Some of my Vacation in the Bahamas
On Monday, December 26th, I boarded a plane with my daughter, Alexis, my granddaughter, baby Jude, and a group of friends and headed to the Bahamas for a much needed vacation. The Bahamas, located in the Atlantic Ocean just southeast of the United States off of Florida, is a nation consisting of 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 islets, or rocks. Our destination was Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club, a private, residential organization on Great Guana Cay in Abaco. This little slice of paradise is part of Discovery Land Company’s portfolio, which is based out of Scottsdale Arizona. I was impressed by how much this club has to offer. If golfing on an amazing private, Tom Fazio-designed golf course isn’t your thing, then there is a fleet of private boats and many wonderful outdoor activities to choose from. I enjoyed island hopping, paddle boarding, lobster and conch diving, beach picnics, and private chef attended dinners in the evenings. And sharing this time with Alexis and Jude was simply the best!
1 Jimmy Dowdle, Lindsay Bressler, and her friend Jeff Warren - Most of the space at the back of the plane was occupied with baby Jude's frozen baby food, baby stroller, seat, etc!
2 Looking out of the plane window as we approached Marsh Harbour on Abaco.
3 The azure blue sea is filled with a limestone landscape of inhabited and uninhabited islands.
4 Here's Kevin enjoying the boat trip aboard a Lyman Morse yacht from Abaco to Baker's Bay, where we joined the Gersh/Bressler family at their compound.
5 Alexis and baby Jude having a 'moment' - The baby loved the warm weather, the freedom, and the sun and sand.
6 Jeff started on his first beer - He relaxed a lot on this trip.
7 The sky was so beautiful, the sea calm, and the cumulus clouds fluffy and white - at least on the first day!
8 Alexis stays out of the sun as much as she can - thus her flawless, unspotted complexion, and soft skin.
9 The boat left a large wake in the Sea of Abaco.
10 Jeff and Lindsay - already much more relaxed than when they boarded the plane in New Jersey
11 Dinner the first night was served on the porch of our hosts' home.
12 I concocted grapefruit daiquiris using silver rum, lime juice, and lots of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
13 I rimmed the glasses with lime juice and dark brown sugar.
14 I was so happy that this turned out to be a very popular drink!
15 I think I made at least 23 servings!
16 Bacardi rum was a perfect choice for this drink.
17 Here I am pouring the frozen daiquiris into the perfect sugar-rimmed goblets.
18 My host, Richard Bressler, loved the cocktail.
19 Bahamian lobster tail on toast - very good canapes
20 There was also a delicious filet of beef with mango salsa.
21 Florida stone crab claws were an extra special treat.
22 And so was a tartare of fresh line-caught tuna.
23 On another day, we were treated to an amazing fish fry. This is Willis, an Outdoor Pursuits Guide at Baker's Bay, who heated oil in a giant pan over an open fire.
24 Once the oil was good and hot, Willis dropped in thinly sliced potatoes, which were fried until light golden brown.
25 The chips cooked slowly and perfectly in fresh vegetable oil.
26 At this point, we were all getting hungry.
27 Just before the potatoes had attained perfection, thinly sliced onion rings were added to the pan.
28 The fish - two different kinds, grouper and wahoo, were cut into even sized pieces and seasoned with salt, freshly ground pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fresh, fresh fish is essential!!!
29 The pieces were then dredged in seasoned flour.
30 Willis placed the dredged fish in colander pan to remove excess flour.
31 Dropping the fish into the oil - At this point, more hands were required.
32 The fish takes about eight minutes to fry up.
33 With good aromas wafting, people started to gather around the fire.
34 It's crucial to remove the fish at exactly the right moment.
35 These experts are deciding...
36 The grouper was fried first and then the wahoo, followed by a final batch of potatoes and onions.
37 Each piece is beautifully golden brown.
38 The second batch of potatoes and onions about ready for lifting and draining on paper
39 Everyone's mouth was watering right about now.
40 Every potato slice was removed from the hot oil with a strainer.
41 As soon as the potatoes were removed, they were lightly seasoned with sea salt - so, so good!
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Nice vacation photos. So very nice when the weather is sooooo cold.
Posted by: Mike Kurtz | January 5th, 2012 at 12:27 am
Martha, Thank you for sharing some of the pictures from your recent vacation to the Bahamas. It looks like you,your daughter and friends are having a grand time. I hope you, Alexis, little Jude and your friends are enjoying the great weather there. It is quit cold here in NJ now. I enjoyed looking at all of your pictures especially the fish fry. May I say everything looked AMAZING!! I the drinks you made looked fabulous. You will have to share the recipe with us. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
Posted by: Wendy Razzoli | January 5th, 2012 at 12:49 am
Martha, I'm still not able to see over 2 of the pictures, but I'm sure they are beautiful, and that you all had a great time.
I read that your show is not going to be on anymore after April, due to not enough viewers. It isn't that we don't want to watch, it's just that a lot of us don't have access to the Hallmark Channel. If you'll go to another channel that we can all get, the viewers would treble.
Some folks at your organization tried to help me do some things to be able to see all of the pctures on your Blog, but since I'm not computer savy, I still don't know what to do, but I do appreciate their response to my problem.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | January 5th, 2012 at 1:03 am
The fish fry looked AMAZING. Do you think you use that word too much? You tantalize with the cropped baby cheeks! Organic baby food from Grandma's garden--it doesn't get any better than that. A very good thing to have available since baby probably doesn't eat tuna tartare yet. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Rose | January 5th, 2012 at 1:30 am
Martha,
I am so excited for you to have had this opportunity to spend with Alexis and baby Jude! So I'm very glad to hear it was "simply the best"! It's so important to share time with family, especially during these young tender years of Jude's life.
`
As unusal the food look so amazing! That's my kind of fish fry to have! So, rimmed out brown sugared grapefruit daiquiris stole the show huh? Now, we must add bartender to your list of things you can do!
`
The golf courses I saw on the links provided are to die for! I love to golf!
`
Well, I better head back to sleep! I'm so excited about your blog lately that I'm checking it when I get up to use the restroom at night or the middle of the night. Just like a kid in a candy store! I can't wait til morning to check it out!
`
Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Thanks for sharing this blog!
Posted by: KLBrown | January 5th, 2012 at 2:30 am
Welcome back Martha, Beautiful place! That looks and sounds amazing, spending it with Alexis, your granddaughter Jude, Kevin and friends. I hope this year will be a blessed wonderful and successful year for you all.
Best Wishes xo
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 5th, 2012 at 5:36 am
The Bahamas looks beautiful! I'm with Alexis, protect your skin and the baby's. I wish I had when I was younger. That's why your skin is flawless Alexis,that and genes I'm sure! Your daiquiris look so tasty and refreshing Martha, I'm not surprised they were a hit and wow that fish fry! I actually thought I could smell the delicious aromas through my ipad! Thanks for showing us some pics of your vacay Martha!
Posted by: Cindy F | January 5th, 2012 at 9:21 am
Hi Martha, Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful blog about your awesome vacation in the Bahamas with Jude, Alexis, Kevin, etc.! This looks like the best vacation you've had in a long time! All of these photos are superb and you look so happy and relaxed-you certainly deserve that after all the work you do every day! Love seeing baby Jude-she and her Mom must have been the best part of your vacation! The weather looks so great and the food those guys cooked was fantastic and I'm sure it was delicious! You sure did a nice job making those cocktails for everyone! This was another terrific tour! Also love seeing your tweets and twitpics about the Bahamas and Panama-absolutely awesome! Love all of your inspiring, positive, delightful blog postings-thanks a million! Hope you all have another delightful day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 5th, 2012 at 9:46 am
Like Martha's comment before me, I cannot see past the 2nd photo. Don't understand that. But I do enjoy seeing the photos on this blog. I'm also disappointed about the end of the TV show on Hallmark. So much of Television is disappointing now; this show is entertaining and provides guidance on so many topics. Thank you.
Posted by: Nancy | January 5th, 2012 at 9:58 am
That baby Jude is pure angel. Enjoy every minute of her sweet life.
Posted by: Michele | January 5th, 2012 at 10:26 am
Hello Martha!
Fantastic photos! Such exciting times, making memories with family and friends and especially grandchildren! I must admit, that I was bummed to see that your television series is coming to an end. I enjoy your show and have for many years.
At the same time of vacationing, the new year usually brings New Years Resolutions. Many people are wanting to get greener! I have a fantastic cleaning line that I would LOVE to introduce to you. It is an eco-friendly, chemical free line from France, H2o At Home. I would love for you to check out my website, http://www.myh2oathome.com/monique I would be more than happy to send some products your way!
Posted by: Monique | January 5th, 2012 at 11:18 am
Hi Martha,
What a fun vacation you must have had with Alexis and Jude to share in the activities. I can imagine how much the baby enjoyed the warm weather as opposed to the winter weather in New York. The fish fry looked so good, it is the only way I will eat fish on those rare occasions I do eat it. I saw a picture of you online where you were holding your shoes while you boarded a boat that I thought should have been a little bit closer to the dock! Then I remembered that you are more in shape than I am – I probably would have fallen in! Thanks again for sharing. Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 5th, 2012 at 11:40 am
I think I gained weight just looking at these pictures. Alexis hat is nice, a very good point regarding protecting against the sun but must have been difficult to wear on the plane.
Thanks for being willing to share your vacation with us.
Posted by: Margie | January 5th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Good Grief, sorry regarding the error of Alexis wearing a hat on the plane.
Posted by: Margie | January 5th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Dream, dream..... so great to get away, enjoy some sun, sand, great food and above all, relaxation with no stress!!!! Way to go Martha!!!!
Posted by: Frances | January 5th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Hi Martha,
Yay!
So happy to see your posts over the past couple of days with Alexis and Jude.
Sometimes I worry that Alexis is impatient with you.
My daughters are impatient with me most of the time. ha. (really not kidding)
I understand why you would need to protect Jude from a kabillion people being able to recognize her..but gosh I'd love to see her cute little face.
She looks like she is going to be a blondie.
Heres to a great 2012, someday I hope to be able to share with you my new business for this coming year.
Fun things cooking around here.
Happy NEW YEAR!
Posted by: Debra Van Dyke | January 5th, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Martha! What great pictures and thanks for sharing with us. Being a grandmother is so special and I am so glad that you get to spend time with your darling Jude! Thanks again!
Posted by: Josephine Matela | January 5th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Wonderful vacation! Thanks for sharing. In reading all the comments about your vacation, I read the one mentioning your show will not air after April? She said it was because there are not enough viewers? I find this hard to believe. However, that being the reason, how are viewers counted? Maybe the ones that tabulate the count are wrong. We love your shows. I record every one so I won't miss a thing and watch several over and over.
Again, thank you Martha for sharing. And, I do hope to see your shows continuing. I would miss you very much.
GP
Posted by: Gloria P | January 5th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
The ultimate experience...pure relaxation & delicious nosh with friends & family! Let us not forget the stunning escape! Cheers!
Posted by: Modern Cupcake | January 5th, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Dear Martha
Thank you for sharing all of your travels with
everyone and all your family.I just love your show.
It must be great to be u.May God Bless u , your family and all your staff.
A friend
Norma
Posted by: norma k. brown | January 6th, 2012 at 12:18 am
Great Pictures of a great trip....I especially like the way the fried potatoes looked...nice and crispy.....
I'm coming to see the show at the studio on Monday morning; I'm sure it will be a good show.....see you then.
Posted by: Roger Hetel | January 6th, 2012 at 12:25 am
Hi, Martha, thanks for sharing your photos. You look great! The fish fly sounds very good, but I am in the mood for that pink drink now!
Posted by: Mariko Brown | January 6th, 2012 at 2:34 am
Hi Martha, I loved the pics you posted, sorry to hear about your show, if Hallmark was not on a channel box you may have more viewers. because you were taken off basic cable some people are unable to see your shows.
I wish you could get together with the cable companies and see if you can change there minds maybe your show can be saved. You have been a part of our lives for so long we deserve the best in television and your show is it!
Posted by: Robert Carey | January 6th, 2012 at 3:12 am
Martha your fishfry brought memories back to me at being at my sisters cottage on Lake Ontario.We would catch
perch and bass,my brother in law would
cook up a meal quite like yours.Ours
was started with thick slab bacon then
the potatos followed by the fish dipped in bisquick and cooked in yellow crisco.He died a few years ago of cancer so my sister sold cottage.We
have our pictures and memories to hold on to.
Posted by: Barbara Bulmahn | January 6th, 2012 at 8:06 am
Hello Martha I an hoping you had a wonderful time. I am going to check out your photos and see if I can check out some of the things your show in the slide show. We are leaving Jan 21 there are 32 friends and family going on the same cruise. We have been planning this since July, so needless to say I am so Excited......
Posted by: Becky Meredith | January 6th, 2012 at 9:43 am
Lol@Alexis and her big hat! That's so Alexis
Posted by: Tim | January 6th, 2012 at 9:59 am
I have lived in Miami since the since childhood and still dream of going to the Bahamas. Loved your pictures and your shows.
Posted by: Dorothy Wilbur | January 6th, 2012 at 11:13 am
What a wonderful treat! Paddle boarding, lobsters, AND a private chef to ring in 2012. Very special.
Posted by: Nantucket Daffodil | January 6th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Bahamas ... Mmmm I love it... has beautiful views
Posted by: Jenny - PC | January 7th, 2012 at 10:13 am
wow
Posted by: Becky | January 10th, 2012 at 1:22 am
Martha, you are one of the greatest joys in our lives. You are our "knowledge" gal...we have learned so much from you and you have enriched
our lives enormously! and with such exquisite
aplomb and entertainment. I'm writing this because I read on your blog, your show is being
cancelled. PLEASE COME BACK TO NETWORK T.V.
I'm confident and very hopeful that you'll work
something out. And, how about making your shows
available on DVDs? This just isn't good news for
a new year!
Posted by: dana | January 10th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Hello Martha. We dont get the hallmark channel up here in Ontario and really miss yor show.
I was your fan for years and subscribed to your magazines.
Hope we will see you again as I learned so much and enjoyed your show very much.
Thank You for all your hard work..You are a great lady....Carol G.Severn Bridge Ont.Canada
Posted by: carol and bob greenwell | April 13th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Nice Martha, all the pics you uploaded is beautiful. It shows that you enjoyed lots with your family & friend.
Posted by: Cheap Bahamas Vacation | August 1st, 2012 at 3:27 am
I'm glad you found our gorgeous little island...we love it so much that we built our dream home, named Beach Dream, on the beach near Nipper's. We also offer it as a weekly vacation rental http://www.vrbo.com/217700 , so visitors have a spectacular place to stay even if they don't know someone at Baker's Bay. On your next trip, check out the beautiful reefs around Guana Cay and the one in front of our house that's just off the beach...you'll love it!
BTW, our 11 year-old daughter found, painted and hung one of the buoys on the "buoy tree"...great to see it in the photo.
Grant
Posted by: Grant Kelley | November 23rd, 2012 at 1:47 pm