Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico!

It has been years and years since I have celebrated Halloween in San Miguel.  My friend Dawn used to have a big costume party.  It was always fun to go and see all the time grown adults spent in making costumes.

The last time a group of us went as the "Sheet Family".  Sheets, of course, were the dress.  It took 15 minutes to make........kinda like a toga.  Someone went as "no sheet", someone went as "three sheets to the wind" and I went as "hot sheet".  It was really hilarious.

Today Matilda and Sebastian came by to get their Halloween trick or treat bags that my dear friend Linda had gotten for them in Texas.  Oh my, perfect, since they didn't have one.  Sebastian's matched his costume and he was excited.  He turned to me and said, "Trick or Treat""! So did Matilda......

The above photos make me chuckle!  Matilda loves to pose and to have a pretty dress.  Sebastian is more interested in figuring out how to get the pumpkin necklace to light up with the little LED lights.  He figured it out faster then we did!

In the photo of Matilda, its so cute to see how she is holding her hand.  Oh my, she's only 6!  Such a sweet child.

This picture says it all!  Matilda loves to look beautiful and pose.  You couldn't get Sebastian to pose unless you glued his feet to the floor.

If anyone doesn't think little boys and girls have different viewpoints,  think again!

Happy Halloween Everyone.  Tomorrow begins the coverage of the festivities for Dia de los Muertos.


Thursday, October 30, 2014

If you leave the house, you're going to see it..........Preparations for Dia de Los Muertos

I opened the gates this morning to "jump the trench" in hopes of getting to my car on the rock strewn, death defying road.  What did my wondering eyes see?  This beautiful sight.  Made from colored sawdust, seeds and tissue paper.

Of course, I immediately photographed.  Thankfully my camera was in my pocket!  This is the primary school about twelve feet from my gate! I forgot about the rock strewn road or the trench.

The papel picado is still blowing in the breeze.  I went up to the roof terrace to see.  Lovely.

I was on a mission into town to meet up with a long time blog reader and his partner along with his mother and her friend visiting from California.  We had an absolutely delightful time sharing stories and making some plans for future visits.

It's always so interesting when I meet a  reader.  They know ALL about me and I no little about them.  I want to talk about them but they want to know more about San Miguel.  Anyway, I persisted.   Truly delightful.  Time flew by.

As I departed to head back up the hill, I passed Rosewood Hotel.  First I saw the orange color from the distance and pulled over, jumped out of the car and took these two photos.  The fragrance of the flowers brought back memories of the times in Patzcuaro at the Day of the Dead market and at the cemeteries.  Something I'll never forget.

I saw many more preparations as I attempted to avoid the mass of visitors and traffic.  However, no chance to pull over to take more photos.

Tomorrow.................MORE!  I'll walk down the hill.  Then I can stop and photograph to my heart's content.  In the meantime, you can click on these photos to see them enlarged.  Enjoy!



Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Mexico - Sometimes, "One minute at a time"

Living in the moment is required in Mexico.  When people ask me to do something two or three weeks in the future, I always hesitate.  You see, you never know what or where or how things will be going that far in advance.

Yesterday was a prime example.  With lots of errands and appointments it was a "chockablock" day.

Arriving home at 2:30PM, there were lots of men at the corner of my house.  Unusual.  I didn't pay much attention.  Parked the car and started to head for the gate.

One of the men came up and said he was with the water/sewer company known as SAPASMA!  Uh oh, this didn't sound good.

SAPASMA had been trenching a block away on Cuahtemoc for at least a month.  Dirt and dust, not to mention that it is the one street going DOWN the hill for the children who go to the kindergarten and the kids that go to the primary school across from me.  It's also the down road for all the cars, trucks and motorcycles.

He informed me that they were getting ready to trench my street, starting NOW!  Starting at the corner of my house.  I look at my watch, it is now 2:45PM.  It will be dark in a few hours.  He says they'll get all the way down the street before dark with the diggers and bull dozers.  In my mind, I know better but I have learned to just smile.

More importantly is the fact that the  tenant who is in the guest house has her car loaded and ready to drive back to the USA first thing Wednesday morning.  No place to park the car except in my garden behind the gate.  I ask if it is possible for them to NOT trench in front of gates until next day.  He said, "Yes".
Whew.

I move my car to avoid it being trenched, to park between two huge dirt piles.  It is still there!

Further the man from SAPASMA said all the work will be done in two or three weeks.  Again I smiled.

The trenching and jack hammering began.  YIKES

This morning I looked out and this is the extent of the trenching done in three hours.  They did leave the space for the former tenant to leave.  She and her friend are now on their way to the USA, loaded to the roof with furniture, stuff and a cat.  Mexico was not for her, sadly.

I, on the other hand,  decided after all the drama and excitement, today would be a good day to stay home and sit in the sun to watch the hummingbirds and monarchs.

I took fourteen photos of hummingbirds!  Ha, not one photo has a hummingbird in it.  My hat is off to nature photographers.  They must be the most patient human beings on the face of the earth.  There were at least five hummingbirds feeding off the blooming aloes along with monarchs on the poinsettia tree.  Nope, none of them in these photos either.  Guess my camera isn't fast enough........

Here's what I did get.  All of these blooms, the orange spikes, the poinsettia and the seeds on the china berry tree denote the fact that fall is definitely here.


Living life "one minute at a time" here in Mexico IS the only way, it seems to me. 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Tasty Treats in San Miguel de Allende - A Listing of Some Restaurants

With 234 restaurants in San Miguel, one could find just about any culinary delight one could imagine.

We have Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Italian, Mexican, American BBQ, just to name a few.
At one point we had a restaurant that served Sri Lankan food!  It lasted for several years.

Here are a list of some of the favorites.  Most on this list have been here for quite some time.  Some had previous owners with previous names, but the ambiance and the food have always been delicious.

For special occasions, I like Gayle's place with the fancy name of Hacienda de Montitlan.  No one who has lived here for very long remembers that and all who dine there refer to it as "Gayle's place".  Gayle is a former caterer and restaurant owner. She prepares all this food in her commercial kitchen in her huge home. EVERYTHING is made from scratch.  A menu is sent out weekly and if you are making reservations on Tuesday when you receive it, you choose from 3 entrees, usually 3 appetizers and 3 desserts.  Always beyond expectations.

Casa de los Milagros, or as we call it "Milagros",  has an extensive menu, great waiters and is located right in centro.  It's about a half block on Relox from where we have the Koffee Klatch group.  Hence, we choose it for lunch on Mondays often.  We are never disappointed.  Their tilapia salad is amazingly large and one of my favorites.

Another restaurant in centro, just a half block past Milagros is China Palace.  Dining alfresco is always a favorite of everyone.  China Palace, along with Gayle's place have that in spades.  My favorite meal at
China Palace is Orange chicken. I try to get there, if I'm lucky, once a month.

Tio Lucas and Hank's along with Chamonix are within walking distance of the jardin.  Tio Lucas has always been a favorite of the locals and visitors.  It's a little pricier then the others, but the food is always delicious. Expect a wait at night after 9PM, it's a popular place.

Hank's is Cajun cuisine.  I go there when I'm craving a poor boy or gumbo.  They used to have red beans and rice, but I guess not enough people ordered it so it was dropped, unfortunately.  If you're from Louisiana, you'll understand my disappointment in that fact. Hank's has Taco Tuesday.  I think the Tacos are a dollar a piece.  Of course they make their money on the booze they sell, so tacos for a dollar is a bargain for us and them.

Chamonix is a little hidden restaurant on Sollano with a red door.  It is mostly courtyard dining along with one room that each time I've been there was having a private dinner in that room.  They have Thai, International and many Mexican dishes as well.  A favorite of mine.

Over on Calzada de Aurora, the former owner of Romano's has opened a restaurant that is only open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  But it is worth the trek there and worth waiting for the steaks, osso bucco, creme brulee and pate' just to name a few of the favorites of the crowd.  My little secret is that when I go, I only have the pate' and creme brulee.  The name of the restaurant is Hanson's who happens to be one of the partners in the venture.  Dick, the owner is a long time restauranteur who knows how to keep consistency, good help and a welcoming smile for everyone.  Great guy, great restaurant.

Going out toward the Instituto and continuing on are several restaurants on Ancha de San Antonio.

The first is Cafe Monet. Have never had a bad meal there.  Bill, the owner is a delight along with his staff.
Usually I'm there for breakfast and his steel cut oatmeal.  Breakfast of oatmeal and coffee is forty pesos.  A real bargain.  Other breakfast fare includes Eggs Benedict, omelets, hotcakes, etc.  His lunch and evening selections are equally good.

On the opposite side of the street is Hecho en Mexico.  Eric the owner, graduated from the culinary program in Nevada and knows consistency, good menu planning, and how to train a good staff.
His lunch prices are quite amazing so many of us on a fixed income have lunch there frequently.  In addition, now there is a full bar and music on Friday nights.  It is a very pleasant atmosphere with an open courtyard in part of it that can be closed if it is raining or cold.

Going farther out the same street on the left, before the Pemex station, is the Texas hangout called Longhorn.  Typical BBQ fare, delicious ribs, brisket, sausage with sides of cole slaw, potato salad and/or beans is the usual fare.  Now they are having specials.  On Thursday night it is steak for 99 pesos which comes with baked potato and salad.  I hear it is a packed place that night.  The owner, Keith, had never been in the restaurant business before coming to San Miguel.  He previously lived in Houston and is a Brit.
He's learned the trade and has a loyal clientele.

When I need a taste of Texas, I head there and have a brisket sandwich.  ALWAYS see someone I know, which is kinda fun.

Often on Fridays, the Koffee Klatch group meets at LaFrontera on Sterling Dickinson.  There is a special each day.  On Fridays it is fish tacos with either fish or shrimp.  Delicious.  We always try to sit outside unless it is too cold and windy.  Only a couple months of the year that that happens, thankfully.

Two other restaurants that are off the beaten path are The Food Factory which is at La Aurora.  It has a menu similar to Chamonix.  Unfortunately they don't have alfresco dining, but the food is always delicious.
Pastas, Thai, and a few other tasty items.

Then out of town, but soon to have a location in town, is Pizza Pig.  Tim, the owner, has created a fun place to dine on fresh ingredient pizzas.  He makes his own Italian sausage to use on the pizzas.  Some of us order the vegetarian pizza and add a few other ingredients.  We've had many a birthday party out there.  If you read the blog, you've seen many of the wacky photos over the years.

Now, before I start getting posts asking why I left some restaurant off the list, it was not meant as a slight of any kind.  There are so many others that this could go on and on.  The fun thing is discovering those on your own.

I must confess, if left to me, I would eat at Villa Santa Monica, a luxurious, small boutique hotel near Juarez Park, often.  The food is not particularly good, but the courtyard where you dine, is one of the prettiest spots in San Miguel.  I often go there by myself just for a little bite  so I can remember how dining in Mexico used to be.  Slow, personable and quiet among beautiful flowers and blue sky.

Let me know your favorite places in San Miguel.  I admit that I eat more at home then out at restaurants.
Gosh, while I was writing that sentence three more restaurants came to mind.  Oh well.






Saturday, October 25, 2014

I'm not "lolly gagging" around!

It's been one of THOSE weeks with all kinds of things EVERY day.  Preferable are weeks with a couple of days of nothing, which I always manage to use to read a book or some such thing.

The week started last Sunday with a dear friend coming over for lunch.  Just her, so we could jump from subject to subject and catch up on months of stuff that has been going on in both of our lives.  What a joyful afternoon.

Monday, of course, is Koffee Klatch Day with lunch with the bunch afterwards.  It's great to see everyone so that you can find out what happened the past week and what IS going to happen in the coming week.
Usually it's about 3PM before arriving back at the casa.

That same evening there was a Santa Fe Workshop event for free at the Angela Peralta theater, but, I erred on the side of tiredness and didn't get there. An old, old friend, Keith Carter from Beaumont was speaking.
It would have been nice to connect.  Well, c'est la vie!

Tuesday was to meet a new acquaintance at 9AM! for breakfast at Cafe Monet.  They have the best breakfasts and absolutely the most delicious steel cut oatmeal in San Miguel.  It was intriguing to hear about the life of this woman from Montreal.  Lovely person.

After leaving her, I dropped off cushions and pillows to be recovered for the roof terrace, left a check for the SMA Writers Conference next February along with shopping for some fill in plants for the garden which were planted upon returning to the casa.  The pansies look great.

Wednesday the new computer guru was arriving at 9AM along with Josefina the maid, so instead of laying around when awakening at 7:30, it was necessary to jump out of bed, make coffee and await the arrival of the two.  Of course the computer guru didn't arrive until after 9:30AM. When will I ever learn?

Thursday morning was awakening to no electricity!  First thought is, "Did the bill get paid?"  Of course it did, but I did stick my head out the gate and ask the caretaker at the school if their electricity was off.  Yup, it was.  The whole block was off.  It had been off since around 4AM and didn't come back on til 11AM. That has not happened in years - that length of time.

Plans were to head to Ron and Fred's for lunch, to use their laundry facilities and to help them solve a design need.  All were accomplished, sort of.  Still working on the design solution.

Thursday night was dinner with friends that I met on my trip to Guatemala eight years ago.  They spend every summer in the states traveling in their large RV.  I live vicariously through their adventures and wish I was squirreled away in a compartment or something.

All at the table were avid travelers.  One couple has been to so many out of the way places on all continents.  It was fascinating to hear their stories. Great time.  Great conversations.

Friday dawned and that's the day to get to the jardin to see what is going on.  OMG, there were little kids dressed in costumes for every country.  I don't know if there was a parade or not.  They were all just milling around.  Then the mojigangas arrived.  Lots of laughter and squealing by the kids.

An acquaintance who lived here about thirteen years ago for a few years was in the jardin with her husband.  She and he live in California now.  It was nice to hear about their lives and their families.

On another note,  my grandson, Sebastian was injured at a party on Thursday night and required stitches in his neck.  He's home from the hospital and being a Grammy, I delivered his favorite home baked chocolate chip cookies to him at my son's house when I visited yesterday afternoon along with a hot lunch.

Whew!  It's now Saturday morning.  There WAS someplace I was going to go this morning but I said to myself  "STOP".  I think I need a down day with no agenda.  We'll see if that really happens...........It IS 10AM and I am STILL in my jammies........Here's hoping it's a quiet day!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The State of Healthcare in the USA

This time last year, I heard on talk radio that once 2014 arrived and the Affordable Care Act became law that the doctor offices and doctors would be unreachable.  People would not be able to get appointments.
Health care would go to heck in a hand basket.

Then, on January first, I had a stellar gall bladder attack.  I went to my physician here in San Miguel who did an ultrasound, saw that my gall bladder needed removal.  He suggested that I get to a doctor in the USA and
have it removed as soon as possible.

I didn't have a doctor as I had not been to my former physician in over ten years.  That clinic would not take me as a former patient.  The receptionist said I would have to come in and apply.  My first thoughts were that maybe what I had heard on talk radio was happening!

Then my daughter found a surgeon who came highly recommended.  I called him, got an appointment, and flew to Houston.  Never has anything gone any smoother as far as professionalism, care and recovery.
It was kinda a "bada bada boom""experience.  I flew in on Tuesday, saw the Dr. on Thursday, had the surgery the following Monday and flew home one week later after being seen and released by the Doctor.

Smooth as silk.  That was my experience with Dr. Wallace and his team at St. Luke's outpatient surgery.

One of the reasons I was in Houston at this time last year was because my eye doctor here in San Miguel had told me I was getting a cataract on the only eye I could see out of - oy vey!   I wanted confirmation from the clinic I had been going to for at least four years.

I had the appointment.  Dr. Welton, who had been the doctor at the clinic that I had been using, said I needed to meet Dr. Marc Sanders who performed the cataract surgery and was a Professor at Baylor.  They both were of the opinion that, at that time, I needed to have the surgery.

Whoa!  I was NOT ready for that.  I had to ruminate on the situation.  I did get a new contact prescription that helped immensely.  As many of you know, then I worried, thought and finally decided as my vision got worse and worse, that I had to go forward with the surgery to remove the cataract.

I made the trip in August to Houston.   Scared to death that I would be returning, possibly, not being able to see.

Wonder of wonders, the team at Diagnostic Eye Center were just as professional as the surgeon for the gall bladder surgery.

With their "point person", Janie Espino, who answered all questions, gave calming comments and scheduled the surgery and follow ups, I felt in more then competent hands.  I let her and Dr. Sanders know that I was
terrified.  They assured and reassured me.

In fact, Dr. Sanders said he would like to do more.  He wanted to use the laser technology that would allow more precise procedures to be accomplished.  He wanted to remove the astigmatism and several other things.  I let go of my fear and let him.  The two surgeries were at the eye surgery facility at the University of Houston Eye center on campus.

I'm still awed by my new vision!  Every morning when I rise, I can't believe I can see so well without glasses, contacts or anything.  Same thing all day. Better then in my whole life. You "see", I've had to wear something or put something in my eye for over 70 years,  I still have the thought that I need to remove my contact lense at night and then say, "Nope, no more".

To top all of this off, I received a hand written thank you note the other day from Dr. Sanders! 
So much for all the hype that doctors don't care; that doctors don't have time; that the quality of care would lessen.

That certainly has not been my experience.
In all my life, in all my need for health care, I've NEVER received a hand written note from a Doctor.
It made my day.

My point is that  healthcare in the USA, at least in my case this year, has certainly been excellent and way over and above what I expected.  The other thing is that Medicare and my supplemental policy paid for nearly every penny.  My drug coverage paid for one medicine which was $1100USD and I only had to pay $117.  Whew, thankfully.

If you are ever in need of eye care, please contact Diagnostic Eye  Center or Dr. Wallace in Houston.  Let them know I sent you as a friend,  I wish you good health...........

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Street Scenes in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - October, 2014

I FINALLY got to the jardin to sit on the bench and observe life in San Miguel.  My usual routine used to be that I would get there every Monday and Friday.  It has been quite a long time since that has happened.  I felt the need........to watch life in Mexico again.

There are times on the bench when no one walks by and one can just contemplate the azure blue sky or the flowers hanging on the fence in front of the icon of San Miguel, the Parroquia.  But, it doesn't last long.
A large group of happy teenagers descended on the jardin and were enthralled and photographing.  Photographing what, you say? 
They were enjoying the buskers from New Orleans who have been in town for a couple of weeks playing blues at various venues.  This day they had plopped down on the bench next to me.  The two of them were delightful to talk with as they have been all over the place.  I asked them where they were going next and they said Guanajuato or Queretaro.  Now those are two different directions.  Aaah, a great adventure.
Just taking off and going.

The teenagers look like kids from anywhere.  One of the musicians was handing out free cds.  Every one of those who received a free cd said "Gracias".  It was a delight just to sit and enjoy their happiness.

It is such a relaxing thing to just sit and wait to see what is going to happen.  Something always does.

Leaving the jardin to meet friends for lunch, I was driving since the restaurant was on the other side of town.
Up ahead was a sight I love to see.
Don't you love that the policeman stands on a little stool?  No street lights in San Miguel - something else that is unique.  The photo is pretty straight forward.  BUT, what happened as I started to drive by was what the policeman did.  He "posed" and laughed.  He put one hand behind his head and sort of swiveled his hips.  He had seen me take the photo.  I started laughing and he waved.  I giggled all the way to the restaurant.  It's those relaxed little things that bring delight to life.

Oh, and another thing, at Christmas time, "locals" take wrapped gifts and plop them around the little stool for the policemen to take home for their Christmas.  First time I saw that I was amazed.  Now I just smile!

Viva Mexico!


Friday, October 17, 2014

Devastating News in the Colonia

The street I live on has only five houses on it.  One at the far end is occupied by a Dutch couple in their late 80's who have been in Mexico for at least 50 years.

At my end of the block, there are the next door neighbors' house, his brother's house on the other side and the two on my property.

Although I don't interact on a daily basis with my neighbors, we always acknowledge each other and speak.
I've never been in my next door neighbor's house but have been in his brother's house, just recently.

The children, 10 at my next door neighbor's house and 10 at his brother's house, have been my connection.

I've always brought toys, such as kites, bubbles, little stuffed toys and other small things back for them.  Once I brought plastic dinosaurs and the kids and I sat out on the street and played with them.

All wonderful kids.  Now those that were babies when I moved here are in their late teens!  One or two have "gone north" to work.  In other words, they're in the US working.  They all are so respectful and polite.  Several in both houses take music lessons.  I often see them going down the hill with their violin in the case or something else in a case for a lesson.

A couple of weeks ago, right after I returned, I was locked out of the house as I forgot my house keys.  So
I waited for about 1 1/2 hours for Javier, the gardener to come and let me in.  At the time, only he and Josefina had a key. That has been corrected.

While I sat in the car waiting, I noticed there was a lot of comings and goings at the brother's house.  The oldest boy stood in the doorway greeting people. I had a sense of foreboding at the time.  Their grandfather had lived with them for quite a while.  I wondered if he had passed.

In fact, when I spoke to the oldest boy I asked if all was all right at their casa and he told me yes. Many of the children speak English.

Then this past Monday I saw the black ribbon tied in a bow over the front door.  Oh no, my sense of foreboding was correct.  I spoke to Javier on Tuesday morning, my next door neighbor, to ask about the
family.

He told me that his brother had died of cancer.  I was thunderstruck and devastated.  I still cannot get over this.  To imagine the mother with ten children wrenches my heart.  Thankfully her brother-in-law and sister-in-law and all of their children are next door.

My neighbor was always, always out with the children.  They came down several times to use my big ladder to paint the outside of the house.  They came to my garage sales where I loved just giving them stuff.  How could you ever sell to a neighbor?  I can't.

At one point he wanted to buy my Pathfinder.  I told him he needed a van, not my Pathfinder and we both laughed.  I don't think he was any older then about 40.

My dilemma is that I don't know what to do for the family.  In the USA, I would be taking cooked meals to them for a while. But, since I don't cook in the Mexican style, I doubt that they would want my food.  I just don't know what is appropriate.  Can anyone help me?  Money?  Food? Then today I realized that the
Christmas holidays will be coming up in a couple of months.  Toys?

Probably one of the reasons I am feeling such angst is I remember how it was when my husband died and I had three children.  As the holidays came, I worked myself into such a state that I ended up sick in bed for at least a week with flu.  So, I'm feeling for the mother.

I admit that even though we talked all the time with each other, I don't know the man's name or his wife's name.  I'm embarrassed to admit that.  There are so many kids, that I can't keep all their names straight and a few years ago I stopped trying.

Nevertheless, I want to do something.  Any ideas or suggestions?  I would really appreciate it.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

It's About Time!

The cake for about sixty people said it all!  Ron and Fred, my dear friends of twenty-three years, who have been together for twenty-three years finally got married.

Fred said it very eloquently yesterday.  In the length of their relationship, until recently, marriage was not a word they used as it was not possible.  But in the last few years, things have changed radically.  When our friends Al and Stew married in Massachusetts last year, the ball began to roll.

I had mentioned to them that they might do the same thing.  They looked at me with surprise.  But, the ball kept rolling.  This summer on a long road trip, journey would be a better word, they married in Massachusetts as well, in a wonderful little church with about fifteen friends in attendance.  People who traveled that distance to be with them.  Unfortunately I wasn't one of them, not because I didn't want to be, but other things were going on in my life at the time.

Therefore, yesterday was very meaningful.  To see them surrounded by their church community and many other friends was significant.  They are much admired and loved.
The place was so crowded with people that I didn't even attempt to take photos after everyone began to arrive.  Other then the next photo of some new friends, Micheline and Michael who are  friends of Ron and Fred.
As I sat and reflected, as all the activities were going on, about the fact that Ron and Fred and I met twenty-three years ago on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, it was quite emotional to realize the journeys we all had taken during that time.  Some times together and sometimes not.

It's a testament to deep friendship, and sometimes silliness, that we have endured as friends.  It was great to see the end result with their marriage as they begin a new season of their lives.
Thankfully the best is yet to come.  Who knew twenty-three years ago that we would have traveled these roads together and be together for such an auspicious occasion?  NOT me!

Blessings, Ron and Fred!  You are good men who deserve all the happiness and love that you are receiving and will receive in the future.



Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Pre-Hispanic San Miguel de Allende in the Context of Ancient Mexico

I've been attending a course titled Pre-Hispanic San Miguel in the Context of Ancient Mexico and Mesoamerica.

The lecturer is Albert Coffee, an anthropologist and archaeologist.  Albert is extremely knowledgeable on the above subject as he was involved in the excavation of the pyramid outside of San Miguel that has been
open to the public now for several years.

He graduated from LSU, came to San Miguel on his way to Oaxaca or somewhere farther south.  He stopped to visit a relative and the rest, as they say, is history.

He met the woman who owned the land that the pyramid was discovered on.  She asked him to document many things, including the stories and legends of the elders in the area.  Through that, in one way or the other,
he connected with INAH which oversees the excavations.  He was thrilled to be involved in that as well.

Personally, I have studied and read and read many books on Mesoamerica.  Visited archaeological sites as far away as Tikal in Guatemala along with many in Mexico.  It is beyond intriguing to me how the pyramids were not only the living places of the ancient peoples, but they also served as places to study astronomy, develop the numbering system and writing systems along with so many other things.

The Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City along with the magnificent museum in Jalapa add to the intrigue about the ancient peoples of Mexico and Mesoamerica..

The course has been interesting each and every time.  I've learned more then I could have imagined.

Mexico is like peeling a giant onion.  Just about the time you think you're at the core, you find that you still have a zillion more layers to peel.

Forty years in this country, one way or the other, and I'm still intrigued by how much I still don't know!

The course is under the auspices of the Lifelong Learning Program that was started a few years ago.  This has been the first course that has interested me enough to sign up.  The location of the lectures is the Instituto Allende which is a mere shell of its former vibrant self.

I've just received a reading list from Albert.  Uh oh, more reading to do.

I also confess that I've not been to the Canada de la Virgen site as its quite a hike, just to the site, once you arrive there.  Bad knees are keeping me from making the trek.  The things discovered at this site are beyond fascinating.  I'll elaborate on that more after the course is completed.

In the meantime, if you're interested, you can search the internet for the stories of Canada de la Virgen.



Monday, October 13, 2014

Chris Smither at McGonigel's Mucky Duck in Houston Texas

On September 5th, 2014, I joined several friends to see Chris Smither play his unique style of blues.

I had met Chris about this time last year when I traveled on the Roots On The Rail train trip from LA
to Seattle and back in restored Pullman cars.  It was an "over the top" treat with ongoing music, deliciously prepared food, scenic scenery along with about fifty people from all over the world, including some great
friends.

I wrote about the upcoming trip at that time.  Imagine my surprise, when one of my dearest friends, Amanda, emailed me and said that she had known Chris as a baby in Ecuador!  I had forgotten that she had been born
in Ecuador.  I was astounded.  We corresponded back and forth about this fortuitous circumstance.

The day that we were departing from the LA terminal, I met Chris.  I turned to him and said, "I have a dear friend who knew you as a child in Ecuador".  Without hesitating, he said, "Amanda"!  I was flabbergasted.

They had not had any contact since he was about seventeen.  Although Amanda's parents and Chris's parents had stayed in touch until all had passed.  Amanda had, over the years, enjoyed Chris's music.

Chris and I sat, at one point or more, and talked about my longtime friendship with Amanda.  About her husband and family and all that kind of stuff.  He shared his life with me as well.  About his wife and daughter and his career and his traveling, along with where he lives at present.

I doubted when the trip was over that I would ever see Chris, Peter Case, Dave Alvin or Rick Shea again.
Amazingly, I've also seen Peter Case since!

Then, the unimaginable happened for me.  Chris Smither was going to be in Houston when I was going to be in Houston for my eye surgery and also taking care of my daughter.  First I contacted Amanda.  Then I called my friend Bob and asked if he could get a ticket for me, as he lives very near to the Mucky Duck.  I WAS NOT going to miss this.

Amanda got tickets.  Wrote to Chris to let him know that we, along with her husband and cousin and her significant other would be there.

And we were!

I was the first to arrive.  Chris was warming up with another musician.  A superb guitarist whose name I don't recall.

He headed over to talk with me and expressed how much he was looking forward to seeing Amanda after all these years.  I could hardly wait to witness the whole evening, to tell you the truth.

Then the group arrived.  Chris came over and the conversations began.  How wonderful that somehow this could happen!  I was delighted.

The first show was exceptionally good.  Chris would give us looks to see if we were enjoying the show.  Are you kidding?  It was fabulous.

After the first set, we went to buy cds and take photos.  Unfortunately, this one is from the side.

But, this one, taken by someone else, got us from the front.  None of us in the whole group wanted the night to end.  It was truly a "once in a lifetime" experience to reconnect two people who had grown up a little bit together as children.  What were the chances of that?

The older I get, the more these kinds of things happen.  There is no such thing as a coincidence!  It's synchronicity.

If you get a chance, go on You Tube and listen to Chris.  You'll be hooked.  He's been on the music scene for 50 years and has just had two new albums released.  One is a retrospective with him singing (that I've nearly worn out) and a new one with singers from his genre honoring him.  He is lauded for his distinct blues style and song writing.

You'll thank me.


Saturday, October 11, 2014

The Great TV Caper!

No photos - to protect the innocent!  Just the facts, man.  Isn't that what Joe Friday used to say?

While in Texas, among other things, the TV in the guest house just died.  I mean, what else could happen?.
I've never had TV problems in fourteen years.  But it did, happen.

In order to expedite the matter and to keep the tenant happy, my son, after receiving a call from me, dashed
over, got the TV in my house and installed it in the guest house.......to keep the tenants happy.

When I came home, I had the dead 1998 Sony sitting on the table in the living room.  What to do?  I did look at flat screens in Texas.  I even saw several TVs, with good pictures for sale, at, of all places, the Goodwill for the snappy price of $39.95.  Now these were not slouchy TVs, just not the current rage ones.

I didn't do that either - no new flat screen or no new/old $39.95 one.

Instead, I asked my dear son if he had seen any TV repair places in his colonia and voila, he had.  He told me that on 20th of April street right past Orizaba, he daily saw men working on electronic devices, mostly
TVs.

This past Monday, late in the afternoon, after I had gotten Javier to load that beast in the back of the Pathfinder, I arrived at my destination.  Except, there was NO place to park.  So in true San Miguel style,
I just stopped in the middle of the street, put on my hazard lights like I see everyone else do, and waved
at the man in the doorway.

Obviously this wasn't the first time this had happened because he literally ran out to the back of the SUV, grabbed the TV, like it was a box of Kleenex, and ran back into the shop.

I thought, in my best Spanish, that I asked him to call me before repairing to tell me the cost.  I gave him my card with my phone number.  As I left I wasn't sure if he was calling me or if I was supposed to call him.
I surmised I was to wait for a call as I didn't know his name, his store name or his phone number.  Ha, I hadn't even gotten a receipt for the dead TV.  Who cares?

On Thursday morning I got a call. "The TV was ready.  It has a good picture."  Oh my, how much?
Seven hundred pesos - about $53 USD.

As I got to the door this time, after parking far down the street, they immediately knew who I was.  How?
I guess the red hair and blue eyes?  Heck I don't know.  But, the two men proudly showed me that the TV was like new.  I exclaimed and thanked them profusely.  The man then promptly threw the behemoth on his shoulder and down the street we went to load it in the back of the car.

Of course, even though it worked in the shop, it didn't work at my house.  My son and I tried everything.
We figured it had something to do with the satellite but neither of us knew what.

So the beloved satellite man arrived last evening and, as usual, within five minutes had it all working perfectly.

The lesson I learned yesterday is that the TV is programmed by the remote that goes with it.  When the TV was put in the guest house, the remote wasn't but we guess that they turned it on at the TV.  Anyway, after a quick remote shuffle, both TVs are working perfectly.  Good as new.

Things ALWAYS work out in Mexico, if you just have faith and trust in the people who do the work!
VIVA Mexico!

Friday, October 10, 2014

Go Forth and Multiply

There are SO many nieces and nephews along with grand nieces and nephews, that I couldn't begin to tell you the numbers.

My brother Bill and sister-in-law Annette have patiently waited for grandchildren.  Imagine their surprise when TWO grandchildren were born within four months.  Both precious boys from their daughter Amy and her husband Jason along with Ryan and his wife Lacey.

Luckily I was in Houston when they had  a "Sip and See" party to introduce the babies to friends from near and far.  I was so happy to see both babies at the same time.
The house was decorated.  Great food.  Along with lots and lots of little ones brought by Amy's friends that she has grown up with or worked with or whatever.  Some people drove down from Austin.   I think I won the distance part though, ha.

Austin is six months old and the son of Ryan and Lacey.  Of course, he's adorable.  Since I met him last month, he is now crawling.  Little babies are so much fun.
Amy and Jason's baby, Alexander is only two months old.  It's been a looooooooong time since I've held one that tiny.  They are thrilled to have the first addition to their family.
The boys are going to have so much fun growing up together!  Love this photo..........

Ryan, my nephew, with Austin.  Ryan is a special man.  He is so kind hearted and I, and everyone else, knew he would be a wonderful dad.  It was a joy to watch them together.

My sister had five children who have gone forth and multiplied.  My older brother had five children who have done the same thing.  Then I had three children and my brother Bill had two.  It would be fascinating to take the time to add up all the descendents of my parents.  One of these days!

In the meantime, I'll just enjoy these photos of the newest additions.




Thursday, October 09, 2014

The Legacy of a Mother

Driving for hours on end always affords me time to think, uninterrupted. As I was driving back to San Miguel a couple of weeks ago, the memories of the previous six weeks were floating through my mind's eye. Spending time with the family was a highlight. As was spending time with special friends. Of course, there is NEVER enough time to see everyone. I always feel bad when I have to tell people that I'm heading back and can't get together this trip. One of the things I was thinking about on the drive back is the fact that I've been a mother for 52 years now! Holy moly..... Then a Grammy for 23 years to seven "wonders of the world". It was super duper that I was able to spend so much time with the five grand kids in Texas. One of the purposes of the trip was to be there for Jessica's 23rd birthday and Christopher's 16th. It happened. What you don't know when you plan these trips are the little things that will happen that make you smile each time you think of them. The "little moments" of life!
The little moment, in these three photos, was the "Ice Bucket Challenge" that Hannah wanted to participate in. I tried telling her it was going to be cold. Her sisters, Jessica and Emma relished the idea of participating. So, out by the pool we went. As they threw the ice cubes and cold water on Hannah, they all got drenched. They were amazed at how cold it was. I just stood there smiling. Ahhh, innocent youth. Hannah was proud of herself and thrilled. The other moment that I treasure was when they decided to make signs to welcome their Mom home from the hospital. It was all their idea and, of course, she was touched when she walked in the door. Those are the things that warm my heart. Onward it all went. Interspersed with sitting around talking, watching TV and then leaving Kingwood, for the moment. To Galveston and then Houston and then to College Station, Tx. where Texas A&M is located. But, more importantly where my eldest grandchild lives while going to school. We seldom have "alone time". The kind where you just have time to hang out and talk. In fact, I don't think it has happened since she spent two weeks with me in San Miguel when she was 11 years old! Maybe bits and pieces but no long period of time.
It was such great fun to see the new place she lives; to meet her roommate and to just talk til it was time to go to bed. Then I left the next morning knowing that her path is set, and, as I always knew, she has a maturity that is far beyond her years. What a fine young woman. Back to Houston - can you tell that this was one of those "many thousand miles" trips? On to the last grandchild that I had not yet seen. Christopher.
Joining him with my brother and sister-in-law to celebrate his birthday was a great joy. In fact, it had been almost a year since I had seen him. When he walked in the restaurant, I didn't even recognize him. He had gone from a growing boy, literally, to a young man. What a shock! He looks so much like his mother, Jennifer, that I could hardly stop looking at him. Again, he has plans and ambitions which he shared with us. He definitely has his head on straight and loving his high school in Clear Lake City along with the subjects he is taking. I'm SO proud of the fine young man he is becoming.
Back to Kingwood, at the almost end of the trip. Emma is totally into volleyball and was playing a game right before I intended to head home. So I hot footed it back to drive to a high school to see her play. Wow. What fun. Her team won. She loves athletics and with her height and her age, only 14 (they are ALL taller then me) she could go on to get a scholarship if she wants for college. It's really staggering to know that I, with my deceased husband birthed three children who turned into fine, compassionate and kind people who are wonderful parents. Their children, my delightful grandchildren, have those traits as well. What a legacy to have witnessed, loved and experienced for those six weeks in Texas as well as the time in San Miguel.

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Nefelibata............a Portuguese word

A friend of mine used this word the other day. It had such an exotic ring to it that I wrote it down and knew that when I was ready to share photos of the clouds that I saw on my trip, that this word would be perfect to use. Nefelibata means "cloud walker". Someone who walks a different path is also another definition or someone who doesn't live a conventional life. Wow, I liked the first definition but all of them are "spot on".
The first photo of the road as I headed north was my trying to outrun a storm. The storm won. Luckily this trip there were no overturned trucks or any bad stuff........that I know of, anyway. I loved all the shapes and colors of these clouds. How menacing they were.
Lying on a float in the pool in Kingwood at my daughter's house, I was enchanted watching fluffy clouds moving between all the trees in that area. It is a soothing sight for me. How about you? Are you a cloud watcher or walker too?
ALWAYS in Galveston either on the Gulf side or the Bay side there are clouds to enjoy! This trip was no different. Magnificent.
Back in Houston a few days later, I certainly didn't want to walk on these clouds, but admit I was mesmerized by the intensity of the storm that was heading toward the downtown area from the west. I took this photo from the 19th floor of Bayou Bend Towers.
And, another view of another evening. I'm hooked on clouds. That's why the word Nefelibata is appropriate as a title for this post. This trip seemed to be full of dark and also beautiful clouds. By the end though, the clouds were gone and brilliant sunshine followed me all the way home to San Miguel.

Sunday, October 05, 2014

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack!

Oh heavens! Blogger has changed the way to download photos so who knows if these will post or not. Sheesh, what a way to start back "in the groove". I AM back in San Miguel and it has taken over a week to recuperate and get caught up with all the things that need attending to when gone for six weeks. House, gardens, me, along with mail, groceries, grand kids and friends. A new tenant from Florida is residing in the guest house. A woman who has read the blog for the last three years! Now I THINK I'm finally caught up, sorta. It was the most exhausting six weeks that I can remember in a long time. At least I felt that way at the end, in the hotel room in Laredo. In fact, I arrived there on a Thursday afternoon where it was 101 degrees. Still had a few things to buy to bring back. I got to the motel room at 3PM and went to bed and slept til the next morning when I crossed the border for San Miguel. I don't think I've ever done that before in my life..... The time in Houston was chock-a-block full. I have mentioned it in previous posts. But, at the time, I couldn't post any photos and here are a few (hopefully) on this post. The first photo is on the road going north. Obviously, somewhere in Mexico, Hyundai buses are being made for export. There was a trail of them heading north! The next photo was taken while I was standing in the parking lot of the Artillery Club in Galveston. Beauty is everywhere, in my humble opinion. I looked up at this stately palm that has survived, who knows how many hurricanes, and just had to capture the beauty of the sunset behind it. Thirdly, is when I was out on Sportsman's Road on Galveston Island with Sue and Vandy. The sunset photos just were absolutely beautiful, to me anyway, and this is one of my favorites. Last but not least. While staying at my friend Martha's on the nineteenth floor overlooking downtown Houston, I noticed that the sky was turning a weird color as the sun began to set. Add to this the fact that there was a storm coming from the east. I looked out and was stunned at how the buildings in the downtown were shining against the backdrop of the dark sky. It was just one of those things that I was lucky enough to witness. These are four of 185 photos. Lots more to share with you as time goes by. Some of clouds are, to me, mesmerizing. Along with some of goats, kids - well you get the idea. Thankfully the trip home was, as usual, uneventful. Well except for one thing. I decided to bring back to San Miguel a birdbath that was purchased some time in the 70's. It was moved from house to house and kid to kid, but, since Julie isn't into gardening, I asked if I could bring it here. It is the heaviest thing imaginable. Once it was in the car, in two pieces, I hoped that I wouldn't have to move it. BUT, of course, as luck would have it, it was in the very back of the car and caused the car to rock from side to side as it was unbalanced or something. So, in the parking lot of the motel, I moved it up right behind the back of the front seat. I mean to tell you, it was an ordeal. Then, as I crossed the border, of course I got the red light as the weight of my car was overweight. The Mexican customs guy wanted to know what the upside down bowl was. I told him it was sanitario para aves. A bathroom for birds. He just shook his head and said, "Adios" I chuckled off and on for the whole trip. I'm glad to be back where I can hear the birds, watch all the Monarchs coming in, and, of course, hear the fireworks some nights, along with the church bells.