Sunday, March 30, 2014

ALWAYS a list of blog topics!

I ALWAYS have a list of things to write blog posts about.  Sometimes I do use that list or sometimes something happens to make me change to a more recent topic.

The list as it stands now is Rolly Brook, www.rollybrook.com;  Age is just a number; Employing workers in Mexico; Weather is changing; Gratefulness; and on and on.  Just about the time I work myself through the list,something else happens and I add to the possible blog post list.

Today, I'm going to write about WARS!  Not just any war but the Vietnam War.  Not a topic you would expect me to write about since usually my topics relate to my wonderful life in Mexico.  In San Miguel or whatever the heck I decide  to write about, which is usually positive.

However, something happened last night that has caused me to write this post.  I had a very deep, personal conversation with a Vietnam veteran. He is 69 years old. It was very poignant.  It was similar to many conversations I've had with many other Vietnam veterans over the years.

My connection with Vietnam vets began when I worked for Evergreen Helicopters starting in 1979 shortly after my husband's death.  Many of the pilots that I interviewed and hired had been pilots in Vietnam.  Most of them in fact, from all branches of the military.  Not only did I hire pilots but I hired avionics, A&P mechanics and all the other ancillary people needed to keep those difficult rotary wing planes in the air.

Many of them became good friends to me and to my children.  They became great friends who took them fishing or out to eat or just hung out around our house to add some male attention to their lives.  I was always grateful.  I've stayed in touch with many of them.  Some to this day are like brothers.

As our friendships grew, many confided in me, much to my amazement the horrors they had witnessed and experienced in that war.  Many had emotional issues from those experiences. They attempted to deal with them quietly and in the best way they could.  Even that many years after the ending of the war, these men were still not seen by many as heroes.  Quite the opposite.  It was so unfair.

Fast forward to the late 80's.  I met and became involved with a man who had been a POW in Vietnam for six years.  He lived in a bamboo cage for all those years of his capture.  Even though he was over six feet tall, he learned to sleep with his limbs tucked under his torso so he fit into the cage.  Needless to say, in the time we were together there were many times that these horrors came to the forefront.  He was an incredibly talented custom golf club maker and an extremely intelligent witty person.  However the demons would take over and he would disappear for long periods of time.  It was so sad to me to see the destruction of this man who was filled with guilt for his lost fellow Navy Seals and his wish that he had died with them.  His battles have stayed with me all these years in my mind.  I don't even know if he is still alive.  I've tried to find him.

There have been others and the stories are about PTSD, failed marriages, alcohol and drug abuse, disinterest from the VA, along with much, much more.  It's a human tragedy that is not over!, even now.

I once stopped and talked to men living on the streets in San Francisco.  Three of them were Vietnam vets who had no visible means of support and nowhere to go.  It made me cry, both in sadness and anger.  Many of them are still out there.

I got really mad last night thinking of all the lost years of life for all of these men who went overseas as idealists, ready to do their duty for their country, who had their lives changed, not for better by a war that wasn't even possible to win.  A disgrace, in my humble opinion.

It's no different with the recent  "undeclared wars" that have happened since then.  Lost limbs, lost lives and lost futures.  At least these recent "undeclared wars", the returning soldiers have been honored as heroes and received respect.  However, even today, there are many, due to PTSD and injuries that don't have a normal life.

I guess my bottom line is this.  WHEN are we ever going to learn that we don't have to fight battles for others at the expense of the lives of our citizens, both men and women?  And WHEN are we going to learn the ways to help those who gave so much for us?  Lip service doesn't get it.  Does it?

Saturday, March 29, 2014

"They" almost got me - IN A SCAM!

It's Saturday afternoon  Not much going on.  The phone rings.  I answer and a voice says, Aunt Barbara, this is your favorite nephew.  He said now if you don't know which one I won't be upset.  The connection was bad so I, thinking he was calling from the USA, asked why he was calling on my house phone and not my Vonage line.  "He" said he was in Mexico for a wedding and was in the process of driving to see me in San Miguel!  I was astonished.  He said he'd be here in a couple of hours. Okay...........

Then about forty-five minutes later the phone rings and it is my nephew "Gary" again.  He has been in a car accident outside Leon and hit a BMW and the child in the car has gone to the hospital.  The Federales are being okay but if he doesn't pay for the damages to the BMW he'll have to go to jail.  He said he could get 6000 pesos off his ATM card but needed at least 3000 pesos from me, maybe more.  He said he had a rental car but the insurance only covered him in Jalisco where he rented the car.  But, he pronounced it with a J and not an H. 

During all this he had me talk with a Mexican man and then an American man named Jimbo that said my nephew was in grave danger and he really hoped I could help him.  I was beginning to get suspicious for a couple of reasons.

Right before the "nephew" called the second time, my real niece, his sister, in Illinois had just posted a message on Facebook that he was in Illinois visiting his parents, my sister and brother-in-law.  So I sent her a message asking her if it were possible that Gary was in Mexico but didn't hear back from her..........

Then the third time my "nephew" called and said he HAD to get some money, I told him I'd call him back after I called a friend to see if they could lend me the money.  He gave me a fictitious phone number.  Then I called my sister in Illinois and sure enough, my nephew is there.

I ALMOST got scammed!  I've read these stories before.  And, yet, they were so smooth that they almost caught me.  At the very beginning when he said "This is your favorite nephew", I of course supplied the name!  All were English speaking with no hint of an accent.

Geez.  At one point, they said, "Don't you have at least 3000 pesos?"  I said, "NO, I live on social security.  I'm not one of the rich people in San Miguel."

It's been about an hour since this whole thing started.  Of course it's over now.  But, I thought it worthy to share with you.

The bottom line is, of course, if you hear from a relative unexpectedly - It is probably NOT a relative!


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Art Cars on My Mind

When I first moved to San Miguel there were a couple of cars that qualified, in my mind, as art cars.  One was a car with a luggage rack on top that had cacti growing up there.  The guy who drove it around town was a character then and is still a character.  It takes a certain kind of person to have the audacity and fun spirit to do this.

Then the other one sat on Hidalgo most of the time near Harry's.  At that point Harry's was the local watering hole for all things expat.  Heck, now that I think about it, even though they have changed the name to Hank's, it STILL is the local watering hole for expats!  Anyway, there was an art car that was all painted up.  Never saw it riding around town though.  Sadly I don't have photos of either of those two cars.

Last week, after leaving the Primavera Parade, I walked into the parking lot where I park my junker and whoa!  here was a really beautifully painted art car.  The license plate says New Mexico.  I bet it was so much fun to drive from New Mexico to here with this car.  I'm so envious.


The artwork is very, very detailed on this truck.  I saw it again yesterday.  Sure wish I could run into (figuratively) these people to ask about the car and their trip.

The Annual Art Car Parade in Houston will be happening in May.  Over 200 entries, if I remember correctly. It is not just a parade of cars from all over the world, but actually quite a "happening".  Many fond memories of previous Art Car Balls and parades make me smile.

The Orange Show is responsible for this event!  If you're anywhere near Houston in May, stop on by and be amazed.  Go to www.thehoustonartcarparade.com  to learn all about it!  It's a hoot!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

The Feast of St. Joseph in San Miguel de Allende

Since I live up the hill, off a street called Cuesta de San Jose, Slope or Hill of St. Joseph, its logical that I expected at some point to see a parade.
It's never a fancy parade with dressed up people or floats or any of that.  It usually is a few men carrying the statue of St. Joseph up the hill near sunset always carrying the Mexican flag.  Sometimes the participants are attired in their dancing attire from the indigenous dances.........but this week was different.

First I saw the crepe paper flowers on the sides of the houses in green and yellow.  The colors of St. Joseph.  And I waited.  Nothing.  On Wednesday mid day, I heard soft singing, went to the window in the dining room and saw four women, alone, no parade walking down the hill carrying a smaller version of a statue of St. Joseph!  I, of course wondered, where are they going besides down the hill?  I presume the statue was going to someone's home possibly to have new clothes made or something.  But, Wednesday was the feast day so I truly have no idea.

Then I remembered on Tuesday, while returning from the tianguis, I saw a group of about fifteen young men carrying two statues toward Cuesta de San Jose and the small Church of San Jose.  I did NOT have my camera and again wondered where they were going.

All kinds of activity in the colonia, but what?

Well, I don't have to wonder anymore!  The parade has happened.  The fireworks went off starting at exactly 6AM about 10 feet from the wall of my house for about 30 to 45 minutes this morning!  And now, I hear the tuba band somewhere in the colonia.  Tubas, horns and drums, oh my.

I'm assuming since last Monday was Benito Juarez's birthday celebration along with St. Patrick's Day and then the Spring Equinox on Friday with the Primavera parade, that they decided to just wait and start it all up a few days after the Feast day.

I always remember the Feast of St. Joseph.  My dad's name was Joseph.  Although he never went by that name but went by Smitty, most of the time or Ed, his middle name.  To me its very poignant to experience this joyful celebration in the neighborhood each year even if most of the time I have no idea what is going on or when it is going to happen.  My Dad would have loved it!  He was such an upbeat, fun guy who was always ready for a party and to entertain.

The joy of "living in the moment " in a place that loves to celebrate saints that one has never heard of and many that one has, is quite a gift.

Now, if I only knew when the circus is coming to town so I could be positioned to see the animals either walking through town or riding.  It's ALWAYS something!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Mexico Awash in Butterflies, Bumblebees and Bunnies

 All over Mexico yesterday, Primavera (Spring) parades were held.  The big treat was that the little ones of kindergarten age were those dressed as everything and almost anything that is precious.  Kudos to the moms who make these costumes and to the teachers who corral the kids for the walk around the jardin in all their WARM finery.  It is quite a show!
 The creativity is amazing.  The behavior of the kids is something to be commended.  And, families stand patiently waiting to photograph their little ones.  All in all it is just a heartwarming sight. 

Other friends who are in Patzcuaro, Oaxaca and Melaque posted photos of similar parades.  What a treat to think of all this sweetness washing over this country that so honors its children!
 Even a mermaid and a sea creature made it into the parade.  Very unique.
To me, the piece de resistance was this tiny one, sitting patiently in her dad's lap, probably dreaming that some day she'll be a big girl and get to walk in the desfile (parade), just like the big kids!

I have photographed this parade every year.  It still draws me like a magnet each and every year.  It's not only the children that are adorable but it is also fun to meet other people who have come to see what all the excitement is about.

I met two women, as I sat atop the wall around the jardin.  They were visiting.  Both were retired school teachers so they enjoyed the children immensely.  They were lamenting that they  are returning to Illinois and Canada next week.  This was their first parade but not there first visit to San Miguel.  Very interesting women.

Yes, I DID sit atop the wall to attempt to photograph the children.  At one point, as I leaned out from my straddled position, I thought, "Boy, that's a long way down and if I fell I'd probably break both legs!"  I decided never to sit there again.........

Next parades and processions coming up will be Easter!  And those are for longer then a week but so amazing to witness.  Those have been held for hundreds of years and are steeped in amazing traditions.

Never a dull moment in retirement.  Life is enchanting.  Wish you were here!


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

CRISS-CROSSING MEXICO ONE WORD AT A TIME

John Scherber is a prolific author who now resides in San Miguel.  I asked if he would like to write the first Guest Blog for Babsblog.  He graciously agreed.  Below is his post.

CRISS-CROSSING MEXICO ONE WORD AT A TIME

The expat experience has always interested me, being one myself for the past seven years.  I wrote a book about it in 2009, talking to more than thirty Americans and Canadians who had settled in San Miguel de Allende, my adopted town.  I called it San Miguel de Allende:  A Place in the Heart.  People liked the book and bought it in droves, but they often told me it wasn't enough.  When was the sequel coming?

I was willing to look at the subject again, but not inside an expat colony like San Miguel or Lake Chapala.  That story had been told.  What if I examined the lifestyles of people who had settled in places with no special support community of other English speakers?  Wasn't that a different kind of Mexican experience?  In fact, wasn't it an entirely different kind of expat?

I launched this interview project on a Sunday afternoon late in 2012 in a near ghost town about an hour away called Pozos.  Here I found two dozen expats living in  crumbly comfort among a population of 4,000 Mexicans.  When the town was at its peak in 1900, the population was 75,000.  After the mines gave out, the remaining folks in 1950 numbered only 200.  Did it take a special kind of expat to engage with this off-road rebirth, and appreciate living there more than for example, in Dallas?  Bet on it.

I next pointed my voice recorder north, to a small city called San Luis de la Paz, nor far away.  It's an agricultural town of 55,000.  It offers no chic bed and breakfasts, no tourist hotels.  It is the site of no great historical events, aside from a distant treaty that gave the town the second part of its name.  It is all about mainstream life in central Mexico and nothing more.  Find a hook, I told myself, because I knew it held a story to tell, just as it held a total of five expats who didn't mix much beyond nodding to each other on the street.  If I could tell the story of San Luis convincingly and well, I knew I could make the entire book sing.

Feeling confident, I moved on to Morelia after that.  This is a town pushing a million that I had always avoided.  For one thing, it's the capital of Michoacan, the target of many State Department curses.  What I discovered instead of fear was a vibrant, if small, expat community, one that had not quite found a focus beyond their enjoyment of the music and cuisine of this hopping, cafe-society town that to me resembles a small European capital city --and one well worth a visit.

But conducting a set of interviews in far off places with people I had only connected with on the internet can bring its own problems.  In Morelia I had a last minute cancellation and was forced to bring in another person I didn't know.  In total, I was able to prequalify in person fewer than half the people I talked with for this book.  This raised an interesting dilemma.  In launching a projected one-hour conversation, I had less that a minute to get people to relax and open up.  These were people who had never met me.  One described me afterwards as intimidating.  I was shocked.  I  said I would settle for imposing.  This dilemma was solved by asking a question that could not be answered with any one-word reply, "What was it that brought you to this place (naming the town)?"

As I worked through this book, place and location always formed one of the major characters, holding equal status with the people who were kind enough to share some of their life experiences with me.

I went through Patzcuaro and the lake communities, and then Puebla.  There I spoke with two American women married to Poblanos, men from Puebla.  They were similar in situation, but far different in point of view.  During this process I never felt I was taking any chances by being where I was; the chances I was taking were all from doing what I was doing, and I often felt slightly out of control and off balance.  That's a good place to be operating from.  It's like working without a net.

I had always thought to end the book in Chiapas.  I liked the idea of expats living up against the background of civil unrest of the last two decades, the Zapatistas and their semi-autonomous enclaves.  People in masks holding guns, echoes of Che Guevara.  I was ready, but at first no one in Chiapas would talk to me.  Then a few came forward who would, but they were missionaries.  I shook my head.

"The people who are emerging in this book," I responded, "are those who don't wish to leave a footprint on the culture.  They want an experience of Mexico untrammeled by the presence of crowds of other expats.  If you came here to tell people they ought to abandon their religion and take up yours, you are hardly a good fit."

"But isn't that exactly what the Spanish did when they arrived here?" one offered in response.

"Yes, and I don't agree with that either."

So I ended the book in Oaxaca, that splendid caldron of more than a dozen different indigenous cultures and languages.  I found a somewhat larger expat community there, but the three people I spoke with had little connection with it.  Fifteen months after I started, the book appeared.

It's called Into the Heart of Mexico: Expatriates Find Themselves Off the Beaten Path.

Here's a link to my website where you can find a sample:

www.sanmiguelallendebooks.com/intotheheartofmexico

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Happy Fourteenth Anniversary to Me in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico!





In March, 2001 I arrived in San Miguel to live full time in this very house and property.  I found and rented the property in August 2000, never imagining that I would be moving here full time anytime in the near future.  Destiny took over and I was here in seven months having sold my business, my home and 99% of my possessions!  It has definitely been quite an adventure.

Learning the ins and outs of the system.  Where to pay the utility bills?  How to find a maid and a handy man? What to do when the electricity went off and didn't come back on for hours?  Same with telephone, only some times for days.  Where to go for groceries since just about the only grocery store smelled like dead fish?  Oh so many little things that were challenges.  All have been resolved.

Much has changed in Mexico and San Miguel in the passing years. Some of the greatest advice I was given was, "If you live alone, you need a handy man".  ABSOLUTELY true.  And, "Find a maid - she will be your introduction to the Mexican culture for every day living".  Also very true.  Originally it was Josefina and her brother Carlos that I found by just asking around. They helped immensely in making the connections and figuring out the ins and outs of daily living, thankfully.  Josefina is still with me and still responsible for taking care of not only the houses but me, at times.  Her whole family, including cousins and her distant relatives have had a part in my life also.

A lot of expats moved here about the same time I did.  It was a great core of people  Sadly about 95% have left.  Either moving back to their previous areas of the USA or else going to the "happy hunting grounds" in the sky.  They are missed.  We had a good group.  Home parties reigned.  Nothing fancy - pot luck on the patio or whatever.  Fun times - great friendships.

The electricity seldom goes off.  The telephone service is now excellent.  The water is no longer turned off for periods of time and we have two excellent grocery stores along with many, many specialty stores for cheeses, olive oil, baked goods.  You name it, we have it! Even an organic market on Saturdays!

I don't think it matters if you move across town, as I did several times in Houston, or move to a foreign country, one still needs to find a new laundry, a new car mechanic, doctors, hairdressers among other things.  The nitty gritty of every day life.  Of course, throw in the language and cultural differences and then, as I like to say, it was definitely an adventure.

Do I have any regrets?  Sure, a few.  Do I regret moving to Mexico?  No.  In some ways I think Mexico saved my life.  The pace, the simplicity, the graciousness and kindness of the people, have all been things that have contributed to a tranquil, stress free existence.

Then there are the intangibles.  The clean, clean air.  The blue, blue skies.  The beauty to be seen in every direction.  And, the sense of well being that comes from all of these things.

It just seems amazing that I'm beginning the fourteenth year.  It certainly has whizzed by.  It has never been dull, but simply tranquil. 

Do I have fourteen more to look forward to?  I doubt it sincerely.........However, "living in the moment" makes that first question irrelevant.

The photo above is the status of the wall with the bougainvillea that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago.  Isn't it amazing how much it has grown in two weeks?  Patience is paying off - as always.


Saturday, March 15, 2014

And the beat goes on..........real estate beat that is........

I will admit that I'm borrowing from my friend Steve's blog over at Mexpatriate - In the Key of Steve.  He's over in the blogroll on the right hand side.  He confirmed a statistic that I used sometime in the last nine months about the number of ex-pats in Mexico.  The stats are contrary to what the real estate agents are stating over and over and over again.

I was told by an INM (immigration) official that the total number was around 200,000.  NOT one million as you read over and over in every darn publication because writers always interview realtors.  It's simply NOT true.

The last definitive information, according to Steve, is from an INM report of October 31,2009.  Here are the true numbers - A total of 262,672 expats from everywhere.  Americans, 59,996 and Canadians, 10,869.  I would venture to say most of the Canadians are on the West Coast.  At least it seems that way if you're in Puerto Vallarta and all points up and down the coast.

I actually think that there are more Americans and Canadians in Ajijic and Lake Chapala along with Mexico City then in San Miguel.  But, the realtors here are interviewed more often and they hype these made up numbers thinking it will get more people to move here.

In all actuality, many people have told me they wouldn't consider San Miguel because the latest number being trumpeted by a local realtor is 15,000 Americans!  And who wants to live with that many Americans?  Their words to my ears.

Most of the expats I see in San Miguel are tourists.  And, believe me, there have been a slew here this winter!  Whew.

The above photo is a hot air balloon that swooped down right by the house one morning this week.  It's usually around 7:30AM.  Even though the door is closed and the drapes are drawn, there is something magnetic about the swooshing sound of a hot air balloon that always gets me out of bed!  It's just a sight to see, every single time!

A GREAT way to start the day.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Stolen Passports

Stolen passports have been in the news for the last week or so due to the horrific news about the Malaysian flight.  IF I had not had a "stolen passport episode", I would wonder how someone could have their passport stolen.
Let me share with you the true story of the escapade in the late 80's or early 90's.  Whenever the Iraq War began.

Air France had a special ticket price of $250USD round trip fare from Houston to Paris!  Who would not just absolutely jump at the chance to go to Paris?  For me, it was my second trip.  But, literally I left less then a week after I saw the fare.

A friend who I had known through the culinary world had lived in Paris for many years previously and she wanted to go as well.  Yippee!  Off we went.

We landed at Charles De Gaulle Airport.  I always reconfirm my flight home upon arrival at my first destination.  Since we were flying home out of Brussels, I really wanted to reconfirm.  So, Janelle and I got in the elevator to go to the ticket counter.  I always stand right in the front of the elevator cab so as not to get jostled.  Janelle however had gone to the back between two men.  I kept checking on her in the back of the elevator.  When we got downstairs to get off the elevator, it took quite a while for Janelle to get out of where she was and get off the elevator.  The men were kind of in her way.

So we get to the ticket counter and guess what...........she had no ticket and no passport!  I knew IMMEDIATELY what had happened.  I left Janelle there with out luggage and said, "Wait here".  I jumped back on the elevator, went up to the floor, saw some gendarmes, and in English told them I had been robbed and that the men were probably still on the elevator.  (Of course I didn't know that).  They came with me!

When the elevator doors opened, THE MEN WERE ON THE ELEVATOR!  I think I remember yelling something like "Get em", being from Texas and all.  Gendarmes do NOT wear guns.

I did have the presence of mind to ask the gendarmes to wait for me while I got my friend and our luggage.
We really hurried because I did not want them to let those men loose.  I just wanted Janelle's ticket and passport.

When we got up there, the police vaguely searched the men and their fanny packs.  One of the guy's packs was full of passports.  The other one was full of tickets and money.  Oy vey.

Off we all marched through the airport.  Quite a long way.  I looked calm but was totally freaked out, I must admit.  What I didn't know at the time, was that the men spoke perfect French and were telling the gendarmes that we were racist Americans.

When we got to the police office, one of the men there spoke English and he told me what the men from, it turned out Senegal, were saying.  Yikes!  Were they going to hold us too?

No, they discovered the two men were in France illegally.  They saw all the stuff they had, including Janelle's passport and ticket!  They returned them to us.  Held the men and we scurried out of there as fast as a cat in a room full of rockers.  I remember saying to Janelle, "Let's get out of here before they let those guys loose"

Whew, it was an episode.  Of course, afterwards, I thought of several other scenarios.  None of them pleasant!

What that lesson taught me was to ALWAYS carry a copy of my passport in a different place and to carry my ticket in my bra.  Hey, a girl has to do what a girl has to do!

I have never lost either my ticket or passport, thankfully.   

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Facebook

Many, many of my friends and family are not on Facebook.  For one reason or another.  I, however, am.  I'm on there, primarily to stay in touch with those friends and family that don't live near me but rather are in the USA or wherever.  Especially family and close friends.

I have realized over time that some Facebook members have an interesting perspective on the ways of Facebook.  Some of these protocol issues have been brought home to me by comments made, often in private, by "friends".

On the page where you read all the comments, if someone posts more then 7 or 8 times a day, I usually delete them eventually.  NOT because I don't think what they say is interesting.  And, certainly NOT because I don't think of them as friends.  But, the practical side of me says, if there are that many posts from that person, then I don't get to see all the other friends who post, as there are just so many down there to read.  I just found out, again recently, that someone was offended because I "unfriended" them.

So, I guess the protocol should have been that I notified them prior to unfriending them to explain my actions.  I've unfriended a lot of people.  I mean lots.  Some have been people who posted offensive, to me, posts on a continual basis.  Or negative, political posts.  IF I want to see that, I'll buy a newspaper or watch the stations on TV that cater to that sort of thing.  I don't.

I also was informed that I'm supposed to "like" anything that a friend posts.  Really?  I have too much to do and I'm certainly not ignoring anyone.  I certainly don't expect all my friends on Facebook to "like" what I post?  Am I wrong?

The same thing with continual promotion of businesses.  I realize it is a wonderful way to promote businesses but I don't read ads in the newspaper or watch them on TV, so why would I want to see that on a personal site such as Facebook?  An occasional comment about some event or business affair is one thing, but, really, in my humble opinion, not daily.

This world of "social media", whatever that is supposed to mean, is a new world.  If I'm wrong about any of the above, I certainly hope people will correct me or set me straight.

And, as much as I would hate to lose contact with nieces and nephews and other family members, if it gets too cumbersome, I'll be a former Facebook user.

By the way, did you see the 60 Minutes segment on the "marketing" companies who capture your every move on the internet, form a dossier on you and then sell that information?  That was a sobering and informative segment.  It gives one pause for reflection as to whether all this instantaneous information and contacting people is worth it, doesn't it?

Look forward to seeing your comments, I think.


Monday, March 10, 2014

The Cat's Meow

 THIS is Velcro's typical position.  Especially in the evening as I watch TV and she recovers from her day of wandering in the canyon or whatever a former feral cat does during the day.  At night she sleeps, thankfully.
When I first return from a trip, she does not leave my side.  If I go upstairs, she follows.  If I go downstairs, there she is - sort of like a dog!  The above two positions are typical and can be seen on any given day.

However, while I was in Houston, other cat lovers told me about a gizmo called "Cat's Meow" that their cats absolutely loved.  One way or the other.  One of their cats tried to catch the little wand that circles.  The other cat just pounced on the whole darn thing and laid there to prevent it from going anywhere. Funny, but effective.
 Hmm, I wondered if Velcro would play with something like that.  I doubted it but bought it anyway.  Probably the first purchased toy in her eight years of living with me.

I finally set it up the other night on the bed so I could watch IF she did anything or not.  When you push a little button on the top, a sort of high pitched whine is emitted.The cats ears went forward and she went into "alert"mode.  I was really surprised. Velcro has never been a playful cat.  Well she does jump out at me from time to time.  Of course when I least expect it and scares the heck out of you!
It was astounding to watch her play and play for quite some time.  Until I could not stand the high pitched whine any longer.  She could not figure it out.  I then folded it up and put it away.  The next day when she jumped up on the bed, she looked all over for it so it was evident that she remembered it!  Surprising to say the least.

I've now decided that the best thing to do is set it up upstairs while I'm downstairs and let her enjoy it to her cat's content.  It will be interesting to see how long the toy lasts or if she will shred it to pieces.  Or perhaps she'll catch the wand and eat it!

Stay tuned for the outcome of Velcro's attack against the Cat's Meow.

Sunday, March 09, 2014

A Wonderful Week

Almost every week is a wonderful week, but this past one was exceptional.  I was out and about and saw friends at the Monday Morning Koffee Klatch group.  Caught up on what had been going on and what was going to happen.  ALWAYS something going to happen!   It was good to get out and walk again.  I stopped in the Blue Door bakery where the Mexican check out girl asked if I was feeling all right and was my operation successful!  I was rather speechless, as this conversation was in Spanish, and how she knew I'll never know.........it was sweet.  When I went to the beauty shop later that day, the same thing happened!  That IS one of the nice things about living in a small town.
On Tuesday, Matilda and Sebastian came over.  Matilda had had her 6th birthday while I was gone but I had asked her what she wanted.  She wanted a "Cinderella" dress.  So, while in Houston, four days after surgery, Hannah (my 16 year old granddaughter) and I went shopping for a Cinderella dress.  LUCKILY, we found it in the first store.  It could not have been more perfect.  As you can see, it had purple and pink.  Purple is Matilda's favorite color.  Not only that it came with a headband and adorable ballet slippers.
 
 
I knew she was pleased by this really sweet smile she gets on her face.  Then the twirling began along with the checking of herself in the big mirror in the dining room.  What a fun time we had

Sebastian was happy with his truck, his shovel and dirt.  Griffen. the neighbor's dog watched all the activity.  It was cute to watch.  They are never here long enough.  At the end, before they left, they plopped on the chaise together to watch cartoons for a few minutes.  It was an adorable sight.  Wish I had gotten a photo of that!

As the week rolled on, I met with an author who is going to write a guest blog for Babsblog.  A fascinating well published man.  Then, of course, the nursery to buy plants to replenish the very few who needed replacing. As you know, for me, working in the garden is a cathartic exercise for me.

One of the good parts of it all is time spent at home just enjoying the tranquility, the monarchs flying through, the birds singing, a good book and superb music.  Life is good!


A footnote:
By the way, I cannot explain why the one photo is on the left and smaller.  I tried and tried to move it over........honestly sometimes this computer drives me crazy  Add to that that I still cannot download the photos from Picasa and I again apologize for these photos not being that good.........in this manner.

Saturday, March 08, 2014

Concheros in Pre-Hispanic Costumes Honoring The Lord of the Conquest

 For the next two weeks, we will be experiencing the exuberance and beauty of the concheros dancing around the jardin in their fabulous finery.  They are dancing to venerate the statue of The Lord of the Conquest.  This statue which reposes in Atotonilco most of the year is brought to San Miguel for Lenten activities each year.  Brought on foot during the night by those who are honored to be chosen to do so in a procession.  Atotonilco is about thirteen miles away so the procession arrives here at dawn and goes to the church San Juan de Dios.  Unfortunately, I've never seen the dawn procession.
 Concheros are those who wear dried shells and pods around their ankles when they dance.  There were hundreds yesterday.  Handmade, beautiful costumes in every color of the spectrum.  Dancing from 10 AM until after dark.  Their sturdiness and persistence is amazing.  Little children and teenagers dance as well.  A wonderful way to continue the traditions that have been around since the 1500's according to historians in this area.
According to legend, The Lord of the Conquest statue is made of orchid and corn paste.  It was made by Tarascan Indians in the area of Patzcuaro and brought to the priests in San Miguel and another is in San Felipe.  The statue is credited with saving lives during the plague in the 1700s.  To say that it is highly venerated would be an understatement.
 This group of indigenous peoples are recreating a ceremony where they outmaneuvered the Spanish.  If my memory is correct, it was in the region of the State of Veracruz.
This little girl proudly wore her dancing costume.  She was much photographed and could hardly take a step without someone else wanting her photo. 

I must confess my photos on this post are untouched.  I, for some reason, cannot post directly from Picasa to Blogspot anymore and so I'm using those from my Pictures file that haven't had the contrast corrected or anything.  Time to get the computer guru over here. 

And, the final statement is, "I sure wish I knew where they find those amazingly beautiful feathers."  They are exquisite.

Stay tuned - next week Concheros from Zacatecas, Lagos de Moreno, Silao and Guanajuato will be here dancing on Thursday and Friday.  Their costumes will be different and magnificent.  I hope to be there to see them.  Inbetween all this, there is a Cuban Musical Festival going on with free concerts in the jardin almost every night.

NEVER a dull moment in San Miguel!

Thursday, March 06, 2014

The Saga of the Hacked Bouganvillea

 I didn't promise you a rose garden but I did promise to post the before and after photos of what has been transpiring in my secret little patio garden outside of the bedroom.

Of course the first photo, above, is the "before" photo taken several months ago.  The second photo, below, is the "after" photo after some upstart teenager with a machete hacked as much as humanly possible from the glorious blooming bougainvillea while I was away from the house.

That's okay, now.  I'm over it, sort of.  Today I was at the vivero (plant nursery) and bought enough fig ivy to cover the brick wall within a year.  In addition, I'll be feeding and watering the fuscia colored tree until it looks like the before photo.

Persistence and patience are the key words to living your life in Mexico.  I have plenty of both - most of the time, anyway.

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Carnavale in San Miguel de Allende..........NOT!

.
.
 Luckily, we DO have one holiday that is not celebrated in San Miguel.  It is a home made event with women and families making tissue paper covered eggs with confetti in them for the kids to break on each others heads.  In addition, crepe paper flowers are sold that are brought in on a daily basis from homes around town.
 I love the innocence of it.  No drunks, no floats, no big boozing event.  Just families selling little trinkets for the kids to have fun with each other.
You see, and as many people know, San Miguel has more celebrations then any place that I know of.  Someone told me over 250 events, if not more, and we only have 365 days!

I do have to confess, in all honesty, however, that there was a half block parade that lasted not even ten minutes last evening with a King and Queen on a semi-float.  It stopped in front of Hank's, our local Cajun restaurant and then the fun began.  I'm reporting what I heard from others because I wasn't actually there.

Having been at the "real" Mardi Gras in New Orleans many times, it just doesn't appeal to me to have a half block parade!  Now if they could get the Preservation Hall Jazz Band here, then I would reconsider!  Just kidding.

As I walked down the streets today, I saw a little confetti here and there.  It's a law in San Miguel that everyone is responsible for keeping the property in front of your dwelling or business clean of trash.  Those pesky pieces of confetti are darn hard to sweep up.  Nothing to worry about.  In another day of sweeping by store keepers and homeowners, you'll never see any more confetti.

Some day, I will get to a Carnavale celebration somewhere here in Mexico.  It just hasn't been high on my list.  However, I read that Merida, Mazatlan and many other cities do have quite an event.

Some day, maybe.

Sunday, March 02, 2014

The "Delegates"


It's always a delight to meet new people.  As I age it seems most of the people are in my age range.  Seldom in their 20's and 30's.

However, a year ago, I was privileged to meet four individuals in that age range.  Paul, Deidre, Patrick and Jamie.

Before the night was over, I knew and secretly hoped that I would see them again.  I have, many, many enjoyable times.

We have heard and seen good and great music.  We have traveled by train from LA to Seattle and back both enjoying the ride, the food, the scenery and the music.  We've had delicious dining out  and home cooked meals together as well.  I certainly always look forward to seeing each and every one of them.

It has been very interesting to see this generation from up close and personal.  To see their determination in their careers and in their personal lives.  They are kind, compassionate and smart.  I always get a hug from Deidre and Jamie............some times even from Paul and Patrick.  How wonderful is that?

Paul and Patrick are the sons of my friend Bob.  Both are in their 30's.  Deidre and Jamie are in their late 20's.  Sharp, intelligent and aware of the world.

If anyone is worried about what the younger generation is going to do,  about whether they are going to be upstanding citizens and take care of the World.......stop worrying.  I actually wasn't worried, previously.  Now I'm even more reassured.

New seasons are happening for these four.  New jobs, new living arrangements and I can hardly wait to see
what happens next.  Luckily, they do stay in touch!

I was thrilled that my last night in Houston we all had dinner together along with fun and good conversation.
The evening ended with hugs........from all four!

I count myself a "lucky lady" to have "The Delegates" as my friends!

Saturday, March 01, 2014

Turning the Page to March!

It's always a fun experience to turn the page of the calendar (yes, I use a paper calendar) and see if there is a whole bunch of stuff coming up or a more tranquil month ahead.  Of course, it always seems it is going to be tranquil because there isn't much on it.  Somehow by the end of the month the pages are filled.  Aaargh.

It's truly shocking that it is March.  I was so looking forward to 2014 and somehow the last two months have been a blur of stuff that was not what I intended to do.  It is now behind me and hopefully, the fun stuff is ahead.

I returned to find that the brick wall had been erected.  Outside my bedroom window is still the beautiful stone wall but ABOVE that is a red brick wall that is about six feet higher then the stone wall!  It looks like the Berlin Wall.  I'm horrified and try not to look at it.

To add insult to injury the two story bourganvilla was ruthlessly hacked and very little is left!  I'm determined to cover the red brick wall at this juncture with the fast growing fig ivy vine.  I will nurture, feed, water and talk lovingly to it, if it will just cover that ugly thing in at least a year.........I did take a photo of it and when I find one of the before photos, I'll post it, possibly in the next blog.  You'll be as shocked as me.

I spent time on the roof terrace yesterday trimming away the dead branches.  In addition, a little pruning and while doing this I noticed that the china berry tree and the jacaranda are already starting to get leaves and blooms!  Oh my, it MUST be March.  It won't take but a couple of weeks with these 80 degree temps in the afternoons for everything to pop out and bloom.

It's a wonderful time of the year.  New beginnings - for the garden and, maybe,  even ME!