Fall in March, and a photoshoot

 Did I hear someone say the title can't be right? I guess this country does not listen to the rules! I must say Belize is so unique, and this March I can't help but notice a hint of spring with pink and white flower trees, fall, summer and a bit of winter, all mixed up.

 Ok, so maybe its not autumn, but it sure is fall! There was even a chill in the air when we took these photos.

 

 

 

 

Most photos done by my sister-in-law, Delia. Thank you sis!

A wedding anniversary -- out on the field

  Hey, what's more exciting than going with your man and spending time with him on the field when the beans are being harvested, on your wedding anniversary? All right, so maybe there are a few things, but this one ranks pretty high with me. I get to go away from my work, don't need to do dishes, don't worry about spending too much money, just pack a picnic and off we go! This was one anniversary were we watched the money come in instead of going out, so to speak. LOL.

 

 

 These flowers are not too clear on here but those were the kind used for our wedding decorations. They are always a favorite for me when March comes around.

 It was unusually chilly for March. We have had a real nice and long winter this year.

A happy couple still, after 15 years...

Making sugar cane syrup, the old-fashioned way

  Years ago we had a sugar cane press at home that we used occasionally to make juice with and boil it into a syrup. When my parents moved we salvaged it and now it was restored to working condition and put to use again.

Grandpa needs all the help he can get to get this machine up and running again.

 After that was done, it was time to head to the field and cut our cane.

 That sweltering Belizean summer heat can get to a person pretty quick these days.

  The sugar cane has to be washed in order to get a clean clear-looking syrup. Or if we want to drink the juice.

 On one side the cane sticks go in. In this case two went in because they were so small.

On the other side it comes out, all wrung out and squeezed dry.

One long cane stick produces almost a pint of juice. One gallon of juice makes about a pint of thin syrup.

 The juice is a very unattractive greenish looking liquid. It will change color completely.

 Get a fire going to boil the sugar cane in.

 Here we poured it through a sieve to get some dirt out and into the pot.

 Bubbling, boiling juice.

 Grandma handing out samples of juice to the grandkids.

This is the syrup after it is just done. It settles somewhat and turns a clearer color later on. It closely resembles sorghum syrup made in the southern US, but if made right, will be sweeter and less sour.

I believe we have just started a new family tradition! Our whole family really enjoyed the day and the work together, besides, we love the syrup!

Ten Years

A whole decade has passed since I first held the smallest, sweetest, most adorable little baby I had ever met. Now she is ten.

I made the party a little heart-themed. she was due on Feb the 14th, and even if she was not born on that day, she is my valentine baby.

Here she is with her Mennonite friends from school.

8 years old

Sunday afternoon family bike ride

Flowers for Mommy

I do love the flowers the children bring me. Here in Belize we do not have a huge selection, but every little one counts. Jessica brought me a bunch the other day. Not wanting to be outdone, Timothy brought me some as well.

 Not just the flowers, but stem, roots and all!!! Thank you sonny! You are priceless, and so are your flowers...even if they come from my flowerbed.

Two of my 'real' flowers.