
We just returned from another fabulous escape to Heaven on Earth–aka Negril, Jamaica. The cold snap that hit Florida had an effect on Jamaica, too. But a little wind and slightly cooler temperatures doesn’t diminish paradise.
It was our eighth stay at Beaches Sandy Bay, a small, intimate resort in the middle of the Seven Mile Beach. It was wonderful to see so the staff members that we knew from previous visits. It was breathtaking to look off the balcony of our favorite room at the view that warms my heart and soothes away every shred of stress with just one glimpse.
Jamaica is a beautiful country but what we love more are the people–they are the warmest, most delightful we have ever met. So, of course, the highlight of our trip involved Jamaicans we met there.
The openness and smiles of the kids made it obvious that the teachers and principle created a safe and caring environment. We left a piece of our hearts at Happy Hearts. After Christmas, we plan to back up a box with crayons, coloring books and teaching aids to ship down to the principal.

Another new friend was Benny, the Egret. Yes, a real one with white feathers and yellow legs but the name was given to him by us over breakfast one morning.
Benny sat on the railing as we ate breakfast, eyeballing out plates. We offered pieces of bread. Benny was not interested. We laid a small pieces of bacon by his feet. He looked at it and looked away.
I turned away from him for just a moment and before I could look back, he was on the tabletop, stealing scrambled eggs with salsa from my plate. I yipped and jumped, making Benny retreated with a mouthful. When I recovered, he returned and when I didn’t shout out, stayed there and ate more.
