Monday, September 28, 2009
The Hubcap Man
While she was talking about the escapades of the junkyard searches, it jogged a memory for me of a similar episode. It happened in Houston.
It was back in the mid 80's. I was working on designing a restaurant called Elvia's Cantina and British Pub. There's another story right there in the name and concept of that restaurant....for another day. A funny, funny story actually. I was so afraid that this restaurant wasn't going to make it for the couple who were the owners, that I decided to concept it as "funky" with lots of inexpensive decorative items. Hence, hubcaps was one of those accessories.
I wanted to cover a wall with hubcaps. Someone had told me about Hubcap Heaven out on Hempstead Hwy. I remember it was summer and one of those "hotter then hell" days that you only get in the South with humidity to match. But, I had a mission.
Out there I went. There was a big gate covered with hubcaps. Hmmm, this must be the place.
The gate was opened by a man who was so short I could see the total top of his head. I'm only 5'6"! On top of his head was a tattoo of a hubcap..........can you imagine the pain to get that adornment? Yikes. It was hard for me not to look at him. I could feel laughter bubbly up in me each time I looked at the top of his head. I stifled it.
He was accomodating and showed me around. It was, it seemed, acres and acres of hubcaps. Each one I would bend over to touch, he would wax about poetically. Each one had a story. I, of course would think, because of his love for that particular hubcap, that it would be expensive. So I would ask. I knew I needed about 55 hubcaps. And he would say, "Oh $1.50" I was delighted.
I must have been out there for at least two hours. Dripping with sweat, oops perspiration, by the time I left with all 55 hubcaps. Total bill was less then $70 dollars. I thought of that little guy several times after that trip and how much he enjoyed what he did and loved those things he had to sell.
You just never know where an adventure will come from, do you? By the way, last I heard Elvia's was still open at the corner of Fondren and Westheimer. Almost 25 years later.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Once a designer - always a designer!
Now I AM limited. Plus the house is so small. You want to see it again? Go to Casa Tranquilo, the August 20th post. And so I'm limited on what I can shove around. Basically its a couple of rugs and the chaise lounge, the dining room table and the love seat. So, its a snap. I wish I could move everything, but no mas.
So, it's Fall and I switched things around today. The only other thing I do is to switch out pillows from the spring-summery ones to the fall-wintery ones that are tweedy and darker colors. I'm sure no one notices but me. But heck, like I say, once a designer, always a designer. I like the change.......in fact, hmmmm, I'm thinking I'm going to look for some of those faux fur pillows next time I'm in the USA. They would go so nice with the zebra skin rug and leopard suede loveseat.
Oooh, and they would be nice to snuggle up with.........See what I mean?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Hanging Out
Isn't life great when you don't have to move if you don't want to? Well Velcro has a great life. The only things that seem to make her move are a small bowl of milk or when she wants to go outside. What a life! To have gone from a feral cat to this - it's a fairy tale.
I strive to have the same peace and tranquility in my life. Maybe not so much not moving for hours, but the sheer contentment of the sun on my back and a special place to be. It's not really that complicated. Contentment that is - it's all inside of us.
It's a cloudy, rainy, blustery day today. One of those that makes you contemplative, content, (with socks on), and ready to stay home and just "hang out".
Friday, September 25, 2009
TFT,LCD,MP3, BD-LIVE
Remember the blog I wrote back on May 7th? "Futzing at Fry's". It was deja vu. I could hardly read, much less understand, the copy on the sites that advertized electronics. I want a 5 CD changer, just like I have but a different brand. I want a SONY. Not too much to ask, I don't think. I actually, finally, found one at Amazon.
I'm driving up to the border mid-October with some friends for a little shopping and hopefully a day at South Padre.............and so I think I'll just order it from Amazon, have it sent to the hotel and be done with it. Anything more technical then that would be too much for me...........
I know all you guys out there are snickering at this. I admit I'm a techno novice. So, if there is a better 5 CD changer out there, quick, tell me because I spent about 2 hours yesterday on the internet and I don't want to spend anymore. I'm going to order this one, unless you tell me NO.
By the way, in plain English, would someone tell me what Blu-Ray is?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ask and Ye Shall Receive
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Nature's Bounty
So this dear, dear friend (the second dear came after I saw this bounty) showed up at the gate about fifteen minutes later with this huge bag. It also included those beautiful peppers which are seen on the top. Isn't it all gloriously magnificent? I WILL have to share some of it though. I couldn't possibly eat all of that or 1/10th of that...........I am going to try to freeze the squash however. That way I can make squash casserole during the holidays too.
Every day is some kind of a happy surprise, usually. Well if it isn't a happy surprise, every day sure does have a surprise of some kind.
VIVA Mexico!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Just when you think you've seen it all!
Perhaps for no other reason then to charge for a photo with pretty girls. Who knows?
He was approached by this young lady and her friend. He gladly stood with each for a photo. What they are saying to each other, I have no idea. Maybe, "Hey where did you get that great hat?" Or "How do you get that mustache to curl like that?" Or many other possible earth shattering questions.............the mind reels with thoughts.
If only Richard of "The Gangs of San Miguel" blog were here. He would go bonkers. He would have to come up with a whole new category. Geez, Knights of the Templar or some darn thing. Maybe this guy sold windmills in his previous life. Who knows?
But I LOVE the photo I took above. The shoe shine man is looking at him as though he doesn't believe what he is seeing. We didn't either. "Senor Breastplate" didn't stick around long. Very few tourists. He needed to go home and shine his sword....chuckle, chuckle.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
"People Watching" at the Independence Day Parade
As a counterpoint, this woman pranced around for a while flouncing her hair and other parts of her anatomy. Finally she settled down for a hot dog. The boots said it all.
Americans always think they are the most patriotic of any country. But I'm here to say that I find a fervent patriotism in Mexico. The kids are always dressed up as Pancho Villa, a politician, a flouncy girl in a Mexican dress, and too many other things to list here. I find it adorable and heartwarming. Lucky kid above to have a Dad's shoulders to sit on. He was able to see the whole parade.
I, on the other hand, was on my tippy toes trying to see the horse riders over all the people lined up in front of me. There was the reenactment of Hidalgo and his compadres racing down the street. It was a miracle that I got this photo of the Virgen.
Most of my photos were just the back of the heads of everyone in front of me. Next time I'll get to the parade earlier so I can be in the front. That would be a miracle too.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Patience...........
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
El Grito Festivities
There is a primary school right across from my house. If I go up on the roof terrace, I can see and hear all their festivities. Today the speakers were so loud I didn't even have to go outside. But, I wanted to get a photo for the blog. This is a really bad photo but the kids were having fun playing games, listening to Mexican patriotic songs and eating. School ended early today. It will be quiet around here manana.
So, not to be outdone by lunch yesterday, I had lunch out today AGAIN! Hey, someone has to do it. This time at my friend Angie's fabulous house. Angie's the one with the headband. She's a fascinating woman who lived in Haiti for a long, long time before coming to San Miguel - hence the magnificent piece of Haitian art behind the three diners. All very interesting people...........but I had to run on.....to the next festivity.
It was a party at my great friends, Ron and Fred's house. They had told me it was going to be about 15 people. It was more like 85 people. I swear they must put up billboards out on the highway. Surely they don't know that many people.....do they? Again, I brought headbands for them. They are such great sports that they wore them throughout the party and we all had so much fun. If you read the blog, you know that I met them on the beach eighteen years ago in Puerto Vallarta. There seems to be some disagreement about who picked up who, but truly, we all just hit it off and stayed in touch. They moved to San Miguel and have ALWAYS enhanced my life. AND they make me laugh out loud..............all the time.
The festivities tonight in the jardin start at 11PM and will go all night. Of course it is raining now, but it always rains on this night.
Then tomorrow evening there is a grand parade and more festivities. Mexico definitely knows how to party. VIVA MEXICO!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Some Favorite Photos
Friday, September 11, 2009
Welcoming Billie and Ned Home to San Miguel
They headed to Houston a while back thinking they would be there for a week or so. They ended up being there for almost four months while Ned went through chemo and radiation. He's doing GREAT.
There must have been close to 100 people last night. All happy to see this popular, kind and funny couple. You could "feel the love" as they say. The event was held at the Sunset Bar on top of Casa Linda. Oh, the views of the city and the hillsides were awesome. I did peek when I wasn't busy "meeting and greeting".
Friendships are interesting, aren't they? Billie and I don't physically see each other often, but we talk on the phone or email. I always know she's there if I need her and hopefully she knows I'm there for her too. I think she does. She is one of those people who you build memories with that are meaningful. A real treasure.
And Ned, in his calm and unpretentious way is the epitome of goodness. Always ready with a deep laugh or a hug or just a "Hi".
Gosh, I'm SO glad they are back home in San Miguel.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Just in case.........
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
A Heartwarming Sight
I joined my friend of almost 25 years from the Clear Lake area for lunch. If you click on the bottom photo that black eye is now only yellow and purple. It certainly isn't swollen shut anymore. The bangs hide the bump on the forehead that is still there. After 3 weeks!
So, for those who wanted to see the "evil eye", there it is.............almost well. All in good time.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Blogger-mania
It has been a weekend of blogdom. First, I finally met Shirleen who has not actually commented on the blog, but has been emailing me for over a year as she has been reading the blog. We have tried on a couple of occasions to get together but something always intervened. I even hoped to visit she and her husband Eddie in Texas, but it is just so hectic when I'm up there and that didn't happen. We KNEW we would know some of the same people since Eddie is in the food business and has been for 30 years, at least.
He is the Tamale King of Texas. When he was talking about his business, I mentioned that my son John used to drive down to Friendswood after he was grown to a Tamale Truck to get his favorite tamales. He still talks about those tamales with grinning eyes.
It turns out that Eddie provides the tamales to that vendor, among a lot of others. He has a 30,000 sq. ft warehouse. That should give you an idea of how many tamales they manufacture and sell. Fascinating to hear all about it.
Then, today I was thrilled to meet Todd and Shannon of Patzcauro. That's them in the above photo. Todd and I started corresponding in March 2007 when he commented on a photograph of an old woman selling flowers on the street that I had taken. Later he attempted to help me with blogging info and how to do "stuff" whch was extremely helpful. His writing style is very informative and his photographs are beautifully crafted. His blog is titled, Life in El Corazon. And to get to it, go to www.lifeinthecorazon.blogspot.com You'll really enjoy it! AND, if you're looking for a home to buy in my favorite State of Michoacan, Todd and Shannon are selling their beautiful home. Go to www.wow-nice-house.com (Hey Todd, I want a commission, like a cafecito in the jardin, if I bring a buyer to the table.) Just kidding. How fun it was to talk and find out about their current and previous lives. About their son in Australia who is a chef at 25! And all kinds of other stuff. Absolutely delightful! I hated for our chat to end. Hopefully they'll come back soon.
This all makes me want to have a Blogger Fest in San Miguel - next spring. What do you think? Would many of you come here? I have met about a dozen bloggers and I want to meet the rest of you.........San Miguel is a great central location and I KNOW it would be fun.
Heck, if there isn't a "herd" of you, we could always end up here, on the big sectional sofa having late night conversations........wouldn't that be cool? Or who knows, we could go out to the hot springs and have a picnic, OR we could hang out in the jardin and watch the world go by, Or, Or, Or..........
Corn Casserole and Lemon Bars
CORN CASSEROLE - (Houston Chronicle)
1 (15 0z) can creamed corn
1 (15 oz) can undrained whole kernel corn
2T sugar
2 Eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 c. cornbread mix
1/2 stick butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in bottom of 9" or 10" square pyrex dish. In a large bowl combine both corns, sugar eggs, cornbread mix. Mix well. Pour batter into dish. Bake 1 hour. Makes 6-8 servings. (Everyone always wants this recipe).
LEMON BARS (Received this recipe in 1968 - favorite every holiday season)
CRUST:
1 C butter (2 sticks)
2 C flour
1/2 C powdered sugar
Mix well, press into (2) 9 x 9 pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until light brown.
FILLING:
4 T lemon juice
4 eggs, beaten
2 C sugar
4 T flour
1 tspn. baking powder
Combine and pour over baked crust. Return to oven; Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until middle doesn't jiggle anymore.
While hot, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cool. Cut into squares.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Living in the moment...........on Saturday
So, I decided to do stuff around here. The first was to gather all the papers to submit my FM-3 for renewal on Tuesday. Well, that started the proverbial ball rolling. I mean, I realized in going through some files that I had bank statements back to 2004. I went into "clean out mode" like you wouldn't believe. I started with all those files, moved on to the side board where I straightened stuff and THEN decided to clean the shelves in the pantry. Good grief, what got into me?
As if THAT wasn't enough I came downstairs to my ONE closet and ONE step ladder and decided to find some fall clothes since it is now 50 in the mornings and only in the mid 70's during the day......gauzy things don't work in this kind of weather. (The gauzy comment is for RUCO who seems to be enthralled with that word and those kind of clothes, ehh?) Anyway, as I pulled out the fall clothes, I realized how many of them I haven't worn in a couple, if not few, years and so I made a pile to take to ALMA for their charitable garage sale.
I mean, I went at it like a woman possessed. The next thing I knew, I looked at the clock and it was after 5PM. Well, the clothes are all bagged and in the back of the car ready to take to ALMA and the sacks of old papers are in the trash. I love days when at the end of them you have a sense of accomplishment, don't you?
I just don't want to do that EVERY day..........
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Late Night Conversations
I don't cook much anymore. I don't know how to cook in small portions very well, having cooked for a herd when the kids were at home. I got the spiral ham when the Gypsy Kids were here but there was never time for them to come over to sit down for a meal......so there it languished in the fridge. What to do? Of course, invite good friends over. You know the ones who kick their shoes off, curl up after dinner and talk. The meal is something to do. But, it's after the meal when the real great conversation happens..........I cooked the ham, a new potato salad recipe without mayonnaise (which was interesting), a corn souffle, big mixed salad and lemon bars. The first and last items, oh and the corn souffle requested by some in the party.
After dinner, with shoes off, we all plopped on the big sectional sofa. Coffee and lemon bars were passed around. What ensued was 3 1/2 hours of conversation that covered topics from religion to Speedos, to travel. Not necessarily in that order. Lots of laughter too. Don't you just love the kind of friends where you can just talk about anything and no one gets their back up or their feelings hurt? The best.
After everyone left and as I was cleaning up, the evening's conversations replayed in my mind. Interestingly, the topics used to include who was building a house and how big it was going to be. It also used to be about who was moving here and all the new things that were happening.
This conversation, in some instances, was a bit more serious. It was about the three bodies found out by the railroad tracks, cartel killings. It was about who was leaving and who was thinking of leaving Mexico. And, the budget crisis of the administration of San Miguel. Also about the new female mayor of San Miguel who has never been in politics and how she would do in this new career. A few sobering topics. Somehow though, we always got back to light topics like Santorini, Mediterranean cruises, Alaskan cruises, etc.etc.etc.
Just love nights like that with those kind of friends. And realizing that those are the good times in life.
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." Written Anonymously.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Black Clouds Coming
One of the things I love living on top of the hill are the views that I get of the horizon. From time to time I think about living a block or two from the jardin, and then, something like this happens and I doubt I would ever move............unless it's to the beach a few months out of the year - the winter months. Which I sorta do anyway.
There have been a few black clouds this year, but none were moving as fast as this one - at least not that I could tell at the time..........
And then, things lighten up, the storm clouds pass, and, as it is today, we have bright blue skies.
Viva San Miguel. Viva Mexico!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
A "star" continues to shine
When he and his wife Rhonda came to look at my guest casita to rent, they could not have been nicer. And in the 1 1/2 years that they lived there, while they built their home in San Miguel, they were ALWAYS gracious and kind.
The photo above shows how open and friendly John is to everyone. He's conversing with Deb about her late husband Hoyt Axton before his performance out at Patsy's Place this past Sunday. At some point, in his long career, John recorded with Hoyt. He said it was "very interesting".
She, I and my friends Ron and Fred went out to hear John sing and to have a delicious lunch. One of his comments, "Engelbert Humperdink is in Las Vegas and I'm on the outskirts of San Miguel" brought laughter. Of course John performs EVERYWHERE all year long. They are always on a plane going somewhere. We're all glad when he can get a little rest and be back "home".
What a show he performed. Two hours of all kinds of music. Since he does a lot of Broadway and Community theater performances, his voice really has resonance. It was so enjoyable. It was a bit surreal for me to see "the performer" as I typically saw him in his bathrobe singing in the garden. Or in jeans and a shirt. His jokes and one liners kept everyone laughing.
Here he has pulled my friend Fay out of the audience and is serenading her. She's enjoying, obviously, every minute of it.
One of the funniest things he said, which I'll never forget was, "They told me the upper crust from San Miguel would be here today. So I looked up "crust" in the dictionary and it said, a lot of little crumbs held together by dough". OMG, did I laugh..........as did others.
A great afternoon enjoyed by all. There were probably at least 100 people there and the small venue just added to the enjoyment.
So, if he ever does this again, and you haven't been, get out to Patsy's Place for a musical and culinary afternoon.