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"You had me at hello." - Jerry McGuire - Dorothy (Renée Zellweger)
Yes, they do celebrate Valentine's Day in Uruguay. We spent in Montevideo, shopping for a front door. We forgot it was Valentine's Day until around noon; we celebrated with ham sandwiches. OK!
It does get better, my Valentine's Day gift was the perfect front door. Now some may say that is a utilitarian gift and in no way romantic. As one friend said, "Love is a threshold too carry your wife over."
It does get better, my Valentine's Day gift was the perfect front door. Now some may say that is a utilitarian gift and in no way romantic. As one friend said, "Love is a threshold too carry your wife over."
In Uruguay the doors are often custom-made for your specifications and measurements. Stay tuned for the finished product, ready in about 2-3 weeks. Valentine Doors - a new trend!
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"I was hiding under your porch because I love you." - Up - Dug (Bob Peterson)
All my life I have lived in the South and yearned for a front porch. As a child, I spent much of my summer outside either under or up on a limb of our huge Chinaberry tree, dreaming of porch-sitting.
Once, at a very ratty (literally) duplex during university life, I had a front porch for a few months until the rodents and a gas leak drove me away. Not much porch-sitting was done there.
Sadly, as an adult, our house purchases seemed to come sans porches. But now we have a front porch and a back porch! It's loved by us, our pups, and our cats. We even have an occasional possum or two visit the porch.
Living with a porch is all I dreamt it would be and more! Tonight we had a dinner party with excellent food, much wine, and hilarious conversation with dear friends on our front porch. We watched the sun set and the fireflies come out; we listened to the crickets, parrots, frogs, and our own laughter. Joyous views, joyous sounds - all from our front porch.
Once, at a very ratty (literally) duplex during university life, I had a front porch for a few months until the rodents and a gas leak drove me away. Not much porch-sitting was done there.
Sadly, as an adult, our house purchases seemed to come sans porches. But now we have a front porch and a back porch! It's loved by us, our pups, and our cats. We even have an occasional possum or two visit the porch.
Living with a porch is all I dreamt it would be and more! Tonight we had a dinner party with excellent food, much wine, and hilarious conversation with dear friends on our front porch. We watched the sun set and the fireflies come out; we listened to the crickets, parrots, frogs, and our own laughter. Joyous views, joyous sounds - all from our front porch.
Need some recipes for your own party on the porch? Here are RECIPES AND MENUS from my cooking website, MissCookbook.com.
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My quote for this post is from a former English as a Second Language student of mine. He's in his last semester of university. I'm proud to have been his teacher when he was in elementary school.
"What I love most about practicing acceptance is that it turns everything, every occurrence, thought, word, into exactly what you needed; the rest will fit into place eventually, like puzzle pieces." - Bandi Jan van Kooij
Perfect rainy day thoughts. This is the 5th or 6th day of rain; I've lost count. Everyone declares that this weather is highly unusual for February in Uruguay. The balastro (gravel) on our road has washed out part of the road. It's passable, but just barely. The bridge in the village down the road has washed out, as well. Sun is needed!
"What I love most about practicing acceptance is that it turns everything, every occurrence, thought, word, into exactly what you needed; the rest will fit into place eventually, like puzzle pieces." - Bandi Jan van Kooij
Perfect rainy day thoughts. This is the 5th or 6th day of rain; I've lost count. Everyone declares that this weather is highly unusual for February in Uruguay. The balastro (gravel) on our road has washed out part of the road. It's passable, but just barely. The bridge in the village down the road has washed out, as well. Sun is needed!
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"Generally you don't see that kind of behavior in a major appliance." Ghostbusters - Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray)
I've read and heard that many things don't work well in Uruguay - tales of water heaters purchased here lasting only a month and lawnmowers lasting a week. Of course, I dispelled those tales with much disbelief and suspicion of the story-tellers. Ha! I am officially one of the story-tellers now.
I am of the notion that rejects from every product-testing facility in the world ends up for sale here in Uruguay. It's not just items that are made in China (of which there are many). Our entertainment last night (since we couldn't watch the Super Bowl) was the Lightbulb Game. After experiencing lightbulb failure time and again with brand new lightbulbs, we played a guessing game, guessing which country produced ours. My husband gave me 5 guesses, then 15, then 25, before he took pity on my brain. The answer: GE lightbulbs made in ----- HUNGARY! Huh??
Lightbulbs are one thing; noise level is another. Our brand new Whirlpool refrigerator (yes, made in China) is the loudest refrigerator on Planet Earth; when the compressor shuts off, we all take a deep sigh of relief. The refrigerator has nothing on the stove exhaust fan however. In fact, a small airplane taking off from our porch would be quieter.
Not functioning at all is a common occurrence. In six short months we can sadly report failures from the following new items: a coffee maker, a gas oven (twice), an electric heater, several light fixtures, Direct TV, a security system, and last, but not least: our toilet and its multiple, broken seats. Infinite patience is required...
I've read and heard that many things don't work well in Uruguay - tales of water heaters purchased here lasting only a month and lawnmowers lasting a week. Of course, I dispelled those tales with much disbelief and suspicion of the story-tellers. Ha! I am officially one of the story-tellers now.
I am of the notion that rejects from every product-testing facility in the world ends up for sale here in Uruguay. It's not just items that are made in China (of which there are many). Our entertainment last night (since we couldn't watch the Super Bowl) was the Lightbulb Game. After experiencing lightbulb failure time and again with brand new lightbulbs, we played a guessing game, guessing which country produced ours. My husband gave me 5 guesses, then 15, then 25, before he took pity on my brain. The answer: GE lightbulbs made in ----- HUNGARY! Huh??
Lightbulbs are one thing; noise level is another. Our brand new Whirlpool refrigerator (yes, made in China) is the loudest refrigerator on Planet Earth; when the compressor shuts off, we all take a deep sigh of relief. The refrigerator has nothing on the stove exhaust fan however. In fact, a small airplane taking off from our porch would be quieter.
Not functioning at all is a common occurrence. In six short months we can sadly report failures from the following new items: a coffee maker, a gas oven (twice), an electric heater, several light fixtures, Direct TV, a security system, and last, but not least: our toilet and its multiple, broken seats. Infinite patience is required...
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"Just remember, they can buy anything but they can’t buy backbone." - Rushmore - Herman Blume (Bill Murray)
Some things just cannot be explained. We drove up Ruta 12 (near the multi-million dollar homes) yesterday morning from the beach in Punta del Este. It was a beautiful summer morning drive in the country with no traffic, 60 degrees, and sunny. Birds were chirping, a light breeze was blowing, all in all an idyllic Disney moment. Only two cars were in front of us. There was a lone cyclist riding a very expensive bicycle on the road. He was handsomely decked out in spandex, riding gloves, special shoes, and helmet. The car in front of us slowly passed him and as it did so, the cyclist began lifting his left arm into the air, pumping it up and down. We were a a few meters back, and couldn't quite make out the hand gesture, so we wondered what Uruguayan tradition this might be.
As the next car passed, it became very clear - not an Uruguayan tradition at all - just a road rage bicyclist wildly waving his third finger at every car! When it came our turn to pass, we looked at each other, wide-eyed and questioning whether we'd be graced with his antics. Sure enough! We had a good laugh over his ridiculousness. Whatever his nationality, I hope he rides into the sunset a happier man.
Some things just cannot be explained. We drove up Ruta 12 (near the multi-million dollar homes) yesterday morning from the beach in Punta del Este. It was a beautiful summer morning drive in the country with no traffic, 60 degrees, and sunny. Birds were chirping, a light breeze was blowing, all in all an idyllic Disney moment. Only two cars were in front of us. There was a lone cyclist riding a very expensive bicycle on the road. He was handsomely decked out in spandex, riding gloves, special shoes, and helmet. The car in front of us slowly passed him and as it did so, the cyclist began lifting his left arm into the air, pumping it up and down. We were a a few meters back, and couldn't quite make out the hand gesture, so we wondered what Uruguayan tradition this might be.
As the next car passed, it became very clear - not an Uruguayan tradition at all - just a road rage bicyclist wildly waving his third finger at every car! When it came our turn to pass, we looked at each other, wide-eyed and questioning whether we'd be graced with his antics. Sure enough! We had a good laugh over his ridiculousness. Whatever his nationality, I hope he rides into the sunset a happier man.
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“You can dance in the storm. Don't wait for the rain to be over before because it might take too long. You can do it now. Wherever you are, right now, you can start, right now; this very moment.” ― Israelmore Ayivor
The clouds in Uruguay are amazing. I had forgotten how clouds could look, until I really looked at them here.
The clouds in Uruguay are amazing. I had forgotten how clouds could look, until I really looked at them here.
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“You know what the secret is? It's so simple. We love one another. We're nice to one another. Do you know how rare that is?" - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Carmen (America Ferrera)
My Kindle Cloud of four years contains 619 books I've read. Being a voracious reader for my entire life, I've always puzzled at my inability to find inspiration to pen my own stories.
I have finally discovered my muse(s) and inspiration - my wonderful teacher friends in Austin, Texas. We call ourselves the "Sistahs" and give each other "traveling pants names" as in the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. (I am currently "Builder Pants.") We have always emailed each other with funny teacher tales. When I changed my life around and retired, I kept emailing them with my new adventures. They responded so positively that I kept writing and am still at it. My Sistahs - My Muses!
My Kindle Cloud of four years contains 619 books I've read. Being a voracious reader for my entire life, I've always puzzled at my inability to find inspiration to pen my own stories.
I have finally discovered my muse(s) and inspiration - my wonderful teacher friends in Austin, Texas. We call ourselves the "Sistahs" and give each other "traveling pants names" as in the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. (I am currently "Builder Pants.") We have always emailed each other with funny teacher tales. When I changed my life around and retired, I kept emailing them with my new adventures. They responded so positively that I kept writing and am still at it. My Sistahs - My Muses!
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"Grab them and hug them and tell them that you love 'em. Tell them, 'If you need anything, come to me.' 'If you need somebody to talk to, come to me.' 'I'll give you the shoulder, I'll give you the hug. I'll feed you, I'll clothe you if you need it. That's how you start from this moment. When you leave this reunion today, you take that with you. - Madea's Family Reunion - Myrtle (Cicely Tyson)
My husband returned to my arms today. We had little reunion scene at the Montevideo Aeropuerto, as we cried, kissed, and hugged. Finally together at last - after spending 8 months out of the past 12 apart. My prayers have been answered.
I oversaw all the construction for our house while my husband returned to the States. When he left, there was only a foundation. Today he saw firsthand the walls, roof, and windows! I am so proud of myself for overseeing all of that. Mostly, though, I am honored that he placed so much trust in me.
Thank God for technology. We were able to communicate daily with Skype! I'm not sure how our house would have gotten built or how sane I would be without contact through technology. My heart is full!
I oversaw all the construction for our house while my husband returned to the States. When he left, there was only a foundation. Today he saw firsthand the walls, roof, and windows! I am so proud of myself for overseeing all of that. Mostly, though, I am honored that he placed so much trust in me.
Thank God for technology. We were able to communicate daily with Skype! I'm not sure how our house would have gotten built or how sane I would be without contact through technology. My heart is full!
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“I love those moments. I like to wave at them as they pass by." - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest - Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)
2013 ~ It was a year of milestones; Mom reached her 100th year on Earth and I completed 34 years of teaching. It was a year of farewells - to careers, to Texas, to family and friends. It was a year of separation, as my husband and I spent only four months together and eight months on different continents. It was a year of reflecting on the love of family and friends. It was a year of new life, as our first grandchild was born. It was a year of adjustment, as we moved to a new home. It was a year of tears - for doubt, frustration, and joy. It was a year of trust - building a new home with no Home Depot! It was a year of wonder, as we asked ourselves, “Are we crazy?” It was a year of accomplishment, as we met more challenges to even list! It was a year of caring, as new friends and “old” provided help, dried tears, and gave hugs. Lastly, it was a year of faith, as we placed our lives, fears, and dreams in the hands of God and Universe.
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"Cop: You know why I pulled you over?
Fletcher: Depends on how long you were following me!" - Liar, Liar - Cop and Fletcher Reede (Jim Carey)
Guess it was bound to happen sooner than later…I received my first Uruguayan traffic ticket. I had absolutely no idea what I had done wrong. The very nice young officer who stopped me spoke no English, so we had to get by with my limited Spanish and trembling hand signals.
I'm sure he regretted having stopped me, as it was about 95 degrees and took way longer than he ever imagined. I kept saying, "No entiendo." - I don't understand. Finally he went back to his car for the 4th time (after checking out all of my IDs, which I handed over with those trembling hands) and returned with pen and note paper.
He drew a beautiful diagram of the roundabout (traffic circle) I had just navigated. It seems that I don't know how to navigate those as well as I thought I did. I had been exiting the circle incorrectly every single time. Yikes!
He was extremely polite and apologized as he handed over the ticket. I'm not sure if he was apologizing for giving me the ticket or for causing himself to sweat.
Update: I tried forever to pay that ticket! No one would take my money. I let it slide and thought that maybe it got torn up. Nope, four years later - there it was online and had quadrupled in price...geez. It's now been paid.
Fletcher: Depends on how long you were following me!" - Liar, Liar - Cop and Fletcher Reede (Jim Carey)
Guess it was bound to happen sooner than later…I received my first Uruguayan traffic ticket. I had absolutely no idea what I had done wrong. The very nice young officer who stopped me spoke no English, so we had to get by with my limited Spanish and trembling hand signals.
I'm sure he regretted having stopped me, as it was about 95 degrees and took way longer than he ever imagined. I kept saying, "No entiendo." - I don't understand. Finally he went back to his car for the 4th time (after checking out all of my IDs, which I handed over with those trembling hands) and returned with pen and note paper.
He drew a beautiful diagram of the roundabout (traffic circle) I had just navigated. It seems that I don't know how to navigate those as well as I thought I did. I had been exiting the circle incorrectly every single time. Yikes!
He was extremely polite and apologized as he handed over the ticket. I'm not sure if he was apologizing for giving me the ticket or for causing himself to sweat.
Update: I tried forever to pay that ticket! No one would take my money. I let it slide and thought that maybe it got torn up. Nope, four years later - there it was online and had quadrupled in price...geez. It's now been paid.