Celebrations continue post-Birthday and Anniversary

Hello dear friends, far but not forgotten, and hope you are all as happy and healthy as can be. Yet another week is flying by, full of surprises and wonderment as ever, since Fernando's birthday last Friday. His parents hosted a lovely dinner party complete with political conversation which I just soaked up (hadn't realized McCain had the nomination in the bag, MUST get internet at home ASAP and perhaps cable, too!) and then Saturday we lucked out in finding a sofa and armchair that truly make our house a home. We hosted a small birthday dinner with his high school friends which was fun, the cake I made turned out better than the risotto, and I was able to find decorating tips and everything to write on it in chocolate and fill it with dulce de leche. He came down with a cold Sunday so we're delaying proper celebration of our anniversary for a bit, which may be a challenge as the days are filling fast! I missed a book club meeting last night to instead have a physical (necessary to qualify for the bank's insurance plan) which was pretty painless, and Friday we hope to attend a dinner with folks from the US Embassy who sound fun. Til then, a few more photos and a big promise to share the joy when our internet connection is finally installed!