8-1-2020 Still Here

Well I put off traveling to the USA for a few more weeks. Also bought a car to get around in. Lots of places to check out.

7-24-20

Well I am heading back to the USA this coming week. I have decided to look at some property so the pictures show some of my favorites. I did get a surprise party for my birthday it was great fun. I am looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

“Shinny Dog” Grand Opening

I wish great success and happiness in the new business venture for the family.

David and Mateo have been grooming dogs for over 10 years and now they have decided to branch out on their own.

Thank you for letting me be part of the adventure!

Atahualpa 6-4-20

Earlier this month when restrictions were lifted headed to Atahualpa for a couple of days. I am looking at property in the area for a small house and maybe do a little farming. I’m thinking that Ecuador would be a good base. Great people, good weather, and affordable. I always thought I would end up on a beach but I find the mountains very appealing. The town is around 9000ft. in elevation not to cold and not to hot. It rains a lot but then you have the sun. Very fertile soil. Lots of hiking and fishing in area. The drinking water is piped straight down the mountains with gravity and no treatment needed. Very cool. We’ll see if I find anything.

Danielo picked up Daniela and I in Tumbaco. Thanks Daniela for being the interpreter and guide. Many thanks to Lily, Danielo and Inte for putting us up, feeding us and showing us around. We even got the truck stuck on a wet grassy road and had to leave it over night. Got a ride out on a road grader then a bumpy ride in the back of a pick up truck. Lily “don’t worry be happy” just a little adventure.

Went on a wonderful hike above the town. Managed to make a bull mad when passing by him. Later a cow chased us away from her calf while crossing a pasture. This is somewhere between 9000ft to 10,000ft and I would have died if I would have done this before I got used to the elevation.

All in all a very nice trip visiting friends and looking around. I really like this area. Randy

Hanging 6-14-20

Well I’m still in Ecuador. I did have a flight to leave yesterday but put it off for a few weeks. Between the virus and the craziness in the USA thought I would let everything settle down. Many thanks for the family here putting up with me.

I have been keeping busy. Ecuador is now down graded to yellow from red. That means less restrictions. Basically social distancing and wear a mask. Very busy in town, everyone is out and about.

Here construction around the house is going on. David is opening his own pet grooming business. I’m very excited for him. Edwin made some of the grooming tables and it is coming together nicely. Mateo and Daniela are back in class via computer. Garden is doing great and starting to harvest some veggies.

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Randy

Memorial Day

This day is to remember the people who have given their life in service to our country. Defending or helping people who needed our help all around the world. Doing what was asked regardless of their own safety or their beliefs. You can ask for no more. Honor and remember. God Bless America.

Taking my own advice 5-18-20

In my last post I mentioned to count your blessings. While thinking about my friend I decided to take my own advice and below is an collection of pictures. This includes people that have made my life blessed and a few places that have meaning to me or just make me smile. There are some people missing. Mary my brother Joe and Grandma Armstrong just off the top of my head. If I didn’t have your picture it did not mean you were not thought of. Only the first couple of pictures were put in order and the last three. I think most everyone will find something that will bring out a smile. There are a lot of pictures so it may take a minute or so to load. Many people have more than one picture because I like the picture.

The last three pictures pretty much sum up what life is all about. A beautiful sunrise to start the day, toast to family and a good friend. So thank you all for being part of my life like it or not.

I have been blessed! Love Randy

Count Your Blessings

Sometimes you run into someone who touches your soul. Lane was one of those people. She passed away yesterday. I started to write her story and why she touched me but realized that was not important. What is important? It’s that you take time to look around and count your blessings.

To Marty and the Family. I am so sorry for the loss of your Wife, Mother and your best friend. She was so proud of each of you. Remember the smiles for that is all I saw when she was talking about you.

God bless with Love, Randy

5-8-2020

Everything is fine in Caizan. Ecuador has extended the stay at home until May 26th, Yahoo! Rosario and Pablo stopped by for the day. It was nice to see them. Mateo is doing food deliveries on the motorcycle.

Animals are all doing well and picked up some more chicks the other day. The garden is doing well and some corn was planted today. The moon was looking pretty darn good the other night.

Ya’ all take care now!