End of an Era

1922-2012

Lots of activity since the last post.

First off, it's the end of an era, as they say.

Janine's mother Maria Amalia Cipolina Borrazas passed away this January 27, just 6 days shy of her 90th birthday from complications due to an infection. I guess being nearly 90 caught up with her. We felt prepared for anything, but this ended up happening kind of fast. In many ways that's probably best.

Jani's older brother Gabriel had booked a visit to coincide with her 90th birthday. Alas, the universe just listens to our plans and laughs. That party didn't happen, but Gabriel's visit did in what turned out to be a great visit that I'll be sharing in the next post.

A surprise (extended) family visit to Coffee Shop recently. The children of Janine's Godfather (also Amalia's first cousin) Gejermo Riva-Zucchelli. Clockwise from front left; Fernando, Juan, Maria Isabel and Elena. Their dad was this amazing sculpter and had a swanky villa near Punta del Este. He threw Janine and I our wedding party and it was kind of outrageous.

Great that they are getting together. (Are other siblings doing this too?)  And so nice that they thought to drop by Coffee Shop.

This past week the prodigal son has finally returned.


Gabrielito's visit was as easy going as I've seen. He was in some new place and was only faintly bemused by his ex-country's idiosyncracies. The last guy who showed up with his mug couldn't handle milk in a bag. 180 degrees around and headed in a positve direction. Waddya know?







School has started for many kids and our guys head back on the 12th. Vincent will be getting up just after 6:00 am.

Vincent and Mauro. Morning guys?

I can hardly think of anything that sounds less natural.

Vamos Arriba.

Thanks for checking in.












Hypocondriac (not this last time though!), gadfly, complainer who could speak volumes on any subject without the inconvenience of  facts getting in the way, she was the life of any party for more years than any of us youngsters can remember. Intrepid and stoically pressing forward despite lesser fortunes these years, it seemed sometimes that she's be here forever.

Christmas 2010

We had a lovely night with a minimum of family drama at the house of Jose-Luis and Ximena. Paulina was so excited and handled the evening perfectly. Matias slept mostly.
The fireworks display was spectacular and we had a surprise great view straight down Blvd. Artigas to the Rambla. Plenty of local explosions around us that were none too shabby either.

from left front: Ceci, Juan, Pili, Ximena, Joaco, Flopa, Ama y Marta

Paulina on the move, Luca chills.

Joaquin handles Matias.

Florencia looked gorgeous.

We did get a chance to experience 'tiny baby' in case you've forgotten how precious they are.
Paulina was incredible; growing happier as each of the guests arrived. She knows everyone's name, which I think is remarkable for a 2 year old. 
I heard her exclaim excitedly "the whole family is here, only Papa Noel is missing !"
Tell us about your Christmas.