Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Boo! Was all it took...........






It's interesting how one thing will trigger a memory. Something you haven't thought of in half a century or so.........Today I received a Halloween electronic card from RUCO that was clever, but scary. I don't "do" scary very well. Actually not at all.

It all goes back to when I was a couple of years older then the above photos. I found these photos this past weekend while looking for something else. More about the photos in a minute.

So, the card from RUCO jogged my memory about the time my cousins took me to Riverside Park in Chicago. I couldn't have been older then six. We went to the Haunted House. We paid our money, got a ticket, and as I went through the turnstyle and started to enter the door, something moved to the left of me and said, "Boo". It was enough to scare the bejeebers out of me. Whereupon I turned right around, walked under the turnstyle and never entered. My cousins did. NOT me. I stood outside and waited for them. To this day, I've never gone in a haunted house. I guess you could say I'm a scaredy cat. A memory long forgotten. Thanks RUCO for reminding me.

The photos are cute to me. Back in "the olden days" I don't remember ever buying a costume. My mother always just took what we had and dressed us up or made a costume for us. In these photos are my best friend at the time in Chicago. Dedie Dickover. Who the pirate is, I can't remember. And the one of me alone as a gypsy cracks me up. How prophetic. Me the absolute gypsy...........maybe that's why! My mother made me do it..........

Happy Halloween..........a little early. Since I'm going to be gone for a couple of weeks, I don't know if I'll have access to a computer or not. But, I'll have lots of stories to tell upon returning. Stay tuned.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Bloomin' In The Garden

 



Just like Clockwork Orange, these flowers bloom every year at this time. They are quite spectacular. On my weekly wanderings through the gardens, I also noticed that the poinsetta tree is starting to get red brackets and will be covered in blooms in another four weeks or so.

The rhythm of the garden fascinates me. So much of it isn't really tended to but it still performs right on schedule every year - come rain or shine. Delightful.

As I wandered around this weekend, I realized that I am reluctantly leaving again on Wednesday for a quick trip to Louisiana and Texas. Up and back. No long drawn out months this time.

I'm off to have a blast with old high school chums. We have all been emailing back and forth now for several months. Although we're only going to be together for four days, we're going to attempt to make up for lost time. The 50th reunion! I can hardly wait to see everyone.

Then I'll head back to Houston to see the "Gypsy Kids" in their new house along with the Hogan Six Pack who lives across the cul de sac. The Hogan Six Pack is my youngest daughter, husband and four kids. That too will be a blast. I want to go trick or treating with Matilda and Sebastian. It's one of my favorite holidays.

Then "the man" and I will spend a wee bit of time in Galveston and the rest of the time with the family.

Hopefully we'll be back in San Miguel by the first of the month, flying. And, all the time, I'll know I'm coming home to the beautiful gardens, and all the celebrations that November and December will hold.

See you on down the road. I'm outtahere soon.
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Saturday, October 16, 2010

The Face of Love

 



While at a birthday luncheon in the country the other day, the owner of the ranch had many rescue dogs. A Scottie, a German Shepherd and a couple of labs.

The dog in this picture had been rescued a mere three weeks ago after being hit by a car and had a dislocated hip. Surgery was performed, I believe, and she walks with a slight limp. Sweet, sweet disposition. It didn't act like a dog who had been mistreated but more like a dog used to being around people. But the owner told me that she cringed when they tried to help her after they found her, so I don't really know.

However, she sat through most of the lunch with her big paw, and I do mean BIG, on my knee and this incredible looking face staring at me. I swear I so wanted to bring her home.

Resist I did. It wouldn't be fair to have a big dog like that with as much traveling as I do. But I can't get her out of my mind.

Now when my dog of fourteen years, Flash, was hit by a bus and died six years ago, I swore never again. I was so bereft that I was shocked at my behavior.

Of course, those of you who follow the blog know that I was adopted by the feral cat who became known as Velcro, (cause she follows me everywhere). But, she is self sufficient. Definitely not as much work as a dog. In fact, she goes off on search and seizure missions every now and then in the canyon. Luckily, she doesn't bring home here prizes anymore. Things such as lizards, mice, birds, or whatever else she catches. Thankfully.

But I digress. I think I'm going to have to delete this photo of this precious dog to stop thinking about her. I DO NOT want to have another dog. I DO NOT. I DO NOT. I DO NOT!
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Putting my "big girl" shoes on.......

 

 

 

 





When the time of the year arrives when I have to put my sandals away and wear shoes with socks, my mind immediately thinks, "BEACH".......... When I have to wear flannel jammies to bed and turn on the electric blanket at night, my mind immediately says 'BEACH"! And when I have to wear not only a shirt, but a sweater and a jacket too (and of course slacks), it's time to leave.

Of course the beach isn't til January but I sure can look longingly at the photos from years past. And, sometimes I think, I must confess, "Why the heck don't I live at the beach?"

But I know the answer to that. The weather in San Miguel is perfect all but two months out of the year. I CAN just wear my big girl shoes, my flannels and a jacket, among other clothing. It's not for THAT long.........Ii even noticed some cute plaid earmuffs at a store here the other day.

Oh, but warm sand, pina coladas and the roar of the ocean, I can hardly wait.
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Monday, October 11, 2010

Never a Dull Moment (continued)

 



Here's the third photo which shows what happened to the tire!
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NEVER a dull moment!

 

 



These things that happen could never be made up! Well, they could, but it is funnier when it REALLY happens.....unexpectedly.

Today after walking around centro shopping, getting money and having the weekly Monday morning coffee klatch, it was time to head up the hill. I flagged down a taxi. I relayed to him that Nunez St. was cerrado, closed, and he would have to go up Santo Domingo to my house. Why Nunez was closed was because hugh jackhammers were tearing it up on my hike down this morning..........one can only guess at why since they just finished redoing the road two months ago. One doesn't try to figure it out - one just accepts it.

So, in the taxi we go around the corner onto Salida de Queretaro and see a car in the middle of the intersection of the Salida and, you guessed it, Santo Domingo. No way we were going to get to turn left and head up hill.

The taxi driver and I sat for a minute and then all the guys started piling out of their vehicles from all directions. It appeared to me that they thought they could push the car out of the way and help the owner. But, notice what happened when they all pushed the car. The wheel on the passenger's side of the car came OUTSIDE the fender. It wasn't going to get pushed anywhere.

I was taking photos while the cab driver was trying to help. Then when there was nothing for anyone to do to help, unless all the men had physically picked the car up and carried it away, we drove off to see traffic already backed up at least seven blocks.

What a mess!

Much to my delight, however, the taxi driver drove through a rural area on the outskirts of town to my house where we could see fields and fields of wildflowers. In addition, the cacti are blooming with large, fat, fuscia colored tuna covering the plants. To those of you in the USA, tuna is not tuna fish, but the fruit of the cactus that is eaten in many dishes. IT is supposed to be filled with all kinds of good nutrients.

My usualy five minute trip up the hill was almost thirty minutes. But one learns to enjoy the moment and go along for the ride.

I'm seldom disappointed.
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Sunday, October 10, 2010

National Pride

 


This year 2010 has been a celebration for the last nine months. Most of it culminated in September with the Fiesta Patrias celebrations. San Miguel was SOLD OUT.........not one of the 8000 hotel rooms was vacant. YEE HA.

On my way to the Immigration Office last week to pick up my new FM-3 card, this car was parked behind me. It made me giggle. I LOVE it!

I do enjoy seeing the pride of the people in their country. The car is a great example. VIVA MEXICO.
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Saturday, October 09, 2010

Love Is A Many Splendored Thing

 

 



I have alluded to "the man" and shown a few photos of him, in action, but I think I've been pretty circumspect over the last year about going into details of "the" relationship. I didn't want to hex it......ha.

But, I'm ready to tell you that I'm in love with a wonderful man. And, he's in love with me. We met a year ago via the internet. Once we met in person we have hardly been apart in the ensuing time.

The airlines have made a lot of money. He lives in West Virginia and, as you know, I'm in Mexico.

After our last time together in West Virginia, we decided we don't want to be apart anymore, so when the first part of November comes we will be together until the first part of February. The logistics of it boggle the mind. You see, he still has business ventures in the USA and is semi-retired. It appears that is all changing as he turns over these activities to be managed! For a Virgo, that is a BIG step. Hopefully it will all work out.

Initially I was skeptical how this long distance thing could work. But, it has. I think much to our collective surprise.
He loves Mexico. I really like West Virginia. So, it appears that it doesn't matter where we are as long as we are together.

Now, I'm no dummy. I've been widowed for 33 years. I know it could end tomorrow. However, I'm not thinking about that now. I'm "living in the moment". We're hoping it lasts for a very long time.

I haven't had this much fun or laughed this much or been this happy in a very, very long time. He echoes these sentiments.

Add to the fact that I love him - I LOVE his family also. His seven children and fourteen grandchildren are absolutely a delight. They are the additional gift I didn't expect. What fun we have had all together for cookouts and Paul's big 70th birthday. Great memories.

It isn't always perfect, of course. When I get on my "high horse", as an Aries is prone to do, he handles it. (Those of you who know me well will laugh at this) I get mad. He waits and when I see the error of my ways, we talk it out and laugh. It becomes part of the foundation of the relationship.

The next step is for Paul to meet the rest of my family in Houston at the end of October before we fly home to San Miguel.
Of course, I have to throw a few special friends into that mix too. Most of them have known about this, but haven't met
him yet. We'll see what adventures this brings.

Since all of you are my friends also, I wanted to share this joyful news with you. I truly do feel that love is a many splendored thing.

Life certainly has been an adventure this past year.
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Thursday, October 07, 2010

Feeling At Home, At Last

 



Even though I returned to San Miguel on the 19th of September, today I finally feel at home. The reason is that I had my house rented til the 30th of September. Hence I stayed with a friend down the hill where this photo was taken. Then to add insult to injury, on the 24th I got sick as a dog. How sick is that? Well, pretty darn sick.

So sick that I actually went to the Doctor! Last night was the first night I slept through the night without coughing. Geez.

Today I needed to walk around and take care of errands. Things like going to the farmacia. Picking up a few things at the grocery, Espino's. And, of course, fresh flowers - finally.

As I turned the corner near Espino's where outdoor food stands are stationed, a young man with a guitar was serenading his countrymen with a sweet melodious voice and beautiful haunting music. I could hear it for the entire block that I walked.

"Aaah," I thought, "I'm home".

Home IS on a hill. I'm spoiled. In my past life, for 59 years of it, I lived on flat land. Flat land as in the Midwest, East Texas and Louisiana. You can't get much flatter then that. I REALLY notice it when I get back to Texas. I hunger for the first glimpse of the mountains north of Monterrey when I'm driving home.

I'm so spoiled with the views of the mountains, the valley and the nightly sunsets, that when I stayed at my friends down in town, I felt closed in! I yearned to get back up on this hill. Her house is nicer then mine, but it wasn't on a hill.

So, here I AM - HOME - and sooooooooo happy to be here!
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Sunday, October 03, 2010

The Alborada (Dawn)

This event happened in San Miguel during the night of Friday into Saturday of this week. Actually, the fireworks started at 3PM on Friday and the crescendo was at 4AM on Saturday morning when the skies were lit up with bombs bursting in air.

If I have guests in town, I always forewarn them so they don't think a REAL war is going on. It is earsplitting. Time to pull out and put on those earplugs that one always travels with in Mexico. Especially at certain times of the year.

I write about this in the abstract, with no photos, as I've never been able to get my lazy self out from under the warm covers to go down to the jardin for all the festivities - not in nearly ten years. I'll take everyone's word for it that it is magical, frightening, dangerous, and interesting.

The tradition began when the textile workers who came from Salvatierra to work in the manta factory venerated the Virgin of the Light. That was sometime in the mid 1920's. The manta factory closed in the last six or seven years, but the tradition continues.

The first part of the celebration is when the people, who have made tissue paper and cellophane stars that represent the Virgen proceed toward the jardin. That's at about 3AM. Then at 4AM all heck breaks loose with the rockets. It is known as "the burning of the powder".

The most beautiful thing, in my humble opinion, occurs at 6AM when many of the villagers meet in front of the Parroquia to sing "las mananitas". Happy Birthday to St. Michael the Archangel. As this whole event is part of that celebration also.

I was privileged one early, early morning to be awakened to hear "las mananitas" outside my house. Quietly climbing the stairs to my roof terrace, I peeked over to see a large banner to the Virgen of Guadalupe being held at the edge of the cliff and about one hundred people singing in the softest, purest voices. It made me cry.

These things are why I live in Mexico and am continuously touched by the people of Mexico.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

What's in a Name?

I never really thought about how odd my married last name is.........at one time, many years ago, I discovered there were only 33 people in the USA with that last name. All from my father-in-law's side of the family in Pennsylvania.

Fast forward to yesterday. I got a call from someone who had been trying to find my daughter, Jennifer. He did and discovered her passing in 2004. He then became consumed with tracking me down to talk with. He wanted to find out what had happened. I think they dated over twenty years ago. He said, "With your unusual last name, it wasn't difficult". Hmm, I had never thought about that. Now with Facebook and Google, if a name is slightly unusual, it is easier.

So, I went on Google to see how many people there are with our last name and there was another woman with Jennifer's first and middle name. And, of course her last name. How strange is that? More with our last name also.

It is weird in a way because my husband's stepfather was a man who we had nothing to do with. The last name was irrelevant, other in the fact that no one could say or spell it. My kids grew up saying and automatically spelling their last name. Knowing full well that no one would remember it. Heck I dated my husband for a couple of months before I would introduce him to anyone because I couldn't remember it.

But, that weird name came in handy yesterday. I had a lovely conversation with this man and he shared with me wonderful memories of my daughter. What a gift! All because of a name I never really liked.