Abaco Day Five!
Continuing with my Abaco, Bahamas Island vacation - It really was so relaxing and it was also fun to tour around and see what the area had to offer. I loved the local horticulture and would really like to find the same specimens for planting at my home – summer pots, of course. We continued eating really great homemade meals, so come and take another look at my Bahamian respite!
Appears quiet & peaceful Martha. Glad you enjoyed your visit. The skies are beautiful & you look fine you don't need a tan you have fair skin.
I am so allergic to papaya & olive oil bummer. Poison plants around the swimming hole hummmmmm~
Happy you were able to relax and have some fun.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam From California | January 13th, 2009 at 12:16 am
What a wonderful time you are having ! I so enjoy all the pictures ...
Posted by: lisa brawner | January 13th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for sharing another day at Abaco with us. I enjoyed seeing the different kinds of palms. I have been interested in these trees since my first trip to Florida to visit my aunts and uncles long ago. I'm familiar with royal palms, fan palms, and bismarckia palms, but not with the traveller palm. Thanks for showing us so many different varieties. Will you plant some in your new greenhouse?
I also enjoyed seeing the flame tree, the giant papaya, and the many-colored bougainvillea.
Muffin's cole slaw looked delicious. No wonder all of you loved it! I can almost taste your pasta salad with tomatoes, parsley, garlic, and cheese as well as the fillets of albacore marinated in sour orange and lime juice, pepper, and olive oil.
The blue hole and the area around it are beautiful.
What are pigeon peas?
Thanks again for the tour.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 13th, 2009 at 1:42 am
I think that is a Kentia, slow growing and the rings will tell the age probably, usually expensive.
Posted by: Robyn - Aussie girl | January 13th, 2009 at 2:06 am
I am enthralled by that blue hole. Wouldn't you love to know it's secrets??!! I'm glad you had a nice, quiet vacation. I thought you looked great without a tan. You go, girl!!
Posted by: Susie | January 13th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Pale is beautiful! You look fabulous without a tan. I, too, am very fair and make every effort to avoid the harmful effects of the sun (sometimes difficult living in Houston). Your tropical vacation must be a lovely break from winter in the northeast.
Posted by: Pamela Newberry | January 13th, 2009 at 2:19 am
Hi Martha…
Been watching your program four a while, and must say that I enjoy it..
Greetings from Sweden….
Clarence……
Posted by: Clarence Lundström | January 13th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Hello. Martha leads such a full & interesting life! It's a coincidence I'm reading "The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood" by Elspeth Huxley now. So, there really is a thika tree. Martha's Abaca adventure sounds like a safari what with wild pig hunts & blue holes. You look great, Martha! Will you appear in the "Sports Illustrated" bathing suit issue next month? Thank you for improving my life with recipes, crafts, gardens, & adventures.
Posted by: Mina Isham | January 13th, 2009 at 3:21 am
Oops! Thika is a town in Kenya not a tree. Flame trees grow in Thika as well as on Abaca. I didn't proofread my previous 01/13/09 comment before submitting it.
Posted by: Mina Isham | January 13th, 2009 at 4:16 am
BEAUTIFUL!!! I hope I can visit a place like that, sometime, before I die!! You are such a lucky girl Martha! Love your blog, very tasteful and informative.
Posted by: Julie | January 13th, 2009 at 4:35 am
No Martha, dear, you need no tan(Pic#1). Love your "wet look". Also love the pic#19 of the sandpipers. I've read that they symbolize happiness. I love happiness!
To you, too!
Posted by: tinay | January 13th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Oh gosh...it all looks so wonderful, warm and relaxing. Where do I sign up..? Thanks for sharing the great photos and information about the trip. What a pleasure!
Posted by: Pierre | January 13th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Martha,
First, you look so vibrant and healthy.
Second, you DO NOT need a tan you look gorgeous in healthy skin that is not skin damaged.
Third, interesting about the taro root. I would never have imagined that's where taro chips come from!
Fourth, beautiful photos---I really enjoyed them! They provided a respite, although very brief, just looking at them at my desk as I pictured being there. Okay now back to the reality of cold snowy Connecticut!
Posted by: Tara | January 13th, 2009 at 5:16 am
Love all your Abaco vacation pictures. You don't need a tan Martha. Your fair skin is quite fine as it is. I loved learning about different palm trees. Your always so informative. Thanks.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | January 13th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Martha,
Thanks so much for a variety of pictures and stories. I am one of many drooling over the swimming; at the same time I appreciate the truth regarding Potcake dogs and how the pigs destroy beautiful gardens.
I was also intrigued regarding the cabbage. It must be a common vegetable because you describe two different dishes with cabbage as a major ingredient.
Thanks---now back to thinking about how nice to be outside swimming. Today I will be putting on my snow boots.
Posted by: Margie | January 13th, 2009 at 6:00 am
The blue hole really piqued my interest after I finally took my eyes off your pasta salad! What kind of dressing did you use or didn’t you use any? I love pasta salad so I think that is what I’m having for dinner. I will need to get parsley first.
Sinkholes are another thing though - I'm not sure I would have dove in but apparently it is safe enough and no sea monsters! Wow, it sure is a deep one and you took some great pictures of it. Possibly the poison tree all around is a warning not to go into the blue hole!
You found some great palms that I don’t even know their names. I like the fan palm and the bismarckia, and the traveler palm is a fascinating species especially out in the wild where their fronds grow naturally north and south. A lot of people grow them down here in Florida up close to their houses and they fan out against the wall. I used to pick up fronds from the fan palm and spray paint them to hang out by the pool. I just love their shape and I have no idea why we never planted one.
Thanks again for the great, informative pictures. Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 13th, 2009 at 7:04 am
On this chilly day, the waters of the blue hole look c-o-l-d to me (chin quivering, here)...brrrr! (But) the blue, sunny skies above reflecting off the island's ocean coastline could possibly be reassuring! [grin] I found the blue hole to be fascinating - the depth, especially - quite hard for me to fathom, actually... And oh, the poison tree...do I assume it causes a skin reaction, like our "poisons" as we know them here back home?! I got a kick out of the potcake doggies and mused at what an odd name (why did they choose that?!) - now I comprehend.
Well, it's lunchtime right about now, Martha, and boy-oh-boy could I go for some of that pasta salad...that marinated albacore, too (gorgeousgorgeous fillets!)...mmmhmm, yes I could!...those were my favorite picks of the food offerings. (I l-o-v-e pasta-anything/everything!)
It DID look like you had a fabulous time, and I'm glad, as my Martha deserves it!...what a beautiful place, with all it's flora and fauna!
=^..^=
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."--Psalm 24:1
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | January 13th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Thanks to Trish for more information about the traveller palm!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 13th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Hi Martha, Wow, these photos cover a whole encyclopedia of great information about the area around Abaco! You should do a show on the "Travel" channel about all of these fantastic places you visit. I know I would love to watch it and I'm sure there are lots of others who would, too. I can almost taste the pasta salad and the cole slaw. Are the recipes on your web site? I love the photos of you in the blue hole and Muffin diving. Great shots! The bougainvillea sure looks like a geranium. Is it related to it? Thank so much for sharing this beautiful travelogue. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 13th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Oh Martha,
What I would give to be basking in the sun on a sandy beach right now. I am so very pale it hurts people's eyes to look at me without proper eye protection. Do you remember a yuckier winter? The only good news is that the damage in my bedroom from an ice dam on the roof, means I can repaint using your lovely colors!
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | January 13th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I don't know much about palms but I like the traveler palm that Trish said people in Florida grow close to their homes. All of these photos are spectacular, especially during these frigid cold winter months. Thanks for sharing them.
This coming Friday will be minus 20 degrees here in Maine. Martha, I think I will revisit your warm vacation photos while I sip on cups of hot tea all day to stay warm!
Another great thought… wish I was in Florida visiting with Trish…lol…
Have a great day everyone! Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, Maine | January 13th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Trish wanted to know if my pasta salad was dressed - only with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. Enjoy!
Posted by: Martha Stewart | January 13th, 2009 at 9:59 am
i'm so jealous of all your vacationing! i know the tanning thing. as hard as i can try i can't tan, so i've given up.
Posted by: stacy guthrie, myweddingfilm | January 13th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Postee Mina speaks of
The Flame Trees of Thika
PBS filmed a great mini series of the book many years ago, I believe the 1970's-80's. Haley Mills(sp) was the main actress in the film, an excellent cross over from the book to film. It is on DVD check it out after you finish reading the book it won't disappoint.
Time to listen to Martha on the radio. Ask Martha is up now on Sirius 112 / XM 157.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam From California | January 13th, 2009 at 10:56 am
It looks beautiful there. I have never been able to travel, at least I can imagine what it was like to be there from your pictures. The hole you went swimming in is very cool. There is a cenote type hole in my town in LaFayette, NY similar to that although I have never been there. They say they can't find the bottom of it either and there is a strong current in it. Oddly enough it's also called "the Blue Hole."
Posted by: Joe | January 13th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Hey Martha -
Was vacationing in the Abacos at the same time. My friend got some great pictures of you walking on the beach! Also, had a boat full of friends (unfortunately they had been drinking at Nippers for most of the day) show their behinds as they past by in their boat!! Did you get a picture of that? Did not see that in your pictures of the island! Did you make it to Hopetown, Green Turtle or any of the other islands?? It is always a great time in the Abacos!!!
Posted by: Patty Dennison | January 13th, 2009 at 11:53 am
so lovely! You picked a perfect time to be away on a warm sunny vacation---we're sending a cold arctic blast down to the lower 48---so sorry! Come on up this summer for a girls fishing trip for wild Alaska Salmon---we would have a super time!
Posted by: AngAK | January 13th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
wow, looks like fun!
Posted by: kasey | January 13th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I would like to add my vote on pale.
Pale is very pretty and natural. I haven't tanned in years and I do not miss it.
Muffin and Martha both look gorgeous and sexy!
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, Maine | January 13th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Wonderful pictures and you look terrific and very happy. Would have liked to seen the dogs in a close up. Any idea what their breed history may be?
Posted by: Pam | January 13th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Lucky girl! You do all of us a great favor by sharing your vacation happiness. Keep smiling and bring that sunshine and warm weather back to us here.
Posted by: sushi2 | January 13th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
You look great. Very melanoma-free.
Posted by: Amy | January 14th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Martha-It looks like you are SO HAPPY. Your smile is a mile wide. What a beautiful place you have chosen for your vacation. I went to the Bahamas on a short cruise for my wedding 25 years ago. When I go back, maybe for our anniversary this year, I want to do what you're doing; enjoying life. I bet you're a good deep sea fisherlady! My 22 year old son went for the first time this past summer and loved it! Please share more about your trip on your amazing show.
Posted by: Anna Flannery | January 14th, 2009 at 7:30 am
The place looks lovely. You certainly don't need a tan. Enjoy your vacation!
Posted by: Sherry | January 14th, 2009 at 11:20 am
That water looks so dreamy.
Posted by: April~Living The Sweet Life | January 18th, 2009 at 9:18 am
You are a great photographer. Have you ever thought about having an exhibition?
Posted by: Sharon Fox | February 1st, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I love how personal you are on your blog! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Amanda | February 6th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Hi Martha,
I am SO Sorry for your loss and all the others who have suffered in this tragedy.
I had to smile when I read your comment on the dog that you photographed in Abaco...I grew up in the Bahamas and we had several 'Potcakes' of our own. So, it wasn't the dogs name, it's a unique Bahamian term for a mixed breed dog, so named because they were often fed the 'cake' at the bottom of the rice 'pot' - that would be the dogs share
I thought you might enjoy that little bit of Bahamian history
Take care,
Anne
Posted by: Anne | March 8th, 2009 at 9:40 pm