Hurricane Earl

I've been up and watching The Weather Channel to find out what's going on with Hurricane Earl as the category 2 hurricane is making its way through the Caribbean. 

Having experienced a number of hurricanes while living in the Virgin Islands, this time of the year always makes me a bit apprehensive, and Hurricane Earl, which hit the Leeward Islands yesterday, is now bearing down on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John (aka Love City).

So far, the islands have lost electricity and the winds are howling around 105 mph. 

Praying.

Weather: When family rubs it in!

I grew up in the Virgin Islands, so I didn't have to worry about shoveling snow or contending with weather any cooler than 74-degrees. Now, I don't write this to rub it in that I spent most of my life in the Caribbean, but I must say that Mother Nature has taken to making sure that I make up for lost time.

As if last winter wasn't bad enough, I am now in winter-shoveling shape-the muscles in my shoulders are tight, my back is sore and my fingers are frozen beyond recognition. And just believe that tomorrow, December 21st, is the official first day of winter.

The biggest kicker of the day is when I get a telephone call from my relatives in the Caribbean asking how we're dealing with the weather, because they were either watching CNN or the Weather Channel and heard that New England was getting walloped with snow. The conversation typically goes like this:

My Mother: "Hi sweetie! (Yes, Mom still calls me her sweetie! Don't be jealous.) I hear y'all are getting alot of snow?

Me: "Hi Ma! Yeah, we're getting some snow and I'm just getting ready to go outside and shovel."

My Mother: "Well, it's a beautiful day here in the Virgin Islands! It's probably 82-degrees and I think we're going to a beach party later on."

Me: "Thanks for not rubbing it in! [laughs]"

My Mother: "When I win the lottery, I'm going to send y'all some tickets so you can get out of the cold for a bit and relax at the beach and thaw out."

Me: "Just let me know! All I need is a pair of shorts, my bathing suit, some t-shirts and my sandals. I can fit everything in a carry-on."



The conversation continues, but I won't bore you with the details.

So, as I enjoy my third cup of coffee of the day and take two Alleve tablets, I hope your snow removal process went well, and you, too, aren't too sore.

Carnival: Virgin Islands Style

This is what you're missing in the month of April on St. Thomas (USVI). And don't forget about Love City, a/k/a/ St. John, in June leading up to the 4th of July!



First up in the video is the world famous Rising Stars steel band.

At the 2:15 mark, you'll see Governor deJongh dancing in the street behind the JDPP Jammerz, which is a band comprised of children and sponsored by the Virgin Islands Police Department. It's a CELEBRATION!!!