I’m renting an apartment in Jocotenango, about 45 minutes walk (that’s right: walk!) from Antigua. My son, Aaron, and his girlfriend, Jaki, live there, too.

Everyday, I sit by the front windows, gazing at the volcanoes and practicing guitar for a few hours. Two of the most magnificent little birds—golden-green with black wings—sit right outside and listen as they perch on a fruit tree. If I’m late starting my practice, they fly up to the window—questioningly(?). They have become dear little friends.