Every Day is a New Day

Wherever our travels have taken us, markets have always been a source of interest. Cuenca is no exception. Saturday we shopped at Feira Libre for vegetables. There was an abundance of seafood and vegetables. Along with the masses of people, we had to dodge a side of beef coming down one of the aisles. There was of variety of sad looking pets and even goats for sale.

Sunday was cold and overcast, quite gloomy. Despite the weather, we made our usual visit to Parque Calderon. Outside the Cathedral, there is usually some type of musical entertainment. The Andean flautists were quite good.There was also a folkloric dance performance in the park.

There was conversation and catching up with friends.

Afterwards, there was pizza at La Fornace.

Monday afternoon we found our way to Kywy to purchase a different type of heater. The weather had been chilly and Mick wanted a better, more potent heater. He tried every type offered and finally settled on one. Afterwards, we went for Mexican at El Pedrecal Azteca. This was our first bad restaurant experience. The food was somewhat tasteless. There was a lack of seasoning in the enchiladas and sauces. The sangria was much too sweet. I told Mick that my Mexican, (when we get the crate) will be better than our food at El Pedrecal Azteca. He said that it could only go up. Denis's dishes were far superior to this.

Since moving into the apartment, we've had a problem with a leaky shower door. Several visits have been made to different plumbing stores in an attempt to resolve the issue. Someone came on Tuesday to assess the situation.

Additionally on Tuesday, a major delivery was made from Kywy...our heater for the terrace. Mick and I had the same idea that the terrace is too chilly to use and enjoy in the late afternoons and evenings. Kywy delivered it for $6.

Tuesday evening was an extremely special treat for us. Henry invited us to dinner with his family. His mother, Narcissa prepared a delicious dinner and we had a truly wonderful time.This is his sister, Gina and her daughter, Samantha

Here is Henry's brother-in-law, Paulo, step-father, Miguel, and Mick.

We were entertained by Paulo, who plays guitar quite well. Later, he and Gina performed several songs. Henry's brother, Andres plays guitar also, but is a bit shy.

Here is Narcissa with Samantha, sister Paula, Mick, Kathy with Nick, Miguel, Andres, Gina, and Paolo. Gina and Paolo have another daughter, Paula, who was already asleep.

We were genuinely honored to have been invited to their home. They were all gracious hosts and made us feel very welcomed.

Wednesday was a huge day for us. It was Nick's first Ecuadorian grooming. Henry had happened along a sign in our neighborhood for peluqueria canina. We went for a tour and were impressed by the demeanor of the owner. Nick and I walked the few blocks on Wednesday morning for the event. Marie Alyssa is extremely kind and gentle. Here she is bathing Nikolas.

I had explained that Nick is very sensitive to cooler temperatures after his bath. She wrapped in a big towel and then her assistant used a hairdryer to dry him.

Here he is getting his hair cut.

Usually, the first cut by a new groomer is not so good. Nick's grooming was as good, or better, than he received in Charlotte. He had no burns. At one point, when she was clipping around his peepee, she nicked a tiny spot on his tummy. Marie Alyssa went into a panic. I told her that I had medicine at home, she insisted on putting a lotion on it and before we left, even had her husband, who is a vet, take a look at it. Nick had a great grooming, with no scratching or irritation afterwards. The cost was $12, which included his nails and draining his anals. We were so fortunate to have found her. Nick already has his next appointment set up. Here's the freshly groomed boy.

Wednesday evening, Brian, Shelley, Fredi, and Henry were here for hotdogs. Carlos also came over. Mick had been wanting hotdogs. They were Carolina hotdogs. Julia, in the deli at Supermaxi said that Don Diego Especialdade were the best. Mick made his Lexington chili. I made barbecue slaw and white slaw. They were yummers. Nick and Fredi always have a great time.

Thursday, we needed to go to the market to gather things for upcoming dinnners. Mick, Gabriella, and I tried a Chinese restaurant for lunch, Chifa Dong Fang on Av. Unidad Nacional y Gran Colombia. The wonton soup with shrimp was excellent. We will go back.

Then, we were off to Feira Libre again. I needed black beans and there were none to be found. One of the vendors told me to go to Supermaxi; I know I can get them there. Here's Mick and Gabriella.

We had planned a "poor man's dinner" for Thursday night. Poor man's suppers are common as fund raisers at churches in piedmont North Carolina. The fare included pinto beans, fried cabbage, macaroni and cheese, fried potatoes and onions, deviled eggs, and cornbread. The country food hit the spot. I failed to get a picture, but the group included the Pangborns, the Reeds, the Cerwins, and Henry. It was a fun evening and Mick and Henry took the first shift of dish duty. Hank and Sherry Pangborn leave on Sunday, but will be returning in January. They have rented the apartment below ours. We're looking forward to having them as neighbors. Bob and Elaine Cerwin return to North Carolina next Thursday, but are in the process of buying an apartment in the building next to ours. The Reeds are still looking.

Yesterday was the first day of Spring and what a wonderful place to be. We've been here almost a month and this already feels like home. It seems impossible that the transition went so smoothly. Of course, there have been a few gliches, but that happens everywhere. Just as with living anywhere, every day is a new day and with every new day comes new experiences.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy