Well, look, since today is Father’s Day, it seems logical that I should begin this post with a word or two about “Man-groves.”  (As opposed to “Two-lips,” which are female… in most cases.)  My Monday (last voyage in February) began with a charming paddle trip down the Indian River in Roseau, Dominica.  (Which, I might add, is a COMPLETELY different country from the Dominican Republic…  and a lot safer, too!)  Dominica is often called the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean, due to its abundance of flora and fauna.  There are actually nine volcanoes on the island (all still active) and they add quite a bit of heat to the island’s boiling lakes and sulfur springs.

Roseau, the Capital City, is known locally as the “City of Vernadas,” and it’s a good thing too, since shade is often required to survive.  Our trip got very interesting just outside of town, when we visited a tribe of Kalinago Indians, the indigenous people of the island.  None of them knew how to use a computer or iPhone, but they did make lovely straw baskets.  The Kalinago tribe arrived on Dominica around 1,000 A.D. — roughly 500 years before they were finally discovered by Columbus, an explorer from Ohio.

The folks who live on the enchanting island of Dominica were very nice, welcoming, and extremely proud of their work ethic and overall existence.  It was a real pleasure meeting so many wonderful folks, and I would definitely recommend a stop if you happen to be cruising by.  (Please note:  Unfortunately, the hurricanes of  2018 caused a LOT of damage, so repairs are still underway.  Watch your step!)

And speaking of Father’s Day, (Huh?) allow me to wish all you daddies a marvelous holiday!  Did you know that Father’s Day is observed in over 111 different countries?  We can thank Sonora Smart Dood, (a woman!) for encouraging this special day, which started in June, 1910.  (President Nixon made it an officially recognized event in 1972)  I always made breakfast in bed for my Dad, and being a good sport, he actually ate what I made.  (Now that’s love!)

I remember the first time I became a Dad.  I was waiting near the delivery room when a nurse came out and spoke to the other “soon-to-be-Dads.”  She told the first guy that he was the father of twins.  He was shocked, since he worked for the Minnesota Twins!  She told the next guy that he was the father of triplets, and believe it or not, he was an executive at the 3M Company!  She then told the next gent that he was the father of quadruplets, and lo and behold, he worked at the Four Seasons!  The last guy fainted, but only because he work for 7-Up!

So what else is new?  Well, one of my most brilliant students (when I was teaching at Miami-Dade Community College) was a wonderful woman named Nola Firestone.  Nola’s grandson, Mr. Adam Avin, has also become a brilliant scholar, and he recently recorded a marvelous “Ted Talk.”  If you want to listen to a smart, educational, and informative video, then check out his website.  (You will really enjoy this young man’s speech):  https://youtu.be/2r6TWTqr8FM     (Or you could just “Google” him and look for his performance!  A very impressive lad!)

Our first pool party was a huge success.  (Nobody drowned!)  Judge Susan and Baron Lee drank a lot of beer, but what the heck, that’s why they were there!  Before I forget, I must thank the Princess of Portugal for making her universally adored dessert, “Azorian Lemon Squares.”  (She was going to bring some tarts, but we already had enough of them hanging around the bar!)  In any case, she concocted an amazing treat.  (Considering that she was sporting an eye injury, which she claimed was the result of a collision with a flowering plant!  Yeah, right.)

Finally, a word of welcome back to Chief Maxamundo and Queen Smoochie-Gucci, who have finally returned from the Big Island.  (That would be Hawaii, not South Padre Island.)  The honeymooners are back in the great state of Texas, just in time for some blazing hot weather next week.  (It’s already hot.  Yesterday I saw a couple of fire ants carrying canteens!)

Well, that’s about it for me.  If you would like to see a few photos from the remarkable isle of Dominica, just scroll down.  In the meantime, have yourselves a happy and healthy week!    Love to all,

Doc Yanoff