Picnic!

Well, it was a mad rush toward the end. Up early on Sunday morning to peel potatoes and chop like a madwoman to make a couple of gallons of potato salad. Balloons and tri-color decorations brought by Gabriel went up around the place, chairs and tables were delivered (a whopping $11) and nobody showed up until after 4 for the 3 pm announced start. But I was canny; if I had said 4, I would have had to wait until 5 to begin serving drinks! I collapsed on the sofa with the dogs before I grabbed a shower at 2:30.





None of my non-Nicaraguan friends showed up! Is there a protocol that requires "gringos only?" Oh, I feel sure that is not the case, but there was a fair amount of food left over. The flies were not invited, and still showed up in droves, but the food was good, and the company better. Everyone enjoyed meeting Gabriel, and my house received many compliments as well.



Noel and Stefan posed for me with a hat brought from Boston by Gabriel.

Shopping (again!) in Masaya

Today, Tuesday, Gabriel and I bused to Masaya to the tourist mercado to shop and eyeball the vast selection of goods, which ran the gamut from the truly crude (tiny paintings of people on the toilet) to the amusing (funny frogs, turtles, musical combos, and gorditas (fat little naked women), as purchased by himself...

to lovely wood and woven crafts, traditional masks and paintings, both kitsch and semi-fine. Gabe loved the interesting wooden bowls.

Many key chains, toys, and doodads. I bought my niece Tessie and her new husband Andrew a wedding present, along with some drink coasters and a kiskadee mobile to hang next to my desk.