I write from the heart, whether it is about topical issues, my many treks all over the world, or just lighthearted fluff. I simply enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences and getting valuable and interesting feedback.
It sure was a great celebration to honor Mrs. Violet Edwards (fondly known as Miss Vie or Aunt Vie) on her 100th birthday.
She does not look a day over 75 and the function celebrating the milestone with a splash, was held in Parkland, Florida on Saturday night.
Channel 10 was there and aired this excellent report.
The you tube link is at:
https://youtu.be/DcS95kqOOkE?si=cgPMlIHQVADN7IE4.
I had a great time and took a ton of pictures as usual.😁
You know what was particularly inspiring? The fact that Miss. Vie got all the well deserved accolades while she was alive. As normally people have to die before you are told of their good works.
And Miss. Vie herself shared some of her secrets to long life and happiness. Laugh a lot, don't worry, maintain a positive outlook on life, be kind and sociable.
She is by far my most impressive role model and am so happy I was invited to share this milestone.
Great memories.
Famous songbird Marcia Griffith, former backup singer to Bob Marley, pays tribute.
Son-in-law attorney Everett, pays tribute.
Daughter Dr. Christine Edwards with husband Everett
Jamaica's Consul General Oliver Mair hails Miss Vie.
In-law Dr. Hope Smith admires the cake with Miss. Vie.
In laws Colin (also leader/founder of Tallawah Mento Band) and wife Anette Smith pose with Miss Vie.
Jamaica's celebrated tenor Steve Higgins serenades Miss Vie.
Consul General Mair
Wayne Armond, (left) former leader of Chalice dance band now plays with Tallawah Mento Band led by Colin Smith.
Tariq Smith, Tallawah's drummer.
There was lots of entertainment throughout including music by Tallawah Mentor Band and a Mentalist/ magician?
The "mentalist" used Shadrach for one of his schemes😊
The dance floor was well used all night.
Drop foot, (Shake a leg) yes Miss. Vie👏👏🎂
Marcia Griffiths in action, members of Tallawah Mentor Band behind.
Carol and Shadrach. The huge venue in the background.
Tenor Steve Higgins with Carol
With my designated driver/friend, Carol.
(Photos by Carol.)
Marcia in action
Happy my grandson came
The guest of honor enjoyed every moment.
When Miss Vie got her Batchelors degree at age 96, (4 years ago: https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2022/06/reflections-on-aging.html?m=1,) she set up a scholarship fund to help needy Jamaicans in her homeland attend the University of the West Indies. For her 100th celebration, Miss Vie requested that invitees contribute to that scholarship fund instead of bringing her gifts.👏👍
Incidentally, we Jamaicans celebrate Senior Citizens Week Sept 24 to 1 October, so Miss Vie outstanding celebration was well timed!
It sure was a great night all round!😊
The food and general catering service was top of the line, the decorations superb, the entertainment appropriate and enjoyable, and the valet service went like clockwork.
Today I discovered Bob Marley Beach. Oh yes, it has been around for a long time and lots of people knew about it,butI discovered it today. Discovered it like how Columbus discovered Jamaica, America etc. Lots of people have a problem with the statement about Columbus discovering far flung lands as they correctly ascertain that there were other people living in those lands when Columbus got there. But the dictionary meaning of discover includes ".....tosee,getknowledgeof,learnof,find,orfindout;......" so he did indeed discover these lands. So I too discovered Bob Marley beach.
It is located in St. Thomas just pass the police station in Bull Bay.Charles Simpson discovered it before we did and he took us there this morning after the ride and breakfast. We were scouting it out for a ride next Saturday and luckily I was able to borrow a bathing suit from Betty for I would have had a fit if I did not have the opportunity to swim.
In terms of South eastern St. Thomas beaches, it is by far the best I have ever seen. To begin with it, it was calm and unlike those around Copa and Brooks Park etc it was not rough and does not have a current. Also, unlike th beaches along that strip, it is really shallow, no moving from 2 feet to 6 feet drops immediately like those other beaches.
Down there you see quite as few fishing boats and fishermen who are ready to cater meals. Best thing though, they have bathrooms and wash off facilities for a small fee. When I asked how I could "capture" some land around there, I was told that the area is actually owned by a Mr. Chin who they say was a contemporary of BobMarley (so am I!) and they claim he has papers and has done surveys in the area. I still think it looks like government land and a public fisherman's beach but who am I to start contradicting those whom live there and are making a living from the sea!
Anyway, next week we will be riding there, having breakfast and swimming in those clean, calm,unpolluted waters and hopefully I will have pictures to post to show the world my latest discovery.
Eat your heart out Columbus for I too am in the discovering business!~
