Prayers for Boston

There are no words to describe the horror of the senseless attack in Boston yesterday.  Having three times finished a marathon, I know that the end of the race is one of euphoria.  This one was terror.  We give thanks for the care-givers and first responders who moved immediately into the danger zone to come to the aid of the victims.  We pray for all who experienced this horrific attack.

Campbell Clan

There were hugs and kisses all around when Bob and Cissie's kids got together Sunday . . . with lots of spouses, friends, grandkids, and a great grandkid.  Yanni's was a great gathering spot for this noisy bunch!!

April in Paris!

   We are on our way home to New Mexico to celebrate Glendora's life, and deliver (and collect) long-overdue hugs and kisses.  Here's our first stop! Truth be told, we are on a quick layover here, and not leaving Charles de Gaulle airport!  We are also keeping an eye on Mauritius weather reports as cyclone Imelda bears down on our island home!  Folks in ABQ, see you soon! Folks in Mauritius, stay safe!

Bailey Campbell, Famous Tenrec Hunter

Bailey Campbell, Famous Tenrec Hunter Relaxes
Following a Successful Evening Hunt

A tenrec is a mammal insectivore whose appearance and manners make them look more or less like hedgehogs or shrews.  Tenrecs are endemic to Madagascar, but some have made it to neighboring islands, like Mauritius.  Although they may resemble hedgehogs, shrews, or otters, they are not closely related to any of these groups.  They can have up to 32 babies per litter.  They are nocturnal and have poor eyesight. Take a look at this link for an interesting BBC video about them.  

This very night, Bailey Campbell, famous Tenrec hunter who prowls the west coast of Mauritius knew they were out here . . . a recent litter of the creatures were making their skreechy quill scratching sounds.  He needed to protect his masters from tenrec danger.  He knew well of their nocturnal proclivities and their poor eyesight.  They would be no match for the famed hunter.  The first one he found scampered down a hole by the wall. Another jumped in the swimming pool and swam (surprisingly well) to the other side, emerging wet and exhausted, but having earned his freedom.  The final little varmit could not escape, and ended his short existence in the mighty jaws of the skilled executioner. The beast slain, Bailey, famous tenrec hunter, could once again go home and rest on the couch, knowing that his work today was done.   

(Postscript:  Tenrecs may be part possum, as the tiny varmit jumped up and ran off . . . but we did not dare tell the famous hunter; and we hope you won't either . . . )

Tenrec hiding from famous hunter canine

Tenrec swimming away from famous hunter

Exhausted tenrec emerges from swimming escape

Tenrec prey of hunter canine

Russian Tall Ship Sedov in Mauritius

The Russian Navy's tall ship Sedov pulled into the harbor at Port Louis this week.  A beautiful sailing ship built in 1921, it is on an around-the-world cruise for goodwill visits, and also to train the Russian Navy's young sailors. The first evening featured a diplomatic reception, and the Russian Ambassador invited the President of Mauritius along with members of the diplomatic corps.  I often work with the Russian Embassy on issues of interest to both of our countries like keeping nukes out of the hands of terrorists, and was invited to attend the reception along with Mrs. Campbell, and our visiting friends Lynn and Per Nordin from Sweden.  We had a lovely evening aboard the ship enjoying both caviar and yes, some sips of very smooth vodka.  The next day, we went back to capture some pictures in the daylight.  It was a very impressive ship, with more miles of ropes than you can possibly imagine!  

Sedov is on an around the world tour

Diplomats David and Dmitry

David, Lynn, Per, and Shelly in the trophy room of Sedov

U.S. Ambassador Villarosa and David

Per, Lynn, Shelly & David aboard the Sedov

Albuquerque Happy Hour April 17

We are making plans to be in Albuquerque soon to celebrate the life of Shelly's mom, Glendora.  While there, we plan to celebrate family and friendships with smiles, laughter, hugs and some libations.  If you are in Albuquerque, please join
David and Shelly for a happy hour on Wednesday, April 17 at Kellys Brew Pub on Central beginning at 5:30 pm.

We hope to see you there!!

Fatal Flooding in Port Louis

Mauritius experienced flash flooding Saturday March 30th, and it was especially severe and deadly in the capital city, Port Louis.  In fact, the worst flooding was in the area of the U.S. Embassy building.  A subterranean pedestrian tunnel that we use almost daily filled with floodwater quickly and killed six persons who were trapped there.  The nation is in shock and mourning; the Prime Minister has declared Monday a national day of mourning and public holiday.

Shelly, David, and our visiting friends Lynn and Per are fine.  We had driven through the capital to attend a social event just about an hour before the worst flooding, and coming home took a circuitous route to avoid the floods.  We are fine.  So, if, as we expect, there is international news about the tragedy in Mauritius, please know that we are fine, and we will be working with the local government officials to help where we can.

And please know we are wishing you and yours a Happy Easter.  

Colored People

Holi is one of Hindu's funnest festivals, though it doesn't feel very "religious." Celebrating the beginning of spring.   Join in any random group of merry-makers in the village, and you will soon find yourself covered with colored powder from head to toe.  Holi has a long history in Hindu---see it here.  Shelly and I had a great afternoon of laughter and color, followed by an evening of showers and scrubbing!  Happy Holi!

David and friend Denon

Can you find Shelly in this picture?

Wishing Dinesh & Son a Happy Holi

Good, clean fun

Shelly's Flowers

A few days after her Dad's 95th birthday anniversary, a few days before our wedding anniversary, and several days before her Mom went to sleep one last time, Shelly went around the yard and neighborhood collecting flowers . . . photographic ones.  She found a beautiful collection, wouldn't you agree?

Glendora at Eighty Eight

Glendora Nelson Gaunt
July 28, 1924-March 18, 2013

We are mourning the sudden passing of Shelly and Lindalee's mom, Glendora Gaunt.  Somewhere in the night between St. Patrick's Day and the following dawn, Glen went to sleep and didn't wake up.  She was 88, living independently, and in good health.  She joins her beloved husband, Ike, who passed away in 2000.  Glendora loved her family and had a special place in her heart (and her cookie jar) for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, she and Ike moved to New Mexico in 1949.  She was a great cook, wonderful homemaker, and avid dancer.  After Ike died, she volunteered at Comanche Elementary School, helping kids with reading.  While we mourn her loss, we cannot help but be relieved that her passing was peaceful.  There is truth in the famous Kenny Rogers' lyric " . . . the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep".  Sadly, Lawrence Welk show re-runs and this blog have lost their most loyal fan.  Glendora's services are pending.