Did I mention my additional roomates?

In addition to our generous hosts and friends, we are also bunking w/ a few friends from the animal kingdom.

1) Toltec: A little Chihuahua with a big heart...and a big, nasty jealous streak. I adore him. He's the perfect little lap dog, and within the first hour of our arrival, he was very content resting on the lap of myself or the other half...complete strangers. Toltec is so adorable...when he gets angry about food. If someone is eating; he will sit down next to the eater. If anyone comes close to the eater; hoping for a morsel for themselves, Toltec gets a bit tense (understatement). If he can't have snacks, then by God, no one else will. Toltec is also one of those dogs that requires constant contact. If you pet him, and then after 24 hours your hand gets tired, he will paw at you and give you the most pathetic "touch me" looks; effectively forcing you to continue his doggy massage.

2) Karrika: A second Chihuahua (think a floppy-eared Bruiser from Legally Blonde). I'm not sure how the name came about, but the other half told me that the name in Puerto Rican; is another word for the female genitals (the "p" word)...I don't believe that was the intent when she was named. She's taken some time to get used to us. Still not completely there. She runs very hot and cold, but as time wears on, she has gotten more friendly...allowing us to play and chase. She's a cutie, but definitely not a cuddler, with us at least...but I'm holding out hope.

3) Mach: A 150 lb. desert tortoise. He's a joy. We sat around one morning; feeding him his fruits and vegetables; waiting for him to belch and fart. Apparently, when he is fed large portions, he will belch, fart and pee (and in some cases, poo) to make room for the water he is currently undertaking...all of this while he is eating the items. All we've gotten to so far is the belching. Mach is his name; after the speed term. Mach was let go in the main yard; to graze on the lawn, and to offer me lots of entertainment. His cute, stubby little legs, and his heavy breathing while he eats and moves. I just want to squeeze him, he's so darn cute.

4) Pockets: He's a little pocket parrot. Haven't got to know him much, but he's sure loud when he wakes up in the morning. Certainly don't need a rooster here.

5) Lots of little fishies...apparently over 500, so they don't have names...and I don't have any stories about them. I feel bad now...I'll have to spend some time hanging w/ them, so they don't feel neglected.

Love having pets. Photos to follow in future entries.