Christmas Time Again....

It's Christmas time again. Wow! A time for celebrations and a time to prepare for another year. Where did this year go? As I reflect on the year, I can't complain. Phil & I are staying positive as always; even with our busy work schedules. The bulk of our "together" time is usually at Captain Oliver's in the evenings. I usually venture to the restaurant to spend time with Phil because Captain Ollie's, (as I call it), has become a big part of our lives. Phil loves what he does and I continue to have my focus and passion on education. Education is where I have always received the greatest joys and rewards. We both have our careers; finally doing what we both enjoy in life.

We travelled together a few times this year to Florida. (Hard to believe I know...lol) Our vacations have allowed us to have fun, laugh, spend time with friends as well as much needed time together. We are learning about our new "home away from home" - Florida. We learned about the Everglades this year going on an Airboat at top speeds, (what a rush!) seeing wildlife including Aligators and exotic plants. We tried typical Floridian Everglades dishes that included: Frog, aligator, shrimp, chicken with chips-fries while we were visiting the Everglades which is superb! We acquired another home in Ft. Myers which is in the historic district, built in 1925. We think the bank left off a few 0's or numbers on the price, but we didn't bring it to their attention...lol
We started furnishing and decorating the first home in Lehigh Acres together. Even though I had been back to the house numerous times after we bought it, I waited for Phil to be with me before even thinking about buying furniture alone. I managed to finally bring the things by truck from NY, driving the entire 1500 miles alone in 2 days to make sure that I would be there to meet Phil on arrival in Ft. Myers back in April.

A purchase of the first of many (I hope) collector cars, this one being an XJ6 Jaguar with 69,000 original miles. Timing wasn't right for the Rolls Royce for Phil, but I'm keeping my eyes out for the perfect one for him. Maybe this year?

Changes in St. Martin this year as well. Phil's dad at 80 years old made a big change in his life by moving to St. Martin full time from France to be closer to Phil and his sister and grandchildren. It's nice to have him closer to us.

As for changes in my family life....it doesn't end! Words cannot describe the noncense. My sister that cannot and doesn't get along with Phil managed to find our location in Florida through People Search and purchased a home 1 mile away. WHY? Her obsession with where my location is doesn't stop to amaze me. I had to tell her to STAY AWAY from our home to prevent her from fighting with Phil and me. Fights would be inevitable with her. She never liked Phil (for her own reasons) and she managed to deliberately buy a home 1 mile away? Strange! Yes! So, I had to make a descision rather strongly to cut myself off from my entire family. Yes, the entire family. Why? Because when one of my family members knows my business, everybody knows my business. Then the trouble begins. The turmoil, fighting, dissagreements, disruptions in my (our) life on and on....So, since I made the choice, our life is quiet, no problems, no fighting, no butting into our life. Basically CALM. Finally. Sad as it sounds, I needed to break away to keep peace in my life. Phil and I don't have problems between us, we have our dissagreements, but, they are minor and the love always wins. With my family, there are always problems and meddling and verbal harassments.

So, here I am with another Christmas when family is suppose to be present in ones life, happiness, love, sharing memories as well as making memories, but, in my life with my family, it is not possible. Am I at a loss? No, my family is at a loss because they don't know how to behave properly and need to learn the meaning of love and family. My family has forced me to separate myself from them due to their inappropriate behaviors. I have come to the descision that they are the ones who will not know my life now or in the future. I don't want to see them, hear from them at all. One would say I am cold, cruel, unforgiving, blah blah blah, but if people knew what they put me as well as us through over the years, there is no place for forgiveness any more. I'm tired. Life is so important to me and when I see people wasting their time to be miserable, I can't be a part of that as sad as it sounds.

Phil and I are together since 1996 and starting another year in our life, another year for adventure, another year to journey through our life. Another year of the unknown. Another year of the unexpected and the unknown. Love always wins in my life. I am the luckiest person to be alive because of Phil entering my life. He's the most important person in this world to me. He's my shining star. Il est l'amour de ma vie, mon étoile qui brille!

Dilemmas, Descisions, Regrets, how to proceed....?

I'm Blogging again in the same week. Wow! This time, I write because of dilemmas, possible regrets, once a descision has been made. We try to make our loved ones happy in the process of giving something up, making concessions, as well as "sometimes" leaving others behind and moving on. The old saying goes, "we can choose our friends, but, we can't choose our families." My family isn't perfect by no means and we have certainly pissed each other off, fought, got angry with each other over the years, but, we always manage to move on, forget and most of the time forgive. My problem is a serious one this time...My sister Millie, (left in the picture) my other sister Kathy, (right in the picture) have this "thing" about Phil. They are not sure of him since I met him and believe me, if people in my family were going to judge people, it would be these two. Kathy, on right, is not trustworthy and she has the ability to smile, make believe, and give the impression she likes you, when deep down judgements are racing through her head about you. NOT very nice qualities in a "human being" if I were to judge. Millie on the other hand, on left, let's you know straight up that she doesn't like you or she will do her best to "inconvience you" to the utmost to her potential. She has certainly inconvienced Phil & myself over the 14 years that Phil & I have been together. We had a home next door to Millie in upstate NY when we realized afterwards that we had made a mistake being so close to family. Interference, trouble, name dropping, fighting, dissagreements, sarcasm, inuendos, verbal harassment, usually addressed to Phil never wanting to accept him in my life no matter my happiness with him. (blinded) So, Phil & I made the descision to go back to St. Martin after the 8 month break. Things were never the same between them anymore. So, Phil & I decided years later to buy homes in Florida, away from everybody, mostly my family and mainly my two sisters. We chose Lee County where neither one of us had ever been, never visited, not knowing a single person in this area. We found a small community outside of Ft. Myers where we wouldn't be bothered. However, thanks to people search, my sister Millie, on left, mangaged to find us, our home address, community etc. Guess What....? She bought a home 1 mile away on the golf course. Well, there goes our "safe haven". The thoughts of anticipation of what she is capable of, is already over-whelming. A repeat of upstate New York is the fear more than anything. Our secret garden has been violated which is not a good feeling. The obsession she has to interfere in our life is unbearable! Crazy? Obsessed? Me? I have no idea. So, a descision has to be made. If I talk with her if she comes around, does that violate my love for Phil & does that leave the door open for possible future harassment when Phil is here? or Will she respect our space when we are here together and avoid the house and our time here? or Do I avoid her, tell her to stay away that I want nothing to do with her anymore? My dilemma is that because she is my sister 62, almost 63, do I keep contact with her, keep her in my life and put my foot down that she HAS NO CHOICE, but to STAY AWAY from both of us? Regrets are and will be what they are in the future and we all have them. I explained the situation with my very dear friend and neighbor, Fran here in Florida. She was walking her dog yesterday morning and our morning routine is to drink our coffee on the street every morning while she walks her dog, Amodeus. She was in tears and told me that she would "give her life to have just 5 minutes back with her mom, brother, sister and husband" who all died within the last 3 years. She told me that I was a fool to give family up to avoid having a problem with Phil. She told me that "he needs to adjust, not deal with my family if he doesn't want to and to let me see my family on my terms."
So, I'm confronted with a situation that needs to be rectified so nobody will be hurt emotionally, keep the peace in my house and life with Phil, and make sure that I don't say in the future, "what if I had done this differently & how should I have handled this problem?" Our families are what they are, but, Phil is my life and I don't want to hurt anybody......What to do, What to do.....? We can choose our friends, but we can't choose our families! I've been dealing with this for years and I'M TIRED of trying to make everybody happy! I'M TIRED, DAMN IT, I'M TIRED!!!!!!!! Any advise to help me to proceed?

July in Florida

Well, here I am again in Florida Blogging. It seems that as time goes on, the only time I have to Blog is in Florida. The last time was April. Am I busy or what...? LOL

I'm here alone this trip working "primarily" on house #2. It was going to be a "joint project", but, Phil's schedule doesn't allow him to get away this time being that his assistant went back to France unexpectedly? I think it was planned for her to work 2 months and earn money for her transportation back to France. But, that's just my idea of what she did to Phil. He's inconvienienced once again due to irresponsible people. I've been here a week already and haven't seen the time pass. In Florida, the state only issues one plate, so I had to decide what to put on the front of the Jaguar that I also refer to as "The Kitty". I put "St. Martin Boys" on the front plate.

Two days ago, I e-mailed Phil after he tried to call me. I told him, "I was outside washing The Kitty". He thought I adopted another cat and was bringing it back to St. Martin to add to our already large collection of family pets. lol lol lol I was hysterical laughing. The he realized I was washing the car. Oh well, it's not easy being me or being with me.....LOL LOL Is Phil lucky or what...? After 14 years of being together, you would think that he'd be use to me.....ha ha ha

So, What has been happening and what has transprired in my life.......? Here we go.......

--I've finished work for another year and on vacation for 5 weeks in Florida.

--A brother I hadn't spoken to in 24 years has re-entered my life.

--A sister that doesn't like Phil (for whatever her reason) other than ignorance has found out where Phil & I bought our house in Florida and bought a house 1 mile away. ugh!

--Phil & I gave up our favorite drink for now....wine.....ugh!

--I bought an Isuzu Amigo in Avon Park, Florida that I'm shipping back to St. Martin at the end of the month.

--Old Friends and Classmates from High School have re-contacted me through Facebook. Even my high school principal has contacted me asking me how my life is....I was impressed.

--My friend Sherry & I are having fun!

Blah Blah Blah

First, my brother George has contacted me through Facebook. We hadn't spoken since my mom died 24 years ago because of words that should never had been spoken as well as other things going on during that terrible time in our lives. As a kid, he was my "big brother" who I loved so much. He was the guy I looked up to, he was the guy who always made sure that I was the first one to ride in all of his new cars, he was the guy who always took me for Carvel Ice Cream to get the cone with sprinkles, he was the guy who always watched out for me when I was in the pool learning how to swim, he was the one who taught me to shoot a bow & arrow into the target, he was the one who taught me how to catch a baseball, "He Was The One....." After my mom died, things were said inappropriately & I silently drifted away from family members, mainly George. The days turned into weeks, the weeks to months and the months to 24 years. We're both stubborn and neither one would budge an inch to make an effort to try to be close again. Well, he made the effort after all of these years and we're catching up on lost time if that is possible. We're learning about each other's lives again and what we've done during the last 1/4 of a century. Time lost, Yes! Time gained now, Maybe! The important thing is that we're speaking again and if all goes well, we should see each other for the first time in August in Florida while I am here.

Second, Since I met Phil, my sister Millie hasn't like Phil from the first day even though she tried to pass it off as she did...yeah right! I think it has to do with the fact that she blames Phil for (in her mind), taking me out of the country. It also has to do with the fact that we live near Phil's sisterin St. Martin and I think she's jealous! Who knows what she thinks? I don't. All I know is that she makes our life difficult when she is around. We moved away from the house we had next door to her upstate NY because it wasn't possible for Phil or myself to go to the house without her tormenting both of us daily. It's sick! We searched Florida where we wouldn't be found and thanks to "People Search" for $19.99 you can find anybody you want to find. Well, she found us here in Florida, and what did she do.....she bought a house 1 mile away. Is that sick or what? We don't understand the obsession as to why she WON'T allow us to live our lives without her being present? So now, the tormenting "might" return. We're both disgusted as to why she followed us here?

Third, Phil & I were eating & drinking too much wine each day. So, for now, the wine is done and the food is less and more healthy.....! This is true for both of us.

Forth, I needed a new car for the island. My Land Cruiser mechanically is perfect, but the salt air has destroyed my trucks body and it's not worth the expense to repair it.

So, I found this Isuzu Amigo in Avon Park, Florida which is about 2 hours from here. I drove it on Saturday and I'm sending it back to St. Martin at the end of the month so it's there when I get home.

Fifth, Facebook has brought so many highschool friends and childhood friends into my life again. I wasn't too impressed with Facebook at the beginning, but, now I am glad that I signed onto it because of getting back in touch with people.

My friend Sherry are in touch "almost" on a daily basis catching up on years also and enjoying each other's stories and funny moments that we shared years ago. We went to school together and ended up working in the same school teaching. We became closer as time went on and were inseparable and was always there to help each other stand up when times were down. It's Great!

I'm here in Florida for 5 weeks, so I'm sure there will be more to Blog about....LOL

A New Beginning for America

Today, I wll say that I am a Happy American. Why one might ask? Well, I will share my views and opinions as to why I am happy or maybe the word Ecstatic would be more appropriate.

America has a new President named Barack Hussein Obama. Those of you who are Republicans I mean no disrespect to you. Remember, America is a Democracy and I can share my political views if I choose.

America has proven that the color of a person's skin is no longer the criteria for choosing a leader. The people have proven that a man's name is no longer an issue as to who can lead the country into the future. The people of America have a shown and proved to the world that a change was necessary. The respect that Americans once had from the world will now return. The world is witness to the eye opening of the American Citizens; that change was necessary! In order for the people of America to move into the future, as well as people of other countries to proceed through life in a positive way, change was inevitable.

Any American, as well as any person from around the world who listened and listens to Barack Obama, the conclusion would be that the President has a plan that will change the lives of people within America as well as those living outside of America. Finally, we have a person with intelligence, a dream, and a person who is going to include everybody in his plan. When he speaks, he doesn't leave anybody out when speaking of the future. For me, it is a pleasure to listen to him speak and I hang on every word, waiting and wondering what he will say next.

His staff also appears to be following his plan, his goals, and his philosophy on what he wants America to be. He is keeping people informed of what he is doing "almost" on a daily basis.

Phil bought me his latest book called "The Audacity of Hope" and it informs the reader about where he came from, what he had to endure in his political career and where he wants America and it's people to go in the future. It also informs the reader of his trials and errors to get to this point in his life. It's a book about him and who he is as a person.

Through this election as well as the days that led up to his innaugaration, I found myself for the first time in my life getting involved in Politics and staying up to date on a daily basis as to what was happening and transpiring. I have become more involved and will continue to stay aware of issues that affect peoples lives.

I see a positive change coming to America for all of us. A bright future where maybe one day my dream will become a reality. What is the dream I have.....My dream is that I will one day have a CHOICE to live in America with my French partner if I choose to live there again. Right now, I don't have that choice because of the laws preventing my French Born Partner from living in the US. Do I think that it "might happen", might is the key word here; now under President Obama's Presidency? Yes! Maybe one day, WE can live in America if we choose! America, Keep your eyes open into the Future!

The "Back" is out!

Those of you who don't have back problems, hope that you never will. I've had back problems for years due to shovelling snow years ago after a NY snow storm. Since then, if I move the wrong way or lift something using my back instead of using my legs for strength, my back can go out without warning. There are months where I never have problems and one careless move and out it goes, sometimes knocking me right off my feet and onto the ground.

This time I learned the hidden powers and strengths that is contained within the body. The pain through my nerve endings being pinched as well as locked vertebraes that I experienced this time was excruciating. I couldn't sit or stand straight up at times. An attempt to stand or an attempt to move when the nerve endings touched sent electric shocks through my back & spine to the point where I couldn't move forward, back or even make an attempt to go down to the floor and try to get the pressure off of my spine.

I was locked and experienced the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. I could not move at all. Luckily for Phil being close, he was able to come running and prevent me from falling down the stairs of the house, pick me up from the floor very carefully, or even had to guide me slowly to the floor so that I could get the pressure off of my spine. There seemed to be no position that would allow me to be free from the pain.

At night, one wrong move to lie flat on my back or lay sideways would cause the back to go out again even after going to a Vertebraeologists-Back Doctor during the day to attempt to reset my spine and back. I've been going to Jean Francois since arriving on the island after the original back doctor, Gerald left for France. Jean Francois knows how to reset my back. Normally, when I throw my back out, I can walk in in pain and walk out standing up. So far, I have had to go to him 6 times and it's still not over. Today was the first time I heard a pop after days and hours of his attempts to massage and manipulate the back into position.

Today was my 4th day out of work because of my back and the law requires government employees to go to SVB which is one of the government offices for people who are out of work due to illness, accidents, injuries etc. It was confirmed by the government doctor that I definately had a serious back problem and I will need to go back on the 22nd of January to do a followup visit to see my progress back to health. I have to stay out of work until he tells me that it is alright to go back to work. Social Laws as in Europe are very different than those laws in the US.

I am getting better, but, the pain and sometimes quick electric shocks comes and goes now. I have to sit on a hard chair all day long sitting straight up without moving around. This is boring not being able to move around. When Phil is here, he has to get me and bring me everything which I hate. ummmmmmmm No Really, I hate being catered to and waited on. Phil hasn't been getting much rest because my morning schedule for getting up early hasn't changed. When I'm awake, I'm awake and cannot stay in bed. My attempts to get up on my own have been a joke. The morning wake up call for Phil now is: "PHIL, HELP ME, I'M LOCKED AND THE PAIN IS BACK! I'M GOING TO FALL, HELP ME QUIIIIIIIICK, QUIIIIIIICK!" You get the idea. He's not a happy camper since the back is out for almost a week now. Isn't Love wonderful!

Well, the living room has become command central for me now. My laptop is on the coffee table, my novel and glasses are to the left of the computer, tv remotes are on the sofa to my right, phone is near the remotes, bottle of water is on the floor near the chair and my bamboo cane is leaning on the chair next to me for when I try to move. Today I had a good day. I got off the chair 2 times to let the dogs out. YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAA!

Hopefully the days to come will be better. I HOPE!

"Le Petit Prince" - A Story about Life.

This time of the year, I become sentimental to things in life that I've encountered, What I've been taught, What I have learned through my life's experiences, the people that have come into my life; one way or another, the way I see the world including the people.

I can't help but think of a wonderful story that I read as a child, which may have been one of my mom's favorite stories as I think was passed onto her from my grandpa also and she passed it onto me so long ago. It was more than a bedtime story; I realize that now. At the time, I didn't analyze the story, but through memories as well as going through life and getting older, I now understand that there was a reason behind the story.

The story, "Le Petit Prince" or "The Little Prince" was written in 1943 by Antoine de Saint-Exupery in a small town on Long Island, New York close to where I grew up called Asharoken in a home that was rented by the author called The Bevin House. The book has been translated into 180 languages and has sold more than 80 million copies.

It's a story about a Little Prince from another planet who meets a pilot who has crashed in the Sahara Desert that has 8 days of water and has to try to fix his plane.

The Little Prince makes several profound and idealistic points about life and human nature. Saint-Exupéry tells of meeting a young prince in the middle of the Sahara. The essence of the book is contained in the famous lines uttered by the fox to the Little Prince: "On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (One cannot see well except with the heart, the essential is invisible to the eyes). Other key thematic messages are articulated by the fox, such as: "You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed" and "It is the time you have spent with your rose that makes your rose so important."

The Characters:

The King who can "control" the stars by ordering them to do what they would anyway. He then relates this to human subjects; it is the citizen's duty to obey, but only if the king's demands are reasonable. He orders the Prince to leave as his ambassador.

The Conceited Man who wants to be admired by everyone, but lives alone on his planet. He cannot hear anything that is not a compliment.

The Drunkard/Tippler who drinks to forget that he is ashamed of drinking.

The Businessman who is constantly busy counting the stars he thinks he owns. He wishes to use them to buy more stars. The Prince then goes on to define property. The Prince owns the flower and volcanoes on his planet because he cares for them and they care for him. Because one cannot maintain the stars, he argues, the Businessman cannot own them.

The Lamplighter who lives on an asteroid which rotates once a minute. Long ago, he was charged with the task of lighting the lamp at night and extinguishing it in the morning. At that point, the asteroid revolved at a reasonable rate, and he had time to rest. As time went on, the rotation sped up. Refusing to turn his back on his work, he now lights and extinguishes the lamp once a minute, getting no rest. The Prince actually empathizes with the Lamplighter, who is the only adult to care about something other than himself.

The Geographer who spends all of his time making maps, but never leaves his desk to explore (even his own planet), going on the pretext that it is the job of an explorer to do so. Even if an explorer were to visit the Geographer, the Geographer is very doubting of any explorer's character and would most likely disregard the report. He does not trust things he has not seen with his own eyes, yet will not leave his desk. Out of professional interest, the geographer asks the Prince to describe his asteroid. The Prince describes the volcanoes and the rose. "We don't record flowers", says the geographer, because they are only ephemeral. The Prince is shocked and hurt to learn that his flower will someday be gone. The geographer then recommends that he visit the Earth.

We can learn a lot about life if we read this book carefully & understand the message behind the writer. As adults, we sometimes forget what it was like to see the world through a child's eyes. The beauty, the naivete', the trust in people, the love that we knew so innocently as a child, the aspirations and the inspirations we knew & wanted, the joys of who we are and who we wanted to become as adults.

During this time of the year, I think back to all of the memories I had as a child, the values and teachings of my parents as well as my grandparents. My grandpa mostly because I loved him so much. (my mom's dad) He loved life and people and he always told me to "Believe". He left that open as to what he wanted me to "believe", but, maybe his message was like that of Antoine de Saint-Exupery; "To never forget what it is like to see the world through a child's eyes". He taught me so much as a child. I was even named after him.

I end this Blog Posting today so that we never forget what life is, don't take it for granted and that we remember that we have a limited time on earth and that we need to make the most of it while we are here. I wish everybody a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays & Remember how Important & Prescious Life is to ALL of us!

Travelling Dogs

Being an American Indian, throughout the Mohegan Tribe, our dogs are known as "The Travelling Dogs." They've made the front page of the Mohegan Newspaper. (click on the pictures to enlarge)

Caramel as you can see from the picture was a puppy when we found him on the side of the road near Baie Rouge, a beach on the island of St. Martin. He had a strong character as a puppy & it carried over into his adulthood. Piccola was found abandonned on another beach called Cupecoy as an adult dog. When we found her, we didn't even know what color her hair was because the mainge was taking over her body to the point of "almost death". Well, as you can see, both are doing well and have been on both sides of the ocean as well as the states. .

Caramel & Piccola (to the right) on a river
in Upstate New York.

Phil with Piccola & Caramel on the Champs Elyses

Paris, France

For me, Paris is a special place, the magic, romance, history. It is absolutely magic. (to the right)
Me, Phil, Piccola & Caramel at the Eiffel Tower, Paris,

France.

Me, Piccola, Caramel sitting on top of a 7,000 year old Dolmen, which was used as a temple before the Middle Ages. Located in the Cevenne Region in the south of France.

Beach is La Grande Motte on the Mediterranean

Sea in the south of France. (to the right) One of my favorite beaches.

Me sitting on a wall with the pups in the Cevenne Region Southern France above the town of Florac on the way to the plateau called The Causse Mejean. It is divided by a canyon going through the middle.

On Phil's family property dating back to the Middle Ages. The river runs through the property that flows under a bridge from the Middle Ages that was made with no cement or concrete of any kind. The bricks fit together like a puzzle and is still standing. The bridge is arched in the center. (below)

Le Pond du Gard Bridge-Aquaduct that dates
back to over 7,000 years built by Augustus. It
carried 1 million gallons of water per day to the
city of Nimes to water the gardens & for drinking.

This is Caramel on the Via Domitia which is the Roman Antique Road built about 118 BC between Rome and what is now Barcelona. If you look closely, you can see the indentation of the horse carts in the stone. Did we step back in time for this or what? Caramel & Piccola had a great time in this area this day. Built in the south of France above Montpellier.

Notice that we spend alot of time in the south of France because Phil's family is from this area.

Rusty & Bobby Lee

I was reading through my Blog and realized that I didn't include two of the "little ones." The two that I hadn't added to my Blog are Rusty & Bobby Lee. (if you click on all of the photos on this Blog, you can enlarge them.)

To start out, Rusty (a cat), imposed himself on us. One night, we were having dinner, watching tv and this little rusty colored cat came onto the terrace having no regard for Caramel or the other animals. We had never seen him before, never heard him; he just arrived from somewhere. Meow, Meow, Meow and he was basically telling us that he was adopting us rather than us adopting him. Caramel being the Sheik of the Animal Kingdom of our house was a bit confused with the situation because normally animals sense Caramel's presence and go the other way. But, not this little cat. He stayed at the house & the next day he rubbed himself against Caramel, grabbed Caramel's neck, (Caramel still confused as to what was taking place), played with Caramel and even Caramel had no choice in the matter that this cat was here to stay. Well, his name became Rusty, (so original) & he became part of the family. He loves Phil & even speaks to Phil when Phil is home. The interesting thing is that when I come home from work, Rusty is nowhere to be seen or heard of. As soon as Phil arrives & Rusty hears his voice, this cat comes running, meow, meow, meow. He loves Phil, and is just starting to take to me, (almost a year later). Phil & I always say that he must have been born around the time that our cat Clyde died. He has a very similar character as Clyde. Clyde was the only animal that Caramel would allow to be so close to him. Caramel lets Rusty do whatever he wants to do and they are very close. Caramel, I think, knows that Rusty will do whatever he wants so he's adjusted. He's with us since 12th Sept. 07

The next little one that I didn't include in my Blog is Bobby Lee, AKA-(also known as): "Piglet". Why Piglet? She loves to eat and makes the sound of a pig. When she runs, she sounds like a pig. When she is dreaming, she sound slike a pig. It's true!

Bobby Lee was another abandoned dog that was left in Oyster Pond, where we live. I had seen her on and off, but thought that she belonged to somebody because she's a Britney Spaniel. After about 2 weeks, because she was surviving and seemed to be alright, I realized that she was abandoned. One night she came to the restaurant to eat. Well, she too imposed herself on us because she followed us home and never left. The next day, we took her to the vet, gave her shots, some medicine for the beginning stages of mainge, and an ear infection.

We didn't plan on another animal, but, island life doesn't give you a choice if you love animals. She's been with us a year this Nov. 9th 07. She has this fascination for the sea and she loves to chase birds and crabs on the beach. In all of the years that we live here, (10 plus years), I will never get use to the neglect, mistreatment and abandonment of animals. It has gotten better, but, still exists. I can honestly say that I don't want to adopt anymore animals, but, if I need to intervene to help out for the short term, I will. But, in all honesty, I've done my part in my life in adopting animals. So, above you see recent pictures of the little ones. In order: Bobby Lee (name comes from the movie; "To Wong Fu, Thanks Julie Newmar"), Happy, Caramel & Piccola. The picture was taken on the beach in front of the house 2 weeks ago.

Sherry & Jen; My Friends from so long ago....

I am very Happy Today.
I thought that our contact was lost forever! I managed to locate my friend Sherry through a school bulletin I found on line. I e-mailed & she e-mailed back. We worked together in the same school years after high school graduation. Sherry was my "party buddy" on weekends & I was hers.
Oh how I remember the Jagermeister Shots at the bars. The partying would go on into the night & the fun & laughs & secrets we had. We were each other's Confidant & always watched out for each other.
We haven't been in touch since I left New York over 10 years ago.
Today, I was reminising of those days so long ago of the "special friendship" we shared. We were always there for each other & we were only a phone call away or a 10 minute car drive to each other's homes. During the 10 plus years, I never forgot Sherry or her daughter Jen who is now 16 years old. I saw pictures of her today & the reality of time passed, has hit home.
We have so much to catch up on & I can't wait! I e-mailed Sherry back, but, 10 plus years of being absent in each other's life can't be sumized in one e-mail.
I'll update the progression of our rekindled friendship. Wow!

We the People...

We the People, has become a reality for me. Through the voting process, the open mindedness of Americans, the particpation of the election process, the determination for change and to be counted has been proven. Through the Incompetances of the Former Administration, has allowed for Americans to see the Realities of Failed Leadership. The economic hardships that American People have encountered and the new way of having to look at the Future of America.
Maybe, and I hope, that the American People will wake up, change the way in which they live because of this horrendous episode in our history. I hope that Americans look at life more seriously, change the priorities and take more time for themselves and enjoy what life has to offer; then looking at the money as the key that rules their daily lives.
I've learned, since living outside of my country, to look at America from the outside rather than from the inside.
I saw & realize what I was. My life revolved around the material possessions which meant alot of hours away from home to earn the money that was required to pay for "those things".
If I think back to my NY days,
I must have been a Fucking Nut Case!!!!!!
The best part is, is that I was single during all of these financial obligations. I chose to have the "things" rather than a relationship because "the things" were the "REWARDS" for living the "AMERICAN DREAM" (get real!)
I had no time for myself or anybody else for that matter. I was rarely home, other than to sleep & time to do the yard work on weekends before going to the second job.
Times are far worse now for the American People and must be even harder for those with families.
How did priorities change in America? Why did we allow ourselves to WANT rather than be WANTED? Why is IMAGE so important now? Why is it necessary to "Keep up with the Jones or to get the things before the Jones' do?" Why did we or do we allow ourselves to "Live Beyond our Means?" Why do we move to another home, rather than to "Just Add On to our existing homes?" Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah The questions go on and on for me......Now, it's confusing as to why I allowed myself to go THAT FAR! Is EXCESS really necessary? What about, "just the basics to enjoy life?"

So now, living outside of the US for the last 10 plus years, I can see where I was, where America is and I don't want to ever change my ways of thinking again.
I've learned that you can be successful, live discreetly & simple, have time to party, spend Quality Time with The Love of Your Life, Travel, not live beyond your means, have friends who like & respect you truly for who you are, rather than what you have in the pocket, where or how you live, & most of all, Respect & Cherish the person you chose to be your life partner and, "HOPEFULLY, that person will do th esame for you.....!" and, have Dreams for Tomorrow.....
I hope that America changes back to a more simple life & not put the emphasis on "the things" anymore after this economic crisis. I hope that America looks at the "important" things in life; which is our precious time of life & our companion in life. (you can define what is important to you)
We the People have spoken. Let's think about how we will use this chance we have to live a better life in America & around the world. Change is not only with the Government's Administration. We the People have to define our Priorities for ourselves.

Today, I Wait with Anticipation...

Today, I think most people with any intelligence & a functioning brain, sits, paces nervously, glued to the TV sets, listening to the radios or conversing with friends & collegues anticipating our next President of the United States.

I would also like to include the next "First Family" of America. When I see photos of this True American Family, I can only feel Strength & Comfort knowing that this family will make us proud that they are representing millions of Americans, giving us hope for a brighter & better tomorrow & future.

For me, they represent all of us in their determination, confidence and dreams that: "We can seek the Impossible"; take a stand in what WE believe to be our own successes; no matter how large or small. For me, they represent that "keeping life simple", and not living beyond our means, allows us to keep the dreams real & within reach. For me, they represent that through personal experiences allows us

or (should show us) to NOT forget where they/we came from and where they/we want to go in life. For ALL of us, they proved that "Anything is Possible" as long as we don't give up on ourselves.

For me, they represent that: We have to take a stand in what we believe to be of value, importance and what is cherished most in our lives. We have to learn from our mistakes & not repeat them. We need to look forward & not back if we are to have productive & healthy lives. We need to advance by thinking of others & not ourselves. We need to reach out, help & say hello as often as possible; even to people we don't know. In the end, those people will feel important & will hopefully pass on the hello or lend a helping hand to others as well.

Since teaching & dealing with the people of St. Maarten more on a daily basis, (professionally & personally), I find myself reaching out more to people & I especially reach out to my students & their family members. I try to understand their daily lives, struggles & hardships and what they do each day to survive. Through their struggles, they still laugh & enjoy life. They make the best of what they have & proud of what they accomplish. When a mom or dad sees me in public or even at the school, they are not shy to give me a hug. I even had one dad last week give me a hug & a kiss on the cheek because I prevented his son from being kicked out of school after an incident that could have been prevented, had a teacher been present & doing his job.

(remember the teacher who was spying on the computer to see what I was doing?)

I find myself enjoying life more now, then I did prior to teaching. I feel productive & giving back to St. Maarten & contributing to the future of these kids & the island. I'm even more sensitive now and find it easier to overlook things that were once or could have been a crisis.

Through Obama & his family, I have hope & feel positive for a brighter tomorrow for the people of America, the people of the world and the future of good things to come under his Presidency.

Again I will say, "I have found a New Role Model in My Life!" His Inspiration moves me to being a better person each day!

Today, I have hope for America & The World

Today, I have hope for America & The World after watching the Infomercial of Obama. I watched it today because the TV Satelite was down last night.

During the 30 minute Ad for Obama, I will be honest with you, I had tears in my eyes. His ad portrayed people from different parts of America who had "everyday issues" that they had to live with making concessions, changing their daily routines and come to reality with what they thought their retirement was going to be after retirement.

When Phil & I travel throughout America, we always observe people; who as American Senior Citizens, are working in fast food restaurants, Walmart, Sam's Club etc. When we travel throughout Europe, we don't see Senior Citizens working anywhere.

Barack Obama talks about the goals, policies and dreams He has for America & The People.

His personal crisis' & personal experiences allows him to understand; what ALL of US go through at some point in our lives. He can relate to what the "average American" is going through and hasn't forgotten about his youth, his family upbringing, his hardships. He understands what hard work is and what it means to get to a point in ones life. Nothing was given to him, except the "Drive to keep going to reach your dreams through the encouragement of his mom & grandmother & grandfather."

His encouragement for parents to take an active role in their children's lives as his mother did with him starting at 4:30am every morning. As a teacher, I too, can relate to the early mornings waking up in my childhood home with my dad & mom also encouraging me to study hard & learn. Good morals & values helped me to be who I am today and I encourage my students to "do the same."

Barack Obama is a "People Person" who, in my opinion, will change America for the better. The people will now have a better chance at a better life. People will have (I hope) a new feeling & beliefs in each other and stand together to make America what it was meant to be.

A place for ALL People, no matter what the socio-economic background is, what neighborhood you grew up in, what your skin color is, what type of job you do, what country your ancestors came from, what language you speak, what religion you believe in, etc.

Barack seems to be a sensitive person & knowledgeable.

I believe, the people will have a New Leader to look up to and Respect his accomplishments and the road He travelled, to get to where He is today.

I told my students today in class this: "If I had to ask myself who I admired most; I would have to say: Barack Obama. A man who is doing something what was believed to be Impossible. We should ALL take a lesson from him." If there is a God, God Bless Obama!

Friends Names Removed...

I wanted to add that after writing my post yesterday on my Blog, I learned today that 2 Wonderful Dear & Special Friends, Deb & Dave who live in Indiana (Republican State) had their names taken off the Voters Registration. Luckily they were able to put their names back on so they could vote.
Their concern: Is it possible because they are registered Democrats living in a Republican state that their names were "mistakenly taken off" or possibly "deliberately taken off" knowing that "most likely" they would vote Democratic-2 more votes for Obama-2 LESS votes for McNasty & Pitbull Palin......?
Had they not gone early to vote & went on the 4th of November-Election Day, would they have been able to have their names put back on the list or would it have been too late which would mean they could not cast their vote?
Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
Oh the Republican Desperate Tactics!!!!!!!!!!! The Fear of Losing is upon THEM!

Bigotry, Prejudice & Desperation...

I'm saddened by the news today that 2 Red Necks from Tennessee had planned on killing as many non-caucasins as possible including a plot to assassinate Obama after robbing a gun dealer. (see the actaul story below)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Law enforcement arrested two men in Tennessee who had plans to rob a gun dealer to shoot Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and "as many non-Caucasians" as possible, an official said on Monday.
An official from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said police found the men in the Jackson, Tennessee area with a number of guns, including a sawed-off shotgun, in their car.
"They wanted to go to a place where they could shoot as many non-Caucasian as they could," the official said, noting that the men first planned to rob a gun dealer. "They also had a plot to assassinate Sen. Obama."
Obama, who would be the first black U.S. president, is leading Republican John McCain in opinion polls ahead of the November 4 election.
(Reporting by Deborah Charles, Editing by Sandra Maler)

Again, this proves how "some people" choose NOT to ADVANCE in society. Hill Billy Red Neck Mentality is BULLSHIT possibly synonomous with REPUBLICANS. Move into the next century already!

Democracy or DeNOcracy???

Well, it gets better and better as time goes on.

We were watching the news last night during dinner and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I learned that ELIGIBLE voters names were being removed from the ELIGIBILITY lists because of their names, and in most cases because they were minorities. That's right, in most minority areas, states, peoples names were being removed just "Coincidentally" less than 2 weeks before the election.
Is it possible that the "Republican Sore Losers" think that minorities will vote for Obama and he will "possibly win" and they will lose? I wonder! Do you think this is another way for the Republicans to STEEL THIS ELECTION as with Gore? I wonder! I'm beginning to think that I have NOTHING IN COMMON with Republicans after this election.
When interviewed, state representatives stated that "it was human error and their names would be put back to eligible status, but, they apologize that names won't be put back on in time for this election." duh
It was also stated that "the people will have the right to vote, but, their names will be put on temporarily hold status "provisional ballots" until the government can confirm that they are legal and are eligible to vote. The states will also decide if the votes will be counted. ummmm

Here's some facts:
Voters who have problems at the polls can cast "provisional" ballots. Election officials rule later whether those votes were properly cast and should be counted. But even that backup system varies greatly from state to state.
Perhaps the worst problems are in Florida, where a Gannett News Service analysis found more than 14,000 people whose voter registrations were disputed by the state because they didn't match other databases; about 75% are minorities. A federal district court ruled last month that the state couldn't deny registrations based on database matching.

This information above comes from USA Today newspaper. So I ask again, "Is this Democracy or DeNOcracy?" Oh the honesty of Conservatives.......! NASTY BASTARDS.....!

Absentee Ballot

Well, for those of you who have never seen an Absentee Ballot, here's mine. I sent a fax last week to the Board of Elections Supervisor of Lee County, Florida; requesting my Absentee Ballot, being that that is the location of our home now. I received it yesterday and brought it to school with me today to show my students what an American Absentee Ballot looks like.
Here's the best part of the experience for the students, but, Very Special for me.
Each student looked at it closely, located Barack Obama's name, touched it and ran their fingures over the name of Barack Obama; as though his name allowed them to touch Him personally. I didn't say anything at the time, I just observed each of their reactions when they read his name and touched it softly, through GREAT RESPECT & ADMIRATION for the man who "might be the next President of the Unitied States of America."
I told them that each of their touches on the ballot, "would allow each of them, a part-through my ballot, to have a part in the election process through my ballot." (symbolically of course)
The students, as "street wise" as some of them are, are knowledgeable and excited by the American Election and have been following it closely.
They were amazed of the process that is involved when filling out, placing it in an envelope or should I say envelope (s). Here's how it works.
First, you bubble in the candidate of your choice, Second, you place the ballot in an envelope marked SECRECY ENVELOPE, Third, you place the Secrecy Envelope containing your ballot in yet another envelope that will be mailed to The Supervisor of Elections; in my case it will be sent to Fort Myers, Florida. Forth, on the back of this envelope is a place where (after being sealed) you have to sign your name across the sealed flap and date it as well as Print your name on the top line. The next time it will be opened will be on Election Day and the vote recorded. I Hope! Remember, it's going to Florida and we know what happens in Florida Elections.......ugh!
The ballot & envelopes are here for you to see.
My students were excited by the fact that they could see and touch an Absentee Ballot first hand. I am also glad & proud that I allowed them to be somewhat "symbolically involved in an Historical Moment", that they were able to touch an Absentee Ballot that will be counted towards an Election; that will go down in American History for the First African American to become PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.


The students shared with other teachers today that, "Mr. R-------, had a "Real Absentee Ballot" and they were able to touch it and see that Barack Obama's name; an AFRICAN AMERICAN, is REALLY on the Ballot." Before I knew it, I had teachers knocking on the door asking if they could see it and touch it also. Well, I guess every person today that asked to see, touch and read his name, all feel a part of American History today. I didn't realize the sensitivity, the respect, as well as the reality of Barack Obama's name would have on students & teachers alike when they saw his name on the ballot. I didn't realize the Impact it would have on them.
At first, it started out as a classroom lesson. It was for the students to see the Absentee Ballot that I would use to cast my vote for the next President of the United States.
I learned alot today from my Students as well as my Collegues and Administrators. They saw "How far we've come from the Civil Rights Movement." The importance of the hard work, the hardships, the prejudices that existed, the hurdles the African Americans had to pass over & through to get to this point in history.
In reality for me, Prejudice will always exist for some people. Ignorance will continue to exist as well. People are FINALLY ACCEPTING to see people as people and observe their accomplishments and capabilities.
I'm not one to mix business with pleasure nor did I ever talk politics and religion openly until now.
I am an American; an American Indian and proud of it.
I live outside of my country BECAUSE of Politics of NOT ALLOWING ME TO CHOOSE MY LIFE PARTNER, WHO IS NOT AN AMERICAN, TO LIVE IN MY OWN COUNTRY AND BE HAPPY.

Just a Note: FOR ALL OF YOU CONSERVATIVES/REPUBLICANS, YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM AS TO WHY PHIL & I CAN'T LIVE IN THE USA......THANK YOU "OPEN-MINDED AMERICANS."

I will be forever greatful that I have had such a wonderful experience to live on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, I will be forever greatful and thankful that I had this WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY to teach these kids, who have taught me so much about their life as well.
I will cast my vote with the "symbolic touch" of my students and collegues for an African American named Barack Obama on the 4th day of November 2008.
I can only hope that the American People can see past their noses, look to the future of America, and do the same. VOTE FOR OBAMA and LET THE WORLD RESPECT US ONCE MORE......

Ignorance, Stupidity or Loyalty...?

Today's post is "what it is", because I have things on my mind that I need to vent due to what is going on in our lives and how the "world will be affected" by the choices made in a few weeks. I say the world, because everybody will be affected by the outcome of America's Vote in November.

This is NOT to cause controversy or to turn people against me. It is MY OPINION and that is MY RIGHT! Before you "judge" what I have to say, remember that my father's ancestry is from Germany and my mom's family being American Indian started out in England. My roots are from Europe. As an American, I didn't forget my heritage, however, I did allow myself to be influenced my my fist hand knowledge of what it is like to be an American living outside the country listening, living and understanding what and how people view America and its people. I am an American, maybe more than people who "think" they are an American because of my ancestry being an American Indian.

I live outside of my country because "my country" WON'T ALLOW" my partner, who I chose, to live within my country because of laws. The people made those laws that basically say, "As an American, only an American can choose another American to have as a life long partner and he or she MUST be Straight!" So much for Democracy, Freedom of Choice.....

As I listen each day to our candidates, I find it embarrassing that there are people in American Politics that have little to no education in Politics. In Europe, Politicians go to school to get degrees in Politics because they know at an early age that they will pursue a career in politics; NOT based on popularity. It seems and appears that in America, if you know someone in politics that can possibly get you to be elected, then that's the person you choose, not based on their education in politics.

As I listen to Sarah Palin speak, I am embarrassed that the Vice Presidential Candidate uses such words as "gotcha", "betcha", "gonna", wink, wink.... I don't believe that "she" represents the majority of Americans. Do Americans really speak like this? I'm American and I certainly don't talk like that.

I am also embarrassed that Sarah Palin is proud to be holding a gun. There are photos of her standing over animals that she shot and killed and even displays a huge bear skin with head on the back of her sofa in her home.

What "WE Americans" still haven't realized or Don't Care to understand is that on December 15th, 1791 when the Bill of Rights were accepted into our Government, the people were still at war in an uncertain time. The second Amendment; the Right to Bear Arms was to protect the people and to allow them to protect themselves against enemy as well as the government. Are we still at war with each other that we need to protect ourselves and that gives us the right to hunt, hurt, kill animals as well as people? So much for the 21st Century! Then we wonder why the world looks at us as Bullys! Yes, Bullys! We have the reputation world-wide for being bullys and the Ugly Americans! How can we be proud of that reputation? Or, Maybe we don't care about our reputation and Enjoy the Negative Reputation.....?

Democracy There are several varieties of democracy, some of which provide better representation and more freedoms for their citizens than others. However, if any democracy is not carefully legislated to avoid an uneven distribution of political power with balances such as the separation of powers, then a branch of the system of rule is able to accumulate power in a way that is harmful to democracy itself. The "majority rule" is often described as a characteristic feature of democracy, but without responsible government it is possible for the rights of a minority to be abused by the "tyranny of the majority."

Stupidity (also called fatuity) is the property a person, action or belief instantiates by virtue of having or being indicative of low intelligence or poor learning abilities. Stupidity is distinct from irrationality because stupidity denotes an incapability or unwillingness to properly consider the relevant information. It is frequently used as a pejorative, and consequently has a negative connotation
Ignorance The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed
Loyalty comes most naturally amongst small groups or tribes where the prospect of the whole casting out the individual seems like the ultimate, unthinkable rejection. Loyalty to tribes evolved from the evolutionary tactic that there is a greater chance of survival and procreation if animals form packs/tribes.

Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. The term is generally applied to behavior within civil governments, but politics has been observed in all human group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions.
Politics consists of "social relations involving authority or power"[1] and refers to the regulation of a political unit,[2] and to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy

Do we really follow the political party out of Loyalty even though we may NOT agree with the politics? Do we NOT listen to the candidates and wait for them to talk, discuss and tell US "what they are going to do to solve the problems as well as the crisis that we are in?" Is it good politics when the candidates feel necessary to "rip each other's reputation apart rather than tell us the solution to the problems?" Is it better as Americans to remain Ignorant and not educate ourselves on the issues at hand with the politicians?
When I hear Sarah Palin speak and say things such as; "gotcha", bethcha", "wanna", "gonna", wink, wink, Are we Stupid to allow a person such as her to be the Vice President of the United States and if McCain dies in Office; She will be the President of the United States?

I am NOT one for DIRTY POLITICS which is how the Republican Party is trying to get the votes to The White House. In all of the newscasts that I watch, not once have I heard McCain nor Palin talk about the ISSUES, SOLUTIONS, nor THEIR PLANS to get America going forward and positive for the future again. They DON'T say that the American People are hurting in this Economic Crisis. They DON'T say that there is a Recession on the Border of another Depression. Hundreds of Thousands of American People have Lost their jobs, their homes, their hope for a future. Where can they turn now for help? How do they and When do they rebuild their lives for themselves and their families? Banks and Businesses have gone Bankrupt, closed and will not open again. People are losing their pensions, investments, retirements, insurances, savings....Is this what American People deserve because of Bad Politicians not knowing how to provide a stable government for the people?

I will end this by saying this....Wake Up America and Vote Carefully. Think about what has happened based on 8 years of BAD GOVERNING. I know how I will vote, hoping for a change and hopefully to help Americans again. Americans had a chance to change this 4 years ago and maybe we wouldn't be in this situation now. But, if America votes the same way again, then the Reality of more Turmoil will show itself once more.

A Reality Check is in the Making! Now and the Future of America!

Where was I for 5 days...?

Here I am again: Time Lapse..., much longer than I realized with writing on my Blog. So much has happened, so much is happening and I even had time to get off our little rock in the Caribbean for 5 wonderful, busy, hectic, but yet, relaxing days. If you were to look at these photos, you might think that I am in the Caribbean, or in St. Tropez. Before reading on, scan down, look at the photos and ask yourself, where was Bill for 5 days?

What a beautiful place! What a beautiful location! And, What wonderful, friendly, warm, kind, and gracious people! I was in Florida. Yes, the good ole USA. The beaches of Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island and surrounding beaches are absolutely beautiful!

I went to Fort Myers, Florida. Believe it or not, it was my first time visiting this beautiful city and surrounding areas. You might be asking, "why would he travel to Ft. Myers?"

Phil and I are buying a vacation home in a small community out side of Ft. Myers called Lehigh Acres. It's a small community that is up and coming and can be considered"exclusive" by some. It's a small, quiet, community. Close to Naples Florida and Cape Coral Florida.

Phil and I decided that it was time to "consider" buying another home in the states. The economy and housing market is up for grabs for everybody. Houses are more than half of their value right now and you could "almost" consider buying 2 for 1 with the prices.

Here's how it happened....Phil & I started searching the internet looking at random areas throughout Florida. Remember, Forida is one of seven states where there are no income taxes. Having had a home, yes, "HAD" is the key word here, we decided to liquidate the house in upstate New York.

I still genereate an income in the states being a Mohegan Indian and having the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino as my income source of revenue; the house in New York consituted me to pay taxes to NY State.

In Florida, I don't have to pay income tax any longer. And, trust me, I pay "BIG" taxes in New York for having had a home located there.

So, like I said, we started searching the web for a home. North Florida, Central Florida, East Florida, South Florida and thennnnnnnn, Western Florida at Fort Myers and surrounding areas.

It is like being in the Caribbean without being in the Caribbean. The people are not stressed, polite, calm, easy going, extra friendly and most of all, helpful.

Prior to leaving St. Martin, we found a home, on a 1/2 acres, built in pool, concrete and not bad at all. I had been in contact with the broker/agent for almost 2 1/2 weeks getting information, photos, blueprints, price negotiations....blah blah blah. I finally told him that the house was "sold", prior to leaving and said, "I'll be there on the 28th of April and we'll close the deal".

I arrived on Monday, with a meeting planned at the house for Tuesday morning at 11am.

He finally arrives. I had already arrived 2 hours earlier, taking about 100 photos, walked around the neighborhood, talk to the "future neighbors". He arrives: all smiles, keys in hand, and as he's opening the door, he tells me "there's been a sudden change in events". Me: "oh really, what kind of change of events?" Him: I found out that this house has been in contract since last Thursday". Me: (to myself: "Fucking Asshole!), I now enter the house and in his brief case, he takes out about 40 printed copies of "other homes and lays them on the kitchen counter and says, I might be interested in looking at....." Me: "I've been in touch with you for almost 3 weeks, negotiating, having you draw blueprints, take photos, tell you outright that the house is sold, I get on a plane with the intention of buying THIS HOUSE, and you have the BALLs to tell me that this house is in contract?" Me to myself: ("Fucking Asshole!") I told him I was not interested in doing business with him and that he was "DISMISSED" I thought he was going to die first, then I thought he was going to cry, and then I thought he was going to Die again.....you get the picture. ("Fucking Asshole!")

I called the listing agent and made an appointment to see her. Same nonscense!

Meanwhile remember, I went to buy THIS house and now had 3 days left in Florida to do WHAT? I have the sun in St. Martin. ugh, fuck, ugh, shit, Fucking Asshole!!!!!! NOW, the call that I didn't think I would have to make. How I dreaded making this call. How do I tell Phil that we weren't going to buy that house? I call Phil and tell him the story.....HIS RESPONSE: "Fucking Asshole!" (not to himself) I won't elaborate, but it was worse than this. However, his response sounds much better with the French accent! lol

I started searching the web at the hotel room for hours and hours into the night. I go to sleep and at 4am Wednesday morning, I start searching and leaving messages for other agents to: "Call me, Be Serious, My time was LIMITED, I came to buy a house, DON'T WASTE My Time, I was leaving in 3 days and I Will leave with a house SOLD."

At 7:30am, a ReMax agent called me and told me that I could go and see him and he would make sure that the his Entire Day would be spent showing me houses. His name: Brian Goss of ReMax Edge in Lehigh, Florida. (239-470-9504 cell) You want to buy a house, call Brian.

Brian is/was the Best! He reserved his entire day showing me houses from one extreme to the other, one price range to the other, homes with views, homes without views, big, little, cute, fancy, PRETENSIOUS, which he learned very quickly was not the way to go with me, on the water, on ponds, on canals, "Simple Brian, nice, but, we like simple."

Well, after about 35-40 houses, we found a few that I liked, but, I couldn't make a descision without e-mailing the photos to Phil so he could help to decide which one?....1 hour, 2 hours, almost three hours later, we decided on THE ONE!

Believe it or not, I thought that THIS house would be the one that Phil wouldn't choose. I thought there was too much tile, too much glass, a screened in built in pool 34x18, smaller yard, 3 bedrooms, livingroom, dining room, kitchen, Florida Room overlooking the built in pool, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage..... I thought it was too fancy. blah blah blah.

I called Brian back at 5:30pm that night and told him the house was sold and I would see him at 9am the next morning with a check in hand. He asked if Phil was alright with the descision and I told him that we made the descision together based on the pictures I had taken and e-mailed. I met with him and asked if I could have the keys to go back, take more pictures and measurements. No Problem! However, here's the best part. I didn't know where the house was located. (duh duh duh) I had to ask directions. How does a person buy a house and have to ask directions to get back to it? We had looked at so many houses, crisscrossed so many roads and avenues, that I honestly didn't even know where the house was located. lol lol lol lol

(now who's the fucking asshole? lol lol lol lol) Like I always say, "it's not easy being me!"

The end result is this: I arrive back in St. Martin on the 2nd of May. Productive Trip. I open my e-mail 3 days later and GUESS WHAT.........? The original house that Phil and I wanted to buy went back on the market.........................! Can you imagine? Both, the original agent that I had Dismissed and the listing agent had the balls to e-mail me to tell me the house went back on the market and asked me if I was still interested in the house because the other deal fell threw on the house.

I haven't responded and I don't think I will. Not even for courtesies sake! Phil and I are happy with our descision and hope to take a few weeks in July TOGETHER to go shopping for the house and do all the fun stuff that goes along with buying a new home! Caramel & Piccola will love the place as well as the pool.