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- Holy Week
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 13:04:44 -0400
It is Holy week here in the Spanish Virgin Islands.  The island is packed and the party is in full swing.  I walked down the beach with my nieces and we were amazed by the amount of campsites! All of the locals have set up truly incredible sites complete with kitchen cabinets, generators, blenders, speaker trucks (for music), port-a-johns, and copious amounts of libations.  If I knew that I could camp in such style I would have pitched a tent, kitchen, and living room.   I am starting to wonder if anyone is living in a house this week.  
 
Unfortunately for the campers it finally decided to rain last night.  We received 1-1/2" of greatly needed rain.  It rinsed the plants clean and brought the dust down to tolerable levels.  Yipeee!  But with all of the spectacular weather our fishermen have been really busy.  We have fresh fish for Good Friday and lamb for dinner on Sunday.  I love holidays!
 
Sunday we will have our Easter procession and play.  Last year this event was canceled (I still don't know why) but this year we will have the procession down the Malecon with the crucifixion and resurrection in the lot across from Green Store.  This is definitely something to see!  So as the speaker trucks say... "Don't miss it!".  The procession occurs on the Malecon around sunset.  Make sure to have your spot claimed and the car parked as this will stop traffic for a good hour.
 
So off to weed the garden and take care of the books...
 
Have a Happy Easter!
 
K

- A little rain..
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:13:50 -0400
We're feeling very lucky here.  We received a little under an inch of rain in Esperanza yesterday.  The frontal boundary is still here but looks like it is on its way out.  We apologize to our visitors for the completely cloudy day yesterday.  It is unusual to have a gray day.  But the plants are happy and the weeds are growing!  Time to get out there and pull them while to ground is still wet.  It is nice to have a break from watering the plants.  Last night in the restaurant we heard the sound of frogs and crickets very faintly right at sunset.  By 8:00 they were a symphony!  I think they hopped their way out of the mangrove and up to the trees along the side of the building.  It was beautiful.  I turned the music down just so we could hear nature.
 
The island is busy with lots of visitors from all over the States and Europe.  We have had so many really wonderful guests in the restaurant that are escaping the rest of winter in the States.  Thank you to everyone that is sharing their evening with us. 
 
Have a great one,
 
K
 
 

- Rain
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:18:06 -0400
Woke this morning to the earthquake news.  We send our prayers to everyone in Chile.  And to those that are in the Tsunami watch areas.  It appears that the waves will arrive soon. 
 
I took the baby Labrador for a walk down Playa Grande this afternoon. (He needed to get his ya-yas out).   Large dark clouds were rolling in from St. Croix.  From our perspective we watched the rain drench Cayo Fuera and Esperanza with just a few light drops hitting us.  Playa Grande is the perfect walking beach.  Lots of room for the Labrador and great driftwood.  We arrived back in Esperanza for round two of rain.  Between the rain last night and today we have picked up 1-1/2" of rain.  Not bad at all!
 
This is certainly the winter of the South/ Southwest wind...  First was Christmas, then New Year's, two nights in January and finally Feb.  Last week the wind was so strong in the restaurant dining room it knocked over full glasses of wine and moved plates on the tables.  We had to close the doors so the food would stay on the plates!  We had sailors in for dinner that said it was about 20 mph.  I wouldn't doubt it.  It is unusual when the wind shifts from it East Northeast pattern.  One guest (and frequent reader of this post) said that Villa Borinquen was really windy!
 
Well off to work again...  Tomorrow will be a day for gardening.  With our wonderful rain the weeds love to grow.
 
Take care all,
K

- Rain!
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:27:49 -0400
We have not had much to post here on our Isla Nena.  It was dry, dry and hot!  But yesterday it decided to rain.  And rain it did...  My rain gauge filled to the 4-1/8" line.  Whopeee!  It started yesterday afternoon (right after I finished fertilizing the plants) and continued most of the night.  Now it is sunny with a dark cloud passing to the North of us.  The showers should resume later this afternoon.  Thank goodness for the rain.  The last significant rainfall was in January.  Now the rain barrels are full and the ground is slightly squishy instead of rock hard dry.  We apologize to our visitors that we get so excited about rain.  But even paradise needs a couple of showers to keep it green and our horses fed. 
 
A great article is in the New York Times. It features what to do on Vieques.  Here is the link:   

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/travel/21hours.html

Hope everyone had a great time at the Humane Society Art Auction last night.  Early feedback was that everyone had a great time.  Don't forget the events for the Trust.  They have another house tour coming up and it is fun to see different parts of the island.

Take care and Happy Sunday!

K


- Sun ,breeze and perfect temperatures
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:26:36 -0400
It is glorious!  This is the weather we dream of in September.  The breeze is pushing through the palm fronds, the sun is reflecting off the fish pond and the temperature is perfect.  I love this weather!  
 
Last night we all gathered at the open house for "Malecon House".  It was a perfect evening and they have such a cute guest house!  The pool is really beautiful, the rooms are sparkling and tastefully appointed.  Scott Gouge has done it again creating a fabulous landscape.  He creates such beautiful gardens.  We are delighted to have new neighbors and new a new business on the Malecon.  Congratulation to Marcie and Robin on a job well done.  Don't forget ladies she is opening a little boutique in the guest house.  Ah, shopping!
 
We had a spectacular sun set night before last.  I had to leave work with a cup of coffee just to enjoy the show.  I waited for the green flash but it was for naught.  I don't think I will ever see it.
 
We are still battling iguanas in the back yard.  They have eaten all of my passion fruit vines.  I am looking for a natural solution to this problem.  I am not going to get an air gun and shoot them!  If anyone has advice please let me know.
 
Well, I am off to the garden...
 
K
 
 
 
 

- Sunny
  • By "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:17:46 -0400
Wow, things have been really busy here on Vieques!  We have had so many houseguests and visitors that I forgot to post. 
 
Well, we received lots of rain during our unusual rain event last weekend.  4 days of showers.  My rain gauge gave out after 5"  but the plants kept drinking.  The cisterns are full, the frogs are singing and the horses are watered.  Strangely the mosquitoes are not out in their usual swarms.  We are thankful for that! 
 
Our island is green, really green and the sun is out.  Just a couple of passing showers over the past few days and lazy puffy clouds.  We are so spoiled by the temperatures and the beauty of the island.
 
Last night the Malecon was wild!  About 200 horses showed up around 12:30 AM and the fun commenced.  I have no idea what time they stopped... I closed the shutters and went to sleep to the sound of horses clippity clopping up and down the street.  One of my fine, hoofed friends decided that he was hungry after all of that cantering and he decapitated my palm for his midnight snack.  Oh, the perils of living in Vieques.
 
Many thanks to the Trust for putting on a spectacular " Vieques Pops".  We sipped champagne and listened to a fabulous musical evening.  It was truly amazing with world class singers.  Make sure to mark your calendar for next years "Pops".  It happens every year on MLK weekend.  As the information trucks here say  "Don't miss it!".  Also don't forget the VHCT house tours and the Pig Roast.  Contact them as all of these events support a really incredible organization.
 
Have a great one...
K

- Cloudy
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:30:20 -0400
It is cloudy with a little light rain today.  Good for the plants and horses..  They need it.  The plants are really responding to the rain on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Eve.  The breadfruit trees are about to really put on a show with 60 fruits.  Bring on the Mofongo!
 
It is finally the end of our holiday season.  Technically there is more to go until San Sebastian but here on the Malecon the marathon is over.  Yesterday was Three Kings Day.  It was a great celebration with horses galloping down the Malecon and Medallas consumed by all.  The horses were really spectacular and our guests really enjoyed the show.
 
A couple at the bar told me that the cold front from the States has extended down to Cuba.  It was in the 50's in parts of Cuba last night and in the 30's in Miami!  So if you are in those locations come on down for a tropical holiday.  We can warm you up.
 
A quick funny, quasi-weather story...  My husband and I were exhausted late one night and my little Labrador wandered up.  I said to him your job is to make us laugh.  I think he nodded his head in agreement and we all went to bed.  Late the next evening he followed up on his end of the bargain.  He decided to make it snow with a one pound bag of flour in the house.  He grabbed the bag off the shelf and shook it around until we had a white Christmas with white Labradors.  We laughed until we cried.  Good dog...
 
Have a great one,
K

- Merry Christmas
  • By "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:46:25 -0400
A wonderful Christmas is in progress.   We just had another heavy downpour.  According to my brand new rain gauge (thanks to Santa from North Carolina) we received 1/8" of rain in a passing shower this evening.  It canceled our champagne and sunset ideas but thankfully another Santa from Carolina sent us the latest season of "Lost" on DVD.  So a good time is still in progress.  Tomorrow I will set up a new thermometer from Santa in Virginia and I will have a real temp "a la Thomas Jefferson".
 
Last night was a doozy with unbelievable winds from the South around 9:30 and copious amounts of rain.  It rained buckets for several hours and I lost count around 4".  Rumor has it we received 6". It was totally possible.  But it did not dampen our holiday cheer.  
 
Felicidades a todos!  Our holiday continues until Three Kings Day.   
 
Merry Christmas to all of friends on the island and all the folks who are yet to join us... 
 
Kate
 
 

- NITN and Merry Christmas to all
  • By "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:20:40 -0400

I think this will go down as a Christmas we will not forget soon. As of a few minutes ago we have received a total of 4.53” of rain since last night and I do not think it is done yet. You can follow our total rainfall throughout the day at our weather station www.playacofi.com/weather.

 

 

PRZ013-252015-

VIEQUES-

505 AM AST FRI DEC 25 2009

 

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AST TODAY...

 

.TODAY...CLOUDY WITH WIDESPREAD SHOWERS IN THE MORNING...THEN PARTLY

CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS 87 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 77 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. EAST WINDS UP TO 5 MPH.

CHANCE OF RAIN 90 PERCENT.

 

.TONIGHT...VARIABLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. LOWS 78 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 63 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO

10 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN 40 PERCENT.

 

.SATURDAY...VARIABLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. HIGHS 88 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 78 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.

CHANCE OF RAIN 50 PERCENT.

 

.SATURDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. BREEZY. LOWS

80 LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 64 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. NORTHEAST WINDS

15 TO 25 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN 40 PERCENT.

 

.SUNDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. HIGHS 89 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 80 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. EAST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.

CHANCE OF RAIN 40 PERCENT.

 

.SUNDAY NIGHT...VARIABLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. LOWS

78 LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 65 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN

30 PERCENT.

 

.MONDAY...VARIABLY CLOUDY IN THE MORNING THEN BECOMING MOSTLY

CLOUDY. SCATTERED SHOWERS. HIGHS 85 LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO

80 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN 30 PERCENT.

 

.MONDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. LOWS 79 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 63 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN

20 PERCENT.

 

.TUESDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. HIGHS 89 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 80 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN

20 PERCENT.

 

.TUESDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. LOWS 78 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 64 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN

20 PERCENT.

 

.WEDNESDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. HIGHS 89 LOWER

ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 80 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN

20 PERCENT.

 

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS. LOWS

78 LOWER ELEVATIONS RANGING TO 63 HIGHER ELEVATIONS. CHANCE OF RAIN

30 PERCENT.

 

 

 

 

Christmas
Day

Partly Sunny
Light Wind
2ft

Tonight

Partly Cloudy
NE 9kt
2ft

Saturday

Mostly Sunny
ENE 12kt
4-5ft

Saturday
Night

Partly Cloudy
ENE 20kt
5ft

Sunday

Mostly Sunny
E 15kt
5ft

Sunday
Night

Partly Cloudy
E 12kt
5ft

Monday

Mostly Sunny
E 11kt
5ft

Monday
Night

Partly Cloudy
NE 9kt
5-6ft

Tuesday

Mostly Sunny
E 10kt
6ft




 


- Holidays are a comin'...
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:34:24 -0400
The weather is too beautiful.  It makes it to hard to stay inside on this computer.  The breeze, the cool temperatures and fast moving night time showers make this my favorite time of the year.  But what really tops off the weather are the locals.  Saturday night I sipped on a glass of wine after work and listened to Cookie and the gang on the drums.  It is time for Puerto Rican caroling.  I love the drums and percussion.  In addition I am starting to learn the words.  Now if only I can come up with a Bomba.  It will take some work but to be able to participate in this tradition would be incredible!
 
Mere weeks until Trova!  Don't forget that it will be in the Plaza on the Saturday night before Christmas.  I need to get out my dancing shoes...
 
K

- Beautiful
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 13:31:51 -0400
It is beautiful here today.  We have a nice breeze, sunny skies and an occasional misting of rain.  The rain is needed but we really love the Christmas winds.  Things have finally cooled off!  Perfect beach and sleeping weather. We went to Sun Bay on Monday and the breeze was so strong that I didn't realize I was getting sun.  I turned a light pink color.  So this is just a reminder for all of us that sunscreen is imperative at all times even in the shade!  We are only 18 degrees North of the equator.  Make sure you pack plenty for your next trip to our sunny isle.  
 
Just saw the reports of the snowstorm hitting much of the US.  Poor folks...  I don't miss the snow and ice.  Here in the tropics the only ice will be tinkling against the glass in your cocktails! 
 
Only two weeks and then we will see so many friends and make new ones.  Come on down, it is truly bliss.
 
Kate

- Breezy
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:55:50 -0400
So after a long hiatus I am finally back to report on our weather.  Life (construction, re-opening, watering the plants) seems to speed up this time of year. But today is absolutely lovely.  We have a nice breeze, I am thinking it is the start of the Christmas winds, and beautiful, perfect blue skies.  The water is still warm enough for us locals to swim in the little chop. Ahhh... perfection!  So if you are up in the States and the chill is starting to seep into your bones we are thinking of you and invite you down for a visit.
 
We are hoping for a little rain.  It doesn't look like we have a chance until tomorrow and then only 50/50.  The plants and horses are thirsty.  On a drive across the island on Monday night the horses were everywhere.  We took it slow.  Also we had to drive slow as the holiday decorations are starting to appear.  I love the multicolored lights, candy canes and blow up Santas.  But my all time favorite Caribbean holiday decoration is the snow globe!  It is hysterical to see the snow swirling inside silhouetted by a palm tree strategically growing nearby.  (Of course during the day the sun heats the globe and the snow sticks to the plastic!).  Last year I counted no less than 6 globes.  I am hoping this year I will find more.
 
Thanks to all of our visitors that joined us for Thanksgiving.  It was wonderful to see all of our friends and meet new ones.  That weekend I heard La Nasa start the Christmas carols.  We don't have a silent night, holy night here in Vieques,  instead all of the carols have a wonderful danceable beat.  I love the holidays...
 
Off to work,
K

- Rain
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:15:29 -0400
It started last night around 10:00PM with loud booms of thunder.  Sheets of rain fell with a great lightening show.  I finally had to turn off the movie as the storm was too loud to hear the sound on the TV.  Oh well.  I snuggled in with a book.  The rain continued all night.  Heavy rain occurred around 2:00AM and continued all night until 6:45 AM.  The plants are happy but it looks like a flood raced through the paths in the back garden.  
It has just started to rain again.  Thank goodness I had time to clean the gutters and sweep the wet leaves off the porch.   I think that this means I should have another cup of coffee and focus on projects indoors.  We should see rain most of the day.  Be safe if your driving.  Town should be dead so it might be a good time to go to the post office and the bank.  No lines!
 
Have a good one,
K

- Main Island
  • By "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:00:22 -0400
Good Morning to all,
 
I was over on main island yesterday.  Arrived in Ceiba at 7:00Am and saw a big dark black cloud reaching way up high into the sky.  I thought that isn't natural but had no idea what it was.  Arrived in Rio Piedras at 8:00AM and saw the news while I was waiting for electrical parts.  Immediate understanding hit me when I saw that an explosion had occurred.  As I traveled up the coast to Carolina I watched the cloud grow until about 11:00AM then to top started to disperse with the winds.  All day this great big plume of black smoke hung in the sky.  According to the latest reports 15 tanks are currently are on fire and the pipe to the water retention pond is broken.   Investigations are under way as to the cause.  Rumors abound but nothing solid.  They have measures in place to prevent above ground seepage of oil into the bay but have no control over seepage into the ground water. Prices on gas are frozen and we have 24 days of gas with more on the way. Arriving home in Vieques the gas line was at the top of the hill with only one station open.  I guess people aren't taking chances and decided to fill up.
 
This morning in Vieques the breeze is lovely and the sun is shining.  Our neighbors are here from main island with their horses.  I hope that there is a ride this weekend.  They have a white stallion that decided to wake us up with a couple of well placed kicks on his metal trailer.  He is a handsome devil.  
 
Coffee is waiting on the porch and hopefully the hummingbirds will buzz by...
 
K 
 

- Home at last...
  • By "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:15:21 -0400
We have retuned home to our Isla Nena after a whirlwind tour of the States.  We really enjoyed seeing family and miss them all.  We experienced many types of weather while we were gone.  In Montana it was shorts weather mid-day and cashmere sweaters at night.  Utah was hot at the Arches and Canyonlands with spectacular scenery.  Then to Colorado with a huge electrical storm to welcome us.  After that in Telluride it hailed, rained and was really chilly but the fireplace was cozy to ward off the 20 degree temperature.  Then to the East Coast where fall weather prevailed but we were too early to see the leaves.  What a diverse and wonderful tour!
 
Then we returned home.  In the San Juan airport I stated taking off layers of clothing.  Back to my sundress and flip-flop uniform!  Hot, humid and oh, so fabulous!!!  I do wonder if it rained while we were away.  The gardens are dry but the weeds flourished.  (Our dog/plant sitter did a great job to combat the dry conditions).  So we have raked, weeded, watered and fed everyone.  They are responding well with additional flowers and new growth.  We are thankful that the hurricanes stayed away (it made it easy to relax since there were no storms to track).  But please send some rain. 
 
So off to another day of gardening and tomorrow is a trip to main island.  Paint and supplies. 
 
Have a good one!
K   

- No rain!
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Sun, 6 Sep 2009 06:01:06 -0400

When I went to bed last night there was still a light rain falling. I was sure that I was going to wake up to stars. Nope.

 

It is still cloudy but there is nothing on the radar and the NWS in San Juan has dropped our chance of rain to 30% so I think all of the beach parties are back on J

 

As for Erika, we received here at the house a total of 2.01”. Mind you we do live on the north coast and from what I hear the south coast received more but I have not heard from anyone an “official” amount.

 

I checked our Weather Hawk system (which thankfully you can go back and check the archives) www.playacofi.com/weather and this is what I found for total rainfall of the year for Sept. 6th.

 

2006       30.00”

 

2007       30.71”

 

2008       24.21

 

2009       18.31

 

So as you can see we are definitely in a deficit as far as rain is concerned. We average around 50” per year so if that is the case we need approximately 31.00” to catch up. If it keeps up this way it is not going to happen unless we get another rain event like Jeanne.

 

So everyone go out and enjoy what is left of the weekend, try not to eat too much BBQ and remember to drink your favorite beverages J we would not want anyone out there to get dehydrated, now would we.

 

Enjoy!


- rain, rain and more rain
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2009 10:59:35 -0400

Good morning all,

Since midnight we have received .98" mainly starting at about 6 am. Yesterday we only had about 1/2". From what I hear the south side received much more.

It is still raining but I think we are done with the heavy stuff.

The main concern right now is those wanting to get off the island, especially those going to San Juan International (SJU). Our local airlines have not been flying but Vieques Airlines is going to try to get a flight out to SJU at noon. Not good for a friend we are taking to the airport in a few minutes. Her flight out of SJU is not until 8 PM tonight. That is a long wait.

The ferries are running on schedule though.


- Rain
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2009 10:47:17 -0400
Woke at 7:00 am to rain.  It has been raining ever since.  The thunder is rumbling around.  So far from Erika and the remnants of Erika we have had 2" of rain in my informal rain gauge.  Thankfully this last inch has come down nice and easy to really soak the plants.  Looks like rain for the rest of the afternoon from this slow moving storm. 
 
It is really cool this morning.  All the fans are off as it is only 76 degrees and damp.  I am off to put on a pair of jeans and finish my coffee. 
 
Only two nights left for El Q this season....
 
K

- Windy
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:37:19 -0400
The wind just picked up and the quenepas are flying.  Thankfully I am inside away form those sticky little missiles. The sign is rattling on its chains and I can hear the waves.  No big waves here in the bay but there is a nice beak on the point.  As I am not a surfer I don't know if it is something to grab a board for.
 
So far in my informal rain gauge we received 1.25" of rain.  Most of that came during a 6:02 AM squall.  Oh my weary restaurant body has to ask why do the storms this year insist on waking me at such an early hour?  Rain from the East and from the West.  I had to shut the shutters.  Grabbed a towel to mop up.  But the temperature was so cool my Labradors hopped up on the bed to snuggle.  What happened to their fur coats?  It was nice to watch the rain and pet their furry little heads. 
 
So... it looks like a bust of a Labor Day weekend for all of Vieques.  MJ in Culebra indicated the same thing is happening over there.  But it is nice to have a cool cloudy day.  I am really looking forward to packing now as I have to pull out sweaters and boots for vacation.   Maybe these cool temps are conditioning my body for Fall weather in Montana.
 
I'll keep you posted if anything changes.  And to all of those in the betting pool for rainfall amounts I will let you know who wins.  So far Casie is in the lead!
 
Only 3 nights left until El Q is closed for the season.
 
 

- Current conditions
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 07:01:35 -0400

Well it looks as if we are in for rain on and off until late Sunday. Right now we are under a small craft advisory and flash flood watch. No wind to speak of. Stay dry.

 

If you are traveling on Cape Air in the next few days you may to call them. Caribbean Business reported yesterday they have suspended all flights until further notice. I just spoke to VAL at the airport and they are not flying, “they are going to wait”. The number to the desk at the airport for VAL is 741-8211.

 

Anyone interested in seeing the rainfall totals here at the house go to our site www.playacofi.com/weather (and if you want to hear some great music while stuck inside pop over to Lee’s music website www.tropicalglen.com. It is the top 100 songs from the 50’s thru 80’s).

 

So far we have had .43” in the last hour. Hubby went over to the south side of the island with the dog at about 6 and hit a wall of rain so they apparently are getting much more of the moisture than here on the north side. We hear rumblings of thunder but right now we have just a steady light rain.

 


- Port Conditions in PR from the Coast Guard
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 16:01:59 -0400

 

News Release

Date:
Sept. 3, 2009 

Contact:
Ricardo Castrodad
(787) 510-7923

 

Captain of the Port sets Port Condition YANKEE for Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands  

“Tropical Storm Erika Update 3"

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard Sector San Juan Captain of the Port, Capt. Eduardo Pino, set Port Condition YANKEE Thursday at 3p.m. for all the ports in Puerto Rico due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Tropical Storm Erika will arrive within 24 hours.

The ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands remain in Port Condition YANKEE subject to changes in Erika’s storm track or strength.

"WARNING"

During Port Condition YANKEE all ports are closed to inbound vessel traffic greater than 200 Gross Tons.  All vessels greater than 200 gross tons without permission to remain in port should have departed or be prepared to depart prior to the setting of Port Condition ZULU.

In Port Condition ZULU the port is closed and all port operations are suspended.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.

The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

 


- Misinformation
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 11:09:54 -0400

Sorry I jumped the gun on that. I misread the post wrong. The bars are still open J


- Tropical Storm Warning now in effect
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:52:42 -0400

For all of PR and the USVI.


- Rainbow
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:07:53 -0400
We had a shower early this morning and a beautiful rainbow.   It seemed to start right in the middle of Esperanza Bay and stretched to Pilon.  It is sunny and breezy right now.  Clouds are moving in clumps.  We are looking forward to the rain.  My plants put on a fine show this morning.  New orchid blooms, purple water hyacinth flowers and two cactus are blooming as well.  (Photos attached.)  Then to top it off a hummingbird came in to feed on the orange heliconia.  Heaven!
 
So off to work...  Dinner will be served...  Only 4 night left in season.
 
Have a good one,
K

Attachment: El Quenepo Interior Flowers 042.1.jpg
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: El Quenepo Interior Flowers 044.1.jpg
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: El Quenepo Interior Flowers 048.1.jpg
Description: JPEG image


- This mornings forecast
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 05:31:13 -0400

We are still in a Tropical Storm Watch. Here is the latest from the National Weather Service in San Juan.

 

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...CORRECTED

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN JUAN PR

440 AM AST THU SEP 3 2009

 

.DISCUSSION...SCATTERED PASSING SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WERE

DETECTED OVERNIGHT AND EARLY IN THE MORNING ACROSS THE EASTERN AND

NORTHERN SECTIONS OF PUERTO RICO AS WELL AS ACROSS THE SURROUNDING

COASTAL WATERS. THIS ACTIVITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEADING EDGE OF

TROPICAL STORM ERICA. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACTIVITY WILL

INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT AS THE

NORTHERN AND WESTERN FRINGES OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONE APPROACH TO

THE LOCAL ISLANDS FROM THE SOUTHEAST.

 

ERIKA WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE MAIN WEATHER CONCERN FOR PUERTO RICO

AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TODAY AND TOMORROW. GLOBAL FORECAST

MODELS AND THE OFFICIAL NHC FORECAST CONTINUE TO BRING ERIKA VERY

CLOSE OR ACROSS THE LOCAL ISLANDS LATE TONIGHT AND TOMORROW. A

TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUE IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF PUERTO RICO AND

THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. THE MAIN THREAT TO THE LOCAL ISLANDS CONTINUES

TO BE HEAVY RAINFALL...AS THIS SYSTEM CONTINUES TO REMAIN HIGHLY

DISORGANIZED WITH THE CENTER OF CIRCULATION TO THE WEST OF THE

MAIN AREA OF CONVECTION. EXPECT SHOWERS TO INCREASE ACROSS THE VI

DURING THE THIS AFTERNOON...AND SPREAD ACROSS EASTERN PUERTO RICO

DURING THE EVENING. ERIKA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL

ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES OVER PUERTO RICO...WITH ISOLATED

MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 8 INCHES

 


- Just in
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:36:19 -0400

Captain of the Port sets Port Condition YANKEE for the U.S. Virgin Islands

“Tropical Storm Erika Update 2"

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Sector San Juan Captain of the Port, Capt. Eduardo Pino, set Port Condition YANKEE Wednesday at 6p.m. for all the ports in Saint Croix and at 8p.m. for all the ports in Saint John and Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Tropical Storm Erika will arrive within 24 hours.

Ferry operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands are allowed during Port Condition YANKEE.

The ports in Puerto Rico remain at Port Condition X-RAY subject to changes in Erika's storm track or strength.

"WARNING"

During Port Condition YANKEE all ports are closed to inbound vessel traffic greater than 200 Gross Tons.  All vessels greater than 200 gross tons without permission to remain in port should have departed or be prepared to depart prior to the setting of Port Condition ZULU.

During Port Condition X-RAY waterfront facilities should be removing potential flying debris, hazardous materials and pollutants from dockside areas.  All oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 200 gross tons must prepare to depart the port and shall depart immediately upon setting and increasing port conditions to YANKEE. Vessels unable to depart the port must contact the Captain of the Port and submit a safe mooring plan in writing when requesting and prior to receiving permission to remain in port. Inbound vessels that will be unable to depart the port upon the setting of port condition YANKEE are advised to seek an alternate destination.

 


- Hello...
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:15:06 -0400
I have waited all day to see what would happen before I posted and we still don't know.   So I make the following forecast for our Isla Nena..... (Drumroll please...)
 
Rain.
 
That is all we really know at this time.  Erika is truly hard to read.  Everyone seems to be shaking their heads and watching.  I took the precautions of emptying the rain barrels to catch new rain, removing any object that can blow around the backyard and sweeping the gutters clean.  Other than that I am watching and waiting.  We are keeping the restaurant open at this time.  (It is our last week, we close Sunday!!!!!).  It seems a shame to have all of this during our very last weekend of season.  Labor Day signals the end of season for most folks.  A lot of restaurants are closing after Monday.  But our plants and horses will be happy!
 
But back to the weather...  A couple of showers this afternoon.  Hot, hot, hot and currently the skies are clear. 
 
I will post again as conditions change.
 
Have a good one,
K

- Wake up call...
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:19:54 -0400
Hi everybody,
 
Check out the latest NHC report.  I find it very interesting.  The track is all over the place and now they have it heading east.   The models aren't agreeing where exactly is it going.  So keep an eye to the East.  Best case we just get rain.  I don't want to be an alarmist but the water temperature is going to heat up when 94L hits 50W.  We will have a new named storm soon.
 
It is sunny and breezy today....  Hot, hot, hot and mozzies that have no fear. 
 
Have a good one.
 
K

- Hello...
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:25:03 -0400
Hi everybody,
 
Check out the latest NHC report.  I find it very interesting.  The track is all over the place and now they have it heading east.   The models aren't agreeing where exactly is it going.  So keep an eye to the East.  Best case we just get rain.  I don't want to be an alarmist but the water temperature is going to heat up when 94L hits 50W.  We will have a new named storm soon.
 
It is sunny and breezy today....  Hot, hot, hot and mozzies that have no fear. 
 
Have a good one.
 
K

- Hot, hot, hot
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:10:32 -0400
And one more time it is hot!  The breeze was from the South yesterday.  It made the leaves dance the other way on the Quenepo tree and the mozzies were everywhere.  Not that I am blaming the wind for the mozzies but this new batch of little monsters are really vicious.  They latch on in broad day light. They can negotiate wind.  They swam a person and blam!!!!  A big welt on the skin.  Good news is they don't move too fast so you can kill them.  Bad news is they are attacking in swarms and I only have two hands to swat them away.  So I am back to my favorite perfume...  OFF with DEET.  It works but I really hate the smell. 
 
The garden is looking fantastic after the rain last week.  I emptied the rain barrels with the sprinkler on Monday. My hummingbird friend knows exactly when I water and he comes for a chat and a bath.  He seems a little vain with all of the primping but he absolutely fascinates me.
 
We had great visitors last week.  We met two gentlemen that actually recorded the sounds in the bio bay at night.  I was amazed at the sounds!  The shrimp talking back and forth sound like monsters from the deep.  So much for the snap, crackle, pop sounds that I expected.  This was really extraordinary!!!!  The Trust is putting together a film that will hopefully include this audio footage.  Don't forget that the Bioluminescence Symposium is October 9- 11th.  This is the first ever symposium here in Vieques. So make your plans to join the fun.  Here is the link with all of the info:
 
 
Off to work.  Only two weeks left.  Then I will be a lady of leisure...  Ha!  
 
K         

- Sunny
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:59:21 -0400
At the moment we have sunny skies with some clouds.  The breeze is pretty consistent.  We had a couple of showers last night.  Nice to have the additional rain for the plants.
 
So we have Bill at 18 degrees at last.  It is a nice thing to see.  He is a strong, healthy boy for the time being.  We are so fortunate that he has decided a trip to the Caribbean islands is not in his schedule.  So we might get some passing showers when he goes by from that long tail.  We will definitely see some surf on the North side.  The swells should be impressive.  But that is all for now.  Of course we will watch him to make sure he keeps on traveling and doesn't stop by for a rum cocktail.
 
Things are normal here.  Dave and Chipper took a group out this morning for a dive.  The horses are clippy, clopping down the street.  The doors on the Malecon restaurants are rolling up for lunch.   The bay is peaceful and calm.  And we only have 3 weeks left until the end of season and we close the restaurant.  
 
So off to work.  Bermuda we are thinking of you!  And St. Lucia what a fabulous photo. 
 
K

- Cloudy...
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:07:28 -0400
All is well here on the Isla Nena.  Woke with a start to loud thunder and rain at 6:08 AM.  It was an early morning wake up call for us restaurant folk!  Had to run outside and shut the shutters on the East side of the building.  I laid back down and watched the quenepa missiles blowing and then felt raindrops on my head.  Shut the west shutters as well.  Up again and mopped up the floor in the guest bedroom and the living room.  Laid back down for a little more shut eye.
 
Woke again at 9:00AM to another squall moving through.  Ran outside to clean the already overflowing gutters and re-adjust the shutter blowing.  Hit repeatedly by quenepa missiles.  By this point I am totally soaked.  But the excellent news is we received rain.  Unfortunately I have no idea how much as my informal rain gauge blew over.  But it was enough to fill all the rain barrels and flood the porch.  It also caused a little creek to form through the back yard.  
 
I was a little surprised at the early wake up call.   I think that Ana moved a little faster than expected.  I thought we would receive storms this afternoon.  Her thunder was truly tremendous and the lighting was a great show.  Not too much wind.  Just enough to blow over a fan palm and two banana trees.  But that is to be expected as they are not designed for wind.
 
The most surprising thing was the bay here in Esperanza.  It was so flat!  Looked for a while like we could skip stones to the Cayo.  Now we have tiny waves.  Everyone was out for a drive to see if there was wave action but most left disappointed.  Hector got called into action to move a boat.  He is always around to lend a hand.
 
So now we have a light, intermittent breeze, overcast skies and I see nothing on the radar.  Thank you for the rain Ana and take it easy on the DR.  Bill please go North out to sea.  Bermuda really doesn't want to repair the roof again.  
 
Off to read my book and listen to the little waves.
 
K  

- Ana
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:25:05 -0400

Okay, I think Vieques can breath a little easier now that Anna has passed.

 

It started raining at about 5:30 and other than a brief period for about 25 minutes it rained straight through until about 11 a.m.

 

We have lived here for 5 1/2 years (full time) and for about a hour and a half it was the most intense lightening and thunderstorms we have ever experienced here. It literally did not stop. There was very little wind associated with this system on our side of the island (north side) but then again we are protected by the ridge and are close to the north beach.

I am not sure about Esperanza and how they made out but Kate can give you an update.

 

Overall we received 1.89" of rain and for the month, so far only 2.24" so we are way behind. We are not worried though since we have almost 2 more weeks and things will probably continue to be active.

 

So all in all, we made out okay with Ana.

 


- Sunny and rain coming
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:07:25 -0400
Everything is still sunny here in Vieques.  We have a nice breeze and La Nasa is playing music across the street. It is a typical day on the Malecon.
 
Looks like Ana should be a rain event and we do need rain.  And hopefully a little wind to blast those quenepas out of the trees.  I skipped sweeping the porch today in hopes that more of those little fruits will be down by Tuesday.  Hopefully we will get the 2-4 inches they are predicting.  My plants would love the rain.  All the rain barrels are cleaned out and ready for a refill.
 
Almost all of the boats are pulled from the Esperanza bay.  I miss their bright colors.  Since the storm is going South of us we should see some waves tomorrow.  The closest point of approach is 89.5 miles as of now.  It is a small storm and is predicted to stay that way.  On another note some of the vendors stopped by to take down their tents.  Probably just to prevent tearing and the potential of them blowing away.
 
Quick note they are stopping the ferry service.  I heard that from another local on the island. 
 
So we are going to have a couple rainy days off.  Think I will draw for a little while and curl up with a book. I am finishing "The History of Rum".  Maybe I will have a cocktail or two and watch the waves.  Sounds like a day off heaven to me.  If anything changes I will post again.  May be a photo or two if I get the batteries charged for the camera.
 
Hopefully Bill stays on that course to the North.  Now we have to watch the next wave off of Africa.  See what this new guy can do...
 
Have a good one,
 
K
 

- FW: Breezy
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:55:51 -0400
It is a beautiful breezy morning here in Vieques.  All is sunny and beautiful.  We did not receive as much rain as I had hoped out of the last wave.   But any rain is good rain for the garden.  And I am NOT complaining as I may get more water than I want!
 
Keeping an eye on the East to see what will develop.   I need to run to town to go to the grocery so I may buy a couple of extras including Milkbones for the dogs.  A just in case trip. We are prepared with our storm kits, batteries, water, etc. and of course dog food!  Sorry for the repetition but don't forget your furry or feathered friends when you are preparing.  Buy extra food for them!
 
We can feel our season really winding down.  Last night it was so quiet on the Malecon.  It is great to live in a community where you can actually feel the tempo.  In the States it was always rush, rush.  Here we follow the season and right now the season says slow down, take a rest and prepare for next year.  I enjoy this time and all of the beautiful things that this island brings.
 
Off to work... Have a good one...

- Vieques
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:29:13 -0400

We managed to get some rain today! .12 but we sure needed it. We will take any we can get.  I looked at the radar and was hopeful that we might have received more tonight but when animated, it appears that the system is moving more north up the island chain, than west.

 

I am agreeing with all here. It is time to open our eyes and keep a watch for what is happening in the Atlantic.

 

Karen


- Good Afternoon
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:00:40 -0400
Well, well things are finally starting.  I really hope that we will get some rain from the wave passing us tonight and tomorrow. I have watered and fertilized all of the plants. Check.  All rain barrels are empty and rinsed clean. Check.  All the beach towels are on the porch drying. Check.  The car needs to be washed and I will do that today. Check.  I am planning a quick trip to the beach tomorrow afternoon with the little Labrador. Check.  All of these things should confirm a rain event.  We are in need of rain.  A good soaking one.  Of course just when I want to watch the rain showers on the move the San Juan radar is out for maintenance. 
 
I see that storm that just blew off of Africa.  Hmmmm...  Glad I bought my extra hurricane dog food.  Don't forget your pets when preparing for a hurricane.  Stock up on food for them too.
 
As for news from our Isla Nena...  Not much going on.  Things are quieting down and we are only 4 weeks from closing the restaurant.  We are really enjoying our visitors and they continue to make us laugh with their stories.  Just a reminder to everyone that you do need lots of sunscreen this time of year.  The sun is strong!!!  A sunburn can wreck your vacation and make sleeping uncomfortable.  And those are only the immediate effects.  Think long term too for healthy skin.
 
We went diving on Monday with Chipper and Dave.  What a great trip!  They are a wonderful team.  We dropped in for our first dive and saw two 7 ft. nurse sharks cruising the reef.  Then on other dives we saw a large eel, lobsters, turtles, rays and lots of coral and fish.  We headed to the west side of the island for a great dive over healthy reefs!  Mother nature really can outdo us gardeners when she puts together a reef.  She matches color, pattern, and texture with such wild abandon!  It was also so much fun to see the west side of the island from the water.  We do live on a beautiful island.  And it gave us ideas for another adventure.  Thank you again Chipper and Dave for a fabulous day.  
 
Off to work.  Only 20 more working days....
 
Regards,
Kate
 
PS-  Don't forget to watch the meteor showers tonight!           

- Land Crabs
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 11:40:17 -0400
Good Morning to all,
 
First I want to send our warmest recovery wishes to Dear Miss Mermaid.  Get well soon.  I am on my way to purchase her book for Christmas presents.  Hopefully that will provide a little help!
 
As for the weather here.  It is hot, breezy, humid and sunny.  I really need to go for a swim today just to cool off.  The weather is the same day to day with only quick showers to supply a little water and cool us off.  At least my rain barrels are half full.  We had to perform a plant rescue on Tuesday as some of our plants are exposed to too much sun and needed a new site.  They are already happy for the move but want more water.
 
As for the land crabs...  It is mating season here and these big and little guys and gals are on the move.  They are working the Malecon like teenagers looking for a date.  Unfortunately some take a wrong turn and end up in El Quenepo.  On a nightly inspection of the restrooms I found one hiding in the men's bathroom.  He startled me (and my toes in their flimsy flip flops).  After a quick threatening shuffle back and forth with his little nails scraping on the tile I closed the door and called for Pedro.  Thank goodness for him!  He is a godsend.  All I did was yell "jueye" and here he comes with the long handled tongs and a bucket.  Saved... or so I think.  Later in the evening I am standing behind the bar and I hear a bottle fall over in the liquor closet.  I take a look behind the curtain and the dry vermouth is laying on its side.  "Strange" I thought.  I placed it upright and went back to work.  A little later I hear multiple bottles falling over in the closet.  I open the curtain and there is a land crab waving his arms in the midst of over turned bottles calling for a second round.  Again I call for Pedro and the tongs...  A few minutes later a slightly tired (drunk?) land crab is removed.  Perhaps he just needed a drink before a big night cruising the Malecon looking for a date?  Or maybe he was looking for the vodka to make a perfect martini?
 
Off to work and water the plants.  Have a good one.
 
Kate 
 
 

- Please send a little rain...
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:58:33 -0400
Blue skies, a gentle breeze, flat water in the bay.  That is what our visitors dream of.  Right now I am dreaming of two days of gentle rain with an occasional roll of thunder and a bolt of lighting for entertainment.  The ground is so dry and my plants are begging for rain.  My lovely, little green friends send a special request to those in the weather department to send rain.  But they send a request for no named storms. Repeat do not send us a storm (they won't say the "H" word).  Just a wave with rain and please let it miss Haiti. 
 
OK, that said, it is beautiful here.  We have lots of visitors this weekend as we experience our wedding season peak.  We wish all of the brides and grooms years of happiness.  According to all of the forecasts the weather should be great for outdoor weddings. 
 
The cactus is blooming, the orchids are a riot of color and the quenepas are flying.  All indications that we are heading to off, off season!  Only five weeks until we close the restaurant.  Then we will see everyone in late November. 
 
Happy Thursday,
 
Kate  

- Windy!
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:28:55 -0400
We are having a very gusty morning here in Vieques.  The skies are gray and the trees are bending in the wind.  I looked at the satellite and it looks like a day to stay inside.  Right now radar shows most of the rain to the south of us.  Hopefully we will get some rain.  Last night right in the middle of dinner the rain started pouring down and the wind was driving it through the east facing windows.  I quickly jumped up to close the shutters and got drenched in the process.  
 
Well I am off to sit on the porch before it starts to rain and finish my coffee.  Hopefully I won't get hit by too many quenepa missiles!
 
Take care,
Kate 

- It is that time folks...
  • From: "Karen" <knotimpaired at earthlink.net>
  • Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:45:03 -0400

Of course having a dinner party includes lots of time in the pool, drinks and a great dinner. Skip dessert. It is liquid.

 

Watching the radar today made us really remember it is our time of the year. We tried to balance pool time in between heavy, but short downpours. When we had a downpour, we went to our bar and poured.

 

That being said. Yes, now is the time to start looking around your property and ask yourself “do I need that now?”. If not start stowing things away at whim.

 

Every year we say we will be ok, watch the spaghetti lines that look like it is coming here and then it goes 500 miles away….

 

But if we do not prepare, it could come back and bite us in the butt someday.

 

Karen

 

www.tropicalglen.com

 

 


- Sunny...
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:50:29 -0400
Well we have a chance for rain but I don't see it on the radar.  Maybe later tonight as the tropical wave moves in.  But that means I have to water before service tonight.  The plants are thirsty.  I think my full time job is watering plants and my part time job is the restaurant.  Ha ha!   But the good thing about all of this watering is a little humming bird that comes to sip the water.  He will hover around me for 15 or 20 minutes, wait for the Coffee Cup Elephant ear to fill up with water and then zips in for a drink.  He makes me smile and keeps me company.  I love his bright dot on his back.  It wasn't until he landed that I realized he isn't black with a yellow dot.  He is actually multi-colored!
 
Mangoes are arriving by the bucket load.  We are eating starfruit as snacks and the passion fruit is tart and out of this world.  I love this time of year.  We have an embarrassment of tropical riches!  The Flamboyan blossoms drop in your lap and the Heliconia are in full bloom.  Mara is bringing in tons of local sprouts and mint.  (Fresh mojitos tonight.)  And the arugula is so spicy I cannot get enough of it. To top it off the lobster catch just came in.  Life is good here at El Q. 
 
Off to water and it looks like more dust next week.  That means no "himmicanes" and that makes me happy.
 
K

- Dust and now rain
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 14:01:22 -0400
I was sitting on the porch last night and glanced up to see the stars.  With the dust I could only see the brightest ones shining through.  I hunted and hunted for the little ones to no avail...  I headed in and fell asleep to the music across the street.  A little procession wandered down the Malecon playing Paranda.  I love to fall asleep to the sound of the drums...
 
Woke today to partly sunny skies that turned dark quickly.  The thunder boomed and the wind picked up.  I ran around closing the shutters as the wind was driving the rain into the house.  Now all is quiet.  We are looking for another cell to come through soon.  Thank goodness for the rain in the rain barrels and for the plants.  It has been so hot I have another full time job of watering the garden!  But with rain come the mozzies.  Thank goodness we have a new screen door to keep them out.
 
After the rain it looks like lots of dust for a couple of days.  Not a pretty sight but it does keep thoughts of hurricanes at away.
 
Have a good one!
 
Kate
 
 

- Good Morning
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:41:30 -0400
It is so nice to see a blue sky this morning.  On the horizon we have a blue sky that meets the blue sea instead of gray sky meeting blue sea!  The Sahara dust has moved on for the moment but we do expect a return of the dust tomorrow.  The good news is that we have a tropical wave that should roll through and a good chance of rain on Friday.  That is good for the plants and cisterns.  It will also rinse off some more of the sand.
 
Last night I woke to the sound of rain.  It was a surprise shower.  I think my little plants loved it.  I emptied all of my rain barrels yesterday onto the garden and then they got an extra bit of water.  Now I have some fresh water in the barrels.  My lobster claw heliconia is full of flowers!  This little guy was so pathetic for 2 years as I searched for a perfect location in the garden.  I finally found it.  Now he has new growth and in 6 months has tripled in size.  Now if I can only find someone that sells the beehive ginger.  I love the waxy, showy flowers of these tropical beauties.  
 
Today we are taking Ceiba, the younger Labrador, to the beach.  He is learning to snorkel with my husband.  It is quite a sight but they are having fun!
 
Take care,
Kate   

- Sahara Dust
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:07:06 -0400
Wow!  The sky is gray and Mt. Pirata is just a hazy outline when viewed from Esperanza.  The Sahara Dust is thick, thick, thick!  And it looks like we have 2-3 more days of this stuff.  At least the sea is still blue and the sun is trying to really shine from above all the dust.  The good news for our visitors is that we will have clear skies for a while.  The bad news for my plants is they won't get a rain shower.  I watered this morning and rinsed the leaves of dust just to make them perk up.   As for the inside of the house...  Dust, dust, dust.  I really have no chance of keeping it off the furniture.  Not that I am a bad housekeeper but there is no way to keep up with this gray haze.
 
In addition it is hot.  I just got off the phone with Diane (our island angel that picks up our hearts desires from main island) and she is bringing me two new fans!  That will help at night.  At least the mozzies are disappearing.  Unfortunately I know they will be back.
 
Off to work here on sunny, hot, hazy Vieques...
 
Kate

- Noche de San Juan
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:59:12 -0400
Last night we had a strong breeze and choppy seas to celebrate Noche de San Juan.  The breeze was greatly appreciated after the still air and heat at home.  We headed down at 7:00PM to see the end of sunset and set up for the festivities.    The crowd was a mixture of Norte Americanos and Viequenses.  We met at the fisherman's pier and enjoyed wonderful food and cold beverages.  It was fantastic to have all of us there with a mixture of Spanish, English and Spanglish as we celebrated this wonderful holiday.  The salsa played in the background with an occasional reggeton song mixed in.  The kids were in the water for hours shrieking as the played.   We all watched and  commented on how when we were young our parents would have to pull us out of the water before we turned blue!  All of the sudden midnight was arriving and we all ran down to the water.  We walked forwards into the water, turned around and dunked ourselves backwards three times.  All of this is based on St. John the Baptist.  Then with our sins washed away we are ready for a new year.  One of the girls with us decided she had been really bad last year and dunked herself 10 times.  Silly nut!  And another superstition says if you throw a coin over your shoulder it will bring good luck.  We gave it a whirl.  Still laughing and tapping our feet to the music we headed home.  What a wonderful evening and we thank everyone for bringing their favorite covered dish!
 
We woke at 5:00AM this morning to a loud clap of thunder and streaks of lighting across the sky.  The wind kicked in and the rain followed.  It rained a steady downpour for about 30 minutes.  Thanks mother nature for watering my plants and for the great show!  Currently it is hot, hot, hot with a tiny breeze.  I keep making ice cubes and chilling down the drinking water.  Little attempts to keep it cool.  
 
Have a great one!
 
K 

- Drying Out
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:56:06 -0400
Monday night we returned home from dinner to a spectacular display of lighting behind the cayo.  We decided to forgo the movie at the house in favor of mother natures show.  It was really spectacular to watch the sky light up.  In between rounds of lighting we watched the water for the stingray's and barracuda swimming under the fisherman's pier. 
 
It is finally starting to dry out around here.  Yesterday we did not receive any rain for the first time in days.  So it is back to our roofing project.  At least the sealer is drying and hopefully we can get a finish coat on it today.  Things look good on the satellite so far but that could change as the day heats up.  Keep your fingers crossed!
 
One of the side effects of too much rain are centipede's.  They are out and about because there are so many moist damp places to hide!  These things really scare me to death.  One decided to cruise around on the porch the other night.  Armed with the lethal Tat and a butcher knife my husband chased it to no avail.  It disappeared inside a plant.  We pulled the plant out of the pot and still could not find the bug!  Well yesterday I ran into the office/ guest bedroom and there it was in the floor.  I screamed, grabbed approximately 150lbs. of chocolate Labrador and fled the scene to grab the Tat.  Of course I am screaming for my husband.  I hit the 6" long devil with the Tat, screamed and waited for back up.  30 seconds later my back up arrived with a knife and Tat.  As I tried to relax (these bugs are really freaky and I have an irrational fear of them) Scott chopped him up and disposed of the body.  Hopefully that means we should not have another one this year.  Their horrible appearance is always after the rains have soaked the earth and they can move with wild abandon!  
 
So I am off to put the finish coat on the roof today.  Hopefully it will be a centipede and rain free day! 
 
Have a good one,
Kate 

- Back on Island
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:44:12 -0400
I am back after a trip to the States to go to my 20th High School Reunion.  What fun!  Of course my warm Caribbean bones just about froze to death in 62 degrees and drizzle.  Despite the jeans, long sleeves and multiple layers it was cold!  But I did get to see my family and attend a baseball game.  I miss my family already.
 
Upon my return I was greeted with warm, sultry air and the smell of the sea.  I love the smell of saltwater.  My bones warmed up very nicely!  We currently have very cloudy skies and a strong breeze.  My pups have their noses high in the air sniffing.  I think that they can smell the rain that the radar shows.   So off to a long day of work just to catch up!
 
Have a good one!
K

- Hello all...
  • From: "El Quenepo Reservations" <reservations at elquenepovieques.com>
  • Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 14:02:30 -0400
Things are sunny and bright with a nice breeze today.  We are working on the roof and this is perfect weather for that project.  It is so nice to have a break from the rain!  Although the little mozzies are having too much fun.
 
FYI-  There are rumors that the Port Authority is going on strike Friday.  That means no boats!  So if you need gas now might be a great time to head to the station.  Also if you have plans to visit Vieques a plane might be a better option than the ferry.
 
By the way we have a hurricane Kate this year.  Hopefully she will stay at sea and not cause any damage!
 
Take care,
Kate

- Clouds, clouds, clouds
  • From: "Kate Cole" <kate at katecoledesign.com>
  • Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 11:10:07 -0400
Hello from cloudy Vieques,
 
We continue to have overcast skies and passing showers.  Unfortunate we are on day four of this weather pattern.  I need to check in with Mother Nature and let her know that we live on islands for the sun and I need a strong dose right now.  Also I need to see if she can stop the dive bombing mosquitoes.  With all the moisture they are breeding like mad!
 
But there is good news...  The waves are up just a little in Esperanza Bay and the sound makes for great sleeping.  It is not hot just really humid.  The plants are growing like mad (and the weeds).  The horses have left town to eat all of the grass that is growing in the fields.  The bats are having a great time eating all of the mosquitoes.  Guests are still coming to our little island to enjoy off season. 
 
We have had several people tell us that we have a hammerhead shark cruising the cayo.  He is looking for rays.  Picchi, our friend and garden helper, said he is bigger than he is.  Keep in mind Picchi is a big, strong man and about 6'-6" tall.  I don't think that I would like to run into this hungry shark in the bay.  But it does make for entertainment as we watch the waters hoping for a peek.
 
Have a good one and to all of those islands that are under the rain storm remember this too shall pass.
 
Kate
 
 

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