My Mom and Dad have never had a Pina Colada, so rather than tea this afternoon, I suggested a Pina Colada, minus the alcohol, of coarse!! I don’t think it will be their last!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
NOSEEUMS
Noseeums (aka. little devils). These little black sand flies here in Bocas are driving Paul nuts! They are so small you can hardly see them. Thus the name, “no-see -ems.” It’s the females that bite. They need the protein from blood to produce their eggs. They take tiny little bites out of you that that swell up and itch for 3-5 days. They are around all day, but come out in large numbers around 5 pm. Paul’s legs buzz at night from itching so much. Paul now has learned and wears socks to bed with his long pajamas pants tucked neatly inside, thus the reason for his new nick name “Mr. Silly Socks” The way to avoid being bitten is to put a special lotion that has been made here on the island on your legs and arms. This oil contains coconut oil, glycerin, citronella and a few other items. Sounds yummy to me. The kids and I have gotten some bites, bit not as badly as my beloved. Poor guy.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
SAFE ARRIVAL
My Mom and Dad arrived safely from Panama City this morning. They have already had a coffee from a Dutch bakery, enjoyed their first water taxi in Bocas, settled in their room, pinched all of us at least once, had a swim, and now, as you can see by the picture, are already in a relaxed state. Doesn't take long in this place! The weather is beautiful today, hot with a slight breeze.
Ahhhhhhhh
Monday, February 25, 2008
SURFING SCHOOL
This past Saturday our family participated in a family surf lesson. We were picked up at 9:30 by our New Zealand teacher, Andrew and his wife, Anita. We piled into their 4x4 and drove to a beach about 10 minutes away (Playa Del Cabana).
After a brief verbal instruction and pretending to "get up" while on the beach, we all headed into the water. Andrew worked with Josh, and Anita worked with Sydney. Paul and I were pretty much left on our own. Let me tell you, I now know why all the surfers are so thin and have a 6 pack. Its not an easy sport. Syd and Josh were up within a few tries. Paul and I, well, it took a "little longer".
By the end of our 3 hour lesson we were all standing up on our boards, 3 of us were bleeding, we were all exhausted and only one person got a board in the face (nothing serious). I was so proud of Syd and Josh. Josh looked like an angel surfing. It came quite naturally for him and he looked so relaxed on the board.
For cursive writing today, Josh wrote, and I quote;
After a brief verbal instruction and pretending to "get up" while on the beach, we all headed into the water. Andrew worked with Josh, and Anita worked with Sydney. Paul and I were pretty much left on our own. Let me tell you, I now know why all the surfers are so thin and have a 6 pack. Its not an easy sport. Syd and Josh were up within a few tries. Paul and I, well, it took a "little longer".
By the end of our 3 hour lesson we were all standing up on our boards, 3 of us were bleeding, we were all exhausted and only one person got a board in the face (nothing serious). I was so proud of Syd and Josh. Josh looked like an angel surfing. It came quite naturally for him and he looked so relaxed on the board.
For cursive writing today, Josh wrote, and I quote;
" Surfing is very, very cool. I am very glad I got to surf. Lopster is very good."
It was hilarious trying to get to sleep that night. Every time either Paul or I rolled over in our sleep we would groan, waking up the other, then laugh. Everything hurt, but it was well worth it!
Taking a little break from surfing class
Josh doing his thing.
Syd and I showing off our surfing injuries with pride.
MARINE BIOLOGY 101
The kids and I went to the Smithsonian Institute here in Bocas a few days ago. When we arrived at 3:30 we were informed that we were "3o minutes early" (even though we had called the night before to confirm they were open from 3-5). They informed us that they weren’t going to let us in for another 30 minutes. It was approximately 34 degrees, and we had just walked for 40 minutes in the blazing sun. (No, I am not complaining). But we were hot and sweaty and just wanted to rest in the shade, which was only available beyond the gate. After trying to explain what we wanted in my now famous "Spanlish" plus a little bit of charades, the security guard finally let us through, only to follow us until we planted ourselves down on some chairs which were in a shaded area below a ceiling fan.
The Institute was actually pretty cool. The tour started out really boring. But then we got to the labs where the scientists were actually working. The kids got to get their hands dirty. (Ahh, my tactile learners!). We met a scientist who is studying shrimp. Syd and Josh got to pull apart sponges and help her find tiny shrimp. The scientist told us that the shrimp aren’t very social. They find a sponge to live in, and don’t like to share their space with anyone other than their mate. She also said that shrimp have the same mate for life. Really! People actually study this stuff! We also met a guy who will be weighing bug brains for the next 2 years. I asked why, and he went on and on and on about it and I honestly think he said, and I am paraphrasing, and perhaps even giving wrong info, and if so, I do apologize, “to see if they devote more of their body space to brains the smaller their body mass is. " We got to look through the microscope to see the wee little basket he had just mounted to weigh the brains. I laughed and said “Ah, a brain basket!” The kids and I thought that was pretty funny, but not Mr. Scientist. Perhaps he had been in his lab a little too long! Oops! We also met a rhinoceros cock roach. It was a very cool looking creature. We were allowed to touch starfish, brittle starfish, and coral of all types of textures, and sea cucumbers who spit out their intestines when they feel threatened. Gross! Near the end of the tour, we walked out on their pier to see all sorts of living thing in the water and some Mangroves. Mangroves are amazing trees, and the only tree that can live and grow in salt water. They have a few “glands” on the leaves, and near the stem, that secrete the salt that they absorbed from the ocean.
We learned lots, but realized how much more we need to learn. That is the thing about these trips. The more you travel, the more you realize how little you really know about the world!
Until I blog again.
Linda
The Institute was actually pretty cool. The tour started out really boring. But then we got to the labs where the scientists were actually working. The kids got to get their hands dirty. (Ahh, my tactile learners!). We met a scientist who is studying shrimp. Syd and Josh got to pull apart sponges and help her find tiny shrimp. The scientist told us that the shrimp aren’t very social. They find a sponge to live in, and don’t like to share their space with anyone other than their mate. She also said that shrimp have the same mate for life. Really! People actually study this stuff! We also met a guy who will be weighing bug brains for the next 2 years. I asked why, and he went on and on and on about it and I honestly think he said, and I am paraphrasing, and perhaps even giving wrong info, and if so, I do apologize, “to see if they devote more of their body space to brains the smaller their body mass is. " We got to look through the microscope to see the wee little basket he had just mounted to weigh the brains. I laughed and said “Ah, a brain basket!” The kids and I thought that was pretty funny, but not Mr. Scientist. Perhaps he had been in his lab a little too long! Oops! We also met a rhinoceros cock roach. It was a very cool looking creature. We were allowed to touch starfish, brittle starfish, and coral of all types of textures, and sea cucumbers who spit out their intestines when they feel threatened. Gross! Near the end of the tour, we walked out on their pier to see all sorts of living thing in the water and some Mangroves. Mangroves are amazing trees, and the only tree that can live and grow in salt water. They have a few “glands” on the leaves, and near the stem, that secrete the salt that they absorbed from the ocean.
We learned lots, but realized how much more we need to learn. That is the thing about these trips. The more you travel, the more you realize how little you really know about the world!
Until I blog again.
Linda
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
FAMILY UPDATE
We heard from Judy, Gerald and Marley last night. We're glad to report that all is well. By the time they called, they had visited the Panama Canal, toured Old Town, and were on their way to supper at Buceneros at the end of the Amador Causeway (a definite "must" when visiting Panama City). And, Judy's luggage arrived safe and sound.
We owe a huge thanks to Luis Rogantes, who I met the last time I was in Panama City for some meetings. He is a tour operator in Panama City that can take care of every need you have as a traveller. The quality of his service is outstanding. I called him minutes after I received the "call" from Judy. Luis came through big time on finding last minute accommodations in a "fully booked city", arranging ground transportation, and using his connections to get Judy's luggage as well as getting it redirected to their new hotel. If you're ever in Panama City and need anything, he's the guy to call.
Luis Bogantes
Unlimited Tour Operator
O: 314-1619
C: 6519-6108
Thanks Luis. You're the best!
Paul
We owe a huge thanks to Luis Rogantes, who I met the last time I was in Panama City for some meetings. He is a tour operator in Panama City that can take care of every need you have as a traveller. The quality of his service is outstanding. I called him minutes after I received the "call" from Judy. Luis came through big time on finding last minute accommodations in a "fully booked city", arranging ground transportation, and using his connections to get Judy's luggage as well as getting it redirected to their new hotel. If you're ever in Panama City and need anything, he's the guy to call.
Luis Bogantes
Unlimited Tour Operator
O: 314-1619
C: 6519-6108
Thanks Luis. You're the best!
Paul
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
SAD GOOD BYE
Yesterday, Judy, Gerald and Marley took their plane ride back to Panama City from Bocas Del Toro. As fate would have it, they got a little taste of "life in Central America". When they arrived at their hotel they were informed that the hotel booking they thought was made for Feb 18-19, was mistaken made for March 18-19. Oops! And there was "no room in the inn". Double oops! Whose responsible? Somehow Paul got some dates mixed up in the email exchanges. And no one else caught the error. Triple oops! And insult to injury, Judy's luggage never arrived. Seems it was left behind in Bocas. Quaduple oops! Still lov'n the "good life" guys? Good news is that they managed to find other accommodations, thanks to a helpful contact in Panama City. We've still waiting to hear back about Judy's luggage.
Anyways, the week with them seemed to fly by, and we were all sad to say "good-bye". On the other hand, we'll be back in Canada in just a few weeks. So this farewell was simply "until we see each other again".
Our last Sunday together with them was a very lazy, quiet morning. Gerald and Marley checked out a local bat cave (yuck), and than we all headed up the muddy road from our resort to Paunch Point to check out some real surfers doing "their thang". Wow! They are good.
By the way, I have had a few emails asking about Paul's jaw. Update: all is fine. His lip is still a bit purple and swollen, but he can now chew with very little discomfort. There's just a little bit of swelling left on his chin. But he's on the mend. Back to my story.
The roads are pretty aweful here on the island, and sadly, one of them claimed the life of Marley's favorite flip flop. At a few points, it was safer to go barefoot so you at least had some kind of grip with your toes. It was gross. We all bleached our feet and shoes when we got back home.
Later that evening, we were treated to a wonderful, yet very leisurely dinner at the Cosmic Crab (thanks guys). We put our order in around 7:45pm, and I think our food finally came at 9:00! Ahh, life on the island! My children have developed very expensive tastes. They love lobster, crab and shrimp.
Anyways, the week with them seemed to fly by, and we were all sad to say "good-bye". On the other hand, we'll be back in Canada in just a few weeks. So this farewell was simply "until we see each other again".
Our last Sunday together with them was a very lazy, quiet morning. Gerald and Marley checked out a local bat cave (yuck), and than we all headed up the muddy road from our resort to Paunch Point to check out some real surfers doing "their thang". Wow! They are good.
By the way, I have had a few emails asking about Paul's jaw. Update: all is fine. His lip is still a bit purple and swollen, but he can now chew with very little discomfort. There's just a little bit of swelling left on his chin. But he's on the mend. Back to my story.
The roads are pretty aweful here on the island, and sadly, one of them claimed the life of Marley's favorite flip flop. At a few points, it was safer to go barefoot so you at least had some kind of grip with your toes. It was gross. We all bleached our feet and shoes when we got back home.
Marley helping Judy cross the road. This is an actual road for that vehicles use. Note: this is dry season!
Later that evening, we were treated to a wonderful, yet very leisurely dinner at the Cosmic Crab (thanks guys). We put our order in around 7:45pm, and I think our food finally came at 9:00! Ahh, life on the island! My children have developed very expensive tastes. They love lobster, crab and shrimp.
One of the many lobsters we enjoyed that night. Look at the rice in the shape of a starfish!
On the water taxi ride home after supper (in the pitch dark, except for the flash light Marley held to let other boats know we were present) I thought of how small the world really is. One day's travel and you're here in the middle of Central America and South America. I was again reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to be able to do this trip with my family. Speaking of family, my Mom and Dad are next on the visiting schedule. They will be spending 9 days with us in Bocas, and 5 days in Boquete.
Until I blog again,
Linda
Sunday, February 17, 2008
WOULDA, SHOULDA,COULDA
~A family shot at Red Frog Beach~Well, today was one of those days you look back on and think, “we could have done that a bit better”.
The day started out rainy. But after a brief break in the weather, Gerald and Paul headed into town to rent two surf boards for our planned surfing adventure. Josh has been waiting since we arrived to go surfing. The manager at the surf rental place the boys found recommended that us “surf rookies” try an easy and safe beach called “Black Rock”. They paid for the boards (a 9 foot board for the kids to learn on, and a 6 foot board for the veterans…wait a minute, none of us know what we’re doing), and headed back to our place with the boards in hand. We arranged for a water taxi, and made our way to our surfing destination. After unloading all our stuff on this “awesome beach”, we start walking and quickly realized it was not the best place for first timers. We stopped a couple walking back from an area loaded with surfers and asked how the surf was. (Now, don’t I sound like a real surfer dude?). They said the surfing ahead was not a good idea for beginners as it was “rough with reef”. Translation: high potential for bleeding and crying children and adults, courtesy of the ample coral reef. Not my idea of a good time. After our consult, they took off, and we all kind of stood around talking about what to do next. We finally decided to go to Red Frog Beach, Syd and Josh’s favorite beach in the Bocas area. We would have gone to Red Frog in the first place, had we known (and had we listened to Josh). But that was not how this day would unfold. So we called the same water taxi back (about 10 minutes after being dropped off) to pick us up and head off to our new surfing destination. Upon arrival we all hopped into the ocean and tried to “catch a wave”. It was quite a comical sight. Some of us got up for a few seconds. Judy and Gerald were great and taught Josh the "basics" . Later, Paul and I headed out so I could learn to surf on a small board. We were out quite a ways and the waves were about 4 to 6 feet high. Each one swept over us and usually moved us back 6 feet for every 2 feet we were able to move forward. Anyways, while one of the “narly waves” was crashing over us, I lost my grip on my board which then “caught a wave” and smashed Paul in the face. Dazed, a bloody lip which quickly swelled up, and sporting an instant head ache, he made his way back to shore. It was then that he noticed he wasn’t able to make a chewing motion (clinching his jaw). Oops, we may be dealing with a dislocated jaw. Sorry baby! Later on I got pulled under by a few killer waves and had a hard time getting back to shore. That made the day a little interesting for everyone, especially me. Syd saw my boogie board come into shore with no Mama, and let Paul know I was struggling. I was never airless, but I kept getting thrown out further and further away from the shoreline. I saw Judy, Gerald and Paul all run towards where I was, so I knew I was not alone. One wave crushed me pretty good. Thank God I do yoga because one snapped my head back pretty hard. It felt like my butt touched my head, and I heard a “crack” as I got yanked out to sea. Probably shouldn’t have been out that far. Within a few minutes I was on dry land telling everyone my story and assuring everyone I was OK. At one point a little later, Syd lost her bathing suit bottoms (for a brief moment) which she immediately put back on, but not until she waved them in the air for us all to see. (She’s so cute). After being pounded by the ocean, we decided to play it cool and frolic on the beach, eat snacks and build sand castles, and rest our battered bodies.
"Stranded" on Black Rock. Note what Marley wrote in the sand. (far right)
Josh catching a wave. Gerald supervising in the background.
After our “3 hour tour” at the beach we decided to head back to the dock to catch a water taxi home. Little did we realize that our cell phones did not work where we were, and we found ourselves stranded. We should have arranged for a ride when we got dropped off. Another oops. Life lesson for the kids, (and us) learn from your experiences.
We finally made it home, exhausted, hungry,happy and sun burned. In my humble opinion, we probably could have planned the day a bit better. But overall, it was a great day of memories and we found ourselves in some stories that will become more entertaining as we reminisce in years to come.
Until I blog again,
Linda
Thursday, February 14, 2008
RAIN,RAIN
Today we had tons of rain. The rains are alot like Africa. They come quickly and hard. The road we sometimes walk has become quite slippery. I may need to buy a pair of rubber boots. I have seen lots of shoes on the road and wondered why. Now I know, the mud holds onto your shoes and doesn't like to let them go.
So what to do on a rainy day? Well we headed into Bocas town for a little shopping, some pizza and a grocery/water run. We got rained on pretty hard on our way home in the water taxi. As you can see in the below picture, we were pretty soaked. Otherwise, we just hung around, read, picked shells, drew tatoos on each other and talked. We all enjoyed a lovely Valentines dinner together followed by brownies covered in melted peanut butter and bananas! YUM. We are hoping tomorrow will be "rain-less" so we can go to Starfish Beach!
Soaked and cold after being drenched on our water taxi
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
FAMILY VISIT
Judy (my sister), Gerald and Marley arrived in Bocas Del Toro 2 days ago, after a rather shaky flight in a small plane from Panama City. Gerald was a little green and pasty upon arrival, but quickly recovered. Its so wonderful to have them here.
We had such a fantastic day today!
Here I sit, at 6 pm exhausted, my stomach's full, I'm sun kissed, still rocking a bit from being on a boat all day, and I'm listening to my family laugh in the background as I type. Life is good!
Today, we hired a boat and driver, and did the Bocas "touristy" thing. Our adventure started in Dolphin Bay watching dolphins. We saw quite a few dolphins, including a Mama with its baby. They were so cute. Then we went snorkeling at Crawl's Cay. Paul swam with a huge barracuda; Marley swam through a school of neon blue fish that touched her as they passed by. The coral was beautiful. Orange, green, purple and yellow were some of the colors we saw. We also saw many varieties of fish. It was so incredible to watch them in their environment.
Judy (and Gerald) decided to swim from our snorkeling location to the nearby restaurant where we had lunch. It was approximately three football fields. As lunch time neared, we all gathered back in the boat and said we were ready to head over the restaurant for lunch. Our guide and boat driver, Frank, asked where the other two were. I said, they swam to the restaurant “asi” (over there). He looked surprised. Apparently, that was not something most tourists do! They swam right through a major boat route. Not to worry, they came to no harm.
We stopped at the restaurant out in the middle of nowhere and had an incredible seafood lunch. We enjoyed the “especial de la casa” (the house special)which consisted of a seafood medley (lobster, octopus, shrimp, scallops, squid, fish) and a "big shrimp" dish cooked in coconut milk. Josh loves shrimp and dug in with both hands. He was a mess, but very happy. Then we set off for an afternoon of boogie boarding at Red Frog Beach. The waves were pretty huge, some were more than 6 feet high! The water was so warm, and the blues hues in the ocean were just spectacular! Marley and I had to keep doing a bikini top checks for each other after each big wave swept over us as some "body parts" occasionally got knocked out of our bathing suits. It rained heavily the last few days, but today the skies were mostly clear, it was sunny most of the day, slightly overcast at times, but no rain. Perfect for touring!!!
We had such a fantastic day today!
Here I sit, at 6 pm exhausted, my stomach's full, I'm sun kissed, still rocking a bit from being on a boat all day, and I'm listening to my family laugh in the background as I type. Life is good!
Today, we hired a boat and driver, and did the Bocas "touristy" thing. Our adventure started in Dolphin Bay watching dolphins. We saw quite a few dolphins, including a Mama with its baby. They were so cute. Then we went snorkeling at Crawl's Cay. Paul swam with a huge barracuda; Marley swam through a school of neon blue fish that touched her as they passed by. The coral was beautiful. Orange, green, purple and yellow were some of the colors we saw. We also saw many varieties of fish. It was so incredible to watch them in their environment.
Judy (and Gerald) decided to swim from our snorkeling location to the nearby restaurant where we had lunch. It was approximately three football fields. As lunch time neared, we all gathered back in the boat and said we were ready to head over the restaurant for lunch. Our guide and boat driver, Frank, asked where the other two were. I said, they swam to the restaurant “asi” (over there). He looked surprised. Apparently, that was not something most tourists do! They swam right through a major boat route. Not to worry, they came to no harm.
We stopped at the restaurant out in the middle of nowhere and had an incredible seafood lunch. We enjoyed the “especial de la casa” (the house special)which consisted of a seafood medley (lobster, octopus, shrimp, scallops, squid, fish) and a "big shrimp" dish cooked in coconut milk. Josh loves shrimp and dug in with both hands. He was a mess, but very happy. Then we set off for an afternoon of boogie boarding at Red Frog Beach. The waves were pretty huge, some were more than 6 feet high! The water was so warm, and the blues hues in the ocean were just spectacular! Marley and I had to keep doing a bikini top checks for each other after each big wave swept over us as some "body parts" occasionally got knocked out of our bathing suits. It rained heavily the last few days, but today the skies were mostly clear, it was sunny most of the day, slightly overcast at times, but no rain. Perfect for touring!!!
Lunch time after great snorkel and swim
Look at the size of that shrimp. Look at Josh's hands covered in sauce, yum!
Josh, Syd and Marley hanging at Red Frog Beach
Blue eyed babes
Off for a game of spoons (Wish you were here Frannie, Lea, Aiden and Freya) and a great sleep.
Until I blog again
Linda
Thursday, February 7, 2008
HOME SCHOOLING-BOCAS STYLE
Well, after being here in Bocas for a few days, our lives have started a nice little routine. A morning swim, followed by sand castle building, lunch, school work, another swim, computer time, supper, another swim, maybe a walk, games or movie and bed.
Our Bocas classroom. Uniforms, bathingsuits.
( A picture with me actually in it!)
Gym class, right off our balconey
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
ANOTHER LESSON LEARNED
Feb 1-5th is Carnival time in Panama. Its a huge deal for the locals. They save up all year to splurge on 5 days of heavy partying and drinking. Translation...thousands of people crammed into the streets, dancing till they drop. Some of the little girls get candy braided into their hair. Vendors sell lots of trinkets on the road, and the fire fighters spray the crowds with water (e.g. water dancing). We were in Bocas to pick up some bottled water and look for blankets. One of the vendors was selling snow cones. It was so hot, so when the kids asked for one, and I said "sure". For 25 cents, that's a great deal, not remembering we were in Bocas. The snow cones were made from shavings off a huge block of ice plus the artificial flavoring of your choice, topped of with a little condensed milk. Not 5 minutes after eating their “treat” both kids started complaining of sore stomachs and nausea. Oops! They probably used tap water to make the ice which is not drinkable here in Bocas. (Such a great Mom!) We water taxied back to the resort and loaded them both up on fresh coconut juice and Coke. Believe it or not, Coke kills the bugs. I know, scarey!. And coconut milk helps your body get used to digesting "different" water. Despite these efforts, Syd was up vomiting all night, and Josh was fine, of course. That boy could eat a 5 day old hotdog and not feel a thing. Yet another lesson learned! Drink bottled water when living on an island. Today (two days later) everyone is doing well. We all slept well last night (first time since we arrived) and no one is sick!
Until I blog again!
Until I blog again!
IN LOVING MEMEORY OF DUDE (The kitten)
Dude with Sydney only days before his death
Last week we had the honor of having Dude in our lives for 2 days. We grew to love Dude, his playful spirit, his messy eating, those sparkling blue eyes, his loving attitude. Yesterday we heard that Dude had been taken, most likely by a stray dog, from his loving home at the Bliss' and has not been seen for days. He is presumed dead. Dude, we will miss you, you will not be forgotten. For those you left behind, Buddy, his sister, Alayna, Jaden, Zion, Ellie, Jenni and Steve, we send our love and thoughts your way.
ANOTHER NEW HOME-BOCAS DEL TORO
After packing up all our stuff and cleaning our rental place in Boquete, we headed to Bocas Del Toro this past Saturday. We made the 2.5 hour mountain road ride from Boquete to Almirante, caught a 30 minute water taxi ride from Almirante to Bocas Del Toro, and then another water taxi to take us to our condo at Playa Mango Resort. Remembering how expensive groceries are in Bocas from our last trip, we decided to load up on food in David. You should have seen us with our suitcases, boxes of food and cooler of meat, piling into the water taxis. Quite a sight.
Upon arrival, we quickly realized our version of “fully furnished” was a bit different than the landlords. I'll admit, I was quite upset about the lack of what I consider basic items: blankets, bedside tables and lamps, dish towels, bathroom towels, microwave, and the like, but, as God usually does, He gently reminded me to be grateful for all things.
This reminder took place this afternoon. The kids and I were out walking on the beach enjoying the afternoon breeze. Then we saw 4 woman, with 2 sheets, who walked right into the water fully dressed. Behind then followed 2 young boys. We got closer to see what they were doing. They were trying to catch supper and having a great time doing it. They would corner the fish on either side than pull all 4 corners of the sheets up quickly to try and catch some fish. They were all clapping when they got a handful of small minnows. Wow! I immediately thanked God that I had food for a week in our condo and that I didn’t have to worry about feeding my family.
Sometimes I can get so focused on the little things, when a bigger perspective is what I need. It was a good reminder to be content, whether with much, or with little. You would think that with my travels to Africa that this lesson would never be forgotten. Well, I had forgotten and needed to be reminded!
I had some great shots of the women fishing, but can't seem to download them off my camera. Hopefully we'll see them again, and I'll try to get some pics to show you.
Upon arrival, we quickly realized our version of “fully furnished” was a bit different than the landlords. I'll admit, I was quite upset about the lack of what I consider basic items: blankets, bedside tables and lamps, dish towels, bathroom towels, microwave, and the like, but, as God usually does, He gently reminded me to be grateful for all things.
This reminder took place this afternoon. The kids and I were out walking on the beach enjoying the afternoon breeze. Then we saw 4 woman, with 2 sheets, who walked right into the water fully dressed. Behind then followed 2 young boys. We got closer to see what they were doing. They were trying to catch supper and having a great time doing it. They would corner the fish on either side than pull all 4 corners of the sheets up quickly to try and catch some fish. They were all clapping when they got a handful of small minnows. Wow! I immediately thanked God that I had food for a week in our condo and that I didn’t have to worry about feeding my family.
Sometimes I can get so focused on the little things, when a bigger perspective is what I need. It was a good reminder to be content, whether with much, or with little. You would think that with my travels to Africa that this lesson would never be forgotten. Well, I had forgotten and needed to be reminded!
I had some great shots of the women fishing, but can't seem to download them off my camera. Hopefully we'll see them again, and I'll try to get some pics to show you.
The view from our balcony
Our kitchen in the condo.
Yes, the breakfast dishes are still not done at 10 AM. Life is grand!
Friday, February 1, 2008
BEACH BABIES
Just thought I would send a few greats shots of the kids on the beach to help warm you all up!!
FUZZY NEW NEIGHBOURS
I know, it has been WAY to long since I last blogged. The main reason is not too much is going on. We do leave tomorrow morning for Bocas Del Toro for a month. My sister Judy, along with Gerald and Marley will join us for a week. That is something I am looking forward to. Here are a few updates.
We also got the great news of the safe arrival of Laura and Reg's daughter Kiera. Congratulations you guys. We are so happy for you all. Kiera is just beautiful, perfect actually.
We went to immigration earlier this week to get another 60 day tourist visa extension and found out, after being in the office for an hour, that Canadians now get a 90 day tourist visa. That is great news. Getting an extension can be arduous and costly, so we feel very grateful for the change in the law.
Syd had an ear infection 2 weeks ago. She is doing great now but she didn't eat for 2 days, guess what? Her eczema cleared up completely! We are trying to determine which food is the cause. Wheat, milk or eggs. Still not too sure but we will keep you updated.
Now to address our fuzzy new neighbours. No, no more tarantulas. (Thank God) Two days ago we heard a loud cry. Low and behold we found two wee little kittens, and no they didn't lose their mittens but they did lose their mother. They were starving and shivering. Syd and Josh have had a great time caring for them. As of now, still no Mama, so we have found a new home for them. They are going to a family we are great friends with so we can see them once in a while. Their names are Buddy and Dude. Aren't they cute?
We also got the great news of the safe arrival of Laura and Reg's daughter Kiera. Congratulations you guys. We are so happy for you all. Kiera is just beautiful, perfect actually.
We went to immigration earlier this week to get another 60 day tourist visa extension and found out, after being in the office for an hour, that Canadians now get a 90 day tourist visa. That is great news. Getting an extension can be arduous and costly, so we feel very grateful for the change in the law.
Syd had an ear infection 2 weeks ago. She is doing great now but she didn't eat for 2 days, guess what? Her eczema cleared up completely! We are trying to determine which food is the cause. Wheat, milk or eggs. Still not too sure but we will keep you updated.
Now to address our fuzzy new neighbours. No, no more tarantulas. (Thank God) Two days ago we heard a loud cry. Low and behold we found two wee little kittens, and no they didn't lose their mittens but they did lose their mother. They were starving and shivering. Syd and Josh have had a great time caring for them. As of now, still no Mama, so we have found a new home for them. They are going to a family we are great friends with so we can see them once in a while. Their names are Buddy and Dude. Aren't they cute?
Syd, Josh, Dude and Buddy.
Half way through our trip. Time is going way too fast. We do feel grateful that we missed that cold spell in Calgary this week. Minus 43? Are you kidding? Well, off to clean the house before tomorrow. Until I blog again!
Linda
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