Rainy Day Mondays!

Normally, I don’t like Mondays and rain, but here in Cuenca it is welcome!

The Rio Tomebamba—where we live—was looking more like a river of stones rather than one of rushing water. At night, the sound of the river is so relaxing and drowns out all the noise. But the last week or so, it was sounding more like a faint trickle. The four rivers that run through Cuenca are a vital source of energy and when they are low, we pay the price—literally! In Sunday’s paper, there was an article related to the Tomebamba and the energy that is derived from this major source of hydroelectric power. When the rivers are low, there are “blackouts” of electricity during the dry months. We’re pleased to see the rain—lots of it—on any day of the week.

Mondays are also a day to catch up, especially from a busy weekend. Mark and I helped out with a fundraiser for FASEC (foundation for helping families with cancer) that was held at the Mall Del Rio Convention Center. It was an international food fest with all the area restaurants being involved and donating the proceeds to this great organization. We helped out with the California Kitchen and I brought “baked” beans. I have to tell you that baking beans in Cuenca is not as easy as it sounds. I was up at 3:00 AM to make sure the beans were thoroughly cooked before we had to leave at 1:15 PM. I like my pasta “al dente,” but certainly not my beans. At 12:30 PM, I started to panic; they were still “crunchy” and that’s after soaking them 24 hours the day before. Later I heard that some folks have to cook their beans three days in advance (something to do with the altitude) to make sure they are soft. I also found out some other tricks, so I just might have to do a “Bean Post.”

The day was a success in other regards: lots of people, lots of food, and everyone had a great time. I worked the “cash register” and got to meet a lot of new folks and also had the privilege of meeting some blog readers who are visiting Cuenca (two new couples who are thinking of retiring in Cuenca).

Today is officially our 35th wedding anniversary, although we have been celebrating all week. A young Ecuadorian couple took us out to the Hotel Santa Lucia on Friday, which was so much fun. They are the same ages as our kids in the States. How sweet that this newly married couple wanted to spend time with us “old folks.”

For some reason, it always rains on our anniversary, just like it did on our wedding day 35 years ago, but I hear that’s a sign of a long marriage!

I welcome rainy day Mondays (any day of the week).

Until next time...hasta luego!

 
 
P.S. I'll leave you with some more pictures of this weekend...
 

Nuestros Amigos Pat and Mike helping out at the California Kitchen

 

The California Kitchen Crew taking time to pose for a picture!

 

Ed and Cynthia made some great BBQ ribs!

 

Celebration at Hotel Santa Lucia

Hotel Santa Lucia which is deserving of an entire blog post!