Much is said about us being an arid island - we are. But there is something that is unique about our aridness that not many folks know about. - In the center of the island, it drizzles practically every morning for a few minutes. Just about enough to mess up the windshields on our cars. (Leaves spots and mandates a wash). Where we are, - Shiribana - it drizzles for about 30 seconds sometime between 3am and 4am.

Another thing. As far back as I can remember, it has rained on new years night. Usually a soft rain at about 4 AM. Some of the older islanders say it has to do with washing off the old year and bringing in a clean new one etc. Whatever the reason, it does.

Animals here are accustomed to not having hard rains. We bought a puppy in December and this past month was her first rain experience. Talk about an out of body experience! Rain was definitely the enemy .

Today - Sept 21-2007 was a humid scorcher. Sidewalks were horrid to walk on and kids overheated at school during recesses. All the while - the sweet smell of coconut oils drifts off the pool decks and beaches signaling the cooking and browning bodies and souls of our visitors. The sun woke up Aruba at 6:35 bright and at full swing and did not abandon her job until this afternoon at about 7pm when she grudgingly sank into ocean wetness.

Another day in paradise

be well
charles