Surroundings

"Whew! I think that's the last of it."

"Well, what do you think?", I ask.

"I didn't think we'd ever finish.", Ellie exclaims.

"So, what do you wanna do now Ellie?"

"Explore!", exclaims Ellie.

"It's not too bad out today. A little humidity, but not bad."

"The children are out fishing in the creek. Are you up for a walk Ellie?"

"Um,...sure. I think.", Ellie bites the corner of her lip.

"It's not that far Ellie. Come on."

"Wow. It's really nice out this way."

"Oh my...do you mind if we pause here for a minute.", Ellie sounds a little breathless.

"Sure. The shade will feel good.", I reply.

"Ok. I'm ready. Is it much farther?"

"Nah...I can already here 'em"

"I see them! They've caught something!"

"Hopefully they're sticking to crawfish and fish this time. " I reply.

"Here, let me lift you up to get a better view."

"Um...I don't feel so well."

"Do you want down Ellie?"

"Yes, please."

"Let's cross over to the other side."

"The other side?, Ellie asks with a little concern in her voice.

"I just wanna snap some shots. It won't take long.", I coax.

"Ok. Those flowers are pretty in the back here."

"Uh-oh...I think the rain's coming. Time to go in guys!"

Overwhelmed

Well, I've been really really busy. Ellie, short for Eliza, has joined our family of resins. She arrived with underclothes and shoes...that's all. So, we had to correct that. We've been busy making capris, leggings, shorts, dresses and shirts. We even made our very first mohair wig!  Then we had to organize her room and dress it up properly with brightly colored bedding, pillows and rug. Now, it is time to put things away.

"Oh Pearl, there are so many clothes.", Ellie whispers to her favorite teddy bear.

"I just don't know where to begin."

"Dresses, capris, shorts, jackets, shoes,....Where should it all go?"

(knocking at the her bedroom door)

"Come in."

"Hola Ellie. I thought I'd come up and see how you're doing...oh my..."

"My thoughts exactly", Ellie lets out a huge sigh.

"Well, how about I help you get this room organized?"

"Really? You'd stay and help me?"

"Sure! After all,  you wouldn't have this mess if it weren't for me and my sewing machine."

(humming in the background)

"um....thanks. For all the clothes and for the help."

"My pleasure Ellie."

Photos for the Srapbook

Farewell for Now

Belén and Stéfan say goodbye.

Stéfan knows it is hard on her. He tells her North Carolina isn't all that far.

He promises to stay in contact.

"Um...Belén....it's time. Stéfan's taxi is here."

"Gracias, Leonor."

Candids of Stéfan

Stéfan stayed with us for a few weeks. While here, Belén insisted I snap some photos for her. It turns out, Stéfan is absolutely bald! And he looks great that way too! Belén says he likes to wear wigs from time to time to give him a new look. Wow! I like it.

Stéfan was a great sport and actually seemed to enjoy being in front of my camera.