Blue skies... nothing but blue skies from now on

I won't lie, it's been a longer than usual rainy season. The rain usually subsides by mid-November, but it has rained most days up until two days ago. Our last guests seem to have brought the sunshine with them, so we're very grateful. Hopefully, this is truly the beginning of our summer. It sure feels glorious, especially when I'm reading all the Facebook posts of my family and friends who live up north and reporting about the deep freeze and snow. Finally, we get to snicker a little.

Our most recent guests came from The Netherlands and were super nice. They left us a lovely note in our guestbook, which you can read here.

In other news, our community had a graduation celebration for the 6th graders of our small school. These kids were in second grade when I first met them and sat in class trying to learn Spanish... I can't believe four years have gone by already!! And they look so grown up. In February, they will travel 4 km to Copey to attend high school.

At the graduation event, the community centre was decorated and diplomas were awarded, and speeches given. Don Alvaro (to word "don" is used as sign of respect... kind of like the Godfather) is always invited to say a few words to impart some encouragement and sharing his wisdom. It's a lovely tradition, unfortunately, our Spanish is still not fluent enough to catch his whole speech, but we understand the sentiment behind it well enough.

Martin and Clara are so very proud of Nicole.

The graduates showing off their diplomas with great enthusiasm... with their parents' support.

We are hosting more guests on Tuesday for a couple of nights, so we'll be busy again this week. It's a busy time for many people this time of year. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and safe holidays. May you be surrounded by family and friends... full of love and laughter. Although we will be missing our families terribly, we will be spending the day with dear friends, which is always good fun.