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.

Feliz Navidad

Christmas time in Uruguay (I'm not sure how wide spread in South America) has some particular customs. Not the least of which being FIREWORKS ! They are legal here and nearly out of control during Christmas and New Year's. This is our batch for tonight. 

 

Everything happens on Christmas Eve, the parties, 
families gather and open gifts, an asado (por supuesto)
and of course fireworks. Lots of them.
This modest cache is about U$25.00 worth ($550 pesos) and is hopefully an optimal selection; lots of small blasts for the kids to handle that will last a while and a decent amount of rockets and explosions of which I'll do the honors.



Since the original idea for this holiday has long ago succumbed to the corrosive forces of commercialism, we are pretty happy with this type of celebration. There are still mobs at the shopping centers, odd gifts from/for people who don't know what else to do, and way, way too much food, but we have each other and that's not bad.

We do miss the snow.

Happy Christmas Everyone

Jacaranda and away we go

November is the the month for the peak bloom and the overpowering enchantment of this beautiful tree.
Jacaranda (hoc-a-ron-DA) starts the summer with these fabulous violet flowers, stunning enough. What I can't provide here is the fragrance that comes with. As they say R.O.U. "impresionante". 
You can find them all over with some lucky bastards having one in the yard or nearby, but there are a few streets LINED with them and when they bloom well, it's hard to describe. A very strong scent, a beautiful scent as nice as any perfume. It's like an outdoor pot-pour i dispenser. Then there's the color; bright, no vibrant and when there's a row of 'em well, it's to die for. 
Last, but not least, the killer is when petals litter the ground and a light wind carries still more, falling all around- it's like snow, a violet snow fall. Crazy.

 I didn't get anything as spectacular as the photo above.  I will try again next year, but the shot above gives you some idea.
That's a moment from Montevideo, thanks for reading.

It's a Boy!

Ximena and Jose Luis have increased their family size by just a bit. 
The cutest little bit you could ever hope for!

I'm new

 Matias Pardinas Altieri came into this world a screaming 3.2 kilos, Thursday December 2nd.

I've only seen him sleeping, but the word is he's alert, calm and no surprise, beautiful.

Ximena makes it look easy

I blurred what would have been the better shot.

Aunt Janine with Paulina

Campamento y Feria

Street fairs, or 'ferias' are somewhere, every day in Montevideo. 
Each neighborhood has a version of a Farmers' Market on the same day of the week. If you get out early, (by lunch they are winding down) you can get all of your fruit, vegetables, some dry goods, fresh fish and there's even a butcher. It's a big savings from the supermarket, more eco-friendly and a good way to get some fresh air and exorcise.
A morning stroll through the bustling market, vendors calling for your attention, beautiful smells and sights everywhere is a great start to your day.

Feria Biarritz

Additionally the weekend has some big fairs that set up. Tristan Nirvaja is an old neighborhood in el Centro and has everything and has more booksellers and antiques than the others.
Feria Biarritz in posh Punta Carretas assembles Tuesdays and Saturdays. 





Janine, Vincent and I went this past Saturday. Vincent was looking for a PlayStation game (found it) plus a groovy beaded bracelet caught his eye. 
I found leather laces for my boots (40 pesos-about 2 bucks) and a new cell phone holder (50 pesos-$2.50).

Vincent buys

Game Stop

Mate supplies


Luca was away on a school trip called 'Campamento'. The class goes for two nights and three days, west to Colonia, just across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires. 

 

 

Here's a glimpse of Luca as he heads out. 

Thanks for reading.

Day of the Dead

A double cabin VW  bus pick-up. I want one.

Today is 'Dia de la Muerte' and everybody is taking it easy. We had Cecelia and Gabriela along with some of the kids' friends. I made an Asado and we just relaxed a few hours on the patio. Not bad for a Tuesday.

Saludos to our dear friend Samantha and congratulations on the new apartment! 

A move is a big deal for anyone. Sam who is a single parent and on the short list for a heart transplant, yes you read that correctly, is a tornado and may be studying to do the operation herself.  We're glad the move is done and hope to have some photos to share with everyone soon. Read all about her amazing journey and keep up with our miracle in Brooklyn here.

13 AGAIN

Luca's birthday (Sept. 18th) arrives each year just as does Spring vacation. We postponed the party to make sure too many friends were not away. Then the schedule for the Club was problematic and finally Janine's trip to the states. It finally took place on Oct. 24. It was loads of fun and a record number of kids showed up.
It was 3+ hours of sweating, soccer and horsing around.

 After our scheduled time, the local team needed the field to warm up for a game. The boys got front row seats. An unexpected bonus.

Coke break

Camilo "Que te pasa?" 

all eyes on the cake

Luca, Emilio and Vincent

Que lo cumple feliz.....

Will there be an explosion?

We had a nice turn out from family members, (Cecelia, Amalia, Ximena, Jose Luis and Paulina, Joaquin all made it) but I didn't end with many good shots. I found myself with no battery charge in the camera and had to make due with Emilio's cell phone. Thanks Emi!
My apologies for that.
All in all, it went just the way it should.

Holding Steady

As we near the end of 'Mom's trip away', I'd have to say that it went alright. 

Janine left behind all kinds of help. Like these frozen Milanesas ready to cook. I especially like that they're labeled.





The boys have been great. Luca is helping plenty and Vincent is, well ok Vincent takes a little convincing, but he's been good. I know they miss their mother a lot, I'm grateful for so little whining.

 Even Sofie has been on her best behavior. Here she is expressing herself, woof.

Things have changed a bit regarding our plans, but we are forging ahead. 
Next time: The jobs I'm finding.

Wet and Cold

I know one day soon, I'll miss having all this time to work on my own house. If there is a more neglected item on your list than 'work on your own house', I'd like to know about it.

There are as many benefits as distractions and my stamina is not what it used to be, but still, it won't be long until I'll be wishing I could paint a room or grout something.

The days feel a bit longer; that little bit of light as I get up is huge. If it's sunny and dry, I can get things outside ready. The roof is only about 75% scraped and I still have to decide on what to cover it with.

Good thing Sumo is always right there while I'm doing it. And I mean always and right there.

Correte Sumo, Dale.

Today it's stormy, windy and a bit cold. It rained all last night. Two appointments canceled, rain will do that here.

Saludos

Montevideo Coffee Shop

As we anxiously await a closing on San Salvador, we must ponder our options. What is the correct posture between patiently waiting for the 'right' time and seizing the moment?
In one way, there isn't a moment to spare regarding our new business. We need to begin this part of our journey and start earning as soon as possible. 
On the other hand, I can't escape the feeling that we'll be spending the money too fast. Like kids who can't hold on to their earnings for even a day.
Since we've been planning this business for nearly forever and have been sizing up the market almost since we got here, I would say we have put in the time. 
It's such a plunge, any amount of time would probably feel rushed. 
Here's our latest, best hope.....

 Keep up with the process on Coffee Shop blog.
Cheers

New York state of mind

A bit more of my trip to the States:

W.10th Street

Although it was surreal to be plucked from the daily routine of life in Montevideo, I couldn't help but be awestruck by how beautiful NYC can be. 
It's not hard to see how America developed it's sense of superiority, magnificent accomplishments abound. You can almost overlook the wretched excess and oppression that created it. 

Farmers Market

Bonneville beauty

 

The Boivin's

I had a few chances to connect with friends and family during my stay. The trip to the Hamptons was great, but in some cases a visit was bestowed upon me.
My brother-in-law Gabriel and his wife Rebecca came down from Westchester to visit. This was kind enough, but they also brought a huge cache of gifts for Luca and Vincent.  We had a great night of catching up with a side of reminiscence about the neighborhood. They had both lived in Greenwich Village many, many, many years ago (kidding) and met while working together at the West Village landmark; Chumley's, just two blocks from Holly's place. I was treated to a nice dinner, gellato and sincere well wishes on my travels and group back home.



 

Grant Neale

My long time friend, Grant also took me out on the town. He's a fellow carpenter and talented actor somehow still managing to do both, successfully! He's been a friend to Holly for years and also stopped by to check on her recovery. I'll probably see him on TV before I see him in Uruguay. Well......?

Yes, he looks a little like Roman Polanski. He's performing a one man show about the very same. Topical, nutty.



Our dear friend Samantha was on the must-see list. I had a couple of nice visits to our old neighborhood in Park Slope to see her and her son Aidan.  Not enough time, I need more time for crying out loud! Well, they are likely candidates to visit us (again) and as always, we all hope for another visit to the US soon.

Aidan

 

The days passed quickly and as always, there's not enough time to do all you'd like. Still, it was amazing and refreshing. I stocked up on design ideas and the sheer magnitude of incredible business ventures gave me an inspirational boost to take home.

The 'Friends' building was in our neighborhood.

Subway tile art, wow!

 

Bagels with the works at Murray's

Thanks for reading.
Peace

The Hamptons - Under the Knife

I got a chance to see my sister Louise and her husband Larry my first weekend in New York. My friend Holly was scheduled to have surgery Monday and was more or less pushing me to give her some time before everything got complicated. OK, I guess I can go to Amagansett for a couple of days. It was something like 90 degrees out.

Deck Party

Larry and I play lawn golf? or something, it was fun.

The Rosenbergs

I suppose, I could have had a worse couple of days, but it's hard to hang long where even the dogs live better than most people.

Petey

Staying in the West Village is a bubble of New York Serenity. Everybody is well heeled, good looking and the streets are beautiful and chock full of nice places to shop or just gawk at. I was having a pretty good time pretending I belonged there. 

Somewhere in the bubble

C.O. Bigalow's Apothecary

Holly and Jim - West Side Pier

the best patient ever

The surgery went perfectly (couldn't have done a better job myself) and by some luck she got a private room. The staff was great, food OK, they let me stay as much as I wanted; It was sort of like a spa. A spa that cuts you open. The insurance must have given the 'eject' order, because she was unceremoniously released Tuesday night after I was already downtown. That was the only bump, that and the pain I suppose.