Dartmouth Hockey

The Dartmouth hockey team tied last night, 3-3 at Clarkson. A rather mediocre season, with a losing record. Not like the incredible teams when I was there. Like, for instance, when I had to play goalie for the first time in about 4 years, on the varsity, when both goalies were injured and I was pulled in from the squash team.

I actually played a whole game once. Two other periods, including against Harvard at Dartmouth during Winter Carnival.

Captain G. Piecost

Research

I am going to do some research this morning in my little library.

I mailed the cutting board

I mailed the cutting board to S.A.H. yesterday. Yup, to Ultmast. $62.50 to box and mail it. I hope he likes it. I think it is pretty good, actually.

And today I am going to do some updating of www.stjohnvillarental.com so people can actually rent Meritage at the correct rates.

Mail stuff today

Today is the day to mail some stuff. Cutting board to Scott, and painting to DPB414141. Incidentally Vicki might have had some work done, as stuff looks extremely firm. Maybe she is just gifted, but I don't think so.

Rocks

The Upper Carolina Board met last night from 5-6:30, and I was the president. We got a lot of things handled, including the logistics of mailing out the newsletter.

However, we have an issue with parking. Some dinks are parking on somebody else's lot and causing erosion. All of this is illegal, of course, but there don't seem to be any enforceable regulations. Nothing in the covenants, as far as I can tell.

So we may dump a bunch of rocks on the area in question, and the problem will be solved. We call it "Erosion control area, no parking" and they won't suspect a thing, har har hardy har har.

But there are logistic problems with the rocks. Who can do it and when? How much? I guess that's why we get paid the big bucks for being on the board.

Tell you what

I'll tell you what.

What?

What. I told you I'd tell you what.

Work Today on SJVR

I am actually going to work today on www.stjohnvillarental.com, the finest web site in the history of villa rental web sites.

First will be get current with emails.
Second is enter the receipts into the spreadsheets.
Third is enter the new bookings into the spreadsheets.
Finally, if I have time, enter the specials.

Then I have to do the end-of-month billings.
Then I have to do the reverse billings.

Then I have to get all the photos and rates current.

I guess I better get going on it.

Another light fixture

I am going to install another light fixture today.

On Tuesday I am going to pick up tiles, and then I am going to put the tiles down where they were removed for the construction. And then I am going to put them down in other places as well, since I need to do that.

And then I am going to build some seating benches on my deck, against the railing. So I can have some seating for large parties. So there!

The Boston Red Sox Have Opened Spring Training

The Boston Red Sox, winners of more championships this century than anyone, have opened spring training with the best pitching staff in history.

Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, John Lackey, Clay Bucholz, and Tim Wakefield as 6 incredible starters, a bunch of relievers, and then Jonathan Papelbon as the best closer in all of baseball.

Incidentally, these anomalies continue to amaze - - -

"Batting from the left side of the plate" -- This actually means batting right-handed, since the left side of the infield is third base, and the left side of the outfield is left field.

"Runners at the corners" - - Since the bases are in a diamond (actually a perfect square), this has no meaning. Each base is one of the corners. What corners are the runners at?

"After x innings, there is no score" - - Actually, there is a score. Nothing to nothing. That is a score. 0-0.

"Best record in baseball" - - Wanna bet? There is some minor league, college, high school, little league, t-ball, or other team somewhere with a much better record. Probably a bunch of teams, including some undefeated teams.

"Tell you what" - - And then they never tell me what. They tell me something else instead.

Koa Table

I have a beautiful koa table that I am going to give away to somebody. I would like to give it to someone who actually wanted a koa table, but mostly I need the space. M doesn't want it upstairs, and I have no room downstairs. Maybe we should all go to www.stjohnvillarental.com and rent a villa on St. John.

Second Haiku

Solve across and down
Put your mind into high gear
A black and white test.

Celtics Continue Undefeated Season

The Boston Celtics, the greatest team in the history of sport, won again last night, beating the Kings 192-7. I saw the Celtics score 173 points in the Garden once. Took the train from Winchester, saw the Harlem Globetrotters first, and then the Celtics. It was absolutely incredible. And I saw the Billy Muffet home run. The Celtics scored 173 points February 27, 1959. That made me 12 years old, almost 13.

Siren's Song, St. Thomas Botany Bay

There was an inquiry yesterday through www.stjohnvillarental.com for a large villa next Christmas. I recommended Siren's Song, located on Botany Bay, St. Thomas. Here is the listing.

Sirens Song
Botany Bay, West End, St. Thomas
Pool
7 Bedroom(s), 7 Bath(s)

Siren’s Song is located on Botany Bay lot 1-2A, which is 2.5+ acres of waterfront land with 700+/- ft of shoreline. Lot 1-2A has mature plantings, coconut palms and is the penultimate westernmost lot on St Thomas. From its waterfront location, high on the cliffs, Siren’s Song overlooks dazzling sunsets, as well as glorious, long-distance sea and ocean views with several outlaying islands and cays. On a clear day you can see Puerto Rico to the West and St. Croix to the South. The sky on clear nights is awesome, because there is no light pollution.

Its like being on a private island without the inconveniences.

A short stroll from Siren’s Song takes you to Mermaid's Chair, the sand bar that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea and links The Preserve at Botany Bay to a small island to the west, Little St. Thomas, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy.

Siren's Song can be seen on the far right in the above photo. Only one other villa shares this exquisite setting. The waterfront comprises rocks, pebbles, sand and shells, and is always changing depending on the waves and the winds, but Mermaid's Chair always has a treasure trove of sea shells. The waters around Little St. Thomas are alive with undisturbed corals and tropical fish that provide some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in Virgin Island waters.

Siren’s Song has 7 bedrooms, 5 of which have stunning sea and island views from their own private balconies. The other 2 bedrooms can be accessed from a separate entrance. There are 6 shower baths and 2 half baths. The great room, with its Italian ceramic tiled floor, scattered rugs and cypress clad ceiling, encompasses the kitchen, dining area, sitting area, living area, powder room and staircase to the upper level, has maximum dimensions of 26 ft by 51 ft. All of Siren’s Song’s bedrooms and upper-level multi function room are air-conditioned. The whole villa is also cooled by south-easterly tradewinds which blow most of the year.

A six-foot high terra cotta Chinese Emperor (weighing over 500lbs and brought back to St. Thomas from Xian in China) greets you as you enter Siren’s Song’s foyer.

A waterfall and water gardens welcome you into this luxurious mansion. Guppies swim in the water garden and keep Siren's Song virtually mosquito free. The water garden is surrounded by the thirty foot inner balcony on the landing of the upper level with high cypress clad cathedral ceiling above.

To the right is the gourmet kitchen and to the left a powder room and storage area.

Ahead of the foyer is a sitting area where six people can sit in rocking chairs surrounding a coffee table and gaze through a wide arched covered opening with ornamental screened doors.

Steps lead down from the main level to the pool level below where they curve outwards. This is classic Caribbean design known as "welcoming arms". There is a planter in front of the infinity edge swimming pool.

Either side of the pool are green lawns and colorful plantings. Beyond the pool is the lower level lawn and beyond that is the Caribbean Sea. To the left of the sitting area is the living area and to the right of the sitting area is the indoor dining area.

Five fountains cascade from a planter into the infinity edge pool. The pool is plastered and has wide steps on either side that double up as seats -- ideal for sitting and lazing with a drink.

Mature trees provide shade from the mid day and afternoon sun.

The maximum dimensions of the pool are 27ft by 13ft and it has a constant depth of about 4.5 ft.

The indoor dining area is to the right of the sitting area on the main level. It has lovely views of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and outlaying cays and islands. Doors open out onto a covered twenty ft balcony with chairs to enjoy the view. A twelve ft Whim museum reproduction, mahogany-stained teak table with matching chairs upholstered with Sanderson fabric seats twelve people comfortably.

Five people can also sit at the breakfast bar that separates the dining area from the kitchen.

Doors lead out from the dining area onto the terrace with gas grill, for alfresco dining under the stars. The paved terrace has two tables with sun umbrellas and each table can seat six people comfortably. Being so close to the kitchen, the terrace is great for meals and snacks at any time.

The well-equipped gourmet kitchen is separated from the indoor dining area by a breakfast bar that can seat five comfortably.

The kitchen has maple cabinets, with Corian counter tops and integrated Corian sink. There are two refrigerators, stove, dishwasher, microwave and a full range of appliances.

On the right side of the foyer, an archway leads to the kitchen and through the kitchen. Glass doors lead out onto the paved terrace with its Weber gas grill, tables and chairs for alfresco cooking and dining.

The kitchen is open to the living and dining areas so the chef can socialize while creating fabulous meals.

To the east of the foyer on the main level there is a powder room and the living area, set with four large, white, slip-covered, comfy sofas and media center. The living area has its own twenty-ft balcony with outdoor chairs to enjoy the sea views.

An ornamental covered arch looks out onto the stairs leading to the pool level below.

The living area has a large back projection TV, a library of DVD movies, games for family fun, and a multi changer CD player with a library of CDs.

To the left of the foyer, a stylishly curved, wide staircase leads from the living area on the main level to the upper level.

There are four air-conditioned bedroom suites on the upper level. Each upper level bedroom has its own walk out balcony with comfy chairs to sit and enjoy the stunning sea and island views. Each bedroom has a romantic king-size, four-poster bed, which is Whim museum reproduction mahogany-stained teak. An archway in each bedroom opens up to twin vanities with a granite counter top. On one side there is a shower with glorious sea views and on the other side there is an enclosed toilet.

To the left of the living area on the main level, an archway leads to two king and one twin air-conditioned bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each bathroom has a single vanity with granite counter top. One of the king suites has a romantic four-poster bed (Whim museum reproduction mahogany-stained teak) and its own private, step-out balcony with comfy chairs to enjoy the views of the Caribbean Sea and some outlaying cays. This suite is adjoined by a smaller air-conditioned bedroom with two twin beds, which shares the bathroom. This smaller bedroom also connects to the third air-conditioned king suite, which has its own separate entrance.

The upper level bedrooms and balconies have glorious sea and island views. The upper level north side inner landing of Siren's Song leads out to a shaded balcony with forest views. The main level has balconies off one bedroom, the living area and the dining area; all of which have stunning sea and island views. All external balconies are tiled with Italian ceramic tiles and have comfy chairs for resting in the breeze or curling up with a good book.

A five-minute stroll from Siren's Song takes you to the sand bar, known as Mermaid's Chair, between The Preserve at Botany Bay and Little St Thomas. It separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Sand, shells and pebbles are constantly changing on the sand bar depending on waves, winds and currents.

To the left of the steps leading down to Mermaid's Chair, on the adjacent lot 1-1, there are kayaks, beach furniture and beach toys. There is a large sail between the rocks for shade.

The virtually undisturbed reefs are alive with different varieties of corals and different species of tropical fish. The snorkeling is wonderful. The Caribbean Sea side has "canyons" of corals, whereas the Atlantic has shallow water and the corals have formed "gardens". Marine biologists from UVI have told us that the Elk Horn coral is the healthiest in Virgin Island waters.

The gate house at the entrance to The Preserve at Botany Bay is manned 24/7 and also has an electronic gate for the convenience of residents. Siren's Song is just over a mile from this gate house.

Amenities

2 satellite TVs (one is a 48-inch back projection TV)
2 DVD players, 1 multi-CD player + 1 single-CD player
Radio, karaoke machine, movie + music collections, books, games
A/C in all 7 bedrooms + in sofabed bedroom
Water garden + waterfall in entrance foyer
Espresso maker
Hair dryers
Computer with internet access
Answering machine
Telescope
Safe for valuables
Poolside wet bar with full-size refrigerator
2 hammocks
Weber gas grill
2 nylon Pack 'N' Play crib/playpens, 2 highchairs
2 ocean kayaks
2 Spin Cast rods & reels with a small tackle box (bait not provided)
Beach chairs, coolers, umbrella + picnic table shaded by a large sail at Mermaid's Chair
24-hour manned security gate into Botany Bay Estate + a private electronic gate into Siren's Song
Dishwasher
2 laundries
A 5-minute walk down the road and stairs to Mermaid's Chair and to over 5,000 feet of shoreline - some cliff, some rocks, some pebbles, some sand - for great snorkeling + beachcombing, and access to Little St. Thomas, a private island with a nature trail, beaches and boulder pools.

Rental Note

THE MAXIMUM HEADCOUNT ALLOWED AT SIREN'S SONG IS 22 GUESTS: 16 ADULTS maximum, + UP TO 6 EXTRA CHILDREN on balcony sofabed and/or inflatable air beds.

Stay 7 and pay for 6 or stay 10 and pay for 8!

Valid for new bookings and travel through December 18, 2009. Dates subject to change, not valid for Thanksgiving week.

Pricing Information (rates are per night)
7 night stay required during winter (high) season.
5 night stay required during summer (low) season.

Low Season = Apr 10 - Dec 17 -- High Season = Jan 9 - Apr 9
1-2 guests = $770 - $815
3-4 guests = $885 - $960
5-6 guests = $1,000 - $1,100
7-8 guests = $1,115 - $1,385
9-10 guests = $1,230 - $1,530
11-12 guests = $1,340 - $1,670
13-14 guests = $1,455 - $1,785

Low Season 2010
1-2 guests = $770
3-4 guests = $885
5-6 guests = $1,000
7-8 guests = $1,115
9-10 guests = $1,230
11-12 guests = $1,340
13-14 guests = $1,455

Please send inquiry for other rates, including Holiday and more than 14 guests.

Restaurants in Coral Bay

Restaurants in Coral Bay

Skinny Legs -- a local institution
Aqua Bistro -- inexpensive and very good
Island Blues -- right on the water
Sweet Plantains – slightly upscale, featuring West Indian food
Big Belly Deli -- pizza, deli sandwiches, breakfasts
Shipwreck Landing -- family dining
Concordia -- very good cafeteria-style restaurant at the Eco-camps
Tourist Trap -- inexpensive lunches near Salt Pond Bay
Miss Lucy's -- on the water, dinners or Sunday Brunch
Donkey Diner -- excellent breakfasts, pizza
Sputnik -- West Indian roti and curry dishes

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is February 14, aka Valentine's Day. In honor of it, I plan to do some research this morning in my personal study. Then a sampler with scrambled at Donkey Diner, some candy and flowers for M, a party at George and Laura's, and fondle M all over the place.

I can't get networks on my teevee

Hey, Sloop,

I can't get networks on my little teevee. You installed the satellite dish. So what's the problem and the solution? I guess I should send you an email.

Bitch at Excise Tax

There is a real bitch at the excise tax department at DMV. I went there yesterday to clear a shipment of 6 chairs that we bought in Puerto Rico. Arrived approximately 2:15. Was ignored at the first window, went to the second window and was ignored again. When it was my turn, the bitch snarled at me and said the man had gone home for the day and to come back tomorrow. I asked her why he had gone home. She wouldn't say -- just repeated that he had gone home and to come back. I told her she wasn't being very helpful. She is a bitch. Turns out that Georgia Wells had the same problem with her -- she is able to process the paperwork herself, but refuses to do so because she hates Tropical Shipping customers. Takes only a minute to stamp the papers and initial them. However, she is a bitch and would rather just piss everyone off.

Very Important Information

This is very important information about villa rentals

You can find more information about Taste Of Sun and other St. John villas at St John Villa Rental. Current listings of villas include over 120 choices of properties all over St. John.

Here is information about st john virgin islands villa rentals. You can take a vacation in st john, but you need to use either of these websites to find a house or condo or villa to rent. If you are planning a trip for summer, you might as well do some research and use this St John Villa Rental

Here is a wicked good list of cottages for rent through the web site.

1-Bedroom Cottages
Captain's Cabin
Catch 'n Keep
Coconut Cottage
Coral + Blue
Fishbone
In Harmony Retreat
Meritage Cottage
Siempre Azul
Tradewinds Cottage
Tranquility
Trinidad Charlie's Eco Cottages

2-Bedroom Cottages
Caneel Trailside Cottage
Carnival Beach House
Horizons Cottage
Louisenhoj
Woodrose99

3-Bedroom Cottages
Coconut Hill Cottage
Stone Cottage

Henry

My small, auxiliary cat is Henry. A true lap cat. Always wants to jump up. He actually drooled when we first got him and let him in our laps. Now he just purrs a lot and digs his claws in. Sleeps on the bed a lot -- and I mean a whole lot, including day and night.

My shop is back!

I have my shop again. Yesterday we completed the table, and moved it upstairs. There is a huge mess in my shop, but today I will clean it up and re-claim the space. Then I will make Scott a cutting board out of scraps. So there! It has been three months since I last had a shop all to myself.

Patriots Win Super Bowl Again

The New England Patriots won the super bowl again yesterday, which was amazing since they didn't even play in it. The referees allowed the other teams to pinch during pileups, and this caused the lads some great disturbances during the season. Next year we will win it again.

Villa rentals

You should rent a villa on St. John, USVI. Today would be the ideal day to rent a villa from www.stjohnvillarental.com or www.frankbayvillas.com. Or from www.stjohnyachtclub.org.

That is, if you want a really good villa rental.

The merry minuet

They're rioting in Africa
They're starving in Spain
There's hurricanes in Florida
And Texas needs rain.

The whole world is festering with unhappy souls
The French hate the Germans, the Germans hate the Poles
Italians hate Yugoslavs, South Africans hate the Dutch
And I don't like anybody very much.

But we can be happy and tranquil and proud
For man's been endowed with a mushroom shaped cloud
And we can be certain that some lucky day
Someone will set the spark off, and we will all be blown away.

They're rioting in Africa
There's strife in Iran
What nature doesn't do to us
Will be done by our fellow man.

Dining room chairs

I was able to save two old dining room chairs. Took the seats off for re-covering. Then I stained them a dark mahogany. Actually, they look fairly decent. I hope the stain keeps, instead of wearing off. Maybe they will be just decorative instead of in use all the time.

3 Cutting Boards

I made three cutting boards for the Friend of the Virgin Island National Park. Delivered last night to the board meeting. Got a small round of applause, since the boards are wicked good.

They will be on display Saturday, and everyone will think they are wicked good because, in fact, they are wicked good.

Wicked good

I wonder how "wicked" got to be such a ubiquitous word in New England. Everything is wicked something. Wicked good, wicked bad, take a wicked left, etc. Sometimes something is just plain wicked. Take a wicked bag was the superlative for take a bag, which was about the worst insult you could say to somebody. I still say it, as does Mary. Even the big M knows and understands proper usage of wicked, but she doesn't say it.

Potrzebie

There are more than 15 ways to spell portzebie, all of them wrong.

Why is Monday pronounced like that?

Monday should be pronounced "Mawn - day", not "Mun - day".