Letters From Home

I am back from a wonderful vacation. It was just what I needed- warm, full of sun, sand, snorkelling, swimming, food and really really great people. There was also a horse ride up a mountain (but that's a different post).

The internet in Cuba is not good. As in it sucks. I couldn't even get the site to open so I could pay so I had to be trusting and assume that all is good. On the last day I was sitting in the lobby at 6:00 in the morning and could get on. I found a series of emails from home that I'm going to share with you.

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Note that not all of the emails below were actually received but that doesn't mean that they are not true. 
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28 degrees and sunny

January 31, 2017
Day 1:
Everyone is tucked in and all is well.  Could have killed Chester.  I went out to do tuck in.  I'm walking under the trellis and I hear something on top if it and then it jumps down off the trellis in front of me.  After I landed from when I jumped, I realized it was Chester and he wanted in come into the house.
Hope you are enjoying Cuba.

Ed 
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Where are you? The male servant was late with dinner. And then with the night feed. I tried to tell him by whispering in his ear but he's awfully jumpy.  I need to lodge a complaint. 

Irish 

February 1, 2017
Day 2

Well, nothing exciting today.  We got about 2" of snow.  Everyone is good, including me.
Love you, miss you!  Hope your enjoying your trip.

Ed
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Where are you? Irish says that you left us but you wouldn't do that would you? The male servant is not giving me enough food. I need you to come and sort this out. 

Carmen

February 2, 2017

Greetings from snowy NS.  We got about 6 cm of snow yesterday.  
Horses are all good. Nothing really to report.  I was in the garage tonight before tuck in and I heard a chirping nose.  After a while I started looking to see what was making the noise.  I saw 2 barn swallows in the garage.  I opened the door and they flew out.  Then Chester appeared and started stalking them.  To his dismay, he didn't get them.  Bird feeders are being stocked.
Curling tomorrow night so my report will be late.
Love you,

Ed 

Are you ever coming home? it's cold out and I need someone to groom me. The male servant continues to sleep in and I'm pretty sure that it's noon before he feeds us and lets us out. Carmen is being cranky and not letting me at the hay. She says that she's starving but I think she's getting fat. You should come home and exercise her. 

Irish

February 3, 2017

Irish says that you must have left to go buy another horse. You wouldn't do that would you? Not that I care. 'Cause I don't. 

So whatever. 

But you're not, right? 

Carmen

February 4, 2017

Day 6 I think. I never posted any entry yesterday.  It was a day from hell, but not because of the horses.  Did I ever tell you that a HATE home depot. I'll tell you why when you get home.  Our bathroom is torn apart.  We'd are leaking water from the shower and the drywall is wet.   Bedroom is painted, but not the bathroom.  I picked up the tile on Friday.  Curling Friday was fun.  

Today I spent the day at Alec's.  We fixed his steps and hung his tv downstairs.  Did some cleaning, shopping and came home. Joanne texted me to see how I was making out and to see if I needed help.  All is good, but I'm exhausted. Wait, I think this is day 5! Anyway, Amanda's coming tomorrow so I can change her oil and rotate the tires.
Cold here yesterday and today. Minus 10 - 12.  I think I have the heating system figured out.  I've been very good following your directions on feeding.  Carman is not happy that I'm doing so.
Can't wait until you get home!

Ed 
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Carmen is getting out of hand. She's trying to steal my food and doesn't respect that I'm her elder. Your servant continues to be late. whatever happened to the other female servant? I like her- she gave me scratches. He never gives scratches. 

I can't believe you abandoned us. 

Irish

February 5, 2017

Conditions are not improving. I saw the male servant cleaning my stall and I rushed over to show him what I wanted but he chased me back out. If you are going to leave us to fend for ourselves you should at least get servants that are respectful. 

We don't need another horse here (if that's what you're doing- not that I care). 

Are you ever coming home?

Carmen
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Due to extended absence you have forfeited your side of the bed. You will have to bunk with the dog. 

Chester & Martin

February 6, 2017
Very cold morning (-12).  It did go to +3 during the day.  Amanda stopped and did get laundry and had lunch.
Horses are doing well.  Irish didn't eat much last night, but ate all of his breakfast.  He is one messy horse!
Bathroom is still pulled apart.  Have to shower downstairs (heads up).  I think I know where the shower is leaking.  I'm hoping I find time tomorrow to work on it.  Then Tuesday I can put the drywall back.  Should be able to use the shower by Wednesday or Thursday (fingers crossed).
Love you, miss you, see you soon.

Ed 
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The dog is pining for you. I hope you're satisfied- you broke his heart. I was only teasing Carmen about a new horse but if you are getting a new one I don't want a mare. 

Irish
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Dad says you are 'vacation'. I don't know what that is or why I couldn't go but don't worry about anything- I have it all under control. 

d'Arcy

 February 8 
(I was home and back to work.  I caught up on a number of chores in the barn, groomed the horses and, frankly was missing my morning walk on the beach. )


That's better. 

Ed, Irish & Carmen