San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - "Last Minute GREAT Rental" Available -REDUCED RATE NOW!

 AS OF TODAY, NOVEMBER 11TH.                                                                                                  If you are one of those travelers that can throw things in a suitcase, book a flight and head out, this is the deal for you.  Celebrate Thanksgiving in San Miguel.  It's so so lovely with great restaurants and traditional or not, meals.

Casa Tranquila Guest House has become available effective November 15th - through November 30th.

It is a lovely two story stone house with a large roof terrace with magnificent views.

On the first floor is an open concept light filled living room, dining room and kitchen - fully furnished with all linens, cooking utensils and dishware.  In addition, large TV with Shaw satellite (120 channels).  In the living room, the sofa is a sleeper sofa, queen size.

On the second floor is the 16 ft x 20 ft bedroom with a queen bed.  In addition, there is room for sitting to read a book, look out the windows or use the wifi with your laptop, phone or whatever.  There is a French balcony off this room that is the perfect place to watch the monarch butterflies and hummingbirds that are daily zipping and feasting on the flower filled extensive gardens.

The bathroom with shower is adjacent to the bedroom.  On the third floor is the roof terrace.

The house is being offered for $750 a week, or $1400 for two weeks.This is much less expensive then a B&B which is just a room and breakfast.  For this price, you get a whole house.  Maid service is provided once a week. A security deposit of $300 is required and it is returned within 45 days of departure.

All you need to do is bring your suitcase and enjoy the exquisite beauty of your surroundings and the UNESCO World Heritage site village of San Miguel.  It's a 10 minute walk to the jardin and a 5 minute walk
to the mercado to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and artesan items.

Below are photos of the exterior of the house and gardens along with interior shots of the first and second floor rooms.

It is the WHOLE house.   And, here are the interior photos.

If you are interested, I can be reached at babsofsanmiguel@yahoo.com  or by leaving a comment on this blog.  If you leave a comment on the blog expressing interest then provide a method of contacting you.

Thanks so much.

Ofrendas (Altars) in the Jardin - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

My feet hit the floor this morning as soon as it was daylight.  My mission, to get to the jardin and photograph the altars and mandelas, if there were any.

Last night I looked on the webcam and was astonished to see the amount of people in the jardin. I assumed that any altars must have been trampled and it would be doubtful that there would be mandelas because they typically are made out of dyed sawdust, seed and grains or colored sand.

Some loyal people must have gone in the middle of the night and done the mandelas and the huge altar in front of the Parroquia.  I photographed almost all of the altars.  It certainly is not as many as in past years.
Sadly.  It used to be that the side streets were covered in mandelas made with colored sawdust provided by the carpenters of the town.  I did not see one made out of sawdust today.  Then the altars used to surround the jardin on all four sides.  No where near that many this year.  I'm sure it is because of the crowds of tourists now.  Again, disturbing, at least to me.

My own altar never happened.  It has been way too busy to get all the necessary items, the papel picado, the new clothing, the sugared skulls and animals along with the Day of the Dead bread, food among other things.
I have a sorta altar.  It at least has photos of many of the deceased that I think of often.  From my dad and grandmother and mother-in-law to my daughter, my husband,  my dog Flash and my cat Velcro.  In addition I lost a dear friend just recently, and a photo of he and his wife in Paris is displayed. 

Seeing these photos is very cathartic and reminds one of those who are surrounding us at all times.  So, it might not have the salt cross, the bowl of water or favorite foods, but, for me, it conveys the message.

Here are some of the other altars that I photographed this morning to share with all of you.

 This first altar has great significance for me and all the "locals".  The paper man Tambula was the first person most of us talked to when heading to the jardin.  The woman in the blue to the left of the altar is his wife.  She has taken over selling the papers to us on a daily basis.  He, was not an overly friendly man, but oh, my, did he have the most exquisite baritone voice.  When he would bellow out that the papers were there, it sounded like an opera was beginning.  What a great soul.  He was so loved even the Atencion newspaper

 wrote a feature article about him prior to his death.  If you click on the photos on this post, you can see them clearer and in more detail.  I don't know who took the photo of him with the papers, but it is such a treasure. So was he.

 This altar was done by Ecologia, the city department responsible for the environment, the trees and many, many more things.  As I walked up and saw the dead tree up against the wall, I had to look to see who was
responsible for this altar.

 As I looked at this altar I realized it was in honor of the 43 students that perished in the state of Guerrero last year.  The case has not been solved and the families along with the citizens of Mexico are still keeping this horrible crime in the spotlight so that their children will never be forgotten and the perpetrators will be caught.  The 43 were young adults training to become teachers.  Such a tragedy.

 Here is an altar with part of it made with seed and grains.  It's so fascinating to see this done.

 More altars along the back wall of the jardin.  See how large the distance is between altars?  I've never seen it like this before. 

 Then, coming up to the front of the jardin facing the Parroquia, some papel picado has been strung.  It's a lovely sight to see it blowing in the breeze.  I've never been able to see this without wanting to capture it with the camera.  I have taken better photos in previous years.  Not a blue sky this morning.

 This was a large altar in front of the Parroquia which is usually built by the municipal government.  It was sweet to stand there and watch two teenagers sweeping up the seeds and replacing the flowers to their proper places. 

 This was one of the small mandelas made with seed and grains.  Alongside is one of the sun.

Last but not least, up on the band kiosk was white papel picado.  There was no sign to indicate who made this altar but it was all in white.  It was a huge white cross with the items on the altar in white as well.

It is so touching to know that groups and families plan these ofrendas.  I remember being in Tlacala one year and seeing so many poignant altars not to family members, but the town had decided to honor the people who had died trying to cross the US border.  It was very unsettling but well done.

I've traveled all over for Day of the Dead. Jalpan and the Sierra Gorda where the altars are covered with orchids.  To all the villages in the Sierra Gorda where Father Serra built the five churches.  To Puebla, Huacachula to see the satin altars that it is famous for along with other villages in that area.  I've not been in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead or Chiapas and that must be next.  My most memorable of all however has always been Patzcuaro and the villages and cemeteries surrounding the lake.

If you go to the search area on this blog, you could put in Day of the Dead or altars or Patzcuaro, I assume and see the many photos I've posted in the past of the places I've traveled for Noche de los Muertos and Dia de los Muertos.

It is a beautiful tradition steeped in much symbolism from the Aztecs and very pre-Hispanic.  Originally it was celebrated in the spring but when Catholicism came with the Spaniards, it was moved to coincide with All Saints and All Souls day.  However, the people of Mexico that I know do not associate it with Catholicism
.
In a way, its like our Thanksgiving in the USA when everyone comes home for the feast.  The only difference here is that it is the spirits of the deceased that are coming home for a feast.  And their families and friends are welcoming them.

Viva Mexico!

Day of the Dead and Halloween photos from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

The town is hoppin'.  THAT is an understatement.  Even the taxi drivers are grumbling because it is so hard for them to get around.

I was out bright and early yesterday morning since the sun was out too.  Got a few photos of decorated stores and buildings.

On Thursday I bought armloads of cock's comb that are a deep magenta color and the marigolds which are another name in Mexico, but I know I won't spell the name correctly, so there you go, they are marigolds.

I've spread them around the house but have not completed my altar as yet so you'll have to wait for the photos of that.

It has been so hectic that I'm behind on a zillion things.

Then yesterday was Halloween.  When I first moved here it was a non-holiday.  Not celebrated down here at all.  Now the kids go into the jardin to receive candy from the gringoes who show up with bags of it to
give out.

No way to get around in a car so I jumped in a taxi and headed to the jardin to see Mati and Sebastian.

 They had already scoured the area for free candy.  Mati even met three little Mexican girls who did not have much candy.  She decided to share hers with them.  Seb was so worried that when she got home she would be sorry.  Sweet thing to see.  Note Sebastian's tall hat.  When he would go up to people to trick or treat, he would use his hat as the receptacle, then make a big show of flipping the hat onto his head with the candy still inside.  It gave a lot of people a good chuckle.

There were people everywhere.  Tourists galore watching all the activities.  Then in the middle of all of this, two wedding parties arrived.  I tried to get photos, but my camera went crazy and all I got were streaks.  They got out of their Mercedes limos and walked up to the Parroquia.  There are a lot of weddings in San Miguel - all weekend long, hour by hour.  When I looked at the webcam last night about 10PM, the crowds were shoulder to shoulder.  Just packed.  Walking around talking and visiting.  Amazing.

And, here is the last photo.  John, Matilda and Sebastian acting silly while I took a photo of them.  Fun times.

Today locals will be at the cemeteries to complete the cleaning of the gravesites.  Putting flowers on them and getting ready to return tomorrow for Day of the Dead.  Today honors the children and those who have died this year.  Tomorrow is for the others.

There is a huge catrina parade tonight from the Rosewood Hotel to the jardin for more fun and frivolity.  I've never seen it but I hear it has grown a lot in the last four or five years since it was started.

My intention is to go to the cemeteries today and tomorrow to photograph and to see all the altars set up in the jardin to honor those who have crossed over.

Whew, its a spiritual and happy time in Mexico!  Wish you were here.

The Secret Garden

Looking out the wall of windows from my bedroom is the "Secret Garden".   I spend much time there reading, contemplating life and watching all the birds, butterflies and hummers skirting from flower to
flower.

In addition, the birds dip and dive in the bird bath, but not often if I'm out there.  The hummingbirds seem fearless and come right up within arm's length to hover and look at me.  It is truly startling.  Usually I am
reading and I hear that little vibrating sound they make, look up and voila, there they are.

Last May I returned from Houston with Sunbrella fabric to recover the chaises.  The cushions only last about three or four years.  Then they are damaged by the intensity of the sun here at 6400 ft elevation as well as the three months of rain in the summer.  It was definitely time to get new fabric which I did.  It was tucked in the bottom of my suitcase because Sunbrella fabric in Mexico is very expensive.

I always find it at Hancock's which is a fabric chain that always seems to have the best prices.  Often below wholesale price. I have shopped at Hancock's for 50 years.  Used to be you could buy three yards of fabric for $1USD.  I could make an outfit for each of my three children for a dollar, back in the day.  Then in my business I ordered tens of thousands of yards of fabric and the wholesale prices are still in that addled brain of mine.  This Sunbrella was purchased on sale for about $6USD a yard.  Waaaay below wholesale.

The saleswoman said, "Wow that is a bright fabric, what are you using it for?".  I explained that I lived in Mexico and that in that country it would not be considered too bright.  As most of you know, color is
basically my middle name.

The old cushions went to the "upholsterer par excellence" about three weeks ago.  I knew I did not have enough fabric for the cording as well, but as always, he used his judgement and they came back just perfect.
Jose Luis worked for designers in Dallas for fourteen years.  His work is always perfect.  We have become good friends and it is always such fun when he delivers something.  We talk about family, his many motorcycles and life.  Mexico is so much about relationships.  In fact, I did not have enough cash to pay him yesterday when he delivered the cushions.  His response, "No problem, just bring it when it is convenient!"

It just makes me shake my head at the ways of Mexico.  In fact to digress, I once took a large group to dinner.  I thought they took credit cards.  Many places in San Miguel and Mexico do not.  I did not know that at this particular place until I went to pay with the credit card.  Nope, they did not take them, much to my chagrin.  The owner just smiled and said, "Oh just bring it tomorrow if it is convenient".  Amazing.

Here is how the Secret Garden looks with the newly upholstered cushions.

I call it the Secret Garden because when you enter the property, unless you walk over to the wall by the main gardens and notice the steps down, you would not know this is here.

Now that the monarchs are coming through in droves, I'll be spending as much time as I can out there reading, listening to music and just relaxing along with marveling at each and every butterfly.

Everyone should have a Secret Garden to reflect, read and rejuvenate!  Do you have one?  Tell me about it.

Surprise! New things on Babsblog

As you read this post today, look over to the right and notice that there is a Search box.  I'm sorry this has not always been on the blog.  It's a great gadget to allow readers, and myself, to put in a subject that one is
interested in and check out all the posts on that subject.

The blog post "Driving to Mexico and San Miguel de Allende" has been read every single day, almost, since it was written in 2013.  Now it will be easier for people to find that kind of information.

A reader wrote to me recently and said they had started reading starting all the way back in 2006 just to read all the articles on places in Mexico.  Now they can use the search box!

I'm so happy to have this for all of you.

Another BIG thing that is a new thing on the blog are advertisers!  I've talked about it for about one and a half years.  I've agonized as to whether it would change the integrity and freedom of the blog.  I did not want that to happen, at all.  If you scroll down past the blog roll, there are the first two advertisers!  No, they aren't going to flash or leap into the text or ask you to buy something right then and there, like so many ads on the internet do today.   Rather, they are there for you if you need those services.  Only people I know and respect their business ethics will be advertising.  I promise.

After being chastised by many (I'm not kidding) for not monetizing the blog, I have caved and am doing so.
The money the advertisers will be paying will certainly help me to live.  Social security, even here in Mexico, does not leave much for frills.

Several people have expressed an interest in advertising on the blog.  Let's hope this comes to fruition.

It is going to be limited to 10 advertisers.  No duplication per category.  In other words, if one is a realtor or a shuttle company, no others in that field will be able to advertise.  In addition to the ad, three feature articles a year will be written about the advertiser.  Advertisers are asked to commit for twelve months and provide the ad copy as well as details about the business to assist in writing the feature articles.  The cost?  $100USD per month.  With over 30,000 readers in a month, it can be a great tool to increase your business or get your message out there.  If you're interested, please email me at babsofsanmiguel@yahoo.com

I know change is good, but if you have thoughts or opinions on this, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks to all of you loyal readers.  You are much appreciated for enhancing my life over these last nine years!

Hurricane Patricia in Mexico

It is interesting how people fall into old patterns in the face of danger.  On Thursday the beginnings of warnings about TD Patricia began.  I went on Weather Underground and read what the meteorologist
was saying and predicting.  It did not sound good.  It sounded serious.

Back in the day when I lived in Louisiana and Texas, that was the "heads up" that caused me to first head to the grocery store, the service station and home to prepare to evacuate if the proposed course of the storm
was heading toward where I lived.  So, that is what I did.  Went to the grocery store, got gas and went home.

On the way home, I took the beautiful road from the store to my house that I like to take because I pass through the area with old growth trees that remind me of what San Miguel was like before deforestation.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw on a raised hill a sight I had never seen before on this route.  It caused me to stop, grab the camera and photograph the scene.

Two horses, one black, one white with the extinct volcanoes in the background along with the threatening skies from the storm.  What a beautiful sight, in my humble opinion.

I came home and reminisced about previous experiences with Big Storms.

In Texas for seventeen years, we lived across from the Johnson Space Center right on the backwaters of
Galveston Bay.  Many lessons were learned during those years.  About a year after my husband died, my
children and I moved into the house in Nassau Bay.  Elevation was 19 ft above sea level.  One of the highest elevations in that area, believe it or not.

In 1979 there was a depression that came inland and sat over that area.  It never became a hurricane.
It just stayed and in twenty-four hours it dumped 42 inches of rain.  Boats in the marina around the corner from my house rose with the water and popped out onto the streets or went through the roof of the slip and were smashed.  The water rose so much that it looked like we lived on waterfront property.  No way could
we have left our house.  All the streets were flooded.  Our house never flooded, one of the few.  By the time the water had risen completely, all the furniture in the house was off the floor just in case.  My son had a V bottom boat and wanted us to flee in the boat.  For safety sake, we stayed.  It was the only time we did not evacuate.

In subsequent hurricane threats, all I would have to hear was the storm was coming and I did what I wrote in the second paragraph.  I purchased food that would not have to be cooked or refrigerated.  Peanut butter, cereal, bread, charcoal.  Well, you get the idea.  These were foods for when we returned to a house that possibly and more then likely would not have electricity for a period of time.  Possibly no water either.

It did happen.  Hurricane Alicia came in in 1984.  It came in fast.  I was on a plane to Indianapolis to testify in a product liability case for the firm I worked for and by the time I landed the little storm had turned into a full blown hurricane.  Try getting news about a hurricane in Indianapolis.......it doesn't happen.  I called home in a panic.  My oldest daughter, Jennifer, lived in Houston, but John and Julie were in the house by the water.

John wanted to stay because he had a surfboard and thought it would be fun.  Julie was just there and ready to do whatever.  Needless to say, I prevailed on the phone, in the courhouse in Indianapolis and they went to Houston.  I was excused from testifying and flew back in that night on the last plane to land at Houston Intercontinental Airport.  I could not get any farther then that for twenty-four hours due to the winds and rain. But my family was safe and who knew what we would find when we did get home.

When we did all finally get back to the house, about two or three days later, there was no electricity or water.  The five story cypress tree in the backyard had been hit by a tornado and was stripped of its bark and leaves, which were plastered on the house.  The house that was usually cream colored was a mottled green.  Oh and part of the roof was gone.  The amount of debris in the backyard took five dump trucks to remove.  It was August 18th when the storm hit.  No electricity for three weeks in that heat was a lesson as well.  The kids and I slept on the marble floor in the foyer at night.  It was the only cool place.  We had cooked all the food in the freezer on the charcoal grill and packed it in coolers with ice.  Believe me, I never wanted to go through anything like that again.  To this day, when I hear chainsaws going, I think of that storm.  Our subdivision had been built in a huge pecan orchard.  The  amount of trees lost was horrifying and sad.

But, I did not have water in the house and was lucky.   Every future storm  I loaded up the kids, the animals, and the big plastic tub that had important papers and photographs that could not be replaced.  Nothing else mattered.  Sometimes there was not storm as it headed another direction.  I did not care as life was more important then stuff.

Way back in 1965, a hurricane came up the Mississippi River while we lived in the Married Student apartments at LSU.  It sank a clorine barge!  It too was one of those fast moving storms that did not leave time to evacuate.  My husband and I along with Jennifer and John were huddled in the closet all night.  The rains blew so hard that the water was blowing through the concrete block.  I was 71/2 months pregnant with Julie.  What a night that was.  Luckily we were on the second floor. The entire city of Baton Rouge had to be evacuated while they lifted the barge.  We were gone for three days, if memory serves me well.

I write all of this to share with you for  those of you who might never have been anywhere near such a storm. If you ever find yourselves in one, remember these stories.  It is not something to take lightly.  Too many people have lost their lives by doing so.  I lost several friends during Ike and Katrina.  My dad helped the Red Cross in 1964 during Carla to remove 500 bodies in  South Louisiana and Texas.

So, that's it from here high in the mountains of Mexico.  I never have to worry about hurricanes, tornadoes or anything like that again.  I only worry about friends and family who are still in the path!  Stay safe in Texas and anywhere else that TD Patricia is headed.  It's not over til it's over............

A Recent Change in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

I snapped this photo recently as I was driving back to mi casa.  The photo to me is humorous and fun, but it does point out a recent change in lifestyle in San Miguel.

A career or job as a dog walker!  There is even a young guy who rides his bike through the jardin with about eight dogs trotting along beside him.  I marvel at the dexterity of the dogs..........and the bike rider!

Yup, life is changing in town.  I never thought I would live here to see this.  Mostly the Mexicans just let their dogs out to roam the streets, collarless, and then the dogs are smart enough to come home when they are
hungry.

However, the expats go crazy over this scene and think the dogs are homeless, (which probably a few are) and pick up the dogs.  They groom them, get their shots and then try to find homes for them.  Usually successfully.  There is even a group here that find homes for pets in the USA and pay people to take the animals to the border to go on to homes somewhere where someone is waiting for the animal.

In addition there is a SPA, like the SPCA in the USA.  There is also a group that goes out in the campo to sterilize animals.  They also have what they call a blitz here in town.  Lots of people volunteer and are involved.

The perception of pets is different in Mexico.  If you think back to the 50's or 60's in the USA, that is the perception here.  They are NOT a child.  Often they are work dogs helping in herding or watching the sheep or goats.  Or they are roof dogs to prevent burglars or whoever from even possibly contemplating entering a house.  But, that is changing.

When I was growing up, it was not unheard of for dogs and cats to live outside.  Dogs usually had dog houses.  I don't remember our cat having an outside house.  Hmmm, I wonder how that worked.

Nowadays, the amount of money spent in the USA on pets is staggering.  That trend has not infiltrated Mexico as yet.  Most people are too busy trying to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads.

I did see recently that Petco is opening in the city of Leon which is about 1 1/2 hours from here.  A large city of over a million people.  Here in San Miguel we have many competent vets.  Usually if people want a special food or item for their pet (I'm talking expats), they go to the vet to buy those items.  Yes, the grocery stores Mega and Soriana have pet food, but I'm talking the specialty stuff.

It is interesting to observe this difference in attitude.  I remember back in the 70's and 80's that it was
very, very unusual to ever see a cat or dog in my travels in Mexico.  People just could not afford to feed them in most cases. Now with the increase in income and the emerging middle class, there are way more domesticated animals to be seen.

Being petless at present for me has been interesting.  It is the first time in over 25 years that I have not had a dog or cat.  And, prior to that, I only had a few years inbetween having the kids having all kinds of pets which, I of course, helped to take care of.

I don't think my being petless will last.  Next spring might be time for a new pet.  A dog.  Easier to travel with as I miss having a copilot like my dog Flash who died eleven years ago.

Then and Now

The computer guru, Rodrigo came on Saturday afternoon to fix all things not working or messed up on the computer.  The list was up to eight items and I do make a list these days because otherwise it would be like going to the doctor and not being able to tell them all the things wrong with you.

On that list for Rodrigo was the fact that I could not find all the photos he had somehow removed from the crappy laptop that crashed shortly after he had supposedly removed all the photos over a period of about four years. 

When I asked him where I could find them, he did his magic and downloaded them to Picasa for me.
Thrilled is an understatement to describe my joy at seeing all these old photos.  Many great memories.
That is the only bad thing about having a digital camera, you can't leaf through hard copies as I used to do and shuffle them into stacks to copy etc.  It's there on the computer or not.

After a little over an hour with everything fixed, I paid him his requested amount 250 pesos, about $15USD and off he went.  I usually need to call him about once a year.

One of the photos just made me squeal with delight.  It was the photo taken in Colorado of Matilda and
Sebastian when he was two months old.  Here it is.

Hard to believe they were ever that little.  That was such a joyful visit to see these precious children.

And, here are two photos taken by a friend from Texas when she was visiting just a few weeks ago.

 John, Matilda and Sebastian waving on the street during the big Independence Day time frame.

And, with the ever present Mojigangas that lurk in the jardin during the weekends.  If you click on the photos, you can see the slit in the skirt where the man wearing the costume can see out!  It's a fun thing.

I was reflecting while looking at the photo of Mati and Seb in Colorado that in no way could I have ever
imagined that they would be living in San Miguel some day.  John so loved, and still does, love Colorado.
It is definitely his kind of place.  But, destiny intervened and brought them back here where Matilda was
born.  Glory days!

Life certainly can be a surprise,  can't it?

A Trip to Immigration to Renew Visa in Mexico

Some things change very slowly.  Such as the office where one goes to have paperwork completed, photo taken and signed documents along with 4619 pesos, approximately $270USD  handed over for a one year temporal residente visa is paid.

I know.  I went through this transaction a couple of weeks ago.  In addition, I handed over my passport and my current temporal residente visa card.  Heaven help me if I get stopped by the Federales for some unknown reason, as I have no ID except for my Mexican drivers license and my INAPAM card.  The INAPAM card is issued to expats and citizens to acquire discounts on meds, bus fares and various other items.  I have rarely been stopped by the Federales, so don't worry.  And, when I have, I've always talked my way through, in English, of course.  That's another story.

I took a photo three years ago of the office that I went to a couple of weeks ago.  I wanted to show the progress they have made in the office this year. 

The funny part of it is that nothing much has changed in three years, except the typewriter is no longer there.

Same Facilitator, Patty Garcia, same man who takes your photo for the card.  He also makes sure your hair, not one strand, is on your forehead and all is behind your ears.  NOW he has a headband.  A new addition, which makes it easy to comply with the photo requirements.

There is no typewriter because the systems are now all computerized.  No big rubber stamps to bang on each sheet of paperwork as there was 15 years ago.  Same three blue plastic stools.  Even same towel over the big printer as there was three years ago.

You might wonder how I can have a temporary visa for all these years.  Several reasons.  One, it wasn't a big deal when I first came, but one did have to be here for so many years before one could go permanent.

Finally, about four or five years ago I attempted to go permanente, but in the middle of the process they changed the requirements and did away with a classification and somehow, even though I paid for a permanent visa and went through all the rigamarole to get it, I ended up with a temporary visa again.

This was a good thing in the end as at this very same time, the law regarding imported vehicles changed and if someone had a permanent visa they could no longer have a US plated car if it was not made in Mexico, the USA or Canada.  Part of the NAFTA requirements that went into effect.  Whew, I was relieved that somehow I was spared that costly aggravation as my dependable, sturdy car was made in Japan.

Some other things, personally, have changed in the last three years.  One is that I need the car now more then ever for around town.  After a really bad fall on my right knee in March,  along with balance issues, I'm way too hesitant to walk down the hill anymore.  Believe me, it was easier to walk then drive, but, so be it.

Ironically, when I did get the temporary visa renewed three years ago, I thought that was it.  I thought this year at renewal time I would have to go permanent.  I had tried every way to find a legal way to keep the car in Mexico.  Then Patty and I went to Immigration to make sure that I had to go permanent. The agent put my visa number in the computer, yes the computer, and gave me the verdict. Voila, no the agent said, I had one more year.  Really?  How the heck did that happen?  One learns to accept and not ask questions.

Another interesting thing, on this one year temporary resident renewal, they required no proof of income.  After the fiasco I went through four or five years ago, I was relieved.  Again, one accepts and asks no questions.


Something else very interesting and somewhat upsetting happened when I went to see the immigration agent a month ago as to whether I had to go permanent.  A van was pulled right up to the steps that go up into the Immigration building.  On the windows of the van there were bars inside the van.  "What the heck?", I thought. Then a uniformed man came out with a young man about 20, a little girl about 8 and another young man.  They were each carrying a backpack.  They were being treated with respect but I could tell that they had been somehow apprehended for heading North from Central America.  My stomach was in a knot.

I asked Patty, who just about lives at Immigration because she facilitates for many, many people if this is common.  "Yes", she replied, "More and more".  About that time the uniformed men were carrying out some more of the trios belongings.  It was distressing to think of people so young making this dangerous trek and now being returned to horrible conditions.   They are not immigrants.  They are refugees.

However, on the other hand, I hope that they are flown back home and don't have to go through whatever they had gone through to get this far North.  What is the answer?  I have no idea.  It is just a tragedy and sad thing to see.  I've not been able to forget those young people.  Probably never will.  I still think, after all these years, about the 16 year old young man working in the parking lot of Walmart from Nicaragua.  He was trying to get to Michigan where his uncle and father were working.  Oh my, all I could think about was my 16 year old granddaughter with her own room in Houston and all the security and possessions she has with no fear or danger as these young people endure.

I will tell you this, strange as it may seem, in the 40 years I've been either doing business in Mexico or living here for the last 15, these are the only people I have ever seen trying to get to the border.  As many times, probably at least a hundred, that I have driven across the various border crossings, I've never seen one human or in the fields or desert.  And I look too.  So, the media coverage and TV shows on that subject are way out of proportion as to what reality actually is,  in my humble opinion and by my observations.

Supposedly I'll have my one year visa this coming week.........or the next.......or whenever.  Then, next year it will be Permanente.  We'll see if I can figure out a solution for keeping the car.  Where there is a will, there is a way, as "they" say.

An Amazing, Breathtaking Sight!

Friday, while I did my weekly stint on the bench in the jardin, much to my absolute astonishment, there was a sight that I had never seen before in the area between the jardin and the Parroquia.  That is the large, open area where anything that is going to happen - parades, taxi blessings, horse blessings, dances, political speeches, happen.  This is the living room of San Miguel.  Now, there is even a webcam to check it out on a 24 hour basis.

I sat down on the bench just to figure out how what was in the jardin got there.  You see, San Miguel was founded in 1542.  The buildings that still stand in centro were built in the 1500's, 1600's and 1700's, mostly.
One can realize then why the streets are so narrow.  At that point it was single rider horses or later on,  carriages.  No thought of big SUVs or Hummers or whatever, that now traverse the streets. In fact, I'm told by a reliable source, who moved here in 1955, that there were only two cars in San Miguel when he moved here. It stayed that way for a long, long time.  Oh, for those days!

I sat on the bench and contemplated this new wrinkle in who and how and why what was in the jardin got there and how the heck it was going to get out.  NEVER had something so big sat and blocked the church. Nothing.

Finally, some men appeared.  Aha, now the mystery would be solved, maybe.  And, thus began the epic unload.

 Over a period of 1 1/2 hours they unloaded the 18 wheeler parked adjacent to the former home of
Allende.  It had backed down that street.  Now, I have to tell you I could not back my Pathfinder down that street, it is so narrow! 

 Each item, whatever it was, was being stacked along the wall in front of the jardin and benches.  No one, still had any idea of the point of it all.

 Then the OTHER 18 wheeler that was parked in front of the church had its back doors opened as well!  It was FULL of stuff.  Metal stuff.  It was still a mystery.

 It took a lot of guys to get a lot of stuff out of both of these 55 foot containers.  A lot.  Then, all of  a sudden the 18 wheeler in front of the church started its engine.  Oh my gosh, what now?  Everyone got out of the way and this driver BACKED up this eighteen wheeler into a side street in just a few maneuvers and parked it behind the other eighteen wheeler that had been almost completely unloaded!  

We figured they had to clear a place for all the rest of whatever it was, so they could set it up. 

One of our group went over to someone walking around and asked what was going on.  By this time, they had a banner about 50 ft x 30 ft. stretched out on the ground.  It was for the new mayor.  It was the backdrop for the stage.  Aha, the inauguration of the new Mayor.

His inauguration was set for some time on Saturday.  I finally had to leave to meet friends and did not see everything get set up.  As I passed by in my car about 3 pm on a side street on Friday, while it was pouring rain, everything, the whole area, was covered with tarps.  Still nothing was set up.

Yesterday, when I looked on the webcam, the trucks were gone!  The stage was set up where the moved 18 wheeler had parked and about 600 chairs were set  for the ceremony in early evening.  How or where the trucks went is a mystery.  They certainly could not have gone forward and made the turn onto the street at the end.  I'll never know.  You'll never know.

I know they had the ceremony because at some point in the evening, when the fireworks began, I looked at the webcam and the jardin was packed with people along with many people on the huge stage.

This morning when I looked at the webcam to see what was the status of all the stuff, not one thing is there.  It is ALL gone!  The area in front of the jardin is spotless.  Absolutely spotless.  Not one kleig light, not one speaker, no stage, no trucks.  IF I had not seen it all with my eyes, I would never have believed that it could all be gone by early this morning.

It's a testament to the hard work of the Mexican men.  A testament to the planners.  And, a testament to the ability of those two truck drivers..........wherever they may be!
 

Animal House

It is a veritable smorgasbord of creatures around here.  Let me start by saying that whatever the squeaking, squealing, hissing creature is, is still around.

However, it comes in the middle of the night.  When it starts its shenanigans, I'm dead asleep.  Then, of course, the sound awakens me, but I'm so snuggled in that the thought of getting up with the flashlight and
hoping to see it is not as welcoming as just turning over and going back to sleep.  Maybe one of these days..........After all, "it" is outside.

Not the creature that I met some time in the middle of the night last night,  as I headed to the bathroom.  Actually, I didn't see it as I was heading there, but once I sat down with the light on, I saw this writhing creepy, prehistoric thing on the floor.   Yup, a scorpion.  I had been barefooted going to the bathroom.  Rest assured, I did not go back to bed barefooted.

He looked like this but had no tail!  It was just the body.  As I sat there in amazement watching it, I realized that when I opened the bathroom door, the door ran over him, (thankfully) and decapitated his tail.

Therefore, when I killed him, I didn't need  spray starch to freeze him in motion and prevent him from stinging me. .  Only the flyswatter and a lot of Kleenex to pick it up and throw it in the toilet.  Gosh, they are so creepy.  I SO dislike them.

A bizarre thing happened in the garden today also.  Pleasantly bizarre.  After having worked in the gardens for many, many hours, I sat down with a glass of iced tea to enjoy the fruits of my labor.  About that time one of the resident white breasted hummingbirds started zipping around.  That is not unusual.  But, what WAS unusual was the fact that on the second dive bombing, it stayed about two feet from my face and just kept looking at me.  I was looking at it too!  It was white from its neck all the way down its chest.  The amazing part was that it had a band of iridescent turquoise around its neck.  I don't know what color its back wings were as I was so astounded that it stayed there in position for so long that it never occurred to me to look at its back.  I'll do that this weekend.  Most of the hummingbirds are in the garden daily.  No, I don't have hummingbird feeders.  I do have all kinds of  flower blooms that they love and they are zipping all over the place, both on the roof terrace and down in the ground floor gardens and the lower patio.  A veritable feast for them.

To say that each day living in this nature sanctuary is an adventure is an understatement.  In the next couple of weeks, the Monarchs will be coming through.  The big orange plants and the poinsettias will be blooming.

The butterflies go berserk going from one plant to the other.  They, of course, are heading to the Monarch sanctuaries for the winter!


Life is a daring adventure (most of the time) or nothing at all.  Helen Keller



 

An Old Boyfriend Came to Town

He had been here several times before.  Staying in the guest house with his "significant other".  This time he traveled alone to participate in the Alborada.  He stayed in a hotel within steps of all the action of the jardin.

Oh, he had participated before, alone, while his "significant other" stayed safely in the guest house.  You see, the Alborada is this crazy celebration in San Miguel which is a Battle of Good and Evil.  It is part of the week long celebrations to honor the birthday of St. Michael the Archangel (the good) and Satan (the bad).

Since St. Michael is the patron saint of San Miguel, well, let the "good times roll".  It started Tuesday night in earnest with fireworks and castillos.  Castillos are these big towers with circular pieces on the top that spin fireworks into the air or just about anywhere.  They are quite amazing wonders of pyrotechnics.  Then there are the bottle rockets.  Well, you get my drift, NOISE, is the order of the day.

On Wednesday night there was another parade and more fireworks.  It was all in preparation for the BIG event which started at 2AM on Saturday morning with parades from four directions, noise and revelry.  I have seen video and photos of the jardin at 2AM and it was packed with a lot of young men who wanted to prove their manhood by dodging fireworks and participating in the revelry.

My friend was among them, even though he is nearly 80!  He had a blast.  To say he is a unique person would be an understatement.  He survived a huge firework plopping right next to him off the castillo and running when the fireworks were lobbed out of the Parroquia along with being lobbed from the other side of the jardin. He was in the middle running from side to side.  The young men have learned to wear hoodies and cover as much of their bodies with cardboard or other protective covering to prevent their clothes from catching on fire.  Someone's always does. My friend had an umbrella!

Now a person of sound mind (me) would never go near something like that, but then there are others, like my old boyfriend who would FLY here from Houston for the fun of it.  I think it is a "man" thing.

Today he came over for a home cooked breakfast and we sat out in the garden and talked about the many trips we had taken in days of yore.  One was to the Inter Tribal ceremonies in Gallup, NM along with side trips to Chimayo, Mesa Verde, Farmington and then to Durango.  That trip, which started out to be to see sun dances at the reservations, became so much more for me.

In Farmington and Durango, I found much history of my mother's family.  Last name of Markley. I discovered that they had been some of the founders of Farmington along with having the first Navaho Trading Post!  In fact their store was recreated in the museum in Farmington.  In Durango I found the Red Cliff Ranch which had been a great aunt and uncle's home along with much information about my mother's birth and life in Durango.  I came home in a state of shock over all of this.   Through more research, I have found books, diaries and photos to document various parts of  my heritage.

Another trip that my friend and I took caused us to laugh out loud while talking about it.  It was at least twenty years ago and we took a ponga to Yelapa for a few days.  A ponga is a hollowed out log like a pirogue is in Louisiana.  But, you get out on the open sea of the Pacific and it is like being beaten to a pulp as each wave hits.  We laughed about the look on my face when the owner of the restaurant told me that the mosquito netting over my bed in the open air thatched hut was not for mosquitoes but for scorpions!  We laughed about the "characters" who lived there.  The old man who lived under the banyan tree and the woman, a former flight attendant, who lived UP in a tree with two wooden platforms and a ladder.  She wanted to rent a platform to me for $5USD a night, but I would have to share the ladder.  I politely declined.  Then on our ponga ride back to Puerto Vallarta, instead of our own ponga, it somehow turned into a water taxi.  At one point as the driver added more and more people to this small tree log boat, I and my friend were sure we were going to be swamped and tip over.  I can remember trying to gauge if I could swim to shore.  Of course, we had NO life jackets or anything like that!  Luckily that did not happen and once our feet were on shore, I think I had a drink to celebrate life, maybe even two.

Fun times.  Good memories.  Great conversations.  I feel blessed to have so many good, old friends who remember the good times and great fun we had back in the "good old days".

Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.  Helen Keller