Sunday, June 30, 2013

Movies for Grownups

Sometimes AARP's magazine has interesting and informative information.  The recent issue had a myriad of
things that I tore out to check on.  One was the site Movies for Grownups.

It's a You Tube site with the man above, who has an irritating voice, telling you about each movie.  If you don't want to listen to him, the information to the side, is written and you can read it while tuning him out of your ears.

The site is www.youtube.com/user/moviesforgrownups    I have been purchasing DVD's from Juan at Cafe Etc  forever. I seldom get a movie I don't enjoy but thought I would look at this site and then take the list to
Juan.

He had a couple of the movies on the list - Quartet and Guilt Trip.  The first was excellent with a superb cast.
The second was with Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen.  I have not much to say about the second other then, don't bother.

I'll continue to go back to Juan until he gets the remaining which are: Unfinished Song, Hot Flashes, Swimming to Cambodia, The Oranges, Starlet and The Great Gatsby.

At the price of $3.20 per DVD, even if I don't enjoy one or two, I'm not "breaking the bank" as they say.

As you can tell by the above list, I'm into light, non-violent, hopefully funny movies these days.  There's a reason.  Some day, when I can, I'll tell you why...........

Saturday, June 29, 2013

My Name is Babs...........I Have a Confession to Make!


I have a confession..........during this season, I have become a diehard
hockey fan!  If anyone had ever told me that this would or could happen, I would have giggled.  I couldn't have imagined it.

I grew up loving high school football.  Then college football.  After all I was a student and then a wife of a student at LSU in Baton Rouge.
You couldn't survive without being a fan.

Other sports have never gotten to me.  Even though I went to the Indy 500, I never cared to go again.  Nor did it foster an interest for me.


Fast forward.

Someone introduced me to the sport of hockey.  To say I was skeptical
would be a HUGE understatement. What I have observed on TV is the fastest sport I've ever experienced.  Yes, it is rough.  The stamina and tenacity of the players is mind boggling.Truly talented individuals.                                                                                                          Click on letter to
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Then I watched the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Wow is all I can say.  Two evenly
matched teams playing and playing and playing.  No, I don't understand all the rules
No, I couldn't always keep up with where the puck was.  But it sure held my interest.

As a neophyte I equate it to many other sports all rolled into one.  Bumper cars to be
comical.  Soccer and a little of basketball, but on the ground.  That's just my perspective.
If you're a diehard, long time hockey fan, I'm sure your eyes are rolling back into your head

At the end when the Chicago Bruins won, I was astounded to see the sportsmanship that
was displayed as each player shook the hand of the men they had just tried to trip up on the ice.

To cap it off is the letter displayed above starting out as THANK YOU.  I've never seen another
sport conduct themselves in this manner.  WHAT A CLASS ACT!

Now I have something else to add to my repertoire of interests.  Hope I live long enough to become more familiar with the rules and regulations of the game.  Not to mention the players.

Oh, and mentioning the players, Bergeron who is pictured above played the game with not only a broken rib but a hole in his lung that no one knew about until after the game.  Geez, these guys are tough as teflon.

If I had just learned to enjoy the sport when I lived in Houston, I could have gone to the Houston Aeros games.  Alas, the Aeros are moving to Des Moines, Iowa.  Doubt I'll ever be such a great fan as to make
a trip there.

Chicago however is my birth town.  Still have tons of relatives there!  Who knows.......a trip in the future? 


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Out of the mouths of babes


Sebastian and Matilda came here for lunch yesterday and to play.

When I'm with the children, I listen closely to what they say.  It's always a delight and surprise.

After lunch they wanted to come downstairs, climb up on Grammy's bed and look at the pictures.
So we did that. 

Sebastian got there first. Of course, he moves at warp speed.
He's definitely a 3 year old boy - all boy!  The photos above are the first he spotted.  He looked at the one to the right, which is me twenty years ago and said, "There's Grammy".  I was so surprised as I don't think I look like that at all anymore.  Then he was delighted to see he and Mati along with Mati in her pink hat in Colorado.

By now Mati was there and named all her cousins in Texas along with Aunt Julie and Uncle Rich.
It made my heart so happy that she remembers them!

Then Sebastian spotted this photo.  He said that that was he with Matilda.  I told him that actually was his Daddy and Aunt Julie.  He gave me a quizzical look.

On we went to this photo of John with my oldest granddaughter Jessica walking on the beach in Galveston, nineteen years ago. " No" said Sebastian, "that's Mati".

Then when I told them this was their Daddy almost 50 years ago with Aunt Jennifer, they were totally surprised.  The photo has faded but is still one of my favorites.  John as a pirate!

After we had spent time downstairs, Sebastian and Matilda wanted to see Velcro, who was noticeably absent.  So I suggested to Sebastian to go to the door and call Velcro to come in.  He went to the door, opened it and yelled, "Meow, Meow".  I wanted to burst out laughing but didn't.  You see, I tell them when  I see them that Velcro wants to tell them hello.  And when they ask, "What did she say?".  I always answer "Meow".

Grandchildren and children in general remind us of the inquisitiveness of life, of the softness that can be ours, and that there are many wonders out there for each of us.  If we're open enough to allow them to enter.
 
Listen to what comes from the mouths of babes.  It can be a delight and surprise.
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Monday, June 24, 2013

Last Chance! Casita Tranquilo for Rent!


The ad comes out in Atencion this Friday for renting the casita long term.  IF you are interested in it for September, October or long term, NOW is the time to make your move. 

IF history repeats itself, the first or possibly the second person to see the place wants it and rents it long term.  It is furnished far beyond the typical rentals in town.  It has grounds far beyond anything else in town - at least in the price range of $800 a month! 

With the amenities of two queen beds - one in the bedroom and the suede sofa opens out into a queen bed, it could sleep four (when you have company).  However note it does only have one bathroom which is accessed from the bedroom located upstairs.

Other amenities are Canadian satellite TV (120 channels), wireless internet, once a week maid  service, along with all utilities and a landline phone for local calls.

There is no extra charge for laying in bed looking out through the French doors to views of the canyon, sky and the nightly flights of the bats.  In addition, no charge for the incredible sunsets over the mountains.

Nothing to enjoy but cool breezes, quiet times, clean air, and waking to the sound of
birdsong.

Shower - no tub.  We are very water conscious since we live in a semi arid area where water is precious.

The views from the roof terrace are an added, exquisite bonus.
A table and chairs with an umbrella allow for dining, reading or whatever up on the roof.

If you're interested, please leave a comment and I'll get back with you immediately.

By the way,  there are many cultural events in the fall along with wildflowers taller then my SUV for as far as the eye can see in the countryside.

Come on down to peace and tranquility.
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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Joy to the World


It was a great, joyful weekend of spending time with my family here in San Miguel.  My son John and Matilda and Sebastian.  Matilda is almost 5 1/2 now and Sebastian is 3 1/2.  They are adorable, if I do say so myself. Sweet, sweet children.

One of the fun things we did was go to Juarez Park and play in the newly refurbished kids playground area.  It used to be a dusty, dirty, tired, place with worn out and dangerous equipment.

The difference is truly amazing and visually beautiful.

Where there is equipment like this climbing thing, the flooring material is spongy to prevent the kids from being hurt.

Prior to going to the park, we stopped at the Organic Market to see all the fresh produce, cheeses and to get something to eat.  The children got to pick out what they wanted to wear.  Mati picked a new yellow dress her Daddy bought her along with the wedges that Grammy bought in Texas. 

Sebastian LOVES his soccer outfit his Daddy bought for him.   Light weight and loose.  It allows him to run and climb, "like a monkey" he says.  He is a truly fearless three year old.

And, here's the three of them going into John's house.  It's been cold in San Miguel as you can see by the jackets.  Matilda is holding a present she made for her Daddy for Father's Day.  It brought smiles to me to remember all the things the kids made over the years when growing up.  Here's a secret - I still have many of them tucked away. 

A GREAT time was had by all!  Family is everything.  Love abides.
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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Sensual and Curvy

When I was designing restaurants, resorts and retail, I always tried to use sensual and curvy elements.
Design is really psychological.  Most people who feel good in a public space and want to be sure to
return don't realize that the elements of design that create the ambiance have much to do with that feeling.

Curves, nichos, water elements and lighting, just to name a few, impact you to calm  and add to your sense of well being.

Color can stimulate your appetite as well as you individually.  Back in " the days", I used to lecture on the psychology of color.  More and more vibrant colors have come into most peoples everyday life contrary to what it was thirty years ago.  To get an individual to go from white to beige back then was an epic decision.  To get a man to paint, heaven forbid, old, "in bad shape" paneling was a blasphemy.  Men love wood and the color blue.  At least that's how it used to be. 

Certain colors should always be used in some way in a restaurant to stimulate appetite.  I cringe when I enter some restaurants now to see the predominant colors used in the decor.  Certain colors are NOT even flattering to food.

I was aghast once when I saw what a former client had done after the restaurant I designed for him was finished.  I had not been there in a while and he had changed the light bulbs from soft pink (which enhances the diner and the food) to yellow which effectively turned some food purple - not in a good way!.

Teeny, tiny details such as that can make or break the atmosphere, unfortunately.

Being chastised by architects and contractors was the norm for me back in the 80's as I reconcepted El Chico into Cuellar's Cafe on 610 and San Felipe in Houston.  To say that the exterior was a traffic stopper would not be overstating the case.  It got EVERYONE'S attention and that was the point.  The exterior was turquoise and fuscia with large signage hand painted along with curvy walls and lush tropical foliage.  Pretty much the norm nowadays!

It was photographed continually and used as a backdrop for photo shoots of models.  It was so different that people talked about it.  Again, that was the point.  Those colors wouldn't get a second look in Mexico but in Houston in the 80's -zowee.

To tell you how successful color was in that project along with sensual details such as water fountains and troughs along with many nichos, the remodel was paid for in 120 days and became a very high grossing restaurant whose average ticket had been $5.99 per person to almost a ticket of $15 per person.  In those days that was phenomenal.

Design done right can enhance food, make the guests comfortable enough to want to return and increase the restauranteurs or hoteliers profit significantly.  It is equally effective in residential environments.


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

A 30 Year History - Over!

There have only been a few things that have been really difficult to do that were permanent changes in my life from living in the USA to Mexico.

The latest happened today when I cancelled my US cellphone service which effectively ended my thirty year use of the number 713 502-8914.  I had that service through a twenty year business and a twelve year life in Mexico.  Sort of an identity.

Several factors caused me to make this change.  The bill is now $71.83 a month with taxes and surcharges.
I decided I didn't need that cost any longer since I have a Vonage line at much, much less cost.

The phone service with the plan which allowed me to call the USA or within Mexico for a flat monthly fee has been grandfathered for many years.  It was a great deal.  Just not great enough anymore for me.

When I moved here in 2001 there was little cell phone service.  Heck, the landline service was spotty.  A huge change has taken place.  I know I can get a prepaid Mexican cell phone for very little money to use when  I'm traveling in Mexico.  Maybe even in the USA, who knows?

With that intention today, I first tried closing the account online.  I had to email back and forth with an agent who eventually asked me to call a 1 800 number in the USA.  She said because of my age! they could do something for me.

After a 45 minute conversation with a gentleman in the Retention Dept. it was determined that all they could save me was $5 a month.  Not worth it.

The phone has been turned off.  Yikes!  But, I still have my house landline and the Vonage # that I can be
reached on.  Soon, I'll have a Mexican cell, maybe.

So, to my friends in the USA who have been calling me on the cell, call me on the Vonage.  If you don't know that number, email me and I'll share it with you.

If you're interested in what the other things were that were so difficult for me to discontinue when I moved here, (1) was not renewing my licensing to stamp architectural plans, and (2) was selling my wonderful wood
drafting table.   Those were work related.  They were also a big part of my life.

One thing is for sure, life keeps changing.  Day by day.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

The "Doc" is Back - Severinsen That Is

I learned last Sunday from a "reliable source" that Doc Severinsen had moved back to his ranch outside of San Miguel.  I was thrilled.  Not only that, but, he was going to be entertaining again.  Yeah.

Then I read later in the week that he was performing Friday, the 14th, but it was already sold out at VC & Friends.  He entertains with a group of five musicians.  It changes depending on location and venue, I think.

I asked my reliable source who tours with Doc how old he is now.  I remembered when he turned 80.  He is now 86..........and still plays a trumpet, amazingly well.  He's set to have a birthday in July.  I'm sure there will be an outpouring here in town for his return and his birthday.

The above photo is relatively recent.  I did not take it.  I figured out today how to move a photo from Yahoo to my Desktop and to insert it on this blog.  Let's see, I've been writing this blog almost seven years and I just figured this out.  Slow learner is an understatement.

I digress.

IF you're in San Miguel - going to be in San Miguel - or thinking of coming to San Miguel - come on down.  Doc's show is first class and the cover is usually around 150 pesos (approximately $12 USD).

A bargain, to put it mildly.

Friday, June 14, 2013

The Summer Rains Are HERE


I came upstairs yesterday evening about 4:30 and looked out the window
in the living room.  Holy moly - a HUGE storm coming from the West.

It looked to me like it would be here at any moment so I didn't take a
chance and go up on the roof terrace to shoot photos.

I hurried downstairs to get my camera and took these shots in about a 15 minute increment.

Honestly by this shot, I started getting slightly worried.  It looked to
me like some of the photos from Oklahoma.

Where I was taking photos is all windows and glass.
Hmmm, should I keep photographing or head for the downstairs bathroom?

In the interest of blogging, I stayed right there and caught the changing sky.

It was about two hours before the actual rain started in my garden.

Today however, a soft rain started falling about 2:30PM.  Early for our normal
afternoon/evening rains.

I'll tell you one thing for sure.  It is a heck of a lot cooler then it was before the rains.

So far this month, and it's only the 14th, we have had close to 2 inches.  The temps have been in the high 50's at night and low 80's during the day.

Praise the God of Rain!
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Thursday, June 13, 2013

HOUSTON is HOT!


Yes it is.  Weather wise and real estate wise. 

There are so many new jobs in Houston from companies moving in and the oil business going through the roof with fracking in the Eagle Ford Shale and others, that it is a sellers market. Lotsa people and not enough homes to sell.

I had read an article in the Houston Chronicle about homes going on the market and selling in DAYS for more then the asking price. I wondered if that were true.

This photo was taken of my granddaughter's belated birthday party where the girls were playing kickball, volleyball and other games in their cul de sac. 

The house behind them went on the market, I think on a Thursday or Friday, and had a contract that weekend.  Not only that, there were multiple offers.

The house with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths was on the market for a mere $110,000 and sold for more.
Although the front yard looks small, the back yard is huge.  Big enough for a pool or whatever.

I have many memories attached to this house.  It is where my former son-in-law and my grandson lived after my daughter Jennifer passed.  It was a house of new beginnings as they have moved on and it was time to allow  someone else to enjoy and love the house.

A funny memory came to me as I toured the house a couple of weeks ago.  A funny cat that had been my daughter's lived there.  Her name was Belly.  Sheer curtains hung at a side window.  Belly used to sit behind the sheer curtains thinking no one could see her.  Black and big was Belly.  It still makes me smile to think of her.  Other sweet memories of my grandson doing a science experiment in the backyard and trying to replicate a volcano.  He did!

Now as far as Houston being HOT weather wise.  It was extremely pleasant almost the whole time I was there.  It was the last week that the humidity rolled in and I knew it was time to head out for the mountains of Mexico with cool, cool temperatures.

It was 57 this morning and only got up to 81 yesterday.  How sweet it is!
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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Summertime..........and the living is "easy"


One of the sure signs of summer for me are large, blossom filled mimosa trees.  My memories of them go back to my childhood in Shreveport, La.  They are good climbing trees.  My little brother and I used to climb up in one and get blossoms and play with them by squishing them for their fragrance along with tickling each other.  A long, long ago memory.

You don't see as many of these trees anymore.  I wonder why.

Another sure sign is the beach balls and the pool.  I took advantage of that last week while in Houston at my daughter's house.  We worked planting flowers in pots and hauling stuff around.  All I could think of as I was perspiring copious amounts of fluid was "I'm going to jump in that pool when this is done".  I did.  It was SO wonderful.

In fact almost every day I was out in the pool swimming laps and just exercising  in the pool.  I had forgotten how much I enjoy swimming since I now live in the mountains where water is scarce.

My goal is to find a pool where I can go and swim laps - no not a class - just somewhere where I can go and swim like I used to do.  It is one of the most relaxing activities.

Summer is here.  Not the official date.  However the rains have started in San Miguel de Allende and the temps have cooled down to a high of 81 with a low of 61 this morning.  Humidity - somewhere below 20%.

The living is "easy".
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Monday, June 10, 2013

Life is always an adventure - even in the air!


Yes, indeed, you can think you know everything (I actually never think that) and then a left curve hits you right between the eyes.

Take yesteday as an example.  Even while I was going through it, I was giggling inside.  You see, if anyone thinks they are in control of their life and destiny, think again.

All it took was a gigantic downpour with lightning strikes and thunder to change the face of a simple two hour flight back to Mexico.

I arrived at IAH, Houston Interncontinental Airport, amid sunshine.  By the time I had finished removing things from one suitcase to the other to handle the odious 50 lb limit and then gone through a radiation and body frisk (sorry, not fun) the skies had turned ominous.  I wasn't aware of this until I had walked down the black tunnel of the airport to B79.  JACKPOT.  I would stare at that gate in anticipation, exasperation, disappointment, delirious exhaustion and finally relief for seven hours!

You see, when the rains came, it shut down the airport for about 30 minutes.  The resulting chaos of pacing people, spontaneous eruptions of children and just general nuttiness took over.  I enjoy watching people.  This was a field day.

 I watched people just plop down on the floor, spread out their stuff, even though it was in the pathway and ignore people walking around them.  I watched small children sleep through it all.  Those were the lucky ones.  I saw no anger or rudeness, amazingly.

Resignation reigned.

Finally we got down to business and left through gate B79 - an hour late.  But, not bad.  Aaah, but then there were 22 planes in front of us.  Yup, we spent another hour on the flight line, waiting.

We finally took off for Mexico - YEAH.  Skies were not clear so I didn't pay too much attention to our flight path.  After an hour, which I assumed we had to be close to Saltillo or thereabouts, the flight attendant announced that we were turning around and returning to Houston.  WHAT?

By this time, we were becoming giddy and laughter broke out amoung a few of us.  A very few.

Yup, here we were right back where we started.  B-79.  The guy in the right side of the photo was the A&P mechanic who fixed the problem and then hung around to watch things.  Once they announced the plane was fit to fly, we all sighed with relief.  By now its around 6:30PM.  Oops, we're not going anywhere because the flight crew has "timed out" and there is a need to find a new crew!

Is there a place where crews hang out?  Obviously not, as it took 2 1/2 hours to find them, wherever they were.

The wise decision was eventually made to NOT reuse that plane but to get another.  Really?  Another delay as luggage was moved, etc.

We were given $10 vouchers for food with instructions to be back in thirty minutes.  I didn't move.
I stayed and kept an eye on B-79 where the Leon-Guanajuato sign became Witchita, Biloxi and various other destinations.  Each time that happened we all just looked at each other. 

By 8:30 we were beginning to think that this ship wasn't going to fly!  But, with calmness and perseverence it did.  We flew out at 8:45PM and touched down at 10:45PM.  Applause were heard throughout the plane as we took off. Sighs of relief as we landed, safely.

So, what did I learn?  Not to get excited.  To try to see the humor.  To converse with the people around me.  The A&P mechanic graduated from the Rice School of Aviation near Hobby airport.  The owner and his wife have been friends of mine since the mid-70's!  What a nice surprise.  So we talked for a while.

I met someone who has lived in San Miguel for  17 years.  We had never seen each other before!  He travels with Doc Severinsen and performs.  I was thrilled to hear that Doc will be back in San Mgiuel and performing this summer, at the ripe old age of 86.  You would never believe that age when you see and hear him.

I enjoyed a super conversation with a couple who live in Yuma, Arizona.  They were headin to Leon and asked ME how to fill out the customs forms for entry!

I also learned to never travel on a Sunday again - especially when it is the first weekend since school has ended for the summer!

See, you can teach an old "dog-ette" new tricks.
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Friday, June 07, 2013

"Wild Thing" by Chip Taylor

I have had an extraordinary trip to Texas this month.  Great friends, family, food and fun.  Who could ask for more?
Just this week I was invited to go to the Mucky Duck to hear a singer-songwriter and musician named Chip Taylor.  I had no idea who he was or what to expect.  However anyone I've heard at the Mucky Duck has always been enjoyable. The photo is my friend Bob and Chip with me.

This time I was blown away.  Chip Taylor whose real name ends in Voight, as in the brother of Jon Voight and Barry Voight along with uncle to Angelina Jolie would be interesting.

Then to find out that he was from Yonkers, NY and wrote country music before "country was cool" was a big surprise.  He grew up listening to a radio station in Wheeling, W.Va and loved country......amazing being from NY.  He has written so many songs that I couldn't possibly list them all.  Two that you'll know right away are "Wild Thing" and "Angel in the Morning".  To say that he is a prolific songwriter would be a serious understatement.

There was a CD release about a year ago which was up for a Grammy in Norway!  I'm not sure if it won, but Chip had just returned from a touring gig there.  His keyboardist, whose name I don't know, was absolutely fabulous along with being Norwegian.  Add to that that his guitarist was world renown as well as his bass player. I wish I had their names. I talked to them afterward and was amazed that they knew many retired musicians in San Miguel de Allende!

The whole hour and a half show was just one surprise after another.  Small, but appreciative audience.

Chip's latest album is "F**k all the Perfect People" which he said got standing ovations all over his touring in Europe as well as here in the USA.  Pretty darn funny song.........

Hopefully from the conversation we had they'll contact me, I'll connect them with musicians in San Miguel and they'll come down for the Blues Festival, the Jazz Festival or just for playing in clubs around town.  

Don't you just love when you go to an event with no expectations and are enchanted and amazed at the talent that you are exposed to?  I had that happen twice this trip - Billy Joe Shaver and Chip Taylor.  Now, if only Kinky Friedman had been around..........

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Smither Park - A Visionary Park of Memories and Folkart

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Last week I was lucky enough to get to see an emerging park in Houston.  My friends Barb and Marks Hinton, of publishing fame, took me.  It's right out on Munger off the Gulf Freeway next to the Orange Show of Visionary Art. If you don't know what the Orange Show is, and I found a few don't, this group sponsors the Art Car Parade every year.  They also oversee the monument that Jeff McKissick built in honor of the orange.  Google Orange Show and read all about it.  It is quite a place and a great group of fun loving people are involved in the Eyeopener Tours along with zillions of other endeavors.
Another friend Stephanie Smither has donated the land to build the park in honor of her late husband, John Smither.  John was a huge folkart enthusiast and served on the board of the Orange Show.  I met John years ago while taking a continuing education course in folkart and outsider art at Rice University.  It was obvious that he was extremely knowledgeable on the subject.  He and Stephanie's collection is world renown.

I cannot begin to tell you how enthused I was once I saw the Memory Wall being made by everyday citizens, not necessarily trained artists.  After all that is what outsider art is, untrained artists.  I could go back over and over to look at the details installed in each person's vision.  Each unique in its own way.  The above photo is a Tree of Life.  The Orange Show is overseeing the development along with Dan Phillips of Huntsville who is overseeing the Memory Wall.

I tried to download lots of photos to show you but for some reason I could only get these two.to post   The top is the planned park which encompasses eight lots.   Plenty of room for an outdoor pavilion, walking paths and the memory wall that extends the length of the property.  It is beyond cool.

In fact my mind is whirling about where in San Miguel, I can build a small memory wall.....or maybe not so small.  We'll see.

If you're in Houston, go see it.  It's in its infancy stage but look at the wall and marvel at the use of shells, broken mirrors, bones, marbles, tiles and other objects of special meaning.

Get involved!  It will change your life forever.................

Monday, June 03, 2013

What the Heck?

I've been carrying a little check around for a couple of weeks for $43.52.  Today I decided to go through the drive-thru at Chase and cash it.  Didn't expect any problem  Signed the check - put the account # on the back.  Gave my Texas Drivers License for ID and photo ID.

The woman came back to the window and said she couldn't accept my drivers license because it was expired.  Really?  She wanted to see my renewal request.  Told her I didn't have one but I have a current Mexican Drivers License which is legal in the USA with a photo on it.  So, I gave her that.

She came back and said that was not acceptable.  She needed my Voter Registration Card.  To which I replied, "You're kidding right?"  At which point she got indignant and said she was trying to protect me.  I said, "It's only $43.52 and I've given you two forms of ID.  Both of which have my photograph on.  Look at me, it's me!"

She then said she would have to check the signature verification card.  I'm not kidding.  It took her forever.

I absolutely was in a state of shock.  At least five minutes later she came back and said that anything to do with Mexican ID was not acceptable to their bank.  I told her as quietly as I could, so that I wouldn't jump out of the car and strangle her,  that last I checked Mexico is acceptable at every other branch of Chase.

She then handed me my envelope with my two forms of ID and the $43.52.

Thank you Blondie, you made my day!

Thinking I must have gotten a new employee or someone who doesn't get out much, I moved on to AT&T to check on my cell phone plan.  I'm here to tell you it is easier to do on the phone after my experience today.

You walk in the door.  There were five employees standing there waiting to help me but they couldn't!  This was due to the fact that a woman was stationed at the door to take your name and cell phone # and input this into her IPad or whatever it was. ......then it goes to an employee and then they call your name.  What?  Am I crazy or are they?  This exchange with the woman who couldn't spell BARBARA took at least 3 or 4 minutes instead of me just walking up to an idle employee.  Then the icing on the cake was SHE needed to see my drivers license to verify I am who I say I am.........Really?  Twice in one day?  Twice in less then an hour?

Then the person who was going to help me couldn't figure out what the North American Plan is that I have been on since 2004 and couldn't figure out if she could save me money or not..........Lord, help me!  I quietly left.

I was hesitant to go into the grocery store to get some food items after that whole episode.  I cautiously looked to see if someone in the bakery department was going to jump out from behind the buns to check my ID or at the meat department or wherever.  Heck, even when I paid CASH for the groceries, the cashier knew how to handle it.

My day has been saved...........I came home, weak at the knees. I'm NOW trying to see the humor........
Not there yet...........

Sunday, June 02, 2013

Meals on Wheels

This past week has been a cornucopia of culinary delights!  It started with Memorial Day with a brisket and all the fixin's (as we say in Texas) alongside the pool with margaritas for them and Capt Morgan's for me.

Great time was had by all.

Tuesday was being taken off the freeways of Houston to the Eastside of downtown to a relatively new place called The Cajun Stop.  A young woman who survived Katrina has a place that serves everything from gator to crawfish to the best po-boys this side of the Atchafalaya Swamps!  I was delighted to be asked if I wanted to go there.  My preference would have been red beans and rice as I grew up on that in Louisiana but they weren't ready when we go there so my second choice was a roast beef and gravy po-boy which is seldom seen on a menu anywhere but in New Orleans or south Louisiana.  I was not disappointed!  At all.
The messiest sandwich I've eaten in years - at least a 10 piece paper towel lunch.  Yum-ee.  I wanted to try their bread pudding and a few other things but that will have to be for another day.  I was WAY too full to have anything else.

Wednesday night it was off the freeway near Sugarland to go to the closing party for the Houston Aeros hockey team which is moving to, of all places, Des Moines, Iowa.  I'm not kidding.  The party was at Tx Land and Cattle.  I had had lunch somewhere (oh yes, a sandwich from Neilsen's Deli) and so wasn't hungry at all.  My friend and I shared sliders and pecan pie.

Thursday was lunch at Gaicomo's - sage ravioli, to die for and then that night it was downtown Houston to go to Discovery Green to see Billy Joe Shaver. GREAT show. Discovery Green is such a welcoming, easy place to get to amidst the skyscrapers of Houston.  The big grassy areas, little man-made lake along with a raised knoll and covered stage make for a perfect venue for musical groups.  We took things to sit on and enjoyed being very close to the music and the people.   Dinner that night, light fare.  Chili cheese hot dog and lemonade.

As if all of that wasn't enough Friday morning I was out of bed early, dragging myself to get dressed and be at the Breakfast Klub for breakfast.  Have heard about this place for years.  Have heard about the line that starts forming before they even open in the mornings.  About  the delicious waffles and fried chicken.- one of their specialties.  It was all that and more.  No line luckily.  Great food - no I didn't have waffles and fried chicken.  Suffice to say that I had no need to eat another meal until lunch the following day.  Except that night I went to the Pour House for drinks and shared a very tiny cheese plate with my friend.

Cool breezes blowing in the evenings for the last few nights added to the delight of dining outside.  Mixology is big and booming in Houston.  Artisanal beers and unique mixed drinks with ingredients never before heard of add to the mystery and high prices.

The photo at the top of the post was from a wine dinner I went to a couple of weeks ago where one of the courses was paella.  A dish that I love.  Ironically just this time last year was the Paella Festival in San Miguel which I wrote about.  In talking to my son in San Miguel today, he said the Second Annual Festival yesterday was even bigger and better.  Great news.

I'm settling down for a few days of quiet.......well that's not true because I'm amidst teenagers - there is NO quiet.  But surely not as many meals and things to do.  That is til Tuesday and Wednesday when there will be another concert to go to.  Chip Taylor at the Mucky Duck along with lunch on Wednesday with my dear friends Amanda and Patrick at Charivari, my new favorite restaurant in Houston.  We'll all be sharing this meal with my  new friend, Bob. 

One of the fun and enjoyable things about all these meals is that I'm connecting with old friends and catching up on their lives and activities.  I'm not eating any of these meals alone.

Home to San Miguel next Sunday where I'll be glad to sllllllllllllloooooooow down, I think, for a while at least.  I'm grateful for each and every thing that I have been able to experience on this trip to Texas!

Whaaaaat fun.