Bits and oieces

     Sorry, still no sign of action from Sharon in terms of a blog post about her hike to the volcano so I thought I'd fill the void with a few bits and pieces of the latest news, and some pictures of the sendero (hiking trail) that I do twice a day to keep me and the dog in shape. In the process I have lost another 15 pounds and now tip the scales at a svelt 186 lbs.

As you can see, both of us get younger every day.  This was our official Christmas picture. The cats, Nick and Nora, showing their distain by missing the photo shoot!          

I am happy to say that a picture that we had done of the late great Dylan made it into an art show in a local restaurant here 

I did say this would be a jumble. Here we are in Villcabamba having a very good Mexican lunch. These two, Pam and Matt have become very good friends. It's hard to make new friends at my age but they made it easy.  The mountain behind ( notice the image of a face lying on it's back) has been climbed by my, never say no, esposa. It  goes without saying I could not be found when the hike happened. Strange how that seems to happen whenever the subject of walking uphill rears it's head in my presence.

                                                               

                         As always, walking around Loja constantly presents inexplicable sights.  I'm sure there was a reason for these giant Teddy Bears on a hotels balcony one day in downtown Loja. All I know is, I want one!               

One day Sharon came home from the local market with a lettuce that the owner had grown in her back garden. She said it was the smallest she had! Had the gall to charge us.....wait for it ...25 cents!

                       

I promised some pictures of the path along the river that Asta and I walk every day. Here is one. With cows and horses in the fields on either side.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

And another. If you look closely on the left you can just see the path. But it does go on both sides of the river and every few kilometers there is a bridge across so you can do a loop, out one way and back the other. No traffic, no noise, and during the week almost no people except other dog walkers with an ever ready smile and a friendly "Buenos Dias". We live right in the middle so we have an hours round trip walk in either direction. I just bit the bullet and got hearing aids a few weeks ago. I had no idea there were so many bird songs around my head.                              

        Keep your eyes open and occasionally spot some Llamas in the trees! 


                                                                                                                

    So I get to do this every day, in lovely mild temperatures, at a cost of living about one fifth of what I would be paying in Vancouver. Sharon hikes mountains but at my age I like FLAT!

So that's it for now. Carnival time this week where, if you are not careful one might get doused with water. Why I don't know, but it's a small price to pay and it's all in good fun.  Hope all is well with everyone and take care. 

        Graduation in the park. Was I ever this young?