A few recent impressions:

1. Due to recent rains, the island is as green as it ever gets. Even the cows on the hillside at the far end of the Grand Case airport runway finally have some green grass to graze on. Hopefully, residents' cisterns are filling up.

2. Construction progress continues at the undesired and much-hated twin skyscraper project in Cupecoy (Fourteen at Mullet Bay). The proposed 20-story tower closest to the ocean is growing; it is now at three stories above grade. The second tower is still a hole in the ground.

3. The new Starz Casino at Porto Cupecoy was over-staffed and devoid of gamblers on the night we visited. Just a few sad-looking people playing the slots, and several bored-looking employees looking at empty gaming tables. The old Starz Casino building hasn't been touched in a while -- no signs of construction there. It's empty and needs repairs.

4. The new government-supplied booths for vendors in Marigot are flat-out ugly. They are shipping containers.

5. The Perch at Orient Beach is offering only a limited menu because this is the low season for tourists. The only food items offered are hamburgers and mahi burgers -- no fries or salads available. All the usual drinks are still being offered, of course. The Club Orient beach looks good -- the floating raft is back, and the sargassum isn't noticeable.