this isn't Kansas

Last night the pvc pipe that connects to the hot water tank burst. Guess it was from the overworked wood burning stove. Had it going all day since Yago and Eva’s three loads of laundry had to dry. Clothes draped everywhere in the kitchen and livingroom. The wire clothes rack framed the edges. Had to cook around the jeans, towels, blouses and t-shirts (many had English words across the breast.) Ran to the bar down the road to get flour and sugar. Bought some popcorn to make over the fire. Told everyone about the popcorn served at The Rose Theatre. Tins of different toppings loaded on the counter next to the service bar-soy sauce, garlic salt, pepper, blended spices, parmesan cheese, etc. Not sure I got my point across, per usual. 

This morning after a fried green banana and coffee breakfast, sat at the kitchen table, creating lists of projects to complete, taking advantage of another volunteer who arrives tomorrow afternoon. Ian is American as well and will have to stay in the “bunkers.” I am fortunate to be the first volunteer (yeah!) and staying for several months so I will remain in the main house.

Ana’s mom arrived while we were playing cards (I understood most of the rules by the time we finished the first go-‘round.) She had a carload of supplies and food for the gang. Pounds of fresh meat, veggies, bread and beer. She was introduced as “Mae” so I don’t know her name. More often than not, if it is an unfamiliar name or a nickname, I cannot remember one person’s name from the next.

I threw squash in the oven with the pan of meat and linguisa fried on the wood burning stove, manioc steamed in the adjacent pot while beans bubbled on the third burner. As each dish finished cooking, a loaded plate sat on the edge of the stove and everyone grabbed pieces to stand and eat. The meat came out and we all sat at the table to gobble it down. As each day passes, I can grasp more and interject a sentence or two. They probably mimic me, when I finish my story they laugh. Perhaps they didn’t understand what I said but they are polite and laugh along….

We cleaned the house in a flurry. Since the dog caught a rodent and had strewn guts and tail and head about, used the hose to spray down the verandah then scrub with a broom and squeegee. Toss a dry rag over the top of the squeegee and we’re done. The dogs run from the hose, just like Tyrus at home! Made me miss him a lot.

Watched a German film with Portuguese subtitles so I got the gist of most of it. Can’t recall the title but it was a black and white film some of which took place in NY. I think it was good! Some of us dozed and ate more meat (I tasted the linguisa but not the hunk of meat, still not very appealing to me.)

June bugs are zooming around the office area as I type…ugh! Stick to my hair, jacket and make that awful buzzing noise. Reminds me of when I was a Girl Scout (didn’t collect many badges) and at camp a girl with waist-length hair had June bugs stuck in her hair. She screamed and cried until the counselors were able to detach the buggers.

So, not much to share this evening but I didn’t want to leave all of you hanging.