Gift Horse

November 7, 2012

What a relief to stumble in the kitchen for a cup of coffee to Jo saying “para bems!” Obama won his re-election. Fantastic news. Watched the tube for as long as I could - at 2:30am I gave up. Wonderful to see the tenacity of the American people, Democrats and Republicans alike, overcoming the obstacles to go out and vote. From lanterns in tents to voting places partnering as shelters to racing to reprint ballots to resupplying forms, it was an admirable effort bringing out record numbers. Way to go North America!

No sign of McFabulous and Right Hand Man since last Thursday so I asked Ana to stop by the posto de saude to see if they could come and visit me. Have a few questions about my rehabilitation. Foot looks better every day, applying Propolis to the wounds to prevent infection and gradually forcing the ankle to bend a bit more. Doing some energy work to reduce the swelling too.

Had fresh chicken from the roost (tho I didn’t partake) rice, beans (what a surprise!) broccoli and water for lunch. Rich black coffee followed! Lying prone on the bed with my foot elevated, a slight breeze feels good in the tepid warmth of the afternoon. Jo wrestled a chair into the bedroom with a stool to prop my foot so I could attend the phone if need be. It is produce delivery day. We are all thrilled that new clients called to order chicken, eggs, eggplant and cherry tomatoes!

The cord that connects both the cell phone and internet is a few feet long, extending out from the fuse box. Very strange set-up, impossible to talk on the phone at length or for me to sit and follow-up on emails and post my blog in comfort. Yes, I am spoiled with modern conveniences of wireless internet and cordless phones.

Everyone is abandoning me to go to Sao Paulo for a few days. Solante will stop in to check on me once in awhile. I am actually fine with that. Jo piled food in the frig, washed all of the veggies and fruit for me claiming Solante could come and make me meals if I prefer, Of course not! There is a microwave for me to heat things if I choose and plenty of supplies for me. There are several movies I have not watched…probably cannot manage to make popcorn solo, but without Tyrus here to share it with me, it would just feel wrong!

There must be a rainbow somewhere! Raining with the sun glistening through the trees. Reminds me of the late afternoons on the Big Island-we generally were lucky enough to see two or three rainbows embracing the sky. We had the perfect landscape from our backyard on the hill above Hilo.

The painting project is still underway, smelly robin egg blue tone clings to the outdoors and wafts in the windows with the breeze. Yikes! Offgassing!

 

There is a major war going on in Sao Paulo, supposedly mafia based gangs are threatening the streets. Fifteen to twenty people are killed each day while the gangs rage against the local police. Initially the Federal Police wanted to help but the city police rejected their offer. Finally they relented and the police forces are joining to control the gangs. Sounds like the issues are drugs and many of the gangs man weapons and bombs. I saw a burned bus on the city street in the news and a segment about a gang leader who is wheelchair bound, manned with a rifle and a crew of bodyguards. The favelas are so dangerous and hopefully the police can control those areas of the city. One of my good friend’s nephew (who is Brasilian/NAmerican) posted on his facebook page the story of his aunt who was attacked with small stones by a gang of kids. He included a photo of her bruises. Poor thing!

Ate amanha!