Thursday, April 29, 2010

Ditching The Map of Life

I give credit to that phrase to Sweet Tooth whose blog is listed in my blog roll. It perfectly explains the place my life is at this moment.

Almost ten years ago when I sold everything, the business, the home and almost all my belongings and moved to San Miguel de Allende, I definitely ditched the map of my life. It was great going through all the unexpected things. It keeps you on your toes. You live in a delightful state of problem solving euphoria....ha. I've never regretted stepping out of my comfort zone and reveling in that new life.

Then about one and a half years ago, I decided to shake it all up again. I purposely wanted to share my life with a person, not a cat or dog, although don't tell Velcro the cat that I said that!

It took a year and a couple of false starts, but last October, lo and behold, I met someone. Ok, my parameters had been - no one north of Dallas since I hate cold weather; (that didn't happen) and someone with no encumbrances who was retired; (well he's retired but owns a bunch of stuff) and, someone already in Mexico; (ok so I'm in West Virginia).

Hence, ditching the map of life at this point is a good idea. Since my original map was of another continent, so to speak.

It is an absolutely lovely time of my life. If it ended tomorrow I would be grateful for the last six months. Laughter reigns, kindness is supreme and gratitude for each other is the order of the day, every day.

Friends who know, say, "So what's the next step?" and I reply, "Who knows?" I'm content with things just the way they are NOW.

But, as you know, I'm always one who lives in the NOW and doesn't worry too much about the future.

So, I've ditched the map of life and I'm curious to see what will happen as we travel down the windy roads of West Virginia, the USA and Mexico.

Halleluia.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Wild and Wooly

I headed out of San Miguel a week ago Saturday. I usually leave at 4AM to catch the 7AM flight to Houston and then on to Dulles but since this flight was booked with such short notice, I flew out at 3:35PM. I then, eventually arrived at Dulles at 11PM. Many wild, wooly and wacky experiences later.

Let me share them with you.

Leon, Mexico is a piece of cake for checking in and flying out of. Never a hassle or lines or rude behavior. Nothing in the check-in prepares you for the nuttiness of the Houston airport.

I'm usually flying Continental on their Jet Express service. Their planes are Embrauers. Something akin to a juice can with wings. This flight was the bumpiest of my life.........and I've flown tens of thousands of miles. I've even crash landed in a gopher field in Wyoming - but that's another story.

Anyway, there were mostly Mexicans on this leg of the journey. Their eyes were wide as we hit one air pocket after another. Needless to say, the flight was somewhat delayed. I had one hour and 20 minutes to get from the international terminal after going through US Customs and the security check where you shed everything possible, including your shoes. So, boy, I hightailed it out of that plane and smoothly made it through US Customs. Got the baggage to the right place for reloading on the next plane and then everything came to a virtual standstill. SECURITY. Eight rows of people - mostly returning from beach weeks in Mexico. All happy and sunburned. Not too upset about the lines unless they had a continuing flight to catch. Which many in line were trying to do - including me.

Eventually got through that - and was informed the sky train was not working. Therefore one had to go down and get on the train underground which was not considered a "secured" area. Can you imagine my irritation at the fact that upon arrived at Terminal B, those of us who had just gone through the eight lines for inspection, now had to go through that whole BS again? There must have been three hundred of us. One of the sunburned people I had met in the previous lines was right behind me trying to make a flight to Louisville. The woman was so tiny, but boy she had a big mouth! I, in my mind, named her "Chihuahua Lady" because she was making all kinds of verbal threats about contacting the US Transportation Dept, news media, the Mayor of Houston, etc.etc.etc. Her husband remained calm. I enjoyed just watching THAT interaction.

Earlier while attempting to traverse the train, I met a Continental agent who was my guardian angel and said she would attempt to help me make my connection. As I was stopped dead in my tracks at Terminal B to go through Security again, she waved and left me. I thought, "Well, that is that". But, in fact, we had talked about how it would be helpful if there was a cart near security that could whisk me to my gate....and also if the ticket agent at my gate knew I was coming.........they might wait for all of us. Boy, she was REALLY my guardian angel.

I had given up that I was going to make the connection as I stood in the line for Security. However, as I came out of the conveyor belt line, I looked up and there was a cart. Grabbing my shoes, my purse and my other stuff, I jumped on the cart and said, "Twenty bucks if you get me to my gate in time for the flight". Have you ever told a Mexican taxi driver to "hurry"? Well, the $20 had the same effect. We FLEW down the tunnel with her yelling and people leaping out of the way. (I'm not making this up) I was hanging on for dear life. In fact I didn't even have time to put my shoes on.

By golly, we arrived at the gate, the door was still open and I ran up with boarding pass in one hand and shoes in the other. The agent laughed. He said he had gotten a call that I was headed his way! I laughed, and smiled, and flew through the door of the plane - sat and exhaled.

Upon arrival at Dulles, I exhaled again. It took a couple of days to recuperate from that twelve hour adventure.

The underlying question is, why can't TSA get their act together? What a fiasco security is in this country.

And, the clincher is, that when I go to Houston the end of May for my granddaughter's graduation from high school, WE are driving..........won't that be fun? Less stressful, that's for sure!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Raining.......Jacaranda Blossoms

 

 

 

 



I truly thought it was raining last night. I sat down to have dinner with my great friends, Ron and Fred. After a few minutes, in an outdoor dining courtyard, I said, "Oh my gosh, it's starting to rain". But as I looked at the ground I didn't see any rain drops. Imagine my delight and surprise when my friends pointed out that it was the jacaranda blossoms hitting the top of the giant outdoor umbrella. The sound was better then any symphony I've ever heard in the past.

As we dined on delicious crepes, at La Creperie, the gentle sound persisted. We all felt like we were cosseted in an environment of serenity and tranquility. The food was superb. The conversation was, as usual, captivating and hilarious. The service was courteous.

It was the perfect way to say "adios" to my friends and San Miguel for a few months.

Not wanting the evening to end, we walked to the jardin where so much was going on that it was like a three ring circus.

What a perfect counterpoint to our dinner environment. We just sat down on the bench and took it all in. I'll post photos of last night when I get to the States manana, or maybe in a couple of days.

Happy Trails.........
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

An Addition to the Casa

 

 

 

 



I just was able to move into my casa a trunk that I bought at an auction last August. It has resided all this time in the guest house. Now that that house is vacant, I switched out the coffee tables (which is what I have turned the trunk into) and I'm SO enjoying the artwork.

The artist is Peter Leventhal. He resides and paints here in San Miguel. His work brings a smile to my face with its underlying humor, color and rubenesque figures. You should see what's on the inside lid - but, this is a family blog, so I can't post THAT photo. Suffice to say, it is another voluptuose person.........

All this leads up to the fact that the guest house is now spotlessly clean. The windows are sparkling as are the floors and furniture. The best news is that it is already rented. I sent out emails to friends in Mexico and the USA. Lo and behold, a woman from Cave Creek Az. who is a friend of a friend, was heading this way but didn't have a place to live. She does now!

I have worked and worked this past three weeks to get my house and now the guest house and gardens in tip-top shape. There was an ulterior motive.

'm leaving again and heading back to..........yup, you guessed it, West Virginia. The enticement is........well, guess. I'm also going to learn to play golf, work out at the gym, try out the bicycles in the garage and just have fun.

I'm turning into a real jet setter! Ha. Those kids on "The Amazing Race" TV show have nothing on me. You should see me rushing through the various terminals to make my connections.

However, it is all worth it. At both ends is a life that is amazing.......peaceful,beautiful and more then I could ever have imagined.

See you on down the road.
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Sunday, April 11, 2010

Real Estate and now Drug Cartels

I intended to write a blog today on the jacaranda trees just blooming and the delay in the migration of the monarchs.

But, a blog by Steve over at www.steveinmexico.blogspot.com caused the name of Stratfor to come up for the second time this week. So I decided to jump in with both feet and write about real estate and drug cartels instead. I'll save the sweet blog about the aforementioned for another day.

In the booming years here in San Miguel from 2003 to 2006, you couldn't go anywhere that people weren't talking about the house they were building or the land they had bought or how much trouble accomplishing both of those activities had become. It was nauseous. I would just slip away to talk with someone about world events, travel or something of interest to me. It truly became such a breathtakingly boring subject.

Well you sure don't hear anyone talking now about building or how much they made flipping properties or how many houses they are buying. There is no boom here anymore and those looking for the quick buck have left. Thankfully.

NOW the topic of discussion is the danger of the drug cartels in San Miguel. It is absolutely ludicrous. Someone recently talked about the fact that La Familia was, and would, take over the town. OMG. These guys make billions a year - why would they come to some place, off the beaten track, where everyone knows everyone else?
Honestly, now THAT is the topic of discussion. It is nauseous. People are afraid to drive to the border. Someone actually asked me if they could follow me because I'm braver.......I'm not making that up!

So, in that vein, earlier this week someone sent me the Stratfor report. It angered me so much that they sent it to me that I didn't read it for a few days and then I was really irritated. I'm sure you could put Stratfor in your search engine and read their diatribe about how Mexico is a failed state. I'm not going to repeat it all and give it credence but to me it looks like the writings of the CIA. How do I know that? Well, here's the deal.

I came to Mexico 42 years ago to manage a State Dept contract. It was for drug interdiction. I had a crypto clearance. Suffice to say, and I"ve said it before, with the technology and intelligence that the USA had back then and has more of now, it could stop it all if they wanted to...........but instead, MORE AND MORE governmental US agencies appear and grow. Look at DEA, which was just starting back then and was in a holy war with Customs for dominance. Then add ICE and Border Patrol. Border Patrol is like a herd of red ants with their nest knocked over at the border. By that I mean, they are everywhere. They now have huge buildings and stop points along with more outfitted SUVs then Ford has sitting on their lots. It is truly astonishing. Add in Customs and then the ever popular TSA and you have a nation scared to death of drug cartels and terrorists.

It's truly sad that people live in such fear, animosity and anger. I feel it when I cross that border and everywhere I go in the USA. It saddens me greatly.

Yes Mexico does have drug cartels. But if the USA would work to clean up its own streets and reconnect with the citizens, it might and I say might help.

Now, this blog is not bashing the USA so don't get me wrong. But I know for a fact that the drug cartels could have been stopped forty years ago. It behooves the USA to keep sending money to Mexico. Think about it.

When there was the big dust up at the border last year and all the US governmental agencies were flapping about how dangerous the illegal immigrants were, I called an old time friend who is still with US Customs and said, "What the heck is going on?"
His answer was, "It's every agency positioning for bigger budgets and growth".

How tragic that Mexico's reputation has to be maligned by all of them jockeying for job security. The drugs of Mexico are big business for the USA - in more ways then one.

Whew - now I'm going to go out and sit under the jacaranda trees and watch the monarchs sipping nectar.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Partying on the Patio

 

 

 

 



It was definitely a memorable day yesterday. Hectic with phone calls from the USA all day, birthday cards in the mail and then the "piece de resistance", lunch with ten delightful, hilarious, gracious good friends.

Usually I don't mention my birthday or make a big deal about it. However, this year I decided to share it with friends and I'm so glad I did. We laughed, talked, told stories and had a delicious lunch. Two and a half hours zoomed by. It gave a whole new meaning for me to the term "ladies who lunch". Two and a half hours for lunch. How decadent.

Many of these women I have written about in the blogs. Gayle, who is the assemblage artist from Pozos. Angie who lived in Haiti for twenty years before coming to San Miguel almost eighteen years ago. Billie of Billieblog. Gay and Alice who have been friends since the very beginning of my move to San Miguel. They've gone through a lot with me - as has Faye who is from Baton Rouge originally. Faye and I realized we were starving at LSU as married students at the same time, but didn't know each other til here. In addition, Matilda and Sebastian's "other grandmother" is there - so beautiful. Deborah has been a feature of the blog a couple of times, both for HER birthday and then riding her beautiful white horse.

Last but definitely not least is the elder of the group - Dogie Lou. I've told stories about she and "Cool Frank" many times. She was the life of the party while regaling all with funny, precious stories of her courtshop with Frank - 40 years ago when she was 41 and he was 24.

I can't share those stories. This IS a family blog. She had us all clapping and laughing out loud.

Isn't that what all this is about? Having the opportunity to laugh out loud with people who mean something to you?
It sure is for me............
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Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Don't you wonder?

I wonder how much longer I have to live.............20 years, 2 years or 2 days - hopefully not the last number! I'm a planner, so, if I knew I would know how fast I have to move.

My dear friend over at Tales of Zapata blog informed me yesterday that I'm starting my 69th year of life since I'm turning 68 today. Of course that is information I didn't REALLY need to know. But, of course, as usual, he is right. You don't have your first birthday until you have lived a year. Oy vey.

So earlier this week I lost an hour when daylight savings time started. Then yesterday I lost a year. Good grief.

Do you wonder how long you have left? Or do you just think it will be a long time? I think I REALLY live in the moment and try not to waste an instant. However, remember, my mantra is doing nothing is not wasting time.

I guess I'm more cognizant of time then most. My husband died at 36 and my daughter at 42. It brings home that we don't all have a long life. Who ever imagined I would live this long? I sure didn't. I remember so many instances in previous years when I thought forty, then fifty were ancient. I was in my twenties then.

So, today I start that sixty-ninth year. It's a great time in my life. And I do mean GREAT! Woo hoo.

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

The Joys of Grammyhood

 

 

 

 



You would think after you have a few grandchildren that the newness and excitement would not be as strong. THAT is not the case. Each child is another amazing gift to observe, love, laugh with and hug. To see them grow and become people is miraculous.

I recently was in Colorado spending time with Matilda Isabella and her new brother Sebastian Woodrow. I only put in the middle names because that is how Matilda now refers to she and her little brother. Cracks me up! My "love" from West Virginia tried changing the names around with her to see how she reacted. She, at two years old, became slightly indignant and let him know, in no uncertain terms, just what was right. I wish we had videoed it because we were all laughing so hard before the scenario was over. It's pretty impressive to see a two year old who is not intimidated by a retired Colonel. She is feisty............wonder where she gets that from?

And smart! I mean really, really smart. I have to remind myself that she is only two. Her speech is clear and very extensive. Her memory is amazing. In addition, her reasoning capability is about that of a 4 or 5 year old. A Mensa baby.

So, one day when I had the opportunity to take her over to the park we dressed and headed out. What fun! She picked out her clothes. She wanted her red hat with a ladybug on it and then started looking for her ladybug backpack. She wore it.

Off we went, hand in hand, The playground has all kinds of climbing things. She's fearless - not me - I was holding on to her for dear life. Then she wanted to go through the tire. All I could think is - "Lordy, don't let her get stuck cause how the heck will I be able to climb in there and get her". Swinging was never high enough. Determination was on her face as she said "Higher Grammy, higher". A thrill seeker at 2 years old. Oy vey.

This was the day that after I sang "zip a dee doo da" four times, she had memorized the song and sang it all the way home.
Precious.

The last night there we went to Old Town in Fort Collins for dinner at a rather upscale place. It was interesting to see how well she behaved - as long as she had food. No fussing, just happy.

Can you tell she likes hats? First the red one and then the pink beret? It's those little things that are the treasured memories of a grandparent.

I know the next time I see Sebastian that there will be a little person with a personality and unique traits. I can hardly wait.

In the meantime, next month I'll get to see the other five grandkids in Houston! The oldest, Jessica, will be graduating from high school and going off to be a Texas Aggie. I'm so proud of her! It will be fun to see the culmination for her of her high school days and the beginning of a new season of her life.

The others, Andrew, Hannah, Emma and Christopher are growing up fast too. Oh my gosh, at this rate they'll all be adults and not little kids much longer...........stop........I LIKE when they are little kids.

The life of a Grammy is a special thing I could never have anticipated would be so wonderful!
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Sunday, April 04, 2010

Hibernation and Holidays

 

 



I'm here to confess that I haven't left the house, until today, since last Wednesday afternoon. What a joy. The tourist buses were rolling in on Wednesday. The traffic was becoming horrendous and I just decided to take the easy way out. I stayed up on the hill in peace and tranquility.

Enjoying the garden, resting.........and oh yes, cleaning out tons of stuff. It's that time of year when I switch out the closet and put the winter things away and take out the summer things. Since I've lost a goodly amount of weight in the last year - 8 bags of clothes went to a good cause. Then I tackled other hidden storage areas. My goodness, I'm a packrat and didn't even know it. What a sense of accomplishment to complete this spring cleaning.

My tenant in the guest house has moved to Ajijic so I need to find a new tenant for that wonderful one bedroom, one bath stone house overlooking the canyon. Do you know any writer, artist or someone who likes peace and quiet who might be looking for a place? It will be ready the 15th of April.

So, although I haven't left the house - all kinds of things have been going on. BUT, in a slow, quiet, peaceful way.

It seemed relatively quiet today when I headed out to the country for lunch. Hopefully tomorrow I'll stick my head outside the gate again and see if "the coast is clear". If so, I'll head down the hill.........

Hmmm, first year I've missed all the Semana Santa pomp and circumstance. But, that's all right. I've seen it for nine years now. I have enough photos to fill two boxes. Happy memories.
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Friday, April 02, 2010

Word Verification

A couple of months ago it started to happen. Any blog that has "word verification" was not coming up with anything to verify. How frustrating, to put it mildly.

One lovely blogger actually removed that step from his posts so I could comment. But to those of you who have that, for some reason some of us can't comment. My comments come through with an identity through Google.

If anyone can tell me how to fix this I will be SO happy. Then I can get back to commenting on BillieBlog, Life's a Beach and many, many others.

You know I'm NEVER at a loss for words - or comments. Ha........