Devastation in Haiti

Tuesday, January 11th, an earthquake, 7, on the Richter scale, devastated Haiti. It seems that the capital, Port Au Prince, has been leveled. There are bodies, dead and alive, on the streets, and it's almost impossible for people, living outside the area to get through to their loved ones. Two friends and co-workers, at the Lowe, haven't been able to get in touch with their families; don't know if they are dead, injured or alive. It really puts things into perspective, for me, for my children, what is important?! My daughter, Sophie, went to Haiti, in November, with doctors from Project Medishare. She came back and shared her photos and stories of families, with their young children, waiting in make-shift hospitals, sometimes for days, to take advantage of the free health care. Children with Hydrocephalus, swollen heads and glassy eyes, lay on their mother's laps, in anticipation of a new life. Sophie explained that the 'hospital'; building with bare-minimum staff and supplies, smelled and the ambulences were all out of comission, with flat-tires and no gas. And that was BEFORE this earthquake. It's so sad. If there's anything good that will come out of this it's that the infrastructure of this country (poorest in the western hemisphere) may be re-evaluated. Maybe just maybe they'll build better buildings???!!! And maybe just maybe the government will get its act together. Although they've implemented horrible, self-serving, dictators for years now.

It's close to home. Hopefully, we people stateside will take a lesson from all of this. I know I am having a conversation, at our dinner table, every night about it.

Dailure

Latest addition to our clan, Cleo (Cleopatra). She's a wonderful puppy. And I don't mind taking her out daily, it's just that this isn't the best time of year, what with our cold snap (coldest it's been in Miami in years). But she's a good dog, even whines, when she wants to go out, so smart!

Dailrag-Iguanas fall from trees due to cold

Poor Iguanas, falling from the trees, here in South Florida, due to the unseasonably cold temperatures. Not sure what this is about and why they fall; do they lose their grip? fall asleep? die? It's wierd!

Almodovar Movies

We went to see Broken Embraces (Los Abrazos Rotos) Almodovar's latest, starring Penelope Cruz. I love his movies, the subject matter, the humor, the interesting angles, the bright colors, the flavors of Spain, and I love watching Penelope Cruz in them. He brings out the best in her.

Double Feature

Last night we went to see two movies! The first, A Single Man, with Colin Firth. It's based on a novel by Isherwood (done into a play, I Am A Camera and then Cabaret). I thought it was beautifully done: Filming, music and acting. Then Jordi wanted to see The Blind Side (I had already seen it). I liked it but think I liked Precious more. They aren't exactly the same but very similar in idea; kids from underprivileged neighborhoods, making it out, pulling themselves up by the bootstraps. I found The Blind Side to be endearing but a bit too Hollywoodish. Precious was raw. Monique, I thought, did a fantastic job.

Weeklure-Wait Wait Don't Tell Me

Thoughtful Gifts

Three very close friends got together online, even though they haven't all met, to get me the perfect present...and it is PERFECT! I was completely surprised and thrilled. Lucky, lucky and spoiled me.

Dailure-Cloudy Days in Florida

Cloudy days are a welcome 'relief' in Florida, and especially at this time of year, when all around the country there's snow. And these days, which are on the chilly side, put me in the mood to bake and when I bake it puts me in the mood to play holiday carols on the radio (Give a Mouse a Cookie). It's all so cozy! It also makes me a bit melancholy; gives me pause, to think, about what really is important: Family, friends and good bread! Happy Holidays to all.

Dailure-Everglades National Park

5 hours, on a motor-cyle, today, going through Everglades National Park. It was lovely! Although I think I'm a bit 'old' for being on a motor-cycle for that many hours I loved being with my husband on a beautiful day (when everyone else was in the mall).

Sailing Sailing Dailure

We were invited out, yesterday, on a friend's sailboat. A perfect day in many ways; the weather was beautiful, there was enough of a breeze to sail but not too much to feel threatened and the company, fun and interesting. We made brunch and grilled on the little Weber in the rear of the boat. I even went swimming and the sea was a lovely 76 degrees. Aaaagh lucky us.