Montezuma, New Mexico

Now the name of that town isn't on every tour guide's map. But, it should be. In Montezuma is the Montezuma Castle. It started life as a hotel built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad. It was built in 1882. It is 90,000 sq ft. It opened in 1886. Because there were hot springs adjacent to the hotel, the feeling was that east-west travelers would seek it out as a popular destination. Some did, such as Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, Jesse James and even Emperor Hirohito of Japan. It closed in 1903. It went through many other owners until in 1981 industrialist and philanthropist Armand Hammer purchased the empty structure for the United World College.

The mission of the UWC is to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. A lofty goal. There are now twelve UWC schools around the world in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Norway, Singapore, Swaziland, the United States, Venezuela and Wales.

Today, Nelson Mandela and HM Queen Noor of Jordan lead the UWC movement. The high school students are selected by their own countries and the education is free to the student. Many of the graduates have become illustrious leaders of their respective countries and or successful business leaders. You can read more about the UWC movement at www.uwc-usa.org

One of the speakers who came to the college was Chihuly. He was so impressed with the program, the students and the staff that he wanted to do something for them. So he made two magnificent chandeliers for the dining hall. Wow, they are so exquisitely beautiful. This was my first time to see a Chihuly creation in person. I was awed.

The site of this place, watching the students and feeling "the bones" of the building made me wish to be sixteen years old and heading to school there. What an awesome gift for each of these students and ultimately an awesome gift to our World.

Losing the Dream

Or not! Ever since I pulled into this lot on Clear Lake, south of Houston in April, I've felt sad for the owners. That they had lost their dream. I love sailing and I know how I would have felt to have lost my boat. BUT surprise. Yesterday I read an article in The News that States like Florida and South Carolina are passing laws to prevent people from abandoning their sailboats and collecting the insurance money. It seems that the economy has caught up with peoples' dreams.

Now I'm not even remotely suggesting that this is the case with these boats. They succumbed to Hurricane Ike. The photo above symbolizes Ike to me. Tattered and torn like the people of the Coast are from all these horrific storms. These boats, if not claimed by their owners within four weeks were to be crushed and hauled off. Oh horror.

As I walked this yard, which I wrote about back in April though, all I could think of were the lost dreams, but not the lost memories. I doubt any of these boats were used to make a living like the lost shrimp fleet. But they sure brought a lot of pleasure to many people.

Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me in her fury during the storms. Not just winds and water - but the terrifying tornadoes also. I can tell you I sure NEVER want to go through another hurricane as long as I live........never.

I had dreams too. I always wanted to own a Mason sailboat and live aboard six months and charter it six months. I wanted to dock it in Amergis Caye. Well, that dream never happened. I've never even been to Amergis Caye, but, heck, there is still time.

Hopefully one of the people who lost their boat will get another boat and enjoy all the sailing they want, and maybe sail around the world! I've known several who have done just that......a cool way to live - if you're more adventurous then I.

The Art of Diane Moreno

There is no way to explain what motivates people to become artists. In the case of Diane Moreno, it was happenstance, in a way. She was an insurance claims adjuster in Wichita who went to Taos for some cooking classes. She felt an instant connection to the land and in 1988 left Kansas to move to a rundown adobe house without running water or indoor plumbing. She wanted to make art and make a living at it. She has. The photo above is the view from out of her studio/showroom. That is the Pecos River. So tranquil.

The views as we walked down the hill to get our bus after visiting with Diane were so beautiful. Below is the house she has little by little fixed up and lives in to this day.

And, the only piece of folkart that I bought on the whole trip was the piece below - which is amazing for me. Her title is "My Heart Belongs in Texas".

Not sure where she is going to hang, but I really do like her. Diane's work is using old tin cans which are her limbs and head and of course the Texas 1966 license plate for the body. I love the red heart and the fancy red shoes. Also tin cans. Cool isn't it? She's about 16 inches high. She also makes beautiful cabinets out of found wood. Truly beautiful.

Diane still has an outhouse.

Reality is just so REAL!

I've told this story to a few people since it happened a week ago today and since they all fell over laughing, I guess I should share it with ya'll.

I'm at the gym last Thursday morning. Here's the scenario - I roll out of bed, throw on the workout clothes and leave at about 7:15AM BEFORE I've had time to come up with an excuse not to go. By the time I get to the gym I'm awake and ready. It's a basic program that works for me - no brain power required. I "do" two miles, maybe a little more, on the treadmill and then two miles, maybe a little more on the bike and leave. I'm not there for a social event. I look like heck, no makeup, no hairdo and the same workout clothes day in and day out. I do this four or five times a week.

BUT on last Thursday as I was coming downstairs to leave, I ran into my friend Deb and the owner of the gym. They were talking about the new Senior Certified Personal Trainer. One of them said, "Oh you should meet him and have him put a program together for you." Hmmmm.
I thought, "Well if he's a Senior Certified trainer then that makes him more qualified then just a personal trainer. I never got that they meant "senior citizen" trainer. But I did after they talked for a few minutes about his programs. AND when the owner said, "Don't you want to meet him?" I, with a horrified look on my face, said "No way". I left, got in my car and drove home.

I was in a state of shock that they would think I needed a "senior citizen" trainer. I almost had to lay down to recover. (I'm exaggerating). I just don't ever think of myself as the age I am. Never. Not because I'm avoiding it, but it's just not relevant to my lifestyle.........

So, I have thought about it from time to time over the last week and now I think it is so darn funny that I've shared the story. You see I'm 67 but in my mind and heart I'm about 49 or 50 and that doesn't qualify as a senior citizen. Does it?

The last time someone referred to my advancing age was when I was turning 40 and the eye doctor reminded me that I was getting older and would need reading glasses. At 40, egad. I never forgot that either.

A reality check is good every once in a while I guess. But heck it doesn't last long and then I'm tumbling down stairs and having a "new" friend visit me.

Yee ha.

MORE Pez Photos

Just wanted you to see MORE of the "environment" and the Pez characters created by Steve. I sure wanted his Obama Pez and regret that I didn't buy it. Darn.

Here's the group of shoppers while the artists stand by to enjoy the sale of their art. Wacky stuff.....oops art.

And here is our trusty leader, "Narrow Larry" trying to keep the hat on and not fall over from the weight. Larry is a practicing architect in Houston and is a very organized, detailed kinda guy. He sure does do a good job of planning everything to the nth degree and minute. Sometimes seconds. By the end of the trip with this wacky group, Larry is either ready for a sedative or lots of drinks. I don't know why "herding cats" is so much fun for him. We DO try his patience. Every year he swears he's NEVER going to do it again. Good job Larry - keep it up.

The "Pez" Man

It never ceases to amaze me what inspires people to create art. In this case it was Pez dispensers. Who would ever have thought? One of the things I love about the Annual Orange Show Eyeopener Tour is the "unexpected". I have learned over the years to expect the "unexpected". The Pez Man sure didn't disappoint. Prior to arrival I thought, how exciting or surprising can a Pez be? Silly me.......

When we arrived Steve, the Pez Man, was standing out in the street to wave us down. We were in a typical residential neighborhood. Who knew that a whole other world existed behind his house? Not me or probably anyone else. But the sight of the Pez Man just was delicious. I zoomed off the bus, threw my arms around him and asked for a photo. I got it. Fun, fun.

As we were walking to Steve's "environment", I caught this shot of him from behind. Don't you just love the hat? It has to make you giggle. It weighed a ton.

In the backyard environment, which was through a typical gate, was a six hole putt putt course. Also a "studio" where Steve creates Buddhas, the Pope and Elvis, among others out of typical Pez's. What a hoot. He had a musical duo playing and several other artisans there who had created "art". Some of it was assemblages, funky stuff and one guy creates penis art. Although I have a photo of me with this art, I'm not displaying it - this is a G-rated blog. I must tell you though, it did make you grin, it was so darn clever.

Don't you just love the unexpected things of life? No expectations and then you're just plucked down in an other worldly experience that you'll never forget.

Steve entertained us with his "Breaking News" theatre where he satirically did a take on the news programs in the USA. It was hysterically funny.

Steve's Pez's sell for $20US at his studio but in the chi-chi galleries of Santa Fe, New Mexico they were $35 US and up! Go figure.
I'll be telling you about other sites in upcoming days. Stay tuned.

Scurrying and Catapulting

Do you ever start out one place and the next thing you know you're not where you think you should be? It happened to me last night. It's this "season of bad luck" that is continuing.

Earlier yestrday my computer was taken to the Computer Dr's casa to have a hard drive operation. No computer last night. So I read and watched TV upstairs in the living room.

I needed to use the facilities and scurried to go down the two flight of stairs while the commercial was on. I didn't want to miss the show I was watching. The next thing I knew I was catapulting down six hard cantera stairs and ended up in a heap at the bottom of them. In my attempt to break my fall, I pulled a piece of art with me that WAS framed and had glass. No more.

So I laid there for a few minutes and tested my legs, ankles, arms, wrists etc.. To my relief and delight nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Thankfully. So I carefully walked back upstairs, watched the rest of the show and then went back down and cleaned up the broken glass.

In retrospect, I'm sure glad I do live alone because I am sure that was NOT a graceful catapult.
Not in the least. You know, like the ones on the gymnastic shows. In my mind I think it was anything but.........graceful.

I'm afraid to say, "What next?"

Breaking News! Breaking News! Breaking News!

Living in the moment is the best way, in my opinion, to live life! It happened again last night. I came in from my evening at Longhorn Saloon where I went thinking I was going to hear Billie Rose sing blues - oh and CAN she. But the owner had other plans and it was 50's and 60's music for dancing. Oh well. It was fun because I was with friends. Great conversation and catching up on all kinds of things. Some of which were the plans for the BIG BBQ cookoff on the 4th of July, which I think I might get sucked into whether I want to or not. More on that later! So I got home a little late. I went to the computer and voila, I had an email from Miguel, aka Felipe of the blog, Zapata Tales. He and La Guapa Senora were in town! And, they wanted to meet for breakfast on Sunday morning. How exciting. I am a HUGE admirer of his writing. Huge. He was a journalist for many papers throughout his career. Even a stint at the Houston Chronicle. His phraseology and his quirky way of seeing things dazzle me. Read him at www.tzuru4.blogspot.com and The Bierce Account at www.bierceannals.blogspot.com Enjoy! You'll be hooked.



So, up I was first thing this morning. Dressed in my finest, well let's not get carried away. But I did fix my hair and put on makeup and clean clothes, the works. That's something for a Sunday morning for me. You know, first impressions and all. I wondered if we would recognize each other. After all, yes we have corresponded for a couple of years, but to actually meet face to face! Well I needn't have worried. We recognized each other instantly. Talked incessantly. There was not enough time. It would have taken days for me to ask him all the questions I had to ask.



But instead, I brought them up to mi casa so a point of reference could be established. And, I wanted them to see the views of the real San Miguel. At least my reality. They wanted to head home to Patzcauro soon, so I didn't delay them, but oh I wanted to.



What a beautiful and nice couple. He, who comes across as a hard ass sometimes on his blog, is actually quite a sweet guy. (He'll hate that I said that) There was not enough time. I'm going to have to go to Patzcauro for several days and hopefully have cafecito in the Plaza, so I can ask all those questions..........SOON.


It was the highlight of the weekend for me.

The Saga Continues, in a good way, sorta.

So I get up this morning and the cascada (waterfall) is still cascading down the outside of the guest house. "How much water can a large tinaco hold?", I wondered. Tried and tried to get the landlord - nada.

So, I took matters into my own hands and called Pat, the female plumber. She thought it might be either the water pressure was overflowing the tinaco, which meant it would flow and flow or that the "floater" in the tinaco was stuck. Well, I'm hear to tell you, that the tinaco is up a sloped, steep concrete wall with concrete walls around it. No way was I getting on a BIG ladder to get up there. It could flood til hell freezed over if that was the case.

Pat said that the repairs that the water company, SAPASMA, did yesterday probably caused the problem. So, I called them. After about 1 1/2 hours someone answered, who glory be, spoke English. His name was J.M.. Always get a name. After explaining the saga, which included the waterfall, the fountain and the sinkhole, J.M. decided my problem was a grande problema and he was going to "radio" for help.

In the meantime, Pat showed up. You would have laughed or cringed. We put a chair up on the platform. SHE climbed on that and then managed to pull herself up to the tinaco, barefoot. I was holding my breath. She climbed over the concrete wall, fixed the float and voila, no mas cascada! She is going to install a pressure regulator to prevent any future overflows. No charge.

The laundryman showed up with all the rugs, bed linens, towels and stuff that had to be cleaned.
No saving the beautiful bed coverlet due to dog and person staining. BUT the owner gave me a sizeable discount. YEAH. And, I'm thinking I'll dye the coverlet a dark color and the stains won't show. Hey there is more then one way to win this battle!

SAPASMA showed up shortly after that. Seven men strong. One spoke English. I told him the saga. They looked at the sinkhold and shook their heads. They looked at the new pipe and meter and said that rather then me having to pay for a new cover, which would be about 400 pesos, that they would get one at the company and be back Monday. J.M. was a man of his word. He said he would have them here before their comida. And, he did.

Next the painter arrived. My theory is that if fresh paint is applied, the cigarette smell will go. I have referred Alvaro, the painter, to a zillion people here. As I have Pat the plumber. Alvaro's work is extremely professional, neat, perfect and he's always here at the exact time he says he will be here. He's painting the whole house, downstairs two coats, ceilings included, one coat upstairs for 1500 pesos. That's less then $120US!

The moral for me is............"what goes around comes around". The rewards rolled in for me today, without me expecting any of it.

There was so much activity here for about four hours though that I felt like I was running a construction crew again...........happy days.

Enough already - I'm going out tonight for dinner and to listen to blues. All work and no play makes Babs a dull, dull girl.

A Mexican Day

It was one of those days that IF it could go wrong, it did. Trust me people, if you're not adventurous then don't live in Mexico. It started out as a "work" day . Josefina, the maid and I cleaning, cleaning, cleaning the otra casa. We made some headway but still have lots to do before the house can be inhabited again.

After she left and I was still over there doing things the phone rang. I started to ignore it, but for some reason I answered it. In Spanish a man told me that he had my former tenant's dog and wanted to bring it to his home. I didn't know where the new home was and I REALLY didn't want to get involved - REALLY! But, I also knew that Troubles( the dog's name) has been the tenant's dog for a long time so I said, "Bring it". They did and wanted a reward.

In the meantime, before they arrived with Troubles, I tried to reach its owner. Didn't have a phone number so had to email. They arrived I got the dog, gave them a reward and they left.

The upholsterer showed up, thankfully, because the people called back and said I didn't give them enough pesos because the radio announcement about the lost dog said 1000 pesos reward and I only gave them 400. How did I know?

The upholsterer talked to them, explained the situation and got their phone number for Trouble's owner to call them to rectify the situation.

Upholsterer left - dog wanted in house - no way Jose. Of course I go to my house and leave dog in beautiful garden. He's not happy. Geez. THEN it started to rain. Good Lord, couldn't the Universe let up a little on this situation?

Former tenant and owner of Troubles shows up - very emotional. I CALM HIM DOWN. Good grief, I really wanted to knock him out.........after all the filth and the situation, (see previous blog) but I remained calm. We talked. I told him just how I felt. I told him a LOT. We'll see if any of it did any good.

Later, banging on the gate. "Now what", I think. I open and little boy from next door points to where water meter is.....was......it is now a fountain heading to the sky. Broken pipe. So, of course I call the water company. They DID come out and stop the fountain of water heading for the sky. Two hours later the sinkhole begins. In the street. In front of my house. New experience. I call the City. So far, nada. Sink hole growing. VERY interesting.

Two hours ago I heard gushing water - gushing, waterfalling. Obviously the tinaco on the roof of the guest house has broken and about 40 gallons of water, or more, is cascading down into the garden from the third floor. I have NO idea what to do. NONE. I don't even know who to call except my landord. Of course no one is home at their house.

You have to laugh to keep from crying. If I were a drinking woman, I'd be having one right now. But instead I wanted to capture this for YOU, so you can laugh too, or fix a drink. Or, do both!

Living in Mexico is never dull and is definitely an adventure - even when you don't leave the house.

"Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned"

Especially an auburned hair one! I have so many ideas of blogs to write. From my seven week trip in the USA, to things that have been popping into my head, but today, the immediacy of the situation dictates this blog. NO, I wasn't scorned by a lover, but by the tenant in my guest house.

Now, I've lived here almost nine years and for a couple of those years I had "short term" tenants so I have probably had around 40 tenants in this length of time. Everyone loves the house and the gardens - the light and airiness and space of it. The great furnishings............not the man who just moved out.

He not only left the place filthy, he skipped owing the balance of his lease. Three months worth - over $2000US. It is amazing the amount of damage a person can do in such a short period of time. I have been lucky with the other tenants, I guess. There are nails everywhere, several ripped sheets that are no longer usable, damaged rugs from his dog. The entire place will have to be painted. The list goes on and on.

But, in trying to figure out why I"m so sad (and angry) I guess it's because of the disappointment in this person's character. He's a retired college professor. He knows better.

He said to me, "That lease probably isn't even legal" And I responded, "I learned in my business career that a legal contract is only as good as the integrity of those who sign it". (I'm sure Steve will have a comment about this).

So, I will leave it to the Universe to catch up with him and his bad Karma. I don't want to lower myself to rath and fury. Whew, I feel better already!

Mountain Avenue.com

I'm an incorrigible Grammy who couldn't resist putting this photo of the "Gypsy Kid's" kid, Matilda, on this blog. Cute, isn't she? She's the daughter of the "Gypsy Kid" dad who is now Prez of Mountain Avenue.com. Can you stand that I am shamelessly plugging the whole deal?

So, those of you who have read this blog for at least a year know that the "Gypsy Kid's" left this time last year at the end of May with car loaded to the top. An almost 4 month old, Matilda and Dog Dusty, a LARGE black lab. Destination - who knew? Bought a tent in Houston with destination still unknown. Got to Colorado and loved it - does this sound like the wagon train days? Son is out hiking one day, so help me this is true, meets a guy on the trail and they start talking. In conversation the subject, somehow of dot coms comes up and the guy says that he and his partners have been trying to get one started, but to no avail. Son was Natl. Mktg. Director of Red Envelope.com, a very very, successful dot com gift company. The rest is history. The company is up and running and the "Gypsy Kids" are ecstatic in Ft. Collins, Colorado, home of http://www.mountainavenue.com/

The cool thing about this group is that it is into philanthropy with a Foundation. There is also a way to dedicate the 25% of the purchase price to a charity of your choice. In addition, they are a fair trade company - meaning they only do business with people who pay a fair wage, provide good working conditions, have respect for children and the environment. It is also an eco-friendly company. Read more on their website.

It is a work in progress, but I'm so proud, but not surprised, that my son and daughter-in-law are involved in such an endeavor.

If you've got to get a Father's Day gift sent, (or any other gift) go to their website and see the recycled men's ties made into dog collars and leashes. Way cute - of course not as cute as Matilda..................

Oh, and by the way, remember that secret I couldn't share? The first one? Well the "Gypsy Kid's" family is expanding in January 2010 and Matilda will have a brother or sister. Grammy will have her seventh grandbaby. Life is good.

The Streets of San Miguel de Allende.......are.....EMPTY!

I intended to write this blog yesterday - but Margaritas, Madness and More took over. Charley prompted me to get busy and get this out. Your "woman on the street" reporting, if you will. These photos were taken yesterday at NOON as I was walking to the bank and the jardin. NOON, I say. The first, for those who know San MIguel, is Aparicio where it intersects with Tecolote. NOT a high traffic area, unless I'm walking on it. Then I spend my time clinging to the walls to keep from being run over by a taxi, Corona truck or worse - the dreaded garbage truck.

This is Nunez looking at San Francisco - a very busy street. Very. But not now. Again this is noon on a Tuesday.

And the final is a block and a half from the jardin on San Francisco - even busier then the other two - but not now.

The "sweat birds" haven't arrived and Lordy, they better. The restaurants have employees standing in doorways just looking for a customer. The bank was empty of all but one other customer when I was there yesterday. No one in La Conexion - the mail service on Aldama. Good grief - where are you people?

Add to this the scuttlebutt I was told at a party Monday night by someone "in the know". The Bibliotecha Home and Garden Tour - the bellwether of tourist statistics, had FOUR people one weekend and sixteen the next. It has not gotten any better. Now let me put this in perspective. Typically the smallest number I remember is around 150 people who are shepherded into buses to see private homes. And the highs can be in the 400's. This information was given to me by someone who has worked on this tour for twenty-two years. The money from the tours provide scholarships for students to go to middle, high school and college. This IS serious. Again, where are you people?

The rains have NOT come as yet. But as I write this at 1:15PM, it is a cool 77 degrees in my house and it will probably get to mid 80's with a humidity percentage of 20 to 30%. That temperature will drop after about two hours. It will be in the mid 50's at night. Perfect sleeping weather.

Now to address the silliness about the danger on the highways - from federales or whoever. Again, I drove up, alone and drove back alone. In April and June. No wild shootouts, extra road blocks or anything like that. It was the same as it has been for the last 25 years, except the roads get better and better - think I-10.

Now, I personally like no traffic, lots of taxis, plenty of tables in my favorite restaurants - but rather then be selfish - get thee down here. Other people need your dinero!

San Miguel is still a beautiful, safe, cultural, happy place to be. Do you think I would be here if it wasn't? Or all the other ex-pats who love it as well?

Calling allllllll "sweat birds"!

Margaritas, Madness and More

"Hi, my name is Babs, I can't drink tequila". Yup that's true. It makes me a notpretty sight. I discovered this quite by accident the first and second time I drank it.

I have avoided it like the plague since. This was brought back to me last night at a party where margaritas were being served and I respectfully declined. Someone pressed the issue of why I didn't want a margarita and just wouldn't drop the subject until I said "Because I become lewd and lacivious". Then I saw the "nasty gleam" in his eyes, but no more comment and the subject was dropped.

Here's the story. I was so young when my husband brought home tequila in the 70's and made margaritas for us while we were refinishing a piece of furniture. The children were off somewhere visiting grandparents or something. Two drinks and I was a mess. The furniture piece was not finished. Then the second time I had tequila I was at Club Med with a friend who had convinced me to go there. Bad decision, way out of my league. But a few tequila shots and I had the entire population of Club Med following me in a conga line throughout the dining room. Right before we had a food fight. I spent the next three or four days in my room recuperating.

Tequila has not touched my lips since then. I MUST be allergic or something. It's a mine field living in Mexico. Truly. And, when I was designing so many Tex Mex restaurants back in the 80's, that was a minefield too. I just walked around with a glass of water in a margarita glass out of fear and trepidation as to what would happen if I drank just one.

So now I have a new "friend" coming to visit. His drink of choice - a margarita. I have forewarned him that I don't drink tequila. He thinks it's funny - I don't. No tequila para mi......

You can't make this kind of stuff up!

I swear this is true. I had dinner with Peaches and Shrub while in the USA. Yup, real names. BUT it gets better. His father's name was Bushy-no lie. And, their son's name is Branch who named his son Reed. Can you believe this? Add to this that if I gave you their last names you would recognize it because it is a VERY prominent family who is responsible for much of the development of the Texas coast.

I just love when things like this happen. I chuckle inwardly for weeks about the quirkiness of life. And then my mind leaps around thinking of names for their grandchildren like Rose, Oleander, Violet - oh heck, the list is endless isn't it?

Up on the Ladder......Again

I don't know why most of the projects around these two houses involve a ladder, but they do.

This morning, after my cup of coffee and before the heat hit.....whew......I decided I needed to fix the big canvas mural on the wall up on the roof terrace.

I have "jerry rigged" it up there and it has stayed for eight years. It is a series of nails, with holes poked in the canvas at the top and the canvas hung that way. I know, I know, there are a million other better ways, but that's how I figured it out long ago. It is 10 ft x 10 ft. A surreal scene of various things of Mexico that can be seen from a block away due to the largeness of the things painted on the canvas. I love it.

Well anyway, back to the project. It entailed getting up on the ladder. Holding the canvas with one hand and trying to get the canvas holes to match up with the nails where it had come lose. In some instances the nails have fallen out, so I had to get down the ladder and with hammer and nails in hand go back up and complete the repair. Heck, all this up and down the ladder is as good as a gym workout!

The whole thing took about thirty minutes. I looked over the wall at the end.A Mexican man was looking up at me with horror on his face as though he was sure I was either going to fall or jump. I had neither in mind.

So, I finished up that deed and brought the ladder to the bedroom where the pesky, but very necessary ceiling fan sounds like a Cessna taking off during the night. I hope WD-40 was what I should use because I have now doused every hole I could find. Hopefully I won't be sprayed with droplets tonight. YUK.

So, if you wonder what a sophisticated, glamourous (I say this tongue in cheek) woman does in her spare time? She is a "handywoman"........well, not so handy. My mother never told me I was going to have to know all this stuff.............where is that White Knight?

Fairhope Alabama

As I write this post, I'm listening to Radio Margaritaville. It seems so appropriate.........a Capt. Morgan's with ginger ale and lime would make it even better.



Fairhope is one of the "sweetest" towns in America. Lying across from Mobile Bay, it had an "aura" the one and only time that I was there. I have never forgotten.



This was brought back to me by an article in Smithsonian's June issue. The article was called "An Easy Place" by Rick Bragg. I'm not familiar with Rick but his writing was so lyrical and poignant. I've made a note to order books he has written. He certainly captured the essence of the area.



A sailing buddy of mine, Mike Bernhardt escaped Houston about 15 years ago and settled in Fairhope - with his sailboat, of course.



I'm sure he is sitting around drinking Capt. Morgan's and telling hysterically funny stories. OR he's out in his boat singing Jimmy Buffet.



One of the absolutely funniest of Mike's stories was when he and his high school buddies decided to "streak" past the dining room windows of the Conroe Country Club. They successfully "streaked" - remember streaking? But, when they went back for their clothes NONE were to be found. With leaves and branches, they snuck through neighborhoods to his house. They walked in the front door of his darkened home whereupon the lights came on and his parents along with others were falling out of chairs from laughter. Quite by accident they came across the boys' clothes on the grounds of the club and recognized them.



Mike could never tell that story or many others without breaking up laughing himself - so did everyone else.



Haven't heard "hide nor hair" from Mike since our last sail. Just someone passing through my life.



Fairhope is lucky to have that funny man as a funky inhabitant. He must fit in perfectly.

Things You Never Expect..........

Some of those are wonderful and some, not so much! But, in this case it is wonderful.

I came home to piles of mail and magazines. Thankfully a couple of months of Smithsonian, National Geographic Traveler and Art & Antiques. I enjoy reading myself to sleep with those.

One of the unexpected things was that someone in Denver acted as a Good Samaritan and mailed my driver's license to me. Thank you to humankind.

But, tucked into the pile of stuff was a mail-pak envelope, small in size. Hmm, I thought, "What is that?" It turned out to be a treasure. so unexpected, it took my breath away.

In it was a note from my sister that said she had been going through the effects of my step-mother who had died several years ago and she found this photo album. She forwarded it to me along with some snapshots of my dad and other family photos that I had NEVER seen. The photo album was of Jennifer along with my step mother and my brother and his family one day about 11 years ago.

What a wonderful unexpected gift this was for me. It made me wonder how many other people have photos that I have never seen............. But for the moment, I'll savor these in happy and healthy times. In addition the photo of my dad with Jennifer was when she was about 4 years old and I have never had a photo of just the two of them.

It's amazing how a Random Act of Kindness can impact your life so much. Thanks Marilyn.......

"Bird Music"

I woke to the sound of the birds this morning. Aaah, how wonderful. I "rolled into" San Miguel yesterday afternoon.

The term "bird music" came from my fifteen month old granddaughter, Matilda. While I was in Colorado she and I were in the backyard. She is extremely alert. She heard a bird and "signed" the word for bird and then the word for music. I was flabbergasted. I'll treasure that memory.
Never will I hear a bird sing again that I don't think of this "wee one" having the cognitive skills to tell me what she was thinking. Pretty wonderful.

So, I'm slowly but surely plowing through all the stuff I brought back - the usual, books from friends, a Vonage set up (YEAH), various food items that I can't get down here, and then emptying the suitcases. Seven weeks of living out of suitcases is very interesting. I had one for winter stuff and one for summer stuff. I go prepared. I wore almost everything!

It's great to be back although I reluctantly left the beach. My soul has been replenished. Add to that all the kindnesses of friends and family and I must say it was the greatest trip to the USA I've ever had.

The funny thing is that I was, in a way, dreading it because of the anniversary of Jennifer's passing. But being surrounded by loved ones sure made it that much better.

Onward I go - lots of "stuff" happening - going to get back into the swing of things around here.
I have plenty of "happenings" from this trip to share with ya'll as soon as I download the photos.

Sure HOPE the rains come soon...........

A Sea the Color of Emeralds

Sometimes all the planet is aligned and an extraordinary day of nature occurs. Such a day happened recently.

The Gulf was still. Just small waves lapping at the shoreline. So still that there were wade-fisherman out in a line on the first sandbar with fishing rods and stringer lines just waiting for the redfish, snapper and trout. They came in abundance.

A fisherman told me that standing in the water up to your shoulders one could see your feet. The water was that clear. No seaweed, nothing.

EXCEPT the awesome sight of pods of dolphins in very, very close. I saw a pod of five LARGE dolphins just playfully swimming and breaching. It was so mesmerizing. Pod after pod swimming by.

I walked and then swam out to experience the clean, clear water. It was so calm that I could swim! I stayed out for quite a while watching the dolphins and looking down in wonderment at my feet.

You have to understand, I've been coming to Galveston since the late 60's. I don't remember seeing the Gulf like this..........ever. It felt like I was swimming in a sea of emeralds.

Wish ALL of you could have been there for this magnificent experience.

The LONG Road Home

The drive back to San Miguel always feels daunting before I cross the border. I always worry whether Mexican Customs is going to hassle me (they don't) or not. But, it's still in the back of my mind.

Then when I pass the 16 mile checkpoint, I've gotten the green light, and I'm heading south, my heart races and I get a smile on that straight road because I know it won't be long until I see the beginning of the mountains in the distance.

I also look forward to what kind of wildflowers will be blooming as there is always something blooming -even in the desert!

It truly isn't a difficult eight hour drive from the Border to San Miguel. I take books on tape and the next thing I know I'm turning off where the little sign says San Miguel. (There didn't used to be a sign when I first started driving down). In fact, signage has evidently become a big business in Mexico in the last couple of years. Especially the Ruta 2010 signs for the anniversary next year. Geez, there are gillions of them.

So, I usually get home around 5PM, if not sooner, and my heart does always flip as I come over the rise and see San Miguel below. It is truly a welcome and beautiful sight. Happy Trails!

Serendipitous Events

It's funny how when you're open to life so many "six degrees of separation" things happen in your life. Some examples:

I have known a couple on the Eyeopener Tours for at least eight years. We always enjoy each other's company and they are very involved in the Orange Show arena. He is an author with many published works and she is on the board of the OS. Our conversations usually center around outsider art. So imagine my surprise when he showed a new book to me on the Aftermath of Hurricane Ike. I looked at it and was struck by its poignancy. I immediately thought of my friends in Galveston and said, "Oh my friend Vandy needs to see this". The author said, "Vandy ----------" I know my mouth flew open in surprise. Their connection was so bizarre and involved, its way too long to put into a blog. BUT I immediately called Vandy and
Sue. We all had dinner at the Artillery Club. What's that you ask? Go to http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM15M5 Click on the sign to enlarge the information to find out about one of the oldest artillery brigades founded before the Civil War. The book on Ike is being presented to the appropriate people in Galveston.......Small world.

Add to that, that I was berating myself driving to Kingwood for not having ordered another pair of my favorite Merrill sandals. The present ones are nearly worn out. I missed a turn, decided to stop in a store for something else and lo and behold, the black Merrills were there - $40 less then if I had ordered them online. Sweet.

The final serendipitous event involved my discussing with my granddaughter the music I like. I mentioned the theft of my favorite CDs from my car. I said in particular there was one singer that I had not been able to replace - Eva Cassidy. She got a strange look on her face and told me that that is the favorite entertainer of her 19year old boyfriend. Who would ever imagine that? He came by the house, I told him the story. He went home and brought a burned CD back within an hour. On it is "Fields of Gold". Among others........Aaaaah.

Oh my, I'm so happy to have my sandals and the CD that I can hardly stand it. Especially since I didn't expect either. They say there are "no accidental events" in life. It's all destiny. How lucky am I?

Feeling my Age

Luckily I had that quiet time yesterday morning with the munchkins because the rest of the day was non-stop.

Taking lunch to the kids and eating with them in a cafeteria where the noise level exceeds all levels of any rock concert - basically it was like a 747 taking off. This is a "special" thing for someone to bring them lunch and sit iwth them. It happens in shifts. Whew.

Then returning home was getting ready for 20 of those yea-hoos to arrive for Emma's pool party. I took photos and will share when I get back to San Miguel. I had thought, without thinking, that I would swim with them but the cannonballing boys convinced me otherwise.

Around 8 PM last night the last people left. Whew. By 9:15 I was in bed with my head on the pillow and was probably asleep at 9:16.

I seldom feel my age, but all that activity definitely reminded me that I'm no "spring chicken anymore". Today appears to be a carbon copy.

While discussing this with Jessica this morning, she said, "Grammy I know it seems like it is hectic when you get here - but it's ALWAYS hectic here." Out of the mouths of babes.......

And tomorrow an entire Girl Scout troop arrives to work on their cooking badge. I think it's time for me to head home...........

Unconditional Love

We all want it...................we seldom get it...............unless you're a grandparent. It is absolutely wonderful.



I crept downstairs this morning to make my coffee. I took it out on the back patio to the rocking chair overlooking the pool. I was sitting and rocking and sipping. Aaah - just watching the sun come up through the big pines, the birds singing and the squirrels running on the fence.



Then the first one appeared..............with Buzz Lightyears in hand, Andrew. He just came to tell me good morning.....he's not a hugger or one to sit in my lap. He left. Shortly thereafter Hannah
appeared. She's getting so long legged that she can hardly sit in my lap any more for back rubs but somehow she manages to twist herself into my lap for rocking and back rubbing. Of course eventually, the late sleeper Emma wanders in - this all happened one by one. All before 8AM! Really, really sweet. It just shows that I can bring gifts when I first show up, but what they really want is time and touching..................don't we all?



My oldest Jessica who is now 17 was studying for a History exam last night and asked if I could help her review. So I got the notebook and started to ask the questions.............Imagine my surprise and laughter when the history was MY and YOUR generation. Like Sputnik, Vietnam, Watergate, Nixon etc. etc. etc. It certainly was a wakeup call.

It's great to be up in the midst of the family again - my daughter Julie's. I'll take home great memories from all of my travels, but it IS nice to have these memories at the end. Today fourteen 3rd graders will be coming for a pool party and tomorrow is the party for the 5th graders. Somehow I DO think the quiet of San Miguel will be welcome.................or maybe not.

The "magic"

No I don't mean card tricks and people disappearing but just the "magic" of life.

I've always been one who liked to "stretch the envelope". When I would get too comfortable with my life I would try something new. And for a long time I haven't felt up to doing that. At least not since I sold everything and moved to Mexico.

Well, I've sure been stretching the envelope for the last six months or so. AND it has been very, very interesting.

I was flying a couple of weeks ago to Colorado and read this quote in a magazine which really touched me. It said, "The "magic" only happens when you fly so far out of your comfort zone that anything is possible and love can blossom". Hmm, I'm sure finding that to be true.

And this other sentence caused me to pause in reflection - "Magic is not all that different from courage". Isn't that interesting?