AH! The first pleasant day in what seems like three months!! No wind -- finally -- bright sun, comfortable temps near 70. It's OK!

When I first came to Bermuda last summer, people told me about the "winter winds" and how difficult it can be to grow certain vegetables and fruit here during the winter growing season. The often gale-force winds destroy unprotected plants that would be weighted with tomatoes, peppers, etc. It seemed unbelievable at the time. Many days, however, when the wind was whistling around our little cottage on the top of Ramgoat Hill, I would find myself glancing out a window, expecting to see snow because the winds sounded just like a raging nor'easter. Indeed, I can now see how carrots came to be one of Bermuda's premier crops...with no imports are allowed. It's one of the vegetables that grows very well here underground and is an important cash crop for farmers.

But, where was I? Oh yes, pleasant weather. Today is a flip-flops, T-shirt, shorts day. I'm spring cleaning. Abby is hunting for returning lizards...which will soon be everywhere as the weather continues warm. She must send out very good vibes, because the lizards trust her so much that she can pick them up. With most people, they just skitter away. Jacoby, Abby's cat, is on a similar mission, but I'm afraid his aims are less benevolent.