Most Hoosiers have dreamed of wintering on a Caribbean Island. Carol and Ed Elrod lived the dream. Goat Water Is Not What You Think: The Montserrat Island Life of Two Hoosiers and the Volcano That Ended It is Carol’s memoir of their experience.
After visiting to help repair hurricane damage, Ed brought home stories and the dream. First they spent a month on the island. That month went so well, that Carol took early retirement and Ed arranged to manage his insurance business by long distance. They purchased a house sight unseen and made their first trip down to be winter residents.
Their trip down was “interesting” to say the least — particularly the unusual arrangements to bring their pets with them. Then they saw their house. It certainly was not up to the standards of their Lockerbie Square home in Indianapolis. The furniture was — shall we say well used. Then there were all the animals — mammals, reptiles and insects. The pool made up for all of it, though.
Life in Montserrat was quite an adjustment for the type “A” Elrods. For example, a favorite activity was watching airplanes make the seemingly impossible approach and landing next to the ocean. Expats met for “foursies” or cocktails at 4 so everyone could be home before dark at 6:30. Carol Elrod writes of many interesting characters and traditions. Each of the shopkeeps was a real character. Church choir rehearsals were somewhat less than well organized. Then there is the preparation and consumption of Goat Water. And no, I won’t tell you what it is. Come to Carol and Ed Elrod’s presentation at Bookmamas, 9 South Johnson, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26 and maybe they’ll explain that conundrum. They will be glad to autograph any books purchased that evening.
