Wednesday, November 30, 2011

More about our trip to Grenada





We were introduced to a very nice Taxi driver Mr Francis who took us on a tour of the island way up into the mountains where you can look down over St George. The views were spectacular. We drove up some very unpredictable roads that did not look as though they were wide enough for one vehicle led alone two to pass each other.

Our first stop was at the Annandale Falls which were surrounded by tropical vegetation hanging down over the rocky cliffs, you felt as though you were deep in a rain forest, the photos do not do it justice.





There are a group of locals that entertain the tourists (for a donation) by jumping off the very high cliffs into the water at the base of the falls. The water is approximately 20 feet deep. They do this with a big smile on their face. You can just see one of them in red about to jump.






Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A day on the beach







We spent most of Sunday around the resort and on the beach.





We strolled along to the craft market which was on the beach, chatted to the local people who are lovely. Doug did manage a few beers from the beach bar, we bought one for the local calypso singer who strolls the beach with his guitar. I think we have a new best friend. We almost had the beach to ourselves, a cruise ship came in which had sailed from Southampton UK a few of the passengers spent a couple of hours on the beach and then it was all ours again.


We had our lunch in the hotel bar and were entertained by this hummingbird who was very busy collecting nectar.










Saturday, November 26, 2011

Our first day in Grenada


We arrived after our 25 minute flight from Trinidad to find Doug had booked us an amazing resort for our short stay here. We overlook a white sandy beach which is about 20 feet from our balcony. Last night we went to sleep to the sounds of the waves from the Caribbean sea.



This morning we took a tour of the capital St George where we visited the fort which had a wonderful view over the inner harbour which was once a volcano pool.



The fort was the where the Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was killed on October 19th 1983, which resulted in the U.S. invading the island to bring order..

We then went into down town St George to the spice market, our guide was very knowledgeable and we learnt so much about the local produce as well as the wide variety of local spices which are not only used in cooking but are medicinal also.





After lunch we spent time in the sea and a long walk along the beach.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Grenada here we come

We leave today for a long weekend in Grenada, we are staying in a hotel right on the beach, it looks beautiful.

Grenada is known as the spice island and apparently you can pick up the nutmegs that have fallen from the trees. It is still very unspoiled and we are looking forward to exploring the island.

I know it is a hard life but someone has to do it, look out for pictures when we get back.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Down Town Port of Spain


Saturday Doug and I went into Port of Spain to check out the stores on Charlotte Street. We were looking for inspiration for Christmas. I did manage to find much to my surprise a wonderful prim iron wreath stand much like the one I have in storage back in Canada. I think this was the best buy of the morning. Doug loves the hustle and bustle of Charlotte Street where you can buy most anything, especially from the vendors who line both sides of the street How they make any money I don't know as they all appear to sell the same items at the same price.











Monday, November 21, 2011

More Decorations


Finished my wreath today and also made a table centre arrangement. It really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.




Friday, November 18, 2011

More Christmas decorations from almost nothing


After posting pictures of the christmas mice I made, I got to thinking what else I could make from almost nothing to decorate this year.
I had an empty tomato paste tin which I covered with a scrap of burlap, filled it with sand, borrowed a star pick from a basket I have hanging on the powder room door, found some twigs in the garden and odd red berries in my crafting stash.


Next I made some gingerbread men from scraps of warm and narural, grubbied them up tied a bit of homespun around their necks and attached a jingle bell. I finished them off with a rusty wire hanger. These will probably go on the tree.





I found an old cedar plank that we had used on the barbeque, it was lovely and dirty so I attached one of the gingerbread men to it with some sweet annie and a grubby sign, made a wire hanger and it will probably hang somwhere in the kitchen.



I also wrapped my grapevine wreath with garland and it has made a good size wreath, now I have to think of something to decorate it with.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Christmas Decorating


We have bought the tree and are planning to put it together by the weekend. We always have a real tree so it was a big decision to invest in an artificial one.I think we have found one that will look quite prim when decorated.

I realised that we did not bring much in the way of decorations so I have been checking out some of the stores. Everywhere has very glitzy, bright, sparkly decorations which is so not me. I need my prim stuff around me so decided to make a few things with the limited supplies I have.

This is what I finished off this morning.

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The mice are made of old wool fabric and are sat on a mousetrap bought from the local grocery store, then decorated with greenery and berries. I have also just grubbied some prim gingerbread men. I am not sure how I will use them yet. Going to try my hand at a Christmas Wreath later today. Fun, Fun, Fun.



























Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Christmas Lights


I know I know it is much to early it is only the begining of November but everyone here starts Christmas decorating in October. All the shops have Christmas music playing and the malls are all decorated. On Sunday we had our Christmas lights put up. I think we are the first in the neighbourhood but as we are staying in Trinidad for Christmas we are getting ourselves into the Christmas mood.

Here are a few pictures of the house.






Monday, November 7, 2011

Domestic Goddess


Sunday morning we had our Christmas lights put up all around the house.

I couldn't do much outside without getting in the way so I did some baking.



Bannana Bread, Cheese Scones and an Apple Crisp. Also prepared a chicken for a roast chicken dinner later.

Pictures of the lights in the next couple of days.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Spooky Gathering for Halloween

I know it was a week ago but it has been an extremely busy week and I have only just got around to editing the photos.

Everyone had a good time and there were some very creative head gear and costumes.








I had fun making decorations for the house which went down very well especially the colony of bats on the ceiling.






I spent most of the day in the kitchen but well worth it. We gave the dishes gruesome names which everyone seemed to enjoy, I also tried my hand at some really yucky cupcakes which were a hit.





The best get together we have had for a long time. I think theme parties are definitely the way to go, everyone has more fun. Took me a couple of days to get over it all but so glad we made it happen.