Bella Loves Birthday Parties

Rob and Krista welcomed us to "The Snack Shack" at San Pedro's Fitness Club for Karl's (you know, "Pineapple Willy") surprise birthday party yesterday afternoon. Martine, his wife, and her accomplices kept the surprise from Karl by telling him there was a signboard being thrown out.  But if he took a golf cart over to "The Snack Shack" right away, he could pick up the sign and cart it home. Well, there was no signboard when he arrived, but there were a lot of close friends plus a wonderful lunch and drinks. Who doesn't love a surprise party!

Divide by two for the U.S. price

The paninis were out of this world! My favorite was the barbecued chicken one served with fresh pineapple, papaya, and watermelon slices. And, of course, CAKE!  My, oh my! For future reference, I copied the Snack Shack menu. The place is small, but  the food is impressive! We are blessed that Rob and Krista left Ohio to join us on Ambergris Caye. And, by the way, I'm sure the Buckeyes beat Cincinnati 81-66 because Krista was wearing her Buckeye jersey even though it was pretty hot here in Belize yesterday!

Oh, yeah: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, "PINEAPPLE WILLY"!

Dinner at Home

Dinner at home last night with friends was something to brag about, also. Shrimp Alfredo, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and cheese cake. A nice, quiet, tropical evening. Wish you were here! And that's no joke.

Ten of us are preparing for a voyage tomorrow (well, on Friday) on the 36-foot "No Rush." We meet at the dock just before 9am with our sunblock, hats, snorkel gear, and other requisite touristy stuff for a day trip to Caye Caulker. Swimming, fishing, eating, drinking, and reveling will all be done to celebrate yet another birthday, this time for "Taff" from Wales who is turning the Big 4-0! In lieu of presents, Taff has graciously encouraged us to pay for our own passage ($75 USD) for the day-long catamaran trip. What a guy. But it should be a blast. Personally, I don't require sunblock, but I shall be wearing my floppy hat.

We are sad to learn that our friend Jason is headed back to Colorado for the next few months. Well, most of us are sad. In fact, Tom appears to be quite happy that Jason is leaving. He has been wheeling and dealing with Jason for days to "store" Jason's bicycle and camera and fishing equipment, et cetera.  Let us pray that Jason has a safe trip and that Tom will not seriously injure himself on a big-boy bike. It has been a few years. 

And, finally, in the I'm-Not-Sure-I-Should-Be-Promoting-This Department, the first annual San Pedro Poker Open, a series of tournaments and cash games, will be held over Easter weekend at Pedro’s Inn in San Pedro, Belize. Rumor has it that World Series of Poker "November Nine" finalist Bob Bounahra will be in attendance and playing at both tournaments. The series begins Saturday, April 7th at 5pm. Rumor also has it that I may be one of the "hostesses." I have some previous experience.

Y'all come visit. We can hang out on a catamaran or just eat lots of wonderful food and laugh at Tom as he tries to ride a bike in San Pedro traffic. You're gonna love Belize!