Today started as a down day. I think all of the crazy hours and rich food we have been eating the past couple of weeks is catching up with me. Breakfast for Ann and me was a warm cup of pepperming tea. A drizzling rain continued through most of the day. Both Lon and Curtis had emailed informing us that Grandpa Egbert had been taken to the hospital with an expected mild heart attack. We were able to Skype with Curtis to get an up-to-the-minute status on Grandpa which was a blessing as the news was good considering the possibilities. The end result was Grandpa getting a pacemaker to keep his heart rate at least up to 60. We were able to actually talk to and see him via Curt's phone. We could see the improvement from before the pacemaker was installed and after. His color looked good and he was eating with gusto. Again, I marvel at the technology available to us - both medical and communication.
After spending our available cash the past couple of days, we needed to take a trip into town to replenish our supply. A quick stop at the banco and a debit card, Merl was able to pick up what we need - hopefully to pay the expenses in January. As you enter the bank through the door there is a metal detector; you either leave all of your things outside with someone or deposit them in a box in the glass wall for a security guard to check. There is a guard stationed at each bank door all the time. The front part of the bank has multiple ATM machines, and you can choose from several languages. The area behind the ATMs is enclosed by another set of doors going into the regular bank.
As Ann and were waiting for the men to return, I spotted a man with a three-wheeled wheel barrow full of fruit passing by. I like to take pictures of unusual things, so I quickly followed him around the corner to get a shot. The others followed, and we purchased a nice bag of oranges from him. He was going door-to-door to the shops along the street. The oranges were great! And Merl thinks he needs a three-wheeled wheel barrow!
On our walk back home, David pointed out an old building that used to be the bus station; and then later, the top part was where church was held. Meetings were later moved to the top of another building in town over some shops, and then to their current chapel which was dedicated in 2010. I have tried to take a picture that would reflect how steep some of the inclines are that we walk every day - up and down. Haven't got it down yet - but here are two of the recent attempts.
Dinner tonight was a warm bowl of home-made chicken soup with Brazilian corn bread. Really hit the spot.
Later in the evening and after feeling better, Merl and I took a leisurely walk around the area surrounding the Catholic cathedral. Since we have been here, there has been a variety of musical shows performed in front of it. It has been decorated for Christmas, just like everywhere else here. Papai Noel is still sitting in his little house in the park greeting children, I think he will be there until the middle of the month. They enjoy their Christmas here. We will be attending the Nativity show on the lake later this week.
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