April in Texas

We've come down to Hempstead, Texas to spend some time with Jamie B., Kelley and Cody. April is an absolutely beautiful time here. The blue bonnets are just crazy prolific! We are amazed at how just one kind of wildflower can take over the landscape. They are dazzling to say the least.

Cody at age 7 is still in love with fishing. We spent the afternoon fishing and eating crawfish, potatoes and corn on the cob at a get-together for some friend's of Jamie and Kelley.


One blue gill among dozens that kids at this crawfish feed caught.

The crawfish cooks made sure that everyone got their fill.
Texas proportions for sure!

The Hirsts in Dallas

We have had such a fun week in Dallas with Ellie and Charlie, and of course, Adrienne and Damian too! Ellie is absolutely one of a kind, doing everything at full throttle - singing at the top of her lungs, running after balls endlessly and entertaining her little brother with her antics.
Charlie has a grin that could melt any heart. He's happy to be part of whatever action there is to be had.

Ellie goes to Moms Day Out two mornings a week. It was clear from the time we walked through the front door that Ellie is a favorite there. It is certainly her domain - as soon as she was inside, she was running to find her friends and teachers. A perfect place for a social girl.

Pictures Finally!

Jamie and Eric were so happy to finally meet Aubrey.

And, Alex was so happy to have her mommy, daddy and baby sister home at last!

Aubrey Belle is born!

Aubrey Belle Galyon (7 pounds, 11 ounces, 19 inches) arrived last night, March 12 at 9:05 PM! Mama Jamie, Daddy Eric and Aubrey are nestled in their temporary home at Avista Adventist Hospital. Her delivery went just beautifully and she, of course, is the object of our adoration and love. She is already blowing bubbles, sticking out her lower lip and working her tongue. I'll be taking Alex to the hospital this morning to meet her baby sister and spend some family time. Life is grand!

PS - pics to follow!

Flowers with a rug thrown in!

On this beautiful day, Peggy was inspired to take some pictures of her favorite bougainvillas. This is one of the largest ones we have found. Plus it had one of our favorite dogs walking in front of it! This dog has a great toothy grin.

Just don't think this can have any more blossoms!

These are consistently brilliant.

I made this rug for Sarah. She knew that I was going to need a project while I was recovering. She gave me some beautiful sheets that her son had used on his waterbed. Amazing how much pleasure this simple little craft gives me!

Bienvenidos Roberto

Christmas in March arrived with Bob on Monday. He came bearing tools that Pulpo carefully selected with Ed on the internet. Pictured here are Pulpo's son, Arturo, Bob, Ed and Pulpo.

Not quite so long lived as we are hoping the tools are for Pulpo is the broom we bought at the grocery store for less than a dollar. Henry very quietly brought this broken handle out to show us almost immediately after we had proudly given it to him.
We realized that we have not posted a picture of Javier, our daily visitor selling churros and sharing island news.

As has become a welcome custom, our friend, Bob, arrived on Monday bearing all kinds of tools, equipment and household items. We are not quite sure how he was able to bring any underwear much less his dive gear. Bob has been coming down here for so many years that we just hand him house keys, set up his first day of diving and buy beer to get him started. He very easily falls into our slow island ways.

Hasta amigos

The Moseleys took us out to a fantastic dinner before they left. We all shared a Zacariah's Seafood Platter at El Moro, a fixture in Cozumel distinguished by its bright orange walls and its always delicious food. The platter (2 lunch room sized trays!) had conch, grilled shrimp, garlic shrimp, grilled grouper and red snapper prepared in a beer batter. Wow! We were happy stuffed campers!

Gini ready for dinner!
Can you see my beerrings? They just finish off the outfit, don't they?

Buddies! Thanks for being such good sports, good friends! And thanks for all of the goodies, the fun and the laughter. Hope spring comes soon to Cedaredge.