Living Quarters and Backyard on Film

Due to popular demand, we shot some views of our "villa" -- (for those who hadn't heard, we are calling it a villa instead of a "bunker" which might be more accurate due to the sturdy construction).

First is a view of our front yard - we are GP4 (for Granadillo Point) and we are door B on the left. There are two trees next to the front window, and the smaller one is starting to bloom with some pretty red flowers.

To my delight, hummingbirds constantly hover around the taller tree. Yesterday Boomer gave us a hummingbird feeder (he regifted!), so I'm going to make some sugar syrup and hang the feeder in the tree.

The video shows the interior of our living quarters. Some of you have asked, "what are you actually doing every day?" For the most part, the last few days we have just been trying to "set up our house."

Here is what we are being loaned:

one dinette set with four chairs
one couch and chair
two lamps
(the end table was loaned from another household, and the TV and stand are from our neighbors)
one master bed , two dressers,two end tables, two lamps
one guest bed, one dresser, two end tables, two lamps

In the kitchen we found for our use:

A set of Corelle for four
Flatware for four
Four drinking glasses
Small set of pots and pans
Four cooking utensils, can opener
Toaster

Since part of what we are trying to accomplish in this GTMO assignment is to make some financial gains, it doesn't make sense for us to completely duplicate all our belongings back home. So, we are re-learning the fine art of "making do" and "multi-purposing." If I can't use something for more than one function, I don't buy it. Thus, I am now looking at a glass bowl as a: mixing bowl, salad bowl, bread-rising bowl, popcorn bowl, and turned upside down it's a cake/pie cover, plus a lot of things I haven't thought of yet.

So, we have spent some of the precious free time that Vince has by scouring the NEX (Navy Exchange) for things to complement the above loaned items.

And for now, here is a photo of our backyard. Vince did a nice little video, but unfortunately for whatever reason, it's taking HOURS to get videos uploaded -- I started doing this Sunday night and spent about two hours on this, and then another hour or so this morning. I am giving up for now, and just posting a photo of the backyard.

Unfortunately, we were assigned quarters with the smallest backyard on the base. Some yards are spacious and nicely landscaped, so we have this brilliant blank canvas to inspire us! I am told that each unit gets one free outdoor plant per month, and as newcomers, I believe we are given two. So, that will be fun to pick something out. (Sue, I have your zinnia seeds and I am going to plant those just as soon as I get some potting soil -- can't wait to see those flowers!)

And, as Vince describes in the outdoor video, (author's note -- you won't be able to see this video until a later posting) most residents here with a shade shelter have it enclosed -- just don't try calling it a screened-in porch! It's called a "Tiki Bar" (sounds rather tropical, doesn't it?) I've seen several so far, and they can get quite elaborate with lots of seating, TV's, stereos, fans, and all kinds of inventive decorations. All in all, they are quite cozy and inviting and a great way to spend an evening when it cools off.