Getting Closer

It's almost time. I'm getting quite excited, though I think it may simply be contagious excitement as everyone around me is giddy and telling me how much fun I'll have. In an attempt to savor my last week at home I've been dining in all my favorite spots, enjoying some beach time with friends, and following Mom around to soak in as much Mom Humor as possible. Who will I laugh with once I don't have her? I fear none of my new classmates will possess the advanced brand of humor that it takes to belong to and/or entertain me or my family. I will have to painfully withhold my cackles until I find myself in a safe place for doing just that.
Anyways....

This picture has been making me laugh for approximately 23 hours. I'm not really sure why.

As for Laura/Buddy time, Budds seems unconcerned about my impending departure. Perhaps he's simply unaware of it. Either way, he is less interested in me and more adamant that we go swimming or running or some other active game that leaves me with little time to mourn my summer sans Buddy.

I asked for a kiss the other day. He clearly had better things to do but he humored me.

Sass clearly runs in the family.

Tropical Storm Family Time

We have seized this storm cloud opportunity for much lounging and family time. We had our usual Sunday dinner yesterday in between sudden sunny rain storms and ominous but dry storm clouds. I went over particularly early to help Dad put the jet skis in the water however the waves were so rough and the tide so strong that we decided Mom wasn't going to let us go out there. So as an alternative we took naps and watched movies. Budds and I spent some time talking about life out on the freshly painted bench swing. He sat here with me for a good 15 minutes before suddenly springing into action after a squirrel, spilling my water all over me.

Ellen came gimping in after work claiming to have glass in her foot. Such drama ensued when Dad (secretly enlivened by the potential gore of the situation) went to work on Ellen's foot. Look at Ellen's genuine reaction of horror. She should have been in silent films.

Turns out she just had a strange foot bruise. Psh! Girls.

We ate our dinner out on the patio where we were tickled to discover that Dad, like Will Honbarrier, is a Spiller. This complements Mom, the Dribbler, perfectly.

On my last day at work I was out in the blueberry fields. Pickin' and grinnin'. I was eaten by mosquitos and am now suffering the itchy consequences. Anyways, I brought home a monstrous bucket full of blueberries which we have been consuming like popcorn. Dad made blueberry sauce, I made blueberry muffins, and Mom made a blueberry crunch which we ate after our dinner o' spilling and dribbling.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a big day of rain and wind and other assorted Storm Time Things. Budds and I spent today getting our fill of the outdoors before we will be sequestered away from fresh air for a day or so. He and I went swimming today. I found the harbor water to be displeasingly cold however I felt I needed to be a good sport as I was afraid Buddy would find my perpetually nippy disposition to be girly and uncool.

All is well here. Mom and Dad are helping prep me for my time away by telling me things I already know and reminding me of all the horrible things that happen to teenagers when they go away for spring break. They are very encouraging. 

Ellen has been working a lot and I haven't seen her much lately -mostly because we have opposite schedules but more importantly, because Ellen has weeded her stash of suitors down to one! I'm glad about this weeding process for two reasons. 1) Because I like this guy and 2) Because I was becomoing exhausted trying to keep her wooers and their woes separate. In Ellen's absence Sadie has been entertaining me with late night acrobatics and general obese cat peculiarity.

Oh Man!!

Man oh man! I've been so busy running around, learning french and picking berries! It's all over today though. Yesterday I received a 94 on my final French test from my beloved jovial Professor and on account of my stellar grades and giggly demeanor, I don't have to take the final. Therefore, I am officially done with class until August. (I'm not counting my Greek classes as "classes"or else I'll turn on the whole idea!)

Today was my heavy-hearted last day at Boone Hall. I'm so sad to leave my guys again. We have such a nice time together laughing and eating Mexican food. There were a few sad goodbyes and they all told me to take care of myself while I was away. They all take it upon themselves to "take care of" me and they each think they are the only one who does. Erik, worried about the Greek men, offered me his machete "just in case". I'm also very sad that I won't have the pleasure of the wondrous smells that all of the different vegatables give off in their fields. I love those smells. Summer smells.
Anyways, I drove home with a bucket of blueberries, a big sunflower, and lots of sweet Mexican faces dancing around in my mind. I'm already excited to see them again!!

This week is my final countdown week. I need to attempt the pile again. It has moved from my bed to the floor. I need to do tons of things!! Most of which involve eating out somewhere one last time before I go! But nevertheless, I'll be getting in a final Laura/Buddy kayak ride, some dock time, and lots and lots of family time and Dad meals!

Long trips are a bittersweet thing.

Greece-y Things

I don't know who took this Paros picture so I can't give them credit. Point being, it was not me.

I'm gettin' ready! I'm gettin' nervous! I'm gettin' Euros in small denominations! Did you read about the impending Doom of the Euro in Greece? Figures. Worst case I'll have to find a nice guy name Kostas to take care of me whilst I'm tragically stranded in Greece unable to buy food, lodging, or kicky sandals. Oh Kostas!!

I attempted a mock packing job (having completed my list) alas it did not go over well. Lukas told me that the average for Wales in the summer time is a frigid 70˚. Well I never! I don't have room for wool sweaters in my bag full of white linen and high heels. I came to the startling realization that I will in fact have to bring a few pairs of long pants AND waterproof, sensible shoes (Whaa??) AND a rain jacket. Awe Geez. Anyways, I left everything in a pile on my bed and went over to Mom and Dad's for dinner. I have not yet reattempted The Pile. My departure date is rapidly approaching though. I should be about done with work and school in the next week and few days and THEN I will begin to really panic and therefore become immensely productive.

Speaking of productive, this guy...

has become overwhelmingly enthralled with a new video game that his mother recently mailed to him. I can't get him to focus. In between attempts at saving the world one nano-particle at a time, Sheldon here is slaying dragons and acquiring ancient Celtic armor. I give him credit, he will put down the controller if I'm really working through something or I'm forcing him to watch various youtube videos but I swear! I've had it with the video games. 

Last weekend he was sitting right there, looking off to the side at his game, biting his lip and surging his whole body to the left and then to the right in attempt to avoid flaming arrows. All the while his fingers working maniacally on the tiny red and blue buttons. I was talking to him about something of relative seriousness and he was responding with the occasional grunt or "uh huh" when suddenly I heard a little jingle playing outside of his window. The little song got closer and louder until Lukas recognized the jingle and suddenly shot upright and shouted "Ice Cream man!!" and then scampered out of his room. I was still mid-sentence when I heard his door slam behind him. He returned a few minutes later, licking a large chocolate ice cream cone, a dopey look on his face. 

Later I caught him with his head way back, positioning grapes onto lips and blowing them high up into the air only to catch them again with a big satisfying crunch. He would then look at me with a face of satisfied personal achievement. Geez....

Alright Already!!

Sheesh! Here Aunt Georgia! I know I know. It's about time you say. Yes, but my apartment tour comes with a disclaimer. I realize I said Sunday for these pictures alas I've not informed you as to the occasionally cumbersome elements of our new digs. Our apartment, though abundantly spacious and much less hairy, possesses the same architectural components of those South American Bat Caves. We have only one window to light the place. Now this is a very nice tri-window and the 10 feet in front of it are very well lit and inviting. Once you step out of the sunroom, which possesses The Window, it is a bit dark. Even farther from the dark living room is the cavernous kitchen which requires false florescent lighting no matter the time of day. Point being, I did not give you The Tour on Sunday because it was raining and when it rains, Ellen and I become so accustomed to the dark that we recoil from light all together. We don't like the false lighting set up we have here alas, we left it dark, and that is no state for picture taking. I did however utilize the Flash on the camera for your viewing pleasure.

As a final note, as much as I enjoy making things look "pretty" I had no time to be artsy in my capturing the essence of our crypt. I didn't have time to spruce things up for the photos. You'll see this is especially true upon viewing Ellen's chamber.

This is raw unedited habitat footage of the rare and elusive Union Cave Species.

Though the entrance to this cave sits opposite the light source, lets start where most cave exploration begins. The sunroom. One of the Union creatures (the taller one with the big teeth) uses this well-lit space for her artistic expression and cultural documentation. Though the shorter Union is allowed in, this space is exclusively used by the one Union. Both Union's have been seen basking in the sunlight just long enough to amass enough vitamin D before heading back into the cave. Also, the pet felines enjoy lounging here. Especially when there is wet paint to be distributed.

Heading farther inside you will find the space designated for slumping, slouching, flopping, and general lazy gatherings. Though this space is most often utilized by the smaller Union, who enjoys a strict T.V. watching schedule, both Unions have been seen wrestling and dancing in this spacious area. These are cultural rituals of the Cave Union's which must be performed bi-weekly to ward off bad spirits.

After a long day of hunting and gathering, often in sunny places, the Union's drag their kill to their prep area. This is by far the darkest passage in the cave though the most widely used by both creatures. They enjoy preparing their meals together though they rarely eat the same thing. As far as sustenance, it is every Union for themselves. Occasionally you will witness a snarling dual over one Union stealing food from the other. These are violent battles which often result in silence throughout the cave for several hours.

Here is one of the passages that lead to the separate sleeping and grooming areas of each Union.

The first entrance leads to the chamber of the taller Union. Though she is typically a tidy creature, she has not bothered to properly move in and clean her quarters. She has been busy these last few months and has dedicated little time to making a cozy space for herself. She does however thoroughly enjoy having a large closet for her bear skin dresses and cow hide sandals.

Moving farther back into the cave is the ever-sullied, shorter Union's chambers. This Union, we noticed, has little patience for excessive cleanliness or organization. This little Union comes in, gets what she needs, and then exits. She often sleeps under a pile of her own belongings and throws large violent tantrums upon having difficulty finding certain clothing articles. Being that her dwellings are in the back of the cave, the taller Union rarely ventures to this area. She is often not welcome in this part of the cave and is very put off by the disorder. The small Union does however, enjoy a large well lit bathroom with lots of storage and a large tub for scrubbing off dirt and other cave grime. 

Please ignore the deviant sexual acts of the pet felines.

As of now, this all the information we have gathered on the Union Cave Species. They are a busy breed with little time for socializing and entertaining, therefore, the cave rarely needs "sprucing". For more information on the habits of these rare creatures you may schedule an appointment with the taller Union via email.

Ari

Tuesday was Ari's 23rd birthday. Isn't that tragic! She should just be turning 16 if you ask me. She's growing up so fast and it's heartbreaking. Heartbreaking!!!

Anyways, we did what any normal girls would do and celebrated in true Parisian style with champagne and cheese. We headed over to the ever-lovely BIN 152 and enjoyed life's finer things while discussing the woes of bathing suit shopping and the enigmatic and seductive qualities of dark chocolate.

Later we went on and visited Ellen at work, where I ran into a bunch of old friends, we discovered a hidden "speakeasy" (if you will) that looks out at the customs building, and lastly we picked up two nice but smarmy vacationing Europeans who we drug around all night; Ari and I desperately trying to convince them that all American girls are not like Lindsey Lohan. We had a great time.

Shrubs n' Things

Good Morning! I have a Boone Hall update of sorts. There is some major construction taking place right around the entrance to the farm. This thunderous and roaring fiasco is dissuading business, thus, I have had a lot of down time lately. So I took some pictures.

As you can see, our tomato plants are moving and shaking and will allegedly be ready for pickin' in June. I'm secretly glad I will be absent for the mayhem of the tomato season. I had my first reminder of just how hot it gets out there and I thought, "Awe geez. I don't want to do this again." I will miss the royal treatment I receive though, particularly from Gilberto who gives me a big jolly hug approximately every day that I work, along with the occasional flower from his garden. 

Our corn is coming along very quickly...

And the grape vines have just taken off.

We have this huge patch of these golden flowers that kind of just sprung up out of nowhere but oh how I love them. At the end of the day the sun shines down on them and they turn the greatest shades of yellow and gold. I've actually caught a number of people that stop their cars on the side of the road, hop the fence and then throw their kids into the flowers to take a few pictures. And then they scamper off just as quickly.

Here is one of Giberto's gardens...

And much to my delight, one of the many cats that live on the plantation recently had a litter of kittens. Tiny multi-colored kittens. They are very skittish and have not yet let me pet them but they let me close enough for a few candid shots before they took of running and mewing. The little yellow one "hissed" at me. It sounded like air coming out of a beach ball. "Pffffffff!"

Sunday Dinner

Our weekly family dinners on Sunday continue in full force. We've been enjoying much patio lounging during this small window of warm but non-oppressive weather. Soon it will be too hot and we will cower from the humidity, gathering instead in the sunroom, wishing for cool weather.

This week we had a guest star to the table: the ever-lovley, next door neighbor, good ole' Arianne. Her parents are out of town as they have rented a sailboat and are cruising around the Caribbean (!!!). She was not invited. She came over and sulked with us.

We had a delicious Dad-meal under the somewhat ominous sky.

It actually did rain on us, forcing us to unplug the lights and the music and take our party indoors where we enjoyed a too-sweet turtle pie. You may notice someone missing from the table. Ellen did not attend this week.

She began feeling a little woozy around the time she got off work. She staggered over to her car, which was parked on the ever-crowed King street, and climbed into the back seat just to lay down for a second. She woke up 3 hours later in her boiling hot car, weak and nauseous. She decided she should drive home quickly and climbed into her front seat and began driving. Whilst driving 55 mph over the connector she threw up 3 times. She never stopped or pulled over, just puked and drove. A true heaving pro.

She felt much better after all that hard work and she did show up for her plate of Dad food. I was particularly grossed out by her and stayed very far away, however everyone else was kind and gave their sympathies. She is perfectly fine today and we have no idea was caused this problem. 

And I'm sorry Aunt Georgia! I still haven't taken apartment pictures because believe it or not, I still haven't unpacked (though by now that really means everything is on the floor and I haven't thrown away the boxes). I have in fact been working everyday and today is my only day off. I will attempt to hide the piles of crap that are laying around so that I might capture the essence of our standard apartment through photo.

As a final note, Annie is getting tired of us laughing every time we see her.