billtan

Condomaran

When it comes to inspirational condominium quotes , there just aren’t any . Instead this little story, with minor modification, will have to do. So one day Kermit the frog decides that he wanted to buy this new condomaran in the islands. He goes into the nearest bank and strolls up to the counter. InContinue reading “Condomaran”

Yellow

Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun. Pablo Picasso Man, I’m getting old. I can’t believe it’s already been 200 years since Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest first scientifically described Haemulon flavolineatum. It seems like yesterday. The fancy Latin species name means yellow line. You’d think a French guyContinue reading “Yellow”

Nooks and Crannies

“Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.” H jackson Brown Jr Someone brought a package of English muffins to the office this week. It is sitting on the counter in our lunch room, and IContinue reading “Nooks and Crannies”

BVI Certified

You don’t need a certificate to dream big!” israelmore Ayivor SeaSea’s new license I haven’t written about the British Virgin Islands in a long time, even though it is only a moderate swim from the north side of St John, because it didn’t seem right. The BVIs were closed during covid to just about everyone,Continue reading “BVI Certified”

End of the Rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. E.Y Harburg The end of the year and the end of a rainbow are curious things. I sit back and think. The rainbow, as beautiful as it is, does not exist without stormy weather. Likewise, IContinue reading “End of the Rainbow”

Land Critters

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. George Orwell All sorts of sea creatures grace the pages of this blog. But, unfortunately, I’ve shamefully neglected the beasts that roam the land. Like most other locals that have hosted a human civilization, the Virgin Islands have farm animals. But, in theContinue reading “Land Critters”

Saint Thomas

If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever. Thomas Aquinas I’m guilty. I’m guilty of flying to a beautiful Caribbean island, and as soon as the boat is ready and my belly is brimming, I leave for other parts. I am guided perhaps byContinue reading “Saint Thomas”

I’m Not a Fisherman

“The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of something that is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope,” John Bucha I’m not a fisherman, but I have fish stories. My uncle Charles took me on my first fishing trip. I was four, armed with a bamboo pole, and hadContinue reading “I’m Not a Fisherman”

Coral People

“You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day. Unless you’re too busy, then you should sit for an hour.” Zen saying People have been stacking rocks forever for lots of reasons. Sometimes the piles are directional indicators other times, they are markers of a boundary or even warning signs. Often the stacks areContinue reading “Coral People”

Margaret Hill

If the track is tough and the hill is rough, THINKING you can just ain’t enough! Shel silverstein It started innocently enough. We were going to do a little hike from Cruz Bay around the headlands to the North Shore Beaches of Honeymoon Bay and Caneel Bay. Then to make things exciting, return via theContinue reading “Margaret Hill”