"It's not the years, honey. It's the mileage."
- Raiders of the Lost Ark - Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) 

     Today I celebrated my first birthday in Uruguay!  I have to say, we have partied like nobody's business this weekend.  Thursday night was an impromptu party with a friend who stopped by, Friday night was a dinner party for another friend and his family, and Saturday was a double-doozy with a dinner party for a neighbor and then on to a big neighborhood gathering at 9:30.  Yes, 9:30!  I have to take naps and drink coffee before partying with these night-owl Uruguayans.  Today a neighbor stopped by with a bottle of wine for me and an invitation for lunch tomorrow.  Whew!  Who knew other hemispheres could be so entertaining?
     The rains that would not stop in January have led to much erosion and a large sinkhole on the road to our chacra.  Since we are on a private road with 23 other chacras, all the neighbors are responsible for road maintenance.  Last night was a neighborhood party/meeting to discuss the road work needed.  We were able to meet most of our neighborhood.  The warmth and kindness of Uruguayans never ceases to amaze me.  Kisses and hugs all around, of course.  
     The meeting was  better than a movie!  There was much discussion about the road.  (I love it when grown-ups raise their hands to talk!)  One man seemed to be in charge, but every once in awhile the system broke down with people getting up and walking around for unorganized breaks.  At that point, much clapping for attention and a little yelling got people back on track.  
     My Spanish is not good, but I kept hearing my name in the discussion.  Finally, I asked a neighbor sitting next to me to translate.  Seems like someone nominated me as bookkeeper for organizing the road work funds.  Good heavens - what were they thinking?   Thank goodness, the party host volunteered his services for that.  
     I am grateful beyond belief for the new friends and neighbors.