Another Asado

Today was sleep in day. Yeah! Some Saturdays we have things going on that require us to be up early, but not today. But, 7:30 is as long as we can usually stay in bed. Rich got up first, so I managed to stay under the covers until he was out of the shower.

I discovered late last night that I didn't bring my cell phone home -- again. I need to wear it around my neck. I just have the hardest time getting it in my purse at the end of the day. So I don't know how many missionaries might have called me last night between 9 and 10 with an illness to report. So I had to have it this morning for any calls I might get. Rich, being the sweetheart that he is, went to the office to get it for me. The Doctor is only allowing him to walk 8 blocks this week, so going and coming will be his quota for the day. Good thing we don't have anywhere to go today that requires us to go very far on foot.

When Rich left to go get my phone, there was a note in the elevator written by the people in apartment 2A. It was telling everyone that their apartment had been broken into yesterday and they had been robbed. They felt someone had a key to get in. They were telling people to be careful, that it wasn't the first time it has happened in the building - Hello!! They were going to call management and see what could be done to secure the building better. Good Luck! We found out that a bicycle had been stolen from the basement where the storage cages are located. Our neighbor was on his way down to see if his was still there. Would they want our luggage?? That is the only thing we have in our cage. We went down to look, and it seemed that anything behind lock and key was still in tact. There were several bikes locked up and in place. The one taken was most likely not in a cage. We wonder what will become of this. Several apartment buildings have a security guard stationed at the front door. We wish our building had one. All the tenants would probably have to chip in and pay for one. But it might be worth it.

We were excited for today to come because last Sunday the Branch President invited the sister missionaries and us to his home for an asado (Argentine BBQ). He assured us that it was not like those we are used to in the states. No hamburgers and hotdogs. It's MEAT, real Argentine meat. We didn't tell him that we had just had one a couple of weeks ago up on the roof of our apartment building.

We met the missionaries at the church in Tigre at 12:30. They had a teaching appointment there and then we would walk with them to the Branch President's house which is only about three blocks away. It is just around the corner from the chapel.

Well, today we witnessed the other side of the economic status of this area we live in.

Our Branch President's name is Andrés Torre. He has four sons. Matias next to him served a mission in Cordoba, Argentina and returned in 2005. His wife is Sandra, and next to her is their son Nicolas and his girl friend, Cecelia. Joaquin is 13 year old. Another son, Federico, is currently serving a mission in Venezuela. Pres. Torre manages or owns (don't know which) an import/export business that deals with Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil.

Here is the meat cooking on an indoor barbeque. That's right - indoor.

He decked Rich out with the chef's apron and hat. This barbeque is located in a separate building in their backyard.

Joaquin poses on exercise equipment in the room. There is also a television, bathroom, eating table, sink etc. Pres. Torre says when he is in the "dog house" with his wife, this is where he lives.

The food was delicious. We had boiled potatoes tossed with cream, cooked beets, a tomato salad which consisted of chunks of tomatoes, green peppers, and onions marinated with olive oil and vinegar, egg plant, and the meat. Of course, pan (bread) is always served. The postre was a bread pudding with a sweet cream sauce, and brownies. It was so tasty and we ate until we were stuffed. They can all understand English pretty good, and can speak some. The older boys are the best as they studied it in school. Pres. Torre does well with it and Sister Torre understands some, but doesn't speak it too well.

This shot shows how the room is situated with the barbeque in it. It is a perfect place to have parties and entertain. We didn't get to see much of the main house. We entered and saw the kitchen and she had a housekeeper/cook who was fixing the potatoes when we came.

This is where we had the fiesta and were entertained and fed. It's a great way to keep the main house clean and uncluttered. This would be the family room in the states.

They have a swimming pool, and a deck off the back of the house. It was really pretty.

Another view of their yard. This is certainly different from most of the places we have seen. None of this is visible from the street. They have a tall fence around their property.

This group photo includes us and Sisters Howard and Cano. It was a great afternoon as they are such a fun sociable family. Sister Torre leads the music in Sacrament meeting while I play.

When we left their place, we took a remise to WalMart so we could shop for food. They have a remise outfit right outside their door, so we didn't have a hard time finding a ride back home.

Our movie of choice tonight was a Disney one, Race to Witch Mountain. It was pretty action packed.