Don't flush - add a scoop

Let's call him Sam, so he can remain anonymous. So, Sam picked me up this afternoon and we drove toward the East end of the island, to a state park. Made of limestone, the area has sink holes that fill with salt and fresh water. Mary Anne used to scuba dive in the two caves we explored today. Now endangered species call it home - so you are no longer allowed to swim there. Can't tell you how tempting it was. Mary Anne said that when you pass through the area where the salt and fresh water meet you can't see anything. When you go deeper it clears up. So which is on top, the salt or the fresh water? We pondered that awhile.

Coral paths lead to a long bridge over a mangrove swamp on the way to the beach. Sam tossed bread crumbs to a herd of fish. When we started the trek I didn't know about the fish. When he appeared with the bread crumbs I wondered if we were playing Hansel and Gretel.

The needlenose fish looked like a long blue string as they aggressively went after the crumbs. Snappers snapped, Sergeant fish were just cuteness, and the Baracuda lurked, waiting for something better than bread.

Finally, I got to see the water. It's been eleven days, and that was my first glimpse of the turquoise sea. After strolling up and down the beach, we sat and watched the high tide go out. Gotta go back there at low tide. As the water recedes it leaves very unusual markings in the sand. Looks like a photo op to me.

"Don't flush - add a scoop of wood chips to the toilet". Honest, that's what the sign said in the rest room. There was no running water, toilet paper, or paper towels - just hand sanitizer. The scoop was on a chain in a bucket that was attached to the wall. I added.

More patients showed up for tune-ups. Most of them stay in condos on the beach, or in time-shares. A cancer diagnosis really changes your life. These folks are living every minute, and squeeze joy out of even the smallest event.

You know, I said that it was a privilege to be a 24 hour care giver for my hubby when he battled cancer. Now I see that having cancer makes you a part of a very brave and strong group of people. Much to admire.

G'nite