Month: December 2021

So my second Christmas in Ecuador has passed. The first was during lock down so I didn’t really know how Christmas was celebrated. The celebration here is on Christmas Eve. Christmas day is pretty much a normal day as far a business are concerned. Some are closed but many are open.

I had casually mentioned that I would like to ride around the neighborhood and hand out some treats for the kids. Daniela and I went to town and ended coming home with Oranges, Bananas, Cookies and lollipops. Elena and her bagged over a 100 treats to give out and a few more for any seniors we ran into. Edwin decorated the bike. Daniela even rented a costume and transformed into Cindy Lou Who.

We loaded the bike with treats and put extra in the car. Elena and Edwin drove support in the car and off we went.

We stopped at relatives homes, friends homes and when we saw children or seniors walking on the street.

Brought many a smile and a more than few laughs. Even danced for a while.

Some of the younger children wanted nothing to do with the Grinch. Their parents pulled them with their feet dragging to get a treat. That always made us laugh.

Daniela made a wonderful Cindy Lou Who and was much loved. The Grinch did ok but as I mentioned some were a little fearful. Elena and Edwin did a great job in the support vehicle. All in all a successful day and a lot of fun. It was a beautiful day and I baked in the costume. Daniela even posed with Spiderman while stopped at my favorite ice cream store. I happen to be one of their best customers.

Thank you so much Daniela, Elena and Edwin for making Christmas this year full of smiles and a lot of laughs.

I hope this day finds everyone well, at peace, and able to celebrate the meaning of Christmas in your heart.

As I sit here like every year I think about those in my life today and those that have passed through.

For the people that have passed through. I try to honor what you taught me about life and about myself. The lessons learned were sometimes easy and sometimes hard. As time passes I realize how much they have touched me. The lessons remembered in my head I hope make me a little wiser and a little softer. The lessons in my heart I hope make me kinder and keep me humble. I try hard to live in a way that would warm your hearts and make you smile if you were here. I selfishly would like to think you are proud of me. That in itself means so much but alas it is something I will never know. To honor all of you it is something I strive for.

To the people in my life today. Thank you for your patience, compassion, and just plain putting up with me. Thank you for all that you have done for me and that are teaching me. I am still learning.

I owe so much to so many from my heart everything is greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

Thank You, Randy

This year for Christmas I received two special gifts. I would like to share a big one.

What an honor for these two to ask me to share their special day! Thanks and I hope I don’t screw it up!!!! Love you both so much.

Well if the last few posts seem like there a lot of celebrations in December you would be right. After Elena’s 50th celebration the next day is David’s birthday. Edwin took us all to Quito for all you can eat Sushi. Yes I was a little piggy, correction a big piggy. What can I say but you want to get your monies worth.

Daniela successfully organized a surprise birthday party for her mother. The Family showed up in force for the occasion. Daniela took her mom to town and everyone was waiting to greet her upon her return. I think she truly was not expecting the fiesta.

Hats of to all the party goers for putting on such a fine spread.

Happy mother and daughter!

Some of the family showed off their talent.

The local senior center had their annual Christmas lunch the other day. The Pallo Hidalgo family donated the food for all. Elena was also asked to come and give the prayer to start of the festivities. Some of the ladies presented me with a wonderful tree that they had crafted. It is made out of wire and beads with two indigenous figurines relaxing under the branches. Very beautiful, a wonderful gift. I was also given the honor of giving out the candy gifts to everyone. A good time was had by all. Lots of smiles and a great start to get that Christmas mood in gear.

Elena and two of her classmates gave a presentation by serving a holiday meal. Daniela, Mateo and I were invited along with their professors. Borigar watched and eventually made it inside with everyone. I don’t think he was given any of the delicious food but not sure for he is spoiled.

Friends of Elena who have a small company decided to have their company Christmas party at the Casa Kirei. All the decorations except for the Christmas tree were made by the family. Last year was really the first time the family decorated for Christmas.

They served a traditional Ecuadorian meal. It was a great success, so much so that the friends brought their group back for lunch the next day.

Well I haven’t been up to very much the last couple of weeks. Just hanging around the house. Now waiting to see how everyone reacts to the new covid stuff. I hope it doesn’t get crazy. Still hoping Peru is a go in March but I am not holding my breath.

Last Sunday the family celebrated Kalel’s 6th birthday. It was a nice afternoon. I took the young ones for a little motorcycle ride. Actually twice, after we got back the first time they wanted to go again.

Below is Rosario and her children. Ricardo, Pablo, Patricia and Elena.

Thanksgiving of course is a US holiday. This year we smoked some salmon and fried some up for the feast. First time for most having the smoked salmon. All seemed to enjoy it. Came out pretty good.

I have been lazy on the bike but am going to jump back into it. Daniela and I went around Ilalo the other day and up hill kicked my butt. Pablo took us for a little road trip in his new car and dinner on a Sunday afternoon. It was a nice drive with good company and a beautiful sunset.

Here is a funny little story. A while back when we were in Moras I agreed to buy a nativity scene from a family friend for 150 dollars. He had carved it and just needed to do the finish. Well he said it was done so we headed up to get it. It is 3 hours one way. When we arrived he said that his daughter told him he wasn’t asking enough and now wanted 400 dollars. By the time we left it was down to 200 dollars but by then I had lost interest. So the following week I made my own as a gift to the family for Christmas. And here it is. I have to admit it makes me smile and I saved $148.50 .

I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to Christmas!

Ya’all take care now.