Sunday, July 29, 2012

Company is Coming to San Miguel de Allende


This time of the year it feels like all roads lead to San Miguel.

All those friends I've been wanting to see are all coming in the next month or two.  They are coming from all directions - Texas, California, Melaque, and more Texans.  I'm thrilled of course.

I've finished the successful garage sale.  I got the new refrigerator.  Both houses are spic and span. The gardens have been fed, pruned and are glorioiusly green.

I'm looking forward to having time to sit on the roof terrace or the chaise outside my bedroom.  I love this view.  It is a jungle out there now.

The first guest arrives tomorrow.  Followed a week later by another and more.  Whoo hoo, it's going to be a hot time in the old town for a couple of months.

It's fun to have new guests who haven't been here.  I love to take them to Atotonilco to see the church that is a UN World Heritage site.  It is referred to as the "Sistine Chapel" of Mexico.  Then on the way back I always want to drive down the dirt road to show them Timmyland.  A surreal site if ever there was one.  Evenyone enjoys this fantasy land.

Other fun things to do are the walking tour in San Miguel which benefits a charity that provides medical and dental care for children.  Then the Toy Museum, which is new.  The Mask Museum which is world class up by me.  Add to that all the magnificent churches, shopping (If that is your bag) and just hanging out.  My favorite thing to do.

Time flies when company is here.  So much to do, so little time!
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Monday, July 23, 2012

The New Refrigerator Saga


The saga began last Wednesday evening.  I didn't realize the old (15 yrs) refrigerator had died even though I got something out of it at about 9PM   I definitely realized it Thursday afternoon at about 3:30 - everything was defrosted.  Everything.  What a mess.  Hated to throw out shrimp, salmon and other assorted goodies.  No recourse.  It had to go.
I was up to my earlobes in pricing and getting ready for a BIG yard sale so I said, "I'll deal with this on Monday". 
Luckily no one is in the guest house, so I transferred what was salvageable to the guest house fridge.  AND didn't deal with it til today. 
Bouncing out of bed (hardly) at 7AM this morning I called a name I had of a repairman.  No response.  After two hours I said the heck with it and went to Bodega Aurrera to look.  I had priced fridges at Mega yesterday while picking up a few groceries.
The MOST critical thing was the dimensions.  It could NOT be any wider then 25 inches because of the space made for the fridge.  It could not be deeper then 29 inches because of the space available.  The existing dead fridge was 64 inches high. 
Off I went with my trusty tape measure this morning.  Prices were better at Bodega.  I even found a Whirlpool which is a manufacturer that I'm familiar with and had had good luck with in past decades.
I mean a fridge is a fridge is a fridge, right?  I checked the width and depth - all was ok.  Even an inch to spare in the width.
Initially the sales person said they couldn't help me with delivery so I started to leave.  Had one other small item to buy and while at the register saw the store manager who spoke English and Spanish.  I told him that I had wanted to buy a new refrigerator and in fact had found one to buy but the sales rep said they couldn't help me with delivery.  He nearly herded me back into the store.  He got the rep, got the fridge, got the camioneta called and all was well. I bought the fridge.
This is the rental truck that arrived to pick up and deliver the refrigerator up the hill to my house.  Cost for the delivery and getting it in the house 150 pesos - about $10 US.

The camioneta driver and Javier the gardener unpacked the fridge, slid it into the old spot and I giggled.  Literally, out loud.  It's about four inches shorter then the old fridge.  It would be great for a tiny person.  Yes, it should reach up the wall to right below the tile molding. 
But, since it has been unwrapped, the boards on the bottom removed and the labels removed, to return it would take an act of God.  Mexico is not known for NOT having "return policies".
Once I tried to just exchange a roll of film since I had picked up the wrong size.  It took seven people and over thirty minutes to accomplish that.  I highly doubt that this fridge would be accepted,  In fact, I'm not even going to try.  I'll have someone make a braced wooden box or get some wood to put under the feet to lift it up or something. 
The moral of the story is, don't ever buy a refrigerator in a hurry.  Notice while in the store that it is on a shelf that makes it higher.  And measure not once, but twice, ALL the dimensions.

I'm laughing now but I sure wasn't when they first got it in the house this morning.  The other good thing is that I made enough money at the yard sale to pay for the new refrigerator.  Life is good.
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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

It's Time............to Clear Out the Treasures!


It's time to let someone else enjoy some of the treasures that I've dragged home from all corners of the earth.
Above is a painted scene of NYC taxis by Benny Carter who is a prolific and interesting "outsider artist" who resides in North Carolina back in the piney woods.

Above is "Mr. NoBull" (my name for him), that I found also in NC made by Hubert Walters, a former shipmaker.  Mr. NoBull is made of bondo which is used in ship building.  His little hip is being repaired as I write this so there will not be a blemish anywhere.  He is very heavy and I so love him.  Hate to give him up!

The amount of "Last Suppers" that I have is taking over the kitchen.  It's time to share with others. This one is from Ochomichu, Michoacan and was purchased about ten years ago.  Aren't they fun?

Last but not least is my electrified church made by "Sam the Dot Man".  Sam resides in Winston-Salem, N.C.  His work is widely recognized and is even in the Smithsonian.  What fun it was to visit him in 2007.

In addition to the above items, there are pillow covers and wallhangings from Chaing Mai, Thailand; items from Chiapas; fabrics from all over the place; ceramics from Guerrero; and on and on and on.

If you're in San Miguel and you want to add to your collections, come by on Saturday from 10-2.  I guarantee you'll find something you MUST have.  That is IF it doesn't rain.

Leave message with your email address and I'll send you the address of the sale.
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Monday, July 16, 2012

Walking the Streets of San Miguel de Allende - swiftly!


There was an article on Yahoo yesterday about three different studies of the walking patterns of people who possibly could have early dementia or Alzheimer's.  The study indicated if people shuffled along and not with a speedy gait that this was a possible indication of the above illnesses. That's the short of it.

Because of this, I decided yesterday that I would speed walk down the hill and through town.  I HAVE been shuffling along and not at a speedy gait for about a month.  This was due to the fact that at that time I fell twice in one week - first on the left knee and then the next day on the right knee.  The right knee incident was because someone accidently tripped me as he stepped in front of me onto the curb.  I fell in the middle of Reloj.  One of the main centro streets. 

Careful I have been.  Two black and blue knees were hurting so bad that I couldn't kneel, at all.
They are well and I was determined to zip through town today - just to prove to myself that I still can do it.

THEN I got to Mesones and saw the whole in the cobblestoned sidewalk.  Next it was mud from all the rain we had this weekend.  Hmmm, slippery mud.  Slow down.

Turned the corner.  Onto Reloj, the street I fell into last month.  Note the lack of wideness of the sidewalk?  Add to that that when a truck parks illegally, it becomes even narrower for walking.  People do a slight sidestep by turning their body sideways and holding any packages in front or behind themselves to walk most sidewalks.  Quite an interesting move.

Notice the fact that the stones on the far inside and outside are rather rough cantera, but the ones that are black, cream and rust are smooth.  THOSE are the ones, that if wet, can send you off like Hans Brinker skating down the sidewalk without benefit of skates.

Then just to check your visual dexterity, there are the indentations where the manhole covers are on the street.  Not a straight shot sidewalk.  Alertness is absolutely necessary.

My conclusion after walking for about forty-five minutes today is that anyone who can navigate these streets, at ANY speed, has to have the mental dexterity of a 20 year old.  I have totally dropped the idea of "speed walking" anywhere.  At least til I get to a town with smooth sidewalks.

Send those scientists here.  Let them see people in their eighties who are blind walking with white sticks, or on crutches or whatever - still walking mostly unaided.  Maybe that would be an interesting study.
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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Amanda and Patrick - GREAT friends


At the beginning of 2008, my dear, dear friends Amanda and Patrick were in a horrific automobile accident.  Amanda was thrown from the car.  She suffered catastropic injuries.  Was in intensive care forever, it seemed.   In the hospital for months.  It was truly "touch and go".

I drove up from San Miguel to be with her and Patrick.  To lend whatever help I possibly could.  To be by her side as much as the nurses would let me.  You see, Amanda is more like a sister to me.  I'm blessed to have several "sisters" who are not biologically connected to me.

I wrote about Amanda on 1/7/08, 1/9/08, 2/24/08 and 3/24/08.  I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't given any updates, I don't think, since then. 

Amanda is without a doubt the most positive person I know.  During the time since I last wrote, she has gone through zillions of operations, hours and days of physical therapy, learned to use a wheel chair but is now walking with a walker and/or cane.  Something she was told would likely not happen.

Through all of this, she still manages with the assistance of her magnificent husband, to fly to Boston for a granddaughter's dance recitial, have friends over for dinner, ride in the convertible with the top down with Patrick and essentially enjoy life.

In every day life, she is an inspiration of thinking the cup is half-full and not half-empty.  She is a hero of mine. So is Patrick.  What an incredible caregiver he has been in the last four years.  He seems to be unflappable. Has had his own health issues.  Never talks about them.

Friends like Amanda and Patrick are few and far between.  Thank goodness I have them to visit, stay with, talk to and of course, laugh with.  Thirty years of friendship is a blessing indeed.  None of us take it for granted.

By the way, Amanda and Patrick have seven children and more grandkids then I can count.  Life is very full for them.  I'm proud to call them my friends.

The photo above was when we went to eat at a funky restaurant on the water in some place I've never been. Patrick always knows the back roads.  When we're all together we giggle and laugh like teenagers. We laugh at all the crazy stuff we've done together - like plant fake plastic flamingos in each other's front yards; or give someone a chicken for a birthday present during a scavenger hunt.  Too many stories to tell. I could go on and on.
Suffice to say,  Life is good.
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Friday, July 13, 2012

"Hermit on the Hill"


It seems that I spend more and more time up here on the hill enjoying my own company.  My new title, "hermit on the hill" was given to me by the author of Gangs of San Miguel, a very campy blog.  It is written very "tongue in cheek" yet I'm not sure if he was saying that I'm a hermit in jest or truth.  Truth would be more like it.

I find I'm busy gardening, getting the guest house ready for a new guest, reading, writing, cooking, working on creative endeavors or whatever.  I've finally turned into a homebody. 

Part of it is that most of the people who came eleven years ago who were close friends have moved on to other places.  Some of it is that I just really like not having to get dressed up and put on makeup.  Now isn't that a confession to make?  But it's true.  When at home I have my hair on top of my head and old tattered clothes on.  NOT something one could go out in public in.........just comfortable for bending and working.

I gladly accept the title, dear Richard.  I've always been a bit of a hermit who relishes solitude.  Now I'm becoming more of one.  Only seem to get to the jardin once or twice a week.  That's ok too.  Gives me more time for the things that interest me now.

I guess you finally get to a point where each minute is precious and should be enjoyed in whatever way is most important to you.  NOT what everyone else thinks you should do.
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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Vanishing Voices


This woman was photographed in the Village of Chamula in the State of Chiapas.  She speaks Tzotzil.  Most of the indigenous in Chiapas do not have Spanish as their first language, I've been told by knowledgeable guides. Tzotzil, I'm told, is a dying language.


It was interesting to receive this month's current issue of National Geographic with an article on Vanishing Voices.  Much was to be learned in reading this article.  


For one thing, contrary to U.S. citizens, English is not the language of the world.  Chinese is.


I'm always amazed when well-meaning ex-pats want to teach English to Mexican Nationals.  Their second sentence is always, "That's the only way they'll ever get ahead and get a good job".  Really?   I humbly disagree and feel that keeping their traditions and language is very important.


According to the article, one language dies every 14 days - Spanish is not one of them.  Actually Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world.  English is third.  Surprised?


The article is fascinating.  One of the segments is on the Seri language which is danger of becoming extinct.  The people that speak it are in the area around the State of Sonora.  Way up near the Sea of Cortez and the border with Arizona.  Hopefully some day I'll get up that way.  


It's projected that by the next century at least 7000 languages will have been lost in favor of Mandarin, Spanish and English.  


If you get a chance, pick up a copy of this issue and read the article.  It is eye-opening. 


Also in this issue is another article that stopped me dead in my tracks.  It's called "If They Could Only Talk".  It is about Easter island and the statues referred to as moai.  What shocked me was the absolute similarity between the Easter Island statues and the Olmec statues seen in Xalapa.  Even down to the ear covers and helmets.  It conjures up all kinds of questions about origin.  I've got to do more reading.........The other fascinating detail is that the Rapanui, indigenous of Easter Island, paint their bodies just as the Tarahumara and Lancondon do for their ceremonies.  Can anyone shed more light on this for me?


Don't you just love when you read something that gives you lots of information but also gives you more to think about and want to know about?  I certainly do.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Toy Box

 The Toy Box is usually the first place the grandkids head when they get to my house.  But yesterday was different. 

They had not been here in over three months.  Long story.  They were so excited to see Velcro.  Not sure if Velcro shared their excitement as when they weren't looking she beat a hasty retreat out into the garden - or jungle as Sebastian describes it.
 Eventually they did head to the toy box.  Something I've always had for the grandkids no matter where I lived.  AND believe me they know it holds treasures and surprises. 

Yesterday was no exception.  Matilda found a tiara with purple stars, purple wings and a magic wand.  Sebastian found little cars, balls, and kites.

Both found new clothes.  Matilda HAD to wear her new dress.  Which by the way, "twirled".  All dresses must be tested for this desired effect.  Whew, it passed the test.






 After finding treasures, they headed to the jungle with their daddy to eat a little snack of bananas and rice cakes.  Yummmmmmmmm.

Sebastian turned around and gave me the sweetest smile.  This was after he told me about all the creatures that are in the jungle - which is my garden.

He told me there are wolves and then gave me this big grin.  Adorable.
 Needless to say, Grammy's house is full of all kinds of stuff to look at, play with and some, to take home.

Sebastian found a Huichol guitar.  He loved it.  Good taste.

The toy box tradition began back when Jessica, the oldest granddaughter (soon to be 21) started coming to my house.  Sometimes for a week at a time.  Needless to say, I had to get busy and have toys and things to entertain her.  The toy closet was born. 

She knew that was where to go to find the treasures. Crayons, paper, finger paints were some of her favorite things.  Mine too.

I would find things at garage sales or while out shopping.  Wow, when I sold the house and moved to the townhouse it was very important to have another toy closet. 

All the grandkids would head in the door and go straight to the closet.  It was fun to watch.  Well, when I moved here - no closets - only one in the bedroom.  That's right, only one. 

When I bought this box, about 10 years ago, I just liked it.  I didn't think of it as a toy box.  BUT when Matilda was born, I looked at it and knew it would be perfect.......happy colors and easy for her to open.

Now, these two sweet little ones do what the older, teenage grandkids did many years ago - they head for the treasures and surprises.

Yesterday was such a happy day.  It felt so good to be with Matilda and Sebastian again.  I look forward to many, many more happy memories.
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Monday, July 02, 2012

Bumper to Bumper - Here they Come!

The term was coined by my hairdresser. "SWEATBIRDS" to identify those who arrive here in the summer to escape the heat, humidity and general misery of the South at this time of the year. It helps to differentiate from the "SNOWBIRDS" who arrive from the North and Canada each winter.

The last few summers there were not many sweatbirds driving in with kids, pets, etc. Heck, they weren't even flying in.

Lots of vacation rental houses sat vacant in the summer. Unheard of in past years, when you had to book a year to six months in advance to get the house that you wanted to stay in for a month or the whole summer.

Today as I was in the car running errands I noticed many, many Texas, Florida, Arkansas and Mississippi license plates are here. Woo hoo! They're back. They couldn't stand the heat, so they got out of the kitchen.

They came to enjoy our low 70's during the day and the mid 50's at night with humidity in the low 20's........Our rainy season is going. Everything is lush, green and blooming. A wonderful time to be here.

So, if you don't know what to do with yourself. Your electric bill is so high you could buy a cheap car.......turn it off, lock the door and come on down. Luxuriate in this unique and special village of peace and tranquility along with great restaurants, super shopping and lots of other stuff to do.

Have I ever steered you wrong? Never. See you soon.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Loving Unconditionally

I always smile when people say they have pets because the pets love them unconditionally. Hmmm I think, so do grandchildren. It's such a joy. A miraculous event in my mind that there is a link from me to them. AND, they get it! Nothing is better in life then when, even as teenagers, they come to sit next to me and snuggle up for hugs. Nothing in life is much better then that.

Maybe its that I'm finally at the age where I'm so aware of each and every one of these times when they choose to want to be with me. In fact, ask to be. Teenagers. Who ever thought?
These pictures were taken recently while in Houston and Galveston. Even my lovely granddaughter, who is in college at A&M drove down to be with us. Even though she had to drive back to College Station because she has a job while going to school. My heart was so touched.

This is the first granddaughter. The one who spent weekends and sometimes a week or so at my house when growing up. I loved when she was with me. I would just watch her escapades and participate in them. It was the era of Barney. I know every song by heart. Who cared if he was purple and dorky. The fact that she loved him made me love him too. She learned to bake with me among other things. Nothing was better then piling up in the bed to watch movies together. Fantasia was one of her favorites, except for the scary parts, which I would fast forward past. I still have that very movie here and when I come across it, it always makes me smile.

What a woman she is becoming. Each and every one of the grand kids is so special in their own way. I love them (and the grandchildren in Mexico, Sebastian and Matilda) unconditionally. It's wonderful that it comes back to me from them, unconditionally.

So, pets are wonderful, I agree. But grandchildren ARE the greatest joy. The gift that keeps on giving.........with wonderful memories. Thanks kids!