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“A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.”
~ Doug Larson
~ Doug Larson
When I was a little girl growing up in southern Mississippi, Garden Clubs were a big deal. Now mind you me, I never attended one, nor did anyone in my family. I truly had no reference to what went on behind the closed doors. I did carefully observe my friends' moms, who actually went to Garden Club meetings. From those observations, I surmised that you had to belong to the club, had to dress up in a pretty dress and heels, and have a bit of money or pull in the community. The word "snooty" always popped up in my brain when I thought of Garden Club.
I had no real frame of Garden Club reference. My mom was an avid flower gardener with exceptional rose beds, zinnias, sweet peas, and more, but she wasn't in Garden Club. Several brides even came to our house and begged for roses for their wedding bouquet and flower girl baskets! Mama usually told them, "It's a deal, as long as my daughter gets to be the flower girl." (That would be me - perpetual flower girl to many a bride.) Still, she wasn't in the local Garden Club. I'm sure it didn't bother her, as she thought bridge clubs, Garden Clubs, and anything of the sort a waste of good time.
So my imagination took hold and I mostly thought of Garden Clubs as a playground for rich white women in pouffy dresses and big hats. There was no dirt under those Southern Belle fingernails for certain!
Fast forward to a different country and continent - Uruguay in South America. Imagine my surprise when a friend called and asked if I'd like to come to her next Garden Club meeting. My first thought was - "Oh mylanta - I had no frilly dresses or big hats!"
She assured me it would be casual, as we were going to tour a member's vegetable garden to learn some organic gardening tips and tricks. "Be prepared to get muddy feet," she warned.
What? Vegetable garden? Casual? Muddy feet? I felt as if I'd fallen down the rabbit hole. I decided to go - hey, it was a free lunch! Knock me over with a feather - when I arrived, I encountered a bunch of women in baseball caps and hats that looked like fishermen needed them. They wore jeans tucked into waterproof boots and sturdy jackets. In other words, my kind of women friends!
And so began my Garden Club experiences. Our club was called The Giving Tree and we took up a collection at each meeting to fund an elementary school garden, a local village garden, and other worthwhile projects. We romped through muddy fields looking for an elusive wild orchid, trod carefully around newly planted vegetable gardens, shared seeds, plants, and love of the Earth.
I did get to wear something pretty once in a blue moon when we would go to a restaurant for lunch afterwards, but all in all it couldn't have been more different than my misconceptions gathered over the years.
And as for the U.S. - my perception of Garden Clubs was sorely lacking, especially in today's world. Garden Clubs in the South have fundraisers to sponsor scholarships, establish vegetable gardens in schools and communities, and generally take on beautification of streets and parks in their communities.
Who knew?
I had no real frame of Garden Club reference. My mom was an avid flower gardener with exceptional rose beds, zinnias, sweet peas, and more, but she wasn't in Garden Club. Several brides even came to our house and begged for roses for their wedding bouquet and flower girl baskets! Mama usually told them, "It's a deal, as long as my daughter gets to be the flower girl." (That would be me - perpetual flower girl to many a bride.) Still, she wasn't in the local Garden Club. I'm sure it didn't bother her, as she thought bridge clubs, Garden Clubs, and anything of the sort a waste of good time.
So my imagination took hold and I mostly thought of Garden Clubs as a playground for rich white women in pouffy dresses and big hats. There was no dirt under those Southern Belle fingernails for certain!
Fast forward to a different country and continent - Uruguay in South America. Imagine my surprise when a friend called and asked if I'd like to come to her next Garden Club meeting. My first thought was - "Oh mylanta - I had no frilly dresses or big hats!"
She assured me it would be casual, as we were going to tour a member's vegetable garden to learn some organic gardening tips and tricks. "Be prepared to get muddy feet," she warned.
What? Vegetable garden? Casual? Muddy feet? I felt as if I'd fallen down the rabbit hole. I decided to go - hey, it was a free lunch! Knock me over with a feather - when I arrived, I encountered a bunch of women in baseball caps and hats that looked like fishermen needed them. They wore jeans tucked into waterproof boots and sturdy jackets. In other words, my kind of women friends!
And so began my Garden Club experiences. Our club was called The Giving Tree and we took up a collection at each meeting to fund an elementary school garden, a local village garden, and other worthwhile projects. We romped through muddy fields looking for an elusive wild orchid, trod carefully around newly planted vegetable gardens, shared seeds, plants, and love of the Earth.
I did get to wear something pretty once in a blue moon when we would go to a restaurant for lunch afterwards, but all in all it couldn't have been more different than my misconceptions gathered over the years.
And as for the U.S. - my perception of Garden Clubs was sorely lacking, especially in today's world. Garden Clubs in the South have fundraisers to sponsor scholarships, establish vegetable gardens in schools and communities, and generally take on beautification of streets and parks in their communities.
Who knew?
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Change is inevitable, but many times unwanted. Our dear friends - one of whom is our piano teacher and art teacher moved to Mexico. I totally understand their move, but it doesn't make it any easier.
When you've uprooted life to move to a new country, leaving family and old friends behind, it's difficult to see new friends leave! The feeling that you've invested a part of yourself into a new friendship is there and now it's being snatched away.
We became close friends with this couple because we had so much in common - a love of music, art, and the nature of healing. We've been through some emotional times with them, both happy and sad. We will both truly miss them.
UPDATE: August 2022 - They're moving back to Uruguay this November!!!! I am beyond thrilled for selfish reasons, sad that their stay in Mexico didn't work out, and happy they feel returning to Uruguay is the best thing.
When you've uprooted life to move to a new country, leaving family and old friends behind, it's difficult to see new friends leave! The feeling that you've invested a part of yourself into a new friendship is there and now it's being snatched away.
We became close friends with this couple because we had so much in common - a love of music, art, and the nature of healing. We've been through some emotional times with them, both happy and sad. We will both truly miss them.
UPDATE: August 2022 - They're moving back to Uruguay this November!!!! I am beyond thrilled for selfish reasons, sad that their stay in Mexico didn't work out, and happy they feel returning to Uruguay is the best thing.
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My Little Cindy - my niece, my friend, the little sister I always wanted...passed away very suddenly today in her home in Mexico. She was diagnosed with liver cancer only eleven days ago.
There was no time to say goodbye and no time to fully prepare ourselves for the shock. There are no words for how much I miss her. At times, she was a lifeline for me and with only seven years difference between us, she was the pesky little sister I never had. She meant more to me than I let her know – a big regret.
I helped Cindy take her first step, she was my best buddy during summer stays at our home, I saw the Beatles with her, and I loved her fiercely. Her laugh was contagious; her energy unsurpassed, and her love of kitties, birds, music, and puppies will always be an inspiration to me. She was a huge part of my life.
We loved her visits with her husband, Dave, to our home in the Texas Hill Country or Tuscany Terrace, as Dave dubbed our home. I cherish those visits and wish I could relive every single moment.
I miss our talks, our laughter, our little messages on Facebook. I miss saying, “Oh, Cindy.” I’m not sure what’s around after death – maybe we’re just in another universe, maybe a parallel reality, another life, Heaven, or just gone.
Dear Cindy: Wherever you are, say hello to everyone we're missing and give yourself a big hug from us. I will always, always have you in my heart. - Your Aunt Pam
There was no time to say goodbye and no time to fully prepare ourselves for the shock. There are no words for how much I miss her. At times, she was a lifeline for me and with only seven years difference between us, she was the pesky little sister I never had. She meant more to me than I let her know – a big regret.
I helped Cindy take her first step, she was my best buddy during summer stays at our home, I saw the Beatles with her, and I loved her fiercely. Her laugh was contagious; her energy unsurpassed, and her love of kitties, birds, music, and puppies will always be an inspiration to me. She was a huge part of my life.
We loved her visits with her husband, Dave, to our home in the Texas Hill Country or Tuscany Terrace, as Dave dubbed our home. I cherish those visits and wish I could relive every single moment.
I miss our talks, our laughter, our little messages on Facebook. I miss saying, “Oh, Cindy.” I’m not sure what’s around after death – maybe we’re just in another universe, maybe a parallel reality, another life, Heaven, or just gone.
Dear Cindy: Wherever you are, say hello to everyone we're missing and give yourself a big hug from us. I will always, always have you in my heart. - Your Aunt Pam
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The U.S.A. was calling me to come home! It was time for a trip to visit family and friends. It's hard to visit everyone; they're all spread out in 3 different states. On this trip I concentrated on a visit with childhood friends in Florida and a visit to family in Arkansas. The rest will sadly have to wait until the next trip. (Update - little did I know that would not happen for awhile with the outbreak of COVID-19.)
I will have to say that the trip from Montevideo, Uruguay to Miami, Florida was the absolute worst. The flight was fine; it left on time from Montevideo. I sat with a group of 20 urologists all traveling to Miami for a medical convention. They were a fun bunch and a delight. Uruguay being small, of course my seat mate knew a mutual friend!
The problems started as we landed in Miami. You must pick up luggage before going through Customs. We were sent to an area with NO bathrooms, no seating, and no access to water or food. And there we stood for 2 and 1/2 hours waiting. I was hotter than a firecracker and needed to pee like a racehorse! We then formed a very long line of tired, angry travelers, all of whom missed flight connections. URrrgh!!!
I'd love to say the rest of the trip went smoothly. It didn't, with typical Florida thunderstorms, heat, and mosquitoes. I did, however, love seeing my two best childhood friends and their husbands on Longboat Key. I got up early every morning and watched the birds and fishermen on the beach.
Getting to Little Rock was a breeze in comparison and I absolutely adored seeing our son, daughter, and granddaughter. I love them all so very much. They were the best hosts, ever!!! We went out to eat all my favorite foods, we played board games, I read stories to my granddaughter, and we even had a pedicure!
Visits are a reverse culture shock. Everything in the U.S. is so busy and loud! I hear English everywhere! Gotta love these trips.
Update: I am beyond grateful to the Universe that I chose to see my childhood friends on this trip. One of them passed away suddenly in 2022. I'm so blessed that he and I had this time together in Florida. We sat on the beach every morning drinking our coffee and chatting. He was a dear friend for over 50 years and always there for me no matter what. I will miss him terribly. As destiny would have it, his grandson is staying in Uruguay this year (2022) on a college Study Abroad program!
I will have to say that the trip from Montevideo, Uruguay to Miami, Florida was the absolute worst. The flight was fine; it left on time from Montevideo. I sat with a group of 20 urologists all traveling to Miami for a medical convention. They were a fun bunch and a delight. Uruguay being small, of course my seat mate knew a mutual friend!
The problems started as we landed in Miami. You must pick up luggage before going through Customs. We were sent to an area with NO bathrooms, no seating, and no access to water or food. And there we stood for 2 and 1/2 hours waiting. I was hotter than a firecracker and needed to pee like a racehorse! We then formed a very long line of tired, angry travelers, all of whom missed flight connections. URrrgh!!!
I'd love to say the rest of the trip went smoothly. It didn't, with typical Florida thunderstorms, heat, and mosquitoes. I did, however, love seeing my two best childhood friends and their husbands on Longboat Key. I got up early every morning and watched the birds and fishermen on the beach.
Getting to Little Rock was a breeze in comparison and I absolutely adored seeing our son, daughter, and granddaughter. I love them all so very much. They were the best hosts, ever!!! We went out to eat all my favorite foods, we played board games, I read stories to my granddaughter, and we even had a pedicure!
Visits are a reverse culture shock. Everything in the U.S. is so busy and loud! I hear English everywhere! Gotta love these trips.
Update: I am beyond grateful to the Universe that I chose to see my childhood friends on this trip. One of them passed away suddenly in 2022. I'm so blessed that he and I had this time together in Florida. We sat on the beach every morning drinking our coffee and chatting. He was a dear friend for over 50 years and always there for me no matter what. I will miss him terribly. As destiny would have it, his grandson is staying in Uruguay this year (2022) on a college Study Abroad program!
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At the La Barra "Wavy" Bridge
Marina, Pam, and Rosaura in Punta Ballena
Casa Pueblo
My neighbor and best friend in Texas came to visit!!!!! She and her friend love to travel, so what better place to visit than Uruguay. We were so happy to have them as our first guests.
Our dogs, Sam and Gracie, remembered Rosaura, our neighbor. They went just a little bit nutty when they saw her. Sam may have peed with joy...
We had the most marvelous time. I played "tour guide" and we went places I hadn't been, such as Casa Pueblo and parts of La Barra. We climbed a lighthouse, ate crepes and seafood, visited the beach numerous times, and watched a horse whisperer train wild horses!
We cooked fabulous food, laughed, snuggled with the kitties, and talked on the porch until late at night. There's no better cure for homesickness than to be with long-time friends. We spent many a night in Texas under the stars, sipping wine and singing songs; we continued that tradition here below the equator.
Our dogs, Sam and Gracie, remembered Rosaura, our neighbor. They went just a little bit nutty when they saw her. Sam may have peed with joy...
We had the most marvelous time. I played "tour guide" and we went places I hadn't been, such as Casa Pueblo and parts of La Barra. We climbed a lighthouse, ate crepes and seafood, visited the beach numerous times, and watched a horse whisperer train wild horses!
We cooked fabulous food, laughed, snuggled with the kitties, and talked on the porch until late at night. There's no better cure for homesickness than to be with long-time friends. We spent many a night in Texas under the stars, sipping wine and singing songs; we continued that tradition here below the equator.
Doma Racional (Horse Whisperer) Training
Oh, La Barra!
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Update: Our dear friends moved from Uruguay and the husband passed away in (2022). These memories of sweet Thanksgiving holidays at their home are even more precious now. Somewhere in Heaven, he's driving that Mule!
Gluten-intolerant? Here's my delicious recipe for
GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD DRESSING.
GLUTEN-FREE CORNBREAD DRESSING.
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"My mother always said, life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." - Forest Gump (Tom Hanks)
Just a little something about the women in your lives - whether they are your mom or not!
Mother’s Day is Sunday. Recently, I've read several articles on the Internet portraying Mother’s Day as self-serving and even boring. The authors were mothers. Tell me it ain’t so!
I believe that many, many women, whether they have children or not, have attributes often used to describe motherhood – loving, nurturing, caring, compassionate, and wise.
Until I was 45 (when I gained a wonderful bonus-son), I went through many a childless Mother's Day and endured countless baby showers. Yes, it is difficult to be child-free on those occasions, especially when the subjects of childbirth pains and breast-feeding dominate the conversation. Spell A-W-K-W-A-R-D.
Once upon a time, as I was having my own personal childless Mother’s Day pity party, my sweet mama reminded me that - I was, of course, a mother. I questioned her statement, so she asked me to explain what I did every day at work as a teacher. I stared at her strangely, for she knew darn well what I did.
I thought about the question and realized the answers: I ask my "kids" (students) about their interests; I ask how they feel; I sympathize with some and laugh with others; I dry tears and shed a few; I find lost items before, during, and after the school day; I try to make them feel better when they are ill; I accept and give hugs; I lift up their spirits and confidence.
After contemplating my answers, I realized that Mama was right - I am a Mother. I also realized those same answers applied not only to my students at school, but to my nieces, nephews, my friends' children, and my pets. Oh yes!
Thanks to Mama, I rarely felt left out, jealous, bitter, or sad on Mother's Day. In fact, I love Mother's Day. I love my mother and remember with joy her last Mother's Day when she turned 100 (the same day!)
Happy Mother's Day to all those women who care for others - regardless in what capacity! Mothers or not, and no matter what your occupation, your age, or your life situation – you are a strong example to those who love you.
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"Once upon a time your mama knew what it meant to shine." - Hope Floats - Birdee Pruitt (Sandra Bullock)
My life has changed again. My mom passed away last night. She was a grand old dame and 100 years old! I'm posting her obituary here, as her life was incredible:
"Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great-Grandmother passed at the age of 100 after a long and full life of devotion to her family. Her memory will be cherished by her four children, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Mama was born in 1913 on a small farm in Mississippi. After graduation from high school, she moved to the Gulf Coast to take up a career as a hairdresser, which she loved. Shortly afterwards she met and married our father. The first time she met him, he turned to a friend and announced, "I'm going to marry her!"
After the birth of her first child, she gave up her career to dedicate her life to being a loving and devoted wife and mother. Mama was enormously proud of her children’s successes and accomplishments, in particular the fact that they all graduated from college. For Mama, education was paramount - she always told her children, it’s not IF you go to college, it’s WHEN you go to college.
Mama enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilt-making, reading, crossword puzzles, Elvis, baseball, and, perhaps most of all – ICE CREAM! She attributed her love of ice cream to a family tradition: every Sunday afternoon her mother would bake a cake and her father would churn up ice cream in a hand-crank ice cream maker as a special treat for the family. Mama loved ice cream so much that she ate it for breakfast!
The daughter of a great cook, Mama always looked forward to family gatherings where she could exhibit her own mastery of cooking. Her fried chicken, French fries, fried shrimp, gumbo, pies, and German Chocolate Cake were all legendary.
A lifelong Methodist, Mama cherished her women's Church Circle meetings, which she attended regularly until Hurricane Katrina forced her from her home. After Katrina, she lived in Austin, Texas and Gautier, but often commented about how much she missed living in her own home and attending Circle meetings with her friends.
Thank you, Mama, you lived a life full of love, laughter, and service to your family and that family will miss you forever!!
(Quite a lot of content borrowed from my big brother, Charles!)
My life has changed again. My mom passed away last night. She was a grand old dame and 100 years old! I'm posting her obituary here, as her life was incredible:
"Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great-Grandmother passed at the age of 100 after a long and full life of devotion to her family. Her memory will be cherished by her four children, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Mama was born in 1913 on a small farm in Mississippi. After graduation from high school, she moved to the Gulf Coast to take up a career as a hairdresser, which she loved. Shortly afterwards she met and married our father. The first time she met him, he turned to a friend and announced, "I'm going to marry her!"
After the birth of her first child, she gave up her career to dedicate her life to being a loving and devoted wife and mother. Mama was enormously proud of her children’s successes and accomplishments, in particular the fact that they all graduated from college. For Mama, education was paramount - she always told her children, it’s not IF you go to college, it’s WHEN you go to college.
Mama enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilt-making, reading, crossword puzzles, Elvis, baseball, and, perhaps most of all – ICE CREAM! She attributed her love of ice cream to a family tradition: every Sunday afternoon her mother would bake a cake and her father would churn up ice cream in a hand-crank ice cream maker as a special treat for the family. Mama loved ice cream so much that she ate it for breakfast!
The daughter of a great cook, Mama always looked forward to family gatherings where she could exhibit her own mastery of cooking. Her fried chicken, French fries, fried shrimp, gumbo, pies, and German Chocolate Cake were all legendary.
A lifelong Methodist, Mama cherished her women's Church Circle meetings, which she attended regularly until Hurricane Katrina forced her from her home. After Katrina, she lived in Austin, Texas and Gautier, but often commented about how much she missed living in her own home and attending Circle meetings with her friends.
Thank you, Mama, you lived a life full of love, laughter, and service to your family and that family will miss you forever!!
(Quite a lot of content borrowed from my big brother, Charles!)
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"It don't care whether I'm good enough. It don't care whether I snore or not. It don't care which God I pray to. There are only three things with that kind of unconditional acceptance: Dogs, donuts, and money." - Other People's Money - Lawrence Garfield (Danny DeVito)
We are in our fifth day of ten in our dog-sitting for Pake, our friends' twelve-year-old Border Collie. Pake has an interesting story, to say the least. Sadly, in Uruguay many sheep and cattle ranchers abandon their herding dogs, as the dogs become too old to work. Pake was one of these older dogs.
In June of 2013, my husband was driving to the market near Portezuelo Beach when he saw a beautiful Border Collie running alongside the highway. The dog looked to be brown, hungry, and dirty, but very noble-looking. This was nearly 20 kilometers from our home.
On the way back from the market, he saw the dog again and pulled over. Said dog wanted nothing to do with my husband! To clarify the context, my husband had been separated from our two Border Collies, Sam and Gracie, for several months and was missing them terribly. He was instantly in love!
On another day, one of our friends saw the same dog, still traveling in the general direction of our chacra, but still about 12 kilometers away.
Lo and behold! Hubs was driving down a different country highway about 7 kilometers from our chacra and there was the same Border Collie in a field, looking as regal as could be. My husband decided right then and there if that Border Collie showed up anywhere nearer, he would be ours! A trip was made to the pet store to stock up on dog food, leash, collar, toys, and shampoo. On the way home, he stopped, took a picture of the dog, and called him to come, but still no luck. Heartbreak...
A week or so later, we heard that “our Border Collie” showed up at the home of friends living at least 10 kilometers away from us. (17 kilometers from the last spotting in the field). When they bathed the dirt from Pake, he turned out to be black and white, not brown. In all, Pake traveled over 35 kilometers from where he was first seen to his new home!
Pake hit the jackpot at the end of his search for a "forever" home. His new home comes complete with a four-year-old Border Collie playmate, Chico, and two loving parents. Pake adores the name our friends chose for him and responds to it every single time. Like his new "parents," Pake is now retired, lives on a 7 hectare chacra, and has lots of time to soak up all the sunshine, love and attention he deserves in his elder years.
We are so honored to have Pake stay with us. Our two Border Collies, Sam and Gracie, are quite jealous, but adjusting. What a great dog Pake is! What stories he could tell! He is brilliant at understanding every command, no matter that we speak English. He and I have started to go on two walks a day; he is teaching me about nature and the patience that should come to us all when growing older. No matter how old I grow, I will never understand how someone could abandon such a noble friend.
We are in our fifth day of ten in our dog-sitting for Pake, our friends' twelve-year-old Border Collie. Pake has an interesting story, to say the least. Sadly, in Uruguay many sheep and cattle ranchers abandon their herding dogs, as the dogs become too old to work. Pake was one of these older dogs.
In June of 2013, my husband was driving to the market near Portezuelo Beach when he saw a beautiful Border Collie running alongside the highway. The dog looked to be brown, hungry, and dirty, but very noble-looking. This was nearly 20 kilometers from our home.
On the way back from the market, he saw the dog again and pulled over. Said dog wanted nothing to do with my husband! To clarify the context, my husband had been separated from our two Border Collies, Sam and Gracie, for several months and was missing them terribly. He was instantly in love!
On another day, one of our friends saw the same dog, still traveling in the general direction of our chacra, but still about 12 kilometers away.
Lo and behold! Hubs was driving down a different country highway about 7 kilometers from our chacra and there was the same Border Collie in a field, looking as regal as could be. My husband decided right then and there if that Border Collie showed up anywhere nearer, he would be ours! A trip was made to the pet store to stock up on dog food, leash, collar, toys, and shampoo. On the way home, he stopped, took a picture of the dog, and called him to come, but still no luck. Heartbreak...
A week or so later, we heard that “our Border Collie” showed up at the home of friends living at least 10 kilometers away from us. (17 kilometers from the last spotting in the field). When they bathed the dirt from Pake, he turned out to be black and white, not brown. In all, Pake traveled over 35 kilometers from where he was first seen to his new home!
Pake hit the jackpot at the end of his search for a "forever" home. His new home comes complete with a four-year-old Border Collie playmate, Chico, and two loving parents. Pake adores the name our friends chose for him and responds to it every single time. Like his new "parents," Pake is now retired, lives on a 7 hectare chacra, and has lots of time to soak up all the sunshine, love and attention he deserves in his elder years.
We are so honored to have Pake stay with us. Our two Border Collies, Sam and Gracie, are quite jealous, but adjusting. What a great dog Pake is! What stories he could tell! He is brilliant at understanding every command, no matter that we speak English. He and I have started to go on two walks a day; he is teaching me about nature and the patience that should come to us all when growing older. No matter how old I grow, I will never understand how someone could abandon such a noble friend.
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"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.
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.
