How does one improve on paradise? Easy, just add friends. These friends are our neighbors as well and are the very definition of friend. They pick up and bring us our mail, brought goodies for all of us, keep an eye on our house and when we are home, they are the quintessential good neighbors and friends.
They also happen to be a terrific amount of fun. And Kristy is funny, kind, and generous. She is also the best wife in the world; you will just have to trust me on that one. And Todd? Let's just say he is generous with my kids and he is a manly-man who can play the guitar and sing and you KNOW what I think about that! As Adrian surfed with Todd and Ivan spent most of his free time at their house and I would find any excuse to go for a visit with Kristy, we have missed them quite a bit. Not to mention, both of my boys routinely called their house to see if Todd was interested in going in the ocean with them! It's a pretty funny thing when your teen-aged boys call a grown man's wife to see if her husband can come out and play! I can't imagine what would go through Kristy's head every time my kids called her house looking for Todd. I mean, I'm pretty sure she would prefer her husband spend the time with their own three young sons but if that was the case, she never let on. She is the epitome of generosity, she is. So, our dear friends had to make a kamikazee trip to Costa Rica as they are building a home down here and it was time to tie up some loose ends and stuff. Lucky us!
Naturally, the moment we arrived at their place, the men threw off their shoes, grabbed their boards, and disappeared into the surf.
And in spite of the fact that Kristy had not slept all night and was staying at a friends house, she managed to shop so that we could have snacks and a glass of wine together. Did I mention how much I love this woman? After a short visit and a glass of wine, we went out to watch our men surf. The sunset was breathtaking. I realize that I may use that word excessively in writing about this country but I really am not exaggerating.
See what I mean? And this photo doesn't even begin to capture it, really. After the men got their fill of surfing (and it was dark out!), they began round two; the swimming pool! They came in tired and hungry so we decided to head over to Las Olas. Let me tell you a little about Las Olas (The Waves). It's located on the beach, serves fabulous food at very reasonable prices, and is so Gringo that when my son ordered in Spanish, the waitress looked surprised and said, "WHAT?" Most of us ordered the sesame seed encrusted Ahi and it was spectacular.
At the end of the evening, I didn't want to say goodbye. It was just the beginning of the best days we have enjoyed since moving down here. The following day another couple was coming in from California who are also like family to us. Who, you may wonder, are they? I guess you will just have to check back to find out!
You are so blessed.
Here in Vegas you live 10' away from your neighbors and never even so much as say Hi. I have tried to make contact and the most you can get from them is a nod. Strange world we live in. One day they move in and 9 months later they move out in the middle of the night. I am not used to this. This is one thing about humans we desire company that is our nature. Other countries that I have visited are also closer and tend to be more outgoing. Maybe it is a good thing here because of violence. You surely do not want to pick up a stranger in Vegas, man or woman you just do not know what to expect. I know because I have done that and had a negetiave experience.
I do know the people across the street only because they will talk to me. They are both from Mexico and very friendly. I think that it's just a Vegas thing. is why most people are not friendly.
Posted by: Dennis | Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at 10:09 PM
I love the entry mom. Nice and Long.
Love,
Little Bear
P.S. HAPPY HANNUKAH!!!!
Posted by: Ivan | Wednesday, December 05, 2007 at 06:11 AM