Bella Gets Conservation-Minded

Vince Rose

Medical update: Shelley is sleeping through the night. Praise the Lord!

Two nights ago both a neighbor plus a neighborhood security guard, Neftali, both warned me to be careful. A raccoon trap was set in our back yard, and they didn't want me to get caught in it. That was really nice of them since I am the size of a somewhat smallish raccoon. 

Don't call me "Rocky"!

Sure enough, the next morning one of our backyard raccoon family was in the cage lying on his back just as calm as could be. Vince Rose, who works primarily with rescuing crocodiles, came over to the house a few hours later and took him away. Thanks, Vince. By the way, I like the motto of his organization, the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary. "Help Take a Bite Out of Extinction." You can find more information about ACES at http://americancrocodilesanctuary.org/.

And speaking of extinction, it's official: Belize, along with seven other Central American countries, have signed an agreement that bans shark fishing. It became effective January 1st, 2012. It's about time, since over a third of the shark species worldwide are presently facing extinction. Much of the credit goes to conservation biologist Rachel Graham who is sometimes called "the aquatic Jane Goodall" because of her dedication to the species.

Shelley in "Cargo," not in a cage.

And speaking of fish, Tom and I had the best fish sandwich for lunch yesterday at Ambergris Brewing Company. Fresh grouper on homemade bread with lettuce and tomato. Really, really good. Two ladies were visiting Shelley, and Tom and I took advantage of their company by taking off ASAP for a few hours away from caring for Shelley. (I know that sounds somewhat heartless, but, hey, it's not like we put her in a cage or anything.) Unfortunately, we couldn't go back to ABC's last night for the live music featuring Keith Cameau from Dallas. That boy is flat out good.  

From the Shameless-Self-Promotion Desk--"Bella in Belize" is now read in twenty-nine countries: United States, Belize, Russia, Columbia, Peru, Serbia, Singapore, Israel, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Ukraine, Egypt, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Norway, Guernsey, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Indonesia, Belgium, China, Myanmar, Mexico, Spain, and China.   How cool is that?  


And, finally, the local San Pedro soccer team will once again be allowed to play their home games, get this, at home. The conditions that had temporarily stopped them from doing so have been corrected. I can't wait. The next home game is  Sunday, April 1st at 2:30pm, and the final two home games of the season will be played April 8th and April 15th. Go, Seadogs!

Y'all come visit. We'll watch some futbol games, bait some raccoon traps, and eat fish sandwiches, all the while listening to live--yes, live--music. You're gonna love Belize!