The Doughnut Lady of Coxen Hole, Roatan
News from Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
01 July 2002
By Pierre Renaldo, The Coastwatcher©

I was sitting here early this morning, in the office, reminiscing about moving into our newly finished workplace, just six years ago. The paint was still wet, compliments of yours truly, and the truck carrying our office and household possessions was unloading down at the bottom of the stairs.

The building was brand spanking new, and we were the first tenants. Several workers were bringing in our office furniture and supplies, the computers and the file cabinets that held the history of our working lives.

Gloria was supervising the placing of furniture and arranging of the computers and other essentials, while I was riding shotgun with the moving crew. We had just arrived from the shipping company dock, having finally unloaded the container that represented the sum and substance of our physical resources. We were nearly finished with the office phase of the move-in and were about to embark for the last thrust of our mission, the unloading at our cottage at the beach. That is the first time I ever heard the call, “Doughnuts!”

I turned to see a tub of something protruding above the throng of people making the ongoing job possible, (or impossible), but I could not see a person. It sounded like a female voice and upon working my way into the middle of the crowd, I saw a remarkable sight. She was slightly over five feet tall, a smile from ear to ear, beautiful glistening white teeth, a lovely pixie face and the tub balanced on top of her head was emitting a wonderful fragrance, instantly creating a monster appetite in all present.

It was time for a break, and a very special treat.

That was the first time I ever saw her and she has become a constant in our lives since that day. It’s funny how things so simple become a part of our existence, a small bit of something that will be a nostalgic memory of this place for us. The cute little “doughnut lady”.

Over the years she has come to our office, delivering up her delicious morsels, hot from the fire upon which they were created, readily consumed by her anticipating patrons. They are still very warm, coated with sugar, crisp and delicious.

As if on queue she arrived this morning just as I was pouring my second cup of coffee. Talk about perfect timing.

Many people in our office complex have never seen this delightful elf, our cherished doughnut lady; she is an early riser and one must be up and around in order to partake of this wonderful morning tradition. If you are a “B” person, one of those unfortunates who like to sleep late, then you will not likely ever have the good fortune of meeting this angel of mercy, who brings comfort and satisfaction to the hungry, in the early hours of the beginning day.

I have never seen her on the streets of town after 8 A.M. because it does not take long for her to sell out. So you see, if you are not an early riser, not only do you miss the glorious sunrises of Roatan, but you will be out of luck if you are in the mood for a great homemade doughnut.

Seems to me I there is an old cliche` about the early bird, and the benefits thereof.

Questions or comments: elouis@globalnet.hn

Ciao
Pierre

By Pierre Renaldo, Mountain Coastal S.A,. General Contractors, Construction Management and Construction Consultants.