Back in Ecuador

Motilón Tree -tear drop

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 03:59:00 +0000

In seven years that we own our finca YANAPANA, we have never cut a tree. We bought this property to preserve it and to allow all living beings that exist there to have there home undisturbed. In order to built all the 3 cabins we added to the land since we bought this place, we always purchased wood already cut. I could not bear the thought of cutting a tree. Well, last week we had to hire some guys to cut few trees from the area of YANAPANA that will be under water once the hydro project is finished. The land is still in our hands (while the government processes our compensation) so we decided to cut two Chanul and one Motilón trees and save all the wood for our new house and to make furniture. We know that it takes at least 1 year before we can use the wood for construction, so we will put it to dry. It was a sad moment to see the tree fall. It is so strange to be in the position to decide to cut a tree - a tree that has been there long before us, we calculate that the tree was 300 years old. As a sign from the universe the Motilón tree has a tear drop shape or a water shape. I will always remember this tree and I will try to plant and preserve many more in my life time.

Guy cutting the Motilón tree

Tear drop shape

Boards for tables

Nature is abundant

Here we go again!

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:46:00 +0000

Yep! We are back in Ecuador AGAIN!!! Lot's of adventures we have had in the past year, I will write about them little by little. The important thing now is that we are living here and enjoying our time together. We are dividing our time between city life and country life. We spend one week in YANAPANA and one week in Quito. I am taking a painting class on Saturdays so we make sure we are always here on Saturdays. Mateo is a 3 year old now and he is so fun to be around. He is a chatty box mainly in English with us and in Spanish with family and friends. Pat is applying for his resident visa and feeling good about our life. We will loose several acres of land in Yanapana and all the cabins we have due to a Hydroelectric project proposed by the Ecuadorian Government. So I am glad to be back and post in this blog. For now few photos.

Mateo enjoying the Guaycuyacu river

Friendly bird seen in our land (Motmot)

Enjoying the hummock

One of my paintings

Family bike ride in Quito

Grandma's 90th birthday - my family!

Our Neighborhood

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:15:00 +0000

We live in La Loma Grande a very traditional neighborhood of the Centro Histórico. When we bought our apartment we did not think much of the neigborhood and we paid more attention to the building where our place is set and the beautiful view we have from our apartment. At first I was a bit afraid of walking in the street outside our apartment building. So many people come and go all the time and we learn that in part of the neighborhood some people sell drugs. That made us feel uncomfortable. However, with time I have come to like very much this neighborhood and it is because I have come to know the people who live here. It is a very friendly place, everywhere I walk I see someone to say hi " hola vecino" and sometimes I stop and chit chat about anything.
I don't know if other neighborhoods in Quito have all we have here. In just one street of about 1/2 mile you can find: A historic church, a fire station, a police station, bakeries, farmacies, several little groceries stores, restaurants, medical center and dentists, fresh fruit and veggies stores, tailor, chinese food, electronic repair places, shoe repair places, hair salons, kindergarten, elementary schools, high schools, internet services, a cultural center in restoration, a hidden park, clothing and shoes stores, and other places that I am sure I'm forgetting. You just need to decide what you want or need and go out the door, walk few minutes and find it!
Living here makes me feel like we are part of a community and that people are friendly. It is also a great contrast with our lives in Yanapana where nature is our community.

View of the street we live on seen from another hill in the city

The street we live on

Another street in the center of Quito

Views from our roof top

Life in another dimension

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:04:00 +0000

If there are other dimensions Yanapana is probably in a different one than the one we are used to. It is difficult to explain the change we experience there but it is real. You need to go there and be there for few days to see what happens. For example, when I am in the city I worry a lot and I always want to be in the next moment, doing the next thing, thinking of another project but when I am in Yanapana everything is still, quiet, you are more in the present, no hurries and worries. The overwhelming but organized sounds of nature keeps your mind busy. There is the never ending sound of the river, the birds here and there, the insects, the rain when present, etc. Life is rich and we become part of it. We feel rich and happy. The air is fresh, the water is clean (from our own spring) and all is green around. There is always something new to see.
We go to bed as it gets dark and read quietly in our tents but soon fall sleep only to be awaken buy the sounds of the morning birds and rooster.
Make plans to come to visit Yanapana sometime in the future, you will feel in another world.

Getting you updated

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Sat, 07 May 2011 11:59:00 +0000

As always many things have happened in our lives here in Ecuador, it seems like there is so much to do and I do not post as often as I would like.

Mateo and I spent 5 days during in Semana Santa with my grandmother in Puellaro, my home town. I wanted to show my son the place I grew up and all the traditions we follow there. He had a great time with family.

We rode in the gusanito

played with water many times

played with other children in the family

Had his 2nd birthday! and celebrated with all the family. Pat made a yummy chocolate cake.

Since it was raining so much in Quito and it was cold, we decided to escape to the coast. We stayed in a nice hotel with swimming pool and a nice view of the ocean. Like always we ate only seafood and enjoyed ourselves in the warm climate.

View from our hotel room

Ice cream for Mateo, he now recognizes the ice cream man!

First time playing in the sand, he did not want to come out.

Fishermen arriving to the beach

We bought fresh fish and shrimp to take home. Mateo wanted to hold the fish

Tea with honey

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:57:00 +0000

Tea with honey is Mateo's new favorite drink and he asks it all the time to his new favorite parent - Pat! My husband of course is so happy for this. We also have a chatty 2 year old child who is repeating many words and it is fascinating to hear him. Here are some of his words: papaya, banana, bubble bath, bubbles, all the things he likes.

Last week we went to check out a day care center and we liked it very much but Mateo wasn't that convinced. Since we don't need him to be away from us yet we will wait until August. He will be in day care from 8:30 to 12:30 and then he will spend the afternoons with Pat while I go to school. I am going to miss him so much.

Checking out Rocotin - the day care center

Mateo got his first guitar this week. It will be nice to see him someday play one of Pat's 4 guitars.

Another first experience Mateo had this week was to play with dough. First I made it with flour and water and then we got the play-doh at the store. He LOVE it!

He is getting so tall!

This is one of the animals we saw today at the Zoo. It was our first time and we all had a great time. I think we will be coming back to this place again.

Going to see the President

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:39:00 +0000

On Mondays at 11:00 a.m. the President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, comes out to the balcony of his palace (house) and greets people as the change of guards takes place. We have attended this event few times in the past, and we like to go whenever we can especially because it is ten minutes away from home.

The President was not present today but we all enjoyed very much the presence of a lot of people, the nicely dressed guards, music and the horses.

Life in Ecuador is good!

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:14:00 +0000

Life is good and busy! I have not made time to write on this blog because we did not have internet for quite sometime and now that we do, I have been spending my time on other projects. I want to continue this blog, and I hope to do it at least once a month.

Mateo is growing so fast! I think he just went through a growth spurt because he went from a lousy eater to an eager eater which was pleasing to see. I can't keep up with his hair and I need to cut it quite often. Seems like we have settled into a nice routine lately. Sure is nice to sleep in and then have a slow morning while we eat breakfast, shower and clean the house. Before midday we go out for a walk around the busy streets of Quito. Mateo enjoys it so much that almost always falls sleep in the Bob (the stroller).

My mom moved in with us for a month, it was a nice month because we got lots of help watching Mateo. Pat and I took advantage of this and went out more often. There is always business to do in the city.

We have not gone to the land yet because we need to have the car checked and maybe change the tires. We got a used Chevrolet Rodeo that is very roomy.

Mateo enjoys very much the company of Anita, my girlfriend's children. They are older than him but that is what makes them very interesting. There are lots of things to learn from them. I am very glad I can keep in contact with an old friend.

Bath time is very special for Mateo, he has graduated from playing with rubber ducky and moved to more interesting creatures. He has his entire zoo accompanying him while he soaks in the water. Trying to get him out is a battle I have won with the animals but not with Mateo ha ha.

Lately, he enjoys sitting by the stove (we stand by him, don't worry, we won't burn him) and watches us cooking. He knows what he wants and does not hesitate to communicate it to us in any way he can. Also, he is sleeping in his own room and he is also sleeping through the night! I am so happy for that because it means I am also sleeping through the night :)

Back AGAIN in Ecuador ---LOL

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:23:00 +0000

It is not a joke, it is for real! We are back again in Ecuador and this time for good.

I will continue to write about our lives here. I think this short trip to California was necessary for us so we can say GOOD BYE to everything one more time. It was necessary to value what we have here in Ecuador and realize that all the dreams we had for so many years are possible. It has not been easy to settle down here but after this California trip, things have been much better.

Mateo is so happy to have "tita" abuelita near by. I am so happy to have my family around.

Life takes you places and you need to make the most of it!

In the airport in our way back

He loves brocoli

Mateo's cousin Isaid on his first birthday

Happy! Happy! Happy!

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 03:47:00 +0000

We are moving back to California!!! ha Life takes you where you need to be and sometimes you do not expect some things. We are very happy with this new move, it will be great.
Pat has a nice job and we will have a nice house in the redwoods. I will stay home with Mateo until I feel ready to put him in child care or until I found a great job, which ever comes first...
I guess, I need to start a new blog named: Back in California again! who knows. I will wait and see how my life unfolds. I won't have family help this time and Pat will be working so I am on my own taking care of Mateo but I think it will be really fun. I have several friends to have play dates with and the community of people where we will live sounds very nice.
Life is good and full. Thanks for reading...

Maybe someday I write a book about our 5 month experience in Ecuador. ha ha

Added 12/30/2010

My new blog: Loma Mar Chapter

Up in the air

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 03:09:00 +0000

Well, life in Ecuador did not turned out the way we thought. We are waiting to see what happens in the next few days. Since we move homes and I have not had a good internet service, I lost interest in posting in this blog. I will take a break.
In the mean time, we are so happy as a family and close to family. We are positive and trying to learn from what it is now. We will be fine, just don't know if in Ecuador or EEUU.

Going everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 03:43:00 +0000

On the past 10 days we have been really busy. After returning from Yanapana, Pat and I had a date and went to watch Karate Kid the movie. It was a nice escape for us. Thanks to my mom who took care of Mateo. Then, Mateo was a bit sick for few days, later I discovered that he was teething. We also spent few days in my home town Puellaro. We really enjoyed spending time with my grandma and aunt. After that we had Nikki from Hidden Villa visiting us and we took her to Yanapana for couple days. We enjoyed nature a hike in the forest and a refreshing soak in the river. Finally today we went to Papallacta, to some hot springs one and a half hours from here. It was great to soak in hot water with Mateo. As usual he is so happy in the water.
Now I look forward to some weeks at home and get Mateo in some sort of routine.

Mateo and my grandma Anita

Hiking in the forest with Nikki

Happy with dada

Back in Quito/Snakes

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 03:23:00 +0000

It is nice to go to Yanapana for few days and recharge in nature, it is also nice to come back to Quito and have a hot shower, do laundry that actually dries with the sun, and be away from mosquitos! Both of our homes have their good and not so good, we try to enjoy them well when we are in each place.
Last Monday after 3 1/2 hours of driving through green and beautiful scenery we arrived at Yanapana. We usually unload the truck and set up the kitchen and bedroom before it gets dark. It gets dark by 6:30 pm sharp! We also like to have early dinners and head to our cabin to read books to Mateo before he goes to sleep. Remember we do not have electricity yet so everything is lighted by candles. We like this cozy life. I especially enjoy sheltering inside our mosquito net that hangs above our bed. After Mateo goes to sleep I love to write in my journal and read, my bedtime is around 8:00 pm or so since there is not much more to do. It seems like we sync with nature and go early to bed and early to rise.

Snakes:
I have seen 4 snakes on my way to the out house so I do not enjoy these trips anymore since I am very alert and think I will see another one hiding. The last one I saw this week fell from a tree above the pathway and when I looked back to see what it was, there she goes sliding in my direction at a fast speed. I scream! She stayed quiet and I do the same. After realizing I wont do anything to her, she leaves in the other direction and disappears in the green bush. It was a bright green, thin and long snake. Our caretakers told me that this one is not poisonous. The one they found the day after, as they were making a new trail in the forest, was a poisonous snake and Lucho was glad to not have been attacked by it. After this snake theme of the week I realize that I respect snakes very much and I hope they live in our property but never harm us or any of our visitors. It is good to be aware of their presence and very careful always. They could be anywhere!!

Snake "X". This is poisonous

This was near the out house and likes to climb trees. It is harmless.

Things falling into place

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:18:00 +0000

Seems like life is getting easier and we are loving it! The first thing we have been focusing our attention on these past three days is in allowing Mateo to have a nurturing environment here at home. I have been cooking for him good meals and making sure he snacks often so he can recuperate from last weeks dehydration. Pat has spent time reading and playing with him. Yesterday, my mom stayed home with Mateo for few hours while we went to get him toys and new books. He is so happy and entertained with the new things we got for him. Also, we notice that this boy is changing and able to hang out around the house while we do things. Before he would not let me do much in the house because he wanted to be held or he wanted me to be near by him at all times. Maybe he was getting used to his new environment and since we went out of the house pretty often on the first weeks here, he was not sure what was going on. It is all in the past and I feel like he is ready to continue to thrive in this his new home. He is even making new sounds and trying to say new words. He sure understands everything I say to him in both languages. We are so grateful that Pat and I can be home and watch this kid grow.

This afternoon as we were looking at the window, we noticed that our neighbors dog, cat and white rabbit were playing on the tile roof of their house. Mateo was very entertained for few minutes.

No time to write

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:50:00 +0000

Three weeks have passed since my last post. On the few days we have been in Quito and had access to internet, I have been so busy during the day that when the night comes and Mateo goes to bed, I barely keep up with the house chores!

Since my last report, we went back to Yanapana with a truck full of stuff, food and people (my brother's family and my mom) to spend the holidays. We had a great time, specially when we went to the river. Mateo could live in the water easily.

We also saw interesting insects on this trip and Mateo got to play fearless with a firefly.

In our way back to the city, we started the process of getting Pat's residence. Now we know what papers we need and where to go. Looks like once we submit the required documents he might be getting the ecuadorian ID in less than two months.

I also found a good pediatrician for Mateo. On his first visit, he was healthy and no so happy to be touched and look around by an stranger. Later we came home and after a nap, Mateo wake up sick with high fever that lasted a whole day. He had some diarrhea but went away quick, so since we had a planned trip to the beach with my brother's family, we went on our adventure hopping that we would all have a great time. We did not! Mateo was sick the whole time with vomit and diarrhea and after trying very hard to keep him hydrated, he lost enough fluids to bring us back to Quito to the hospital. We spent this past weekend in the hospital letting my child recover from what it seems to be sensitivity to the ecuadorian food. Pat and I have learned a big lesson and have decided to let us all settle well in this new ecuadorian environment before we embark on any other trip.

Look at the sky

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:43:00 +0000

This week we went to Yanapana once more. This time we had a truck full of stuff needed for us to set a comfortable camp, specially at the kitchen, the place where goodies happen. Pat had fun cooking and made a new list of things needed to prepare the best meals. One night, I was reading in the cabin and preparing for bed when Pat says: " you should come out and look at the sky". I went out and I saw the most beautiful night sky ever! I don't think I can describe with words my feeling but it was amazing. The sky was full of stars, so many of them and so clear. I did not know this view was possible in our farm since it is usually cloudy or rainy at night. This day was special and I felt like driving to a higher point to have a better view or stay up all night or do something to not let this moment end. Hope to see the sky like that again soon...

Back in town, Mateo and I attended to my high school friend's birthday party. She is my best high school friend and since we both have children around the same age, we should see often. I am so happy! Today, we spend the day at my brother's cooking green banana soup with my sister in law. It was a good week again.

Little town we go by in our way to Yanapana

Road to Yanapana

Birthday Party

Mateo growing up fast and running

Home sweet home

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:10:00 +0000

Our apartment is looking more like home now. Last Friday, we finally received the boxes with our stuff and little by little we are unpacking and finding a place for each thing. No much time to get things done during the day when Mateo needs our time and attention but since we do not have a deadline or jobs to go to, we are enjoying the process. Here are some photos of our place as it looks now. Soon we will have things on the walls.

The office

A little bit of this and that

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:51:00 +0000

Last weekend we went to visit my brother's family. We had a nice meal and afterwards we went to let the cousins hang out and spend some time at a nearby mall. We found a cute toy car for $1.50 rent after no more than 15 minutes Mateo was done with the ride! Isaid was happy in his stroller.

Mateo and Isaid

Every Monday at 11 am there is an event in front of the presidents house (few blocks from our house). We were there on time and got to see a nice parade and we even saw Rafael Correa our president! Mateo was very interested on the huge horses that were part of the parade and ofcourse the band.

Later that day, we went to pick up our pick up! We really like this truck and we hope it will take us safely to our property many times. We also hope to discover more of the beauty of Ecuador on it. I'll like to call it voyager.

On Tuesday, we made our first trip on voyager to my home town Puellaro. My grandma still lives there and I wanted to spend a special day together. To celebrate we eat cuy, which is a traditional ecuadorian dish. Pat and Mateo preffer not to share that particular tradition with me :).

To my surprise, my baby started to use the spoon on that day. Most of the food did not make it to his mouth but I was so excited to see him try. This kid is growing so fast!!

That is it for now. The rest of the week we hope to receive some office furniture we order, finally get our boxes and get ready for a family reunion on the weekend.

Walking in our neighborhood

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:19:00 +0000

We love living in down town Quito. Life in the streets is so rich and entertaining. We just need to walk around without any specific mission and we find lots of great things to see. There are many churches, shops, restaurants, hotels, etc within walking distances. Today after spending all morning cleaning the house, doing laundry and making a yummy lunch, we went walking around our neighborhood and came back very happy.
Our surroundings in Quito are so much different than our surroundings in the farm where all is peace and quiet. The richness of nature prevails. We love this contrast!

plaza de San Francisco

plaza de Santo Domingo (two blocks from home)

San Francisco Church

at one side of La Catedral

Yanapana our land

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Last weekend we went to Yanapana our property and it took us 7 hours to get there. First we got a taxi to the bus stop, then the bus for 2.5 hours, then had lunch while we waited for the next ride and finally hop in a ranchera for another 2.5 hours in a primitive road. Mateo did very well for his first long bus ride and just the whole experience. At the end, we were so glad to have made it to our beautiful piece of land. Everything is so magic and rich. We were received by our care takers and then visited our dear neighbors. Soon it was time to go to bed and rest. On Sunday, we spent the day seeing the progress our caretakers have made in the past 6 months and looking at things we need to get to make the place ready to receive guests. Casa grande (the main cabin) is almost finished and on our next trip we will bring a stove and kitchen stuff so Pat can start having fun in his big kitchen. And, no, we won't take the stuff by bus and take 7 hours; by then we will have a truck and will be there in 3 hours or so. I also saw our future garden fenced, so it will prevent wild life getting in there. I plan to have a nice garden with lots of things growing there. The pathways and flowers all around the place look great. It does feel like a great place to settle and make it home.

Casa Grande

Caretakers cabin

Guest cabin

Efficient Ecuadorian services

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:39:00 +0000

I have been pleased to find that my country has become efficient and organized when it comes to public services. They have state of the art computer systems in a brand new building. Before, to get an Ecuadorian ID (cedula) for example, one had to be prepared to spend a whole day standing in line and usually outside. This week we have focused on getting Mateo’s cedula and our marriage registered. Everyone is so polite and informative and the whole process went very smoothly. We did go back 3 days this week for several reasons but now everything is done. Now, I need to get my updated cedula. The cedula in Ecuador is as the drivers licence in U.E., it is required for everything from opening a bank account to getting a loan to getting a new credit card.
We are also happy because our stuff arrived in Quito on Thursday and my uncle is helping us get them out of customs. It is a long process but I am glad we have someone to help. Next we expect to get the boxes delivered here to our apartment and from there start the unpacking party! It should be fun to have our belongings here with us and make us feel more at home.
Tomorrow we will go to Yanapana and see how things are going there. This time we will adventure by bus and see how it goes. We can’t wait to recharge our energies in nature.

Still waiting for internet so no photos yet…

Taking care of business

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:16:00 +0000

We had a busy day taking care of business today. First we went to get Pat’s stitches out from a cut he had last week. Since we contracted medical insurance here the total cost of this procedure was $7 and it was done in the emergency room in less than 30 minutes. We will be paying for medical insurance every month around $30 for each of us. After the doctor visit, we headed to the Registro Civil to ask about legalizing our marriage in this country and getting Mateo’s Ecuadorian ID. Since we did not have all the papers, we need to go back another day. Then we went to get our immigration records which will help us with other business. Later we visited two car dealers looking for a good truck to buy. We were very surprised at the high taxes, interest and hidden costs we would have to pay buying a new truck. We will look some more for use truck and hopefully decide this week what will be in our best interest. We made it back home just as the heavy rain fell in Quito. Usually the mornings are warm, sunny and beautiful and in the afternoon the rain, lightning and thunder takes over.

Hopefully this week we will get a high speed internet service so I can add photos to my posts!

Weekend with the family

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:30:00 +0000

Our first weekend in Ecuador had a little of everything. On Saturday we had our first adventure taking the bus from Quito to my brother’s house in the valley which took us a little more than an hour and cost us 0.80. Mateo was fascinated by all that goes on in a bus ride and the busy streets of the city. Then, we saw my grandmother who turned 88 years old this year and my brother’s 6 months old baby who we had not met. It was great to see them and be together again. Later, we went to a graduation party where we saw more family members, some who I have not seen in so many years. It was good to be back. After some good food and some dance with loud music (Ecuadorian style) we left for more peaceful grounds. We spent the night at my brother’s letting the cousins get to know each other. Today, Sunday, we had a B.B.Q and watched the final game of the soccer world cup. It did not have the same taste for me because I was watching Mateo and not the game most of the time, and because we did not have any South American team in the final game. At the end, we had a great time. It is good to be back and have the time to just be and do not feel like we are just visiting for a short time.
(It takes forever to add photos since I have a dial-up internet service, hope to have high speed conection soon)

Here we are!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Here we are in Quito, in our little and cozy apartment and we are loving it! The trip went VERY smooth despite few things that could have caused us to be very upset and frustrated. We arrive in Quito with a 3 hours delay but all that matters is that we are here, starting our new lives!
To start, all of us slept in, had breakfast and unpacked. I went down the street with my green whole foods bag to find some groceries and I came back with almost a full bag of fruit, veggies and other and spent only $9! Later, Pat suggested that we go out for lunch so we walked to this very nice restaurant on the 4th floor on the corner of plaza de Santo Domingo. The views of the city, the ambience and the food were amazing and we only paid $7 for all! The rest of the day we have been at home napping and relaxing and looking forward to making few improvements in our apartment.
We already have plans for a big family gathering on Saturday where we will see everyone and have a great time. Life is so good!!
I will add photos to my newt posts …

Almost there!

noreply@blogger.com (Anita) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:47:00 +0000

I am trying to have inner peace while we take care of last minute details of our lives here in California. There is not more time left and we still have many things to do. I need to keep it together! Keep my cool :)

Today is my mom's last day here so I need to take advantage of the help she provide us, specially taking care of Mateo so I can focus of getting something done. We still need to clean the house, we have many things to give away to goodwill. We need to cancel the cable, cell phone, insurance, make arrangements for the car to be picked up and wash the car, go to the library, last minute shopping, have dinner with friends. All in the middle of making sure we have all our bags packed and with the proper weight. Tomorrow we will get up very early (4:30 am) and take my mom to the airport. On Wednesday we will do the same, this time to catch our flight. I look forward to the moment we are in our seats and all has been taken care of, ready to embark in our new lives!