Monday, April 29, 2013

What is a Sala?

A Sala is a free standing tree house like structure.  It typically has a thatched roof and a ladder or stairs ascending to it. This is our finished Sala in the backyard.

















This is a close relative. It is called a 'toob', its namesake being a Vietnamese round work hat.  These are found as resting spots in and near rice fields.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Turkey Trouble

Yes, in more ways than one, we've had our share of turkey trouble.  The two male turkeys put on a nearly endless parade of puffing and huffing.  This was usually directed at each other.  Suddenly, one day the turkeys got out of hand.  The younger fellow (very subjective guess) and the older fellow engaged in one of those wildlife video life and death struggles.  Feathers flew, blood was drawn, the turkeys bit and pecked, and clawed and gobbled.  So much so that the older fellow was nearly gobbled up.  He became mortally wounded and died in a heap just a few days later.  The remaining turkey put on quite the victory dance as I, Nathan, hauled Andy's body (yes that was his name) out of the turkey arena.  

A few days later three neighborhood dogs found Feather (also his name) and attacked him.  I found Feather in a heap of feathers in the pit in the background of the picture below.  He wasn't moving.  I bathed his wounds and put precious antibiotic ointment on him.  A few days later he was gobbling as good as new.  

Then luck of all luck.  After months of searching the town and even neighboring cities for a female turkey we discovered that Bonnie (yes that is her name) lived just across the street from us!  The owner agreed to sell and we are now her proud owners.  It took about 90 seconds for Feather and Bonnie to fall in love and we are now watching a growing collection of eggs building against a corner wall.  

Bring on the turkeys 
Gobble Gobble


 Zach is eyeing the turkeys before going in to feed the birds.  Do you know what he is thinking? 
"This is for the birds"

the day the tree broke



Monday, April 22, 2013

Happy 4th Elijah Cole! Today was a fun day celebrating YOU!

We love that you're full of smiles

that you get excited about so many things

that you are super kind

that you love being goofy with your dad

that you are an awesome brother

and an awesome son! We love you!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Happy Birthday Elijah!!!! 4 Awesome Years 22nd April

 We've a mountain behind our house, not too tall, but quite difficult to climb as the only way up is via a narrow path bordered by tall cliffs.  Elijah wanted to climb this for his birthday.  

Here we are at the very top!  

 Part way down is a little rest stop.  We had a snack here and sang some songs.  (can you see our house below?)

 The kid is unstoppable.  A true mountain goat.  

All smiles.


Saturday, April 20, 2013

Celebrating the move into our new office!


Back country

1 day-
70 kilometers on the bike, 20 villages, 7 kilometer boat trip through a river cave.
Some days it's hard work over here, but some days it's just plain awesome.