Stayed at our timeshare in Mary's Boon. Very noisy near our room due to reconstruction of a failing deck on adjacent building. Worker's tried to be quiet, but...

Partied at Karakter's on 11/28 and 12/4 with other TTOL'ers. We had never been there even though we sleep so close. Place is a nice beach bar, especially on Friday if you like smooth jazz. Surprised to run into Tamara (Ric's) as we walked in the first night.

Eats:

Had a breakfast with Sandy and Bill and Annie at Mary's Boon. Nice to chat with friends.
Breakfasts also at Zee Best, Spinnaker's, Bonita's, and our room. Zee Best wins, but Bonita's is good too.

Lunches at Topper's, Bonita's, Andy & Cheryl's. Andy's mussels win, but Bonita's is good too and nearby.

Dinner at Topper's (twice), Pineapple Pete's, Bonita's (3-4 times), Peg Leg's (twice), IZI, Kiwi. All very good.

IZI is a little dressier than the others as I was the only male of about a dozen with shorts. Good thing I put on my dress sandals and a nice shirt. A little pricier than the others, but very good Italian food.

Kiwi had just opened that night. Very good food but very long waits as they are getting the bugs worked out. Took us about 4 hours, but we were with 5 others including Tamara and we had a lot of laughs.

Peg Leg has been sold. Deal went down the first night we ate there. New owner is very nice and is working his butt off to make the transfer seamless. Go on a Wednesday and enjoy the music.

Any veteran TTOL'er knows that Topper's and Pineapple Pete's are good places to eat.

Bonita's is doing a very good job of replacing Ric's, which we will never forget. Brian and Bonita work very hard and the results are there already.

Pleasure:

Happy hour at Mary's Boon, especially if there is a bartender to chat with.
Watching the jet blast from The Boat with a rum punch followed by a nice sunset.
Pro football at ESPN.
Any drink with Gerry or Girard at Bonita's
Drinks with Fiona at Topper's, especially if Paul Reynolds the Yankee Hater is there as we are big Yankee fans.

Went to a casino far to often. I don't gamble much and will take a walk if possible. Dot got up a couple hundred playing penny machines, but gave it all back and then some before we left the island. While we tried Paradise, Dolphin, Casino Royale, Princess and Atlantis. In my opinion Atlantis is a much better deal for the slot player. For a bumpkin looking for something else to do, watching sports at Atlantis is cool, having a drink (or three) with Dar at Peg Leg's, or taking a stroll in Maho to get some ice cream is cooler.

Was sitting outside the Haagen Daz shop near Cheri's having and ice cream when Deepti grabbed me from behind. We hadn't been to see her for several years yet she recognized me as she drove past. Perking the car, she came over to greet me and go into the Casino to see Dot. Needless to say, several days later Dot was trying on stuff. At least she has something to show for it instead of points in a Casino membership and some Christmas gifts will make others glow.

General stuff:

Traffic was lighter than we experienced in April/May, even though there was a Yacht show. One afternoon Simpson Bay was gridlocked from about 11:00 AM until after 6:00 PM, otherwise even heavy traffic was bearable. New rotary at the “Intersection from Hell” works very well.

We own at The Caravanserai. Shortly before we left the states they informed us that they would be partially open on Dec 20. Went there the first day and saw a lot of activity, but no way this year. It has come a long way since May. Maybe March is more likely in my opinion.

Used a US Air Bankamerica Visa card and got charged a 3% foreign transaction fee. Have used the same card for years without this fee. Called their 800 number and agent deleted the charges.

Flew Delta from Providence on Saturday to Saturday. They have no evening flight from Atlanta to PVD so we stayed at a hotel. Got charged for baggage when we checked in for the last leg to PVD. Went to their service counter and pointed out that this was the last leg of an international trip and there should be no charge for two bags apiece. Agent called their cashier's office and charges were voided.

THE BEST PART:

Plane to PVD from ATL was late in arriving. Replacement crew was standing around when a very nice gentleman stepped over to me and remarked at my Yankee hat. He was born in Queens and loves the Yankees. Dot was in a wheelchair and they struck up a conversation. We then find out that he is the Pilot. He points out that there was one first class seat available and asks if Dot would want it. Of course she did, and I would be happy with the room in my coach seat. He later came back and informed us that we both were bumped up to first class. Icing on the cake cake as we were waiting in line to take off when he came on the PA system and did his welcome, including our rout which, as he said, would “...take us over New York City, where the World Series is usually held.” Loved is as the boos echoed up the aisle.

Til April and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year;
Bob