Monday, December 29, 2008

Greetings from Living Dominica in Exile

I have heard from several readers, and I wanted to post a brief update. Mr. Wizard, Chester and I are all well and happy. We made the transition back to U.S. life and are busy like all folks here seem to be.

I am working as a psychiatric nurse which I am enjoying immensely. Psychiatric staff are a funny group and I seem to have found a niche. I particularly like talking with psychotic patients. One night I was chatting with a nice fellow who hears voices, and I asked him what the voices were saying. He thought for a minute, then reported that the voices told him "she's a nice lady." Well, who could need higher praise than that?

Mr. Wizard is involved in some spurious endeavour involving zero's and one's in various sequences and combinations. That is the best I can do to explain that magic.

Chester is aging and sleeps a great deal, but he managed the trip back from Dominica to the US as if it were no problem.

We had purchased a small condo when we returned to the US, and it has become cramped. I usually refer to our home as The World's Smallest Condo. We are now buying a house that is probably too big for our needs. But, I think we have always done things to the extreme, this is no different.

I have to admit that sometimes a memory of the island comes wafting like a scent and I feel an ache for the beauty and all the other gifts of my island life. But that happens less often, and all and all, we are liking our post-Dominica life. Life is so much easier here.

livingdominicainexile: Happy Holidays to all!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Selfishly I miss your sharing of daily Island life. Best of luck for the future.

Anonymous said...

Why did you leave Dominica?

Jen Miller said...

Hurricane Dean caused a large landslide on the property where we were beginning our house. This represented a large financial and emotional setback.

Also, Dominica refused to give me a nursing license even though I have been an RN in the US over 25 years and I'm licensed in 2 states. Go figure. I had heard there was a nursing shortage, so it never occurred to me that I could not practice there.

Anonymous said...

I see. That is a bit of a surprise, it would not have occurred to me either. I'm going to assume that there is no insurance for Hurricane Damage there.

Unknown said...

I lived in Dominica from 1980-83, while I was with Peace Corps. While I haven't been back to the island in all these years, the green mountains and the little slice of Caribbean blue that was the view from the veranda of my home feature in my dreams often. I've made my life in the center of the US, just across Missouri from you, but I still sleep in Dominica time.
Your blog is lovely reading. Glad I found you.

Anonymous said...

Jen, lovely to hear your update and that you, Mr Wizard and Chester are happy and settling. I must admit that I do miss your blogs. I have been wondering what's been happening for you.

Anonymous said...

Can you believe we are BOTH now living in the States again? I do miss Dominica so dearly. I'm very jealous of your psych patients. I feel psych calling me back more and more every day...

Unknown said...

You're a wonderful writer, and I will miss reading about your adventures in Dominica. I enjoy our annual visit to St. Maarten, but recognize that I'm not cut out to live their permanently. So it was fun to to a little vicarious island adventure through reading your blog. Best of luck in your new life phase. Will you be blogging about your experiences now? Guess you need a new name for it!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you two are doing well. I really miss your writing. As you know the construction industry is in the crapper and I find myself in Vancouver, British Columbia doing a construction project. They seem to be oblivious to what is happening to the South of them but the creeping crud is coming this way. Many projects here are being put "on hold". I'm going to have to retrain to do something else. Not much fun at 60.All the best, Tom

Anonymous said...

Hey Jen.
I used to send you the odd email after the land slide trying to boost your spirits. I am happy to here things have worked out for you. Their are some of us who are haveing life changes due to the depression not enough work for some, if it could be called a good thing at least yours was an ADVENTURE. Elden Krause elden.1@netzero.net

Anonymous said...

Now you can start a new blog!:
Leaving Dominica

Unknown said...

Hello!

I am moving to Dominica next week. I am divorced, with one son who is in college in the states. I am sorry that I will not get to meet you; but thank you for the excellent book. I think I will start a blog, it will be different to be single and take on the adventure of the Caribbean Outback. Thank you for the inspiration!

Vicki

Unknown said...

I still think of you and the Wiz. Wish you were still here. Presently living in Castle Bruce where I bought almost three acres and built a small wooden house in a hurry. Love it still. Gardening and not much else.
Patricia Martini

Unknown said...

Hello

Having been introduced to your blog today I find it most interesting. Where are you now that would be interesting to note how you have developed since departing the lovely yet unfortunate Dominican system...

Anonymous said...

Dear Jen,

I've stumbled upon your blog as I am beginning my own blog about Dominica. I'm a native of the land of St Expedite and a nightengale myself. Is there a way for me to private message you ?

Thanks ! Wai'tikubuli

Dlomen said...

wow

kris said...

Jen is your book in "hard" cover? i tried to find it at barnes and noble to no avail...any help on this?