We've Seen a Few Boats

There have actually been sitings of large water craft resembling ferries sailing between Vieques and Fajardo recently.  There were two protests last week in San Juan attended by several Vieques residents.  The word on the street, as usual is full of misinformation and conjecture, with regard to why we have so much trouble with the boats.  These rumors range from employee sabotage to ensure overtime pay to lack of funding by the legislature to little green men stealing the boats as they leave port.  We really don't know what the real scoop is.  But, the upside is, while I won't go so far as to say that the boats are on schedule, we do have reports of people going to the big island and being able to get back the same day.  Things are looking up.

Last week was the week without electricity.  There were several times the power went out, for several hours at a time.  We think that everyone was so tired of hearing the same blah, blah, blah, about the boats that the power was shut off to give us something else to talk about.  The upside (there is always an upside) is that those of us who are too lazy to fire up our generators regularly like we are supposed to, had no choice in the matter. 

There is a lot going on over the next week.  Vieques Baila is hosting its annual Valentine's Day dance at the coliseum across from the Mar Azul from 5-10pm.  Admission is free, a tasting buffet is offered for $10 and there are dance demonstrations, lessons, raffles and silent auction with the money raised benefiting the youth of Vieques. 

On the 12th, from 4:30-7 you can shop the jewelry sale and show at the Trust.  There will be wine available to make your shopping that much more fun.   Flowers in Vieques is offering Valentine's flower specials.  Order now 787-667-8478 to get in ahead of the game.  If you forget, but don't want her to know you forgot, you can grab some fresh stems on Tuesday across the street from the vegetable market.

On the 16th, the Coqui Fire Anniversary cook-off is being held at the Mar Azul.  Jimmy and Dan are graciously making the Humane Society the beneficiary of this event.  Admission is $5.  So wake up your taste buds and come out for a great time and a great cause.

There is something going on at the Cash and Carry this weekend.  What it is????  Anyone's guess, so you'll just have to go to find out.  The owners are bringing something new to Vieques.  While you are there, grab some wine from La Cava. 

The Siddhia Hutchinson Galley is again hosting the 12 x 12 event to benefit the Humane Society.  Last year students in Vieques created original works on 12 x 12 canvas.  The pieces were then auctioned and lots of money was raised.  This year the event is expanded to include artists of all ages.  Also, art of all types is welcome.  The pieces will be on display from March 15 to March 21 with the grand finale on the 22nd.  Call the gallery for more information.  787-741-1343

Just a quick pothole update.  Watch the shoulder on the Garcia Road heading toward town on the flats outside Esperanza.  The shoulder is crumbling and can make for some dicey driving if you meet an oncoming car.  Also, after the flats going into Esperanza on the blind curve, there is a large hole.  It covers a good share of the lane, so be aware. 

JC