Yeah, Christmas! Well, not quite. Our balikbayan box arrived this evening, with goodies for everyone, including the dogs. One of the frustrations of living overseas is that you cannot just click and order anything you want on the internet. Delivery to the Philippines is expensive and the duties are prohibitive. (Frankly, this helps us save money--that, plus the fact that we pay for most things in cash, which is definitely harder to part with than credit. You don't have to wait until the metastasized bill reaches you to find out you've overspent: when your wallet's empty, honey, you're done.)This is the Philippines, though, and there are millions of Pinoys living all over the world, many of them working and supporting families here. How do they manage the mail logistics? Well, in fact, overseas contract workers (OCWs) are such an important part of the revenue stream, certain infrastructure has been set up to make their ties home more convenient. One is the "balikbayan" box, whose name literally means one who comes home. These are large boxes that can be sent to the Philippines for a flat rate (around $65), no matter how heavy, and are generally nugded through customs swiftly. It may take a month to get here, but it's hassle free, and they deliver to your door. Considering the size of the box (see the picture above), it is one of the best postal deals going. And when it comes, presents for everybody! Santa Claus is real--he just works for LBC Express Courier.
This past Sunday, we had a lovely afternoon at the farm, and I broke out the guitar and serenaded Grover with some easy Beatles' songs. She's a fan, but can only listen to "Let It Be" so many times before she has to put her paw down. Everybody's a critic. Stephen's having the well drilled now, and since our seeds just arrived in our box, there may be actual crops growing on the farm soon. (Not by me, you understand. The picture above illustrates my full set of responsibilities at the farm.) To quote Hannibal from the A-Team (ah, a child of the 80s): "I love it when a plan comes together."
2 comments:
Happy Xmas!
I'm figuring Grover's tastes are more along the lines of Rocky Raccoon.
p.s. Tell Steve to dig that well faster.
Note that I said Stephen "was having the well drilled"--in other words, by someone else. I know the image of Stephen toiling with a shovel in the hot sun is an amusing one, but he prefers the overseer role. Though he does want to build the shade-house for our tomatoes himself. Oh boy.
And, yes, Grover prefers Rocky Raccoon--on a spit over an open fire.
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