Lately I’ve been reading a lot of blogs. It can freak me out, all the people that say such deep things, or say the things I want to say but better than I do.
Almost every time I David Ker’s blog I just want to cut and paste it into mine. He’s in the same line of business that I am, living on the same continent, south of mmm-BELLY-may land. Great blog. Go read it.
Last week I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with visitors. We had potatoes, cabbage, and, um Spam. No corned beef to be had.
Little did I know that a real life Saint Patrick was busy around that time too. I’m talking about my parents’ landlord, whose name is in fact Patrick and who is indeed Irish. My parents have been living in the bottom floor of a two flat that he owns for about 8 years now. Pat has been so great as their needs have changed. Did he complain about the bars that needed to be installed in the bathroom? Nope! He installed them himself, and wanted to pay for them! He comes out every morning early when there’s snow and shovels the sidewalk for them, his wife bakes cookies for my parents at Christmas…and to top it off, he was the one to help my brother in law move my mother and her furniture into her new place in assisted living. Wow.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
My favorite thing to do at the market is show people that they know how to read their language. If they can already read French, and speak mmm-BELLY-may, I just whip out this nifty card, published by colleagues, have them identify a few pictures, and then read the words below. They crack up at hearing me read mmm-BELLY-may, but it gives them a chance to try it too. There’s no way they’ll look as silly as me. Seeing the light bulb go on as people figure out that they know how to read in their heart language…it doesn’t get much better than this!
Why does this stake bring more joy to my heart than a Victoria’s Filet at the Outback?
Because it marks where the pipe is going to go for running water, and it’s right in front of my house! That’s my wall! Now I will be able to use my favorite thing more easily. And, soon soon I’ll buy a faucet and my showers won’t look like this picture anymore. But, what ever will I do with my collection of purple buckets? I’ve decorated my whole bathroom to go with them! 
Sorry about the blog silence, life has been happening.
In belated birthday news, I had a great time on my birthday finally unpacking all the treasures friends sent with Cynthia. And if that wasn’t enough-I got a Christmas package on my birthday. Great surprises all around!
More blogging Tuesday, see you then!
I’m in Ouagadougou (WAGGA doo goo) for this training course. I managed to get away for some shopping last weekend though. These are some of my treasures-all made from old grocery bags. Pretty cool, huh? Well, the hat is actually pretty hot, but I didn’t get this stuff for me to use. It’s to show my friend who has learned to crochet this way. She’s already made two purses-these will be great ideas for her. 
How cute are these finger puppets? And who doesn’t need a plastic bag cat? Ok, that one is probably less marketable, but I needed it desperately.
And now, a contest. When I saw this, I asked if it was a bracelet. The woman selling me the stuff looked at me strangely, said that it could be if I wanted it to be, but that it was actually for…guess!
The winner gets this lovely plastic bag key chain that I put in the picture to give an idea of perspective. No one currently living in Africa need apply-no cheating!!