My family and I had a rare opportunity to observe the emergence of turtle hatchlings, and not just any turtles, but endangered Leather-backs.

(I could not wait to take photos of the entire event.)

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Finally, I can share with all of you the short article that was written about me & my family about living on St. Croix.  It appears in the July 2008 edition of Islands Magazine.  I recently recieved a short note from the writer letting me know it did not make it into print, but was on-line; which was fine with me, I can share the on-line version with A LOT more people.  But, where was the picture of St. Croix?  Where was the picture of me and my adorable family?  Isn’t that what it was about anyway?  So…after some sweet talking and convincing them their on-line readers WANT to see the people the article is talking about, I was informed today our images were added.  Thanks Island Magazine.

To make a long story short, not to ramble and just get on with it, I did a phone interview a few months ago with a very inquisitive travel writer by the name of Jennica Peterson who lives in San Francisco with her husband.  I did the interview on the heels of a very terrible incident that happened on the property where I live.  To be honest with you, it was hard to be all happy-go-lucky about my island paradise home; but I put on my happy face and answered her questions.

After reading the final outcome, I am reminded just how lucky I am to live where I am.  That St. Croix really is an island paradise that is EASY to live in and transition to from the United States and “American” way of living.  Check out the on-line article here and don’t forget to look at the photo album!

I don’t get the opportunity as much as I used to to go listen to live music on St. Croix, but I try every chance I DO get.  This past Friday was Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted, so we packed up and motored west.  Sunset Jazz takes place on the third Friday of every-month on the Frederiksted waterfront.  You can read about the details here.  Bring the kids, let them dance under the stars, run and play.  Spread a blanket on the grass, bring a dinner and a bottle of wine…and your set. 

We met up with a new friend and her one year old daughter who has only lived on STX for 4 months.  She was really impressed with the set up and the amount of people in attendance.  That was nice to hear, but really, Sunset Jazz has succeeded in being one of those reliable events that takes place EVERY third Friday, no matter what!  Rain or shine, artist or no artist.  Something will be going on.  Someone will be there playing music and the crowd will enjoy the setting sun and breeze off the water.

You can find other live music gigs all over the island at various beach bars and fund-raising events.  Steel pans seem to do well at happy hour or brunch.  Check out the calendar on GoToStCroix.com for the most current line up of who is playing where and when.

I just got word of a fun outdoor summer concert series at Whim sponsored by the Landmark’s Society.  I had the opportunity of attending one last year with my mother and am looking forward to attending this year.  Here is the low-down:  You have the choice of sitting at a table under tents which are the “pricey”seats at $30 a head.  This is a good option if you don’t plan on chasing kids the entire evening and you have the luxury of being protected from the notorious west-end showers.  For $15 a head, you get to set up your own camp on the lawn, which is pretty cool.  Again, spread your blanket, unpack your chairs, open up your picnic basket and relax to the music.  Let the kids practice their dance moves under the stars with new friends.

This summer, concert music and dates are July 12: Jamaican Jazz, August 12: Cuban & Sept 6: Bluegrass.  All concerts begin at 7:30, but you should arrive early for the best ground seating.  Food & cash bar are available.  Reservations are not required in advance for ground seating, but you should probably reserve in advance for table/tent seating just to be safe.

I’ll see you at Whim July 12 for a bit of Jamaican Jazz, mon.

My first massage on the beach won’t be my last!  Remember, Savanna’s crab in the crab races won me a 1/2 hour massage with Ambrosia Body Care owned by Michael & Terry Dance.  They are totally mobile and can come to you!  They just happen to be at Chenay Bay Beach Resort this weekend and it was convenient for me to schedule a beach-side massage.  Ohh, it was nice, so nice.

Imagine: table on the palm-tree lined beach under the shade of a gazebo with the sea breeze blowing to keep you cool.  Although I can’t support my massage/body treatment habit, (or have the luxury of time anymore) I am pretty savvy in the area about knowing what the person expects of me or what can make the treatment a better experience all around.  Like removing any jewelry that might get in the way or pulling your hair back so it is not uncomfortable.  But, one major thing I did not realize with a massage on the beach that seems totally obvious to me now:  Wear A Bathing Suit.  Duh.

Oh well, thankfully I am not that modest and Terry held a sheet for me to get out of my clothes, but keeping my un-mention-ables on.  And then began my hour of bliss.  Head to toe, back and front, with the sounds of the ocean in the background.  And the seminar going on at the restaurant.  I learned about sleep abnormalities and sexual dysfunction.  But it was still relaxing, and that just comes with the territory of a massage on a beach at a resort.  I don’t think anyone would complain about that.  The breeze would gust and blow my cover off;  Terry said she was in Frederiksted last week and it starting raining during the middle of an out-door massage.  Oh well.  It happens!

It is important to indulge once in a while in activity just for your self, like a relaxing massage or spa treatment.  This was my first time with Terry (and it was great!), but I have had several treatments at The Buccaneer Spa, (a fabulous pedicure I shared with viewers several months ago) and Wendy just cashed in on gift certificate for a relaxing afternoon there.  We could not shut her up about how terrific everything was.

My point is, vacation or not, spa facility, beach, or location of your choice, take some time for your self to relax.  You’ll appreciate it and you deserve it, I certainly did!