HIRBY Visit 2007

Pamela, James and Sebastian reunited with Leo this month to celebrate the completion of Pamela's midwifery classwork and birthday. Pamela helped bring Leo into this world last year taking time out of her family vacation and sleep to walk Leo's parents through contractions at 3 o'clock in the morning on her cell phone! She is going to be an incredible midwife. Only 15 more babies to catch until she can take her competency exams. Congratulations Pamela and happy birthing this month!

We had a fantastic time with the "Hirby Crew." We did some site seeing, volcano climbing and most memorably (for us), great eating and hanging out. James came with a box of spices and recipes for Thai and Indian food. We had been anticipating his dinners months before their plane landed in Guatemala. Thank you for filling us with delicious foods and expanding our cooking repertoire. You have met a long time food craving for us. James needs to open his own restaurant.

And finally Sebastian...my favorite red head in the whole world. You have grown up so much in the last year. Only you could get Leo smiling this week when he was having tooth pain due to the arrival of a third tooth (and almost three others) up top. Sebastian also taught and heard Leo's first sentence "Bye, Bye Car" at Santiago Lago Atitlan. Sebastian thank you for the great conversation, back rubs and your never ending energy. You are a spark and a dear friend to us all! We look forward to an Hirby Reunion soon.

Jame's Cilantro Cutney
1/2 cup green onions (cut into 1/2 inch lengths)
1-2 hot green chili peppers (seeded and coarsely chopped)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup packed cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Drop green onions, chiles, ginger and garlic through feed tube of food processor with motor running. Stop machine and add cilantro, oil, lime juice, salt, sugar and cumin; process until cilantro is finally chopped.