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
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?
Happy Birthday, Bish! Hope it was great. So sorry that your sister and so many others are still struggling so much. It's really sad that we aren't doing more.
ReplyDeleteThta's wonderful they have gathered so many books. We send a few and hopefully more people do the same.
ReplyDeleteThat's an old fort. Still looks great.
ReplyDeleteAwesome about all those books.
I hope your sister's house returns to normal soon.
Happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteThe island still has a heartbeat that you can feel from seeing those pictures filled with color and beauty. Harsh times for your sister, indeed. Let's hope the water system return soon. That is huge. And happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday a little late :) Your bouquet's beautiful! Things are slowly coming together, but for sure those there now are experiencing some of the challenges earlier settlers encountered. We all forget what a luxury many things we take for granted are. Running water is but one example.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Love hearing the updates and seeing the pictures. People are amazing adaptable and good thing. I hate hearing someone died because they just did not the medical supplies/support to save them. I hope that changes real soon. Happy IWSG!
ReplyDeleteHi Bish ... so pleased to have more news of what's going on on the island - and to see the reminder re the books - it's on my cards to send some over - and hope I can do that from here ... we'll see. Happy Birthday - and good to luck you and your sister - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday for the 28th of June, Bish! :)
ReplyDeleteIt always warms my heart to see pictures of loads of books which are donated to a worthy cause.
The color and vibrancy in the pictures sets a tone of positivity.
Happy birthday, late! I appreciate the updates on the hurricane stuff, and I'm hoping against hope it will be a quiet hurricane season this year. So far so good, eh? Although we've had some pretty crazy lightning storms.
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping us up to date. Each time I read one of your posts, I'm worried for PR and the islands and grateful for all I have.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a lovely birthday...that date was my late sister's birthday, too. Very special.