Post Card Series - Volume 10

Just some updates, we are all real tired tonight.

Maeve playing her version of Bocci Ball

Mady enjoying her last night with Eamon. Not such a great shot, but you can still see Mady's love and devotion to our little man.

Uncle Tim and Aunt Colleen

All of us, well not me - I am taking the picture.

My little shadow. I had planned to read, but Maeve thought we should chat.

That face - he was standing over me. All this, while I was trying to read.

On a bike ride. And yes, David is wearing a Jonas Brothers' t-shirt!

A fun time is being had by all!

Gift List from the Sea

1,000 Gift List continued


114. My morning walk on the beach. I love that time of day - quiet, peaceful, and refreshing. I can sing, loudly, whatever is playing on my Ipod. My prayers are carried on the wind. I actually feel closer to God, able to see a glimpse of his greatness as I look out into the vast sea. Even my confessions, words I would not speak to others, find their place. Freeing me.


115. As I walked back up from the beach I could see my brother Tim on our balcony. He lives in DC so it was a treat to see his face early in the morning. Any news or sighting of my little brother brings a smile to my face, and I guess it always will!


116. Vacation has allowed us a quick revisit to our youth. Thursday night, all my siblings (and their families) were under mom and dad's roof.


117. Bike riding with my husband, Maeve and Myles. This island is laced with paths. A great view of golf courses, lagoons, all sorts of wildlife, and it offers a bit of exercise to counteract my many indulgences. We rented bikes that have the child's bike attached. This afternoon, I loved seeing my little Myles pedaling so hard behind his big daddy. Both Maeve and Myles were screaming in delight at the sights and speed.

Post Card Series- Volume 9

Alas, David has arrived! They (Uncle Tim, Aunt Colleen, & D) had a smooth trip and were here by lunch. It was a great reunion for the Barclay 5 - we have missed our guy! Jerry and his family have decided to stay just one more day. It will be a full house, but serious fun.


Yesterday, we found sand dollars on the beach. I have not seen these treasures from the sea (a little dramatic) for at least 15 years! Brigit found the first, and then I spotted another washing out with the tide. I nearly fell face first into the surf trying to capture it for Maeve. When victory was achieved I realized I was surrounded by hundreds. It was a scene! The girls filled three large buckets with them. There might be a limit on the number that can be taken off the beach, but ignorance of such rules is bliss!


Also, I thought it was time to publicly admit my desperation to be a southern woman! I just love the way they speak: "y'all", "fixin' to do...", "Please & Thank you". The hats! Really, need I say more. They are chatty and always dressed (hair, make-up, jewels, and the outfit). They just seem to exude an ease that I lack, and a sense of fun that is ever-present. I love the double stairway that leads to their grand homes. And, a landscape that includes palm and old, moss covered trees. They have a deep respect for fried food, barbecue and dessert! Lately, I've taken to speaking with a bit of an accent and am only going by Tracy Catherine ( oh, they use both names, too - really like that!). Just thought, y'all would want to know!

An example of a fun southern tree!

Uncle Jerry stealing away time with Myles.

Post Card Series - Volume 8

Turtle races followed by sand dollar painting this morning. Swimming, pizza and wings for lunch compliments of Papa, the beach for some digging and jumping of waves, dinner and late night shopping at Coligny. Fun, but we, the moms, are tired.

Shuffle Board Anyone?

I love that pout!

The reason: not the champion of shuffleboard!

View from our lunch date with Papa.

Eamon dipped (his feet) in the pool today. Tomorrow, we are trying the whole body. Both Eamon and Mady were thrilled. It has been wonderful to see the social side of Eamon emerging. He adores Mady, all the kids really, but Mady is his size. They are only 9 months apart. And it is obvious their rapport. I love that it is reciprocal - Eamon reacts and responds to her with smiles, laughing and reaching out to touch.

Hanging out!

Our dream, that would be Erica and I, to relax, alone, possible for several consecutive minutes.

Maeve, my beach girl. So unlike her mama.

Eamon's girl, Mady.

Aunt Erica braving the waves.

Post Card Series - Volume 7

Maeve and I walked the beach at 6:30 this morning. She was so thrilled with the lighting, quietness, and the abundance of shells available.

Girl s watching morning T.V.

Cheers! Drinks by Pool Bar Jim!

Showing off tattoos

Talking to Daddy - missing him today!

Myles digging on the beach!

Mady and Eamon are getting along so well. She makes him laugh and smile!

Post Card Series - Volume 6

We are back with a charged camera and a new view from The Grande Ocean Resort. Officially there will be no reason to leave this haven. We had lunch at the Island Grille then swam and beached the late afternoon and evening away!

These pictures are from our room.

Maeve and Myles relaxing on our swing.

So much conversation has taken place on this very swing, year after year.

View from our swing.

In the first pool.

Maeve wanted to catch a tan for a bit.

Star Alert!

Pool Bar Jim's famous drinks!

Even Mady had her own frozen concoction. Isn't she the most precious little lady!

All the children enjoy her. Maeve is such a mother, and Myles dotes over his baby cousin!

Poor Myles can not seem to escape all these girls!

And Himself! Eamon lounging in the villa enjoying such a grand view!

He is such a good boy - always pleasant and up for any adventure we present.

Jerry and his girls have decided to stay until Thursday when they will pass the baton to David, Tim, and Colleen. This week has great potential I'd say!

Post Card Series - Volume 5

Something a little different - a picture-less post card. Just thought I'd shake things up, or maybe I forgot to charge the battery for my camera. Either way, fun was had and pictures in my mind are set to shape new memories.

The sun did indeed shine and we were able to swim in various pools and run around on the beach. I have my first sunburn. Note to self: Irish girls must reapply often when in water for hours!

Finally Papa's dream of fishing with his grandchildren came true. The poles were rented, bait set, and within 3 minutes we heard the first, "Did I catch anything yet?!" Followed two minutes later with, "I'm bored!" At one point, I moved across the pond to another dock. I thought a new location might trick the fish. I look out to see the only fishermen left were Papa, Aunt Erica, and me. I suggested we go for a swim. This scene has already ripened with age, and we are all remembering a great time.

True to form, Myles jumped in most of the day and Maeve collected more shells. There are 4 new crabs living amongst us now. Maeve's Rainbow and the girls' have 3 of their own. We are all under one roof tonight. The crabs are really active and prone to escape. Lord help us!

To watch the kids roam freely on the beach, wind blowing their hair, laughter being raised is surely heaven on earth! I am so thankful for our first week, and looking forward to the next two! Number 113 on my Gift List .

PS - I am currently charging everything!

Post Card Series - Volume 4

"The sea was angry my friend" (George Costanza)

Today, we were met with some rain, but there's a threat of sun tomorrow! Regardless, we enjoyed indoor and outdoor activities.

Mimi rocked with Eamon while we explored the beach.

Maeve, ready to see what the surf churned up.

"Catch of the Day!" - a horseshoe crab still giving me chills - yuk!

All lined up for fun!

A swim indoors. Uncle Jerry as lifeguard.

Relaxing for a moment before Surf Watching.

Highlights that were not captured on film, because why would I have a camera when I really need one. Our first alligator sighting - one large, one small, and one ferociously attacking its prey on land. Glad we were in the car. Myles jumping into the pool and going under - a first. He is not a big fan of under water adventures, but I think he is learning - it was love at first jump! And, Maeve has a new hermit crab, Rainbow, that makes 4!

We are missing you David!