Moments of Sorrow

RIP Cado Sanchez



Today, October 31, 2008, is a sad day. Our family dog, Cado Sanchez, of 12 years has died. Preceding Cado in death is Prince, our beloved dog; Oihana, our gray cat; and Toby, our black cat. Surviving are Leo, Pippen and Smigel, all cats. And of corse his human parents, Rick, and Alice, and siblings: Melina; Andrea and Nick. He lived a wonderful life in Estacada OR. We got him as a pup for my Moms birthday November 16, 1996. We had just moved out to the country, and thought it would be nice to get another dog. Prince was still with us at that time, and was getting old. Cado was a lively puppy, and enjoyed playing with Prince. Cado soon became the guard of our property. He did well in letting us now when there was an animal out there, or someone driving up, but was really too friendly to ever be a real guard dog. He loved living in the country, and going on walks with Dad down Harvey Rd. He was really one of the best dogs anyone could ask for. You will be missed Cado! Goodbye!

Creative Pumpkin Carving Moments

Well, I know I already did a jack-o-lantern post, but I must do one more. My cousin Giuliana and I decided to carve pumpkins. I loved the ones I did before, but after we did these ones, the other ones I made look like sissy work. I had so much fun making a creative jack-o-lantern! The feeling when we first lit them up, and looked at our handy work was incredible! I am doing this every year from now on!!!! We want to do ones for Thanksgiving too:) Who says that pumpkin carving is just for Halloween!





This is Giuliana's first time carving a pumpkin. It's so much fun to take out the gooey stuff:)



Our first holes in the pumpkins:)
My wolves howling at the moon.

Giuliana's bats, flying in the night.
We are very proud of our hard work!!

Moments with Family

Uncle Domenico and Cousin Martha
Uncle Domenico mending to the fire.


Uncle Humberto, Cousin Martha, Aunt Clemencia
The Delli Carpini's and Cousin Martha


We enjoyed visiting around the fire.

My Dad's cousin, Martha, came to visit from Colombia for the past few weeks. I enjoyed meeting her, and connecting with my family from Colombia. Now I have an open invitation to go and visit when I want. I will have to take her up on that! It's a life long dream to spend time in Colombia, and see where my family came from.
The weekend was interesting as far as communication went. Martha only speaks Spanish, so we all used our Spanish. Uncle Domenic does not speak Spanish, but Italian, so he spoke in Italian. It is so similar to Spanish, that they understood each other. Then there was me trying to keep up with the Italian, Spanish, and English:) We had some good laughs, and I learned a new card game. I had a fun time with Martha, and was very glad to have meet her!

Moments of Autumn in my Backyard

One nice thing about my line of work, is you get to live in places and homes that otherwise you may only dream about. I had a little time to myself today to walk around the property and enjoy the peace and quite. I hope you too can enjoy a Moment in my Backyard!

Moment of illumination

Today we had some friends over to make jack-o-lanterns. The adults had a lot of fun. The kids really wanted nothing to do with putting there hands in a yucky slimy, sticky pumpkin:) Tonight I put the candles inside. The kids loved that part. It was so amazing how different they look when lit up. The little pumpkin is Andy's and the big one is mine. I washed off all the seeds so we can bake them, yummy!

Moments of Autumn

It is so beautiful this time of year. We have been enjoying some wonderful weather, along with spectacular colors here in New York. I love being outside and just taking it all in. As I watch the changing of the season, I am reminded once again that there is beauty in change, and change is needed in order for there to be new life. I want to take this lesson to heart, and allow there to be changes made in my life.