Activity in the Jardin

The town is very active today, as trucks roll in with more goods to sell: bolsas, kegs of cerveza, musical instruments, flowers, and more. Altars to the muertos are beginning to appear everywhere. For local vendors this weekend vies with Black Friday for bringing in money, I think.

Carmello met us on the street again and when we asked about certain items, he left us to guard his inventory while he ran to a local gift shop where some of his goods are sold. When he returned some of us made some more purchases--but I´m done sharing my money with Carmello till my large mirror frame is finished on Tuesday.

Then we climbed the hill, giving our calves a good workout. Three went on to the viewpoint w-a-a-a-a-y up there, but Bernice and I came back early, as I had an appointment with Juan. As I suspected might happen, he also brought his darling sister, Christina, who is 8. He wanted to try a different restaurant for a hamburguesa this time. We ate in a nice little place, and the waitress offered to take this photo of us. Then, of course, a stop for a paletta, an ice cream bar, and then a balloon. I think they know what an easy mark I am for their smiles!
Bernice and I then met with the others while they had lunch. Outside this restaurant an excellent guitar player performed. He then offered his CD´s at just 100 pesos, or about $8.50, and autographed them for us. He and his handsome mustachioed face were in "Pancho Villa" with Antonio Banderas.

No big plans for today, except to be in El Jardin for the light show and music and whatever else may come our way. The weather continues to be beautiful--84 degrees and sunny! May turn cloudy next week. ¿Oh well, who worries about mañana?

San Miguel de Allende Prepares for the Day of the Dead

We started out the day at the Jardin, where some of needed to hit the cash machine (yes, Frank!), used the wireless internet signal, and visited with Carmello, who had painted more treasures to share. Later we ambled through shops and down side streets, discovering more things we simply cannot live without. We had espresso and a pastry at a beautiful courtyard behind an ancient church, amid buildings that now house artists´studios and classes. It was so peaceful with music playing, and we sat enjoying the tranquil setting.

We never walk directly from A to B: it took us hours to make it to the Fabrica Aurora, a former cotton factory that is now a collection of art galleries. We had to stop in many shops and take lots of photographs.

By the time we arrived at La Fabrica Aurora, it was time for a late lunch, which we ate in the cafe there. By then it was 3:00, and I felt a siesta coming on. As I had been there before, I caught a taxi back home and napped, while the other women browsed there. We met up at the Jardin, where I had agreed to meet Juan. I gave him a back pack filled with little things--cars, books, silly putty, etc. He seemed very pleased, and I had something to share with his 8 year old sister who accompanied him. We have a date for a hamburguesa tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. I wonder how many hermanos he will bring? What a delight to make friends. He says he still has the photo of Frank and Me we left with him last year.

The picture above is a magnificent frame that would make a perfect mirror frame for my Mexican bathroom (in process). However, its price is nearly $300 plus shipping. So instead, Carmello is making me one to my specifications, and will have it done by Tuesday. It is just 850 pesos, or about $72. Even with shipping it will be a bargain. Aren´t I doing well, Frank? I knew you would approve.

The entire country of Mexico is getting ready for the Dia de Los Muertos this weekend. Lots of altars being arranged, huge bunches of marigolds, grains, foods, photos, and more. So colorful and it seems such a healthy way to deal with the passing of parents, grandparents, etc. There will be lots of music in the Jardin all weekend, and we´d better get lots of loose change to hand out to the niños.

For some reason some of my photos are refusing to be rotated correctly. We are absolutely loving the total experience! The colors, the sounds, the aromas, the textiles, the smiles of the people--even the sound of the bell signalling the garbage truck will soon follow--all of these add life and spirit to our days. So glad we are staying two weeks! More later.

My birthday in Another Country!

I awoke at 7 this morning, as we had set the alarm for our day trip. Lena sprang from bed and ran to her suitcase to get a card and gift for me. She then proceeded to sing Feliz Cumpleaños to me. That woke the others who serenaded me through the bathroom window while I was occupied there. A unique birthday experience after 63 years! Mi amigas are terrific!

We then caught taxis to the bus station and rode to Dolores Hidalgo, the city famous for its talavera pottery. Managed to find the same store-factory where we bought our dishes last year. Replaced a couple of chipped dishes, purchased some tiles for a border in one bathroom, as well as some other pieces. The pottery is a feast for the eyes. We then ate a huge lunch in a cute restaurant, walked some more, then sampled the delicious ice cream sold all around the town square. All the decisions (pottery, food, flavors) left us very tired, so SOME of us slept on the bus ride back to San Miguel. Dinner will be a light one tonight, maybe with more homemade margaritas on the palapa.

Forgot to mention that on Monday night we went to a concert at the library to hear a guitarist who also does Mexican harp music. Frank and I enjoyed him last year, and we were totally blown away by the amazing music. As Lena stated, "Everything in Mexico is about emotions." It is so true--the music, the bright colors, the smiles and voices, the food--it´s all so expressive, rather than reserved and restrained. Watching Sergio while listening to his extraordinary playing was an emotional experience. He donates his concerts at the library twice weekly to help fund the library´s cause of promoting literacy among the local children.

Yesterday brought two happy reunions. The first was meeting up with the artist, Carmello, our amigo from last year. He remembered me and we hugged happily. He was even happier when I introduced him to my amigas, as he is quite the salesman. I think we all bought from him. Well, we needed birthday gifts, items for donation to the Casa de Hogar´s auction, and for our homes. He is so talented and charming. When he senses your hesitation he puts the item in a plastic bag and you are sunk!

Later we ran into my friend Juan from last year. Earlier I had let his family friend, the shoe shine man, know I was here. HE remembered that Frank and I had treated Juan to a hamburguesa grande! So that afternoon, there was Juan. We´ll have to treat him to another burger while we are here, and I brought some gifts for him.

Part of the preparation for The Dia de los Muertos is the creation of intricately shaped candies made from sugar and egg whites. They are modeled into all sorts of shapes and placed on shrines to the dead family loved ones. They are just amazing to see. However, they attract bees, and they often have some pieces that are "sacrificed" at the side to the bees which are just swarming in huge clusters!

Part of the fun for me is sharing the special places we discovered last year with Jean, Karen, Lena, and Bernice. So far they seem as thrilled as I am. I must confess I haven´t been the best travel agent. Jean arrived at the Leon airport on Monday with no waiting driver. She showed the email confirmation she had printed out to the Shuttle rep, who noted that I had scheduled for November 25! Fortunately, she had no problem getting a ride. But I may need to rethink my future career options! Love it that my friends hold no grudges! We find more things to laugh over together every day. Making memories that will last forever!

I think tomorrow will be a more laid back day. Wait, I think I said that about yesterday!

Hola de San Miguel!

Karen, Lena, Bernice, and I arrived at our beautiful casa Saturday evening in time to enjoy a dinner al fresco and walk around the jardin. There was an amazing light show projected on the huge church, the Parroquia, just for us and a few thousand other people. It is to commemorate the 200th birthday of Mexico´s independence. Then we slept soundly till about 8 a.m. and set out. We had a good breakfast--I had wanted to try ¨divorced eggs¨ since seeing them on the menu last year. Scrambled eggs separated by frijoles, with green sauce on one and red on the other.

Then we walked to the library and joined about 60 others to tour some local homes. Many of the houses have lots of steps, and our legs will be in shape soon.

Our lovely casa is amazing, and this morning we squeezed our own juice from oranges from the tree in the courtyard, along with eggs, ham, and cheese. Maria, our maid, came today and was able to answer a few of our questions. I reminded her that I was here a year ago, along with my spouse, Panchito, who insisted on saying ¨Buenos Noches¨ even early in the morning. She remembered him.

We have walked and shopped most of the day, and will soon be ready for a siesta. Shopped at an interesting Women´s Cooperative and had a demonstration on how natural elements, such as bugs from the cactus plant, are used as dyes. The woman is from Oaxaca, is fluent in English, and is a gifted artest.

Jean will join us later, as she is flying into Leon around 3 p.m. and it takes about 2 hours to get through immigration, customs, and then travel here. We may go to a concert at the Library tonight.

Each day has been beautiful, and we anticipate lots of fun and adventure. Also, we have had many opportunities to laugh . . . as well as to be grateful for so many blessings. We all love Mexico and the people we have met. Except for a group of obnoxious American men who loudly berated American politics, the President, etc., all while obviously enjoying the benefits of Social Security, Medicare, and more. We got up and moved.

Bernice has a toe that is healing from a break, and we are strolling, enjoying the views. With all this walking we are hoping to lose weight. But with so many restaurants, ice cream, etc., it will be a challenge!

More soon.

Hasta Luego,

Gayle

Update on things

My friend, Kim, has been WAITING for the surgeons to decide what to do with her. She is a puzzlement to them, as her scleroderma involves so many organs--her large intestine, stomach, esophogus, stomach, and possibly others. Last week the Seattle surgeons told her they couldn't get her in until January or so! That's just unbelievable. Today she got a call telling her one of the surgeons wants her to be in Seattle at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, her main doctor there is trying to get something arranged for Spokane. She has family there, and her husband and kids could stay there while she's hospitalized. It is so complicated.

She has an appointment to file bankruptcy; She has received the first notices from the bank letting her know that foreclosure proceedings are underway. Throughout all of this, Kim's spirits are amazingly good. She's resigned to losing the house, and the family will stay there as long as possible, then find a rental.

On Saturday, my friends, Jean, Bernice, Lena, Karen, and I will fly out to Mexico for two weeks. We are visiting San Miguel de Allende, where Frank and I spent last November. While I am thrilled to be going back, I worry about Kim and her family. I'll be posting travel updates from Mexico on this blog.

Please continue to hold her in your prayers. She is so grateful for all who have helped. There is some money set aside to help with expenses in the weeks ahead, thanks to your generous hearts.

The picture is of her 6-year old son, Eathan, holding vegetables we picked in my nephew, Scott's, lovely garden a few weeks back. And the video (if it plays for you) shows him enjoying the trampoline with my granddaughter Abbie in her backyard. She gave him lessons. She enjoys having a "little brother."