A Day of Errands - Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010

We didn't set the alarm last night and couldn't believe we both slept until 8:00. We both stirred a little between 7:00 and 8:00, but neither made the effort to get out of bed first. We kept falling back to sleep. It seems the last few Saturdays we have had to get up early for one thing or another, so this felt good to relax a little.

We were, however, excited to get the day going. Since we had a mission car this weekend, we decided to take advantage of it and do some errands that are easier to do with the use of a car. First, we had a load of dry cleaning that we wanted to take to the tintoreria in Acasusso. It is the same one the Argyles go to and is close by the mission home. The mission home is in an area that we have not found an easy way to get to without taking a remise. There is a portion of the area that is historical and buses are not allowed to go down some of the streets. There is a train stop there, but it requires a lot of walking from the train station to get where we usually want to go.

So, today, I gathered up all but one pair of Rich's slacks, three of my jackets, my coat, two skirts, and a tie to get cleaned. We need to try out a dry cleaner closer to us, but I trust this one and they know us. Since we have transportation to get there this week, we decided to patronize them.

Before leaving the apartment at around 11:00, I called several missionaries who were waiting for information from me about their illnesses or complaints. I discussed several things with Dr. Petersen at last nights gathering, so I wanted to pass along to these elders what Dr. Petersen recommends for each of their conditions.

We had Hermana Argyle's car locked up in our parking area overnight, and it was so handy to just go down and get into it instead of walking to the office to get the car.

After dropping off the dry cleaning, we drove to the street where our meat market and produce stand are located. They are in the same area around the mission home. We bought two kilos of hamburger, and several things that caught our eye in the fruit and vegetable market. These two places are right across the street from each other. We hadn't been shopping there for a couple of months.

We returned home to put the meat in the freezer and produce in the fridge. Then, I talked Rich into going to Tigre to Puerto de Frutos, the outdoor flea market, to return his valero that broke within minutes of using it. It must have had a crack in it because part of the handle broke off. It would take a good two hours to go there by bus and then walk a few blocks to the market, and then back again. He got the valero for his birthday, and hasn't been able to play with it. We bought the elders one for Christmas, and they are excited to have friendly competition at work when each gets practiced up on using them. This was the perfect day to exchange it when it wouldn't take so much time.

The store keeper remembered us, and gladly let us pick out a new one. His shop contains all kinds of wooden objects. Rich said the valeros are the best he has seen (except for the one that broke)

Our next stop was going to be WalMart to do our grocery shopping. We had not done any serious shopping for a couple of weeks, so we were in need of several things. If we don't have a car to use, then we either have to take a remise out and back, or take the bus part of the way and then walk the rest of the distance and take their remise service back home. Naturally, a car is so much easier. So we decided to go to WalMart since we had wheels. We ate at the McDonald's there before returning home.

The weather today was beautiful and clear while looking out the window, but hot and muggy to actually be out in it. The temperature went up to between 85 and 90 degrees, with around 55% humidity. We both commented on how hot the sun felt. Usually the air just feels hot, but today we could actually feel the piercing rays of the sun bearing down on us. It was weird!

We came home and put the groceries away, and while Rich took a short nap, I began this journal entry. Then we studied some Spanish. I want to be able to speak more Spanish rather than just understand what is being said. My problem is that the Latin office elders want/need to learn English so they speak to me in English. I don't have an opportunity to communicate much with Spanish speakers except at church. But, I'm trying.

It's been a good day!