Christmas Day 2010

Morning All,
Well, the year is nearly over. Can you believe it? Looks like we are going out with a bang. There have been several earthquakes near here. The one this morning was near Anagada and was 3.6 on the scale. However, those who have been here for some time say it's nothing to worry about.
Evan arrived safe and sound a week ago Friday. He has worked several days with Bob on the floor in the restaurant in Cruz Bay. He was a big help and they, hopefully, will finish up this week. They are waiting for the owner to pick the stain color. Evan went to the beach with a friend today and went and did the Cinnamon Bay trail this past week. They were surfing out there. Really big surf. Have never seen it like that. Trunk Bay was completely closed.
Evan is dating a girl who facebooked him. she was his first date in H.S. She has two children and works in a bank. He isn't taking any of this real seriously, but at least he has someone to share some of his life with. I think it is good for him and we are happy about that.

Herb, sorry you are not feeling well. A good shot of mulled wine might make you feel a little more "jolly". Sounds like a great Christmas at the Baldwin household in the woods. Did you get snow for Christmas? I really miss the cold and snow at Christmas. Christmas in Paradise just isn't the same and the decorations are sort of lame, but it's warm. Lots of people go boating to other islands for the holiday. We have been invited on New Year's Day to Lamshur (we went there, guys) for a beach party - lots of food and fun.

Talked with Nathan yesterday. He is enjoying the holiday with Laura's family and some friends. They had a second showing on the house Tues night and the showing realtor told Nathan's realtor that they thought an offer would be in the cards, but nothing so far. Nathan has until March and then the house will go into foreclosure. He is due to leave MI about Jan 15 or so. I guess if something does happen with the house, he will have to get power of attorney for the realtor.

We finally got the UV system for the water and Bob is installing it as I write this. no more "schlepping" the cases of water. that is a relief!!

The garden is coming along nicely and I have tomatoes about the size of my fist. Hopefully we will get to pick them before the birds. We have had a lot of papaya this year. Delicious with a little lime on it.

Ron and Liz are coming for dinner tomorrow along with Bob Moseley, who has the place below us. He is renting it out and has asked us to "manage" if for him. This really only entails guiding the guest to the cottage and being available in case anything goes wrong in the house while the guest is here, then arranging for cleaning for the next guest. Evan did directions in publisher for Bob while he was here. Came out great and it gave him something to do.
Well, the sugar bird and the humming bird are again fighting for "territory" in the hibiscus as I sit here in the foyer. going to do a little cleaning for company coming tomorrow and Evan may bring his buddy back for lunch.
Love to all
Send pics and notes.
Betsy and Bob