Belize — The Vaca That Wasn’t. But Still Grateful. – McConnell Publishing Inc.

Jim and I made a decision to spoil ourselves this winter for plenty of causes, and went to the world’s most excellent resort, Victoria Home, on Ambergris Caye, Belize. And it actually is ideal, with beautiful grounds and views, tremendous comfortable lodging (we stayed in Casita #4), nice meals, and the kindest and friendliest workers I can ever bear in mind. It’s very dear, it was an enormous splurge for us, however if you happen to can afford it and need a beachside trip, don’t miss it.

Right here’s a have a look at the grounds:

Besides, we’re calling it “Worst Trip Ever” not as a result of we bought there a day late because of a ten hour delay within the Madison airport, however as a result of Jim and I each bought sick, with out query from meals on the Atlanta resort we needed to keep in between flights.

Because of this, Jim spent the vast majority of the journey inside, in mattress, at midnight, unable to eat or sleep. I used to be additionally in poor health, however fared higher than Jim and was in a position, for instance, to take a seat on our porch and skim and revel in sitting on the cafe.

I used to be in a position to go on two snorkeing journeys, which have been nice. (Ambergris Divers–extremely really helpful). Jim even made it on the second snorkel, on considered one of his “a little bit higher” days, however had to return to the boat after simply ten minutes as a result of he was exhausted. I used to be sorry he missed this inexperienced sea turtle that I bought to see grazing like a cow after he left. (Thanks information Gio for diving down and taking this photograph with my cheapish underwater digital camera.)

I used to be additionally in a position to watch Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds jostle for scraps that fishermen have been throwing off the dock.

In six days, Jim had one afternoon and one morning during which he felt nicely sufficient to do issues, so the morning after our snorkel collectively (that included a wild, bone shattering thrilling trip via a downpour again to the resort) we went on a “guided fowl tour.” It wasn’t what I anticipated, however we did get rewarded with these two Roseate Spoonbills and a heron.

And this female and male iguana resting within the bushes:

I want I had extra for you, however actually most of my time was mendacity round studying (The Paris Residence by Lucy Foley? Wonderful!), taking good care of Jim, (FYI, an Emergency Home Name with a superb doctor and 5 medicines price a complete of $166.), and looking for one thing I may eat. Silver lining is that I misplaced 5 kilos, Jim misplaced ten. Christmas cookies will make up for that.

MEANWHILE, again on the farm: It’s a Christmas Miracle! Jim and I’ve turned a nook and really felt midway like ourselves by Sunday.

We had a heartwarming vacation social gathering with our neighbor buddies, who’re as humorous, good, and type as any buddies could possibly be. I made up some goody baggage for them filled with do-it-yourself scones, banana bread, ketchup in an quaint bottle, and Jim’s well-known Christmas cookies. Within the foreground is a chocolate pumpkin cake that I’m going to make time and again. I bought it from {a magazine} but it surely doesn’t say which one on the sheet I ripped out, in any other case I’d hyperlink you to a recipe.

Well-known far and large, these are THE finest sugar cookies you’ve ever had in your life.

I tortured my expensive, expensive canine to finish with this foolish photograph. I believe their faces make it clear what trusting, great canine they’re to place up with me.

However, then, full disclosure, I remembered an earlier photograph of Maggie, which makes it fairly clear how she feels about all of it.

That’s not far off from how I really feel about a lot of the 12 months 2025. It hasn’t been the very best 12 months for us in some ways. However it was additionally full of affection, and compassion, and the fervour to do good issues, and I can get all gooey pondering of how grateful I’m for a lot of my life. I’m one very, very fortunate girl. A part of why I’m so fortunate is due to you — I imply that sincerely, actually. Your feedback and humor and knowledge fill my head and my coronary heart. If I may, I ship every considered one of you a reasonably bag of scones and banana bread and Jim’s well-known cookies. Take into account them despatched from my coronary heart to yours.

I’m going to take a vacation break, I hope you’ll be able to too. I’ll see you once more, with bells on my toes and much to report in regards to the novel, in early 2026. Could your vacation season, irrespective of the way you have fun it, be filled with moments of pleasure, surprise, and love.

Love,

Trisha, Jim, Maggie, and Skip