IWSG, Hurricane Update, Being Thankful

Posting the First Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group, is the brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh. YOU can sign up HERE to participate.

Let's give a warm welcome to our co-hosts:  Nicki Elson, Juneta Key,Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne!

This month's question is: What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)? I'd like to say I have some ultimate goals. But I don't...

Hurricane Update - Ten Months Out

Things are about the same for my sister. This is her lovely kind-sized mahogany four-poster bed. It now sports a tarp for a canopy to keep water off when the ceiling overhead drips during a rain. Obviously the dogs are comfortable. In the corner you can see the hand pump on a sink for pumping water out of the 40,000 gallon cistern. 

Other News

"The U. S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have been placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places." Story HERE  The islands are now included with places like Mt. Vernon and Rt. 66. The history of the islands (I'm talking European involvement) is older than most of the United States, starting with Columbus. The oldest building on St. Thomas is Fort Christian, built in 1671. It survived the storms, but so many didn't and are in desperate need of repair.

Outside the fort

Inside the fort

The living or drawing room

All the furniture is native mahogany and dates from Danish times.

The dining room

 The bedroom

"The Hole" where they put prisoners in isolation. Close the door and there's no light. 

Here's a report on the fiscal and economic conditions in the islands since the hurricanes.

The reality of the situation can sometimes be very harsh and hard to bear. A person died for want of a blood transfusion because the hospital was out and has no way to storing it for any length of time. 

That said, St. John is getting into the swing of things for the 4th of July Celebration! It's a double holiday, as on the 3rd of July, 1848 the slaves won their emancipation, but the news didn't reach St. John until the 4th. St. John is proud to celebrate both American Independence and Emancipation.

Pictures were taken by Rahda Speer of the Food Fair that kicked of the week-long celebration. 

Also, the book drive to fill the school libraries is coming along. Here's a Facebook post from Harold De Frieze.
"My amazing mother Anna De Frieze started working with Senator Janelle K. Sarauwon on the book drive she had going. She just finished getting 27 pallets of books ready for shipment down! You both inspire me to do good things!"

Thanks to all who have sent books. If YOU would like to help fill the school libraries, send new or gently used books to: 

The Office of Senator Janelle K. Sarauw at:
Legislature of the Virgin Islands Capital Building
Charlotte Amalie P.O. Box 1690 St. Thomas USVI 00804

The cheapest way to send boooks is through Media mail (up to 70lbs) with USPS.

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Being Thankful

Today I'm thankful to have traveled another revolution around the sun. 

Always nice to have another birthday, which was on the 28th of June.

My birthday bouquet from my sweet Hubby.

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Happy 4th of July, everyone!

What are you thankful for? Any ultimate writing goals? Got plans for the 4th?