The Birth of Jesus

I used a wicker basket purchased from a street vendor, a wooden electrical box from Indian Hardwares and a plastic nativity scene purchased in the state capital. 

( Because of the hyper realistic treatment of the physical anatomy of the baby Jesus, Simon felt compelled to re-dress him in a smock made from blue electrical tape altering the scene from the original artistic vision of the plastic craftsmen).

Resolving the age old question: Which members of the cast of Star Wars really were at the birth of Christ?

Waiting for Christmas

I have been making arrangements for Christmas dinner. Now I discover that Moon Dance (the dance club two doors down from us) is offering a turkey BBQ for the tourists.  They have tethered the bird of honor out the front of their restaurant with electrical wire for people to view in advance of the big feast.  He really is creating a buzz on the street (and a lot of poop).

I have already ordered chicken for Christmas, but I have not been given the opportunity to see the bird in advance.  Maybe I should cancel (?). 

How much is that kitty in the window?

Jenny has become the new window cat in our shop.

One of the original basket cats has been seen in a paper mache boat- I think he is threatened by Jenny. Perhaps making a break for a professional situation with more opportunities?

Cats are Friends, Not Food

So the other day our neighbor's dog, Robert, killed the mother cat living behind Shaun's shop. Now there has been a baby wandering around looking for its mother- which is currently Shaun.

                                                                "Jenny's" first bath

                                                                   Jenny all dried off

                                                          Robert, hates cats because as a
                                                       pup they picked on him and wouldn't
                                                        let him play any reindeer games

                                             Shaun introducing "Jenny" to his "friend" via  Skype
                                        (he Skype's this friend every day- it happens to be a girl named Jenny)

Becker Choclates

Recipe

1 cup cream, 
2 cups sugar 
1 tbsp. corn syrup.

boiled to softball stage and cooled in the pot (you must be able to put your hand on the bottom.  
Beaten until creamy

Garry's photo shoot

Gary was beside Simon one evening while Simon was working at the computer.  He also watches me while I shower, but I have never encouraged him by turning it in to a photo shoot.

We also have a tiny little Spotted Owlet that watches us walk home at night.  Gary is a weirdo, but the owl is too cute to be creepy.

and then....

So we get up on Wednesday morning ready to turn on our electric machine and make coffee only to discover that there is a prolonged power outage scheduled- an 8 hour long power outage.  

The longest 8 hours of our lives I think.

Another shot of Simon's baby.

The coffee grinder.

The blender.

The selection of coffee purchased from various suppliers.  It is all grown here in Kerala in an area called the Western Ghats.

The kit.

The head barista 

(unfortunately, he is not always patient when teaching his mother how to make coffee).