Sports Day Colegio Newton

York, York, York, York...........York rules....even though we got last place. Every year Newton has a Sports Day. When students enroll in the school they are made part of a House a la Hogworts. Being a British style school the Houses are British. We were made part of the York house. Lancaster, Tudor and Windsor are the others. My only request would be that York not be the yellow house. The parents wear the house colors as well and yellow is not my best color. I want to be green (my best color). I think it would be considered poor form to wear the Tudor color of green and claim to be part of the York House....Que lastima.......The theme this year was conservation and living a grean lifestyle. The competitions reflected the theme. There is a traditional Tug-o-War at the end for both the children and the parents. The parents are part of the houses as well. I thought we would be formidable in the Tug-0-War, but we got beat badly. Better luck next year........

Happy Birthday Garth

My first born is 12.......I am a few days late, however, the big day was 11/24. I remember the day Garth was born like it was yesterday. Now my baby is almost as tall as I am, his feet are bigger than mine and he eats a TON. We had a great time at his party. He and 10 of his friends got to play paint ball. GOOD TIMES......Here's to you Garth.....WE LOVE YOU.

Sporting Westcott Style

This past Saturday we had to divide and conquer. I went with Grace to her partido de basket (basketball game) and Heath went with Garth to his partido de futbol (soccer). Before Grace and I arrived at her game she told me that they would be playing a team whose members were 13-14 years old. Grace plays on a team of 10-11 year olds. As usual I thought she had lost something in translation as her basketball coach speaks only spanish. Well...I was wrong. Imagine my surprise when in walks the other team all, "Bras, boobs and braces". Pre estrogen vs. post estrogen, little girl vs. big girl, the short against the tall. Suffice it to say the post estrogenic state lends itself to superior sporting abilities, however, the pre-estrogenic-short-little girls "out scrapped" their opponents big time....BRING IT ON! Newton Colegio RULES

Credit Where Credit Is Due

I have to confess....many of my blog ideas from my friend Rebecca Brown's blog. For example, this new blog background site. You can see her blog by clicking the link I have on my page. So.....Thanks Rebecca. Hope all is well with you in NC. Chow........

To Us.....

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close I wanted to extend a "Job Well Done" to all my breast cancer surviving sisters. I feel blessed and extremely lucky to be able to call myself a survivor. I am living a better life because I had cancer and I wanted to say, "Here's to you friends".....I love you- Lynda, Vickie, Julie, Susan, Cindy, Sandie.

Retirement...Watch Out

My friend Marv sent me this joke. I had to pass it along. All you men out there who play golf and are retired....I'd be careful if I were you.

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger.
When you notice this, try not to yell at them.

Some are over-sensitive, and there's nothing worse than an over-sensitive woman.

My name is Jim.

Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Peggy.


When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Peggy to get a full-time job along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed.

Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age.

I usually get home from the golf club about the same time she gets home from work and although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner.

I don't yell at her.

Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table.

I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club so eating out twice is not reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit that door.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating.

But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves.

I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.

Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour.

But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much.

I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean).

I like to think tact is one of my strong points.

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the lawn..

I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man.

I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for awhile.

And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Peggy. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will even find it impossible!

Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older.

However, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.

Signed, Jim


EDITOR'S NOTE:

Jim died suddenly on May 27 of a perforated rectum.


The police report says he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip showing and a sledge hammer lying nearby.

His wife Peggy was arrested and charged with murder.

The all-woman jury took only 15 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Jim somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.

The Traveling Turd...Rated PG...Could be considered gross

OK....we are finally coming clean with the story of our Family Turd. We call it the Traveling Turd. I don't know how this got started, but I am fairly sure it had something to do with playing a trick on Grandpa Dave as he likes that sort of thing. Our plan was to put the Turd on Grandpa's plate at dinner. Well....somehow this has become a tradition and the Turd now travels with us. I have taken many photos of the Turd's travels, but I have only been able to locate these. In all the Turd is well traveled and has been to Mainland Japan and Okinawa, Costa Rica, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Peru and Ecuador. When Grandpa first met the Turd in Costa Rica I remember him exclaiming, "Who pooped in my wine"?. We get some pretty good laughs out of this. What can I say? Is there something wrong with us?

Guayaquil, Ecuador

We had a nice long weekend in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It was a nice change from Lima for a few days. Enjoy the photos.

The Peruvian Bandit

There is a new phenomenon happening in the Westcott abode......things are disappearing. I'll take off my flip flops and a few minutes later they are not where I left them. There are socks scattered all over the house (though that very well could be Garth and Grace's doings), and all Gracie's stuffed animals have relocated themselves throughout the house. We have a thief amongst us.....or atleast someone who likes to collect things. The new joke is, "If you are missing anything check the dog's bed". Have a look at this video. Mind you, Pisco, AKA Sweet P, AKA Punk, weighs about 2Kg and regularly drags things around that are much bigger than she is. That all said.....she is SUCH a cool dog.......

The Fabulous 80's

Here in Peru the only American style music we get on the radio is 80's music. That suits me fine as I am definitely and 80's fan. Come to find out Peruvians also love 80's music and can sing all the songs despite many of them not speaking English. Kim and Joel Montgomery hosted an EPIC 80's bash at Casa Montgomery a few weeks ago. Fun was had by all, I won some leg warmers and Heath won a tshirt that says, "So what do you little maniacs want to do first"? Can you say Weird Science......ohhh...the good old days.

The Battle of Angamos- October 8th

Miguel Grau Seminario holds an important place amongst Peru’s heroes. His military accomplishments, as well as his distinguished and courageous disposition earned him the title of Knight of the Seas (“Caballero de los mares”). At the end of the 20th century, he was also named the Peruvian of the Milenium.

Miguel Grau commanded the great “Huascar” which was the most brilliant ship of the Peruvian fleet of 1879, during the War of the Pacific. This fleet was inferior to that of the enemy Chileans. After losing the valuable battle ship “Independencia,” in the combat of Iquique (during which the “Huascar” sank the Chilean battleship “Esmeralda”), Miguel Grau was given orders to avoid direct combat with the Chilean fleet. Thanks to the superior speed of the “Huascar,” Grau was able to cruise along the coast creating havoc in enemy lands.

On October 8th of that same year, the monitor “Huascar” was captured after the battle of Angamos, during which its commander was killed. The morning of October 8th saw the ship fleeing from its Chilean aggressors; Grau, knowing combat was inevitable, shot cannons towards the Chilean ship “El Almirante Cochrane.” These shots provoked the eventual retaliation and destruction of “Huascar.” Miguel Grau was killed by a projectile from the Chilean ship. The destruction of the “Huascar” was the final step in the clearing of the Peruvian seas, which allowed for the Chilean invasion by land, of the southernmost portion of Peru.

Beautiful Things...

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I was inspired to put together a slide show of the different types of artwork we have come accross. In general I find myself intrigued by religious art. I was surprised by this myself as I still consider my Spiritual Wellbeing to be "Under Construction". I love my Greek Orthodox Icon(straight from Greece...thank you Vivian), my Shinto Torii gates and my ornate Christian cross all the same. Here in Peru I find I am partial to the artwork resulting from the Spanish Christian influences combined with the indigenous Peruvian style. I have included an example in this slideshow. The style is known as Esquela Cusquena (Cusco School). Note the face of the Virgen Mary setting atop Pachamama (or Mother Earth). I don't think the photo does the painting justice, however, the colors are vivid, and the work is very detailed. Anyway.....just a few beautiful things to share with the masses.

Antique Homes Tour in Central Lima

Heath and I were able to go on an Embassy organized tour of various antique homes in the central Lima area. Fantastic, grand and over-the-top big. Spanish, French, Moorish, and Indigenous styles, to name a few. Lima is a huge city with so many things to see. Central Lima is a great area to stroll around, eat and take in the sites.

Tango Anyone?

Heath and I were walking around in Miraflores after dinner one night and saw a large group of people watching something. Of course had to see what they were doing. To our delight we had the pleasure of watching couples doing the Tango. Heath and I considered "Wowing" everyone with our Cha Cha, but decided we best not embarass ourselves. Viva Peru!

A Little Bit of This....A Little Bit of That......

Life moves along here in Lima. The kids and I convinced Heath that we needed a puppy. Little Pisco, or Sweet P, to her friends is very cute and does a lot of peeing, pooping and sleeping. It's like having a baby around......anyway, the cats seem to like her so all is well. The kids started school and are fairly disgusted with their new early morning schedule. They have a chaffeur who drives them to and from school named Tiofolo. He is a very nice man. My Empleada (maid), Fidela, is keeping the house spic and span and is cooking some great Peruvian food for us. I am already not looking forward to having to do all my own cooking when we move back to the states. Maybe I can bring her with me. She has a 3 year old named Kiara who has come to work with her on occassion and the kids have had a great time "taking care" of her. All in all we are doing really well. Hope all is well......

Can you say Peru????

So...the kids and I have been here for 3 weeks today. Heath is more of a local having been here for 6 weeks. We are getting situated and things are starting to feel "normal" again. Our first shipment of household goods arrived (dishes, pictures, books) and I am slowly unpacking the boxes. The more times I move, the slower I am getting my home in order. There are boxes everywhere and I am totally OK with this. We are already making travel plans.....Cali, Columbia (hopefully) in a few weeks, beach cities at Christmas and Machu Picchu in February. There's always something going on in the city so we really don't need to travel far to experience something new. Hope you enjoy the photos. We'll keep you updated. Chow chow as the Peruvians say......

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Visiting So. California before heading to Peru

From Bend we moved on to Huntington Beach, CA to stay with my parents. Heath was able to stay for about 2 weeks during which time he and I made a trip to Chicago for fun. I was able to enjoy HB through the end of June with the kids meeting me mid month after spending a few weeks in OR with their Nana. I had a really nice time in HB. I was able to see my brother and his family for my niece's highschool graduation. Also made a trip to Palm Springs with the girls for a very relaxing weekend. I had some really good, long chats with my BFFs and was able to reconnect with some old friends I had not seen in a very long time. As much as I was ready to move on and get to Peru, I was very sad to leave. It's great to have a place like that to go to.

Stop Over in Oregon

As we said our goodbyes to Okinawa....it was time to reacquaint ourselves with the United States. We flew into Seattle, WA and stayed the night in Edmunds. It was very cold as compared to Okinawa which was already getting hot and humid by the time we left. We then spent a week in Bend visiting with other family and friends after which time Heath and I flew to HB and at present are staying with my parents. The kids will be in Bend with their Nana until mid June. They will be flying by themselves to meet me in HB. Heath leaves for Peru tomorrow. I will continue to update the blog as to our progress.

So Long Okinawa

I thought this moving business would get easier the more often I did it. That said, the logistics of the move are the same, however, the emotional aspects have given me pause. On the bright side with each move I have the opportunity to meet new people. On the not so bright side, with each move I leave these new friends. I was lucky enough to find an "AWESOME" group of friends in Okinawa. So many funny, kind, helpful, smart and sassy women......(I don't know if the men will appreciate being described as such). There is something about the smaller, isolated commands that promote close and long term friendships. For this I am so.....thankful. I miss you all and look forward to seeing you in the future. As the saying goes, "Mi casa es su casa".

The Time has Come

I can't believe it's actually happening. Our time here on Okinawa is coming to a close and it's time to move on to our next adventure......Lima, Peru......This is a fairly "set in stone" schedule of our travels.

5/14/09- Leave Okinawa

5/14- Arrive in Seattle, WA- stay with Lynda and JoJo at their place in Edmunds.

5/15- Leave for Bend, OR. Drop off Heath in Long View for "Man Weekend" at Jeff Bauman's. Salley, kids, Cats, Lynda and JoJo continue on to Bend.

5/15-5/21- Hopefully catch up with good friends, drink some GREAT micro brew beer, possibly do some skiing on Mt. Bachelor, get used to driving on the right side of the road.

5/22- Salley & Heath leave for Huntington Beach with the cats. Kids stay with Nana until mid June.

5/26-5/29- Heath and Salley off to Chicago for a little R&R. Hopefully we'll get to see Jenn and Luis. Planning to meet Alex (Heath's soon to be step sister).

5/30- Back to Dave and Connie's. Planning to eat out alot (Rubios, In&Out, Buco de Beppo to mention a few). Hopefully see some Southern CA friends and extended family, go on morning walks with my parents, sit in the jacuzzi, hang out with Kim and Laura. Planning a trek to Magic Mountain.

6/5- Heath and the cats leave for Peru. Should be moving in to our house when he arrives.

6/6- Salley time....more Kim and Laura time. Plan to see to old high school friends. Relax....read, play guitar, transition to Spanish.

6/11- ?- Kids arrive in So Cal. They are flying by themselves for the first time. Planning a trip to Lego Land, Airstream camping at the Beach, body surfing with Grandpa. Crank up the math, guitar, Spanish and reading for the kids. Do some shopping at a real store instead of Internet shopping, maybe go to Costco. Kids and I don't know our exact date of departure for Peru and we are going with the flow.

Morning Exercise Japanese Style

Bullfights

We had the opportunity to go the the bull fights again before we leave the island in May. By the end of this particular match these bulls had been beating each other up for about 30 minutes. It's hard to imagine ramming your head against someones else's head for that long. I bet they had big headaches the next day. I wouldn't call the fighting gruesome, however, you can see that they do injure each other. I love watching the trainers try to get the bulls to do what they want them to.

Only in Japan

We recommend you start your day here.........cup to cup customer satisfaction......

Fantastic Hong Kong

The Ladies and Gent had a fantastic time in Hong Kong. We did all the requisite sightseeing including the Lantau Buddha, the Victoria Harbor light show, Victoria Peak and the night markets. We did TONS of walking, had clothes made by the greatest tailor ever (Richard), ate Dim Sum, drank a bunch of Guinness, bought jewels from Johnny the Jeweler and stayed up late EVERY night. I think the group had a great time and would vote Hong Kong as a MUST SEE destination.

Military Wedding

Only in the military....Heath and I went to a wedding a few weekends ago. I love seeing the raised swords as the couple passes through.

The Strummin' Westcotts

As a collective group we decided to take guitar lessons this past February. We have a 30 minute lesson every 2 weeks. We make our best effort to practice regularly(Heath and I are more consistent)and I must admit we don't sound half bad. Heath is far more accomplished as he has played guitar prior to our formal lessons. We have learned to play Happy Birthday and Amazing Grace and have progressed to simple versions of Let It Be, Brown Eyed Girl and Margaritaville. Heath makes his music on his father's old classic guitar. The guitar is about 30 years old and it's as if we have a piece of Grandpa Garth in the room when it's played. We bought Gracie the blue gem you see in the photo for Christmas. Garth chose the acoustic guitar second from the left. For myself..........I spent many weeks of my allowance on the "Most Beautiful Guitar in the World" on the right. It has a built in tuner, inlaid abalone on the body and light wood contrasts on the neck. Sweet guitar.......I am sure my playing will never do it justice. Just the same......I'll pretend I am Eric Clapton.......Rest assured....you can hear the Westcott Tribe play during their US tour while they travel between duty stations.

Sea Glass Hunting

In our final months here on Okinawa we are trying spend time doing things we have enjoyed doing over the past few years. One of those things has been hunting for sea glass. Our favorite beaches are on Ikei Island on the eastern side of Okinawa. During this time of year there are minimal people and the weather is nice. Also, I had to include a picture of one of my favorite things on Okinawa....the ever present soda machine. They are all over the place. As you can see this one is one all by it's lonesome on the side of the rode. They come in handy when you need something to drink.

Garth's First Football Game

Garth decided this year that he wanted to give football a try. He is on the Foster Cougars. His team practices 3 days a week and they have a game every Sunday. Unfortunately, they lost their first game this past weekend and the boys were pretty upset. Garth got the wind knocked out of him pretty good while going up for a pass, but felt better about the whole situation when he was able to reciprocate the favor. When football ends it will be on to soccer.....Enjoy the photos....