12/7

My idea of a good, productive day has changed completely.  Today began with my usual run – but I had 3 friends with me this time!  Three of my teenage cousins/neighbors wanted to go with me.  It was a lot of fun and they want to go everyday now.  Maybe the neighborhood donas will finally simmer down.  We spent the rest of the morning sitting in our plastic chairs under the shade of a cherry tree talking about life in the DR (and a little about the US).   I participated in the DR Census, had a great lunch of rice, chicken, guandules and fresh jugo, took my mandatory siesta and completed a few interviews.  Upon returning home, I proceeded to spend the evening kicking my dona’s butt at dominos, while she sat there and threw rocks at the roosters.  Now typically, I would consider myself one who is against animal abuse…but I literally hate roosters…and that’s putting it lightly – so I found myself laughing as I watched these roosters’ short lives flash before their eyes as this 75 year old woman chucked rocks the size of my fist their way…with surprisingly good aim…

Neighbors

Love this dog so much! Seems a tad out of place in the tropics, but oh well…

My 7 year old sister, Leslie

One of my BFFs

Typical…

My sister and I.  She proceeded to snap my black pair of sunglasses in half.  Of course.  I blame myself.

Rows of chinola near my house (a fruit)

My sister took this – I think it’s pretty cool.