Singing the Internet Blues

We have been in our apartment here for 50 days and finally we have internet.  This was due to a series of mishaps as well as the philosophy that most things are done on “island time” here!  Suffices to say, we are finally connected!!

Our first months here were all about exploring and getting our bearings.  We have already found “our beach” and have favorite hangouts, bars and restaurants.  There are still a lot of things we are looking forward to doing, but have not gotten around to for one reason or another.  I will be writing about these in future posts, but really wanted to share some photos from our adventure so-far. 

I also want to thank our families, friends and colleagues that have supported this life-changing move.  It has not been easy and without your support, it would have been that much harder! 

Welcome sign at the Dolphin Discovery round-about:

“Toll” booth and Beef Island Bridge, (a long way from the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges and their toll plazas!):

Traffic Jam.  There was an accident about ½ mile in front of this shot.  One small accident will jam up traffic in and out of Road Town.  However, as far as traffic jams are concerned…….

A few beaches:

Long Bay (Tortola)

Long Bay (Beef Island)

Smugglers Cove

Brewer’s Bay

A few world famous bars:

Bomba’s Shack

Soggy Dollar Bar (Jost Van Dyke)

The view from our deck, Norman Island and Peter Island, Salt Island:

Hello from Reilly & Reagan:

Meanwhile, Back on the Farm

Today marks three weeks at my mom's. This is the longest stretch of time I have "lived" with my parents since I moved out when I was 20.  Believe it or not, we are all still getting along just fine! Although they miss their dad terribly, the boys are having a blast.  Reagan, especially, loves being here.  Although it is not a real farm, my parents live in the country and have all of the makings of one. There are dogs, chickens, pigs and guinea fowl, that Reagan loves to be around. He has even starting calling my mom's dog, Vivian, his!

Sophie

Guinea Fowl

Reagan asked me yesterday for farm animals and a dog in Tortola.  We have a place lined up already, that does not allow pets.  I explained this him and he was pretty upset about it.  Reilly has also had fun here.  He has been helping feed the dogs and pigs. I have even gotten in on the farm "action."  One afternoon last week, one of the pigs "escaped" from her pen.  Mom was out and about so I was left to wrangle her back into her pen.  I think the whole family was surprised that this "city" girl actually did it all by myself!


Highlights of our stay here on the Mendocino Coast have been spending time with my parents, having a "girls only" night with one of my besties, an afternoon at the beach, a pancake breakfast at the historic Mendocino firehouse and a day at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair and parade. I have not been to the fair for at least 15 years. We even arrived early enough to watch the parade. The parade was Mardi Gras themed, and the boys had a blast collecting beads.  They also loved all of the firetrucks in the parade and all along the parade route. Of course, the highlight of the day for the boys was the carnival.  The boys love rides and especially loved the roller coaster.  It was also great to see several friends that I have known since first grade!

Historic Fire Truck

Jug Handle Beach

A Cal Fire truck in the parade.

The roller coaster at the carnival.

This weekend we will return to San Francisco to meet Chris. We have loved our time here on the "farm" and are eagerly anticipating the next part of our journey.

Not Quite Live

Ok, I am not ready to go live here.  I am not sure how "connected" I am going to be when we get to Mendocino to stay with my parents (and do not want to post content then disappear for a month!).  However, I came across a YouTube movie featuring the boys' preschool, starring non other than Mr. Reagan and decided to dedicate my first post to Civic Park Preschool and my favorite Civic Park Preschool students.  Both Reilly and Reagan appear throughout the video!