We just returned from a four week visit to the United States. After many months of waiting, and changing our travel plans three times, we did get our Permanent Resident Visas, which enabled us to make this trip. We are now Permanent Residents of Ecuador.
Claudia's mother celebrated her 90th birthday on June 12, and most of our family surprised her with a party. We held an open house which many of her friends and extended family were able to attend. It was a good time of celebration and memories. Amanda did the organizing for the weekend and open house as well as the decorating. Dan took all the pictures. They both did a great job!
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| From Left, Sage, Dexter the dog, Kara & Matt,Bruce & Claudia, Matthew, Moose & Debbie, Tracey & Alan, Mom, Amanda & Dan |
We spent time with Bruce's brother and family in Oak Grove, Missouri - enjoying 100' heat almost every day. We traveled with them, in their new motor coach, to Iowa for the party and enjoyed camping out at Spring Lake Park outside of Jefferson.
Then on to Seattle to complete some business and visit more family and friends.. It was a great trip, seemed to be on the move all the time, now back home for some R and R.
We also took our first trip on an Ecuadorian bus from Cotacachi to Quito, about a two hour ride for only $2. Riding the bus is quite an experience including cushy seats, a movie shown while riding and venders that come on board to sell you everything from food to toothbrushes. After a great experience on the bus, we plan to do it again real soon.
Last week we visited the Condor Park, just minutes from our home. The park is close to the top of one of the mountains so the views were spectacular. the condor is quite a fascinating bird, and soooooo big. In the park, there were hawks, owls, eagles, and yes condors in all their glory.
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| Not an especially attractive bird being a member of the vulture family. |
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| This is Cyambe Volcano...reminds us a bit of Mt Rainier. |
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| Here is a picture of a condor next to one of the indigenous people. This gives you a better idea of the size. |
Our neighbors and us hosted our first BBQ this past weekend.. We had sixteen guests, enjoyed fresh shrimp, fresh salad, great T-Bone steaks with baked potatoes. It was a chance to enjoy our patio area behind our home. Everyone seemed to have a good time.
We continue to enjoy this place so much. Every morning, it is coffee on the front porch with a beautiful view of Cotacachi Volcano, OR the back patio with a beautiful view of Imbabura Volcano.
Fresh fruit for breakfast; lunch of with fresh veggies, and maybe popcorn and a good movie in the evening. Life is good!
