In preparation for going home to Aberdeenshire for Christmas, I thought I’d better start re-acclimatising now!! Don’t ya just love snow?!?
I looked out this morning on a grey/black sky and thought we were in for a day of rain again…the next time I looked out…this was the view. I just love rainbows!!
Follow this link for more photos…
Pirates’ Week opened as always with lots of colour, music and drama. The customary invasion by the pirates was marred by a rather choppy harbour which meant they sailed in – and transferred to a barge for landing…however, they then successful captured the ‘Governor’ and the week of festivities began with the float parade. The floats are decorated by each of the islands districts and prizes are fiercely contested. Throughout the coming week the pirates will visit each district’s Heritage Day – as will thousands of locals and tourists. At each you can taste local cuisine, listen to local music and get a feel for the local culture…which are all left intact and unscathed by the marauding pirates!
I had a cookery lesson today from Ann MacFarlane, our neighbour along the beach. She was making a Jamaican traditional dish called Codfish and Ackee. I have tasted it in a local restaurant but I could’t say I particularly liked it. However, now I have tasted the freshly cooked version using fresh Ackee…I am a convert! Thank you, Ann – delicious!! She sauted some onions, green pepper, tomato, scotch bonnet pepper and seasoning peppers, in a little oil, while she boiled the ackee for about 10 minutes until they softened. The codfish – which is salted – had been previously soaked overnight and boiled. The onion mixture, cooked ackee and flaked codfish are heated through together and served. Ackee is grown locally - you have to be very careful about when you eat it as it can be poisonous if it is not properly ripened!!
Today was the first time I have ever joined a march…I was supporting Rotary Central supporting the annual Silent Witness March for women who have died as the result of domestic abuse…and those who live in fear of it. It is a big problem on the island, and, I am led to undersatnd, in the Caribbean. We marched in silence to represent the number of times tht people remain silent and do not report such crimes…it was VERY powerful. Rotary Central are long time supporters of the Crisis Center for batttered women. Our Rotary banner read “There is no excuse for domestic abuse” …not now, not ever. Violence breeds violence. At the end of the march there were speeches and it was not surprising to hear the 10 things that had the most negative influence on children…verbal abuse; physical abuse; sexual abuse; having a battered mother; drug and alcohol abuse…and last, but not least, separation and divorce. Many parents do not realise the effect that their actions and way of life have on their children…there was a plea – that I would echo – that parents think about what they do and say in front of their children – especially if the relationship is over…there are ways of addressing adult problems that do not - and should not – be played out in front of innocent children. As an educator and someone who works, on a daily basis, with the children who are on the receiving end of selfish parents and what they say and do…I can only add to the plea…please stop, think and choose the right behaviour! The message to parents is no different to the message to children - you and only you choose your behaviour…make the right choice for everyone who is under your influence.
I’m glad my life is full of firsts!!
The start of the Primary School league in Cayman is a football rally for all the teams taking part. Some photos here of my new school Savannah Primary – playing in blue – and my previous school North Side Primary – playing in dark green. I stayed for the first two games – and came back a little the worse for the sun on my neck…concentrating too hard on getting the photos and forgetting that the sun is hot, hot, hot! How the boys manage to play football in it is beyond comprehension!!
Another Scottish invasion of Cayman…fabulous!! Mini Morrison thriving in the sun! All getting sufficient R & R – just too many decisions…pool or beach…lunch at the apartment or at Rum Point….mudslide or rum runner…sleep or read…zzzzzzzzz!
Mum has just gone home…it was great having her on Cayman for a few weeks – just a pity I had to work for some of it…most of it?!? Here are a few pics of her enjoying herself…on a cookery course, sailing, swimming…Next year, Mum?!?
Have managed to have several ‘get-togethers’ with my sisters since returning to Scotland for a ‘holiday’ (a misnomer…have been getting the house ready for rental and have had to clear a whole lot of clutter…18 years worth in this house!
). It was great to see them all – individually and together. Love you all! Here are a few photos of us…and them…and significant others.
