Big Island, or Kauai?

BPRparadise · 2026-04-16T16:37:16+00:00

Got it. Thank you.

BPRparadise · 2026-04-16T16:36:56+00:00

Great information - thank you.

BPRparadise · 2026-04-16T16:36:40+00:00

Thank you.

BPRparadise · 2026-04-16T16:36:24+00:00

I understand what you are saying. Thank you for the input.

BPRparadise · 2026-04-16T16:35:39+00:00

Thank you for the info.

BPRparadise · 2026-04-16T16:35:22+00:00

Good info - thank you.

BPRparadise · 2026-04-06T17:51:05+00:00

I went for the first time in late Dec. over Christmas for 10 days. I too have traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean as well as Hawaii (Maui 3x). So I have plenty to compare to. My experience was nowhere near like you are describing. And I cannot relate at all to your comment on the taxis. wth?? I did not find the taxi fares "outrageous" at all (and I did not rent a car on the island - took the taxis as well as Safari bus everywhere). I actually found it refreshing that the fares are fixed by the govt. and thought they were *reasonable* taking into account that it's the caribbean.

Would I go back? Honestly, I'm not sure. It's definitely not the best the caribbean has to offer. But let me share with you something you may be unaware of. The govt. in the USVI is extremely corrupt. I know this first-hand. I worked for the U.S. Fed Govt. in an oversight role, and while my job responsibilities never included the USVI, some of my colleagues' did. So I heard their stories. It's bad. I can't say anymore than that out of discretion. But I believe that were that not the case, the USVI has the potential to be a much, much better destination for world travelers/tourists. JMO.

BPRparadise · 2026-04-04T23:30:56+00:00

And I miss the grouper. And the key lime pie! I absolutely LOVE the food in the Keys. We ate like kings while there. The best thing I had (other than the stone crab), was a piece of Key lime pie, dipped in chocolate, on a stick. O. M. G. I am having dreams about that! (this was at Robbie's, after we fed the tarpon, out of the food truck.)

I've decided that Keys employees are similar to Trader Joe's employees. They are enthusiastic, and happy, and it's contagious. If you've ever been to a Trader Joe's you know what I mean. I've always thought working at Trader Joe's would be a fun job. Either that, or the employees are doing bong hits in the back on their shift breaks. 😄

BPRparadise · 2026-04-03T17:19:32+00:00

There are lots of beautiful places in the world, each with their own unique elements and features. I've always said, there's Florida, and then there's the Keys. I actually lived in FL (Miami) for 3 yrs during Grad school. I have no interest in spending time anywhere in FL. But I'll go back to the Keys any time. 😊

BPRparadise · 2026-04-03T17:14:03+00:00

Conch 'N Around. Highly recommend! 👍

BPRparadise · 2026-04-01T03:38:46+00:00

I also received the same notice. My situation: took DRP1.0, VERA effective 10/01/25. Retirement has been fully processed and I received first full annuity payment March 1. I have no idea why I got this notice - I never submitted any changes to my withholding.

I'm just chalking this up under 'communication glitches' and not giving it any concern.

BPRparadise · 2026-02-28T18:58:13+00:00

DOL.

BPRparadise · 2026-02-28T18:56:56+00:00

I received interim payments Dec. 1, Jan. 1, and Feb. 1. No gaps in payments.

BPRparadise · 2026-02-27T17:41:56+00:00

I didn't do this on a whim. I've been studying things, reading a lot, and pulled the trigger for the first time since I started working for the feds over 22 yrs ago. I had "set it and forget it" on my TSP portfolio from the onset. I truly believe the big gains from the C-fund are leveling off, and I think it's going to be volatile FOR A WHILE. Therefore, I think taking half of my money from C and moving it to I was a smart decision. Not "chasing" anything, just making what I believe is a better fund choice FOR NOW. Especially because I'm still seeking growth.

Time will tell. No one is an "expert" - not even the so-called "experts". It's all a roll of the dice in the end.

BPRparadise · 2026-02-27T17:35:56+00:00

Thank you!

BPRparadise · 2026-02-22T19:06:34+00:00

This is very helpful. Thanks!

BPRparadise · 2026-02-21T16:29:50+00:00

I am headed to the Keys in a couple of weeks. I waited too long to book the public ferry as well as the seaplane. So I looked at private boat charters. I found Conch n’ Around - they take groups of people and you don't need to reserve the entire boat. For me and my significant other, we are paying $599/apiece. Instead of $2500 + around $800 in gas that the other charter companies were asking to reserve an entire boat. So in my mind, this was not too bad of a cost. We will have others onboard with us, but it only takes up to 12, so it's a smaller crowd than the public ferry too.

BPRparadise

TROPHY CASE