RAINFOREST CHRISTMAS

The life lesson for Christmas day for us is to be gracious. We were invited by a complete stranger, Cynde, to attend the Christmas of all the "neighbors' in both loops of Dolphin Bay.  We spent the afternoon with folks from all over the world, had a wonderful time, and were reminded how important it is to always be gracious. I hope we will always extend ourselves, as Cynde did,  to those who are alone on the holidays, as well as alone in life.

After a delicious meal of roast turkey and roast pork coupled with  loads and loads of potlucked  salads and sides, we had a fun gift exchange where you could "steal" anyone's gift previously opened. Lots of teasing and good fun! Norm and I ended up with lovely gifts. (See the sidebar) After everyone enjoyed a choice of at least a dozen deserts we each climbed into our respective dingeys and motored on home.

We were grateful for Cynde for the invitation and for not having to sit home alone and eat our beans n rice on Christmas day. Plus, after the party, we were able to reach mom and most of our kids by Skype!  It was a Merry Christmas.

The coconut oil Mary gave us seems to be warding off the nasty chitras. Very few new bug bites! YAY!  Please keep all positive thoughts, prayers, and energy coming our way that it continues and that the "Army Ants don't show up! Now THAT is another story... for another day.

Just another day in paradise.

Norm and Nancy

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. ~ Calvin Coolidge