the stairs of Paya (1)

I had intended to post ALL the stairs at Paya Bay in one blog post. Once I started taking the photos, however, I realized it may take two, or even three posts to cover all of them. This post is in honor of my father, Earl Mervin McNab, who taught me to build stairs.

These stairs all lead to some form of Heaven.

Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Bay Islands of Honduras.

golden

Mutton peppers from my father's garden...

...many of which will become...

Lurlene's Angelic Mutton Pepper Sauce. The image above is a draft of the label for Mom's unique, made-in-Roatan, "secret recipe" mutton pepper sauce. The pepper sauce enterprise is one of my parents' current hobbies/micro-enterprises.

farmer earl's garden

Since he and Mom moved to their new home, my father, Earl Mervin McNab, has started a sizable fruit and vegetable garden in their expansive new backyard. Mom has christened it "Farmer Earl's Garden." So far, Dad has harvested tomatoes, okra, green beans, eggplants, squash, radishes, and hot peppers. Right now the papaya and guava trees are loaded with fruit. Much of this locally-grown, garden fresh produce comes directly to Paya Bay's kitchen, and, shortly after, unto dishes served to our guests. Fresh fruit and veggies are so tasty; they are also as chock-full of vitamins and other vital nutrients as they can possibly be. Thank you, Dad, for your beautiful, much-appreciated support.

Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Bay Islands of Honduras. Hey Ms. Lisa, this post is dedicated to you. Miss you so much, you twisted South African ray of sparkling light!

from my father's garden

Thank you, Dad! Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Bay Islands of Honduras.

dad

My father drives the Kiton as it returns from Pigeon Cay.

Mentally and physically abused by an alcoholic mother who was abandoned by her husband, my father lives his life behind the barriers and defense mechanisms he built in his psyche to protect his 'inner child.'  This beaten dog syndrome has resulted in a tormented and tumultuous relationship between us (and that's putting it lightly). Yet, I know deep down he's a really good man.

I love you, Dad. My intention is for us to have an ever improving relationship.