Lazy Sunday com Toiros a Corda :)

Hello J-landers.. :)

It's Sunday, and I'm feeling particularly lazy. 

Yesterday afternoon I took my oldest and youngest to Kelly Park in San Jose to celebrate Dia de Portugal, 2007..  It was a nice event.  I met my friend Angela there with her two girls.  My youngest unfortunately did not have much fun.  He fell during our walk there and scraped his knee, and from then on it went progressively down hill as far as his attitude went.  I could have kicked myself for not bringing my camera with me.  There were many people dressed in traditional costume, singing, and dancing; even a parade.  Oh well, I'll have to make it up with pictures I take when I'm in the Azores this August.  No use to bore you now with photos..just wait until this summer!

                             

There was a booth there hosting a particular author:  Sue Faglade Lick.  She has written a few books including "Stories Grandmother Never Told" and "Azorean Dreams."  I had purchased "Stories.." for my daughter a few Christmas' ago, and I could have kicked myself for not having it with me or I would have gotten it signed.  Anyway, I had been in contact with this author via email a few years ago.  She is a writer and a teacher; here is her website:   http://www.suelick.com/   She is an equally sweet woman in person--just wish Nicholas was more cooperative or I would have taken the time to speak with her more, but Nicholas was more concerned about "cleaning his hands" and was rather upset.  I bought one of her books...her publishing ones.  She teaches classes online..  Very interesting woman. 

My mother is leaving for the Azores in a week with my brother and his family.  My two older kids will be visiting their father in New Jersey sometime next month.  That is going to be particularly hard for me...but I will just have to deal.  I KNOW there are some really nice people in New Jersey.  :)  Yeah, I'm talking about, Dawn, and Mary and Teresa..  There is hope.  Before, when I would think of New Jersey, I would just have a real bad taste in my mouth because all I could think of is my ex-husband.  I might as well let the ex spoil the kids for a week.  Hopefully I won't drop dead from nerves during that time.  Some people eat when they get stressed or nervous..  I don't eat..unless it's made of chocolate.  And I'll shop..and I'll buy things.  This could be scary.  I do have a few things to buy before my trip, so may be it will be a good time to get things done. 

Well, in view that yesterday was Portugal Day, here is some "toiros a corda" for you.  They only do this on the island my family is from...  In Portugal, they don't kill the bulls--but, it's a sport to see the bulls almost kill other people..  Hear the screaming women in the background?  Real Portuguese drama!   That's the best fun of all.  It's only fun if the bull has it's horns near someone's butt.  Kind of like Nascar.  It isn't fun to watch until someone crashes.  All the houses are boarded up, and the women, children and older men folk sit on the terraces or at the windows.  At one time this was the best way to find a husband.  Think about it.  You sit up there, and watch the men pass by...  It's how my grandparents met.  People still do this today.  Oh well; watch the video if you have time.  Nicholas had a kick watching it the other day.  Tell me what you think.