More Photos from Mexico

I don't think I've quite recoverd yet. Today is my first day back at work, and all I've done is slept for the past two days.....and I could sleep more! Time to snap out of it.
The thing that struck me in Mexico was the contrast between beauty and poverty. Average pay is four dollars US per day. It made me appreciate the things we take for granted.....the cars, the clothes, the extras that these people will never have....and it explains too why so many are willing to risk so much to get here. Their houses are impossibly small and broken down.....the schools are tiny. There is garbage everywhere. Yet even on the ugliest street you'll see a flash of color - gorgeous flowers, a brightly painted wall....that can make you smile.
When I go again (I say when, not if) I know I'll go to Tulum to stay, because this area was by far the most beautiful that I had seen. We spent a half day touring the walled Mayan city of Tulum, where the archaeological ruins sit atop the highest point of the Yucutan peninsula, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. At the end of the tour, we climbed down the cliff and swam at the pristine beach. The water tasted like the salt on a margarita glass. After drying off in the sun, we shopped at a flea market and sat at at a small outdoor cafe eating tacos and drinking beer, watching the world go by. It sounds benign, I'm sure, but it was the best day of the trip, and I'd love to capture that feeling again.
More photos!

Mexico

All I can say is.....incredible.
Great trip. Horrible time getting back home, but I'm here - a day late - but here!
Mexico was an enigmatic mix of beauty and poverty. Lush greenery, breathtaking seas and beaches. Bright, bold color everywhere. Interesting people.....but the poverty....oh, it's just insane. More ruminations on this later - but for now, some photos!

T Minus 9 hours, 18 minutes

....and counting. Dana has called me a record NINE TIMES in the last three hours with questions about flying. It's been awhile - years, in fact - since she's flown. So many questions, it's hilarious. A week ago, she was trying to tell me that she was going to only have a carry-on because she knew she wouldn't need much for Mexico. Uh-huh. This is from the woman who packs three duffel bags, two pillows, five beach towels and a blanky when we go for one night to the cottage for the Hodag Country Music Festival every year. Skeptical? You bet. Was I right? Oh, yeah. Five minutes ago she called to ask what the weight limit was, and would she be better off checking two bags or three since we're flying first class? I'm dying laughing.
I must admit, however, my own bag is a lot heavier than intended - but of course one MUST have the proper shoes, yes? Can't wear flip flops with everything!

Production Sample

Audio sample of recent radio ad production:

Saturn Aurai

MEXICO

By this time tomorrow, I should have my toes in the sand at the Sandos Caracol in Mexico. It finally started to feel real when I began packing. It's been a long time since I've had a competely carefree vacation like this. I know I'm going to miss my children, but I am finally beyond feeling guilty about taking a vacation solo. If I have the capability while there, I'll post photos....otherwise photos will have to wait until I return late Wednesday night.
Hasta la vista!

Finished Deck

The pool is up and treated, and the deck is done! Unfortunately, it's about 55 degrees and raining. But I'm so pleased with how it all turned out. The wood is green treated so it will have to wait about 2 months before we stain it - but in the meantime I think it looks great. Devon's birthday party is tomorrow and I'm hoping the weather will cooperate so we can have everyone outside. I love it when things come together....
oh, and FOUR DAYS TO MEXICO!

Sleeping Beauty

The ballet was beautiful - better than ever. Devon did a great job - ALL the dancers were spectacular! Photos of Devon with Jack, and me with Rowan in the Great Hall after the performance.

Green is Beautiful

Every spring a morning would arrive after months of bleak, dreary weather when my father would come to my house in the morning and say - "everything's green today". It usually happens after a night of gentle rain - you go to bed one evening and wake up to a world of green grass, leaves on the trees and the scent of lilacs in the air. Today would have been the day that my father proclaimed the world outside green at last. It has been a beautiful day.
Devon is feverishly getting ready for his role as a Hessian prince in Wausau Dance Theatre's production of Sleeping Beauty this weekend. Rehearsals every day, two school performances on Friday, and the big shows at the grand for paying customers on Saturday. This is by far my favorite of the Storybook Productions series, with exquisite costuming - I can't wait to see the newly revamped scenery. I was able to snap a photo during last night's initial dress rehearsal of Devon (on the left) with his friend, Jack Karkar Collison, my dear friend Annaluna's son.
Ten days to Mexico!!!!!

Keyboard Waffle Iron

Because breakfast isn't nerdy enough, I present to you the Keyboard Waffle Iron. There's really nothing else to be said about this wonder of modern technology, but I invite you to make your best keyboard/waffle puns in comments. Come on, let's see what you've got.

Pool Progress

ALL RIGHT, ED, here are some photos of the pool and deck as it has progressed. Some are "before" and some are "after" photos. Right now it looks odd because it's missing the platform that will connect the deck with the pool itself. You will be able to step onto the platform and get into the pool. There will be railing on one side and down the steps when it's finished as well. It's not a huge deck - 10 by 12 - but if it was any bigger we wouldn't have much yard left. There is also terrace outside that you can see a bit of that is made of cobblestone that we have our chimnea and grill on along with some chaise lounges. The hot tub is not pictured, but is in what used to be a screen porch attached to the garage - you can see the roofline in the photos to get an idea where it is.
I can't wait until it's all done, and decorated properly - it's going to be great!

Pool and Deck

I have been waiting to post until I had a finished pool and deck in the backyard, but this project is taking F O R E V E R. So far the pool is up and filled, and the deck is partway finished. Today Jason built the steps that line two sides of the deck, and he just informed me that he won't be back until NEXT WEEK to put on the platform that goes up to the pool itself. I am dying to post photos but would rather have the finished product! I'll have to think about that. At any rate, though it's slow going (much to my frustration - I am so GOTTA DO IT NOW) it will be worth it, and my backyard is going to be great.
In the meantime, I'm loving my new convertible, and it's actually been warm enough to drive around with the top down. Fabulous! Should have bought one years ago. John broke the XM antenna while trying to install it, so I'm without it for now - finally going to have Sound World do a "real" install on Wednesday.....and when I can, I want to put in a better stereo and better speakers.
Mexico in 16 days - and counting!