Cozumel, Day 12

Solidly successful shopping!

We take two cars so we’re not jammed, and as Kat has a couple of other shopping areas after the main group one. While Kayla’s feeling better, she stays back with Jason and Griffin.

We find parking side-by-side—a good omen. And after a slightly nervous me—I’m the only one in the group who’s been shopping, and my sense of direction sucks wide—leads the way, we find shops.

And a rock shop! As a group, we love rocks!

Everyone finds something. I have a lovely, tumbled hunk of carnelian to take home.

A pair of parrots. Photo by Nora.

We see parrots! I take a photo, but Kat poses for one, and gets to hold one. Very cool.

True #randomkatness captured by j a-b.

Then there’s a hand-crafted store with bags and belts and wallets—the leather smells amazing. With jewelry and pretty bits and bobs.

Logan negotiates, and very successfully. He assists JR in bargaining. I do my own, also with satisfaction. Another store, more success, than another yet. I have completed my personal shopping goal.

I will say, since he was just a little guy, Logan has had great taste in gifts.

He comments it’s interesting to be in a place where English isn’t the first language. I so agree.

Yet another stop, yet more bargaining and purchases.

BW, Colt, JR head back with our bags, (there are many) and Kat, Logan and I venture into another area looking for a pottery venue. Logan navigates, and while we find the place, it turns out to be a kind of food court rather than pottery.

But Kat finds a pineapple from a tiny fruit stand. She is very skilled in cutting fresh pineapple.

Off we go to park at the Mega—there’s a tiny shop we noted directly across the street with gorgeous bowls, hand painted, wood. A delightful shop keeper—she calls Logan Skinny-Minnie Boy (she’s not wrong!), and she has a little girl about Griffin’s age. The offerings are just beautiful. BW has hoped I’d find something I liked for our upcoming anniversary.

I oblige him and select three, various sizes, all gorgeous art. Kat finds some for gifts. I get Kayla a tee-shirt, and Logan points out the purple is her school color. The shopkeeper tells us we made her day.

The little girl brings newspaper to her mama to wrap the bowls.

Back to the car to lock up the bags and do a round in the Mega for more supplies.

Then home again after a job well done.

And fresh pineapple. Kat chose very well!

Some swimming. Griffin is doing simply great in the pool. I think he wore Colt out. I really enjoy seeing him motoring around in the water, secure in his bright yellow floaty jacket.

We decide on Italian for dinner.

Griffin conks in the car on the way in. Swimming will do that.

He sleeps on Daddy at the table for awhile.

The server not only remembers us, but what we drink. That’s a memory! Kayla soothes herself with potato soup. I go for spaghetti. BW orders a glass of Merlot, and after I take a sip, and order one for myself. Very smooth.

A pretty evening with the humongo cruise ships out in the water, and a pretty sail boat that eventually tacks its way closer.

Sailboat and sunset. Photo by Kat.
Kayla’s sunset.

And another fine meal.

Back for relaxing, then a challenging game of Chase—which also now includes Freeze. But I’m not arrested, so that’s something.

I go to bed a free woman.

Another pretty morning, too. Yesterday we had big puffy clouds with layers that looked etched. Today smaller ones. And I hear a pair of birds that sounds like they’re cursing each other.

It’s about time to go work out. I think there’s hope for the water park today. Apparently there’s a twenty-foot water slide.

Not, by any means whatsoever, for me!

Nora

In case they forgot where they are. Photo by Kat.

Cozumel, Day 11

Down the beach. Photo by BW

Plans for the water park are scotched for reasons. First, hey, it’s closed on Tuesday. And weather’s rolling in, at least from the look of the sulky gray sky.

Add our Kayla appears to have picked up whatever Kat had this time last week. When I go over for a Nana check she feels warm. Not scary hot, but low-grade fever time. And her throat’s scratchy. She’s hungry, and when all she wants is dry toast, I know she’s feeling pretty punky.

JR’s looking after her, and after an abortive first attempt—toaster oven acted wonky, burned the bottom of the toast—we manage toast. Nana delivers.

Since Colt also wants toast, Jason gathers a list as that’ll take care of the sliced bread. He’ll get some ginger ale, some veggie broth and whatever else we need. He is our Mega Store King.

Turns out I have some emails to deal with, and some business from home on a couple fronts.

For some reason I remain free from jail all day!

I decide, what the hell, I’ll bring down my laptop and work awhile on the patio.

BW and Kat decide to head out for an adventure. I opened the accordion doors and between me and Jason and whatever game Griffin’s into on his iPad he’s well looked after.

From Kat and BW’s adventure. Photo by BW

He asks me for more chips, please. And I have a slice of last night’s pizza which is just fine.

JR comes over for ginger ale and veggie broth for our sick girl. So she’s well looked after, too.

I pull out an old favorite I brought along in case I ran out of new books. So there’s Mary Stewart’s classic Arthurian tale, The Crystal Cave. It never, ever fails to capture me by page one, no matter how many times I read it.

Where shall we go? From BW & Kat’s adventure. Photo by BW.

BW and Kat return, very cheerful from their trip to the lighthouse, and some impromptu shopping. Kat has a cool new hat.

Lighthouse. Photo by BW.
Inner working of the lighthouse. Photo by BW.
Kat’s new hat. Photo by BW.

We discuss dinner plans. JR will go with us, but though Kayla feels better, she opts out. Nana makes her scrambled eggs and toast—with butter this time.

We head into town to revisit the first restaurant we tried. When we use the garage at the Mega Store, Griffin says: Blue Cupcake Store!

He forgets nothing.

As Logan ate two pb&js right before we left, he settles for some tortilla soup. BW and Kat both try lime soup, and both approve. I go for the lobster and yum!

My two for one margaritas go very well with it.

Back home for ice cream and more Jackbox.tv games.

So we’re entertained until bedtime.

Morning’s sunny and blue, so bodes well for our planned group shopping. Jason and Griffin will pass, but the rest of us—hopefully Kayla, too—will head out shortly.

My workout’s done, and bacon’s made.

Not sure what will catch my eye today, but Kat and I saw some very cool bowls and dishes yesterday right before dinner.

Nora

And, in an homage to trips past, some #randomkatness

Cozumel, Day 10

Griffin wants a playground, so Kat, Kayla and JR go off to try one. With the rest of our crew off snorkeling, I settle down to work a bit.

It’s a pretty pleasant, breezy day, so I choose the patio. Nice, really nice, to sit outside, feel the breeze, glance up and see the shine of the gulf through the trees. I can hear the water lapping, and the birds calling. Otherwise it’s quiet in my outdoor office.

I’m surprised when the snorkeling gang returns. The time flew by. But I’m not quite finished this scene, so keep at it while I hear about a shark sighting—baby nurse shark—barracudas, and many, many fish, small and large.

Playground gang returns. Playground was a bust, so they hit the mega store. It has some kiddie rides, and that did the trick. Also ice cream.

Kayla realizes I’m still working and says they’ll be quiet. I remind her I started this adventure with two pre-schoolers. I can work through noise, and nearly done.

And scene!

Griffin’s napping on Daddy. BW is upstairs working on the photos he took with his underwater camera. I treat myself to a Bellini, and see BW has sent out the pics. Oh, there are such wonderful ones of Colt and Logan! No doubt their first real snorkeling adventure was a success! These get printed out and framed once we’re home.

Fishy friends. Photo by BW.
Logan afloat. Photo by BW.
Colt under the sea. Photo by BW.
Ray. Photo by BW.
Far less menacing starfish. Photo by BW.

I walk into the kitchen and discover the Wilder Hair Salon is open. Just about every vacation, BW gives Kat a haircut. This started years ago on our first trip to Montana. I don’t know why Kat decided to trust him, or BW decided to trust himself, but it’s now a tradition.

I’m a little aghast at the amount of hair he’s whacking off, but as usual? Yeah, it works. 

Done. Photo by Kat’s phone.

Time to clean up for dinner. We’re trying a new-to-us place. It’s closer to the villa, but not on the water. Still, we’re all curious.

Cleaned up for dinner. Photo by BW.

It’s lively. It has an old car Griffin can climb in. A guest chef from Austin greets us and tells us he’s making MD crab soup. We tell him all but one of us (JR) come from MD. He insists on giving us a sample—though he explains he uses shrimp and lobster instead of crab.

Pre-dinner fun. Photo by Kat.

When in Mexico!

And it’s very tasty.

There are big screens on opposing walls and they’re playing MTV—80s edition. It’s fun and funny. This doesn’t feel like a touristy spot. The patrons strike me as old hippies (I’m one myself) and ex-pats. Maybe some locals.

Fun time guessing songs and artists on MTV—and amusement abounds at the hair styles.

Colt and I split a pepperoni pizza. Logan orders shrimp pizza—which seems to be a house speciality.

Once again, Logan’s choice is wowzer! How he manages to eat all but one piece is a mystery. The boy’s skinny as a snake—but not for lack of eating.

Logan’s shrimp pizza. Photo by Nora.

So a good, entertaining meal not far from home.

Back home and Kayla’s got a little headache. She retires for the evening. Kat and Griffin go for a swim, BW and I sit down by the dock for a very satisfying sunset. A golden end to a lovely day with plenty of memories banked.

Rain’s coming. Photo by BW.
But first, sunset. Photo by BW.
Nora’s sunset view.

It rains for about thirty seconds.

But it’s not over as Griffin’s still enjoying the pool. I think he might’ve stayed in half the night, but here comes a roll of thunder. Now it’s time to admire the creeping dark, then look amazed—Griffin and I exchange amazed glances—over the lightning.

After the rain. Photo by j a-b.

Bedtime.

The birds go wild this morning. It sounds like an old Tarzan movie on my little balcony. I think I spot a magpie. Do they have magpies in Mexico? I’ll have to look it up.

There are plans for a visit to a nearby water park today. Should be fun. Hopefully the skies stay clear so everyone can splash around. Right now they’re a pale, quiet blue, and a little breeze remains. But it already feels as if it’ll be a hotter one than yesterday.

A water park sounds like a good way to keep cool.

Nora

Cozumel, Day 9

Note from Laura: There are, indeed, pancakes.

Breakfast a la Logan. Photo by Nora.
Cheers chef! Photo by BW.

Cloudy and breezy make very nice weather for patio sitting with a book. Colt is late to the party as he decides to practice his shuffling. I believe we have a card shark in the making.

I am incarcerated again when I go inside. My many escapes are short-lived, even when I unlock the Daddy wall with magic keys.

Pano view by j a-b.

Logan and Grandda do some snorkeling down off the dock, and Colt has some mid-morning pancakes.

Skies clear and the pool beckons. Kayla and JR play some pool games with Griffin who’s confident in his floaty jacket and swims around. Then Kat takes the Orca floaty who threatens and attacks. Hilarity ensues.

Shark threat. Photo by Nora.
Pool time. Photo by j a-b.

Then thunder booms. Booms and echoes across the water though our skies are bright. Check the weather app, and we look good for now.

Porthole view. Photo by j a-b.

When it booms closer, adds that telling crack, everyone takes a water break, including Orca at Griffin’s insistence.

Thunder drifts off. Barely a murmur now, and the sun streams. We have one stormy looking cloud off to the south, but it’s back in the pool.

View from above. Photo by BW.

Later, inside it’s apparently time for Mario Cart while BW and I read and have a cocktail on the patio.

Time to clean up for dinner as many are starving. Plus most restaurants close early on Sunday. We get a table right on the water again. Lots of boats, lots of people swimming right below.

Logan asks if he can order the surf and turf. Go for it.

Logan and Kat Rubik cube-ing while waiting for surf and turf. Photo by Nora.

When it comes out, the whole table is: Wowzer! It’s serious surf and serious turf. Beef, chicken, pork, I think. Lobster, shrimp and who knows what presented on one enormous platter.

Though he gets some help with it, he does it justice. The rest is boxed up for another day.

Back home and JR and Kayla suggest we play something called Jackbox.tv on the Switch. Several quirky games in one. So we download the app and begin. You use your own device which connects with the game.

Trivia questions. Guessing games. Much goofiness. Make your own tee-shirt game which includes drawing and slogans or sayings—and the game mixes and matches them for votes. Another game where you have to discover The Faker among us.

Very entertaining, and I believe this will become a staple going forward.

A very nice, easy, fun-filled Sunday comes to an end.

Up early, make bacon.

BW, Jason, Logan and Colt are off on a snorkeling trip this morning, and head out while I work out. Clean up, and Kat and Griffin are having breakfast. I escape possible arrest by heading to the patio to write the blog.

I suspect my freedom will be limited.

Will likely finish the book I’m reading, then go work on my own awhile.

Another breezy day, and with enough clouds now that the water is a shiny, silvery gray.

Nora

Cozumel Bonus Info

I thought it would be easier to share this as a post rather than an answer in the comments.

What’s Nora reading? She sent me a list — that you can now add to your summer reading list:

December ’41 by William Martin. A thriller set right after Pearl Harbor.

The Golden Gate by Amy Chua. A historical police procedural/mystery, set in the 40s again.  This was an ARC and will be out September 19, 2023

And a reread–for too many times to count–of Mary Stewart’s The Crystal Cave. (Which you can find in libraries and bookstores everywhere.)

Laura

Cozumel, Day 8

Again, I spend considerable time in jail. Griffin’s thrilled with my capture—repeatedly. He is judge and jury, it seems.

It’s laundry time, and after studying the machine, I ask Kat to check and make sure I’m interpreting the Spanish controls correctly. Fortunately, I am, so we get that going.

JR and Griffin having some screen time. Photo by Kat.

Reading time for me. It’s overcast, breezy, and just fine for sitting out on the patio. If I look up, I see bits of the gulf, a boat flying by through the trees. The grackles come to drink and shower.

Time to hang the laundry, so BW fetches coat hangers from upstairs. We use the rungs of the chaise umbrellas, and the rail on one of the second floor terraces. A nice, bright sun now, so it shouldn’t take too long.

Why not make a pitcher of margaritas?

I read some more, enjoy that margarita, deal with some email. Inside Kayla, Colt and JR are playing three-handed hearts. Jason has some work and uses the quiet second house for it. Kat gets pulled into the game to make it four-handed. For awhile, I enjoy rounding the table to look at everyone’s hand.

I substitute for Kat a few hands while she tends to Griffin. Kayla immediately runs them—and very skillfully. I do more jail time. Locked in jail, Griffin says, gleefully.

Why only me? I wonder.

The incredibly long game of Hearts comes to an end, Jason’s returned, so we consider dinner—where to go. Jason’s found another restaurant in town, so we’ll try that.

Clean up, clean ourselves up and off we go. Colt rides with us this time, and as with Kayla, Griffin has a fine time with him.

This little place is across the road from the gulf, but you can still see it—and those HUGE cruise ships. Colt and I are going to split a flank steak, but it turns out they have chicken strips, so the steak will be mine alone.

Margarita portrait by Nora.

This is a small operation with a semi-open kitchen. I like watching the cooks—and the server works in there, too. Chips, salsa and drinks to sustain us while they work.

Airy decor. Photo by Nora.

We have a loose plan for the upcoming days. JR will practice snorkeling, see if he enjoys it. We’ll book a snorkeling trip for either Monday or Tuesday. There’s a small water park near here, so that will serve on the alternate day. Griffin’s all about that one.

Wednesday for a group shopping trip.

On vacation, loose plans work best.

Food comes out and the servings are as big as the cruise ships.

I barely make a dent in my steak, but it’s wonderful. Kayla says the same about her nachos. As far as I can see, others made serious dents, so we head out full and happy.

Masive steak. Photo by Nora.

There are chases and jail time. But no jail time for Nana! Tonight, it’s JR, Kayla and Colt who are pursued and incarcerated as Griffin is again arresting officer, judge, jury and now occasionally cage door. He detains them in the alcove outside Logan’s room with his sturdy little body.

New prisoners. Photo by Nora.

They’re finally released.

For Poker Night.

Logan wants Texas Hold ‘em only, but is overruled by the majority. It will be dealer’s choice.

Once again, Jason wins the first hand, and it’s a rich pot.

JR holds his own, Colt is losing fast. I win a couple of very nice ones—and Jason’s luck continues. For the last hand, Kat proposes a Pong Family style of five-card draw. You get to draw twice, deuces, One-Eyed Jacks and Suicide Kings are wild.

The pot is beyond rich, Kayla, down to her last chips, has to go all in to call. And wins it on four of a kind.

Raking it in. Photo by Nora.

She and Jason are definitely the big winners, but I am not displeased as I again leave with more than I put in (in fake money).

A fun family night, and bed time calls.

A hot one this morning. Rumor is Logan will make pancakes.

Going to gear up and workout, then we’ll see about that.

Nora

Cozumel, Day 7

I end up in Griffin Jail many times over the morning. This seems to be his new addition to the Chase game.

Kat makes omelettes for those who want them. She makes pretty ones.

Kind of a lazy day otherwise, and, on parole, I go up and work a couple hours. Jason and Kayla head out to pick up JR at the airport, then pick up a few things at the store. Griffin takes a long, deep nap.

Out for the count. Photo by j a-b.

When I come down, I hang out with Colt on the patio awhile, ask if he wants lunch. Grilled cheese sandwich? No problem. Shortly after consuming one, the growing boy asks for another. Good thing Jason’s picking up bread as this will finish off what we have.

Calm morning. Photo by Nora.

The Mexican grackles come along—always one or two at a time—to stand on the edge of the pool and drink. And take a quick shower while they’re at it.

JR arrives, safe and sound. He gets settled in, and Kayla shows him around before they take a dip in the pool. Somewhere in the neighborhood, people are playing a game as every couple minutes, we hear cheering.

Time to clean up for dinner. Meanwhile Griffin decides Kayla and JR are fair game for chasing.

We’re nine now, and pile into our two cars for the drive to town. We’re for Italian tonight. A pretty restaurant, open air, and as close to the water as you can get. Wonderful view, one of the skyscraper size cruise ships out there, and a couple of people swimming closer in.

BW, Logan, Kayla and JR. Photo by Nora.
Ship on the horizon. Photo by Nora.

Our server claims they have the BEST margaritas. Okay, I’ll be the judge! I order their salad special, a citrus deal, and a margarita pizza to go with the BEST margarita. And that drink is most excellent.

The salad’s amazing. Fresh grapefruit and apple with greens so fresh they snap and a dressing with tiny chunks of mango. Kat got the same, and we agreed: Yum.

Griffin’s all about the bread, sort of a round, airy pita. I can’t blame him, and as Jason and I both bake bread, we ask if they’ll give us the recipe. Our very friendly server comes back with a little note, handwritten in Spanish. Ingredients—no measurements or instructions. I think we’ll give it a shot.

Ingredients. Photo by j a-b.

Time for pizza or pasta.

Now Griffin’s all about the spaghetti, which does look delish. My pizza takes me back to Italy.

We eat while the sun sets, and it’s spectacular. All that color over the water, spreading and blending and bleeding. We decide we’ll have dessert tonight, and cappuccino. When mine’s cool enough, Colt samples it. He is undecided.

The start of the sunset. Photo by j a-b.
Preparing for the competition*. Photo by Kat.
Sunset 1. Entry by Nora.
Sunset 2. Entry by Kat.
Sunset 3. Entry by Kayla.
Sunset 4. Entry by BW.
Sunset 5. Entry by JR.

Back home after a very happy meal for another couple rounds of chase. A good idea after that very happy meal.

Then off to bed.

It rained overnight, and was steamy when I got up this morning. Today’s a make bacon day, and once that’s done, it’s workout time. While I clean up after, I hear happy, excited noises from downstairs.

The Chase is on, with Kayla and JR. When I come down, I’m immediately put in jail. I don’t know my crime. But when I escape and get out on the patio, I have time to write the blog.

Laundry’s on the schedule for some time today. But not right now. Right now feels like lazy time.

Nora

*Please note this is an imaginary competition as I really couldn’t choose a fave. ~Laura

Cozumel, Day 6

A day at home for me. Apparently I slept through a storm last night, and this morning clouds rolls in, roll out. A quick shower, sunshine, a sudden hard rain with the sun beaming. Then sunshine alone.

Inside, Griffin challenges Nana to a chase. But he’s changed the rules! Now as I chase, he can turn and shoot fire at me. I counter with a hose, but it’s no match for his inferno. He leads me to the kitchen where it seems I’m trapped.

Griffin explains the rules to his Nana. Photo by Kat

I escape.

Watching me, he circles the dining room chairs, then takes my hand and leads me inside the blockade. I appear to be in jail.

Jail break! Wild chase. I am recaptured. Multiple times. You can’t escape the long arm of The Griffin.

Logan’s still feeling yesterday’s boat ride, so taking it easy in his room. Nana makes him a sandwich.

A group heads to the store for supplies for tonight’s dinner, and I head upstairs to work awhile.

Work’s done. Groceries hauled in. We’re adding chicken to the menu as the fish won’t be quite enough.

The three oldest kids and I settle into a game of Hearts.

When it’s time for me to marinate the chicken, Kat takes over for me. When it’s time for her to peel carrots, Jason takes over for her. Despite the tag team, Kayla wins.

Jason’s turn to fill in. Photo by Nora.

Rosemary was not to be found at the store, so I make do with thyme and oregano. Carrots are in. Kat scrubs and halves the pretty potatoes, and in they go.

Kayla and Colt play some Mario Cart which always entertains Griffin.

I give the carrots and potatoes a good start before I pull out the chicken. Oil in the skillet, then Kat’s finely minced garlic, some herbs and spices. No white wine handy, but we’ll make do again.

Roasting. Photo by Nora.

The gang clears and sets the table, and while the chicken’s sautéing, I tackle the fish BW filleted and Kayla makes some Mac and cheese. BW slices a pretty baguette.

Finished fish. Photo by BW.
dinner’s ready. Photo by BW.

And there we are, a hearty, home meal. Fish eaters declare the fish good—which is a relief to the cook! And yes, as I sample, it’s pretty tasty.  Plenty of food for all, and no complaints.

Cooks are excused from clean up, as is the house rule wherever I happen to be the cook!

But the cook isn’t excused from Chase! Whew!

When the boy settles down, the rest of us—after a tutorial by Logan—play Texas Hold ‘em. Fun. And Jason who rarely has luck at cards wins the first two hands. Handily.

Wins and losses, near misses and sneaky bluffs. In the end, I come out five fake dollars ahead. I think BW and Kat are the big winners, wiping out Colt and Logan while Jason and Kayla came close to breaking even.

So a game-filled, food-filled day at home.

Cloudy this morning, but it seems to be lifting as a breeze comes up.

Kayla’s boyfriend, JR, is flying in this afternoon to spend the next week with us. Not sure what other plans are, but there was talk of doing the Italian restaurant for dinner, and BW said something about driving down to the lighthouse.

I’m at a place in the work where I’d like another couple hours before the weekend. But I’m flexible there if any plans solidify.

Nora

Cozumel, Day 5

As our Kat isn’t feeling well, Jason designates himself our chauffeur for shopping while the guys head off to fish. Kayla has enough Spanish to explain to housekeeping not to open the door to Kat’s bedroom as she’s resting.

Before we head out we have a quick game of Daddy Gate.

While Jason, Kayla, Griffin and I are getting ready to go, Griffin spies Colt’s blue icing cupcake on the counter. And he wants it bad. Blue cupcake! He doesn’t cry or even whine, doesn’t melt down or throw a tantrum. He just repeats. Blue Cupcake!

We promise we will get him one while we’re out so he’s okay with going. He takes a little spill on the gravel outside, looks up at me as he gets up, and says: That was a close one.

The kid makes me laugh a lot.

On the drive, he and Kayla have a very fine time in the back seat.

We get to the shopping area, which is lined with little shops and stalls, and boy, are the merchants hungry for shoppers! We’re told the cruise ship passengers flood in about one—we’ve got just over two hours before that flood, so we’re good.

I’m after my traditional I’m Away Christmas Shopping. In the first shop I try, I do find a couple things, but the merchants are just too helpful, to put it mildly. I like to poke and browse and consider, but they insist on showing me this, and that, and things I’m not really looking for.

So I take what I did find, and we move on. Lots and lots of shop choices, and as we breeze through one, Griffin spots a Peppa Pig toy that’s just at his level. He’s dealt with the shopping so far without complaint (Blue Cupcake ahead!) so Nana indulges.

Another shop where the merchant is friendly, but not pushy, at all. And there I feel we made his morning. Left to ourselves, I find several gifts, and he offers a good price. Jason finds a lovely birthday present for Kat.

And while we’re waiting for them to bag all the pieces, there’s a show about to begin out in the plaza.

Out we go to watch acrobats, young men in native costumes. They climb up a very high pole, and descend part way and circle—hanging upside down—from ropes. Around and around, pretty high up, while one plays a flute. It’s impressive, dizzying and a little bit scary.

Climbin up. Photo by Kayla.
Mid spin. Photo by j a-b

We park in the garage, which Griffin decides is haunted. He spots ghosts, a vampire!, more ghosts.

In and up we go. They check your purses and bags at security. Not sure why, but fine. The bakery has the blue cupcakes. Final Mission Accomplished!

And back through the haunted garage. More hilarity from the backseat on the drive.

I reward myself for a good shopping job with a Bellini, and Griffin settles down with his Blue Cupcake. Jason goes to check on Kat.

I run up to put gifts away, and while I’m gone, Kayla attempted to wipe the blue mustache from Griffin’s face. He responded, as she showed me, by doing the boy thing. Swiping his sleeve over his face. So he now sports a blue icing sleeve, and a blue beard, and is fully enjoying the cupcake.

A boy and his cupcake. Photo by Nora.

I decide it’s too late to start any work—and I’ll earmark time for that tomorrow. I read instead until the fishing crew returns.

With three red snappers.

Okay, good job! But do not present me with fish that still have their heads. I ain’t touching that. Kayla, the vegetarian, and I have similar reactions.

We learn nothing was biting for quite some time, and there was a four-five foot roll. Colt and Logan got pretty seasick, but Colt rebounded and caught a snapper.

Colt and his catch. Photo by BW.
Logan, chillaxing. Photo by BW.
O Captain, my captain. Photo by BW.

I don’t have the supplies to deal with the fish—which someone else will have to dehead and filet (the tour guys cleaned them). But I make a list, so it’ll be back to the mega store for the spices, and potatoes, more carrots for sides I’ll make. I figure I’ll sauté the filets, roast potatoes and carrots. They can pick up some nice bread. That should do it. We’ll see how that goes tonight.

But for dinner, we head into town—with Kat who’s feeling rough, but better. Drinks, Nachos, soup for Kat. I order a rib eye—haven’t had any red meat in quite some time.

It’s really good, and really big. BW polishes off what I couldn’t manage.

We miss sunset, but there’s still time for Nana and Griffin chases apparently, and more Daddy Gate.

I sit out for just a bit and watch the crescent moon and the star that dogs it.

Up early, so since I conquered the strange-to-me-oven, I make bacon for the bacon lovers before my workout.

Today, for me, is put in some writing time, then make a meal. Yeah, we’ll see how both of those go.

Nora

Cozumel, Day 4

We experience, and test our mettle with, a day without power.

No AC, no water, no internet, no nothing!

Our hopes that this will be a quick fix are dashed. It’s island wide.

So we have the pool, we have the Gulf, we have books and toys and cards. And make use of all.

I finish the last fifteen minutes of my workout with an admittedly lazy swim. It felt just fine!

We have bread, cheese, crackers, peanut butter and jelly, chips, fruit. Nobody starves. Lots of drinks, including big jugs of filtered water. No one will die of thirst.

Griffin’s disappointed he can’t go on-line for his usual morning entertainment, but as a child of the internet, he gets it.

I read awhile, watch Kayla paddle board awhile. Colt asks me to teach him another card game.

Gin Rummy it is! After a couple of open hands to explain, he proceeds to kick my butt. I’m pretty good at Gin. I feel he’s going to be better at it.

We keep the patio accordion doors all the way open, and open the front door. There’s a blessed cross-breeze. It’s not nearly as hot as it has been, so we can be grateful there.

But by late afternoon it’s starting to get pretty steamy.

I make a big salad. Washing everything with our filtered jug water. Jason uses the gas stove top to make boxed Mac and cheese. BW does hot dogs on the grill. I do some raw veg with some Ranch dressing, some cheese and crackers. Again, no one starves.

Jason and the older kids head to the store—more ice. We have a cooler and can store some of the perishables in there if the power stays off much longer. They buy a couple more flashlights and candles—in case.

As it’s Kat’s birthday we have cake—and some very soft ice cream.

Birthday ice cream! Photo by j a-b

Griffin decides on a combo of chase and the locked-gate game we play at home. Jason becomes a gate at the library door and locks us in. We have to find the right color key—which Griffin chooses by some color on a book cover or something on my library shelves.

In this version Jason is the gate that locks me on the other side of Griffin. I have to find the right color key, unlock the gate, and give chase.

Hey, it worked off dinner.

The end of the day. Photo by Nora.

And suddenly, just after 8, boom! Power! There is joy and jubilation throughout the land.

Close the doors and feel the cool start to happen. Plug in all devices that weren’t. And bless him, Jason does the mountain of dishes.

When I head up, I take the little flashlight I carry in my purse and put it on the nightstand, light a candle, in case.

And boom, power goes down. Oh, the moans! The curses! I use the candle to find the flashlight, start to head down to help any who need it. And boom, it’s back on. Whew.

Tiny moon among the trees. Photo by Nora.

And so far it’s stayed on.

This morning the guys are heading out on a boat/fishing trip. The girls and Griffin are going to drive into town and check out the shopping.

But that’s after, I hope, a full workout AND a shower!

Nora

The official blog for Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb readers