The complicated life

When I started this blog I titled it “The simple life” .  Woke up and decided to change the title, most people don’t know what a simple life is, honestly ; as I type this blog post I am looking over the gorgeous water (nice Breezy day) .

Well I have court today 8:45 (in the states) , I am sure there is a warrant out for my arrest ( MOM I didn’t do it    ).Jury Duty , most of ya may think I am getting testy, well that is the kinda stuff that cost me hard earned money . That is exactly what i need in my life,  come threw Florida border; customs swipes my passport and says, ” sir come with me” .

They find a warrant on me because I skipped town on Jury Duty . Guess I will have to get a connector , after I post bail .  OR,  maybe someone in the system will step up and make an exception, YA RIGHT !

Yesterday and Friday I called long distance and spent time and money trying to straighten this out , nobody cares ! Finally got in touch with lady in charge and she didn’t know what to say, other than you can only differ twice in a whiny voice (clearly she didn’t care) . She says you have a computer ?  “Tell them, the info. it  is on the summons “,  (i am thinking) it also threatens me of a fine of $1,000 U.S.  Guess what they didn’t e-mail or call back , nothing but threats. This is why most of us have left  “The States” or are planing . In my defense, which ; I better have (note to self get telephone records) and e-mailed, I should get off with good behavior .

This frankly just makes me mad , when I was in my favorite little town. I went to the local Gov. Clinic (STATES) and was almost denied treatment, I rolled over poison ivy, turns out I am allergic to it . My eyes blow up and face and arms . I wasn’t taking no for an answer. She tells me there is a private clinic down the road, I started walking out and look at the back side of the glass door and it says County Clinic.

I turned around and said what the hell is that on the door it says clinic” she says well what do you want . Me looking like the elephant man said a frigging submarine sandwich  lady (very Politely in a low tone), what ya think .The nurse standing behind her had no control over the situation couldn’t help but laugh at my response to this authoritative Beeach (that helped a little) . ” Let me talk with the administrator” i say; “who’s in charge”.  She says “calm down sir”  you will have to pay for this ” it is not FREE” . I am thinking free ,ahhh; this is the local clinic “for the people” . She charged me 65 dollars and a doctor gave prescription and says , “we need to hurry, we already spent to much time with you” . She has to see a certain# of people per hour, never even asked if I were on any other meds. I told them I get better health care in Belize, they shrugged and kinda agreed the system sucks.  Some of you think I should have gone to my own doctor , well they are in Belize, and would love to help . I was totally disgusted the way I was treated or not treated . That system is so screwed up, so now Obama is going to fix it . Every American must pay 5K a year or you will be penalized ,it will be on your I.R.S. Form.

They are already doing this in Boston and they don’t like it, that’s the perfect reason to force people , what happened to the FREE country. If the people that were at the clinic that I was at couldnt afford it where the hell are they going to get 5K.  GIVE me a break , take your money and run . Uncle sam thinks he is closing its borders and doors well that door is swinging because people are coming HERE .

I would consider moving .

If I had the cash or worked on line or was a traveling sales person, I would come for a visit . Tina and I would be happy to show you around and help you get your feet wet.

No strings or sales pitch just show you around, you may decide this isn’t for you . The people are great chances are you wont want to go, being an English Speaking Country make it easy . Don’t come here running from the law, go to Peru or Brazil (snicker). If you can make the move make it . They are nickle and dimeing everyone to death with the taxes, and everyone is grouchy up there .

Now is a great time to buy build or live here in San Pedro , we have a large expat community.

Moving To Belize is easy for most , money for most is a big player also. I don’t know what frightens people so much about leaving the U.S. .This country would welcome you with open arms, it is a free country . When i was about 18 yrs old I headed to Saint Croix because in the 80’s we had that recession . It wasn’t the sea and palm trees which drove me to the decision . They had just got hit by a hurricane and I went there for work . I had just got out of a technical school and needed to also accumulate hours in order to get my license (hard to do when your a snoughty nose kid out of school) Construction workers can be a tough bunch.

I left Boston with a tool box (hand tools) and 500 bucks (20 yrs ago) . Fortunately i had arranged 3 weeks to stay at some woman Joan’s house (thanks Joan you were the best) . She was a tough ,” 3 weeks and I was out” , she said ! She was not going to baby sit anyone , or carry me .  It wasn’t but a few days before I started working for the Fed. Gov. doing high clearance work which was industrial which I wanted the experience . At my age this was a huge accomplishment, 7-12 million dollar(plumbing and mechanical) job was just what I needed for my resume .

This would not have happened if I didn’t have enough GUTs., NO GUTS -NO GLORY. It wasn’t long before I met TINA ,she had gone down there for different reasons , FUN.

Before we new it we were living in sin (together) . I had an  incredible house overlooking the west side of the island . We could see neighboring islands, it was perched on the side of a cliff pool 2 jacuzzi .We had the best times, we would see the most amazing sunsets .

It feels like it was yesterday, about 19-20 yrs old, driving to work threw the rain forest with a cup of coffee between my legs. I can smell the lush rain forest as a write, and also remember the skill of driving that Windy mountainous road with a FULL cup of HOT coffee . I would roll down the window and take it all in. It was a windy dangerous road being careful was a must. If you saw a vehicle coming you would need to move immediately pull over to your Left (They drive on Left side) . As i would drive down the road entering the rain forest, vines would be hanging down and as you got further it got more lush like a tunnel . The beams of light early in the morning made the trip safer. I didn’t like taking it at night , to dangerous, well unless i was going to domino club . We were just kids at that age and I do remember being there parting into the night, what memories .I miss Saint Croix , the crime got bad ;same with Saint Thomas . It took me couple years to find San Pedro , pretty sure I beat Jimmy Buffett here. Buffet was always an inspiration of mine as I was getting in my teens, my folks had taken us kids around the Caribbean and I loved it . The recession in the 80’s was the best thing to happen to me. So many are fortunate to be living like this here on the Caye, its relatively cheap compared to the states and a lot less hassles if ya do it right . That is one thing about Tina and I , we will help you get settle in and work out the minor, but; important details .   We enjoy it, and it is easy after 15yrs of living here .

Your not getting any younger . How many times have you said that you would do something and time passes you up . By reading Tina’s Blog and others Taco Girl you will see we have many memorials, people come here to spend the rest of there lives, some don’t intend to ever go back . It is unfortunate when people come after they are diagnosed with an illness . Come while your young and have money, Life slips by fast , You can still find condos at $199,00 U.S and and less . If your a family or want to make some extra cash consider a house . It would be nice to play tenant here , no frozen pipes . You will find the best for the money $ in the housing market if that works for you . Dont let the prices scare you , Tina and I have been doing very well negotiating te right price .

If you work online this this is really nice place because of the reliable Internet . We are selling many homes to people that are traveling sales people. What is the difference does it make flying out of Texas or FLA or Belize -difference 2 HOURS .  They want to make people buy health insurance and water down the other insurances to fund there new project . That’s another good reason to live on the Ambergris Caye the local doctors are in expensive and good for most non life threatening problems. Sometimes you may need to go to the city for a specialist .

if you would like to chat drop me a line anytime, i don’t mind if you are coming to rent ,vacation don’t be shy. Go threw Tina’s blog also the old one, true testimony of how well we are living .

Most people say wow you guys look young , that is because we have less stress .The biggest killer is STRESS .

Tim

Paradise , is it really worth it ?

I went up to the states for a little taste of the good life ,  you know , friends , steaks , float down river, party in Austin , all the things tourists do . We needed a break so we headed for TX, our favorite state. I won’t mention (YET) the parking ticket ,  Gov. , Jury duty, medical help and taxes (overwhelming) .

After being in the Caribbean so long it was like a sabbatical, being in the states , and experiencing what most write to me about .

Just got off the phone with another gringo (Dear friend) who has lived on island for over 15 years (her self) and we had an interesting conversation in regards to the states . She just came back and confirmed and elaborated on the changes since we left .  “The States” is in a huge MESS , from health care, unemployment , all the freebies, Blah, Blah, Blah.

Forgive me Granddad ( Papa) , I am patriotic (makes me feel awful ), I will not go down with the ship (U.S.) . The stress, the risk , the average person seems to be carrying a lot of wait on their shoulders . People size you up before they consider a response , over all there’s a good bunch that will help you, if ya fit their criteria .

There comes time in life that most everyone wonders about their choices they made in life and what it got them. Today is a good time for me to rejoice ,my bride is the tops & we got the hell out of there and  . If your interested I will help ,anyone that signs up for this Mailing “Island Life”. I dont care if you want to rent , live , come for reduced medical care .

Today Crazy Canucks , live music , food , dancing , horseshoes and catch up on the goings on . Tonight dinner with my favorite Babe from the Northeast , The Famous Chica Lara http://lemoncrushbelize.com/shop/. Tina will be glad we are spending time together , we pass by frequently but are on separate missions  and dont get that time to catch up .

As your ship is sinking , we are looking for crew !

I have some funny stories and will wait till next blog to bore you. Take a peak at my neighbors (see link)  http://lemoncrushbelize.com/shop/

My next blog will be about how easy it is to move, and it is not unpatriotic . Follow along these next few blogs and I will attempt to give you a good comparison .I will cover medical care, living expenses, residency, work and even investing . more good reading

Donations for the Public Schools

Update on the islands largest public school (Roman Catholic School ) . We have many public schools here on the island  , we choose to help this school because they are the most in need of supplies . We have many private schools that are not adequately funded . This school has over 875 students ,  (Holy Cross) a school across the bridge has taken many children this year . This has helped

Palapa finished recently By Ms. Eve , nice job Eve . We are so happy to see our community pitch in and get things done . You are my hero ,

Here is the new kitchen finished by Eve and Kate , this was done first , then Eve tackled the Palapa .

I would say they are very happy children , they always make my day.

For Large donations contact someone here in San Pedro , we will contact the appropriate people , we will make it a breeze .

Big thanks to Jim and Susie , for the supplies . We thank you for your wonderful donation , The 5 subject note  books were a hit  . Mrs. Kay was thrilled , she immediately said the 5 subject notebooks will go to the teachers , and the 1 subject notebooks to the kids . Jim and Susie were very generous , this suitcase was filled (paper is heavy) . Thank -you , unfortunately I was off island on business and did not get a chance to meet you guys . XX

Contributions :   We will be happy to facilitate your donation . Remember , paper is heavy and it is the thought that counts .

The future of Belize will soon be in there hands.

We need educational tools like flash cards ,  Sticky Notes are a luxury for the principal and administration . Composition books  , rulers , PENCILS , erasers , Pens ,  band-aids , vitamins , are the easiest and needed the most . Volunteers and teachers are always welcome , contact us ;  we will put you in touch with the administration .  Next time you go to the Dentist ask for a donation for the kids . We have friends come down with boxes of toothpaste and floss , they simply asked (very generous doctor) . May your generosity come back to you 100 Times . Thanks-again Tim

San Pedro known for the Friendly People

Take a look at this article by  Islands Magazine titled  “Why I chose Belize” .  I don’t have a link , this was sent to me by e-mail , the pictures were  added by us . Margot and I chose Belize for the same reasons ,  its not all about the carefree lifestyle , turquoise waters and  cheap Taxes -Hmmmmm , Well their still good reasons  

Why I Chose Belize
By Margot Brown

It had been more than 19 years since I had been to Belize. Back then it was a two-night stay as I traveled with my husband and four of his buddies. We hired a local to boat us to Ambergris Caye. Arriving late at night, we went directly to a restaurant that had white sandy floors, excellent jerk chicken, and watermelon juice. Instead of doors separating the bar from the restaurant—there were colored beads hanging from the ceiling. I never forgot it and it spoke to me over the years, so much so that we recently decided to go back and investigate if it was as beautiful as we remembered.

We flew by Tropic Air to San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye to celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary. It wasn’t just our means of arrival that had improved—we stayed at Victoria House, a five-star luxury hotel on the outskirts of town. I felt like I was in one of those television ads, looking out at the azure water surrounded by white sand.

I noticed that everyone was smiling all the time. Babies smiled, old men smiled, and beautiful women smiled. I found my cheeks hurting because I had started smiling non-stop. It is heaven on earth here—peace and love and good vibrations.

We loved the diversity of people and cultures throughout the island. Our fancy hotel was about an hour’s walk from downtown, and we liked to walk there and back every day to get our exercise. Something happened to us on those walks that sums up Belize for me.

After a few days, people kept stopping to offer us a ride. First a beautiful mocha-skinned Belizian man with his daughter stopped for us. We thanked him for his offer but told him that we were walking for the exercise. He nodded, smiled and drove off. Then, 15 minutes later, a blond expat woman stopped on her golf cart and made the same offer—and happily left with our same reply. A little while later, a strikingly handsome dark-skinned Jamaican man stopped his golf cart and asked us, ”Would you like a ride?” What a treat! Three locals within an hour offering two strangers a ride to town. That’s Belize—beautiful people and a beautiful place. END

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Who do you think the strikingly handsome dark-skinned Jamaican man is ?????? Moses ……Robert , Naaaa-well maybe.

Lions win BIG with Bingo

CHaa – CHING $ ,  hit for 86 bucks -DRINKS for all my friends

Winners of the biggest pot of the night

Bigger crowds mean BIGGER pots $ (bring a friend)  , starts at 6:30 every Friday.  Petey and Bonnie paying the lucky winners (all five)

Roger Master of ceremonies pulling the lucky numbers

Tina WINS, Now this is getting FUN

Scott on vacation splits pot with the kiddos, seems like a fun time for the family.They have Karate on Friday upstairs, we could hear them jumping around before the game. The Lions Club stays pretty busy.
This is a family social and teenagers have a special invitation, any age may play. 2 dollars a card Tina and I won  $ 137 bucks, never thought bingo could be so much fun

Petey signals Roger that it’s another good size pot, great organization between the lions members.
Don’t miss the barbecue chicken every Friday before Bingo. Bingo starts at 6:30 and will normally run till 9, nice social event for Fridays . Thanks for the invite Roger and Bonnie we had lots of fun .The newest lions members seem to be settling in well, keep up the good work!

Christmas in Belize

Another Caribbean Christmas in Belize , many parties and dinners .  Christmas is not commercialized like it is in states and other places .  NO Walmart , Target or shopping malls here, Holidays in Belize are all about family and friends !   (Picture of Christmas tree in town center , Thanks to Barry Bowen )

Foxy is better   in time for Christmas (tick fever) .

She had all the signs of tick fever, but; the seizures threw us off . Very Thankful to have Foxy back , we came terribly  close to losing her . Glad we gave her the medication as extra precaution ! Thanks everyone for the suggestions and well wishing .

We had a wonderful dinner at the Gibsons , Ken does amazing with that grill !  THANKS  xx

Frank in the white t-shirt telling us about the crazy day he had . Matt and I enjoying Frank’s  sense of humor , as he describes it . We think Frank has caught the Belize BUG , he has canceled his plans to return to the Northeast 3 times  .   Chances are pretty good Frank will become an island resident , he just doesn’t know it yet . We think Frank will fit in FINE .

The Gals up their belting out Christmas carols (Road Kill bar)

Crazy Canucks was jamming

Warumguma’s restaurant for pupusas  ($1.25 U.S.) is always a treat .

After the nightlife , we can be seen enjoying a walk threw town tasting different local foods . We should have bought more for breakfast the next morning .

Happy ” Boxing Day” everyone , rest up for next year !

Belize is no longer a secret

Going threw my e-mail and look who’s article  I see, in the prestigious Island’s  Magazine . Hope you enjoy it as much as I did, very nice Ann. Mike and Ann have been neighbors of ours , we see one another either, by the beach or passing in their racy  golf cart.  Way to go …………..


Trading my Mustang for a Golf Cart in Belize -, by(Islands Magazine), authored By “Ann Kuffner”

Ann Kuffner first visited Belize in 1999 with her husband, Mike. From that point on, she says, they were hooked. They invested in property in the little town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, where Mike, a contractor, designed and built a home. They haven’t looked back. Now living happily on the island full-time, Ann and Mike keep busy (as busy as they want, anyhow) with several successful business ventures.
“I’m content with my day-to-day life in Belize” says Ann. “I can swim every day or walk the beach with my dogs. We have a full, active social life, and I’m developing skills in new and interesting professional areas. We have made many friends here in San Pedro.”

Tim writes
O.K. here comes the advertisement , it is loaded with facts and good general information. We are posting this for the value of information for our clients . Tina and I do believe Islands Magazine is worthwhile , however ;  we  agree with almost everything .
Islands Magazine : note below
Editor’s note: We created a brand new report called Belize: Live the Caribbean Dream…For Less. If you’re interested in a place in the Caribbean sun…but you don’t want to pay typical Caribbean prices…you need to read this report.
Hey, if your not going to fly down and visit consider their guide . They did pretty good , come to the island and see for yourself . Tina and I would love to elaborate by phone or e-mail if you decide to contact us direct tina()investinbelize.com or 1-512-938-3235 (rings in Belize) .  We want to hear from you ! Tim