Saturday, March 30, 2013

Getting ready for Easter Sunday


The jacarandas have been blooming for a couple of weeks.  The bourganvillas are blooming and blooming and blooming now that the warm weather is here.

I've been enjoying all of the above.  In fact, I took a couple of days of vacation from retirement, ha,
this week to stay home and enjoy mi casa.

Last week I was like a "whirling dervish".  This week I've been a Spring slug - moving much slower and not having so many projects.

Since the new chaises are now recovered, I've taken full advantage to go out with a glass of iced tea, a good book and a little suntan lotion to enjoy the chaises, the myriad of flitting hummingbirds and even the bees that are busy skipping from bloom to bloom.

I even actually slept til 8AM the other morning.  OMG.  THAT never happens.

I've been getting ready for Easter Sunday lunch in stages instead of my usual frenzy of activities.

The eggs are already boiled for the deviled eggs.  The carrot cake cupcakes have been iced and are ready.  The ingredients for the corn souffle are ready to throw together.  And, a spiral ham is the simplest of all.  Others are bringing other dishes like potato salad and a fruit salad.

Today I met my son for breakfast at Cafe Monet.  Their oatmeal is a delicious treat for me.
Then I bought eggs at Espino's.  Looked for paper doilies - no luck and went to buy flowers from the man on the corner.  Woo hoo, he was expensive today.  He was quoting seventy pesos for just about everything.  Including seventy pesos for one stalk of lilies.  No way, I said (to myself).

So, I hopped back in the car and drove over to the cemetery.  My secret flower vendor on the outside of the cemetery was there.  I bought a dozen white gladiolas for 45 pesos.  And, to my delight, the flower vendor put in some additional little daisies.  That always touches my heart when they give me something extra.  Of course, I always reward them with a big smile, a muchas gracias and a propina.

My wish for all of you, no matter where you are and who you are with is

HAPPY EASTER!
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Thursday, March 28, 2013

One Thing Leads to Another.........and Another!


I decided this morning to find photos I've taken in the last twelve years of my time in San Miguel of Easter processions.
Real photos, not digital ones.  I've got boxes of organized photos, believe it or not.  I've lost a lot of digital photos when I've had to get a new computer and not everything got transferred.  I'm so sad about that.
Anyway, I found the Easter photos of processions, lots of them.  You might even get to see some of them if I don't get down to centro to photograph this year.

I also found a stack of photos of various things.  Among them a stack of photos of me in my earlier heyday years - like when I was 45.  And 55.

Who the heck is that woman?  And, more importantly, how do I get her back? After looking at the photos, I got up, walked to the mirror and said, "Nope, that's not me!"

Ironically, recently there have been articles about Karen Black battling pancreatic cancer.  I'm so sorry to hear that she is having a terrible time.  I so hope that her new treatments will be helpful to her.

Back in the late 70's I was told more times then I can count that I looked like her.  I had no idea who she was and have, to this day, never seen a movie that she performed in.

I was at a nightclub one night when a man yelled out, "Karen Black".  I turned around to see who he was talking about.  I kid you not, this is the absolute truth, I was swarmed by people.  It was very freaky.  Now, I have to tell you, I then went home and tried to find a photo of this woman.  I finally did and didn't think she was particularly attractive.  So, I didn't take it as a compliment.

Just this week however, on the internet, I saw a trailer from Five Easy Pieces.  I thought, at this time she was attractive and quirky looking.  Then today when I came across the photos of me, I could see the resemblance, back in the day.  Quirky, ha.

So, what started out to be a search for Easter photos turned into a walk down memory lane. I love that I have the time now to get sidetracked...............and enjoy it!
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Monday, March 25, 2013

WHAT is going on? Daniel Rueffert, that's what.


While at the beach, just two months ago, an artist appeared on the horizon.
He purposefully opened the back of his car, set up his easel and palette table, did a little
dance and started to paint.

My friend John and I, who had binoculars watching for whales began to watch this man.
Who is he?  Is he really an artist?  Or just a person that found a place to paint for the
fun of it.  I don't think he had any idea we were watching him for at least 20 minutes.

I could stand it no longer and headed down the dirt path to find out
for myself.  As I drew closer, I saw a small video camera recording his
painting.  Aha.  I hesitated to interrupt, but, he seemed open to that and we talked for a bit.
I introduced myself with my name.  He didn't, at first, say his name.

Had he said it at the beginning I wouldn't have been as relaxed as I was asking him all kinds of
questions.  He patiently answered all of them.  Then I think I said something about heading back home to San Miguel soon and he said he painted there and had a gallery in Mineral de Pozos.  He no longer, if memory serves me correctly, has a gallery in San Miguel de Allende.

CLICK!  I knew instantly who he was - Daniel Rueffert, one of the most admired and talented artists who paints scenes of Mexico, among other things.  I have great respect and admiration for his work.

I briefly owned a piece of his many, many years ago and deeply regret that I let it go.  Long story.

Fast forward to today.  I received a notice that Daniel is having a Plein Air Exhibit in Mineral de Pozos which is opening this Saturday, March 30th from noon til 3PM with cocktails.  I want to go.
I have a prior commitment.  Darn it.  But, YOU can go.  It is at 301 Morelos in Mineral de Pozos which is about 45 minutes from here.

Since I can't go Saturday, I'm going to call for an appt. since he will do that from Wednesday through Sunday from 11 - 3.  Phone # 442 459-8707.  Go, if you can.  I really think you'll be touched by his work.

I'm so glad that I got these photos of him at the beach!
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Sunday, March 24, 2013

It's Always Something!


My plans yesterday morning were to meet my son for breakfast, go to the Alma sale and to meet a fellow blogger for lunch at 1PM.

Instead, I woke up, my breakfast plans were canceled and so instead of going to the Alma sale.............I threw on my junky clothes,
grabbed my clippers, and assorted gardening stuff and worked all over the many gardens here
for three hours.  I started in the main garden.  Planting and pruning.  Then headed to the roof terrace which needed the most work as the freeze had really clipped some canna lilies and some jade plants.
Then down to the little patio outside my bedroom to finish up down there.  It is, for the most part,
ship shape all over now.  Ready for the warm weather and the sun.

The two story high bougainvilla had not one bloom a week ago.  It is now 75% covered in bloom!

I cleaned myself up, and headed to the jardin early to meet Mark of  " An Alaskan in the Yucatan" for lunch.  He was arriving by bus and since neither of us knew exactly when he would arrive the best
thing to do is meet in an easy to find place.

I arrived to the usual "three ring circus" that is the jardin on the weekends.

There was a magician performing in the street.  A bride and her entourage walking up the
stairs to the Parroquia for her wedding.  And the court jester handing out fliers for a non-event
that you could pay money not to attend.  Very clever.

The first photo is an unsuspecting gringo sitting on the bench surrounded by either high school or university students.  This phenomena happens often.  All of us have been approached at one time or another.  They are students doing research AND practicing their English.  They ask questions and quickly scribble answers on pads.  The questions and conversation is fun.  Usually they are from Guanajuato.  Always polite and appearing to be genuinely interested, topics usually veer from their original purpose and into personal things about where you came from, what was that place like, do you like Mexico, what don't you like?  And, all the time the students are attentive and smiling. It's a delightful experience.

Some friends stopped by while I was watching allllllllll the activities.  And then Mark approached.

Off we went to lunch and to catch up on life for the last couple of years.  His in Merida - mine in San Miguel.  It's always so interesting to catch up with a fellow blogger, always.
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Friday, March 22, 2013

Sprucing up for Spring!


It started the other day with switching out the clothes from
heavy winter clothes to now, light gauzy spring things.

On my "Houston list" was Sunbrella fabric.  This fabric continues to
get pricier and pricier, but, I prevailed and found this for $9 a yard.

Good thing, because I needed a lot of it for these two chaises.  In addition to having the
chaises recovered, we repainted them with black enamel paint.  My gosh, they look
brand new.  I've had them about eleven years.

I like the brightness of the colors.  I went to the nursery today and bought a few more
red geraniums and a couple of large bougainvilla.  Spent less then $20 for all of
that.

Even the Spring and Summer Goddess had a flower in her shell and stone hair today!

Love this mild sunny weather now when all the windows and doors can be open.

Happy Days.
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Thursday, March 21, 2013

Primavera Parade in San Miguel de Allende - 2013


This parade along with a few others are just absolutely adorable.

The creativity of the mothers who make the costumes, the teachers who organize their classrooms
and the kids who are willing participants leaves everyone with smiles for hours and hours.

These are all kindergarten age children.  I'm amazed
at the ability to keep them all moving and together.

There are parents and teachers walking along on both sides
to make sure that no child gets left behind.

This little special needs boy was having such a great time!

Some kids didn't look very happy but I think there was so much
going on around them as they approached the jardin that it must
have been somewhat overwhelming - not to mention, HOT.

The lady bug group even performed!  They had little dance
moves and were singing.  I was trying to concentrate on taking
photos but honestly, it was hard not to get caught up in the moment.

Here's "my" kindergarten - the one next to my house.  I saw these kids
walking down the hill as I headed out myself.  I was so excited to
know for sure that it indeed was parade day.

They did start the parade a little earlier this year - thankfully.  Can you imagine walking a mile in
this outfit?  This little guy lives near me.

This child was having a heck of a time seeing where he was going.
But, he was inventive and finally just leaned back and walked!

Love this photo of the little girl watching the "bigger kids" in the parade.
Some day it will be her turn...........

What can I say other then "Precioso"?

All kinds of creatures - signs of spring.

Not sure why these bumble bees were eye to eye.

A fancy decorated truck with a little girl learning the princess wave.

Wings of all colors, sizes and shapes were seen today.

To cap off the parade, little Red Riding Hood and the
bad wolf appeared.


Part of the joy of this parade is that never are two years the same.  And, of course the best part is seeing the children in their clever, colorful outfits.

Viva Mexico!
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Snapshots of February and Family - Texas 2013


My talented and creative daughter always adds such beautiful things to
make their house a home.  I love this wall of favorite photos!

My  Christmas present made with a board, some fancy lettering, tiny
clothespins and favorite photos of the grandkids . I anxiously always
wait to see what clever and touching thing my daughter will make for me.

Christopher in Houston when we went shopping for Valentine's candy
and he gave me the gift of a lifetime - a favorite memory of his.

Frosted animal cookies - I wrote about this in February.

Then there was the chockablock weekend when Jessica came home from college
for Emma's (in the orange blouse) 13th birthday.  It started with Tex-Mex food, of course.

Here's the whole family - it takes a big round table for all the Hogan's and me.

I'm watching the girls playing sorta softball or kickball or something.
Then they videoed themselves doing the "Harlem Shake".  It was hysterically funny
since I was sitting away from them and didn't know what the heck was going on!
(I think I've been banned from showing the hilarious video)

Jessica, my first born grandchild with a beautiful smile for me - always!

Andrew, in his own world talking or communicating with his best friend dinosaur.

 Then the big moment, out on the deck (it was a little chilly), having KFC and a store bought Birthday Cake.  Emma is now officially a teenager!

And has blue lips!

I wouldn't have wanted to miss one minute of all of this.
The grandkids in Texas are now 13, 14 two 15 and one 21!
PLUS they ALL are taller then me.

This is what makes families so wonderful and gives me
such great memories and photographs to share!

Life is good.
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

A Twice a Year Affair


Switching the season's clothes, that is! 

Since tomorrow is the first day of Spring, I decided to get rid of all those dark, heavy clothes and switch out to sandals and lighter weight clothes.

The above photo was the beginning of the process.  It was an ugly scene with clothes EVERY WHERE before I was done.  Oh, and this took four hours.........


Through it all, Velcro never moved from "her" spot on the end of the bed.  Even when I was dropping large plastic bins from the cabinet above the closet.  She's still there!

A woman with one closet is a frustrated woman.  I've been relatively clever by having my bed higher then usual so I can store those lower bins under the bed.  Taller ones are in the cabinet above the ONE closet.  Hence the need to switch out clothes twice a year.

I didn't know twelve years ago when I downsized from well over 2000 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft and ONE closet that I was at the beginning of a trend - simplifying and downsizing.  It does require ingenuity, I promise.

It also keeps me from acquiring a lot.  Now, others would disagree with that statement, but, I do get rid of things semi-annually.  If I didn't wear something in the previous season or its totally worn out after many, many years of wear, it goes.  I have a huge pile on the stairwell to haul up to put in a bag and
give  to Josefina, the maid tomorrow.

I'm NOW truly ready for Spring!  I can feel all the men out there reading this just shaking their heads.
Lucky you!
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Monday, March 18, 2013

Snapshots from January 2013 - Costa Alegre, Mexico


It's a joy to escape to another world each year for the month of January.
After an eight hour drive from San Miguel de Allende, I finally reach the
little village of Calechosa, make a left, drive down the dirt road and just
keep on going to the dead end.

However, this time, there was a cattle drive from that dirt road to the other side of the highway
going on.  Needless to say, I pulled over and waited.

I was rewarded by seeing the caballero who I photographed last year so many times.
Last year he hardly ever acknowledged me.  This year there was a slight tip of his head
to me.  A great reward!

The pleasure of driving up to the property to see the horses and new colt along with the new Boxer puppy was a delight.  What a pastoral view with the Pacific Ocean in the background.

Even though where I stay is total paradise, I always end up driving over to La Manzanilla to hang out
for the day.  It used to be Tenacatita but that has been fenced off for development for almost three years.  Tena is a lovelier bay, but this isn't bad either, except for the small rocks in the water.

There are always pelicans and frigates around.  Especially when there are fishermen.
There are always fishermen!

I've never seen a sunset I didn't like - some more then others.  The sunsets over the Pacific, to me, are
exquisite.  Every night more beautiful then the next. 

After a peaceful day of seafood, good books, a pina colada or two, how else could
you possibly cap off a day any other way then with a beautiful crimson sky?

The total restfulness of this month is something I cling to throughout the year.
IF something stressful or upsetting happens, I transfer my thoughts back to
these photos in my mind and feel an immediate calming.

Life is good!  Viva Mexico.
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