We went to the British Ambassador’s home for New Year’s Eve for a small, casual chili supper. I enjoyed chatting with the Canadian ambassador‘s mother about her former career working around the world with international organizations. (I was also jealous because she once received a gift of driving a NASCAR at her nearby racetrack! I would love to do that!) It was a nice evening! We came home a bit before midnight but stayed up listening to the fireworks all around town.
Last Sunday, I had a fun video chat with Ann and Pam then John and I jumped in the pool before heading over to the British DCM’s house for a small happy hour to meet his visiting girlfriend. I was happy to get to chat with the wife of the EU’s DCM – she’s a lot of fun. Wednesday for lunch I met some other wives of embassy employees for lunch – I enjoyed seeing everyone, especially the two daughters of a co-worker who are visiting – they are very smart and interesting.
I’ve really been flummoxed by grocery shopping here, so I was happy to go to a butcher yesterday with a couple from the embassy. I recognized some of the cuts of beef and bought some to experiment with. I’ve heard the beef here is not that good, so we’ll see. I was fascinated to see fresh raw milk in the dairy case. They put it out while I was there and it was still warm. I was a bit daunted by the thought of pasteurizing it myself, so I didn’t get it — but it was tempting. There’s only one dairy here and finding fresh milk at the grocery store is a challenge (I went twice this weekend with no luck). Sadly, the UHT (“shelf”) milk is not very good, and I really need milk in my coffee. Even the local Starbucks uses shelf milk. The struggle is real, folks.
I spent some time this week planning a trip for a wedding in May. I’m also trying to get a handle on finances – something I’ve ignored for a long time. It’s been fun to dig into the details of it all and start building a retirement spending plan (it’s complicated!).
John and I started watching “Blue Lights” on BritBox. It’s a police procedural and we’re hooked! We just started the last season although they are planning another for 2027.
Yesterday the U.S. announced that Maduro in Venezuela was captured and taken for trial. Guyana is next door to Venezuela, but we are fine – thanks to so many of you who reached out to us.