Hempstead Baxters in Dallas

Jamie, Kelley and Cody came up to Dallas for the second day of Ellie's birthday celebrations. They missed the party but then made their own with Cody entertaining all of us. At age 6, Cody is full of energy and knows how to take full advantage of Ellie's toys - wheeling her push toys at high velocity, playing basketball with her stuffed animals and finding hidden pictures faster than any pro we know (Adrienne, the former champion, included).

A little elderly cousin advice on the proper use of toys.

Ellie's 1st Birthday!

What a treat to be in Dallas for Ellie's first birthday. Ellie is such a healthy, happy baby - so full of life. I just would love to know what's going through her mind while she's grinning, squawking and just plain jibber jabbering her way through the day.

We took advantage of a beautiful day and went to a park that's close by. Ellie, as always loved to swing, loved to watch Gracie the dog run and loved being with her favorite people in the world - Mama and Dadda!
Ah, life is grand!

Wandering women, Part III

One day when the Cedaredge women were here, we hired our friend, Sarah to take us to the other side of the island. What a treat to get out of town, to walk the beach, to look for treasures (sea glass and shells), to eat fresh fish tacos with beer, and to ride in the back of the truck with Sarah's dogs, Al and Lilly.

The beach is so wild in contrast to our leeward side.
We love the fragance of this plant that grows by the shore.

Bathing beauties of Cedaredge, Ursula, D. Ann, Peggy and Joan.

Treasures at the Mercado!

Just a fraction of the fruits and vegies at the Mercado.

Joan came here prepared! She brought her recipe book complete with a recipe for conch fritters. It had been years since she had the opportunity to use it. We lucked out on our first trip to the Mercado and scored some conch. Not only was it there, our favorite fish guy was able to get some of it pounded for fillets and some chopped finely for fritters. We were extremely happy campers.

Wandering women from Cedaredge

Lunch at Sabores, a loncheria in the owner's garden.

We have been SO busy! The wayfaring women (D.Ann, Joan and Ursula) from Cedaredge dug out of the Colorado snow to find themselves on our warm island home. These are hardy souls who accepted our couch and sharing a "matrimonial" bed in our guest room for sleeping accomodations. As does seem to happen with our group, the week centered around enjoying our natural surroundings, food and drink.

Our pero friends, Part 1

Our dog friends thankfully visit regularly. The first 3 dogs live with Rita across the street. Rex is, as we've mentioned, very deceptive in his looks. A Doberman who has no idea of his size or looks. He is the bottom dog on the pecking order, an absolute pussy cat. Scared of just about anything including just the mere threat of rain. Thunder causes him to find the tightest possible hiding spot, usually way back under stairways. A gentle giant, who sucks on his pillow for comfort!

Greta is the mid-level dog of the household. She continues to be a real puppy at age 2 nosing around in everything, digging in the garden looking for anything interesting, like turtles! She knows how to win over anyone with her affection and coy ways.

Bonnie is the head dudette. Although she is outweighed easily by each of the other dogs, she rules the house. The others dare not play with a toy unless it has been approved by Bonnie.

Max is neighbor DeLea's dog. Max is a great dog. Smart. Quick. Affectionate. We watched Max for a week while DeLea went to the States. Here he is curled up in his bed with his favorite sheet. Max loves company and hates to be alone. In fact he howls as if he's been hurt if he thinks you're leaving him for a long period of time. Neighbors just love that! Not!