Thursday, February 27, 2014

My "Get Up and Go" got up and went!

Actually, I'm usually a high energy person.  However, as the title says, I'm not there yet!  Friends had said that after two days I wouldn't know that I had had surgery.  That has not been my case, although I am healing and feeling much better then I did a week ago.

From Friday til yesterday, I had had a bunch of things to do.  Whew!  I'm glad the day of travel on Tuesday is over.  It was a comedy of errors that caused a bit of consternation from the shuttle ride to Houston Intercontinental to arriving home.  Thank you BajioGo Shuttle for being there in Leon at the end of the trip and delivering me to my door after twelve hours of travel.  I was a whipped puppy by then..........

The photo above is a vase of irises and tulips that my dear friend Martha had sitting on the dresser for me to see when I came home from the hospital on the 17th.  Lovely.  Each day they were a treat to see.

I'm home in San Miguel enjoying the soft, warm breezes.  In addition, the azure blue skies along with the spectacular sunset last night were all gratefully appreciated.

I KNOW my "get up and go" will return in a few more days.  The doctor said to give it two to three weeks!
I was amazed and relieved to know that not being well in two days was not expected.  San Miguel is a great place to recuperate.  Especially now that it is warm and everything is blooming.

I want to get out and work in the garden, but it will be another week before I do that, I think.  For once I'm trying to be sensible.  Well, I've been sensible a few more times.........

So that's about it from South of the Border, here in the mountains of Mexico, where I wait with impatience to have my "get up and go" back!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Just in Case You Were Wondering!

Having had surgery on Monday, I laid low and took care of doing EXACTLY what the Doc's written instructions said to do.  I even stayed in my jammies yesterday and rested..........just so I could drive about ten minutes away to hear Milton Hopkins with a dear friend.

It's amazing that one can be prone on the bed, thinking that you can't get to the elevator and down to the door, but the music was pulling me.  BLUES MUSIC!

What a fabulous two hours of music it turned out to be.  Milton Hopkins is in his mid 70's and played with the ease of one who has played for at least fifty years.  You could tell that he was often off on a music trip of his own as he played.  I truly felt I was in the presence of greatness.

He was playing with Texas Johnny Boy last night who I had never heard of before.  He played another instrument that I love - the harmonica.  I felt that Jimmy Reed had been reincarnated.  The two together with a drummer and bass player were exceptionally good. I actually went up to the stage afterwards to ask TJB if he was from South Louisiana.  No, he grew up in West Texas!

Milton's career began lo those many years ago when his cousin, Lightnin' Hopkins was playing in Houston.  Then in the early 70's, he toured for eight years with BB King, some with Little Richard and also Marvin Gaye!  Just to name a few.

I felt like I had been transported back to my teenage years listening to blues at the Bantam Club on Airline Hwy on the outskirts of Baton Rouge.  It was just so sweet!  I hated when it was over.

Live music is such a joy!  Joe Ely is at the Mucky Duck on Friday but both shows are already sold out and are SRO.  Darn...   Guess that will be my one foray to hear music this trip.

Sure wish we had more of that kind of music in San Miguel......

Another great music memory to add to the last year of memorable concerts I've been able to attend in small and intimate venues.  Just the way I like it!






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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

"All is Well that Ends Well"

I have ended my relationship and ownership of my gall bladder effective yesterday.  It was a good parting of the ways.  No problems - no regrets.  It's over! 

In out-patient clinic at 10AM, surgery at high noon and home with meds by 8PM.

I'm feeling fine.

All is well that ends well............

Just thought I should let you know..........actually someone told me I should let you know!

Onward.


Thursday, February 13, 2014

SMOOOOTH As Silk!

I am in Houston!  I went to a new doctor today, a surgeon to hopefully schedule gallbladder removal.  I had a bit of trepidation as (1) I have never met this doctor and, (2) the warnings of others about bureaucracy.

NEITHER was an issue.  In fact I was actually startled and pleasantly surprised at the lack of paperwork in order to meet Dr. James Wallace, surgeon.  The reception door opened promptly at 11AM, the appointed hour and I was taken to an exam room.  Dr. Wallace immediately popped his head in the door and said he was taking my sonogram x-rays to review and would be right back.  He was.

He examined me briefly.  Showed me a pamphlet on the gallbladder and told me about the procedure.
He asked if I had any questions.  I didn't and he ushered me into the office of "Nancy" who had been so gracious in setting up the appointment for me initially.

Nancy immediately made a call to St. Luke's Outpatient Center and confirmed the penciled in appointment that she had previously scheduled.  I was then sent from the 24th floor to the 12th, which is St. Luke's pre-
register floor, where all paperwork was efficiently completed by two different individuals while I was there.
Then an EKG, blood pressure check and blood was drawn.  I was through.

Information sheets along with a map were given to me and I was told where to go on Monday at 10AM for noon surgery.

Unbelievably smooth and efficient service.  Add to that that each person was very polite and courteous.  I was extremely impressed.

I don't know what I expected but with all the horror stories, I certainly didn't expect all of this to be completed in under two hours.

All is well with the world.  

Monday I will do as they say.  I will be where I'm supposed to be.  This will all be over and a blip on the memories of life.........hopefully.

The weather is warming up and I intend to enjoy being outside for the next few days before I have to be inside for a couple of days or so.

In Houston at least, the medical world is running as smoothly as ever.  Halleluiah.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Happy 70th Birthday, Ron...........

A few people on this earth are UNIQUE!  It's hard to buy a gift for them.  Of course, since Ron likes socks, that could have been his gift.  Or some other odd thing.......

I recently wrote about Ron when there was the great sock heist!  I wasn't willing to give him my Hot Stuff socks so I needed to create something that would be as unique as Ron.

This assemblage began with the photo of Ron and I taken 22 years ago.  He in the turquoise shirt, me hiding behind him, slightly.  I had not seen that photo until a few months ago.  Also didn't even recall where or why the photo was taken.  All I know is it was in Puerto Vallarta when I met Ron and Fred the first time.  A LONG friendship!

Each thing on this nicho assemblage has a meaning.  The 7 candles obviously represent the 70 years.  The drink represents allllllllll the pina coladas we have had while at the beach or wherever.  "Such a goof ball" in the center says it all.  He has a great sense of humor and many stories to tell.  After all he spent his life selling
and have you ever known a salesman who didn't have a zillion stories to tell?

The two napkins formed into a fan shape say Premium Quality Vintage Dude - The Man, The Myth, The Legend.  Oh so appropriate.  The yellow pin on the right side that says, "Hi! I can't remember your name either!" also is so appropriate.  If I had a dime for every time Ron has turned to me and behind his hand asked me what someone's name is, I would be a rich woman.

The photos on the right are of Ron and Fred that I cut out from a photo I took in Vallodolid when we were traveling last year.  All the stickers around that box are places they have traveled along with the flamingo which we saw in Celestun.

The center nicho has all things from Mexico.  A tiny sombrero, bottles of beer and one of tequila.  What more is needed?

I must say Ron was rather speechless when I gave him his gift last evening prior to his birthday party.  I have no idea where he will hide it, or possibly hang it in his office on his Wall of Fame.  I hope he likes it.  It was indeed a fun thing to assemble for him.

It's been at least six years since I've done anything creative and ten years since the last nicho assemblage.
Maybe I'll get my groove on again!

If not, I KNOW that the gift made for Ron is one of a kind!  Just like HIM!

Sunday, February 09, 2014

"NO Frills" Medical Care in Mexico

 Toward the end of January, when I gave up the ghost and finally went to the Doctor, I sat in the hallway waiting for the doc to open the door.  At that point, I thought it would be interesting to show how simple a medical clinic is in Mexico.

Rows of seats line the hallway from the main front door.  There is one receptionist.  No middle nurse to take you to the Dr.  Here they just say the door number.  You go to it.  Sit there and wait for the doctor to open the door at the appointed time of your appointment.  It always happens that way.  Simple and to the point.

By the way, I called that morning at 8:30 AM and they said "Could I come at 11AM?".  Always, Dr. Barrera opens the door on the stroke of the hour as do Dr. Alvarez the cardiologist or Dr. Valazquez the ophthalmologist.  Today that did not happen.
At 11:15, the receptionist came down the hall in a flurry.  She told me that Dr. Barrera had been detained, he was so sorry but would be here by 11:30.  Which he was.  
At 11:30, the door opened and Dr. Barrera escorted me into his office.  He's not a small talk kinda guy so by the time I sat down in the chair, he was  asking me, " What is the problem/".  Actually, I like that a lot.  He is open, straight forward and the best diagnostician I've ever gone to anywhere!

He did a short exam.  He said we're going to have an ultrasound.  He said, wait, I'll return.  I saw him scurry down the hall to the ultrasound room in the hospital.  He came back slightly exasperated and said would it be possible for me to wait another 30 minutes as they were busy.

When the time came, he walked me to the ultrasound room, introduced me to the technician and left.  During the ultrasound, he came in to check to see that I was all right!  And to see the screen.

When all was over and they had the results, Dr. Barrera told me the news, straightforward.

Total cost for the office visit and ultrasound - $88USD.  Time spent there - 1 1/2 hours.

I'm looking forward to seeing what my experience is this coming week when I go to a surgeon's office to meet with him prior to my procedure on the 17th of February in the USA.  IF I am allowed, I'll take photos.
I'm sure I'll have to fill out a bunch of forms as well.  We'll see.

Stay tuned.

Saturday, February 08, 2014

Candelaria - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - 2014


If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this is a chapter, at least, of the beauty of this year's flower show that coincides with the celebration of Candelaria.  Altars are set up,  Baby Jesus statues are blessed in the churches and celebrations of flowers are ongoing every year.

This year I have gone twice.  Somehow, with sheer will power, I have NOT bought one thing.  No herbs, no baskets, no small plants for 10 pesos, ($.80 cents).  Nada.  It certainly has been tempting.  I also need macetas (pots).

However, I have decided to be prudent and wait til I return to purchase any more gardening things.

These wonderful vendors come from all over Mexico with ferns, orchids, exotic bromeliads.  You name it.  It is here!  The anthurniums in one of the photos, red waxy plants, are something even as a child I was enchanted to see.  They don't look real.  I don't think I saw them very often.  Maybe once or twice.  Imagine the excitement when I saw them growing in the ground, I think, near the State of Puebla.  A sight I never expected to see.  Millions of them for as far as the eye could see.  The same with roses.

Today I saw rose bushes for 25 pesos, about $ 2 USD.  I wanted to gobble up at least ten but then remembered what the cutter ants did the last time I tried that.  Ensalada rose!  All that was left was the plant.  No flowers, no leaves.  Ha.  Not this time!

If you're in San Miguel, I hope that you have taken time to stroll the walkways of Parque Juarez to enjoy the fragrance and beauty of the flower show.  It's delightful!

Friday, February 07, 2014

A Week of Warmth

It's almost as though one can see the blooms opening as you look out the window or walk through the various gardens.  Flowers opening everywhere.  Hummingbirds flitting and zipping around.  Butterflies dipping and diving,  Fluttering from flower to flower.  It's just going to keep getting better and better as winter ends for us, hopefully.

We've had a week of temps in the high 30's in the mornings, and then the temps rise 40 degrees during the days to hit the 80's or more.  Heaven on earth!

This is the view I have as I sit at the computer to write the blog or whatever else I need to do.

Happy me!

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Twisting in the Wind

You know how a banner goes this way and then that, especially on a windy day?  Well, I have felt that way for the last ten days.

First I couldn't find a surgeon.  Which I wrote about last week.  Then thanks to Facebook and friends in Houston sending me suggestions, I found a surgeon.  I called on Monday.  They could not have been more helpful and gracious.

Appointment is scheduled for February 13th and surgery on the 17th.  Bodda bing bodda boom.  It will all be over.

Then the decision was made to drive along with my son to the border.  That fell through yesterday and finally, finally, another decision was made and I'm flying.

It is actually less expensive to fly then it is to drive!  This time I'll be flying from Leon to Mexico City and then on to Houston for only $370USD round trip on a Boeing 737!    I won't have a car but friends have offered to take me to the appointment and then to wherever for the surgery.  It's set.  It's a plan.  Hopefully.  I'm so blessed to have such dear, dear friends who offer and do such kind things for me.  I'm very grateful.

Will stay an extra week to make sure there are no complications and then fly home.  It truly is amazing that one can sit at a computer and book tickets and book a shuttle and print a ticket!  Goodness, I remember the days when you had to go somewhere to do all those things.  We do live in an amazing time, don't we?

As if this hasn't been frustrating enough..........I came home on Monday to a construction worker here to tell me they were taking down the fence behind my property that abuts the kindergarten.  And, oh by the way, in order to do that they had to cut a lot of my overhanging shrubs (bourganvilla) and various limbs off of other trees.  I always thought the fence was mine, but, it appears it is not.  I was not a happy camper.  However, one cannot fight City Hall and the kindergarten is within their right to take down the chain link fence that I had spent thirteen years covering with plants (which they have done) and put up a concrete wall.

I have had many conversations with myself since Monday.  I have convinced myself that whatever ends up there, I will figure out a way to make it look good from my side.  In fact last night in a fit of creativity, I remembered that I've always wanted to do a huge tile mosaic............Now I'm kinda excited for them to finish.  And, when I return from Texas, I might get to be creative for a while......We'll see.

The twists and turns of life are NEVER boring!

Monday, February 03, 2014

The Great Socks Heist

I can't ever remember intentionally buying some clothes with a saying on them.  If I did, it was eons ago.

Fast forward to within the last ten years.  I was in New Mexico, either in a van or on a bus, when someone else shared with me the HOT STUFF - Chili Pepper Socks that they had just purchased.

I spontaneously, literally, jumped up, asked for the driver to wait and ran into the store and bought a pair for myself.  I LOVED them.  Wished I had bought two later on.

I've never had any clothing that has been so much fun.  Well almost.  I remember having my Hot Stuff socks on one time as I was going through Security at Dulles airport.  I had to remove my shoes.   The TSA guy started laughing out loud.  He called to another guy.  By then, passengers were looking as well.  We all had a great chuckle. 

Other people have gotten a chuckle as well.  Therefore, I loved the socks.  This year when I got out the winter clothes for the season where I MUST wear socks, I couldn't find the HOT STUFF socks.  I even climbed on the ladder, looked up in the high storage area.  No socks.  I was so disappointed.  I couldn't imagine where they were.  Took out the bottom drawer in the cabinet to see if somehow they were stuck behind the drawer.  NADA.

TODAY, the socks appeared.  But, not on MY feet! 

I've written many times about my old time friends Ron and Fred.  We've traveled to the beach together every year for the last five years or so and to many other places.  They are more like brothers then friends after a 22 year friendship.  Guess who had my socks on?  Of course it was Mr. Ronnie Ray, the devilish one of the two.  He is always stirring up things.  He acted so innocent when I pointed out that he had on MY socks.  He swore he didn't know where they came from.  Uh huh.  BUSTED.

If there had not been many people there, I would have FORCED him to give me my socks right then, even if  I had to wrestle him to the ground (just kidding).  He said he liked them and wasn't giving them back.  HA, not in my lifetime...........

I have an ace up my sleeve.  I have a fabulous birthday present for him and IF he wants it, he is going to have to return my socks.  AND if he doesn't, BIG TROUBLE.  I'll even report him to the "Church of What's Happening Now".  He'll no longer be Rev Ronnie Ray.  No more frocks for him....or socks, either. " Hell have no fury like a woman scorned - especially a red headed one!"

SO, give em up Ronnie Ray or you'll be sooooooooooo sorry!

Sunday, February 02, 2014

If NOT San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, then WHERE?

No pictures with this blog.  I don't feel like digging through boxes to pull out the photos I took when I visited each of these places.  Besides, each is available in my mind's eye!

Having traveled quite a bit of Mexico, although not enough to satisfy me, there are several places I have been in the past that gave me pause to say, "Wow, this is something else!"  That's not to say that there aren't other places I enjoy immensely, but the places I'm going to tell you about are unique in a way that has caused them to stay in my mind for many, many years.

MALINALCO  - A tiny village with an ancient history that precedes the arrival of the Spanish, all I could think of as I walked around the town was the word "Shang-ri-la"  The climate was luxurious, the trees and views were magnificent and it was one of those places that if you watched or read National Geographic, you would say, "Want to go there some day."  Located, I believe, southwest of Mexico City, it is an easy drive from either Cuernavaca or Mexico City.

The monastery there has been restored - all in black and white.  I was told the reason it is in black and white is that when they started making copies of the drawings they found, they did them in black and white since they did not know the original colors.  It is quite spectacular.  Add to that a pyramid and a close proximity to Chalma, the most visited religious site in Mexico, right behind the Virgen of Guadalupe's site and you have a place to do some research on.   Add it to your must visit list.  You won't be disappointed in my opinion.


TLAXCALA - The state of Tlaxcala is tiny.  Not very far from the City of Puebla, it is a great day trip if staying in that city.  I knew nothing about the State of Tlaxcala or the town until I visited.  I was enchanted.
Besides the wonderfully executed folk art museum and gift shop, there is also some of the most beautiful murals to see inside a building on the main square.  Sorry, the name of the building escapes me.  Instead of staying for a few hours, as initially intended, I spent a whole day there strolling and looking.  Lounging and eating at a sidewalk cafe.  A soft, peaceful, calm vibe was what I took away from this little gem of a town.
Check it out.  It's a delight!

CHIAPA DE CORZO  The State of Chiapas is an exquisitely beautiful place.  All of it that I saw caused me to yearn to return for an extended visit.  Maybe some day.  I had no expectations of Chiapa de Corzo so imagine my  joy when we arrived in the town square to see a Moorish arch that was built eons ago along with the port where the boats leave from to traverse the Sumidero  Canyon.

Add to that the fact that the painted gourds used in the dances that are covered with flowers in Oaxaca dances come from this area and I felt like I had found a golden rainbow.  Stayed a couple of days, walked and walked.  Liked the vibe of the tiny town feel and intend to go back again.  Well there are lots of places I could live forever in Chiapas.  This just being one of them!

All of the above are landlocked, no beaches.  Isn't that amazing?  I, the "water baby" who until I moved to San Miguel had lived on or near the water for the previous 34 years!

Here are the beach places that I could live and would like to stay, at least for a long while:

CHACALA  A hidden gem about 1 1/2 to 2 hours north of PV, it is a hidden gem that won't be much longer.  Darn.  Just recently I saw an article in a travel publication and said, "Drat" .  It reminds me of Puerto Vallarta in the 70's!  Last time I was there there wasn't even a road sign to tell you where to turn....

The absolutely fun thing to do, in my humble opinion, is to get out, take a road with interesting names and check out places.  I haven't done enough of that lately, I'm sad to admit.  But, you might just find that little hidden gem as I feel these places are to me.

I could write about at least twenty more and maybe, some time soon I will.  In the meantime, just google the places I mentioned above.

And, if I disappear from San Miguel, just check out Chacala or Malinalco.  Look for the wacky red-headed Norte Americano.....

If you have some favorite hidden gems, I'd love to hear about them    Happy Trails!


Saturday, February 01, 2014

Guilt Never Changes the Past and Worry Never Changes the Future! ......Dr. Wayne Dwyer

Self-help books give you lots of suggestions, advice and wise nuggets when you're going through some kind of trauma or transition.  I read my fair share over thirty years ago when my husband died.

I couldn't tell you the name of any of the books or any of the advice, other then the phrase above.

It became my mantra.  Not because I felt guilty but because worry was the emotion that I lived with the most.  I thought a lot about that sentence.  It is very, very true. Intentionally, I worked to remove worry and fear from my life.

It worked too.  Most of the time.  For a while anyway.

Here in Mexico it isn't something I even think about much any more.  Life is simpler and easier with not much to worry about, other then falling or other such silly things.

However, this week, I started worrying.  Needlessly, for sure.  Some of the thoughts that kept me awake.  How would I find a Doctor?  How would it all work out schedule wise?  Should I drive or fly?  On and on and on til I was driving myself crazy.  As my friend Ron always says, "That's a short trip".

In my mind, of course, I know that a month or two from now this will all be behind me and I will laugh at the silliness of it.

Actually today, with sunshine warming my bare toes while I sat on the roof terrace, an unspoken conversation raged within me.  At the end, I was calm and decided to stop worrying.  It will all work out.

Then, coming to the computer, there in front of my eyes, were the names of TWO doctors in Houston who perform the gallbladder surgery.  One even has his email address.  Relief washed across me as this doctor is an assistant professor at UT in the med center.  Amen. 

Monday will be D Day.  Make as many calls as possible in an attempt to nail someone down to get this over.

It's too pretty out to worry.  I refuse to participate.  Thanks Dr. Wayne Dwyer for such a wise phrase.  It has followed me for all these years.  Always when I need it the most.

(The photo is of me on the free ferry that runs between Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula.  Many a time I rode that ferry back and forth as I tried to work out a dilemma in my mind.  IF ever you get a chance to ride it and feed the seagulls, look for dolphins and have the breeze in your hair, DO SO.)