Right now I am sitting pool side in the ChicSheikShack. Life has thrown me a curve ball this past week which I will talk about later when I have more information. Those of you closest to me know what I am talking about.

Our pulled pork is cooking away slowly on the Weber grill as I type. The day is not the "perfect" pool day since we have episodes of sun and cloud.  But my sweet husband just brought me down a Caipirinha with lots of lime and I am listening to cool pool tunes like Steve Tyrel and Julio Iglesias. Since the Caipirinha is a Brazilian drink, at least Julio fits (somewhat). I have decided that I was Latina in a former life. I feel most at home in Latin-based countries. The music calls my name. I can see myself dancing the tango or stomping out a flamenco avec castanets with my skirts swirling around my legs.

If you don't travel, you lose.

I am lucky in that respect, and probably haven't taken full advantage of traveling as I could have in recent years. I have vowed to be more open to long flights in the years to come while Rick is still working. The South American sales force that we were with in Cartagena is looking into getting Rick to Brazil or Argentina. It's a long way, but if he goes can I let him go without me? It would be my only chance to see that part of the world. How could I possibly say no?

I am continually reminded to seize the day and make the most of every single one. Make each day count.

We are so spoiled that I am typing on my new keyboard/cover for the iPad via a WiFi booster plugged into an outdoor electrical plug. You gotta love computer geek hubbies.

It's so quiet here this weekend. Neighbors Kim and Mark are at their house at the shore and Aileen must be celebrating the holiday elsewhere as well. So here we sit at the pool with the neighborhood to ourselves.

We'll be feasting soon on pulled pork, corn on the cob and coleslaw. Yum. I can't wait.

I know I am behind in posting and I'm sorry about that. I'll try to make up for lost time in the coming week. Until then, wherever you are, whatever you are doing on this 4th of July 2013 I hope you're having a good time!

Sounds like the perfect way to spend the Fourth of July!

I think a long plane ride is a small price to pay for all the excitement of traveling. I’d fly pretty much anywhere (except outer space!) and I’ve always found it well worthwhile. Would you MOVE to Brazil and/or Argentina, or just travel there frequently if Rick gets that job? Either way, I envy you! I’ve always wanted to go to South America but I haven’t made it there yet.

Hope that curve ball isn’t too curvy!

Steve: I HATE long plane rides! I used to not care, but the less I travel the more I don’t like them. I guess the key is to keep getting on that plane! It’s not a job in Brazil/Argentina, just an excuse to go there on business: like Cartagena. Business trip + boondoggle! Cartagena was my first toe on the continent of South America.

Love the dragonfly picture!  Hope you had a great day.

Looks like you had a great time hanging around the pool, and good food,too!

Happy belated Fourth!