20 for 20

Not sure the exact context, but over the holidays I mentioned I love all the details here. My mom then mentioned she likes to hear them. So these are for you mom, every so often I'll go take 20 pics in 2020 and give a few details. It will either be quite dull or mildy entertaining. In any case- enjoy.

Our house and front gate

Next door they are putting on a new roof. This guy is 40 feet up, barefoot.

These carts are quite common. Used to deliver water, pick up trash, etc.

I just missed this one, she and her child were both smiling a second ago- alas!

Than Lwin road must be the bane of delivery drivers. The numbers are in somewhat of an order but you just have to get a feel for where the house you are looking for might be.

The road to school, just has that "whats around the corner" vibe to it I guess

You would never know. That later the most amazing cooking meat smells will come from this cart on the left. On the right they make betel nut.

Tri shaw driver waiting for a fare. They know how to get comfortable, I have seen many asleep in their side cars- that's good sleep balance.

Newspaper delivery man

Banyan tree. Just wow.

Usually a lot more people out walking, always with colorful longyis.

Little cafe round the corner from school. Has a reliable supply of old dudes sitting, sipping, and likely bs'ing about life.

This is an example of an e-bike. I get passed by these often and at first was shocked that an old heavy rattle trap could drop me. Then I started seeing the batteries.

Some construction workers waiting for tea.

Cement bags. These get used! First for cement, then for carrying dirt, trash, leaves, whatever! I have seen them used as driveway paver stones, barrier walls, even posh backpacks. 

Hey look, it's Luca!

Would have missed this one but for the one that dropped on my head as I went under.

This guy was adjusting the mirrors. Across the street was a man (in a fedora) nodding no, no, no, yes each time they were moved.

This is the hotel across the street from our house, that top bit just doesn't seem to quite be done...

On the train with Matt, to the pitch with Mike.

We had a lovely week capped off with an even lovelier weekend. We had visitors! Matt and Ani from Newcastle upon Tyne- yes the same Newcastle as Wilder! They're family! Swinging thru from Thailand on their Asian epic they stayed during the week: we would go to work and they would relax and explore the city. Then came the weekend.

Matt and I decided to try the circle line. Basically its a commuter train that circles the city in about 3 hours. It could do it in less time its just an old slow train... perfect. We checked the map and jumped on.

Another expat asked us our itinerary, we replied that we had none, just wanted to get off someplace random and wander about. We also wanted to enjoy the ride so we went and sat in the open doorway (they never close) and watched the city slide by

As you can imagine we were on the extraordinary class

All kids anywhere in the world need to have fun is : other kids, random objects, and no adults.

The sellers on the train were great. Picture this: The tray of food balances on the lady's head-no hands! She carries a basket with bags, spices, and a stool. If you want spicy noodle salad she drops the stool, sits down, and in one fluid motion brings the tray to her lap. Then in the middle bowl mixes all the ingredients and drops them in a clear plastic bag. After sticking in two chopsticks she hands it over- amazing! The lady in the back ground was her customer in this pic- she had her own basket of eggs. We also saw people selling cabbage, oranges, eyeglasses, and some type of fried goodness. This was the weekend and I hear on the weekday commute you are basically visited by the entire grocery store on your way home- brilliant.

Turns out the circle route isn't running in a circle at present- just a straight line up and back. No problem, that just gives us reason to return and try it again. We did end up getting off at a random spot and wandered. We found a beer shop, a fish restaurant, a bbq and beer restaurant, a sock store, a hardware store having a party, a snack shop with a cat sleeping in the chips, a bike shop with bike tubes and chains, a bike shop with tube and chain tools, a bike shop with Faisal. If you are wondering whether or not we visited these places the answer is yes,no,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes, and yes (Faisal was very nice and seemed to have worked out often)

The next day Matt and Ani caught the bus to Bago and further adventures. Mike, Franco Simpson and I decided to catch the opening fixture of the Myanmar premier league. We have decided to throw our support behind the local squad: Yangon United.

Within minutes of entering we had found jerseys and beer.

Yes, Let's.

The opposing team was Chin United, and they took advantage of the backdrop to take some headshots of their players. Here is their goalie (made me think of another keeper I know)

Apparently I bought the away jersey as the home kit is a delightful teal into pink blend. Will have to go back for another game I suppose. 

Hard fought. 1-1 at the half, 2-1 win at full time. This is our year. Let's do it.

Home is where the house is

Home is where the house is

Lisa and I often say this, and we do mean it, but there are a few layers to it I have been thinking about. 
-Home can be a structure, a place
-Home is more than just that structure
-Home is wherever you feel the most comfortable

What better place to ponder this than back home in Colorado. We had our winter break and although we didn't stay in our actual house we did get to stay in our neighborhood. My plan this past summer was to store all ski gear and winter layers close at hand, and to make all winter toys accessible. It worked the only thing I couldn't find was the kids christmas stockings.

The first morning back: I'm at home when I can see this

I'm at home whenever I can rock the footie pajamas


Luca at home in the air

Ski Cooper, we love our little 2 (soon to be 3) lift resort. It evokes a sense of joy for skiing that I hope my kids have their whole life.

In the background is Marjorie's house. This was the source of gravity like forces that drew Lisa and I to this hillside. Always good to be back here. (Wilder and I did our best to snowshoe the trail)

But it was really deep, and we both make home at sea level currently

Home also means family. It never matters how long it has been- it is so great to see everyone. Here James seems to be enjoying handcuffing Luca's feet together.

Caryn, Angus, and Axel gifted us all a "spa" day for christmas. Cucumbers, facials, and massage!

We went down to Powderhorn to see Josh, Heather, June, Bob, Del, Anna, Shane, and all the cousins we could. I was not great at capturing any of it on film apparently, but then again I didn't get any pics of my mom and Keith, and dad  and Leslie either!

Got Angus and Axel out for a few turns as well

A few more ramblings about home. Home really is wherever these 3 are. We have found that we can be happy as long as we are together. So home is a place for us- Tennessee Pass, and home is an idea for us. In any case it sure was a great time being home with everyone. We didn't see nearly enough friends but even just being closer to them was huge.