Red Masked Robin

Okay, so that’s not really his name…but seriously, how cute is he??
I found this little guy in my backyard the other day. He was so striking I had to get a closer look. Lucky for me, he looked like a baby that was trying to figure out how to fly. He was just hopping around. So he waited for me while I ran to get my camera! After a few minutes he figured it out and found his way up! Though let’s just say he could use a little more practice!
I loved his little mask! I thought of you, Danielle, as I was watching him! Ever seen him before?

Xerimbabo

Xerimbabo is an environmental awareness project promoted every year by Usiminas (the gigantic steel company that owns this town). The create HUGE walk through displays, complete with tour guides to give you information. It really is incredible and a LOT of hard work goes into it. It is free to the public and is open from August to September. Included in the exhibit is their small zoo. Many of the surrounding schools come to see the exhibit. Mine didn’t (but I have already suggested it as an activity for the kids for next year) but Amelia’s did. So I hopped a ride with her! Pictures, pictures (and these were back in august):

All of these beautiful birds were made by hand and with recycled materials!

 

Look at this huge 3D story book! I loved it! (I would be more informational…except we went a while ago…and now I can’t remember…Amelia feel free to chime in at any time!)

Again with recycled materials: Tree from aluminum cans, chickens from plastic wrappers, wall tiled with bottle tops, and flowers with aluminum cans. That last chicken is made from the little round piece that you push in with the tab…do you see it?

 

 

It’s us!

These are the best things EVER! If you stand on one side you see this.

If you stand on the other side you see this!

And again…

See this is fun!

I couldn’t get enough of them!

Let’s save the zoo for another day…I have picture overloaded you all!

I’m a lucky girl!

 

There is something about Halloween oreos… I don’t know what it is, but they are my absolute favorite!!

Amelia’s Mom recently sent her a box for her birthday. And inside I got a treat too!!  

Leanna, thank you so much for thinking of me! It absolutely made my day!! I was so surprised and so tickled! They of course were immediately devoured. Seriously, in two days, GONE. (in my defense, I had a little bit of help. But just a little! haha)

Good snacks, even better friends. Life is good and I feel so blessed! Thank you so much!!

Christmas Carols

I have been singing Christmas Carols. Particularly the one that goes... I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going home to see my family and spend the holidays and I couldn't be more excited!! Once Decemeber rolls around it will be 2 and half years since I've been home! I can't wait to see my family and friends!!! 45 days and counting!!!

Grape Juice

 

 

 

Amelia and I found these in the store a couple of weeks ago. Call me juvenile…but I just couldn’t help myself.

Hobby Lobby

My first attempt at my new hobby! I really love bracelets. Especially big chunky ones that call attention. So of course, I love the first one. I made that one for me, but in a different color…to go with a shirt I bought! Anyway moving on, this all originally started because it was Amelia’s birthday! And while shopping for a present, I found a bracelet for her I loved! It just screamed her name! And then I turned over the price tag and did an inside head scream (those people were crazy y’all).  So I decided I’d make her one myself. You know, since I’ve never actually done that before.

(Also Amelia and people that know Amelia might be wondering why I thought a bracelet screamed her name since she doesn’t really do much jewelry, especially not with big FAT rhinestones in them. I’m not really sure either. But I decided to do one more toned down, just for her. Case in point bracelet #2. And just in case that really is just a terrible plan, I am also planning on taking her to lunch)

Anyway I thought they turned out well. And people have had really positive reactions to them. I have more coming. I also want to try and make necklaces too. But I need to take my time and decide what I want to do and what I want to buy. This is an expensive hobby. Anyway, people here tend to wear lots of things like this, so I hope it goes over well. If you love it, tell me. If you don’t, well…take Thumper’s advice.

The country…Part II

 

I am always amazed to see all the fruit in the “wild”..do I sound as ridiculous as I feel?? The extent of my fruit growing were strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes…and that was pretty much it.

 

Bananas (my favorite!)

Avocado! Which we eat here with sugar, and it is delcious…though nothing beats a good guacamole dip! So if you are feeling adventurous, blend an avocado, banana, milk, sugar, and ice together, and have a tasty drink!

Limes! Another favorite! And the tree too!

Acerola (with bugs)…Acerola is a bittersweet fruit (for me)

Coffee!

This plant has colored seeds inside of it. Here people use it in the food to give it “color”

If you can see, that is a Caju fruit. It is where you get your cashew nuts. Not a big fan of caji, but will drink it when im out!

Graviola (or in English soursop…what in the world??)

Bobrina (like a squash! one of my favorite vegetalbes here)