Virtual Existence Time Machine

Definitely we term it a 'boat' as it dwarfs beside the elite yachts moored up front in the marina. Some of them are so sleek and ultra-modern, but of course, they are not sail-driven. They have high powered engines and rush around at frightening speeds. . Between fuel and staff required, such vehicles only belong to the 1-5%, whoever they are. My boat, in that pre-dawn hour when I wake up is part of the living Earth. There is a very slight motion as the boat pulls against the ropes. Just enough to let you know that control has been given up to the ocean. The Caribbean is gentle with a tide that lifts and lowers about a foot in this season. There are sounds that become a background to life aboard. The overhead ropes hit the mast from a gust or breeze, slightly metallic. Steady wind brings a rhythmic, random pattern of rapping. The boat itself creaks a tiny bit from the various stresses. Then the sound of the hull rubbing against the bumpers along the wooden dock. Gr

Moving back to Belize was a positive decision, but what would happen was a total unknown. We found welcoming friends, a very nice place to stay while we found our way. This was followed by instant projects that helped pay back for the kindness. Old skills are needed,and stage sets are created. The Rotary Club fundraiser production is a four-night sellout! Major decisions had to be made about what we wanted to do. The activity created around the stage-theater work, and the construction company, gave us the encouragement to stay in Belize City and specifically center ourselves at Old Belize in the Cucumber Beach Marina. The next decision came with the offer of a very reasonable purchase of a yacht (needs work) that we can live in at the Marina. We are cleaning and preparing to take the yacht out of dry-dock and put it back in the water. Immediately came the need to do the stage setting for the big Women's Day, empowerment event that is aiming at bringing together 20,000 women from

Now that I'm back in Belize, I know that many people out in the world say, "Where's that?" They sort of know that Mexico is south of Texas, but that's about all. Way back in the 1700's, Spain claimed all the land, but allowed the British to cut Logwood off and on for many years. Then in 1798, the Spanish attacked the settlement of Belize. The loggers, called Baymen, fought back. With the help of their slaves from Africa, they defeated the Spanish for the last time in the Battle of St. George's Caye. The Spanish retreated and never again tried to control Belize. The Mayans, however, did not give up. They were blocking the lucrative Mahogany business so the British were determined to drive them out. In 1867, the British Governor ruled that " No Indians will be at liberty to reside upon or occupy or cultivate any land without previous payment or engagement to pay rent whether to the Crown or the owner of the land ". Refugee