Leisure Days

Running a little bit behind as we are have too much to do to leave time for writing. But here I am in the garden of the Hibiscus Garden Inn on Palawan forgoing my hammock to sit and communicate. I'll have another fresh mango smoothie to keep my strength up! Meanwhile, last week in Calibago...

Monday, February 8th;

We have enjoyed our days at home again. Not much new has happened but there is always something to get your attention.

Friday we went to Bacolod where Dan, Leroy and I got haircuts. Ramona cut Dan and Leroy. She is an interesting girl, dressed more in the skateboard style than the ladylike manner of most Filipinas. She is so short, Dan is taller sitting in the chair. She does do a very good haircut, trims ears and nose, takes a straight razor to the face and finishes with a firm massage. Dan was not sure what to make of it! I got a good short cut - it sure is nice to be a little cooler!

Saturday we joined the other international men with Filipina wives and families for their monthly lunch at a Bacolod restaurant. It was nice to meet the people Leroy and Riza know and mention when they talk about their time here. Steve and Kathy were there as well so we knew someone. We met Sally and Mike who live near Metrotown six months of the year. Their dream house here is nearly complete.

After lunch Leroy and Dan took the Pajero in to have the transmission looked at. Riza and I went to the mall. No danger here - nothing fits me! All we did was have a good walk around and get a few things for dinner.

We always seem to leave for home by three in the afternoon - no matter where we go or what we are doing the gazebo calls us at three on the dot and home we go.

I am sitting there now. It is 35 C. on the lower level 95 F. for those in the south! There is a warm wind blowing and the flowers hanging down from the trellis are constantly dancing. In this spot it is pleasant and quiet. I can see the river and all the activity there below me and the road to the village with people on the move in front of me.

The cats, Cuddles and Hunter, come by to see if it is lunch time or if there are any handouts. Hunter's babies are bigger now, very active and their eyes are open. She had moved them while we were away and no one knew where they were. Interestingly, Leroy saw her and asked her where were her kittens and she led him to them. But she has moved them once again because I went to see them yesterday. I will leave them alone until she is ready to make their debut to the public.

Caesar has been digging trenches around the new coconut trees this morning. It has been so hot and dry they are starting to die. Now he will fill the trenches with water evey evening and that may carry them through to the rainy season.

Dan has been trimming dead branches off of the older trees so no one will be hurt when the winds really blow.

Leroy has been doing maintainence chores as well. There are new cocoa trees to plant and two new bouganvilleas - one a very rich deep magenta and one a double pink blossom that is very beautiful.

Now everyone is resting in the heat of the day.

I have to pack this afternoon and we leave for Manila early tomorrow morning. Let the shopping begin!