Monday, June 28, 2010

Strange Plants in the Garden

 

 

 

 



I inherited some of the weird plants in the garden such as the bloom that I gifted to you the other day in a blog.
But the blooms I'm sharing with you today are "night blooming cereus". I brought them from Houston where they grew and bloomed in the atrium of my home. The fragrance is very, very strong similar to the lemony smell of magnolias but different.

They sprout from the tips of these succulent leaves. Most of the year there is just the plant and then voila, this happens. In the first photo you see all the blooms starting to rise and stand to open. The bloom opens by about 11PM and is over in the morning and the blooms stem just hangs limp. In the time that they bloom, the delicacy and intricacy of the blossoms are incredibly unique.

The coloration of the greenish tinted two blooms is something I had not seen before.

There is always, almost daily, a surprise in the garden - another little bit of beauty - even if it is from a strange plant.
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Sunday, June 27, 2010

Project Graduation

 



I was privileged when in the USA for my granddaughter's graduation to hear about a program called "Project Graduation".

It was started by dedicated parents to keep their kids off the streets the night of graduation by providing fun, safe things to do that didn't include drinking and driving. I don't know how long the program has been going on but it sure is a big deal in the States now. I also didn't know that my daughter was Chairwoman of this event! She and hundreds of volunteers along with her committee worked on this for a year. Planning, soliciting donations, and executing the whole thing. I think she could run a Fortune 500 company or the military after seeing all of this.

One of the interesting facts of this whole thing is that once the kids arrived they could NOT leave until 6AM unless their parents were called to come and get them. Out of 600 graduates over 500 were there. An incredible achievement, I think.

The plan was to take over the school and decorate almost all of it in the Space Odyssey 2010 theme. They only had about 36 hours to achieve this feat. The chairwoman of decorating is a display designer. Clever would be an understatement as far as the decorations were concerned. For instance, one hallway was designated "The Milky Way" and milk cartons with sparkling decorations were hung from the ceiling the full length of the hall. Another was the planets, she got weather baloons that were then painted by volunteers and hung as the Constellation in the cafeteria. Bubblewrap was used to make tall light sconces. The packing styrofoam used in packing large boxes was spray painted grey to use as decorations on the wall - very effectively. Only if you walked up and studied these things could you figure out what they originally were used for. Way cool.


Food was donated. Door prizes were donated for all of the game prizes and drawings. The Grand Prize, a car.

How did they raise the money to put this event on? Bake sales, car washes and raffles. The kids and parents worked for a year. A community working together.........awesome isn't it?

It was open the afternoon before graduation so the parents and public could see the finished product. I was absolutely astounded. I took tons of photos. Unfortunately Picasa only lets you show a few so I made this collage so you could see a little more. The photos don't do it justice. Walking hallway after hallway and looking in each room to see what had been done was a treat.
My daughter didn't go with me. She was home resting after being up for nearly 48 hours straight. She turned off her cell phone and slept. She slept because AFTER graduation that night she and her husband were going to be there from 9PM until 6AM! I'm so proud of her. I once was Chairwoman of an elementary school carnival and said I'd never do THAT again. It was nothing compared to what Julie accomplished this year.
Another cool thing is that the Junior parents are responsible for the cleanup which they had about 12 hours to complete before school on Monday.

Such a collaborative effort! So, when you read that the American family doesn't exist much anymore or do things with their kids, don't believe it. I saw the entire community of Kingwood, Texas cheering on their graduates (and their kids) with work, dedication and love. Quite a wonderful sight and memory.
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Saturday, June 26, 2010

My Gift to You Today

 



From an ugly little cactus that is growing on the rooftop terrace in an ignored coffee can, comes beauty. The delicacy of the coloring and shape of this huge bloom, to me, is lovely. Hopefully you will agree and enjoy this simple gift to you from me.
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Friday, June 25, 2010

The GREAT San Miguel Uproar

 



Not since Mega put up a grocery store with an orange front; or Starbucks announced it was arriving in town; ditto Subway, has there been such an uproar in San Miguel. It started a month ago.

It was a quiet uproar that was carried out on the Civil List and by telephone. "Do you have Dish network service"? "No do you?" "Any channels?" "No, do you?"

Then the realization set in that although many expats had been paying for pirated service with a fictitious address, SOMETHING was wrong, terribly wrong.

Calls went out to the installer in San Miguel. He had no answers. Some called the tech support office of Dish. But, of course if your address was in NYC or Del Rio, or wherever, they had no clue what was wrong.

Well, it appears what IS wrong is that the satellite stopped functioning and another satellite was put into service. It does not, as I've been told but cannot verify, provide service to San Miguel any longer. I don't know but if Dish was anywhere else in Mexico, I wonder if it is gone there also.

It's like a nest of red ants has been knocked over. People are scurrying trying to find another service. Some people on the Civil list have been questioning the integrity of the installer - as if he could move a satellite! Isn't it interesting how people go into "attack mode" when they are angry and upset?

I've been on the sidelines watching and hearing all of this. I don't quite know what to make of it. The roar has subsided now. So I guess either people are getting used to talking to whoever they live with or they have found other means of recreation. Who knows?

I always find human nature to be very, very interesting...........
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Thursday, June 24, 2010

Words of Wisdom....from Velcro the Cat

 



"Hey guys and gals! When it gets to be too much - like the news, the traffic, the weather or the bills, just prop your feet up, cover your eyes and SIESTA. It's the solution for everything. AT least I think so........."
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Tiny Toes That Grew.........

 

 

 

 



She was the first born grandchild. What a surprise! I was 50 and not thinking I was ready to be a Grammy yet, but she changed my mind - quickly. Happy go lucky, good baby, always smiling. What a delight. I would call and say, "Can she spend the weekend with me?" and she did. She and I must hold the record for watching more Barney videos then any other human on earth - if not THE record a close second. Add to that Fantasia - not the scary parts, we fast forwarded those - but the rest of it with the music, which she adored.

There are so many memories that I would have to write a book. She knows how much she means to me and has always been kind and loving, always. When I got Flash the dog when she was a baby just learning to crawl, it never occurred to her that Flash wasn't HER dog that just happened to live at my house. It was a mutual admiration society.

Imagine my surprise when this spring while emptying out a trunk I moved to Mexico nine years ago, I came upon the green Tinker Bell slippers that she marched to Barney songs in at about the age of three. Her mom was having a garage sale a few years later and I grabbed them and saved them........for Jessica. For all the memories.

I wanted her to be able to take them to Texas A&M with her so I put them in a small shadowbox so she could hang them on the wall. Hopefully they'll remind her that baby steps become big steps to whatever she strives to achieve. And she is an achiever be it music, scholastics, working and her charity work. What a kid........oops, young lady.

I managed to keep dry eyes throughout the whole weekend and graduation ceremony until she came running to me and gave me a big hug. Then the floodgates opened and tears of pride and love were evident. Her response, "Oh Grammy". The sweetest words on earth!
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Bats in my Belfry

Now I KNOW I'm leaving myself wide open for many, many jokes BUT before you start laughing hear this story - all true.

I've lived here about nine years and I'm always amazed at how few flying insects there are on the roof terrace or in the house - NO mosquitoes. How can that be with a reservoir right over the cliff from me? I reasoned it was because I have an almost constant breeze. NOW I know it is BATS - LOTS OF BATS.

I had a house guest in the guest house last week and while sitting on the upstairs balcony after dark, he saw swooping and diving at the street light at my corner and within twelve feet of the roof terrace. He was amazed and enchanted. I was horrified to find out that something was living under the platform that the tinaco is on. Can you imagine had I been up on the ladder and seen these things hanging under there? I would have looked like some semblance of The Flying Nun as I departed the ladder - and probably this Earth!

So, I gamely agreed to go up on the roof after dark to see this phenomena - very reluctantly. I was having memories of seeing the bats come out from under the bridge in downtown Austin many years ago and it "creeped me out" big time. I was ready to run if one of those things headed for me - even anywhere near me. I don't know why they creep me out, but they do.

It was an amazing sight. Actually they fly so fast that they look like supersonic jets and you just see a shape moving - not a face or wings. I found a photograph of a big bat in National Geographic. Had I seen THAT face while I was up on the roof, I wouldn't be here writing this today. Good grief what a scary face it had - needless to say, I didn't post the photograph.

I can truly say I have bats in my belfry - if the platform qualifies for that status and in my book, it does.

Yes I know they do good things. Yes I know they're good for the environment. Anything that ugly would have to have a purpose. I'm just glad they come out late at night when I don't have to look at them.

Guess I won't be having any late night dinners or rendevous on the roof terrace in the future. BUT I could have a bat watching party. Perish the thought.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Galveston Texas is BACK!

 

 

 

 



And, so are the birds. One of the most eerie things when I first returned to the island four months after Hurricane Ike was the complete absence of any birds. None, nada. It was sad and upsetting.

But they're BACK! The seagulls, the egrets, the pelicans. All of them soaring and standing in the water or nosediving for fish. It's fun to watch the gulls digging for little clams at the edge of the surf.

I just had to go to the water and put my toes in the Gulf on my latest trip to Texas. It would be impossible for me not to do so. I so love the water. It was a delightful day. The Gulf looked absolutely beautiful. The dolphins were jumping offshore as they do every afternoon about 4PM. It made my heart happy.

Not only are the birds back and the water looked clean, but the beach itself had been reclaimed with more sand brought in although there are homes that have had to be torn down since the shoreline did move inward.

The town of Galveston is sparkling. New landscaping, houses repaired and repainted. New businesses and LOTS and LOTS of tourists. I commented on the amount of tourists several times because it was before summer and unusual to have that many at that time of the year. (I've been going to Galveston for 45 years) It was encouraging for the businesses and town who had lost so much. It will be two years in September since Ike hit and I tell you, to me it is a miracle that Galveston is so together again.

It looked to me four months after the storm that there was no way they could save the place. But there are hardy souls on that island who love it very much. They persisted and saved it. In Texas we call that "can do" spirit. And Texas and Texans have a lot of that spirit!
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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Kamikaze Hummingbird

 

 


It hit the window with such force that I thought its beak would be impaled in its head. Not, thank goodness. But the impact threw him onto the chaise on his side with one wing outstretched. The other wing, not to be seen. What to do?
I decided to let it get over the shock, if it were still alive.

I was sitting on the other chaise across the patio, maybe six feet, and I kept looking over at it over the book I was reading. The other part of my brain was saying, "What the heck can I do?" So finally, after a few minutes, I got up, walked over to see if it was alive. It was much to my amazement. I used the arm of my sunglasses to tuck the spread out wing back to its body. I pushed the bird from its side so it was on its feet. It didn't fly. It just stayed there.
Then I looked closely at its other side to see if it had lost a wing or something but no, it had both.

So, I sat back down and watched and waited. Hmmmm. Then I snapped to it and got the camera to photograph a hummingbird, close. That actually didn't occur to me for at least ten minutes. I was so concerned about the bird. I got close and took these two photos. He was looking at me and I was looking at him, obviously. I finished the photos, stood back and much to my relief off he went in his kamakaze fashion. So, so fast. Whirling and flying. Happy days!
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Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Elissa - Texas Seaport Museum - Galveston, Texas

 

 

 



Having been privileged for the last two years to be in Galveston when the "Plank Owners Gala" took place, I thought I would share with you some photos and facts about Elissa. (I seem to be on a ship theme lately, don't I? First The Titanic, now this.) Oh well.

It is a magnificent sailing vessel known as a barque because of its sails and rigging. I was on it once, when it was first restored back in the 1980's and I had a sense of all those who had stood and worked on it when it was a merchant vessel somewhere in the world. It was a surreal feeling. The Elissa first sailed in 1877 and is one of the oldest "tall ships" still in service today. Magnificent is an understatement. To me she is so beautiful and regal that I get a catch in my throat when looking at her, just as I do when I hear The Star Spangled Banner or at other emotional times.

She's NOT a replica but a survivor. Most recently having ridden out Hurricane Ike while moored at the Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston near the wharves. It was an amazing and audacious thing. She was built in Aberdeen, Scotland. Sailed under the flag of other countries before she ended up in a scrap heap in Greece. There she was found and purchased by the Galveston Historical Foundation in 1975 for $40,000! Some hull repair work was done in Greece and then she was brought to Galveston for many, many, many hours of volunteer restoration work.

Sailing for the first time after restoration in 1985 with a trained volunteer crew, she was ready then to participate in the Tall Ship salute at the Statue of Liberty in 1986.

Fast forward to this year when I was at the Plank Owner's Gala. By the way, a plank owner, in case you don't know, is an individual who was a member of the crew of the ship when it was placed in commission. Hence, the volunteers who restored and sail The Elissa. All the money from the Gala continues the ongoing maintenance and care of the ship.

So, as I sat behind the illustrious auctioneer, Vandy, this year with the able assistance of his wife Sue, I was more interested in watching the play of light and sunset through the rigging then bidding on trips, and other stuff. The first photo I took I thought was beautiful, then the next and then.........well, I took seventeen photos as the sun changed colors and the ship became ethereal in the light.

Hopefully these photos will be enjoyable for you. And the next time you're in Galveston or wherever there is a Tall Ship, go see it. Magnificent comes in all forms.
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Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Titanic, Reincarnation and Gorilla Glue

 

 



Lolling in the pool while in Houston visiting family, my adorable and smart ten year old granddaughter Emma was regaling me with details about the Titanic. This young lady knows the most minute details about the ship, its passengers, the water temperature. You name it, she knows it. She has been fascinated for about five years about it and that means she was only five years old when this started.

Hence, my theory of reincarnation. So while laying on a float, I broached the subject to her. She was very interested and she had her own theories about who she was and how she got back here as Emma. Adorable. She GOT it!

Then I asked if she wanted to go on a cruise. An emphatic "No!" was her answer. Hmmm, I was surprised so asked why not.
Her answer, "the anchor". So I asked her what she meant. She obviously, since she had checked out of the school and public library over these five years every book on the Titanic, knew something that I didn't know.

Well, she said, "The anchor was always attached to the side". "Yes", I responded, really interested now. And then she said, with perplexity, "I've never figured out Grammy how they got that anchor to stay up there. That was so long ago and it was before they had gorilla glue".

Ahh, out of the mouths of babes.

The conversation went on with an explanation by me of the chains and wenches etc. and she felt better. But I was savoring that precious comment about the gorilla glue. To me it showed that she had really tried to figure it all out.

I LOVE lolling with the grandkids. I ALWAYS learn something.............
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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Seven Weeks in San Miguel

 
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That sounds like the title from a travel brochure, doesn't it? BUT, in fact, that is what my life has been this year. I've only been here seven weeks and not consecutively. I intend to rectify that. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere for quite a while. Anyone who wants to see me has to come here. THAT is my new mantra. "Want to see me, San Miguel can be reached by Hwy 57 or Continental Airlines". Ha.

Good grief I have had some wonderful times but I am SO happy to be back. I really want to catch up on all my friend's blogs and I have lots to say........ "So, what else is new?", you say.

I have lots and lots of photos to share also. So, I'll be back manana en la manana.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Ten Kite - Many Hours of Fun!

 

 

 



I'm always amazed at all the expensive things that parents and relatives buy for children. I've found that the simplest things like bubbles, balloons and kites bring hours and hours of pleasure.

So, when I'm heading back to San Miguel, one of the things I always try to remember to buy are kites. Ten kites this time from Walmart - 99 cents each - not a money breaker - just a treat for the kids who live in the two houses next to me. I'm not sure if ten are enough anymore since there are so many kids from teenagers to little ones, but they share.

So the kites were doled out on Friday or Saturday. At first, in a windless mid-afternoon attempt, they were running downhill on the cobblestones at breakneck speeds. I could hardly watch for fear they WOULD break their necks. No child fell, thankfully. I was whispering "cuidado" under my breath..........

Then they realized if they waited unti about 5PM when the winds pick up, just prior to the rain, whoa, they could REALLY REALLY get those kites up, FAST. They were all out there at different times. Big kids and little ones. The big ones helping the little ones. They were squealing in delight and had happy smiles. Those that didn't have a kite didn't whine or get mad, they just waited their turn.

Last evening even the parents were out there watching them. That was the fourth evening and the enjoyment has not subsided one bit. If I'm not out there visiting with the parents, I'm inside hearing their squealing and laughter. It warms my heart.

So, if you're in Mexico - well heck, even if you're not, buy a few kites, pass them out randomly and then stand back and watch the enjoyment.

Pure magic.
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Tuesday, June 08, 2010

The Party's Over!

Well, the ones in Houston anyway. I'm heading outta town manana and heading South of The Border on Thursday morning.

I've seen allllllll the family, visited with friends (but not all of them) and eaten great food at some new eateries in town. Got to Galveston and other points on the Gulf Freeway to see friends..........but, the tent needs to be folded and I NEED to get back to the tranquility of San Miguel de Allende.

It's been a "hoot" as they say in Texas. Way more then I expected and lots of funny and poignant memories. I'll fill you in when I can also use photos on the blogs.

I'll see you on down the road in a few more days. Hopefully I'll be safe and sound in San Miguel when that happens.

Hasta luego.