Sunday night was the last night of my birthday week and I decided to end it in style with an ice cream party at DandE’s Frozen Custard. Nothing like enjoying tacos in the park and a sundae on Sunday. Paul had a concrete and a taster of mine. I picked coconut, Java Joe and strawberry – it came fully loaded with nuts, banana slices, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top. Eileen even added a candle and made everyone sing happy birthday.

I am back to eating clean [for the most part] and having a big bowl of watermelon before heading to the pool. I was hoping for a second iced coffee but time is passing so fast it will have to wait till after  aquafit class.

 SAGA Humane Society would like to extend our genuine thanks to all the people who helped make our September Cook Off – Taste of Belize and Central America a resounding success. El Fogon, with our gracious hostess Susanna Eiley, held a block party in celebration for the Independence Day for Belize and all of Central America.

We had eight dishes entered representing the region, all enjoyable. After the vote was counted, we had three winners. 1st place Ipod Shuffle from SAGA went to Noemi Caballero with Yuca Con Chicharron from Honduras. 2nd Place was awarded to Lori Purdy for her Mexican Chicken Enchilada’s. She and a guest will be going to Lamanai courtesy of Searious Adventures. 3rd place Susanna Eiley with her Belizean Stew Chicken, Rice & Beans, and Salad. She will be enjoying a bottle of Port donated by Premium Wines and Spirits.

Our other entries were just as delicious and varied as Central America. Letty entered Carne Asada from Honduras. Bean’s Nicaraguan Style was Sarah Volca dish. Arroz con Gandules represented Panama, made by Faride Salinas. Arroz con Chocolate & Arroz con Leche was Patty’s for Guatemala. An Anonymous El Salvadorian entered Pupusas for El Salvador. We thank you all for your tasty entries.

A favorite of every Cook Off is our raffle with tickets sold by our young volunteers Alex and Mark. Lunch for two courtesy of My Secret Deli will be enjoyed by David from Caribbean Villas. Jamilla Janmohaned won a Pedicure courtesy Asian Garden Day Spa. Doug Cook won Snorkel Trip for two to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley donated by Amigos del Mar.

DJ Habo kept the music going and crowd entertained all night, you are the best.  San Pedro Town Council, we are extremely grateful for allowing a Block Party and by helping deliver, set up and pick up the tents and tables. Sergio of Mousepad also made available for our use tables and chairs. Our dedicated volunteers helping were Katia Marin, Lori Purdy, Grant Crimmins, Ingrid Lima, Noemi Caballero, Faride Salinas, Carolina Gonzalez, The Staff of Pampered Paws and their helper, Morgan Cartwright. We truly appreciate all their hard work, enthusiasm and assistance.