on a few things about living here. I miss the winter cold for a number of reasons. A few days ago it was because of this continual inner conflict I have when virtually every day is nice. I’m compelled to have adventures all the time, and if I don’t have adventures I feel like a sloth. My psyche needs winter to hibernate, hunker down, read, rejuvenate. Here, there is no “dormant” period. When my hibiscus isn’t blooming I fear there’s something wrong but botanist Ang reassures me that the plant is just dormant, waiting for the next growth spurt. Maybe I can learn from the hibiscus to hibernate even if it’s 82 and sunny. There is a biological need for cold as well. This has become profoundly clear over the last few weeks. Apparently this is flu – I mean – flea season (no, the flu is not epidemic here, just fleas!) – even the guy at ACE hardware said everyone is having flea issues right now. Well, we are one such family. Caff is being treated, I had to clean and wash everything (EVERYTHING) today, then spray down the carpets, and Dave and I feel itchy all over (our imagination). We are not alone in this, but others shall remain nameless to protect their privacy. I’m ok with admitting it because I know certain family members (LESLIE!) enjoy reading about the not-so-paradise occurrences every now and then. What a hassle. I feel so dirty and shameful. How could I let this happen? The Frontline must have lapsed during the move. On top of the flea eradication program here, Sam has a weird rash that took us on a last-minute run to the clinic before closing today. We ruled out breakthrough chickenpox, flea bites, and think it is likely a reaction to some chemical sprayed on the grass at the beach park. We like to logroll there, but I think we may take a breather from that, or at least be sure we have shirts on (ok, I had a shirt on last time but Sam didn’t). We are mindful of our many blessings, though, and continue to enjoy life in paradise despite the roaches that hang out in cable jacks (found a dead one yesterday), the gecko poop on our walls, the fleas on my dog…I’m sure there will be more things to add to this list as our “winter” unfolds…If any of you has been wondering why there are no recent pictures in the Album, it’s because the official photographer has become exterminator.