Off We Go to School

Last week was a big week for Mick in that he completed driving school. Although he has been driving in NC since a teenager, in order to get your license in Ecuador, completion of driving school is required. In order to attend the school, there is a fee of $187. Additionally, you must submit 2 copies of your cedula or passport, 2 copies of your Ecuadorian police report, have your blood typed at the Red Cross, 2 passport-size photos, and your high school diploma. Mick didn't have his high school diploma; however, on his cedula it is stated that his education was "superior"; therefore, they accepted that he also had a high school diploma.

The school was grueling, stressful, and in Spanish. Classes were for 7 straight days, driving for 3 hours each day and 2 hours in class. Mick and Jim took the classes together and both passed the test. A card must now come from Quito before they can take the government exam.

While Mick and Jim were in driving school, Angie and I began our on adventure. We enrolled in weaving classes at a fabulous yarn shop called Distribudora Barrera.

Angie is learning to thread the loom as the instructor, Patricia watches.

The first article that you make is a scarf. Here's mine, still on the loom.

Since my class time will be limited over the next few weeks, I brought my loom home.

In addition to the weaving, I cook a great deal. Last week I made 2 pies and 2 cakes. The last cake was for our housekeeper, Lena's birthday. Once upon a time I took the basic Wilton class, but have not used that tiny bit of knowledge gained in probably 20 years. Since Mick was driving and I had time, I decided to attempt to decorate Lena's cake. The finished product is below. To my friend Renee, please don't laugh! I say that because Renee makes elaborate cakes and practices making very complicated flowers.

When we're out and about taking pictures, Nikolas usually isn't in them because he's in his sack on my shoulder. Since he had just had a bath and was especially cute, I thought I'd put a new picture of him in this blog.

Life is especially good, a few mishaps along the way. Mick has completed the driving school and Nick and I are along for the ride.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy