Monday, May 27, 2013

Joy of a Fragrance Garden

I spent most of the day yesterday on that very chaise lounge.  Reading, drinking a cold drink and just enjoying all the fragrances of the flowers along with the birdsong.  Not a bad way to spend a day!

In between I had made several recipes of food for a party later this afternoon, poolside.  All is ready now.
The brisket cooked for 24 hours.  The potato salad is made.  The baked beans are ready and the corn on the cob is ready to cook.  All that is left is to heat the queso dip and grill the sausage.  A fun time hopefully will be had by all.
 My sister-in-law, Annette, loves to garden as I do.  She has purposely planted all kinds of fragrant plants.
Gardenias, a magnolia tree, an orange tree and Carolina jasmine, just to name a few.  The fragrances are exquisite no matter where you are sitting or walking.  Hibiscus as seen above don't have a fragrance but their blooms make up for that.  I can't grown hibiscus in Mexico at our altitude.  Darn.  I've tried.
                                             Nor can I grow gardenias.  I've tried and tried...........
 The lemony fragrance of magnolias are one of my favorites along with the seedpods in the fall.  I've never seen a Magnolia tree in Mexico.
 However orange blossoms can be seen in many places in San Miguel as that once was a primary crop.  Ahh, the fragrance. 
 Carolina jasmine is a great climber  There is jasmine in Mexico but I don't think it is this variety.  The fragrance is very similar to gardenias.
Here's a mixed bouquet that I arranged today to put on the table for the party.  Gardenias, magnolias and hibiscus.  Quite an unusual combination, but I love it!

Gracias to my sister-in-law for having created such beauty.  I'm lucky to have had a chance to enjoy the garden while it is in bloom!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Watching the Horizon

I'm a "horizon" person.  I like wide open spaces.  Seeing sunrises and sunsets come up over the mountain or going down over the sea are my idea of one of the ultimate joys of life.  Sitting on a beach watching the seagulls perched on pilings watching for the fish to jump is something I take great pleasure in doing also.

It's been a long time since I lived in a one story house.  A house where if you wanted to know what the sky looked like you had to look straight up.  I had forgotten the feeling. It's kinda claustrophobic to me.  Right now as I sit at the table with the biggest window nearby, I can see traces of color in the sky but only a wee bit as I have to look straight up past rooftops and trees.


Ahh yes, I think I'm missing my hilltop home in Mexico where each night I'm greeted with a horizon that is of interest.  Rain clouds coming over the mountains is fun to watch.  You can see the rain far, far away and watch as it comes closer.  Cloud formations are fun too.  Of course sunsets go without saying. Each unique.

You don't think about those things until you don't have them.  Then the importance takes on a new urgency.

It's been almost 20 years since  I lived in a one story house with no views.  Hopefully that won't ever happen again!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Every Trip To Texas ALWAYS Includes Galveston

 The wildflowers are in abundance.  Many of the residents of the island let their yards go uncut until the wildflowers die out.  Here are just a few.
Galveston is always such fun and a unique experience.  My friends I stay with have a myriad of interests such as the Seafarer's Gala.  Therefore I am included in things that I would never think to do.   This trip was no exception.  Great meals, fun people, a weekend with my grandchildren and time at the beach.  What's not to love?

The water this trip has looked somewhat angry and not as blue or green as usual.  Prior to the tornado in Oklahoma this week, when there was the big low pressure system, the tide was really, really in and the waves were really high.  Red flags were posted for people to stay out of the water.  Some didn't of course.

In addition to all the fun and frivolity with Sue and Vandy, we closed a chapter on putting the finishing touches on their home since Hurricane Ike.  I hung art for them in several rooms.  And they finished redecking the patio.  The place looks great.  It has been a long, exhausting and arduous journey for them.

It was interesting as I was measuring and grouping and hanging art how many old memories came flooding back from my design days. I admit that in the last ten years of the business I had installation crews to hang the art, but I always did a schedule and diagram of how to hang the pieces.  To physically do it last week reminded me of when I first started.  My oh my, those were the days - of course I was stronger thirty years ago and could lug that art up on a ladder, position it, and hang it with no thought of falling off the ladder or anything lie that.  NOW I'm darn careful.

I left Galveston on Wednesday and am now firmly ensconced at my brother's house in Houston.  Next stop, who knows!  I haven't cooked since I got to Texas two and a half weeks ago.  I'm cooking for six for a Memorial Day Barbeque.  One of the guests is a chef.  Uh oh, the pressure is on!  I got all the ingredients today, will cook some tomorrow and finish up on Monday.  It will be a poolside party.  It should be fun. I love to cook when I have someone to cook for...........

Stay tuned.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Casita Tranquilo - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Available for Rent

It's been six months since the guest house has been available for rent!  It is NOW available for short-term or long-term effective June 15th, 2013.  Just in time for summer travel.

Now that the humidity, heat and hurricanes are heading your way - come enjoy the fabulous weather of San Miguel de Allende.  Temps in the summer are in the low 80's with humidity BELOW 20%.  It is heavenly.
Typically the house is not offered short-term, but rather a minimum of a one year lease.  However, several people have expressed interest in being here this summer, so, in answer to those inquiries and in response to the previous tenants moving out early - THIS is your lucky break~

The first photo is the gardens.  The second photo is the guest house.  To see complete photos of the interior please go to the sidebar of the blog and click on October  14, 2012 post.  Guest house interiors.

Monthly rent short term is $800USD with a $300 security deposit that is refunded within 45 days.after departure. Weekly rental is $560 per week with the same security deposit and long term with a year's lease would be $750, first and last months rent plus $300 security deposit.

If you're not looking for a place but know someone who is wanting to come to a peaceful, serene and tranquil place, I would so appreciate your passing this info on.

As you will see in the description in 2012, the house if fully furnished with maid service, internet and satellite TV.  All you need to bring are your clothes.

If interested, please leave a comment and I will contact you.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Losing Landmarks

I lived in Houston for 34 years.  I've been gone 12 years.  You would think that I should be able to find my way around the city.  Alas, many of the landemarks are gone and I miss my turn often, have to make a U-turn and work my way back to where I intended to go down a certain street.

Yesterday I was driving to my next Port of Call, my brother and sister-in-law's house.  For something different I decided to drive the 610 Loop, south of the city.  Something I had not done in years and years.

New elaborate signage near the Meyerland Mall area confused me and the next thing I knew, I wasn't on the freeway anymore but on South Braeswood Blvd!  What?  I remained calm as I knew that there were familiar streets that would cross this one and I could eventually reach my destination without getting back up on the freeway.

I drove and drove.  Eventually I came to Hillcroft which used to be a street I used a lot as my dad lived off that street back in the 70's.  There was very little trace of anything familiar.  For one thing, neighborhoods have become very ethnic with  restaurants of all persuasions in some areas. 

It WAS interesting to travel and see the new sites, sorta.  Then I turned on Bellfort and could have been in the Bronx.  Lots of dilapidated apartments with tin foil on the windows to keep out the sun.  Cars parked willy nilly.  Strange signage that made no sense to me.  Many stores to cash checks and use Western Union. This used to be white suburbs.  No longer.

There is a beautiful Turkish Temple with a park of peace on one side of the entrance to Glenshire.  On the other side is a mosque.  An indication of the diversity of this city.

Houston is known to have ninety cultures within its boundaries.  I traveled through many of them in about a 10 mile span yesterday!


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

National Maritime Day - May 22nd

How many of you knew that today is National Maritime Day in the USA?  That many of you?  Wow!

I wouldn't have known except last Friday in Galveston they observed the day with a ceremony next to the Tall Ship Elissa as part of the Seafarers Center's Gala event being held that evening, which I attended.

Unknown to me, I was shepherded to this event on the pier.  Had I been on my own, I would not have probably ended up there.  I'm so darn glad my friends Sue and Vandy made sure I was there.

It was very ceremonial, which I'm not.  At least not very often.  However, it seemed appropriate once I heard the statistics about merchant marines and the role they have played in defending the USA and the role they play in industry and activities at the Port of Galveston. And all ports.

Members of the Coast Guard presented the Colors.  They had the Pledge of Allegiance along with recognition of dignitaries and veterans.  In addition there was recognition of maritime industry workers.

In Galveston  there is the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston.  The Director spoke of the current and future plans of the school, the amount of students and the renewed interest in this field of study.

The absolute most interesting part of the entire afternoon was the introduction of Merchant Marines who served in World War II.  Among them was a woman, whose name I can't remember, who joined the Merchant Marines because originally she wanted to get to Australia.  She never got there..She told the most amazing stories about being a radio operator and at one point being on a boat in the bay near Iwo Jima. along with 100's of other ships.  She told me also that originally the radio operators were below deck.  It worked better to have them on the main deck so they could see better so they built a wooden shack for them up there.  Hence the name Radio Shack - I'm NOT making this up!

This woman is 92 years old and remembered specific and intricate details of much of her eight years as a Merchant Marine.  She is a tiny woman but she was a spitfire, to put it mildly.  When I found out that night from her that she is 92, I could hardly believe it.  What tales she had to tell!

Shortly thereafter during the ceremony, a firefighting tug pulled up and presented a water cannon salute.  Quite impressive.  Of course I have photos of ALL of this, but can't share with you til I return to San Miguel.

So today, when you have nothing to do or think about, remember that they say if it hadn't been for the Merchant Marines, it is questionable if we would have won World War II.  The number of casualties was astounding and their presence was  huge.

For more information,  do your own sleuthing.  It's fun to learn something new about a subject
 that you've never thought about before..........

Happy National Maritime Day!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Siege of Scorpions


As I was getting ready to leave San Miguel de Allende in the dusty, hot weather, I KNEW to be watching for scorpions, squirrels and other assorted creatures - none bother me though like SCORPIONS!

I wrote previously in a blog called "Animal House" about a wily scorpion.  I can call him wily now.  At the time I thought he was just sinister.

So, I've been watching.  Especially at night when you flip on the light.  My eyes scour the ceiling and walls.
If I see one my heart races and I grab something and smash it to bits.  Or use spray starch to freeze it in place while I find something to kill it, for sure.

One appeared a couple of weeks ago.  He's gone to where dead scorpions go.  THEN the day before I left I noticed a shadow in the drapes in the bedroom.  What the heck?  It didn't move so I figured it was dead....
NOT!  I grabbed something and squished it between the drapery lining and the drapes.  Heck, this is NOT rocket science.

I left a post-in-note on the drapes that morning as I left for the airport,   saying "Muertos"...........hopefully Josefina, the maid or my son John will get rid of it.........or if not, I'll be faced with a dried, dead scorpion.

I'll face that when I have to..........hopefully the rains will have come and the scorpions will stop looking for a cool place to go (inside my house).  I have no idea where they go or stay when the rains come.  Hopefully far, far away.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Hanging in Houston

Hanging in Houston is a fun time! 

I arrived last Thursday afternoon by air, an unusual thing for me.  Usually I make the trek by car.  This time however, I decided to use some of those miles I have saved.  I must admit, a two hour flight, was delightful versus a fourteen hour drive.  Of course, the time from when I left the house until I arrived at my friend's house was 7 hours...........but, since I wasn't driving, it was a delight.

I might even decide to do this kind of travel again sometime.  I've been saving those miles forever for a BIG trip, but, this has opened my eyes to an EASY trip.  Nope, I didn't have to take my shoes off and nope I didn't have to pay for my checked bag.  Smooth sailing.

I no sooner arrived here then I swiftly changed clothes, freshened up and was out the door to hear music and prose from Ramblin' Jack, a cowboy blues singer.  He is a contemporary of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and a few others he has entertained with.  He, and his sidekick, John Bonet, a  Cowboy poet, were driving cross country for gigs.  Next stop was Baton Rouge.  I just shook my head that two 80 something year old guys had that much energy and were having that much fun!  A delightful evening.

It's been a series of lunches and dinners with friends, including one early morning (8:30AM!) meeting with another..........It warms my heart that I still have so many friends here even though I've been gone for 12 years.

The piece de resistance was Sunday for Mother's Day.  I spent it at my daughter and son-in-law's house with four of the seven grandchildren.  They didn't let me do a thing and had roses for me.  This getting older stuff works out pretty good sometimes.  Sure seems strange to just sit back and have someone do things for me!

I'm heading off to Galveston tomorrow to spend a little time enjoying friends, staring at the Gulf and eating seafood.  Gotta have my Galveston fix!

Since I flew up, my dear friends Sue and Vandy lent me Sue's Cadillac to drive.  It's big and long.  I feel more like a ship's pilot then a driver.  Sure rides smooth after an SUV.  I'm looking both ways multiple times before pulling out anywhere as I'm paranoid driving someone elses car..........They drive FAST in this town.
Everyone everywhere is in a hurry!  Not me.

Looking forward to the slower pace in Galveston for a while - kinda like San Miguel.

See you on down the road with more adventures...........

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Outtahere for a While!


I'm heading NOB to see family and friends.  It's THAT time of the year when its dusty and hot!
Kinda like living in a semi-arid place, which I do.  At least til mid-June.

I'll keep you informed of shenanigans as they occur and evolve.  The next five days will be chock-a-block full of all kinds of unique and different fun.

Tonight, the Mucky Duck for live music.  Tomorrow to Galveston for the day. Saturday is the Art Car Parade.  Sunday is Mother's Day and.....ta ta, Monday is Martha's "mumblesomething" birthday and a Greek outdoor party that night!

Whew.

I'm outtahere - more from the other side.
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Tuesday, May 07, 2013

#1100 and counting!


This, ladies and gentlemen, is my  1100th post!

To me, that is a milestone.

In my wildest dreams when I tentatively started to write six years ago, I couldn't possibly have envisioned that I would still be writing.  I certainly couldn't have envisioned how much
this would have enriched my life.

The readers I've met from all over the world!

The readers who  have become my friends!

It has been one of the biggest and most delicious surprises of my life.

At present there are almost 10,000 readers a month.  I so wonder who you are?  Where you are?  Why you read the blog?  What is it I say that touches you?  It's a real mystery.

Now that I'm at the 10,000 mark, I'm considering adding some discreet ads of local businesses here in San Miguel.  I certainly would like your opinion on this before I do that.  Let me know.  I'm hesitant, but living on Social Security is not that easy and a few pesos would help.  I truly care what you think.

It's been a fun ride.  I intend to keep on rollin' as long as you're there reading..........and I still have something to say!  Okay, old friends, I saw those eyes rolling back in heads, ha.

Thanks for the memories, my friends.
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Monday, May 06, 2013

Dining in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico


I couldn't decide whether to tempt you with the photos of the Chocolate Truffle Cake or Creme Brulee at Hansen's.  Or the Roast Beef sandwich with all its garnishes.  Or...........well  you get the idea! So, I've provided a humble plate of guacamole with freshly made chips.

We have a plethora of restaurants in this town that leave little to be desired.  Since we have 90 nationalities living here, there is something for everyone!  We are a true international village
with whatever your heart desires. 

Here are some of the food categories.  Japanese, Lebanese, Intercontinental, Thai, Chinese, American BBQ, German, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, Argentinean, Spanish, Cajun, Noodle shops, and of course Mexican - not Tex-Mex.

We have chefs who have come from the finest dining restaurants throughout the world.  They came looking for a more casual lifestyle, found it and stayed. We have graduates of Restaurant Management programs in the USA that operate well run and delicious restaurants here.

When I came twelve years ago it was common to see men in blazers and ties at dinner in the evenings. Some women in long dresses.   Seldom is that seen today.  Luckily life has become more casual.

You noticed in that list there is not USA cuisine in any restaurant, although many do have on their menus things that are enjoyed in the USA such as club sandwich, ribs,  hamburgers, salads of every kind and description, Prime Rib, Osso Bucco.  You name it, it is probably here somewhere. 

No we don't have chains or fast food.  Well, I take that back.  We have a Domino's that delivers on a motorbike.  We have a  McDonald's on the outskirts of town.  That's about it, that I can think of.
We had a Subway but it didn't last long.  Maybe a year or so........

Add to the restaurants all the moving taco stands, breakfast stands and other stands and you've got a wonderland of food choices.

When people complain to me about the restaurants in San Miguel not having good cuisine, I look at them like they are crazy.  I challenge them to go stay in any other city in Mexico, other then Mexico City, and see if they can find this diversity of cuisine.

Add to that that many of the restaurants adapt their menus to the international taste buds.  That too is unique.

Therefore, the 234 restaurants in San Miguel give you another reason to come visit.  You can schedule it for the Paella Fest, the Wine and Cheese Festival, the Beer Festival or none of the above.

Just come.  You'll be glad you did!
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Sunday, May 05, 2013

The WEIRDEST Sale Ever!


We were ready!  EVERYTHING  was priced!  Coffee and pastries ready.
Six people ready to handle the crowds............

Can you believe anyone could have THIS much stuff to sell.  Well, there
were three of us selling "treasures"!

In the past, when the gate has been opened, people streamed in.
At 10AM we opened the gate and one woman came in.
WHAT?

All this stuff.............all this work........  What the heck?

I had sent emails to about 150 people.  Had posted it on the San Miguel forum called the Civil List, twice.  Had a friend send an email to her customers.  Made a sign for at the end of the street.
Posted it on the blog

Four people came for security, assistance and to collect money.

No more then twenty (20) people showed up.  Hardly anything sold.

We all scratched our heads.  Asked each other many times, "What else is going on in town today?"
We never came up with any answers.

Last sale, last year, at least 300 people were here.  I've had many, many sales over my lifetime but never anything as WEIRD as this!

REALLY.

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Saturday, May 04, 2013

BANNED for a while!


I've noticed in the last few months that I don't like what I see in the 5x magnifying mirror in the mornings.  It is disconcerting, to put it mildly.

WHO is that person?

Well, now, with a band aid strapped on my face between my nose and lips - kinda a band aid mustache, I'm avoiding this thing until this latest episode is over.

The dermatologist told me it would fade eventually.  Really?  Let's hope.

There are five stitches.  I probably will be heading to Houston looking like the "Band aid Bandito".

I'm trying diligently to find the humor in this latest saga.

Today while having the sale of stuff, I acted like there was nothing wrong as people did a double take as they came in the garden.

A thing of beauty?  Not.

I tried a Sponge Bob Square Pants band aid but THAT was not even funny.

The magnifying mirror has been banished until the purple, yellow, stitched space has faded.  At least somewhat.

No photos were made for this post of me.  Did you notice?
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Friday, May 03, 2013

Medical Care in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico


IF the truth be known, I don't go to Doctors until I'm convinced that it is probably fatal.  I will put up with pain and aggravation for months, or longer, then give in when my home style remedies don't work.

Case in point.  In February a huge pimple, more like a wart all of a sudden appeared between my nose and lips.  I was in Houston.  About to meet some new people and I thought, "Oh great now I'm getting ä witches wart".  So I doused it with antibiotic ointment and, of course picked at it.  Nothing worked,  it never went away.  I was somewhat self conscious about it.  Then last week someone said that I really needed to have that checked by a dermatologist.  THAT got my attention.

Add to the above that weird things have been happening in my legs and feet with tingling and pain in the middle of the night.  So severe as to wake me with the pain.  I, of course, was scared to death that it was diabetes.  Monday night was especially painful and I was awake most of the night.

Okay, NOW I had two things to worry about.  First thing out of bed on Tuesday morning I called the dermatologist and the internal medicine doctor for appointments.  Hopefully for that day.  They are in the same clinic here in town and I thought a one-two punch was the way to go.

I called at 8:30AM and had an appointment with the internist at 11:30 and the dermatologist at 12:30.

When the appointment is at 11:30AM, the door opens and there stands the Dr. to greet you.  Dr. Barrera is a gruff but brilliant diagnostician.  He never remembers my name but he always remembers the last time I was in there and why.  Amazing!  He listened to me, wanted a couple of x-rays and walked me down to the x-ray department to check my spine to see if that contributed to the pain in my legs and feet.  Two x-rays in ten minutes.  $40USD.  Dr. Barrera looked at them and said nope that wasn't it.  He gave me something for pain and said to call him in 5 days.  He also ordered a lab to come to my house to draw blood to check what might be out of whack to cause the pain..

Then I went off to meet the dermatologist to get the witçhes wart removed.  Shockingly she told me it wasn't a pimple but a tumor.  Whoa!  And, I needed to get it removed either by her or by my dermatologist in the USA, soon.  I left her office in a fog with the name of the tumor. 

Cost of appointments with internist and dermatologist - Total for 2 - $88.00USD

Called the US Doctor - Told the receptionist the diagnosis because the Dr. couldn't talk to me and no he would be too busy to call me back!  No, they don't take Medicare anymore.  And, the cost for the surgical procedure to remove the tumor would start at least at $250USD.  And, he wouldn't be able to see me til the end of May even though it needed to be removed ASAP.

Ok then.

Multiple emails to dermatologist here in San Miguel which were answered promptly and her cost to do the procedure in two days, convinced me that I should move forward here.  I did, today.  It's gone.
Cost of surgical procedure and biopsy of tumor - $200USD

The lab tech who came to the house to draw blood was, without a doubt, the most efficient person I've every dealt with in this area.  Usually I laughingly tell the tech they have 2 maybe 3 chances then we'll quit.  This man found the vein instantly.  Did not leave a bloody trail or anything.  I was thrilled.
Cost for coming to my home and for the  lab results - $56USD

After I finished with the surgical procedure today and left the dermatologists office, I stopped by the internist.  He welcomed me into his office, told me all is ok except one thing and gave me a prescription for that.  I asked if I needed to pay for his time and he looked shocked and said, "Of course not".  I told him I was going to Texas and he gave me his cell phone # in case I were to have any questions or issues while I'm gone.

As I walked to the car, I was shaking my head (with the bandage on my face) with wonder at the genuine caring, professionalism and lack of interest in always making money.  In fact, the price that the dermatologist had quoted me and what she actually charged me was less. I told her what she had quoted and she laughed and said, "Well that's why I'll never get rich - the patients mean more then the money"  Yup, she actually said that...............and I believe her.

Total cost for everything Tuesday and today - $384USD!

Viva Mexico

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Thursday, May 02, 2013

The Mazahuas of Estado de Mexico and Michoacan


I was honored last week to be invited to Casa de la Cuesta, a bed and breakfast along with an art gallery, to meet Enriqueta Bernadino Cenobio, a Mazahua woman.  She has one many awards for her embroidery and textile work.  The MOST exquisite embroidery work I have ever seen.

The furniture above was made by her family and she embroidered the dresser and nightstand scarves along with the bedding.  The doll is dressed in the traditional dress of the Mazahua women.

You can see that Enrigueta is dressed the same as she stands with her husband behind this beautiful set that they are (and should be) very proud of.  The set was made at the request of someone in San Miguel.  It took much time to make.  Enrigueta and her husband took the bus from the northern part of Mexico to bring to this woman.  Then, the woman refused the order saying she never ordered it.

What a dilemma for a family who has no extra money!  If only I had had the 9000 pesos to buy it, I would have.

Enriqueta also brought much of her other work to show to the Toy Museum in San Miguel where much of her work is displayed.  These were things she was returning to Mexico with.  Each more exquisitely made then the next.  The detail is mind boggling.  Having embroidered since I was about six years old, my appreciation for this work knows no bounds.

Each piece is unique.  From tablecloths to book marks to drink coasters to blouses.
I oohed and aahed along with the other guests staying at Casa de la Cuesta.  We
knew we were looking at work worthy of a Great Master 

Prolific would be an understatement.  I can't imagine how
this much work could be produced!  I know how long it takes.......

The other thing that just boggled my mind was the
uniqueness of the colors, the embroidery and the patterns.
 

I so wanted this blouse.  I saw one similar once in the State of Tlaxcala and didn't buy it
then or last week.  I know I'll regret it.

Even working with a thicker yarn, the work is intricate.

If you're interested in seeing this magnificent work in person, you can contact Casa de la Cuesta who represents Enriqueta or go to the Toy Museum in San Miguel de Allende located at the corner of San Francisco and Nunez.

ARTES de Mexico has published a book on the Mazahuas Textiles.  It's fascinating if you're interested.
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Wednesday, May 01, 2013

In Just One Day


As I've mentioned before, once I walk out the gate into life outside my paradise, I never know what to expect.  Last week it was the 100's of workers out on my street.  Thankfully, the project was completed yesterday - just as I was told on Friday it would be!  A miracle.

Last Friday this little VW pulled up to the school.  The Mom and son jumped out and then came out an airplane made with recycled cardboard and recycled soda pop bottles.  It was huge.
I had to grab the camera, ask permission for a photo and then show it to the Mom and son.
They graciously smiled.

Going down the hill and arriving in the jardin, there were lots of school kids here on field trips - just like they do in the US toward the end of the school year.  Never to miss an opportunity, a three piece band appeared to sing, make music and collect tips.  The kids loved it and an impromptu
"happening" happened.  Not too unusual here.

Through it all, this dog that my son had petted, decided I was its savior and never left.  It laid in front of me until I left.  What I love about this was that everyone walking by walked around the dog and the dog never seemed to worry that anyone would step on him.

Onward to a surprise birthday party for my friend Ron.  It WAS really a surprise as
his real birthday was in February but due to circumstances, the party didn't happen until
he walked into the restaurant and a bunch of us were gathered waiting to yell "Surprise" at him.
I WISH I had gotten a photo of the multiple looks that crossed his face in just a few seconds.
Priceless.

All of the above happened before 1PM.  I'm not even going to wear you out telling you about the rest of the day. It was a doozy.

Viva Mexico
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