I looked at the calendar, apparently it’s Dec 16. One thing I’ve noticed that is way different living here is it not feeling like Christmas. It’s been 84° most every day. I see Christmas decorations all over the place, some are gorgeous! (Note to self, drive around and get pics). But I think it’s the heat. Despite spending the first 10 years of my life in Hawaii, the other 44 have been where it gets cold (Dothan, AL 30s) to hell has frozen over, I’m going to die it’s so cold (Coudersport, PA -10s) around Christmas so my mind is having a hard time adjusting to the warmth now. I know, lots of people who hate the cold would give an arm for this “problem”. Thing is, I don’t mind the cold. I’m not a cold hater and I kinda miss it. So, with that, I’m working on getting used to a warm Christmas. Perhaps driving around and getting Christmas light pics will help.
St. Maarten Move 
Vanessa, So, Christmas has come and gone, but winter continues. Were you on the island for Christmas? If you were in Sint Maarten for Christmas how did you do? If you were here, how did your family do without you–or did they splurge and join you here! Our daughter did join us, and she (being from Chicago these days) loved the winter break–she’s joined us here many times over the 30 years, and is not at all a Christmas person, so was happy to be in the Island. I am the only Crazy Christmas person in our family. I look forward to more Christmases on the island to adjust my focus and become an Island Christmas Person. We packed up our Christmas decorations with the intention of former them up again next year: Four Pink Flamingos in a Lighted Christmas Palm Tree! Happy New Year!! ‘Hope things are going well for you in your adventure. PS the Christmas gifts under the tree were gift wrapped cat food for Mr Smokey (had to special order due to the Island’s limited selection) and an Irma Survivor T-Shirt for we three.
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Yes, we were on the island for Christmas and I’m glad it’s over. It was a valuable learning experience though, as neither of us knew we needed that seasonal change this time of year. Our eldest son was here for 3 1/2 days in the middle of the month, but the rest of our kids are so far away (Oahu to Germany) that getting here is not easy. My 2 kids, the youngest and the oldest, did spend Christmas and New Years together on Oahu though so I’m thankful for that. Next year we’ll have just come off a 12 day Med cruise on 11/23 so we’ll be on the island for Christmas then too. 2020 will see us heading to colder climates, probably Europe, for Christmas each year.
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Vanessa, It sounds like we both had somewhat unexpected experiences. I expected to miss the social activities much more than I did, you didn’t quite know what to expect! Although I didn’t really miss the various engagements, next year (I’m hoping we will be in Sint Maarten ), we’ll plan a couple of easy things on the island. At this point, I’m just hoping we will have the choice to spend the time here or not. A lot happens in a year! With kids all over the world, you have great options for where to spend the “season!” Do you have good kitty care when you travel? And, how are the kitties doing? MR Smokey likes it in SXM, but this year he had just grown his winter fur and has been busy leaving it all over the apartment! We return to the US on Jan 17 so the poor little guy will need to grow it again. I hope your transition moves ahead smoothly. Take care and enjoy!! Happy New Year. Yvonne
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I’m very thankful to report that Salt has bounced back and is feeling better than I’ve seen him in months. Considering he nearly died right before Christmas, this is a true miracle 🙂. Otherwise, they love it here. They go out on the balcony and assert their dominance over the birds in the trees through the rail. They get lots of seafood treats. And yes, they’ve shed like crazy too! 2019 will be a year of SXM firsts for us, as we’ve never been here for Regatta or Carnival. We’re looking forward to both.
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