"To infinity and beyond"

I heard these words this morning at 9AM from a male voice, in the distance, as I turned onto Shepherd with Hannah, grandchild #3 next to me. I turned to her and said, "Who said that?" and she replied Buzz Lightyear! Oh yeah, we had bought that yesterday as a belated birthday present for Andrew, her twin brother. She and I giggled each time Buzz said such an important thing as we drove north to Kingwood - it happened when we hit bumps.......we looked for bumps. Can you tell the "inner child" in me has been let loose now that I'm surrounded by grandkids? It's never far from the surface.........

So we arrived in Kingwood to morose faces. There had been a death last night - one of the hamsters, I think its name was Sugar Baby, had been captured briefly by Chip the Cat. A screaming race ensued (sooooooooo glad I missed that) but alas, too late. The hamster was sealed with staples in a small box with pictures of the family and food for the journey "to infinity". Sugar Baby belonged to the youngest of the family, Emma, and it was a SERIOUS thing.

While I was there today the whole family, all six of them, trekked to Pets Mart to find a "near relative" of the remaining hamster, so it wouldn't be lonely. I opted out of that trip.

As I was leaving, there was a shovel in the backyard and all were assembled, except me, for the burial. I cry at weddings and funerals so I thought it best that I NOT participate. Sugar Baby has gone to "Infinity and Beyond"............

Movie Buffs

DON'T roll your eyes when you hear that the two movies I've seen in less than 24 hours are Alvin and the Chipmunks and just a while ago Madagascar 2. The kids love them and I love that they love them.........

Hopefully next week I can grab some friends and go see some of the new movies out. You know its great to rent movies, and to watch them at home, but I must say an afternoon at the movies is so much more fun.......There are a few flicks I want to see - hopefully I will get to do so.

I've moved my sleeping accomodations into Houston near Bayou Bend to the nineteenth floor. I'll be here off and on.....a few days with the kids, a few days in Clear Lake and the rest of the time here. It's a nice respite for me and for the family. I always believe that after three days you need to move on...........

Hope all of you survived the Turkey Blitz and have had an enjoyable holiday. I certainly have....the weather here is so mild that the majority of the clothes I brought are too warm. It was 82 today. Oh blessings, no cold hands or feet since I got here. Glory be!

Staying in Touch

I arrived at 10:30 yesterday morning and it has been nonstop since.............we headed directly for the elementary school and lunch with Grandchild #4, then helped serve lunch ( I doled out dressing) to 100's of kids (think Lucy and Ethel in the candy assembly line) pretty darn funny. Then had lunch with Grandkids #2 and #3 who were also celebrating their 11th birthdays that day. We got back to the house and finished decorating around the nonheated pool for the Sponge Bob Square Pants Party. I made the foolish mistake of asking how many kids were coming to this party and was slightly alarmed when the mother of my grandchildren admitted she had no idea - maybe 30 she said!!!! I THOUGHT she was kidding...........there were waaaay more...all 5th graders, girls and boys, oy vey! It was like inviting a herd of locusts. I've never seen so much food consumed in two hours. TRULY About an hour and a half into it, I disappeard upstairs, barracaded the door and turned on the TV - enough already. Have you ever heard how LOUD 5th grade girls can squeal???
Today the day began with my #1 granddaughter driving me to Kroger's in her brand new birthday present. There were more people in this Kroger's then the whole town of San Miguel - all in a frenzy and frantically looking for "something". I got my stuff and got the heck out of there. Oh, did I mention that Grandkids 2,3, and 4 were with us? TRY keeping all that together.
Did I mention also that I'm sitting on the edge of the sofa with my daughter's laptop while listening to the upteenth rendition of some Disney Fox song?What ever happened to Bambi?

I'm having a GREAT time and wouldn't change one minute of it!

Mr.Lizard is OUTSIDE!

I came home this afternoon, noticed the cat was outside - didn't think anything about it. Came in the house, zipped downstairs, turned around and screamed - there sat Mr. Lizard. It's NOT that I'm scared of lizards, I just wish they could say "Hi! Don't be afraid, I want to go outside". But noooooooo, they are just there to scare the whits out of you.

So, I gathered the whits that were left; propped open the screen door; threw the rug over the lizard and picked it ALL up praying that lizards don't LEAP and took it outside. THERE HE IS! Velcro, the cat came running down the stairs to the lower patio and I had to shoo her away. That lizard has sat in the same position up against the rock bed and hasn't moved for over an hour. He needs to go HIDE.......... Now that he is outside, he is really beautifully marked.

Whew, no lizards in my bed tonight. Oh, and thanks to whoever made that suggestion - I've slept for two nights with one eye open!

The Dating Game

Surprisingly, I've already had two dates this week, both for lunch to meet possible "suitors"! I'm really surprised that these two men lived in San Miguel. It has been interesting. A little nerve wracking, after all, I'm not as young as when I could "draw them into my web" easily.

In addition, I'm corresponding and have talked on the phone with a Canadian who does not live in San Miguel but has a home in Chapala and another place in Melaque. Has a wicked sense of humor - a trait that I thoroughly enjoy.

Of course, now that all this is going on, I'm leaving town. All three will have found the "love of their life" by the time I get back here. But c'est la vie!

I had forgotten how awkward first "dates" are and I did find myself yesterday at a loss for words - which is definitely not me! To add to the fun of the meeting yesterday, I invited the writer of Gangs of San Miguel to join us. THAT added to it, in many ways.

I've received "interest" from guys from 20 to 50 - what is THAT all about? It plainly says I'm 66 - comments? I've always said I wouldn't date anyone younger then my son (45) and older then my father, (he would have been 98) - so ok, I'm stretching the last number - A LOT It would never, in a million years, occur to me to correspond with someone in their 20's.

I've decided that I have to approach this with a sense of humor, a sense of adventure, and be "open to the possibilities". It's like a giant sociological study.

Stay tuned!

Revolution Day Parade - 2008

Every year I say to myself that I have ENOUGH photos of the kinder kids parading as Pancho Villa and his sidekicks. I head down to centro with that thought in mind, and ALWAYS succumb to the delight of these precious children. Their mothers and fathers spend so much time creatively making their costumes.

I wouldn't say that my photos are great, or even good, because it is hard to photograph a moving target. Especially those who don't want to be photographed as in Pancho below........His snarly look says it all.

Mixed in with Pancho and his friends are the teachers who must be "wannabe" cheerleaders cause there are drum majors, cheerleaders and gymnastic exercises. Cute and clever.

These little kindergarteners walk at least a mile and a half in this parade. They are worn out when it is over........but those watching all leave with smiles on their faces..........ME included.

Did you hear it?

IT just happened. I'm sitting here checking all your blogs and the cat, Velcro, meows to come in...without paying attention I open the door, hold open the screen and look down and the biggest, ugliest lizard comes racing in (not exaggerating at least a foot long).............I screamed so loud, I scared myself. Crap, now where is it?

I lifted the cloth covering the computer table, nope; I lifted the dust ruffle on the bed, nada; and yet, I know it's here somewhere. Crap, and there is someone coming to stay in this house while I'm gone...........do I forewarn her, or just let her discover "it". I wonder how loud she can scream?

Velcro just meowed behind me to go back out and I told her, "YOU find that gosh darn lizard!"

Do you think that lizard might climb on the bed tonight? Oh lord, the worst kind of "lounge lizard"...............Oy vey.

28, 44, 66 punt!

No these are NOT my measurements, or my brainwave tests, these are the temperatures around here. The first was the low yesterday morning - the second the temperature upstairs INSIDE the house this morning and the last number is the temperature in my bedroom this morning because I had the doors shut, the drapes closed, the heater on and the electric blanket on high! NOT a pretty sight...........

I'm "outta here" next Monday and if I could, I probably would have hit the road today. Ahh, but it did warm up this afternoon and I took a siesta on the roof terrace on the chaise that was delicious with the warmth of the sun ..........magnifico.

I'm packed, I'm ready and I'm going. Heading to Houston for Thanksgiving, the twins' birthday, baking, cooking and having fun with family and friends. If the weather cooperates, I intend to dip my toes in the Gulf and take a hike on the beach, maybe even sail. Then, after three weeks there, I'll fly to Denver and on to Ft. Collins to spend Christmas with the Gypsy Kids. PRAY there is not a "blizzard of the century" por favor. I'll fly back, jump in the car, drive back to San Miguel and then, the last part of this trilogy is, ta da, two blissful weeks with my toes in the sand in Barra de Navidad and points north, to places like Tenacatita Bay.............

So, all told, two months. I wish ya'll could have seen me yesterday packing for two months and three different weather zones. I did my Carmen Miranda act, up and down the ladder, finding this and that. By the way, have you ever had something that you absolutely didn't want to lose, so you put it in a "special" place so you'll know where it is when you need it and then, for the life of you, can't find it? Good grief, that happened to me yesterday looking for the thermals.......to take to Colorado. I gave up. I'll just buy some more and then come June they'll "turn up" here.

That kind of stuff drives me crazy!

I'm psyched about this trip. Isn't this what Grammys do? Everyone is healthy and happy. No crisis in the family........it's just gonna be "smooth lovin'"...........

I'll keep in touch - I promise.

To all of you I wish a blissful holiday season in whatever way and wherever you celebrate!

A "One Woman Show"

Most of my friends, for a very long time, have known me as a "one woman show". Oh, yes, there have been significant others over the years, but, in fact I have been widowed for thirty years. I assumed it would be that I would never have another partner since the last one was led to the door about five years ago.

But, now I have decided "no more" and am focused on finding someone to share my life with - a good sign, I think. After my daughter died I couldn't hardly leave the house for two years but bit by bit, I have returned to life. I now can see a future.

So, the secret is out. I've informed the kids in the USA, I've joined E-Harmony. I was concerned about what their reactions would be but they were THRILLED! I have NEVER done anything like this in my life. It was never a problem meeting men in the USA but in San Miguel, well, let's just say the ten women to each man, leaves me unwilling to be as aggresive as necessary here. (I could REALLY tell you some stories about the aggressive women here)! Whew.

And, thanks go out to some of you bloggers who have wonderful relationships. I read about them and yearn to have the same. In my humble opinion, I have a lot to offer. SO wish me luck and happiness and.........keep your fingers crossed.

I'll let you know what happens.........

A Few More Photos of Chapala

Walking to the fair one morning, this bloom was laying on the sidewalk. I loved the texture of the flame tree bloom against the roughness of the sidewalk.

I looked at this photo and with the cupolas, it could be Greece or Spain or somewhere else in the world, but it is Lake Chapala.

And this shot reminds me of one I took over the Pacific a couple of years ago while in Melaque. Magnificent sunsets. I never tire of them.

And, a rose is a rose. This was in the gardens of the B&B. The bloom was at least nine inches across. I always stop to "smell the roses."

Life's adventures can happen right at home!

Every time I cook for a relatively large group (12 this time), I treat it as an adventure. The reason being, I don't have an oven. I have a six-burner cooktop, a microwave and a toaster oven. One must see the humor in this, after eight years, to continue to do it.

So, the morning started, before having my coffee, with two things falling out of the pantry cabinet. An opened package of spaghetti noodles and an opened bag of coffee grounds..........neither should have been opened, but were. What a mess - I just wanted to walk away. Unfortunately when you live alone you (1) can't wait for someone else to clean it up, or (2) blame it on anyone but yourself. It's kinda like that scorpion story about a month and a half ago. Either I killed it or waited for it to find me...........you know the rest of THAT story.

So, that was two things. I'm superstitious enough to always wait for the third thing..........and yup, about three hours later, something flew into my ear. I stuck my fingernail in to get it out. Isn't that what you're supposed to do? And, the nail broke..........and was stuck in my ear. So I did what any somewhat intelligent person would do, wouldn't they? I turned my head on its side and hit myself on the other side. It worked and I laughed at how silly I probably looked.

The cooking has gone fine - so far I've completed two corn souffles, and au gratin potatoes.
Tomorrow I'll fix a big salad, maybe make a couple of pies and then cook the spiral ham in the microwave along with a brie encased in pastry. I think that should be enough.......oh and I have boiled shrimp. If you saw my tiny kitchen you would not think any of that would be possible.
But, as I said, I take it as an adventure....it's fun.

Wish you could be here BUT I wouldn't have any more chairs, ha!

Dancers @ The Feria

It is interesting to me how the culture of Mexico maintains their traditions by having their children learn the traditional dances of this country. I wish we still did that in the USA. In addition to the feria in Chapala there were three different groups who did regional dances. It was hot in the sun, but these kids danced with gusto - in some instances for up to 20 minutes per performance.

They truly seemed to be enjoying themselves. The young girl above was so beautiful. She'll break hearts some day. She had the most beautiful smile. She danced with the Ballet Folklorico Chapala.

I had never seen headdresses such as these. These dancers are known as the Tastoan Dancers. They danced to a lone fiddle and it had a haunting sound. Their headdresses are now of crepe paper flowers but in past times, their headdresses were made of feathers.

The amount of work that went into this feria with artesans, dancers and lecturers is staggering to me. I commended Marianne Carlson for the excellence of the feria. She does this out of the generosity of her heart. She finds donors to pay the cost of bringing each artesan to the show and they are not charged a fee for being in the show. Her goal is the promotion of the folkartists of Mexico.
Very, very commendable and so needed now with tourism down to such a large degree. So, put it on your calendar for next November to head to Chapala for this great show. You won't regret it.

Nine Months of Bliss

I was 49 years old when my first granddaughter was born. I was NOT ready to be a "grandmother". Ah, but little did I know what a gift I had been given! Grandchildren teach you to be "soft" again. They give you the gift to be a kid - to get down on the floor and roll with them. To take great bubble baths and make pictures on the wall with bubbles. I could list so many things that I have been able to do with my FIVE grandchildren in Texas. Pure joy and simple goodness. Well this precious bundle who above is sleeping, it appears, is about to be my next chapter of "being soft". I can hardly wait to be in Colorado with her in December.

Here she is eating beets. I swear I have pictures somewhere of my kids doing the same thing. It's a "rite of passage". This photo makes me giggle.

In my humble opinion this photo of Matilda Isabella should be on the cover of a baby magazine - but then I'm prejudiced. Cute, isn't she?

So, in the last 17 years, the sweetest words from their mouths to my ears has been the name, "Grammy".

Quinta Quetzalcoatl, Lake Chapala, Mx

Passing through the exquisitely carved doors into The Inn of the Plumed Serpent, I was enchanted at the beauty. I felt as though I had just passed into the Garden of Eden, truly. Everywhere my eye traveled was another vista of flowers, water features, and a large palapa where breakfast would be served the next day. Sheer beauty everywhere. We were greeted by Aussie owners, Rob and Lorri Cracknell, who have owned the property for five years. They come from Melbourne and were so gracious.

As we arrived, Rob told me that the Inn had been D.H. Lawrence's home and the photos above are the part of the living quarters where the Plumed Serpent was written. To me it has an English flavor. And Lawrence hailed from England. There are many, many beautiful old homes on the main street. The Braniff's of Braniff Airlines fame, had a summer home here in early part of the 20th century. Who knew?

Here are a couple of the many, many photos that I took of the gardens. They were so extensive that I was never sure if I would find the door to the outside world.........and I wasn't sure if I even cared! Some of the plant material I have never seen anywhere before such as the little purple/blue flowers in pots cascading up the stairs. Me, an avid gardener was overwhelmed.

My room, "Birds Beast and Flowers" was on the second floor and had a very large patio. Due to the prolific plants, most of which were very old, I was totally secluded. Loved the feeling of being surrounded by flowers. Each room is totally different. My friends, Ron and Fred were in the Royal Palms Suite which was unique also. All this beauty, good food and great accomodations for only $75US a night!
Here's the email address and website: qqinnchapala@yahoo.com or http://www.accommodationslakechapala.com/ Go visit Rob and Lorri for a total escape..........and tell them Babs sent you.

Basking in the Sun

Heading to Lake Chapala this weekend, I had no preconceived notions or expectations. I did hope to see some beautiful folkart, hear some good lectures and hopefully happen upon old friends. All of these things happened...........and more. I had no expectation that the lake would have recovered so beautifully in the last seventeen years. I had forgotten how the slight humidity caresses your skin with the soft breezes off the lake.

We arrived mid-afternoon after a few mistaken turns - me driving. Arriving at the B&B I had reserved rooms at, I had no idea that it had previously been the home of D.H. Lawrence. It is where he wrote the Plumed Serpent! What a delightful surprise to learn that information. More on the Quinta Quetzalcoatl B & B in another post.

So we headed to the Yacht Club to see the folkart. Strolling back along the lakeshore after the show, it was so beautiful as the sun began to set. A long promenade juts into the lake and many, many people were sitting on benches and walking to and fro.

As will happen in Mexico, something unexpected happened. I saw this group of four nuns walking along. With great hesitation, I asked if I might take a photo of them. They agreed and giggled with glee at seeing themselves in the camera's window. A sweet happening.

Seeing the nuns reminded me of going to Catholic Girls School for many, many years (I've been trying to recover from that for my whole life). It reminded me of the time that the nun I had in the third grade said something about having had Cheerios for breakfast that morning. I was so astonished that I cried going home after school that day. I don't know - I guess I thought nuns ate "angel food" or something. It crushed my desire to be a nun, which is something all little Catholic girls want at some point.

My friends Ron and Fred, who traveled with me on this trip, laughingly said that if I had been a nun they would have liked to see the church that would have accepted me. They think it would have had to have been the "church of what's happening now"......... They love to tease me - cause they love me. I think.

Traveling in Mexico

I enjoy, so much traveling the back roads and seeing the hidden gems of Mexico. Some of the places I've been were so remote that you can only get to them by boat. Utter bliss.

If you agree, and you want to know about places such as Holbox, Yelapa, Tequisquiapan, Tolontongo and many ecological and archaeological sites, then read this website, www.mexicovacationtravels.com Some of it is advertising little known resorts and hotels and that kind of thing, but the majority is about these fabulous places.

Before I recommended it to ya'll I read the entire 23 pages of the website last night. Each page has about four entries. I was traveling around Mexico on my monitor. Many of the photos are exquisite. I now have a list of lots of places to see that I had never heard of before but must see in this life time.

Not only do I recommend reading this website, I recommend places like Tolontongo, Ixmiquilapan, Tulu and all the other glorious natural and man made wonders of this country.

Happy trails.

Savoring the Moment

It's a positive time in the world with the election of Barack Obama. I never thought I would live long enough to see the people of the United States "get it right".

I'm overwhelmed and thrilled in the anticipation of new times that now can be handled by a new generation. It's all about time!

7th Annual Maestros del Arte in Chapala, Mexico

I'm off early Friday morning to drive to Chapala for the 7th Annual Maestros del Arte Show and Lectures, www.mexicoetc.com . It will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Yacht Club in Chapala. Artesans from all over Mexico will be there with items for sale. They are not charged a fee to exhibit in this show - the show is to showcase the folkart of Mexico, not to make money.

In addition, and what I'm most interested in, are the lectures by Marta Turok who has worked for 30 years to promote the indigenous crafts and has written many, many books. She is so knowledgeable and I have traveled with her to various villages.

Also, Susana Valdez, an anthropologist from UCLA came to Mexico to study the Huichol and formed the Huichol Center many, many years ago. She will be most interesting to meet and hear speak.

The last person to lecture will be Marc Navarro who is an expert in silver, old silver from Mexico. I'm not particularly interested in that, but you never know, I might become very interested. I love learning new things.

I haven't been to Chapala in 17 years. There used to be a factory in Ajijic that I exported their goods to the USA for my restaurant and hotel projects. I don't think the factory is open anymore. It was a very sleepy little area back then - it will be interesting to see the changes. I think I have some photos from back then, I'll try to dig them out to compare the differences.

If you're in that area this coming weekend, hope to see you there!

Restored Faith

I started to write on Saturday about how grumpy I was for several reasons and didn't cause I thought, who cares? Each reason, to the naked eye, was insignificant but added together, I was irritated. I try NOT to get irritated.

The first, don't laugh, were some garage sales that by the time you went at the time they were supposed to start - everything was sold out because they had started an hour or so beforehand.
Ok, so it irritated me because I had corrsponded with one of the people having the garage sale and I wanted to buy all her art supplies for the little girl's orphanage. She knew that - she sold all of it anyway.......boy was I ticked off. I truly wanted that stuff for the little girls. I don't have this red hair for nothing!

Then I hurried to the centro to take photos of the altars in the jardin (notice Michael I spelled it correctly) and there was a huge altar by a business in San Miguel that had advertising for the company all over it. I walked around it several times, totally speechless at their lack of sensitivity. I was also appalled that the municipal government allowed it. I came home from that episode and the garage sale episode, grumpy.

When I'm grumpy I don't want other people to have to experience that part of me, so I stayed home and read. My way of "getting over it". And, I did.

But this morning at the "coffee klatch group" one of the other women mentioned the altar and how offensive she found it. I was thrilled. I thought maybe it was just me and I was being petty. By the way, of the 8 women in this group, I'm the ONLY Democrat.........ha. Everyone chimed in with their surprise and disappointment in that altar.

I found it restoring that I'm not the only one who doesn't want to see everything in the world become commercialized, especially Mexican trditions.