Happy Halloween

I LOVE Halloween! It's a time to put on a costume and be someone else. I remember as a child anticipating this holiday almost as much as Christmas. Mom used to make costumes as seen in the above photo of me, probably circa 1945. That's me on the left with my cousin Carol and our friend Bonnie. Although Bonnie was a neighbor, she is still a good friend in our family, all these years later.

In thinking about all the Halloweens I've experienced and the costumes I've worn, I started giggling. One year when I was in my forties, I encouraged everyone who worked for me in a Fortune 500 company, to dress up. I went as Miss Piggy. I had the boa and the long cigarette holder. The whole deal. I was driving a Datsun 280ZX at the time and lived south of Houston.

This necessitated me driving up the freeway to my office. It was hysterically funny to see people's reactions to my costume as I drove up the freeway. What fun we all had that day.
I have pictures somewhere but don't feel like digging all that out. Maybe next year.

Then there was a party a few years ago here in San Miguel. In talking with friends there was concern because we didn't really have the makings of costumes at the last minute. Someone suggested that we use sheets and go as the "Sheet Family". Well we did - Bill went as "bull sheet", Fay went as "No sheet" and I went as "Hot sheet". OMG, did we have fun. I have photos of that escapade too. Maybe next year.

Happy Halloween from someone whose inner child loves being out on a night like tonight.

Day of the Dead Market

As I headed down the hill yesterday morning, I felt myself being pulled to the "sugar market" to see what the offerings are this year. I wasn't disappointed. Tents were set up all over Plaza Civica. Lots of people milling around and several small children from school groups were spending a few pesos on a precious gift to take to their family altar. The little girl above was buying one little thing, a lamb I think, and when I smiled at her she looked up at me with this precious sweet smile. It made my day.

Off I went to see the booths of sugar pigs, lambs or whatever the artesans could think to create. I saw little marzipan fruits. Tiny telephones. All manner of whimsical folkart. How delightful.

There were many candle vendors also. I have never seen the orange candles before. So inexpensive you wouldn't believe it. Only a few pesos. For all of that work! Papel picado abounded in every color of the rainbow. I have a feeling as I head into town this morning that my feet will take me there again. One can never get too much of a good thing.

You Read It Here First!

Casa Tranquilo is available for the month of January! You can come and enjoy a month in San Miguel and see if this is "your cup of tea" as they say. Or, if you've been here before, enjoy another visit.

I'll be at the beach for the month. I haven't told anyone in San Miguel that it is available yet for friends or family. I wanted to offer it first to my blogger friends.

Those of you who follow the blog regularly have seen the photos that I posted in August. But, if you're new to the blog and don't know where to go to see photos, here are the dates that I posted them. August 20th, August 26th and August 29th. Not only is the house filled with wonderful folkart, it also has a stone fireplace, maid and gardener service, Dish Network TV and of course, internet service. All for the low cost of $1,000 for the month which is VERY low for high season.

If you're interested, leave a comment with your email address and I'll contact you.

Patsy's Place

I've been out to Patsy's Place several times. Her story is one of "if you build it, they will come". Each time I make the trek out there I think, "How in the world did she find this land in the middle of nowhere". And I do mean in the middle of nowhere. Once you go off the main highway and through a tiny village you're on dirt paths for quite a while. If there weren't signs you would never find it. BUT once you arrive, it is warm, cozy, and best of all FABULOUS food.

Patsy is a caterer of renown in and around San Miguel. If there is a party to go to, most of the time, Patsy is there catering. And, believe me, SHE is in the kitchen cooking from scratch. None of this preprepared stuff.

I was out there yesterday for a Day of the Dead program on the symbolism of the altars. As we arrived there was the path of flowers to lead us through the gardens to the house. Such a poignant touch.

As usual, Patsy was in her kitchen putting the finishing touches on the chicken salad with pomegranate seeds, homemade breads and the most delicious soup I think I've ever eaten. YUM. Dessert was carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Double YUM. Good thing I went to the gym yesterday morning.......

There were about 40 or 50 of us there. An absolutely delightful escape. Good friends, good conversation and GREAT food.

On the way home we passed a small feed lot. I've seen it before with the cattle, but this time the entire fence was ringed with white egrets or "cow birds" as we call them in Texas. Click on the photo to make it larger and it looks like the two guys on the left are having a conversation. The sight made me laugh out loud.

"Skin Hunger"

I was talking to a friend on the phone the other day. We were talking about relationships and what we miss most about not being in one at this time. We both agreed that the little things, such as sitting on the couch reading together and reaching over and touching, is one of them. Or when someone walks by your chair and ruffles your hair. Just those little things. He said, I call that "skin hunger". I responded with how beautiful and poignant that phrase is in that context.

His comment caused me to pull out a favorite book of poetry by Merritt Malloy that I have read and reread many, many times over the last thirty years. The illustrations in the book take ones breath away as well.

Here is a poem that I think goes along with "skin hunger"..........

ATROPHY

He's away from me now,
Not in space
But in time.
And yes, I'm lonesome.
But not for him,
Only for the way he made me feel.

I wonder if skin has a memory
As well as the mind?
I can't remember what he looks like anymore,
Only the way I felt
When he touched me.

There was a time
When I loved him so much
Just the air
Would hurt me.
It was frightening
To need someone
That violently.
But I'm finding that
It's even more frightening
Not to feel that way
Anymore
About anyone.

Thanksgiving for the Spirits

Most people in the USA do not "get" Day of the Dead. They never got all the catrinas, skeletons, altars and things I had in my kitchen when I lived in Houston. Many just shook their heads when they walked into the room. Someone called it my "skull and bones" room. Whatever!

So, when people back there ask me to explain Day of the Dead, this is how I start. (They don't get it if you get into the REAL explanation. Trust me, most don't). I say, "You know how everyone comes home for Thanksgiving in the USA?" And they say, "Yes". I say, "Well many Mexicans go home to their families for this celebration". "Oh", they say. Then I say, "You know how when you're going home, your family prepares all your favorite foods?" They say, "Yes". And I say, "Well they do that for Day of the Dead. Fixing all the favorite foods of the departed and then eventually the living family has a big feast". Then I say, "You know how everyone sits around and talks about who isn't with the group or family anymore? Who has died? Who is sick? Whatever" And, they say "Yes". I say, "Well they do that in Mexico, but it is usually around the gravesite of the departed as they wait for the spirit to return. The WHOLE family."

Sometimes they get it. Sometimes they don't. In the past, when they didn't, I would go on and on telling them more - now I just stop and don't say anything else. It's better that way.

Plebian Ears

One of the reasons I drove to the border this week was to get a new CD player to replace the one that was at least 20 years old. I wanted a 5 CD changer and ended up with a 3CD changer for the grand sum of $50US with gigantic speakers. Such a deal! Found it at the Sony outlet store. I'm thrilled.

I also bought a Memorex Boombox to play up on the roof. A one CD player with radio. It was $22.
I decided to plug it in and see how bad it would sound. I'm here to tell you that I've been playing that at full force on this rainy, chilly afternoon and evening. It sounds GREAT. I've had the Eagles, Diana Krall and a few others going. My Plebian ears can't tell the difference between this and the high falutin stuff that others, who know way more then I, spend big bucks on.

It takes soooooooo little to make me happy.

The Looooong Road Home

Heading to Harlingen in great anticipation for American food, good shopping and all other good things is great. But it is always exhausting to make the trek home. This is the first time in eight years that I've made a "border run" as the term is used here in San Miguel. It might be my last.

We were busy nearly every minute. That adds to the feeling that the drive home is twice as long..........In addition, the car was packed to the roof where there was not a "body" sitting. Below is the photo of where my body was up against all manner of things (most of which were NOT mine, I might add). There were also things under our feet both for me and in the front seat. The small trunk of the car was packed to the max. Fred suggested I call this blog "Death by Ranch Style Beans" as Ron had bought more beans then I could imagine and for some reason, that one thing kept flying out of bags. Hey, you've gotta look for the humor in these experiences, don't you think?

We took a different route then I usually take. I usually go up around Matehuala, around Monterrey and in through the Columbia Bridge. That route is all four lane divided highway. The route we took for this trip goes through the Sierra Madres and the City of Cuidad Victoria. It is a beautiful ride, but it is not divided highway. Luckily there is not much traffic so we made it from the border to San Miguel in exactly eight hours. Glory be..........

As the road began to get boring, Ron and I reverted to childhood and began to look at the clouds to find "pictures". If you enlarge the above photo and look at the cloud to the left you'll see a butterfly. See it?

The mountain in the above photo is one of my favorite mountains in Mexico. When I see it I know it's about two hours more to San Miguel. It reminds me of the movies with The Lone Ranger and Tonto. I always hope I'm going to see a bunch of people on horses sitting up on the top ready to charge..........Everything was lush and green on this trip since the "rainy season" is just finishing.

The photo at the very top of this post are the snakeskins, venom and small birds sold by the people who live in the desert up near Matehuala. Normally I would be upset at seeing this, but, I find it amazing that in this mostly uninhabited land these people can find anything to sell.

Every now and then they'll have an animal skin or a very large bird to sell also. I call them the "snake people". A bit of the culture that hasn't changed. Except that instead of trading for goods as they did hundreds of years ago, they now sell for money. There used to be billboards up telling people not to buy these things but I didn't see the billboards this trip. The times they are a'changing.

It was fun, but I'm ALWAYS glad to be home!

On the road again!

I slipped out of town under cover of darkness on Monday morning. I've been in the backseat of a red PT Cruiser. In other circumstances, since it is so bright red, we could be sitting targets. But, we've been moving so fast, no one could get us. Hopefully it will be the same when we head back Thursday morning.

I've been with my hilariously funny friends, Ron and Fred. There is something to be said for having a history with friends - like 18 years worth. We laugh and tease each other.....and know when to quit, usually.

The drive through the Sierra Madres to Ciudad Victoria and on to Reynosa was beautiful. I haven't done that drive in about 10 years. Remember that drive, Kay?

We have shopped til we literally have dropped. No more energy, no more money and nothing left on the list......YEE HA

I'm ready to get home to hook up my NEW cd player. My new oven and all kinds of other goodies. What fun!

See you on down the road..........

I DON'T UNDERSTAND!

For as long as I've been writing this blog and reading other blogs, there is a continual barrage of criticism of ex-pats who chose to and live in San Miguel. I don't understand it. I don't see criticism of those who live in, say Cancun or Puerto Vallarta or Morelia or wherever - only San Miguel. Why? I don't see people in San Miguel criticizing the choice of people in other places. It's bizarre.

Why do people feel that those who live in San Miguel don't understand Mexicans? That they are not assimilated into the Mexican culture. That they are not contributing to the well being of the Mexicans, if there Spanish isn't fluent? Isn't that very pedestrian and snobbish?
Who's to judge?

I don't take it personally. I consider the source of the criticism sometimes and say, "Oh well, that's just how that person is - they are judging me or us based on their own attitudes." But it just doesn't seem to let up. Get over it people.

San Miguel is an anomaly in Mexico. I've been doing business in Mexico since 1974, but had traveled here for the first time in 1968. I purposely chose San Miguel for many reasons - but the fact that ex-pats were here was not one of them. Some of them are: The singular beauty is breathtaking. The architecture is awe inspiring. The location is central and one can "spoke out" easily to all over Mexico. It is easy to drive back to the states to see family and friends. Culturally there is much to do here. Volunteering-wise there are many ways to make a difference either individually in a Mexican life - or collectively. That's just a few of the reasons. Who gives a crap if someone is fluent in Spanish or not? I personally would say that many of us have made way more of a difference in lives - irregardless of whether we're fluent or not. It's just sour grapes, in my opinion. A need to feel superior.

So, I'll get off my soapbox now. I hope, if you see yourself in these comments, that you'll zip your lip. My Mom always said, "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all". It works.

Happy Birthday Julie

My beautiful daughter Julie, or "Jewels" as her friends call her, is celebrating her 44th birthday today. Can it be? And her nickname from her friends is appropriate. She is a jewel!

With four kids under the roof, she and her husband have a full, full life. Julie is like a rocket ship shooting here and there and always, always busy with a project. She loves every minute of it. When I stay with her it is funny to try to keep up with her. I know that I did the same thing when my kids were growing up, but Julie does way more then I did. Not sure but I think she is still head of the Band parents, still a Girl Scout leader, room mother, library volunteer and also very very involved in mission work at her church.

It staggers the imagination to figure out how she keeps it all straight. In fact once, when I kept all the kids for a week while she and her husband went on a cruise, I had to have a poster board on the wall so I could check everything off for each kid just to keep it straight. My greatest fear was that I would drop a kid off somewhere and forget them. Luckily that didn't happen. Whew.

SO JEWELS, HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY. Believe me it is one of the greatest times of your life. You've got the groove and I hope that you know that I love you with all my heart.

Lessons from Velcro

As most of you know, Velcro the Cat used to be feral.......up til two years ago. You would never know it now. I don't know why, but this cat has taught me lots of lessons. Maybe its that I have more time for observation. But the lessons definitely apply to every day life.
Here they are:

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE NAP
IF YOU SIT CLOSE ENOUGH TO SOMEONE THEY'LL PET YOU
IF YOU STAND BY THE DOOR LONG ENOUGH, SOMEONE WILL OPEN IT FOR YOU
IF YOU SIT IN THE SINK LONG ENOUGH, SOMEONE WILL GIVE YOU WATER
IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SIT IN SOMEONE'S LAP, DON'T
IT'S OK TO BE WILD. JUST LOOK AT THE GOODIES YOU GET TO BRING HOME
YOU CAN SLEEP ANYWHERE
BEING QUIET IS A GOOD THING. IT'S NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY BUT HOW YOU ACT
IF YOU WANT TO SLEEP CLOSE, WAIT TIL THEY'RE ASLEEP AND THEN SNUGGLE UP TO THEIR BACK
IF YOU START OUT LAYING IN A SMALL BALL ON THE CHAISE AND THEN CONTINUE TO STRETCH OUT, YOU CAN HAVE THE WHOLE CHAISE EVENTUALLY
MILK IS THE ESSENCE OF LIFE, ALONG WITH ALL THE GOODIES YOU BRING HOME
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE NAP


And to think I didn't want another pet. I would have missed out on all these life lessons. Thanks Velcro.

The Circus Comes to Town

There was a lot of commotion this morning while I was in a shop on Canal. The employees all rushed out of the shop and headed for the door to the street to see the circus. At the beginning of the parade there were zebras, lions, tigers and I don't know what else. I only caught the tail end of the convoy. It was disappointing. The first time I saw the circus coming to town I walking out of a restaurant on Correo and framed in the doorway going by was an elephant. I turned to whoever I was with and said, "I just saw an elephant". It was walking alone! And I turned back around and there was a camel walking up the hill of Correo. I just laughed out loud. It was such a bizarre sight to see an elephant and camel walking up the hill. They weren't tied to anyone or anything...........I'll never forget it.

In comparison, this circus looks high tech. Fancy truck. Fancy pens. No pink poodles like the last circus. I saw the tent being put up out by the old Gigante and I've watched in anticipation for the animals to arrive. But, sadly, not like this. Oh well, for the heck of it, and for the adventure, I might try to go this weekend to see what this "high tech" circus has to offer. Once a kid, always a kid.

Doing Nothing is Doing Something

I think this is probably a recurring theme in my blogs. But, it is true. I use this phrase with people who want to know what I do in Mexico.........aaargh, that question drives me nuts.

So, today I looked at the calendar and I have absolutely NOTHING I have to do. Oh glory be. The possibilities of nothingness are endless. The "to do" list says NADA........yippee.

I learned when I used to be creative and designing that I needed down time for reflection and observation. It's so restorative. I think Felipe over at Tales of Zapata (you can click on his blog on the right side of this blog) has observation and reflection down to a science. His writings of all manner of things is poetic. His observations and reflections provide writings that bring you into the setting that he is describing and make you sigh. Wish I had that gift!

But anyway, I digress. Nothingness is a great way to only do those things that come to mind at that time. It's the ultimate in "living in the moment". Who knows what will evolve as today goes on? Somehow I feel like some cooking will happen. Maybe a new recipe or two. Or I noticed that the big limb on the loquat tree needs pruning. Or I might just sit and contemplate and observe that spider web that Mr Spider is weaving out there in the downstairs patio.

Ahh, doing nothing is doing something is just perfect.

Conversations on the Bench

Mondays are "kaffe klatch" day. So I walk down the hill and meet up with the "girls" at 11AM.

Yesterday I had stuff to do so I headed in early to do errands. I was all over the place. Still had time before 11 so I sat on the bench with Old Joe and Pat. One never sits on the bench for long before others stop by to visit for a few minutes.

Up walked Don from Canada and his dog Greg. Greg always has his nose out for a contribution of any crumb of food. Gorgeous golden retriever and funny dog. Don admitted he is "training" his new cat and it now will roll over on command. I told him he had way too much time on his hands if he is trying to train a cat. Then voila..........First Mate's blog on the Moscow Circus of Cats.........yesterday afternoon. Made me laugh out loud and of course forward it to Don.

The subject inevitably turns to the weather on the bench. Not ours, everyone elses in other parts of the world. Ours is always nearly perfect. How can you argue with 350 days of sunshine? So, we talked about Canada's weather and the snow in Colorado. On and on. I laughed and said that one of the greatest things about living here is that the weather pretty much stays the same. Whereas in the half century I lived in the South, in heat and humidity, you never knew if a rain gusher, tornado, hurricane, flood or whatever was going to hit you. Not to mention heat and humidity. Oh, I did already.

I NEVER take this weather for granted here. It is so beautiful, cool and not humid - just perfect.

Sleeping with the windows open at night is a gift. I never knew such a place existed. Well, maybe San Diego. They have good weather too, but it's too darn expensive to live there.

Sometimes the conversations on the bench get heated. Like where are we all going to eat today? Whew that CAN start something. Or some kind of political discussion. Most of us avoid that topic altogether.........While sitting there having these conversations, we always have our eyes on the passing venue of little chubby cheeked kids, the old man who is cursing everything and is so old we will be disappointed when he is no longer around and others. Others are interesting, but not as much as the old Mexican man.

I always hate to get up and leave the bench for fear I'm going to miss something. It's like turning on the Discovery Channel.

How do "they" know?

It's a mystery to me how the State of Guanajuato knows my personal email address. I have another one, that is on a Prodigy account. THAT one I wouldn't have been surprised to receive an email at, but the personal one, yes.

2010 is coming. The signs went up at least six months ago. The road from Queretaro to Delores Hidalgo is being widened to four lane for all the people who are supposedly going to flock to our area. I hope they are right, well maybe.

So, what I received from the State of Guanajuato is all the information currently available on all the festivities and events planned for the next year. In fact when I turned on the computer this morning, this site reminded me that it is 338 dias, 14 hr, 47 min, 44 seconds to something. It IS a big year. It IS the celebration not only of the Centenial of the Revolution, but the Bicentenial of Independence. (Their spelling, not mine)

Here's the website if you too want to be "in the know". www.bicentenarioguanajuato.gob.mx

The "workout from hell"

It's funny now.......not so much the other day. Remember I mentioned in "Only in Mexico" the "workout from hell"? Well I didn't elaborate but allow me now.

The new trainer, the authority figure, started me out with 45 situps. Ok, when I went to start I have to tell you I could barely get started. But, I muddled through and actually did 45 situps. Praying that was the end of it, I sat in a slight daze for a minute realizing that it had been quite a while since I had done that many situps. I also wondered if I was going to be able to stand up.

But, back came "the trainer", Tony, and he had some other things for me to do. Now I haven't worked with weights in about 10 years, so it was like starting from ground zero. It wasn't "like" starting from ground zero. It WAS starting from ground zero. Yes, I've been working out but only cardio. The treadmill and the bikes - an hour a day, four miles total.

So into another room we went where I was lifting weights - again 45 times, each arm........then some other stuff. I had previous to starting with him done the treadmill and the bike. So one hour into all this madness, Tony said, "No mas" and I nearly fell over, literally. It WAS a workout.

Initially he had asked me what areas I wanted to concentrate on and I told him. Then jokingly I said, "I want to be 40 years old again", but then I laughed, thinking he would get that it was a joke. I think he wanted to return me to that as fast as possible! That was worse then telling a cab driver, "Muy rapido". NEVER do that - trust me.

So, weakly, after finishing the workout, I climbed into my car and drove to the ATM machine for money. Luckily it was a drive-thru. I was so weak feeling that I wasn't sure I would be able to push the buttons. I did.

Fast forward to Friday night. I was so sore I could hardly turn over in bed. I do mean sore. I cursed that man.........oh, did I curse him. It WAS too much for the first workout.

But today, I'm back to normal and contemplating going back tomorrow. However, I WILL tell him we need to "slow it down"............I don't want to be 40 for at least another 10 years.

Contemplating Escape

I've been hot and heavy on the computer ordering a few things I want to get when I head up to Harlingen, Tx for a few days this month. I want to order as much as possible and have it sent to the hotel so I can escape and head to the water for at least one day. Yup, I need a "beach fix".

When that feeling comes over me I feel claustrophobic. I want to scratch myself out of the mountains and walk across warm sand and straight into the water........This from a girl who was born in Chicago. Does it make any sense? No. But since I lived right near the water for 17 years and sailed every chance I could get for many of those years, I have become a beach bum, I guess.

So to add to this contemplation of escape, I'm heading to Lake Chapala for a folkart conference the second week of November. I went to the Feria de Maestros last year at the same time and it was delightful. One of the leading experts in all the indigenous work of Mexico, Marta Turok, will be speaking. Great Masters will be coming from all over Mexico. So back I go..........but, instead of turning around and coming home, I'm going on to either the Costa Alegre where I've rented a place for January or up to the area around Rincon de Guayabitos to check out the place I've rented for the month of February, site unseen. Another opportunity to dip my toes in the ocean. Now before you think I've got a lot of money - let me assure you that I have found deals that you wouldn't believe.........I can hardly stay home for these prices! Ha. Truly.

It seems that when I'm landlocked for any length of time, wanderlust takes over again. Somehow in all of this traipsing around, I DO want to get down to Patzcauro too.

Maybe I need that "magic carpet" again to whiz me everywhere so I can go more places.

ONLY in Mexico!

I'm giggling to myself as I write this........it happened on Thursday. I was rushing to get to the gym to work out with a new trainer. As I pulled up to the gym there was a place right in front. Wow, that never happens. I usually have to park on a side street and walk back to the gym.
So, I started to zip into the place, since I was almost late. I was trying to be careful not to get on the sidewalk when IT happened. My car sank into a hole and totally encased the front left tire.
Holy smokes, was I surprised! I got out and looked. Yup, my tire had disappeared into a deep hole. So I tried backing up - ha - no way.

A few people were watching from the doorway of the gym. Out came the trainer who was waiting for me. He took one look at my face and made the little sign that means "Just a minute" and went back in. I stood there, not too worried, because things usually work out in Mexico. At that moment out came five body builders. Big burly guys. They told me to start up the car. I did. And with that they lifted up the front end of my car and I went backward out of the hole...........OMG, I so wanted them to wait a minute so I could take their photo, but I knew that was too much to ask. They were all laughing and saluting and showing me their muscles. I too was laughing.

I moved the car to the street. Went in, did the "workout from hell", but with a smile inside my heart and a grimace on my face.

IF I had been in the states, I probably would have had to get a tow truck and pay a zillion dollars.

It's so cool the silly little day to day things that you never forget. This will be one of them.

ONLY in Mexico.

Leaping Lizards

There aren't leaping lizards on my computer screen but everything else is. It started last Thursday or Friday with the sidebar coming up unexpectedly. Then a while later everything all at one time, programs I've never used started leaping across the screen. Oy vey. I could just sit and watch. It wouldn't let me close down anything. Finally it would stop and I would, one by one, close each program down.

In came the "computer gurus" on Monday after a weekend of brow sweating and hand wringing. Who knew that I used the computer that much? They did an AVG scan and a disc scan which lasted for hours, but to no avail.

So, the computer is going off with them today. I have no idea what or when I'll get it back. Just wanted to let you know. There are a few of you out there that call when I don't blog for a few days to make sure I haven't fallen off a ladder, fallen into the wall - well you know all those scenarios.

I'll miss you, but, as always I'll return - just don't know when.

The Event that Changed My Life

I remember it like it was yesterday. The date was October 6, 1947. The time was late evening. I was standing in the dining room of our house in Chicago. The phone rang. Since my Mom nor Dad were at home, I guess my older sister or brother answered the phone. They talked for a few minutes and then passed the phone to me.

My Dad told me that I had a new little brother. I hate to confess but I was SO disappointed it wasn't a new little sister. And therein began the saga. It has lasted 62 years. I used to terrorize him when Mom wasn't looking......yes this is a confession. But we both survived and grew up in spite of our sibling rivalry. It was kinda like there were the two of us and then Bob and Marilyn who were 11 and 10 years older then us respectively.

We survived a lot of stuff growing up as we all do. Many moves, many schools and the deaths of our parents and older brother. I think we've become really close. Especially after he and his beautiful wife took care of me last year when I had the dreaded whooping cough.

We talk on the phone. We laugh and it is wonderful, I have to admit to have a "little brother". Even if I do look younger (a private joke). He looks so much like our Dad now that my heart catches when I see him.

All in all, it has been a great ride. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL.

Convergence of the Universe

I wandered up to the roof last evening after a glorious day of a great comida with friends. Then came a conversation with the "Gypsy Kids". Baby Matilda got on the phone so we could play Patty Cake long distance. She then nearly brought me to tears when she said "Hello Gammy". No she hasn't gotten to Grammy yet as the other five grandkids have, but Gammy will do. Oh my, it's been a long time since someone has wrapped their fingers around my heart like that little one has done.

So, anyway, I'm up on the roof reflecting on the day and the Harvest Moon was huge and just coming up over the horizon. I love having all these horizons to see all the time. After I took the first shot of the moon, I looked over the canyon at the presa and the sky was yellow, pink, purple blue. It was breathtaking. Eveywhere I looked for the next thirty minutes or so became more and more beautiful. It was a technicolor wonderland. I wanted to share it with all of you.

The lights started to come on down in the colonias and that added to the beauty also. The straight line of lights in the above photo are from the cars coming from Atotonilco and Delores Hidalgo. The mountains are in the background.

Everywhere there was rapture in the beauty of the sky. It was nature at its best. Just like the experience last summer when I was in the Gulf of Mexico and the water was like emeralds. Remember that blog? Just when you think it can't get any better, it does.

The Feast of St. Michael the Archangel

"He" is the patron saint of San Miguel de Allende. And, as many of us are want to do on our birthdays, although this isn't a birthday but a saint's day, it goes on and on and on. The events start nine days before the saints day which is September 27th I believe. And then the festivities go on for about another ten days. Often by the time it is over, gaiety is forced........at least in my opinion.

But I left the house early yesterday morning in anticipation of what I would see when I got down the hill to centro. One never knows. I walked many streets doing my errands. This to pick up at this store and that there. But, I was hurrying. I didn't want to miss anything if there was anything going on. On my way down, the mayordomo's house in Col Tecolote was so designated with the palms, tissue paper flowers and crisscrossing the street are plastic flowers. This happens in every colonia. One can tell if there was a desfile (parade) the previous night by the unsweeped confetti still on the streets. There was a little on my path to town.

Oh my gosh, when I finally did arrive in the jardine it looked like Ringling Bros. three ring circus! There were two small parades arriving in front of the parroquia. There was a group off to one side watching a clown. There were Aztec dancers on the other side. Surrounding them with rapt attention were these little ones all dressed up in their little people outfits. Outfits handmade by mothers or others. Very cute. I didn't know which way to go to capture any or all of it. So, I just stood still for a while and watched too.

One of the best times, for me, is when all the festivities are over and one by one as people are leaving, you can REALLY see them. This little guy stopped right in front of me. I couldn't resist this photo. I love that by watching these kids are absorbing the traditions of their culture and their families.

Oops, then I was off again when I noticed a truck pulling up in front of the Parroquia loaded with parts for the assembling of castillos. These are the big firework towers that go off like the space shuttle to the moon or something at night. I wanted to see if they still made them out of bamboo or small wood pieces. Not bamboo, but still discarded wood pieces. They are very intricate. Think erector set.
All these castillos, and there were a lot of them were being set up for the Alborada. Once when I was in the Sierra Gorda region, I watched for hours while a man delicately cut bamboo slivers and started a castillo. A true artistic achievement that is blown up at the end of the day!

The Alborada could best be described, at least by me, as the "war of fireworks". It starts at 4AM, goes on til 5 or longer and up here on the hill it is deafening. People cover themselves with cardboard and anything else to prevent their bodies or clothes from catching on fire. They observe this right in the line of fire, no pun intended. I do not exaggerate. I can't imagine what it would be like to be right there.......it definitely wakes up everyone and every animal for miles around. There is a lot of significance and tradition to it. I'll leave it to you to do your own research. If I wrote it all, this blog would go on forever.

And forever was what it seemed like in the middle of the night last night when the fireworks, which started at 3AM and went on til 6AM, kept booming and booming and booming........FOREVER. It is very, very quiet this morning.......

Via Organica

Organic farming has come to San Miguel. I know of two organic farms - one where you can go and buy the produce. Another, Via Organica, which has a small storefront in Col. Guadalupe. I'm sure there are more farms. At the Col Guadalupe store not only can you buy fresh organic fruit and produce, but also freshly made pastas and specialty fruit drinks such as jamaica and chia seed. In addition to raising organic vegetables at the farm, there also are classes for campesinos to teach them how to grow organic and how to make organic fertilizers. All this is free. In a class held recently out at the property and gardens of Via Organica, 200 campesinos attended. Quite a historic event.

There are plans to grow heirloom seeds since so many seeds now are genetically modified. It is an ambitious plan. The man who is spearheading all of this moved to the area from New Hampshire where he was involved with the organic farming movement in the USA. He has put together a team including a nutritionist, certified and educated in the USA, but originally from Peru.

The photos are some of the things growing in the greenhouse and the fields. The first two photos are oyster mushrooms. I have never seen them grown this way. The growing material is sterilized saw dust and other compost materials. The third photo is one of my favorite vegetables, brussel sprouts.

This last photo is the row of brussel sprouts. I had no idea the plants grow this large. The times they are a'changing. It is quite an operation and it was very interesting to have had the opportunity to see all of it. For more information you can go to http://www.viaorganica.org/

Up on the Roof

I'm back up on the roof most days now. I've got all the plants in places. Got the furniture cleaned and back in their places. I LOVE the new tile floor. When it rained in the past, I would have a huge puddle of water there because the floor wasn't sloped to the drain. It was a mess. I never said anything to the landlord until about 3 months ago. Much to my amazement he offered to tile it. Then he offered to plaster the wall and paint. Wow, I never believed it would happen, but it did.

Now each time that it rains, I go up there to see if there is a flood and no flood. After eight years of putting up with that, I sure wish I had said something sooner.

The mural is back up on the wall too. I used a sage green color for the paint on the walls so it would enhance the plants and not become the focal point. I like it. By rearranging things, I can see the mural better. Can you tell that is an alligator midway in the mural? His head is covered by the plant. It was a montage of things Mexican that was initially supposed to go into a Tex-Mex restaurant in the Woodlands. I'm so glad the owner didn't like it. I sure have gotten a lot of pleasure from looking at it for all these years..........

And then there is this view. I NEVER tire of it. Notice the plastered wall. It looks so much better then the bare brick did. There isn't a bad view up there. It's this view, or the canyon view, or the schoolyard across the street with the mural the parents painted about five years ago. I've visited some other houses recently where the view is other people's rooftops or rubble infested property. I realize every single day how blessed my life is. I sure don't take it for granted. Never.