented a golf cart and went exploring in rough terrain until I got scared, and did an impromptu day trip to Caye Caulker - sister island.

Water taxis are a main form of transportation in addition to golf carts and bicycles. The people of San Pedro were amazing beautiful and kind.

A Moment To Whine

It started in 2006, the feeling that the party was over. And it began to slide downhill.

At the end of 2006, the general consensus was - things will get better by the middle of 2007.

In the middle of 2007, it was said that things would be back to normal by 2008.

Now we are sitting in 2008 speculating that it will be 2009, 2010 before things get straight in the real estate market.
These are not happy times. But they haven't been happy since 2005 - that's entirely too long!

I am ready for the good times! Where are they?

Last Weekend In Carova

We went up to Carova (4-wheel drive area) last weekend to check out a cheap oceanfront house. We came upon a seal just hanging out on the beach.

Christmas Eve

Hard to see, but there was an amazing full moon rising over the ocean as I was trying to find a grocery store open that had collards and asparagus.

Ron Paul Arrives on the OBX!

No one had any idea why this strange blimp was floating in our skies last Friday, especially since there is no name or ad or anything on the blimp. Turns out Ron Paul is starting a blimp tour starting here and going up to Massachusetts for the weekend.

Outside Living in the Cool Temps

This has been the best, and probably the cheapest, addition to the house.

There's nothing like a real wood fire in the chilling evenings to really enjoy the fall.

The Jeep Hits A New High!

Halloween Sunset

As the dogs and I were headed home last night from our walk pre-trick-or-treaters, Mike picked us up and took us to the park to watch the sunset. I took these with my phone.

October Sunset

The sunsets in the fall and early winter are incredible. Here is one we were fortunate to witness last Sunday. Photo courtesy of John Leatherwood, as we didn't have a camera on us.

If you haven't visited lately...

You may want to come soon. We have a very interested party in our home and it may sell soon!
http://www.outerbanksconsulting.com/Holly.htm

After the Storm

No damage - just a lot of water!

Filming Follow Up

I left the house while the cooking show was being filmed, but after everyone packed up and left for the day, I was left a nice surprise....

A sink full of dirty dishes!

And yes, some leftovers - some were fantastic (almost made it worth it)

The Calm Before The Storm

Mike spent HOURS last night cleaning the pool. All I kept thinking was we're supposed to be getting a "Historical Storm" on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Why bother?

As you can also see, the pool is open and although it is not warm - yet - we're ready!

Hollywood Arrives

Why is it that every time you agree to do something nice, it always turns into a HUGE pain and inconvenience?

Our local cable company - Charter - appoached us and asked if they could use our kitchen to film a new cooking show for local restaurants. (This came by way of recommendation of a friend's boyfriend who is a chef, but working as a plumber, having spent time over at our house).

After being nicely flattered, I, of course, had to know what was in it for us.

Free advertising for Mike's business and the house - which is wonderful, but I would have preferred free cable for life.

This is what I have gotten out of it: we have the stickers off the front windows and the front door painted.

In return, the dogs have been banished from the house and I have to get ready for work before 8:00 am & strange people in my home all day.

Maybe there will be leftovers?

Can't Leave Out Chloe

We brought George into our lives so Chloe doesn't completely chew her leg off with her "separation anxiety". She is adapting to her new brother nicely and only gnaws on her leg half of the day now.

It's All For Chloe.....