"I would like to name a cow, Peach." "My favorite cow was Winnie... she lost her calf when I lost one of my babies and we cried together."

It has been 17 years since Breno came to live with us for a year from Brazil.  A few months into his time here, he asked me if I could make him some rice and beans as he missed it a lot.  He would have rice and beans daily in Brazil, and he told us that they would buy them by the 50 pound bags! 

I teased him with this showing him Minnesota rice and beans.  Breno says that anything green is not in his diet.  It is all coming back now. 

They have been on the road... driving here for 6 months from Brazil, so he was showing the kids pictures from the Galapogus Islands of giant sea turtles.  Lots of wild adventures to share.  And from here they are going to Canada and having their car shipped to Africa and work their way up the Continent!  They will be gone for a total of 18 months!  They know of people that do this world traveling for 4 years!  "That is too long to be away from home and work."  We are enjoying catching up with him. 

A fun time that we missed this year with Michigan gone... watercoloring together.  One of my favorite things to do! 

A fun conversation this morning in the car while Rose, Luke, and David drove grandpa to the pickup out in the field.  "I like fruit names for the cow like Banana, how about Apple or Califlour? asked grandpa.  "I would name one Peach." says Rose.  "What was your favorite cow's name?"  "Mine was Winnie... she lost her calf and I had just had one of my losses, and I cried on her neck."  "That is kind of a sad thought, and we were trying to be light hearted and funny."  I do like the name Peach... it is cute and Peachy!

Rose with her work of art!  Next they had their hot tub time in grandma's new tub with lots of bubbles thanks to the jets! 


My day has flown with company here and Pat actually coming home for lunch and a chance to talk travel and politics with Breno.  Today is the feast of a most humble servant, St Camillus de Lellis, who found Christ in those sick in the hospitals!  Reminding me that when we are weak and sick is when we need Jesus and turn to him.  My hard times in life/the cross during my child-bearing years was truly the many losses I had... those lights that belonged in heaven and not with me and the 5 I was given to care for and share my Faith with JOY! 
http://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/my-most-cherished-cross-patrick-gerard.html

It was a fun time... sure wish it had rained like we hoped and prayed... we are very dry!


Lord, we ask you for rain, and thank you for times with friends and family.  How we appreciate all those we have been given to share this journey with and all the prayers that we receive from our little ones in heaven to help us remain small and turn to you.  Jesus, we trust in you.  Bless-bless, Barb

Brad, John and Breno go way back - they were 11 year old farm boys when Breno was here.  We all went to Michigan and shared farm life. 

Lots of bales to pick up...

Sharing family farm time in the midst of craziness.