27 VS. 55

as in 27 dogs vs. 55 people on my block. Sound crazy? I agree, but it's true. When a stray dog or cat or person walks down my street, there is a loud chorus of barking that accompanies the stranger. I want you to meet my neighbor's dog, Kiko. He has to be isolated in the back yard because of violent tendencies towards other dogs in his own yard. What you hear on this video is typical of his race. I guess they get lonely just like people.

STAR FRUIT

One of the blessings of living in the subtropics is the variety of delicious fruit. The star fruit is not real common in Brazil and is expensive to buy in the supermarkets. However, my neighbor has a star fruit tree in his back yard and shares its fruit with us when in season--which is NOW! For those who have never seen a star fruit on the tree, I went to my neighbors just so you could see how it grows. By the way, star fruit tastes delicious in a cabbage salad together with other fruit.

SHOES ANYONE??

This is not the typical place to keep one's tennies, but it's certainly original. I came across this scene on one of my walks several weeks ago, and when I returned the other day to take the picture, no one had disturbed them.

Nedra's Pile a Few Minutes Later

Pat was unavailable for comments on his pile.

New Piles

Nedra's Pile & Pat's Pile

Seven Years Old

Happy Birthday, Emily!

C.S. Lewis' Monopods

For those who've read the Narnia series, you will remember the monopods--those curious creatures who always said the obvious. My husband's unique sense of humor does seem to resemble Lewis' monopods at times. Therefore, once in a while I will be posting one of his "monopodisms" for my readers...