Month: December 2013

Beginnings and ends are the same here
And everything else passes in silence

WINDS

Fireworks! What Fireworks? We were in bed by 10pm. We heard the fireworks at midnight, but only saw them briefly in our mind. Imagination is a very noisy creature. I went on a run Shopping Floripa to see if I could find a dentist open on New Year’s Eve. Ha Ha Ha! They all take their two week holiday. I will have to wait for one more week. I made the mistake of stopping at Bistek on New Year’s Eve. Chaos! Crowded. Packed. I shopped for 30 minutes and waited in line for 60 minutes. Then I had to take a cab since the delivery guys had already stopped delivering. But the trip was worth it for our New Year’s celebration. I saw Elyo walking a horse and passed the wall of infinite vines. When I returned, we thought about going on a walk to the big rock. We started out with André, who lastly grabbed his umbrella as we headed out the door. We made it to the jungle development and the skies unleashed a torrent of rains. Falling, falling, wind, lightning, thunder, everything – so quickly. Dwana and Ezra were soaked. Ezra was coasting away with the wind at his back when the rains arrived so he had the farthest to come back to the bus shelter where we huddled until the worst of the storm was over. The hike to the big rock will have to wait until another day. We took a walk to the neighborhood playground and watched in our imagination how the fireworks would look and how the playground would look at midnight.

A fragrant mist shine over you
Until the sun rises in the dawn of a new day

JANDEK

What would you do if you had two more days left in the year and this was one of them. Would you stay up until the New Year? I wonder when that will become the trend. We woke up. I woke up at a little after 4am. I said to myself – if you are going to do this, you need to act now! Glad I did. We were out the door carrying Ezra by 4:50, which is the hour that the bus leave Centro heading our way. I have never caught this first bus out of the yard, so this was all going to be a new experiment. Luckily, the bus was running and could see me waving in the darkened bus stop along the highway. We were loaded up with lots of bags for the beach, full of food, water, toys, umbrellas, kangas, and extra clothes. Our connecting bus went well and soon we were watching the sunrise while cruising over the many speed bumps of Rio Vermelho. We arrived at Praia Mole to join the other huddled people who had stayed up all night to watch the sunrise. They are the true warriors – the warriors of the madrugadao – a warrior of a different type. We walked to Praia Galheta where the natural beauty and shallow waters suit us better. The difference between the beaches of Galheta and Canasvieiras is unfathomable. We so much more prefer Galheta. We played tag. The water was cold and refreshing. The sun was hidden behind clouds. A mist was in the air along the beach, as if the ocean was trying to cool the land, but the heat of the young summer sun was making this a no-win situation. The rains fell and we gathered under an umbrella before running out to perform our sun dance. The sun finally appeared with gathered strength, too strong. We laid naturally on the sand while rain fell on us and bright sunshine struck down, an amazing day. We hiked back in the heat over the hill.

I want to be a pirate
A pirate’s life for me
All my friends are pirates
And sail the big blue sea

GEORGE HARRISON

I woke up early to prepare for our beach trip to Canasvieiras with neighbor Fred’s mom Sonya, who speaks zero English, but she speaks lots of Portuguese. Ezra was the last one awake and had to be carried down to the car at 8am. Imagine if we had caught the 5:10am bus. One of these days we will catch that bus, maybe tomorrow. I should go down and buy some bread today for tomorrow at the padaria across the street. Ok, we are all set for tomorrow. But what about today? I drove a car today! I drove Sonya’s car or Fred’s car or G’s car. Whoever’s car, I drove it, a manual transmission. I was driving for the first time since we sold our van in Maui almost a year ago. I do not miss driving at all. Ezra was screeching in the back seat, not listening, so I guess he does not miss rising in a car. I was trying to communicate directions with Sonya on where she wanted to go. I had to avoid all signs of Policia Federal or Policia Military because I am not legal to drive. We parked right next to the beach of Canasvieiras near the main street and the playground. A big tree provided some shade in the morning and we had plenty of options to place our umbrella and kangas when we arrived early. Hardly any people down at the beach, but the sand quickly filled up with umbrellas, chairs, and beach towels. People of ages were at the beach. Vendors were selling hats, cashews, swimsuits, drinks, bbq, corn, pineaples, sunglasses, clothing, ice-cold aqua da coco and still the people came to the beach. And just when you thought the beach was packed and could not handle any more people, more umbrellas were planted in the sand – umbrellas atop umbrellas. People were laying out on the beach every which way, not very pretty. I hunkered underneath the shade of our small umbrella. A little 1-year-old boy cried because he wanted to play in the water, but his parents did not want to play in the calm ocean water. Friends carried a wheelchair bound guy into the water with a life-vest to enjoy a swim. They seemed the happiest. Rapping and smiling and laughing to their own sounds, like characters from Cannery Row, here in Floripa! Why does writing need to be a part of my life, and not just writing reports, assessments, and evaluations? We stayed until we were squeezed out and sunned out. Dwana, Viena, and Ezra had fun playing with another family with lots of children celebrating a family reunion from Curitiba. On the drive home we laughed at all the other people heading North stuck in traffic. No traffic for us. I am glad I did not need another lesson on how to drive in traffic. When we came home, Ezra started running into everything. They day continued to heat up and only now do I feel some coolness and clouds in the air, a good day.

At night
When the sky is still
When the south wind blows
And the air is warm
There’s a world that’s born

ELVIS

Standing in front of the Banco do Brasil mirrored glass would have made for a good picture as we went out and visited Andre at work. I made some tuna sandwiches from the freshly made bread from across the street. I collected 40 liters of bottled water from up the street. I went on a run this morning that took me up the jungle and to the flat rock. Looking out over the city from the big flat rock is worth the steep walk up. Florianópolis must have so many different hillside views that are all amazing. I ran to the grocery store to arrange for a delivery of fruits and vegetables and acai. I weighed in at 78.5kg. I think the scale is a little off. Nothing like a few hot days to burn the weight off. I continued my run through Joao Paulo neighborhood and then to the start of the Beira Mar and to Trinidade. I was able to stop at a few home supply stores to look at fans. After checking the specs, I bought two industrial sized fans, let’s hope they do the job. On the way back, I caught the omnibus carrying the two big fans. The apartment manager saw me walking up the street and gave me a corona (ride). We talked about possible a/c installation. It might be in our future if this heat continues. Hopefully the fans will suffice. We were able to Skype with Olivia, Kirk, Granma, Vivki, and Mason. They looked like they were having a good fellowship communion. Logan and Su were in Vegas and Dad-Dad and Cayce were on their own adventures and Iso was in Houston with Su’s parents. Dwana even was able to reach Mylon. I set up the fans. Now, let’s see how cool the night is!

Well surprise, surprise, surprise
Yeah surprise, surprise, surprise
Well surprise, surprise, come on open your eyes
And let your love shine down

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

I tried and tried, but the early morning adventures are more difficult to do around Christmas, and in this heat. The past two days have been the hottest we have had since Petra. I was awake at 3:45am to refill the “air-conditioner” with some more ice. This kind of reminds me of waking up in the middle of the night to stoke the fireplace. I should have stayed awake and started breakfast and then we could have caught the 5:00am bus to the sunrise. Today must have been a beautiful sunrise. I was in dream land, dreaming of the caste system in India and where we all fit in that. I mean, here we are traveling the world, like royalty. Well, royalty would have real air conditioning. I did leave the house at 7am to go on a run. The heat of the day was already here. I guess temperatures topped 44C yesterday and today temperatures appear more of the same. I ran around Cacupé and by the end of the run I was in need of some water. André had a fresh papaya smoothie waiting for me when I returned. We quickly gathered our things and were out the door heading towards SESC. Ezra was happy because Papai Noel had stopped by again and delivered a car/truck transport system, very nice. This is just another benefit of traveling the world with children, people are more kind with their actions, neighborhood love. Four neighbor boys were visiting upstairs but we were at SESC all day during the heat. At SESC, we played chess, checkers, gymnastics, ping-pong and billiards – all inside games. Most of the parents at SESC looked like zombies – us included. The heat of the day and keeping up with our children was just taking the life out of us. We walked and Ezra biked. We had our must-have umbrella. We enjoyed acai form lunch. Viena was having a rough time with this heat. Her left eye hurt and she has a big tooth coming in. We saw a beautiful butterfly.

Can it heal where others before have failed?
If so then somebody
Shake shake shake me sane
’cause I am inching ever closer to the tip of this scorpion’s tail

TORI AMOS

Today was a day of scorpions, hornbills and summertime heat. Five days after the Summer Solstice, the Summer heat arrived. Temperatures are over 100F. People are scraping around for more fans and air conditioning systems. We talked of going places. We had big plans. But today we just stayed at home in the heat of the shade of our apartment and toke lots of showers. Viena and Ezra were happy just playing with some of their Christmas bounty. Late in the afternoon, Ezra Viena and I walked to the jungle development and played fútbol. All of our cheeks were red with just so little exertion. I ran my normal laps, but the heat provided a record slowest time. Amazing what the heat will do! I tried clearing some pieces of broken concrete from the road, but that was not the best idea because underneath were two scorpions seeking shade. I would not want a sting from them. While we were playing fútbol, a streamlined hornbill, vould have been a toucan, flew right over us to join his partner in the trees. To have these wild colorful big sighting right in our back yard is so cool. We came home and prepared for the hot night, not cool.

T’was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun;
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun

JOHN NEWTON

Merry Christmas. Everything went as planned. Santa was able to find us. Actually, we must have seen 5 or 6 Santa’s going up our street. Not too many Christmas lights up. People here tend to us Christmas as just another reason to celebrate. This morning, a young guy was trying to teach a young girl how to ride a motorcycle for her Christmas present. She ended up crashing into a brick wall without her helmet on. Merry Christmas. The neighborhood was out on their porches after that one. Viena received a sunshine doll and Ezra received a bog truck. After the gift exchange, we loaded up and caught the bus to Praia Ingléses where we met up with André and Diva … and 1000 other people on the narrow beach of Ingléses. Too many people for us. The water was nice and the sun was bright. I was hoping for some more clouds. The island bus rides were not crowded and quite pleasant in itself to be driven around the beautiful island. Green. Green. Green. And many places of this jungle mountainside is undeveloped. I was glad to arrive home and thankful for everyone’s quality of content, my Christmas present.

There’s a Brave New World awaiting all you kids out there
With a brand new way of getting through your day there

DONOVAN

Today is Christmas Eve. The stores all close before 6pm. Why do I know this? Why should I even bother with the consumerism part of Christmas while we are here in Brasil? We have had 3 different sets of Santa Claus that have been walking up the street or being guided up the street in the backs of cars with a lead-car bass-a-blowing. The car parade gives out candy, candy and more candy. Incredibly, Ezra was given a Ben-10 and Viena was given a Barbie Doll. What a cool little neighborhood treat! The children are all ready for bed. Let the night begin. Let our Brasilian Christmas roll on. I went on a run to try and accomplish some last minute shopping, but oh well, the stores close at 6pm. Today we went with André to explore Praia Brava. The waves were incredible for body surfing. The weather was perfectly hot. WE were glad to leave on the 1:45 onmibus out of there. The trip takes about an hour from our house. Great sand. Viena and Ezra had fun playing in the waves. Dwana had a case of the sneezes all day. Maybe she is allergic to Christmas. Just remember, BEN-10, the spirit of Christmas.

Jump, little children, jump
Jump, little children, jump
Jump, little children, jump
Jump, little children, jump

BROWNIE MCGHEE

I took a ride into Centro. I am definitely improving with my bus catching skills and price-checking purchases and finding the right store at the right time. I was able to zoom around and gather all them items I was looking for and still make it back in the early afternoon. Lots of people were out doing Christmas shopping. The day was sunny. I had eaten lunch before catching the bus so I did not need to take in any of the Centro street food. Most of the Centro street food is not very appealing. I was able to find cashews for 35/kilo and Brasil nuts for 45/kilo. A brief heavy rain storm sent people for shelter, but the day belonged to the sun. When I came home, we went to our field in the jungle and ran and played fútbol.

There’s a land where I’ve been told
every street is paved with gold
And it’s just across the borderline

WILLI NELSON

We must have stayed inside, but we did not. We should have rested today, but we did not. We could have taken it easy today, but we did not. We caught the bus to Shopping Iguatami. I know sounds difficult already. This was an exploration of sorts since we were trying to find a single bus to take us there, and we were successful on the way there, but not on the way back. On the way back, I chose to wait at the wrong bus stop, so instead , we had a harried time of crossing the road with all of our groceries, since the grocery store does not deliver on Sundays we found out. We crossed back over the street again to catch a bus to Trinidade terminal. Now it is almost 8pm and we are waiting for the bus to Saco Grande. We saw another bus that I thought might take us home. Ezra ran ahead since he was not carrying anything and was the fastest and he hopped on the bus without us, and it was the wrong bus heading for Centro. That could have been bad. He hopped off after the driver realized what had happened. Finally, the right bus arrived and we were back home safe with all of our stuff. I am thankful for all the times our groceries have been delivered. For lunch, we had a good view of the mata below. Shopping Iguatamei built right on the mata. We could view all the way to Praia Daniella. Today was a switch from yesterday. We were inside all day and it rained all day, and it was windy all day. We were inside, dry, but sunburned and wind-burned from the day before.

Summer solstice, evening sky
Your cheerful nature caught my eye

SYLVER

Today is the longest day of the year (for those in the Southern Hemisphere). I awoke at 3:30am, 5, 6, and 7am, waiting for the sun to appear. Like yesterday, the sun appeared with a bright entrance. We are on a night schedule and all are still sleeping. The day is a little brighter. The early morning grass cutters arrived. Ezra mentioned a couple of things today and I will need to review the video clips. Even with the threatening rain, we left and went to Praia Daniella. We were greeted by rain and wind on the beach, but the sunshine would have the last laugh on this longest day of the year. I quickly made a tigela de acai with bananas, strawberries, and granola – a yummy breakfast Brasil style. The sun arrived and brought the people down to the beach. Ezra played with an American family visiting from Chicago. At mid-day, most of the people left the beach from lunch. Our plan was to walk around the point and then enter Daniella from the other side. But guess what? You cannot do this unless you plan to walk through a swamp. The birds were even looking at us funny – “Don’t you know this does not make a circle back to the beach?” SO, with the sun beating down, we turned around and walked all the way back around the point, just like the Lion Hunt story. Since we missed our bus, we decided to stay for lunch and until the sunset. Why not stay, on the longest day of the year.

Friends are special so important, they make the world go ’round
We like helping one another in school or on the playground

BARNEY

The day started strong with sun pouring out of the jungle mountainside village. I placed the sheets on the clothesline outside, and no sooner had I hung the sheets then the sprinkles of rain started falling. I watched for a morning rainbow, but none was to be found. On this beautiful morning we had some breakfast and stayed home. I read with Viena a little bit. I then started on the quest of eradicating the mosquitoes that were barely flying full from our blood. I need to batten down the hatches to this place. We walked over to have lunch with André, We had to take the umbrella since the day was so sunny. On the way back we found a table that would be perfect for a fan stand. Ezra and Viena painted while I walked into town and bought some groceries. I made a bug screen to keep out the unwanted. I found another use for duct tape. The grocery delivery service is great, especially when you buy a big pineapple or watermelon.

We’re hung out to dry
Like the laundry

THE LILAC TIME

I called in sick again today. I stayed on the top bunk for most of the day. I did go outside twice with Ezra and Viena to try and visit the local markets on the street, but they were closed because today is Sunday. I remember back in the day when markets used to be closed on Sunday in the United States. Now most markets in the US selling meats, milks, bread, and eggs are open on Sundays. Where did the day of rest go? No problem though, we had enough food left in our big deluxe refrigerator. I think this is the first brand new big size refrigerator that I have purchased and I am glad we have one here in Brasil. We started out without a refrigerator in hot Bali, but we were young and fresh back then and full of adventure. Now some cold chilled water sure is nice, and popsicles. The day dripped on slowly like a thawing icicle in late winter. André came by for a quick visit before heading back into the sunshine. No sunshine for me today, hopefully tomorrow. I read Ezra and Viena some books. Dwana tried to take care of all of her little and big ducklings. She made a garbanzo bean soup that I finally tried late in the night when my hunger had returned a bit. The trouble is I did not sleep at all last night. I usually am a pretty good sleeper, so I hope all is well. Last time we were in Brasil for the first time I would always have a fever that would last 3 days and then go away for a week and then return. Dwana discovered that I bought her “fabric softener” instead of laundry detergent, so we have been wearing really soft but dirty clothes. Certainly is nice having a washing machine. We did not have one of those in Bali, but we did not need one since we could just walk 100 meters and have all of our clothes washed, dried and folded for about $2-3 dollars. This must be the week of the tear and the day of the joke.

And Lou’s got the flu and he’s laid up, laid up, laid up,
Lou’s got the flu and he’s laid up,
Have to get well pretty soon

ROGER MILLER

Brasilian music was playing all day outside our lone window. The breeze was blowing the tapestry outside out window all day long. Today has been a very relaxing day, a recovering day. Last night I felt my fever break, but the backache remains, so I am enjoying this music and this breeze from my sick quarters on the top bunk. I am not sure why I was the only one who was had a fever, but I am glad I was the only one. With all of the music, I am thinking that there is some type of neighborhood celebration. Good music. The music is loud enough so that you do not hear the barking dogs. The sun is out, but today is our stay in the indoor shade day. Viena was able to talk to Granma without Ezra interrupting. Viena and Ezra are playing nicely with their cardboard box fort. I really enjoy the time when Viena and Ezra are playing nicely with each other, as they are doing right now. I love being in climates where an air-conditioner or heater is not needed and you only need a good breeze or a cloud or a rain shower or a bath shower. Well, the music just changed and now we are at a late-night dance club. Ezra seems to like the new music.

Muddy day

clouds from window

the big jump

canopy green

roll on

rainbows in the jungle led us home

I am a giant
I am an Eagle oh
I am a lion
Down in the jungle
I am a marching band
I am the people oh
I am a helping hand
I am a hero

R KELLY

I went on an early morning run. The run was not that early because Viena had just woke up. I thought I could sneak out of the door, but she caught me. I ran up the trail to the big rock and back. Not too far this time, but the trail seemed steeper. There were motorcycle tracks and the mud red was very fresh in places. A giant butterfly scared me as he darted around with his colorful wings and eye dot, one of the biggest I have seen. The butterflies are all so beautiful here. Dwana even had a stealthy moth land on her shoulder and try to hide in her shirt colors. I sat on the big rock and watched a swarm of small insects being blown by the wind and being eaten by other swooping bigger insects or moths or butterflies. The jungle is full of bird noises, especially heard on this quiet Sunday morning. I heard two distinct calls. One call was from a Marching Band Bird give a 6-tweeted-whistle, “Tweeeeeet! Tweet! Tweet! Tweet! Tweet! Tweet!” And another owl sounding bird singing “Oooooouuuuuuu!” which then you would hear a slightly different version – “Uuuuuuuuoooooooo!” The clouds started darkening and I did not want to take shelter in the cave again, so I hurried home and sure enough, the rains started falling just as I arrived home. We spent the day reading to Ezra and Viena. The day was cloudy and windy, a very nice temperature. Today must have been “Teach your girlfriend/wife to ride a motorcycle” day. Yesterday was “take your newborn on the bus” day. We played near the ancient palace of the bees back near the start of the wild jungle. When we listened, we heard frogs, crickets, birds, and other far off jungle noises. The rains were misty and non-threatening. No thunder. No lightning. We watched as the wind from the east blew the tall super tall wispy trees back and forth. The sun made a momentary showing for long enough to create a slight transparent rainbow that only the eyes of children could see. We slowly walked back with a newly found remote control controller that controls Ezra and Viena. Now why couldn’t we have found one of these at the beginning of our trip?

And it looks we’ve made it once again
And it looks we’ve made it once again
Yes it looks like we’ve made it to the end

THE MONKEES

We saw Monkey’s today, or a monkey. A small monkey in a tree about as big as your hand. The monkey was in the trees on the trail to the big rock that I explored yesterday. We can see this rock from our patio, and it is difficult to believe that we could walk all the way from our place to this big rock. But here we are. We did it. We started walking a little late near 10 o’clock and we made it back down by 1pm. Dwana said she felt “something watching” her and Viena, and she was right. A monkey was up above here watching her in the trees. The trail was steep, but had great views of the Be-Ira Mar, of the city, and the Morro da Cruz. We found a rock that would be a great place to watch the New Year’s Fireworks. When we came home, I went on a run into the city. I ran through Saco Grande and then caught the bus the Waldorf school. I jumped off the bus and ran to UFSC and then ran to Angeloni’s and then ran along the Be-Ira Mar into El Centro. The heat of the late afternoon sun was shining down directly in my face as I ran down the Beira Mar. My bus pass stopped working and I only had 20 Reais in my pocket. I arrived home shortly before dark. I saw trash piled up all throughout the city. The garbage collectors finally picked up the trash in the neighborhood around midnight.

Just once in a lifetime
A man knows a moment
One wonderful moment
When fate takes his hand
And this is my moment
My once in a lifetime
When I can explore
A new and exciting land
BOBBY DARIN

I went to Shopping Floripa on a run to replace the keys to our door. I discovered that the locksmith guy who was re-making our door keys was the same lock smith who let André into his place last week. The locksmith said I needed to bring the physical door lock into their shop so they could trail and error the lock with keys – Always something. I went grocery shopping at Bistek and scheduled a delivery. Bistek’s prices were rumored to be lower, but the prices are just the same, with a more promotions on fruits and vegetables. Viena and Ezra were so excited to see the delivery guy carry up and deliver a watermelon and a pineapple ($4 watermelon). Not bad. I made some watermelon juice and salty pineapple mango watermelon juice. Yummy. Delicious. Viena loves the mango and the papaya. I went on an exploratory run into the local mountains. I was instantly rewarded with finding a trail that led into the jungle. I met a guy with a machete and the cow was walking (Elyo). He tried telling me a bunch of stories in Portuguese about all the trails and the things that have happened on these trails, but I understood very little and what I did understand I did not want to hear. He then directed me to his place. Usually I do not follow guys in the wild carrying machetes that tell stories about what happens on these trail that I do not understand, but I made an exception and I was rewarded with more great views of the city and an small understanding of the trail system.

Just like little children
Like the little children
Know how they have fun
Just like little children
Like the little children
Know how they have fun

DIANA ROSS

There is too much to think about. I am on the bus for another run into Trinadade Terminal – the middle-bus-stop where all the Saco Grande and Lagoa buses now transition. The bus takes a turn and passes the Bistek supermarket. Everything is so green here. Lots of rocks, big rocks mixed in with all the jungle scape mountain side. My hope is to discover all the little back roads into and out of the jungle. We have been waiting for our geladera refrigerator to be delivered for almost a week now. Who needs a refrigerator anyway? We have lived in so many situations and this will be another. I am not sure what the expectations are. I have spent the last two days constructing a set of beds, brasil style. I could have made my own bed from scratch in less time I think. Finished. Done. Deu. We have been experimenting with clothes drying methods. Today the sun was shining for a bit in the afternoon. Ezra and Viena have been so happy to see me building the bunk beds, but both started crying almost moments after I finished. André brought us over some lunch from his work. My dream last night was walking into an auditorium with the Brasil flag colors showing all over the walls saying – “This is Brasil! You live in Brasil! Go Live in Brasil!” The sky after the rain near the por-do-sol is heavenly here in Floripa. The white clouds with the blue-blue sky darkening, while with gray washed green scape of the jungle. Everywhere was striking out from the Earth to the endless of holding all.

It does not matter
What country you are in,
Just stay here on base
With your own kind,
But he knew a patriot
Needs a strong free hand,
Now he’s off to torch
That red-infested land,
Can’t stop the armadillo man.

MICRODISNEY

These are the crazy days, the days of transition where everything is all over the place and Viena and Ezra are inside in a new place trying to make home, trying to play with familiar toys. But here we are in a new apartment. No kids live here and that is a bummer. I was hoping that some other family with children might be living in the apartments. Oh well, so it is to be. I spent the day building the Brasilian beds, a chore in itself. We walked a couple of time to the local markets. Ezra was booted out of one for not listening and using his loud voice. What a way to start in the neighborhood. Not sure how life would transition if we did not have Ezra the loud boy. He cried over chocolate milk. Chocolate milk has been a staple of his or maybe he was just hungry. The market is so close by and that is where I will be buying out water and other small things. We locked ourselves out of André’s place. The lock appears broken, so all day our food was over there and we are over here with not much food. We walked to Shopping Floripa and went to the Market Faire. I bought some Kettle Korn and a train and a barking dog – well worth the 25 Reais. Now I just need some batteries. We stopped and ate at the food court. Viena came up and said THANK YOU DAD FOR THE FOOD, like I have been starving her. This is probably the first fast food she has had in a month. We walked around and sat on Santa’s lap. Ezra and Viena tried to tell Santa in Portuguese what they wanted. I was even able to squeeze what I wanted from Santa. Of course, I forgot my camera. Not too many people in Saco Grande carrying around big camera’s. A guy came late in the evening and repaired the door a little. I tried to stay up and finish the bed after we returned from Shopping Floripa.