Still Running! Monday, Jan 4, 2010

Yesterday, we drove the mission car to church, and when we came home we parked it in our secured parking area. Usually Rich just takes the car back to the office and locks it up behind fences and gates there, but since it is safe here, also, we decided we would take it back this morning when we went to work.

Good thing!! Because we needed it to get to the office today. After a beautiful weekend, we knew the forecast had some rain in it for today. But, we had no idea what we were in for when we woke up this morning. As the minutes and hours went by this morning, the rain increased to a drenching downpour. The sidewalk was a river and the rain was fierce.

We were so glad we kept the car here, and felt we could make our way to the car with umbrellas and be in fine shape. Wrong!! The wind was blowing the rain every which way, and in putting the umbrellas down for a few seconds to get in the car was like not having one at all. By the time we got in the office door, we looked dreadful. Rich's pants were wet all the way up to his thighs, my skirt was damp, and my nicely iron blouse had big water marks on it. So much for the protection of umbrellas. At least my head was dry, but my glasses had water drops on them. It was wild!! If we didn't have the car, there is no way we would have ventured out in that storm. We would have had to wait until it stopped. When it did, the sky cleared, the sun came out, and the humidity spiked. It was muggy all day.

I worked on medical matters most of the morning. Some elders have a hard time calling me about some problems of a delicate nature. When they hem haw around the problem, or part of the body they need to talk about, then I help them out and say it for them. They are relieved it is out in the open now, and they didn't have to explain any further. I can see their flushed face over the phone. Don't ya just love 'em? Where are their mothers when they need them?

I spent the afternoon sending some welcome letters to new missionaries who have just received their calls, and made tablero cards for the President's transfer board. Elder Kroff did what financial secretaries do. He paid some bills and got some money ready for a deposit at the bank. Elders Coria and Paz used the President's car to run an errand out to Pilar which is about an hour away.

Yesterday, I had some "local color" shots of what people drive here in Buenos Aires. But, after reading Rich's experience in church, I decided it just didn't fit in that entry. So I deleted it and saved it for today.

This vehicle is parked across the street from our apartment building and it is rusted clear through. Most mornings as we leave for the office, the hood is up on this one. We have no idea what is it used for, but the owner must enjoy keeping it running. We just have to laugh. This picture doesn't do it justice. A close up enlarged view better describes the condition.

Coming home from WalMart on Saturday, we came upon this clunker of a car going down the street. There was a family inside puttering along with the back end nearly falling off. We couldn't believe it and thought it was worthy of a picture. I was hoping they didn't see me snapping the shot.

The trunk area was bouncing around and sounds of metal rubbing or scraping could be heard. There are many cars that look like they are junk yard worthy, but this one takes the prize. We think all the discarded and trade-in cars from the states must end up in Argentina. Men are forever tinkering under the hoods adjusting the old style carburetors and spark plugs. Rich said it brings back memories of years gone by.

We walked home about 5:00 and after leaving me here to prepare tacos for dinner, Rich walked to the Farmacia to get some of his pills refilled. Then he stopped at Disco for a few items left off our Saturday shopping list.

As I write this entry, Rich has gone to another meeting to discuss the security of our apartment building. This time someone from management is going to be here to address the complaints. It will be interesting to see what develops.