The lilies opened up one day and Mom and I just enjoyed it so much!

I brought his English Duck from Brazil and he is happy in the yardLooking at the house.

Looking out from the front porch.

I had to post pictures of our yard. I call it our English Garden. Everyday I walk through the yard and something new has bloomed.

April 19, 2010

Four generations Kathy, Rory, Mom, Meredith and Reagan 2-19-10

Aunt Katherine & Uncle Jim 2-17-10Ben, Meredith & Rory 4-12-10 Ben with Rory and Mom 4 12 10

Rory and her cuteness! Meredith Rory and Mom

Kathy with the Chipmunks!Reagan with all Mom's smurfs and strawberry shortcake's in the bathtub.Just wanted to send some pictures your way and to let you know how things are. We are still not totally settled into our home but we have the yard settled and that was certainly a big job. It sure was worth it. Everyday there is something new springing forth in beauty. I've never seen so many flowers, trees and bushes. I'll try to get a list together someday so you will understand.

We enjoyed a visit from Katherine and Jim. They came to visit Mom but got the surprise to get to see Reagan and Rory at the same time.

John and Meredith just left with Reagan and Rory. We certainly enjoyed our week with them and Meredith and John enjoyed a week of relaxing on their way to a wedding in Florida. I think they needed a break after all they have been through. John's medication has been reduced twice and he is back to work so that is a huge answer to prayer. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Mom is doing better. We have her pain under control and we see her cancer doctor tomorrow. He is the kindest man and has the warmest bedside manner. A perfect man to be a cancer doctor. I will keep you updated. Pray that we can keep her pain under control.

Today our son, Ben, turns 30. Incredible to me as I remember 30 years ago so vividly like it was yesterday. Happy Birthday Ben.

The beauty of Spring 2010

Tulips from our yard.

Blue flox from our yard. The beautiful bradford pear trees. Lovely to see but hard on the allergies!

Everything is blooming and gorgeous here in South Carolina.

We kind of skipped spring and went straight to Summer as today is 88 degrees.

I've taken some good pictures lately of the blossoming South Carolina.

January February 2010

Papa Rory and Reagan share a laugh Clemson Tiger Basketball!

Great-Grandmother Maw with RoryWhat a great profile Rory has! Reagan all ready to get the mail warm in Papa's coat!

Reagan & Rory Resting in Mimo and Papa's bed. 2/28/1Puzzle pieces stuffed in Papa's pocket. Snowflakes on such a sweet face!

I took this picture from the kitchen window. I'm very proud.

Nap time in Mimo's bed!

Unpacking boxes. Spending time with my grandgirls. Spending time straightening our new home. Visiting with old friends. Praying for our son-in-law, John. Freezing. Grocery Shopping.

Going places with Mom. These are just a few of the things I've been doing for the last 3 months.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We told them they have a place to stay anytime they come to the States.