Category: Dominica

17 October

The only illness I’ve had recently (since the St. Lucia vomitting) is abdominal pains accompanied by fever. It happened twice. I think it’s being caused by the tinned ravioli. I’m going to mention it to Dr. Allport on Friday to see what her response is. The first time it happened I thought I might have a problem with my appendix.

Today on the radio I heard Prince’s “Diamonds and Pearls” debuted at number 5. “Cream” is number 11 and his song for Martika is top ten. I’m waiting for Ann Marie to send the tape. 

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I’m also still waiting for a package from Jane. I’m going to call her on Saturday to hear how she is. I’m assuming a letter is on the way and lying somewhere between here and the U.S. I haven’t heard from her since I saw her in June. 

I biked to Calabishie on Saturday (12). It only took 75 minutes. I went to Hempstead beach with Ingrid and others. She came to the cultural show on Monday.

10 October 

I didn’t iron today; I thought I would. After lunch I got ready to go to the post office and Mini-Cash. As I closed the padlock, I realized I did not have the key. I luckily overheard Mrs. Garaway this morning tell my neighbors that she was going to Roseau.

Instead of walking to LaGrange for nothing, I went to Frances’s house. I called to see if Mrs. Garaway returned. I decided to have Maryann send my extra key up after a few minutes of waiting. I’m glad I had a copy of my key made when I was in Erie. As it turned out Mrs. Garaway didn’t return tonight. Elaine took the key to a bus driver at the West bridge in Roseau; the driver dropped the key off at Nurse Dubique’s at about 5:30 p.m.

After I got into the apartment I gave Frances the extra key. I enjoyed the diversion for the day. I talked with Frances and watched a video.

3 October 

I was in Roseau for the whole weekend last week. I arrived on Friday (27) to find out my doctor appointment was canceled. Gabriella called the school at 8am but no one answered the phone. I don’t remember if we had assembly, but surely someone in the staff room heard the phone ring. The probable reason why no one answered was that the secretary wasn’t in and everyone was probably offended by the rules that were read at the beginning of the year. Supposedly we are not allowed to go into her office. The door between the staff room and her office was supposed to be locked. So far none of it has been enforced.

Speaking of enforcement I got put in charge of keeping track of merits and demerits today. Diane Angol, who normally does this, is leaving. It will be easy to do if the computer arrives. It’s only fair that I got the job. I have “a reputation” for giving the most demerits. I don’t think it is so true this year. I feel that my strong stand early this year will have a ripple effect of reminding the students to behave.

26 September

Yolanda will not be here – Actually she’s already gone – for the Birthday brunch at the Rosenfield’s. She left on Wednesday morning. A going-away party was held for her on Tuesday afternoon.

I went down after school. I caught a transport around 2:00 o’clock. I brought lime squash and popcorn with me. I was one of the few people who actually made what I brought.

Yolanda looked ready to cry. By the time she left she was crying.

I don’t feel like she’s gone yet. I suppose I’ll notice as I take trips to Roseau. Catherine said she and Yolanda did their crying in the days before her departure.

After the party I typed and photocopied a test for my second form class. I didn’t arrive back to school in time to give it. I  arrived seventeen minutes after third period. That wasn’t enough time to give it. They studied for a test in another subject. I moved my test to Friday.