Elione, Flore, and Claudia
My rug store ladies Silvana and Claudette
Doorman at the apartment Cicero
Brito, the Zelador at our apartment.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Last Day in Brazil 12-15-09
Our wonderful apartment.
Elione, Flore, and Claudia
My rug store ladies Silvana and Claudette
Doorman at the apartment Cicero
Brito, the Zelador at our apartment.
Elione, Flore, and Claudia My rug store ladies Silvana and Claudette Doorman at the apartment Cicero Brito, the Zelador at our apartment.
Monday, December 14, 2009
One day left.
Marino, Adriana, John, Eduardo, & Regina.
John and me with his plaque.
Front row: Eduardo, Molina, Danielle, Simone, & Regina. Back: Dirceu, Marcos, Alex, Auri, Carlos, Thiago, Cintia, Sele, Carlos, Eduardo, Caesar, Mara, Julien, Mattavelli, Kelli, Eduardo, Vanessa, Adriana, Marcelo, Sonya, Wilker, Paulo Sergio, Flavio, Alessandro, Sergio, Marcia, Marino and Michel.
Everyone should have one Rock Star moment in their life. John had one today when his friends at work saluted him and said good-bye. He was very emotional and barely said anything but there were lots of hugs and many sweet words plus the biggest chocolate cake I've seen here and a wonderful plaque. There aren't words to say how much he has cherished his time at the Plant here. They are all incredible people and most of all they are very good friends.
John and me with his plaque.
Front row: Eduardo, Molina, Danielle, Simone, & Regina. Back: Dirceu, Marcos, Alex, Auri, Carlos, Thiago, Cintia, Sele, Carlos, Eduardo, Caesar, Mara, Julien, Mattavelli, Kelli, Eduardo, Vanessa, Adriana, Marcelo, Sonya, Wilker, Paulo Sergio, Flavio, Alessandro, Sergio, Marcia, Marino and Michel.
Everyone should have one Rock Star moment in their life. John had one today when his friends at work saluted him and said good-bye. He was very emotional and barely said anything but there were lots of hugs and many sweet words plus the biggest chocolate cake I've seen here and a wonderful plaque. There aren't words to say how much he has cherished his time at the Plant here. They are all incredible people and most of all they are very good friends.I saw my first fire truck in 4 1/2 years. There was a bad wreck on my way to John's party. A bus crashed into another bus. 7 ambulances and 2 fire trucks. Some of the ambulances had two people in them. It was a scary sight for me. I guess since everything here is built of concrete there is rarely a need for a fire truck.
Tonight we walked through Iguatemi Mall for the last time. I bet we've been there 300 times in 4 1/2 years. It is very important to have a place to walk when it is scorching hot. We are amazed at how many stores have closed and new stores opened. I don't think there are 20 stores open that were there 4 1/2 years ago. Thank goodness Outback is still there. It has become our weekly place to eat on the weekend. It is funny because we do not eat at Outback in the States.
We depart Brazil tomorrow, December 15. What a blessing it has been for both of us.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I see a diet in my future 12-13-09
Pig in the buffet at the mall.
Family Coudry
John and me with Julia, Cassia, Pierre, & Marina Coudry
Cassia & Mauricio
Adriana and John.
We have been eating out way too much. I see a diet in my close future. We were treated to a delicious lunch at Adriana's on Saturday Afternoon. I told Cris that the roast, potatoes, onions and pasta were all very American. It was so delicious. Then tonight we said goodbye to the Coudry Family with pizza at their home. We also got to meet Maurico, Cassia's boyfriend.
Family Coudry
John and me with Julia, Cassia, Pierre, & Marina Coudry
Cassia & Mauricio
Adriana and John.
We have been eating out way too much. I see a diet in my close future. We were treated to a delicious lunch at Adriana's on Saturday Afternoon. I told Cris that the roast, potatoes, onions and pasta were all very American. It was so delicious. Then tonight we said goodbye to the Coudry Family with pizza at their home. We also got to meet Maurico, Cassia's boyfriend.We told them they have a place to stay anytime they come to the States.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Priscila, David & Stella December 11, 2009
Priscila, David and Stella 
We ate pizza with Priscila, David and Stella. We are so blessed to have known such a wonderful couple. Stella even tried to say Mimo.
We ate pizza with Priscila, David and Stella. We are so blessed to have known such a wonderful couple. Stella even tried to say Mimo.Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Seven days and counting
Romana's has put new covers on the parking area. It is so nice and now they have double the space. The guys loved having their pictures taken.
The men are working on the side of our apartment. Notice the hand cranks. They scared me to death but they always smiled and waved to me as we had already taken down our curtains.
Christmas tree at Galleria. Decorated with elephants.
Display of carrots at the grocery store.
Mary Cavese's favorite tree.
Elephant Christmas at Galleria.
Volkswagen's for sale at the mall.
The men are working on the side of our apartment. Notice the hand cranks. They scared me to death but they always smiled and waved to me as we had already taken down our curtains.
Christmas tree at Galleria. Decorated with elephants.
Display of carrots at the grocery store.
Mary Cavese's favorite tree.
Elephant Christmas at Galleria.
Volkswagen's for sale at the mall.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
One week and counting
John and I met Fernanda for dinner. It was delicious.
Stewart, Pierre, John and Sam!
Marina, Kathy, Annabel, & Kyle
The Guh Family took us to Greg's Hamburgers. It was so delicious.
John in front of our packed apartment.
Well, tomorrow they load the truck. It has been an incredible four days with the two men from Gerson & Grey. Their names are Bispo and Cido and they are so nice. They are also very patient. I think I did pretty good by myself. John had to work. Since our move was a surprise we were not totally prepared so we had a lot of "stuff". Now it is boxed and wrapped and re-wrapped with paper and cardboard from at least two or three trees. There is no way anything can arrive in the U.S. broken and it be their fault. It was perfectly done. I am sure they have found me an interesting soul. I worked on my rug and watched them and numbered the boxes. How hard is that! I am also sure they think I should speak better Portuguese and they would be right.
We had a little going away party on Saturday with our friends. Kyle & Sam, Marina & Pierre, and Annabel & Stewart met us for some delicious pizza to say farewell. They have been such a huge blessing for us and for their friendship we are most grateful. Then on Sunday we said goodbye to our precious Landlord's. The Guh family have been here for us through thick and thin. I don't know what we would have done without them.
I have walked a lot lately (I need to walk a lot as we are eating out way too much) and will miss being able to walk to the grocery store, meat market, fruit market, coffee shop, and bank. I think this is why you do not see many overweight people here in Brazil. They walk and walk and walk. I hope I will keep this up when I am in the U.S. Claudina Guh walked with us Saturday. We went to all the shops that we love and to the hippy market. It was a fun day. I wish she had been meeting me more.
Stewart, Pierre, John and Sam!
Marina, Kathy, Annabel, & Kyle
The Guh Family took us to Greg's Hamburgers. It was so delicious. 
John in front of our packed apartment.
Well, tomorrow they load the truck. It has been an incredible four days with the two men from Gerson & Grey. Their names are Bispo and Cido and they are so nice. They are also very patient. I think I did pretty good by myself. John had to work. Since our move was a surprise we were not totally prepared so we had a lot of "stuff". Now it is boxed and wrapped and re-wrapped with paper and cardboard from at least two or three trees. There is no way anything can arrive in the U.S. broken and it be their fault. It was perfectly done. I am sure they have found me an interesting soul. I worked on my rug and watched them and numbered the boxes. How hard is that! I am also sure they think I should speak better Portuguese and they would be right.We had a little going away party on Saturday with our friends. Kyle & Sam, Marina & Pierre, and Annabel & Stewart met us for some delicious pizza to say farewell. They have been such a huge blessing for us and for their friendship we are most grateful. Then on Sunday we said goodbye to our precious Landlord's. The Guh family have been here for us through thick and thin. I don't know what we would have done without them.
I have walked a lot lately (I need to walk a lot as we are eating out way too much) and will miss being able to walk to the grocery store, meat market, fruit market, coffee shop, and bank. I think this is why you do not see many overweight people here in Brazil. They walk and walk and walk. I hope I will keep this up when I am in the U.S. Claudina Guh walked with us Saturday. We went to all the shops that we love and to the hippy market. It was a fun day. I wish she had been meeting me more.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Last Day of November 2009
Just one more beautiful tree in Brazil.
Saturday Afternoon in Brazil. The comforts of family and friends and a sidewalk bar.
John in front of the Dom Pedro Shopping Mall Christmas Tree. Dom Pedro is the largest Mall in South America.
A coconut branch just hanging at the fruit market waiting to be cut and eaten.
We tried to go to the Mall tonight but there were no parking places at the Mall so we left. I guess there were many people Christmas shopping. But on our drive home we encountered Brazilian Soccer Fans on the way home. Nothing like Brazilian Soccer Fans. They were everywhere either walking to the game or trying to find a parking place. The Corinthians were playing and there are a lot of Corinthian Fans in Sao Paulo State. I was shocked when we got home that the stadium was not full. There were enough people in the streets to fill the whole stadium.
Saturday Afternoon in Brazil. The comforts of family and friends and a sidewalk bar.
John in front of the Dom Pedro Shopping Mall Christmas Tree. Dom Pedro is the largest Mall in South America.
A coconut branch just hanging at the fruit market waiting to be cut and eaten.
We tried to go to the Mall tonight but there were no parking places at the Mall so we left. I guess there were many people Christmas shopping. But on our drive home we encountered Brazilian Soccer Fans on the way home. Nothing like Brazilian Soccer Fans. They were everywhere either walking to the game or trying to find a parking place. The Corinthians were playing and there are a lot of Corinthian Fans in Sao Paulo State. I was shocked when we got home that the stadium was not full. There were enough people in the streets to fill the whole stadium. John arrived safe and sound Saturday. Now we are in the process of filling out so many documents that it is bewildering. You almost need a person to handle the forms. They start packing on Wednesday.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
November 25, 2009
This high rise apartment with the helicopter landing pad on top was structurally finished when we moved here 4 1/2 years ago. We have heard many different reports as to how much each apartment cost. Some say 3 million reais, some 2 million. It took them 4 1/2 years to do the finishing touches. Seeing how the Empire State Building was built in 1 year and 35 days I would say this would drive me crazy to wait 8-9 years for an apartment I had probably paid for. The first two tenents have moved in and there are lights. This was my landmark when I was lost. Once I saw this building I knew I was ok.
Hamburger's with Alzil and the Guh Family 11-25-09. My Thanksgiving Dinner for 2009.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Eliane!
This is Eliane that has done my nails for the last 3 years. Nancy and I have come to love her so much. She understands us and our Portuguese when no one else does. This is the beautiful yard in front of a lawyer's office in Cambui.
Long Walk - November 20, 2009
The window of one of my favorite shops, Alfazema, all decorated for Christmas.
An angel in the park trumpeting in the Christmas Season.
Beautiful decorations hanging from the kitchen shop!
Those of you that took Portuguese at Interclass remember the tree in front. We have sat there many a time to be shielded from the sun. Well, it died and now has been replaced with this beautiful tree that some day will do the same.
Our park has a new playground and in the afternoons it is squealing with children but on this early holiday it was quiet.
Today is a holiday in Brazil. It is their Independence Day. It is quiet and there were hardly any people on the street or at Romana's. I stopped and had my usual breakfast and then walked for about an hour. It was so pleasant except for the heat. A nice, quiet walk. The sun has come out and has taken the clouds away. I may have to go to swim just to cool of. Here are some pictures I took on my walk.
An angel in the park trumpeting in the Christmas Season.
Beautiful decorations hanging from the kitchen shop!
Those of you that took Portuguese at Interclass remember the tree in front. We have sat there many a time to be shielded from the sun. Well, it died and now has been replaced with this beautiful tree that some day will do the same.
Our park has a new playground and in the afternoons it is squealing with children but on this early holiday it was quiet.
Today is a holiday in Brazil. It is their Independence Day. It is quiet and there were hardly any people on the street or at Romana's. I stopped and had my usual breakfast and then walked for about an hour. It was so pleasant except for the heat. A nice, quiet walk. The sun has come out and has taken the clouds away. I may have to go to swim just to cool of. Here are some pictures I took on my walk.Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
An American Preparing to Leave Brazil
Our tired and weary traveling tree now at a new home at Kyle & Sam's
I do not know the name of these beautiful plants in Kyle and Sam's yard but right now they are just stunning
Another view of beautiful plants!
Wow. There is nothing quite like going through everything preparing to move. Especially preparing to move from a foreign country. Howard, The owner of our moving company, Gerson & Grey, just left and what an experience made easy. He told me exactly what I needed to do. Went over it a few times and now I feel confident and prepared with a good plan in place. I do not see how Mary-Katherine Rogers has done this 4 times and with THREE children. She is a good example for me and gives me HOPE that I can do it this time. Her destinations were Mexico, Brasil, China and now Spain. What a woman. We will have the photo's taken of all our pictures so we can't smuggle anything out and install de-humidifiers to dry out the house on November 26 through 2. Then on December 1 we will turn in our documents. I remember Mary Cavese saying she and Joe were at the notarizing company all day long getting their documents in order. They take our air shipment on December 3 and start to pack our sea shipment. They pack December 3, 4, 7, & 8 and will load on December 9. We will leave Brazil either on December 14 or 15. Our shipment will take over a month so it should work out. Then we will start looking for a house in Anderson. Sounds like a good plan doesn't it!
I was properly prepared for dealing with today by Kyle. She took me to her home where I spent the night. We put up the Christmas tree. Her housekeeper fixed a wonderful lunch. We had coffee with Annabel. We sat in the cool breeze of the evening with our feet in her pool. Watched a movie and worked on our rugs. What a wonderful friend. I was relaxed and ready to tackle the day. I am so blessed. I attached a picture of the beautiful flowers in her yard.
Our wonderful and tired Christmas Tree has been all over the city. It was at our apartment the first two years, then at our Portuguese School, Interclass, then I decorated it in the party room downstairs at our apartment and now it is at Kyle and Sam's. At least I got to decorate a tree this year with my friend. It is put together with screws and nails but after 15 years it is still standing.
The weather here has been so hot. I wasn't prepared for it and it has taken me back. The restaurant people and shop people are very worried because my face is always so red from walking in the sun. They always offer me water to drink.
I do not know the name of these beautiful plants in Kyle and Sam's yard but right now they are just stunning
Another view of beautiful plants!
Wow. There is nothing quite like going through everything preparing to move. Especially preparing to move from a foreign country. Howard, The owner of our moving company, Gerson & Grey, just left and what an experience made easy. He told me exactly what I needed to do. Went over it a few times and now I feel confident and prepared with a good plan in place. I do not see how Mary-Katherine Rogers has done this 4 times and with THREE children. She is a good example for me and gives me HOPE that I can do it this time. Her destinations were Mexico, Brasil, China and now Spain. What a woman. We will have the photo's taken of all our pictures so we can't smuggle anything out and install de-humidifiers to dry out the house on November 26 through 2. Then on December 1 we will turn in our documents. I remember Mary Cavese saying she and Joe were at the notarizing company all day long getting their documents in order. They take our air shipment on December 3 and start to pack our sea shipment. They pack December 3, 4, 7, & 8 and will load on December 9. We will leave Brazil either on December 14 or 15. Our shipment will take over a month so it should work out. Then we will start looking for a house in Anderson. Sounds like a good plan doesn't it!I was properly prepared for dealing with today by Kyle. She took me to her home where I spent the night. We put up the Christmas tree. Her housekeeper fixed a wonderful lunch. We had coffee with Annabel. We sat in the cool breeze of the evening with our feet in her pool. Watched a movie and worked on our rugs. What a wonderful friend. I was relaxed and ready to tackle the day. I am so blessed. I attached a picture of the beautiful flowers in her yard.
Our wonderful and tired Christmas Tree has been all over the city. It was at our apartment the first two years, then at our Portuguese School, Interclass, then I decorated it in the party room downstairs at our apartment and now it is at Kyle and Sam's. At least I got to decorate a tree this year with my friend. It is put together with screws and nails but after 15 years it is still standing.
The weather here has been so hot. I wasn't prepared for it and it has taken me back. The restaurant people and shop people are very worried because my face is always so red from walking in the sun. They always offer me water to drink.
Everywhere the beautiful flamboyance trees and poinsettias are blooming welcoming the Christmas Season. The shops are decorated and ready. I can't believe I will be in the U.S. for Christmas. It will be our first in 5 years. What a treat for us. I'll update again soon.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Alice
Alice and Sebastien
Sebastien, Alice and Simone.
I spent the evening with Simone, Sebastien and Alice.
Sebastien, Alice and Simone.
I spent the evening with Simone, Sebastien and Alice. It was so wonderful to see the Christmas Decorations with little Alice.
She watched the characters move and walked and walked.
I had a great time.
Saturday, November 15, 2009
The cake and chocolate table at the wedding.
The chocolate Table at the Wedding
Me with Alzil (my neighbor) and one of our landlords Mrs. Guh.
I had lunch with my neighbor and our landlord's and it was delicious.
The chocolate Table at the Wedding
Me with Alzil (my neighbor) and one of our landlords Mrs. Guh.
I had lunch with my neighbor and our landlord's and it was delicious.The meal was from Alzil's native State in Brazil Motto Grosso.
There was salad, black beans, oranges, rice, I think spinach and bacon and the main dish was rice mixed with ground beef with sliced banana's. I did ok until the spinach. Had to not eat that.
Alzil's son married recently and I attached pictures of their cake and chocolate table.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Iguatemi all decorated for Christmas 2009
The orchids are blooming in the palm trees.
They have planted the Amaryllis at the Mall. Just incredible.
Kyle with the penquins!
The tree seemed to touch the ceiling this year!
Kyle and me with the dancing penquins!
Kyle and I went to Outback today for lunch and then walked the mall and got some errands done. They were all decorated for Christmas and I took some pictures. This is my 5th Christmas in Brazil and every year the decorations stun and amaze me.
They have planted the Amaryllis at the Mall. Just incredible.
Kyle with the penquins!
The tree seemed to touch the ceiling this year!
Kyle and me with the dancing penquins!
Kyle and I went to Outback today for lunch and then walked the mall and got some errands done. They were all decorated for Christmas and I took some pictures. This is my 5th Christmas in Brazil and every year the decorations stun and amaze me.
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