BRIGANTINE BAY BITS

December 2000 Table of Contents

BRIGANTINE BAY BITS
Lee Roach

We have many hidden treasures in Abaco and one of them is what I call the "Bahamian Spirit", especially when it appears in times of adversity such as Hurricane Floyd. I'd written earlier about my "Last Flight from Saigon" adventure so here's the "Back to Bataan" a few days after Floyd.

Our daughter Theresa and husband Billy preceded my return by a day or so and set up a base camp in the least damaged villa with no electricity or water. They knew that the shock of viewing the deeply flooded property with the docks twisted like roller coasters could cause a reaction in me to respond to several recent requests to sell and avoid the stress and expense of repair. At the time the idea was attractive since we had no insurance, but looking back, it would have been a big mistake.

That's when the "Bahamian Spirit" appeared in the form of Arthur and Elva Roberts, our management team, who had been working very hard to straighten up before I arrived back. They were joined by Theresa and Billy, along with Al and Angel Hauck who keep a sailboat with us. They asked me not to tour the property, especially the docks, until the next morning and after feeding of drinks and some food, put me to bed for a much needed rest. The next day the "Spirits" reminded me that all would be well in less than a year and in fact, because of the flooding, we would have all new interiors, including appliances and many pieces of furniture, and that the Lord would take care of the greenery in due time. The villas would be in better shape than before Floyd. All of the above became a reality with the villas now being fully operational and ready. And yes - better than before! This positive uplifting attitude when things are down is a fine example of the Bahamian spirit which seems to come naturally.

I believe it is appropriate during this Christmas season to focus on the spiritual values which are at the core of the meaning of Christmas and which reflect the ancient Hebrew word "Emanuel" which translates "God among us". We can always go shopping! And speaking of Christmas blessings, Theresa and Billy are expecting their first (boy) right around Christmas and even thought they might like to have the baby here in Treasure Cay since that's where they met and were married. Both of our sons are professional pilots with jet experience and her doctor said he would enjoy a Christmas in The Bahamas, so who knows? Another blessing will be the arrival of our first great-grandson by the time you read this plus the announcements that number one son Mike and wife Shawn are expecting their third next year and younger brother Chris and girlfriend Patty are getting married (Treasure Cay?) It looks like the world's Roach population is not in danger of extinction any time soon!

Now a Christmas gift from Natalie: a modification of her famous no-hassle key lime pie recipe which was broadcast by request over the VHF a few years ago when we were off in the boat and talking to a friend and other folks listening called back to ask for a repeat. This time it's sour orange pie and it is good!

SOUR ORANGE PIE

Ingredients: 1/3 cup sour orange juice; 1 tsp zest; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 can condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla. Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth and well mixed. Pour filling into a 9" graham cracker crust pie shell. Chill for a few hours until firm. Add whipped cream topping and enjoy! (Serves 8.)

A Happy and Holy Holiday Season from the Roach family!

This Issue Table of Contents - - Previous Issues

Other Abaco Bahamas Links
Home Page (oii.net) - Message Board (AbacoBoard.com) - Latest Happenings (AbacoToday.com)