Slightly Sunny Cloudy Thursday

Thanks, you irresponsible people who clear cut the hills

For some unknown reason, the phone lines went down yesterday, AFTER the big rains and winds. Why ask why? But that meant no credit card machines, no ATM, and no DSL or landline. But amazingly, we're back on today...a pleasant surprise. Sorry to all of you who had to wait around to get cash to purchase one thing or another (including myself - thanks, Aimee, for counting my change so kindly and quickly at Costa del Sol!).


Today I got to go work with friends, doing what I like to do very much, some landscaping work. With all of the rain that work was made a lot easier in some ways (soft ground) and a bit of a challenge in others (translate much vine growth, literally covering trees...what's up with that vine stuff anyway? It wasn't around a couple of years ago and now, it's all over the island). At the end I looked somewhat like a Chia Pet before it gets watered.. Lucky for us, this is an incredible location to work...this is some of what I saw today. 

Yes, a deer on the beach!!

Before the sun came out

Here it comes!

Pretty as a postcard

The 'dam' on the Zoni road in big run-off force

Running water on the other side...not snow!

Yesterday I had a wonderful visit time with Milton...a time we'd thought we would do before and many more times. But tomorrow Milton, Krista, Bliss and Baby Unknown leave for a new life in the States, via a family visit on the big island first. Milton has a fantastic new journalism job in PA, and I know he'll be a big asset to the Morning Call there. When I first met Milton, I liked him very much, right away. He's smart and talented and has a beautiful spirit...and his love for Krista and Bliss is something one experiences, not just hears about. In a couple of hours, we tried to get in as much as we could; each subject would have taken its own sweet time - if we'd had time, but it was good. We read Pablo Neruda, talked a lot about writing, touched on a few life subjects and then it was time for him to head family-ward. Thanks, Milton, for making it happen. Your Culebra family wishes you three-plus-some all the very best in this new adventure. And you better get your tushies back here on holiday soon!

And by the way? Anyone wanting to explain what earmuffs and long underwear are to Milton? You better call fast. Love you all!

p.s. Happy Birthday, Krista!!!!! Much love, much joy, much contentment for you in this new year of your life!