It's nice to see what you've been up to, Jill. I could almost taste the pie de maracuya, after you mentioned stopping at Benitos. Sending you healing thoughts for your back. xoxox
Loved this blog entry Hi, Jill, I love the way your life is so full, how you make small things so beautiful and precious, how you maintain connections with so many people in so many places, how you navigate obstacles and still bounce back.
Speaking of bouncing back, I too had some vision problems after cataract surgery - he said it was scar tissue on the membrance and made a small hole with a laser (actually I think he punched several small holes to make a larger one. Did you have a lot of floaters for a while afterwards. I love being able to see tiny details from far away. I don't love struggling to read in dim light, though. And by the way, I can NEVER do those hand-eye things like you described for your driving test. Somebody must have had a lot of those things and convinced the government to take the off their hands! They always have something like that in science museums and I always fail! Anyway, sending you all my best. Can't wait to see the next blog entry!
Loved your holiday blog! Dear Jill,
I love reading your blog about how your life unfolds for you. It is a delight to see what you are up to. Fotos are fun too....
Keep on writing yur blog as it is very informative for others. I hadn't realized that you were so sick tween Thnxgiving and Christmas.
So glad you got better by resting LOTS, binge watching and taking some meds. Cici is a dear to hang with you as you recuperated.
Sending you big hugs, Jill.
Love always, Annie
Happy New Year! Glad to hear that you've recovered from whatever horrible bug you had - didn't sound fun. Random comments: I think the ceiling cracks are 'artsy;' definitely needed those curtains to match the bedspread; glad your car was returned to you looking so good; my heart would have stopped too seeing it in that condition. Back to ceiling, we TOTALLY noticed while living in Ecuador their propensity to build a wall, sidewalk, WHATEVER, and then break into it to add utilities. What's up with that??? Hope 2022 is a great year for you. Hugs, Kathy & Bernie
Love the pictures! I love to hear your stories of life in Ecuador. Your descriptions always make me feel like I'm right there with you. I enjoy the pictures of your friends and activities and all the renovations you're making to your home. Joe and I watched 'Fathers and Daughters' Sunday night and really enjoyed it, too. I'm going to look into The Unforgivable, as another one of my girlfriends just mentioned it last night. See you on WWF!
You've been so busy! Renovating ad decorating your home is one of the best activities I can think of right now. Also: safe small gatherings. This is the route Steve and I have gone too. We don't go "out" nearly as much to public spaces, but we do invite people over, and we do camp a lot. We're doing fine, all things considered. Glad to see you and Cici are surrounded with friendship and love. --Julia
YAY FOR YOU!!!! I am sooooooooo Happy and EXCITED for you to be living in your DREAM!!!!!! I just wish it was closer.... I wanna come chat and laugh for an afternoon in the rainbow glow of your glass walls, snack some late night look at the moon and Mama, or bauble on a Saturday afternoon in the studio and watch the dogs play during a Sunday brunch we make....
Wow ? Jill, as usual, you have been busy!! Everything seems to have finally fit into place and looks AWESOME!! Thank you for sharing you adventures, trials, tribulations, and amazing successes. I can hardly wait to come visit. Sending love and hugs ?
Congratulations! Your home looks so beautiful and the designs so unique. I'm glad you're doing well health-wise and still enjoying life to the fullest. I am fine and enjoy having both my girls here. They try to keep us busy here with various activities, but the spectre of covid is always hanging over us. We are having a nice autumn with beautiful colors. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sending abrazos, Bonnie
What an amazing transformation of your home! I'm so glad you've been able to make your dreams a reality - it's a testament to your beautiful vision, your seeing potential in spaces and objects, and quite a bit of determination. I can't even imagine how many conversation you must've had with your tradespeople to craft and recraft each element to your liking. Such a success!
Finished product Your place and the rental unit look so beautiful. So worth the wait and frustrations! Thanks for all the wonderful pictures. I don't think your 6-month renter is going to want to leave. It's funny you mention Casa del Arbol with the swing. I just saw a commercial for travel to Ecuador and they showed the swing as a fun destination. I had never heard you mention visiting that before. The experience looks absolutely frightening to me but the views and rush must be spectacular!!
Pictures of your house Thanks for sharing the “finished” pictures. Your home turned out fantastic. You have some very ingenious features that exhibit your artistic streak. I especially like the stairs and bottle walls. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Creative Jill, you are so creative with your renovation ideas. I love the use of the colorful bottles. I wish your home could be featured in a magazine for others to see because your ideas are very clever. I'm anxious to see your final pictures and how you used glass blocks for extra light in different places. Great job! I think the finished product is going to be so worth the wait and frustration. BTW, your persistence really paid off on your new car in all ways. I don't think I could have persevered like you did to tie up all the loose ends. Love your blogs!!
Wow - GREAT space! Jill, Being there for the whole construction project was indeed a mixed blessing, but necessary I think - so many artistic decisions only you could make. Love the new wheels. K & B
Renovations Your bottle walls are spectacular and the glass risers in the stairs is a brilliant idea. Can’t wait to see the final pictures. I look forward to reading your blog and hearing what you’re doing.
I first came to Ecuador in the late 1980's to teach English in Quito. I fell in love with this country, the natural beauty, the warmth and generosity of the people. I went on to work in international education on nearly every continent, but Ecuador kept calling me back. This Chicago girl has a "latina soul"! I've now been back in Ecuador, living here as a permanent resident since 2006. I have done all different kinds of work, from private teaching to teacher training to working with American volunteers as a driver/interpreter to filling in as a substitute hotel manager. I like to keep my sched... full info
Jack and Pam Stewart
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Always interesting adventures
So glad to know you are thriving. We enjoy reading about your life.