New Year's Eve, December 31 2008

I am writing this in the last hours of the the last day in a difficult year. Tonight we will all celebrate the birth of the new year, reflect on the past and come to resolutions for the new year to come. The usual resolutions frequently concern our appearance and health, reforming unproductive habits or caring for others.

For a different take, I decided to see what some others thought about New Year's Eve Resolutions. Enjoy.

"The New Year, like an Infant Heir to the whole world, was waited for, with welcomes, presents, and rejoicings." – Charles Dickens

"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." – T.S. Eliot

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

"But can one still make resolutions when one is over forty? I live according to twenty-year-old habits." - Andre Gide

"I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me." – Anaïs Nin

"We meet today, To thank Thee for the era done, And Thee for the opening one." - John Greenleaf Whittier

"Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account." - Oscar Wilde

Of these I think we will close out the year with Robert Burns:

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne."

Happy New Year All

On reflection

These brackish ponds are formed during the dry session when the small streams that empty into the ocean become blocked with sand. You can see them as one walks along the beach. These beach walks provide some guests with the opportunity for reflection about the big things in life... and where one fits in, how one is to live in the world and how the events and happenings of life are to be understood.

Here are some things to consider in a reflective beach walk.

Without judgment, open yourself to the experience be it with puzzlement, joy, surprise, or confusion. How might things be different, how might one deepen and experience more fully... where do we go from here, how do I move from thought to action... what will be the first, small step?

Footprints in the Sand

Today, we are again, seaside...living by the ocean. This morning I went for a walk along the water's edge. Not a long walk, not a therapeutic walk, not a power walk, not a walk for health... just a simple walk. A walk to clear my mind, a walk to center me, a walk that reminded me why I am here.

I have made the walk on the Lemontree Beach many times down towards the Rincon Beach Resort, about 20 minutes away. Today I brought a pocket camera and at one point turned around, knelt down and made the photograph you see here. I use the camera as my minds eye to help me see. To see more clearly through the clutter and to remind myself of the basics, for focus and to see again, and sometimes, I'll actually press the shutter...

Solitary walks have a meditative quality... quite different than when one walks with anyone else. There is a strong reflective and spiritual possibility in these walks... and I am reminded by a meditation you can read here.

Sometimes these walks just feel right, for the body and the mind. This is what happened this morning.

Parranda Dancers

Having arrived at our first stop, the trucks found parking on the side yard of the large private house. Parrandas visit homes of the ill and infirm as well as those in private residences and commercial businesses who pay the parranda for stopping and playing. At the "paying" stops food and drink are provided for all participants. As we were still being dogged by rain showers (which is very unusual for this time of the year), the dancers deployed in the huge covered space under the house and got to it. Each parranda will have a theme and distinctive name. Our parranda has a religious sub-theme with some of the outfits decorated with religious iconography. A member is both invited to participate and then will pay to support the parranda. Our parranda was all male although some others are mixed. The picture above is of a locally famous dancer... with great moves.



Parrandas also may have children participate. The child's fee is paid just like the adults and the youngsters participate along with the others.

Parranding isn't "Christmas Caroling "or "Seranading" but its own special experience. With the aguinaldos, seises, and traditional favorites blaring forth from the musicians' truck and loudspeaker, the swirling and brightly dressed dancers, the beverages of all sorts flowing and yummy foods being served, it is an exhilerating and exciting experience. No one can keep still when the music starts and before long, we were all moving to the music!

Parranda in San Sebastian

We were invited today to participate in the caravan of the oldest Parranda in San Sebastian, (a small hill town about 40 minutes north and east of Rincon). Parrandas grew up in Puerto Rico from an earlier tradition of small groups of local musicians, playing traditional handmade instruments going from house to house in their neighborhood or barrio. From morning until the wee hours of the night. everyone sings and drinks and dances and plays together for a succession of days around Christmas and Three Kings day. Our parranda Los Nietos de Papa, (The Grandsons of the Father) was delayed today because of rain... but the rain passed and at about 12:30 p.m., we were off. From the picture above you can get an idea of the size of the basic truck. This one was just for the musicians, and you can see them getting ready to play.



As is tradition, before going everyone was fed... an asopa de pollo (chicken stew), empanadillas, beer and other beverages. The second part of this parranda is the dancers. The fellow above is clearly getting ready for a great day. The dancers go in there own open air flatbed... all decorated with lights and bunting and signs.



The follow up vehicle is an enormous sound truck. This one has a hydrolic lift that can raise the speakers well above a crowd for maximum sound projection. Here it is pictured at our first stop, a private residence about 2 miles distant from the kick-off point. Here we again began with a prayer and a buffet of food and beverages by the residence. After much song and merriment, the three vehicles of the parranda, followed by two trailers carrying advertising signs of the businesses that sponser the parranda, and a host of cars blaze along, with sirens, horns, lights and music, to the next stop. More tomorrow...

Christmas Party in the Puntas

Our Christmas Day ended with a joyous Christmas party at the home friends who live in the Puntas section of Rincon. Of course, all of the "usual suspects" were there...one of the great things about these events is the chance to catch up with friends, both year-round residents and snowbirds who return for the winter season. Rincon is a very friendly place and if you are here for even a day or two, you will find new friends.

We enjoyed a traditional "American" Christmas menu (yes, it is possible to find traditional US fixin's here in Puerto Rico!) - turkey with dressing, sweet potatoes with peaches, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, an incredible organic salad and so forth... along with many desserts, and a good bit of wine. Almost everyone, year-round residents and snow birds, has well equipped kitchens so most of the desserts and appetizers were brought by guests. A great chance to taste special treats.


On our way home, we passed other homes alive with families and friends all celebrating the day. The smells of turkey and lechon were in the air and parrandas were busily playing the well-known Christmas aguinaldos of Puerto Rico and the traditional Christmas carols. Little Rincon was alive with activity and joy celebrating this Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas - 2008

Irene has found a new spot... and, while taken last night, seems to be the right image for today.

Its Christmas morning. A swell is in... about 5 feet on the Atlantic side of Rincon, so it looks like a great morning for the surfers. Check out the live feed here. Now, the temperature is in the mid 70's and will probably get up to 80 in the afternoon. The sun is bright and the breezes gentle...a grand morning in the tropics.

On our beach, the Caribbean side, it is much calmer and before long I expect to see Lemontreeers and others in the water. Its quiet now... people are sleeping a bit longer, recovering from whatever party they attended last night.

After our fun parranda last night here at the Lemontree, we are taking the morning slowly ourselves and later on we have been invited to a Christmas party for dinner with friends.

Our wish today for you and your family and all in your extended circle, is peace, health and tranquility.

Lemontree Christmas Eve Parranda

This evening we had a real Puerto Rican Christmas Eve celebration with some friends and guests at the Lemontree. Though in the winter season we typically have a weekly wine and cheese gathering, what made this evening special was the playing of typical Puerto Rican instruments by Bella Jane on the Tiple, Charlie on the Cuatro, and Kathryn on the recorder. The rest of us chipped in with percussion... the guiro, the rhythm sticks, the tambourine, bells and the maraca. The musicians led us in some carols and later we belted out several rounds of jingle bells. We had our own parranda right here at the Lemontree.

Puerto Ricans are known for their unforgettable "parrandas or trullas navideñas." A parranda is when a small group of friends gathers together to "asaltar" or surprise another friend. It's the Puerto Rican version of Christmas caroling. Most parranderos play some sort of instrument, either guitarras, cuatros, tiples, tamboriles, güiro, maracas, or palitos. And they all sing. Puerto Ricans play traditional aguinaldos or Puerto Rican Christmas songs and have a very enthusiastic holiday spirit. Next year, Lemontreers will play some aguinaldos!

Towards the end of the performance as the sun was setting Captain Ted fired up the grill and we enjoyed hamburgers, wine, and salad. With the sun setting and much talk and fellowship, all had a good time, relaxed and with spirit as we moved into the tropical dusk and evening.

Innocence and the Christmas Sprit

I wanted to show a picture of the way many here celebrate part of the Christmas holiday. It is a long holiday running roughly from the 15th of December to Three Kings day which is in early January. Foremost it is a family holiday, with parties that involve the extended family and friends, and usually neighborhood parties as well. Here everyone knows all their neighbbors. Frequently a host will pay local musicians to come and play their instruments and usually there is a singer as well. A pig is cooked, beer is drunk. Many parties are begun with a prayer and dedicated to those who have passed during the year. Then the party begins and continues into the early morning hours. Of course people will attend Mass if they are Catholic, and for other Christian denominations... special services, most with music and song. I think this is what is known as the spirit of Christmas.

Also, and this is what the picture above is about for me, there is true innocence. The simple pleasure of being in the water with children and mothers and fathers. Family and friends being together.

Diving at Crashboat

When people think of diving on the west coast they think about Desecheo Island off the coast of Puerto Rico. True, Desecheo is an outstanding destination, but is that all? If you are interested in a good, fun, and easy shore dive then consider Crashboat. Crashboat is located in Aguadilla about 20 minutes north of Rincon. You can rent gear, tanks and weights at either Taino Divers in Rincon or at PR Technical Dive Center in Aguadilla. The site consists of platforms, one of which is sunken. The bottom is sandy and gradually slopes down to the platforms at 30 feet on the seaward side. Now there are deeper spots at Crashboat but I recommend a guide for these. Occasionally the water is too rough for an easy entry and the visibility may fall considerably. But the site has a ton of soft coral encrusting the rusting pilings and metal wreckage and lots and lots of fish. The photograph above was taken from inside a giant fish ball... converted to black and white and toned.

Feliz Navidad (part 1)

Last night Bella Jane, Hamilton and I went to a family Christmas party. It was hosted by one of our local friends and included a large number of their relatives and as well as friends and associates. The extended Rios family lives up in the hills of Rio Grande here in Rincon, in Sector Rios. The clan enjoys living amongst all their family members with homes sprawling out around a central bowl area which has over the years developed into this comfortable gathering space. The menu consisted of fried cerdo (pork)... butchered on site the day before along with name, rice and gandules, tostones, and plenty of beer and some local moonshine called ron cana (cane rum). It was smooth as a fine brandy with just a hint of anise. If I hadn't tasted it, I wouldn't have believed moonshine could taste so good.



The cerdo... is cooked over an open fire, one uses a bit of oil to start it off and then over time the fat in the pig is rendered and the cerdo cooks in its own fat. It sounds like a cardiologist's nightmare but the flavor is sublime. Bella, who usually does not go for "the other white meat" enjoyed it heartily.



Our hostess, Sra. Rios, sat with us for a bit before the Karaoke was to begin. It is always something of an experience for us to converse with our weak Spanish but where there is good will and a happy spirit... it always seems to work out.

The Big Scene

I want today, to say a word or so about the "scene" here in Rincon. Actually there are many scenes... This photograph was made at the Tiki bar at the Villa Cofresi on the beach. Monday night at Villa Cofresi is "Gringo Night." Most Monday's at 6 p.m. you will find the expat community catching up with news bits that may have missed the 'coconut telegraph.' Of course, Villa Cofresi is also famous, world famous in fact, for its very potent rum drink known as a "Pirata." Its a brew served and best drunk out of a coconut. The word is that, one of these makes whatever is planned for the evening ever so possible.

Over in the Puntas area... a different scene is available... this is for the surfer crowd. Tamboo Tavern, the Flamboyan and the Rock Bottom Bar are all available... and the party continues with a mix of guests, tourists, surfer dudes, hangers on, and watchers.

Then for the upscale crowd, the quieter and better appointed venues... mostly for couples. We have the best of the best... the restaurant at the Horned Dorset. The Horned Dorset requires reservations and is the only place in town that men need to wear long pants, collared shirts and closed toe shoes for dinner. Other choices for comfortable dining include the restaurants at Rincon of the Seas, Rincon Beach Resort and Smiling Joe's at the Lazy Parrot.

All right... enough for now. The message is that no matter what your interest... you can find a scene that fits your mood.

A Night Poem

I want to say something about the night here. The photograph was made when the moon was full but obscured by the clouds. In this view we are looking east towards the lights of Mayaguez. To the left on the hill are the lights of several restaurants and by the water are the lights of residences. This was an especially bright night with the moon creating a "moon river," perhaps not as wide as a mile but silver bright. On bright nights here, one can sit out on one's terrace and take in the points of color... much more interesting to me than looking due south out into the ocean. On darker nights the stars and planets are visible and exciting to find. Up in the north we become so used to a "light polluted" sky that we just don't have an appreciation for the subtleties of dark. Here, night is not just simply night... it comes in varied hues of black and gray and silver.

This image reminds me of a poem by Robert Frost... about the night:

...And further still at an unearthly height
One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.

The night is to be savored as much as the day.

Ah... Winter at last in Rincon

Well, not exactly. This is more or less the same view that we posted yesterday but not quite the same. Surely its not snow which covers the hills of Anasco... or the palm trees down the beach.

What it is are several photographs taken with an infrared filter (IR) and then stitched together in Photoshop. The IR filters block out all but the otherwise invisible infra red wavelengths of light and so what you have is a photograph of the world as out eyes can't see it. It happens that the chlorophyll in green plants is a great reflector of IR light and so they show up as white. The sea, absorbs light and so it produces very little reflected IR light for the camera sensor to pick up... hence its dark color. This is not a converted black and white photograph. It is an IR photograph with the color temperature set to 5,500K which is the temperature of sunlight. If you are interested in IR photography the web is full of resources. You can begin here.

We get so used to seeing the brilliant greens and the varied blues of the sky and sea... Its quite novel to see the world with a different set of eyes.

The Changing Ocean

Yesterday, we blogged about the big swell that was in and it was...and yet, today as you may see from the above photograph, taken this afternoon around 3:30 p.m., the Caribbean side of Rincon's ocean was calm! When folks call us for reservations at the Lemontree, they often ask about the wave action in Rincon. If they are a surfer, then they want to hear that the waves will be perfect for surfing when they are here...and if they are a diver or snorkeler, they want to hear that the ocean will be wonderfully flat and calm! As you can see from one day to the next, the ocean changes. Yesterday the surfers were thrilled and this afternoon we had swimmers in the water here and a snorkler searching the reef! If you have the pleasure of coming to Rincon for several days, it is likely that you will have the fun of watching the changing ocean up close and personal! The ocean can change from day to day and actually, from morning to afternoon as well. Mother Nature is a powerful force and has a very independent mind of her own.

A New Swell is in

This morning we heard the sound of the waves louder and knew that the expected swell was in. A swell is different from regular waves in that swell waves have traveled vast areas of the ocean, fanning out from their storm system. As the swell approaches shore, it forms long rolling surf. The swells will be in "sets" or groups and you can count them as they hit shore. Usually a larger one followed by somewhat smaller ones; and then the process repeats. In this image, you can see the swells lined up with the one in the foreground breaking up as it hits along shore. Swell waves are just "swell" for surfing in Rincon!

Feeling romantic in Rincon...

If you are feeling romantic in Rincon, grab your "other half," "significant other," "best friend," and head to Steps Beach. You will be treated to an incredible sunset. We arrived at sunset to find this couple already there...no worries,..the beach is big enough for many couples to feel wonderfully alone! Oblivious to us, these two were happy with each other as they watched the settting sun. As usual, the Puerto Rican sunset brought joy to us all. The rays of the sun make the waves glisten with reds and oranges. The sound of the waves lapping up on shore combined with the hues from the sun is an incredible way to end a day at the beach with someone you love.

Recital in Old San Juan

Yesterday saw the recital in the Tiple class that Bella has been taking this Fall with the Fundacion de Francisco Lopez Cruz. Above she is pictured with other members of her class, backed by guitars and percussion in the form of Bongos and Conga Drums. This was the first time the group played with this level of support and the sound was terrific. Well over 500 people were in the audience. Children were running around. Other musicians were warming up. Vendors were moving through the crowd selling tasty items. The program ran for three hours although Bella's group was on stage for a much shorter period. It was late in the afternoon when Bella's group moved on stage. The stage was under a large tent. She tells me that next semester she will be in the Tiple taller or workshopand she will also be starting a new class in the cuatro.

Plants grow quickly here in the Tropics

The tropics do amazing things to plants...they grow so rapidly and fully! Here in the Puerto Rico, we have two seasons, "wet" and "dry." Late spring/early summer marks the beginning of the wet season and the dry season begins sometime in late fall/early winter. We usually cut back our plants early in the wet season, as this is the growing season, and the new growth will be nurtured by our gentle summer rains.


I was reminded this afternoon as I passed by the Mandevilla plants here at the Lemontree of how much they had grown! On the top left is the photo taken in July of the plants after I had cut them back and to the lower right is a photograph I took today. The plants have been trimmed a couple of times since July as well, to keep their long reaching tendrils out of the pathway.You can also see the little ficus tree, the foreground of the photos, was cut back to just its limbs and today it is has new branches and shiny green leaves too. Its amazing what a little water and fertilizer can do for plants in the tropics.

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Fresh Tropical Fruit and Vegetables

When thinking of foods in "the tropics" one almost assuredly conjures up images of ripe lusty fruits, brimming with flavor and bright colors. Here in Rincon we have a fruit stand that never fails to satisfy that image! Antonio and Juan have their fruit stand on Carr 115 as one heads off of Calle 2 into Rincon. They are dedicated and congenial men, always willing to share their knowledge of the fruits, their ripeness and help clients select just the right fruit or vegetable.

Today I was passing by the stand and decided to stop and get some avocados. Avocados have a very long growing season here in Puerto Rico as there are so many different kinds. We have been eating fresh local avocados since August! These are the two that Antonio selected for me today, fresh and ready to eat. They are going to taste delicious in a fresh salad with a little fresh lime, from the tree next to the Lemontree's parking! Avocado is also delicious smeared, just like butter, on fresh panaderia bread or crackers.

Curving water's edge

Rincon is a town of beaches. On our north side during the winter swells, the surfers ride the waves to glory. On the south facing beaches or Caribbean side of town, the waters are much calmer. We frequently see children on our beach doing what children do, enjoying losing themselves in the delight of the water and the gentle waves. I took this photograph a couple of days ago about 50 yard down the beach from the Lemontree. Our hope is that our guests be they eight or eighty, come to enjoy their time by the sea. Young at heart they may delight in the sensation of the water's movement and the sun on their skin. When I took this picture, I was reminded of the freedom to revel in the pleasure of sandy wet toes as I walked along the beachside and didn't care when the waters splashed up around the hem of my shorts.

Ocho Puertas

This past weekend we were in Viejo San Juan and happened to enter the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. The Center has memorabilia from musicians and composers of Puerto Rico as well as a small shop selling Puerto Rican music.

One of their prize exhibits is an impressive grand piano. This is the piano that was in the famous 1960's nightclub, Ocho Puertas. It was called Ocho Puertas because the club was located on a corner of the block and had four doors on each side, hence eight doors or ocho puertas. This Youtube video, while contemporary, gives you a flavor of the place. Many aspiring and well-known musicians played at this famous club. Ocho Puertas had international recognition and was a hang out place for the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Burt Bacharach, Chita Rivera, and Liz Minelli. The piano was also used by the most famous female composer of Puerto Rico, Sylvia Rexach, for her composing. You can purchase her music CD's in the store and they are romantic and beautiful.

We were honored when the staff suggested Bella Jane sit down at the piano and play a little bit. Captain Ted captured the moment on film. The piano has the feel of an instrument that has felt many hands. The keys were worn and some of the ivory was missing but she's
a grand lady nonetheless. Closing your eyes you could imagine yourself back in Ocho Puertas with the ivories tinkling and the fans gazing on. If you are ever in Old San Juan, stop by and make a donation to the maintenance of this grand instrument that has many songs left in her.

Gallery Opening

The Secret Garden Art Gallery, about 1/4 of a mile down Carr 429, from the Lemontree Oceanfront Cottages, had its new season opening this past weekend. The tropical setting of the Gallery makes for a fabulous venue to display the art.

Roberto Ortiz, the owner, has new oil canvases up and his work is spectacular. Some canvases invite you into them to delve into their inner recesses while others are incredible explosions of tropical color.



Other local artists also exhibit there including your Lemontree hosts, Captain Ted and Bella Jane. Captain Ted has photographs from his most recent body of work, Sea of Memories, as well as underwater images taken out at Desecheo Island, Pr. He also has gritty San Juan scenes, black and white abstract nudes, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets for which Rincon is famous. In this image, Ted was able to capture a sereneRincon, PR sunrise of orange and blue.



Bella Jane's paper mache tropical fish are hanging in the front gallery and standing near them is being in a surreal school of tropical fish. Their colors are exotic and daring and never fail to bring a smile to the viewer! The gallery also has an array of artists who exhibit jewelry of all kinds including pieces using sea glass collected right here on the beach in Rincon.

Rincon, for a small town, has an exciting and vibrant art scene with galleries and continuing changing exhibitions at the Hotel Rincon of the Seas (where Captain Ted's photographs from his Sea of Memories collection are currently on view) and the Cooperativa Credit Union Public Space. As the season continues, we will visit openings and exhibitions and share those with you in the blog

Rehearsal

But wait... who can this be among the earnest players? Can it be our own, our very own BellaJane of the Lemontree? Yes it can be and... Yes she can.

This Saturday was the rehearsal before the big recital. Bella's group was accompanied by a bongo player and backed by guitarists. Her four classmates completed a perfect set and with much relief left the stage as completers of the Tiple class. Next term she will be in the Tiple workshop.

On Saturday a week is the recital.

Practice for the recital

Bella is learning to play the Tiple. This is a small stringed instrument that has many variations throughout the Spanish speaking world. It's not considered a "fine" instrument although they are always hand made by local artisans. Indeed the rustic quality and the "hills" origin of the instrument is one of its charms. The instrument is related to a Spanish medieval instrument that was developed in the 12th century. For a great history of the Tiple check this article out. The word Tiple means treble in Spanish and that characterizes the higher pitched sounds the instrument makes.

Bella became intrigued with the instrument when a local artisan spoke to a woman's philanthropic organzation about the instrument's history and how it is constructed. This fall, Bella has been studying the Tiple at the Conservatory in San Juan and next week will have a performance. This week it is a double rehersal. You can bet that we will write that up.

Orchids in the Garden

Orchids thrive here in the Caribbean. You see them hanging in their pots on porches and under protective trees and out in the open as well, casting out their incredible flowers for all to see. We have the traditional "corsage" orchids, of course, but what is so amazing, is the vast variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Here at the Lemontree, we have orchids that thrive in the flower beds. At almost anytime of year, we will have blooms thrusting upward to show us their beautiful colors. Today, this one was especially beautiful in the tropical sunlight.

Pizza

Who comes to a Spanish country thinking about pizza. You think about empanadillas, the spices in sofrito, the coffee, the stew called salcocho... but pizza...not really.

Well, if you were raised north of this place from time to time, you do get a hankering for some great pizza. Now I come from the heart of pizzaland... which for you Chicago readers is New York City...regrets. One of the virtues of Puerto Rico is that many on the Isla have spent a good bit of time in the New York area and when they came back to Puerto Rico they brought their taste for great pizza back with them.

One of our favorite places is Brothers Pizza which is located on the square in Rincon. As you can see this fellow has the touch. He tells me he wants to be a chef someday and is taking classes in culinary school. I've told him that if the other things he cooks are as good as his pizza he has a bright future ahead of him.

They don't do delivery here (its not NYC!) but if you call ahead the pie will be ready when you arrive. Of course it is fun to go into the square at night, order the pizza and then either soak up some of the Brother's 50's style atmosphere or take a walk and catch a late night game of dominoes which is likely to be in progress. The fellows are experts and the game is intense...more on this in another post!

Long Shadows of Fall

"I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me and what can be the use of it is more than I can see...."

Today was bright and clear. The waters were calm and the breezes gentle. I told Ted I was going for a walk along the beach with my camera to see what I could find. What I found was my long shadow of fall.

When we lived in the City, the children always thrilled at their long shadows in the late fall. We would walk along the sidewalks and their shadows would precede them. "Look how tall we are," they would say with a thrill in their voices.

The pictures show my long shadow of fall. The one on the right is on the sand and the one on the left is taken while I'm standing in the water. You can see how clear the water is and calm.

Just a perfect day for a walk along the beach taking pictures and watching my shadow!

Irene

Irene is the cat who chooses to live with us at the Lemontree. She actually did choose Bella. Here is the story. Last year we were tending to some business in Mayaguez when this very small kitty came up to Bella in a parking lot and began to rub on her legs. She and I looked at each other and after scouting around for a possible owner we took her home. Since then she has developed a rigorous schedule. Up with the dawn, meow... we let her out. She then scouts around the Lemontree and checks up on guests. Those guests that welcome cats she tends. Later morning... snooze. Lunch. Some lizard hunting and during the heat of the day a lot of laying about on cool tile. Towards the evening, more hunting. At dark... she comes in for dinner and social time and then to sleep.

A nice kitty life.

She is a great cat and most catlike. She looks after guests and keeps down any unwanted critters about the tree.

In Rincon we support the Animal Rescue Fund... known as ARF. This organization protects strays and works to find homes for them. We have had a few guests who come to the Lemontree for a holiday and leave with a pet.