Cluster … Map

I’m going to make a confession, and it won’t be the first time I’ve admitted this: I’m a ClustrMap whore. I get great pleasure from that little map with all those lovely red dots that represent places where people are checking out my blog. Last time I counted, I had visitors from 71 countries. I know many (most?) of them probably googled Laos or Vientiane or some other common topic and didn’t really intend to visit The Guide Hog. But I don’t care.

Recently I got an email from ClustrMap telling me they were going to archive my map and put a new one on my blog. They do this because some people’s maps turn in to one big red blob over time. Makes sense. Still … my new map looks so naked. Is my ClustrMap the blog equivalent of sitting at the cool kids’ lunch table at school or wearing the latest style of sneakers? Am I that desperate to be popular?

Unequivocally, yes.

So I’m posting my old map to prevent an inferiority complex. Isn’t it pretty?

Oh, and please refer your friends (especially those in South America, Africa and Russia) to my blog, and let’s all work together to make that map into one big red blob before ClustrMap strikes again!

A Day With the Hossacks

I can’t believe I didn’t post about our visit from the Hossacks! It was a highlight of the summer. Duh.

Scott, Amy and Blake drove from Canada to spend the day with us here at the lake. For some reason, I didn’t think to grab my camera till they were almost ready to leave, so I don’t have any shots of the grown-ups. Fortunately, Amy was not such a forgetful dork, so you can see more about their visit at her blog: Hossacks Three.

We worked with the Hossacks in China and became great friends. Seeing them felt totally comfy and normal with only a few differences:
(1) Scott used to chug gallons of Coca Cola every day, so I stocked up for him. Who knew he was on the wagon? Now he’s all Mr. Fitness Healthy Man. I guess Amy was his inspiration. And that brings me to …
(2) Amy has slimmed down and powered up. She participated in two triathlons this summer. I’m so proud of her!
(3) Blake is bigger, but just as cute and smiley as ever. I adore him!

Blake and my nephews had fun rolling around the tent and playing on the shore.
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I miss these guys so much, but I am thrilled that we now have houses just across the border from each other. Another reason to look forward to summer!