Now It's Summer

I got home late tonight with a million things to do.  One of those things is yard work that just keeps getting put off.  I had stepped outside to do some minor garden chores and on the way back in I had to stop for a moment.
Out of the corner of my eye I had caught a tiny flash of light.  So I stopped and looked around.  Then I saw them.  A blink here.  A blink there.  The sign from all the way back to my earliest memories of summer as a child.  Lightning bugs!  I stood and watched a moment - a pretty, quiet moment - watching stars dance in yard.  And I thought, okay, now it really is summer.

Guatemala - Part IV

Yesterday I got my last immunization/vaccination shot (typhoid this time).  My arm is still a little sore and stiff.  Also have a prescription for malaria...well, anti-malaria.  The pharmacy didn't have enough to fill it, so I will have to pick it up next week.  The shot gave me a red blotch on my arm, but otherwise, no side-effects, which is good.  The nurse lady gave me all sorts of informational sheets and a luggage tag for my trouble yesterday.  I have to submit to my own insurance claim as they were out of network (figures).  Not sure insurance covers things like this.

I have not heard back from the agency rep in Guatemala since my last message.  This does not help with my nerves.  Doesn't she know this?!  I am praying she responds soon.  I don't think anything hotel-wise has been determined since we don't even know what day(s) I will be visiting with my sponsored child and his family.

I have started making a pile of things I need to take and have made a few purchases to make sure I am ready since I will only have a couple days between Colorado next week and leaving for this adventure.  I think I am as prepared as I can be for any physical...um...difficulties.  I will have to do laundry next weekend to start packing clothes.

I am somewhat sad that Samson will have to be away from home basically a whole month or longer.  Mom is right.  We practically have shared custody these days.

Guatemala - Part III

I heard from the agency rep again.  She wanted to know more details about the trip.  (I had very few to give her) and specific dates for when I'd be available to visit my sponsored child.  I chatted with Claudia to get some better ideas for what our plans were and what ideas she might have.  Today I sent my response to the agency person with suggestions and asking for her feedback.  I suspect I'll hear from her again early next week.

I've started thinking about and collecting things I'll need.  Today I went to the bank and my cell phone provider to make sure my monies and my tech will be ready to go.  I have mosquito repellent, sunscreen, convenient makeup, and a book all about traveling in Guatemala.  I also have distinct feelings of unpreparedness as there are so many things to try to accomplish between now the then.

Who Knew?

So I was eating dinner sitting on the sofa and Samson was lounging next to me.  It occurred to me as I ate some peas that I've seen commercials for fancy dog food that seemed to think it was wonderful to include peas in the mix for doggies.  So, on a whim, I offered Samson a pea.  He snarfed it down.  I thought maybe it was a fluke.  I had just finished my beef and cheese sandwich.  Maybe there was something more on my fingers.  So I offered him another one.  He sucked that one up right away too.  I found this very amusing.  So when I got tired of the peas, I gave the last couple and the juice to Samson.  He was very pleased to finish it off for me.

There you have it.  If there ever was any doubt, this dog at least does like peas...and it's kind of fun watching him eat them one at a time, too.

Guatemala - Part II

Wow!  No sooner did I post the first message about this adventure than things start to change already.

My passport arrived today!  Makes things a bit more real.  Just reminds me of all the different things I still need to do before leaving.

The trip will be here before I know it...Excuse me while I take a moment to panic a little bit.

Guatemala Part I

For those who don't know, I will be visiting Guatemala this summer.  It will only be for a week, but I am still in shock that it will be happening at all!  I am going with friends who are going to visit relatives.  While there I will get to meet my sponsored child.  So here's the first post about this new adventure!

The airfare was booked last month thanks to help from a travel agent friend.

After a comedy (I'll laugh someday) of errors, I received an email today that my passport has been processed and mailed, and is expected to arrive next Monday!

A week or two ago I heard from the agency that I was approved to meet my sponsored child.  Over the weekend I received an email from their Guatemala office with an update on the kiddo and asking what day(s) I would like to meet him and his family.  Oh my!  The whole family!  How exciting!

So sometime soon I need to talk with my friends about hotel arrangements.  I need to let the agency know what the schedule is so we can arrange time to meet people.  Soon I will have my very first passport.

It's hard to believe!  I would pinch myself, but I'm pretty sore from the yard work I did yesterday.

Dog Mom

Yes, I'm one of those - a "dog mom."  (Don't believe me?  Read the bumper of my car.)  I confess to missing my pup terribly this last time he was at the farm while I was travelling for work.  I think he missed me too.

Kisses!

No!  It's my mommy.  If anyone is going to trample her awake, it will be me!

Samson takes a selfie with his mom.