3/27/14

Dear Mishka,

And then there are the cows on the beach....

3/27/14 Dear Mishka . I cannot tell you how excited I am at this time. 2 days ago we were told that our container made landfall. That means that all our belongings  are somewhere on this island waiting for Customs. Goody goody, my sewing machines and  my fabric. I think I have actually going into creativity withdrawal. This such a thing  exist? Oh yeah and all of my kitchen items. Let the baking begin! Matthew is looking for to his clothes and his leather  working supplies.  Its the simple things. Matthew has gotten his first paycheck, so it is time to pay bills, rent, and then, go shopping! I should wait until post shopping for my next letter so you can find out what ridiculous things I bought that we couldn't live without. I heard they're really cute basket in the market... Because there is only 1 "city" we have discovered that the larger grocery store, and the discount store both deliver. I am thrilled not having to carry all of this on the bus. And I'm sure the people sure this with me on the bus would be thrilled since they would like to sit down eventually. Now just an itty bitty problem. My list has gotten just a smidgen out of controlling. Just a smidgen. Really. I promise.  Just because I'm trying to get that pink bikini on the list there is nothing wrong. It would go just fine between the baking powder and the cream cheese.  And yes I would wear it,  everyone wears one down here so I think I could do it without humiliations. Did I mention that the 1 major  grocery store, Astaphan's, is actually very similar to a Piggly Wiggly with a miniature Target placed above it? A rather unique way of dealing with limited space and making the most out of the local demographic. There is also a store called Save-a-Lot. I have not been in there but I will have to check it out as they are the only store on the island to carry kitty litter. And we have reached crisis status. I suspect they're  similar to Wal-Mart. The good news is they deliver as well so we will not have to haul a bunch of heavy kitty litter! Yeah!  And I suspect our two furry children will be even happier with fresh kitty litter.  Let it be said, there is nothing more dangerous than an indoor kitty unhappy with the state of his litter box!  I have yet to this today to win a bout of chemical warfare. Love The Blonde

3/13/14

Dear Mishka

It's a amazing how rely on our phones. It is evident as we squint into the sun and wish for a way to record our thoughts. Then it occurs to us, paper and pen.

Sitting on what they call the subway deck, it's a large deck overlooking the ocean that's  behind the Subway Sandwich Shop. There are dozens of seats and a dozen power outlets for the students.

Anyway, I'm sitting on the deck and you can't believe how loud the surface is  today crashing over and over and most beautiful symphony of earth and ocean.

Yet still four large sailboats are anchored just offshore and 2 more are out already, sails raised into the sky

The wind may cause the breakers to roar but it is also swept the skies almost clear and the clouds that remain are being hurried along

Rumble  low then roar and crash, the choice is clear, soothing or exhilarating. I always feel a little of both. It all really depends on how tired I am. But no matter what, the power always invokes a reaction

 Simple pen and paper. How many of the have lost our ability to write in classic cursive as we were taught as children. I find myself attempting and being forced to slow down to remember how.  My mother has such beautiful writing, what was once described is copper plate. I am envious of such beautiful and elegant writing

Love
The Blonde

3/10/14

Dear Mishka

Today, day 3, it is crystal clear and Guadalupe is so easy to see that it could be part of the same island and just the other side of the bay.

Can you believe that's actually another island? I'm just sitting on my balcony drinking my coffee looking at the amazing world.

I love how different this place can be. All at the same time. The apartment is stunning and looks like it should be set in downtown Ann Arbor.

Outside you can hear the ocean & see forever but there's also all the scrub & the trees, and you can hear a cow mooing as loud as she can, right beneath your balcony

Ok now; urban apartment, cow, & I look outside and Matthew's at the security gate talking to somebody on a motor scooter riding around on these little two lane roads where people drive like a bat out of hell.

I must admit that the cow is funny as hell. They simply bring her out in the mornings and let go of the rope and let her wander around. Yesterday there was a fair size black bull wandering up the path as well followed by a half grown calf.

Love,
The Blonde

3/9/14

Dear Mishka,

I woke up the second morning in March 9thour new place. Matthew pointed to look out the window at our view of the ocean when he noted that it was so clear we could see the island of Guadalupe in the distance. I'm still waiting for reality to smack me one.

I've walked along the beach 1/2 dozen times now to get to town and it still seems like a vacation, and I'm waiting to be told we have to go home by Saurday.

This place has such high ceilings and tile floors that it echoes. But the cats take great joy in the echo, they sit on the landing and wail loudly until we come looking to see what is wrong, and then they look at us with innocent eyes like a 9-year old who has been caught up to no good.

Love
The Blonde

3/1/14

Dear Mishka

Well now I think I can say I am officially in the Caribbean, I am doing a wonderfully creative lobster invitation. However most lobsters don't pet cat well writing their blog. I will give credit for creative lines, I went and bought myself a creative swimsuit since I would be in the islands and no one I know would be seeing it. Creative meaning skin showing more than usual.  ergo, burns more than usual. Luckily I'm an expert on sunburn so I know how to treat them. No pain just bright colors. All I need our sparkles now.

I wish I had something more delightful to say. But there hasn't been much going on the last 2 days, although we did have dinner at a three star restaurant last night. Filet mignon that melted in my mouth.  There are all sorts of little goodies hiding away here. I can't wait to show them to the people I love. And the people that I hate are going to get photographs that say neener neener neener.

Thats all for now.

Love
The Blonde