tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27523700724366184552024-03-05T10:23:11.397-06:00Mi Vida en Mexicoa bit about me, my life in Mexico, knitting, family, thoughts...Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-58786768376469261002013-02-19T20:25:00.000-06:002013-02-19T20:25:18.976-06:00eBooksI am in a once a week book group. We have a library of over 1200 books. We buy one copy of the books we want so no one is reading the same book in the same week, but most of the books are read and discussed by everyone. There are about 14 active members.<br />
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Then comes the advent of ebooks and ebook readers. I have a Kindle Touch. I love it and enjoy reading on it because I like to read in bed on my side and with my Kindle I don't have to flip from side to side while reading the left and right pages of a book. I also like it because if I'm reading a large book I don't have to hold it or balance it on anything while reading.<br />
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Many people in our book group now have ereaders and download books. I learned about a wonderful website to manage ebooks called Calibre. It's a free downloadable program where you can manage your e library. Just today I finally learned how to load a book into Calibre and then transfer it to my Kindle.<br />
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This is big news because Roy is always doing all the techie/geeky stuff in our house and I don't learn how. He's out of town and I wanted to get a book from an email where someone had sent me a copy of the book. I figured out how to transfer it from my email inbox to my computer (Calibre program) and then onto my Kindle.<br />
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Woo Hoo! I'm feeling pretty proud tonight.<br />
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<br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580590130759889600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-8898198317623236932012-06-10T19:50:00.000-05:002012-06-10T19:50:52.794-05:00Waiting on the RainWhere I live now, in western Mexico, there is a definite rainy season. It typically begins in early-mid June and lasts until the end of September and sometimes into early October. I came here from Houston, Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, so the idea of a season when it rains was a bit confusing to me 7-8 years ago when I first came to Ajijic for a visit. When I moved to Houston in 1999 from Dallas, where I had lived for the previous 25 years, I thought my toes and fingers were going to grow webs because it never STOPPED raining. It either was raining or the humidity was so high you could see the air!<br />
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Well, today is June 10, 2012 and I am waiting on the rain like an expectant daddy waited patiently for the nurse to come our of the double swinging doors in the maternity ward to announce whether it was a boy or a girl (circa 1950s). Lots of anticipation, impatience, and frustration at not being able to do much to help facilitate the deed.<br />
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For the past week or so Mother Nature has been teasing us here with clouds, thunder, cool winds, and no, no real rain. See the other part of this story is that here in Ajijic the locals say the "season" hasn't really started until it's raining so hard that the streets flood and water is rushing down to the lake. So even if we have a "llittle" bit of rain, enough to make your windshield a mess, that doesn't count.<br />
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So, I am waiting. Just this evening, the clouds have come, which drops the temperatures at least 10 degrees (thanks to God something the Mexicans say in Engligh -- translation gracias a Dios), the wind picked up, and it looks promising, but Mother Nature wants to make sure we're really ready and grateful for it when it does arrive. She can be so heartless sometimes, and obviously not menapausal or chubby!<br />
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Mother Nature, I am soooo grateful for the rain, to make the dust go away, and the mountain turn a beautiful lush green, and everything to grow like a house-of-fire, and the house to cool off so I can sleep through the night without a cool wet washcloth to ease my discomfort, and for the lake to fill up again.<br />
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So, tonight I sit with my washcloth at the ready, every fan in the house blowing away, the windows open, and a cold glass of water at my side, offering up my prayers. I would do a rain dance, but I'd get too over heated and sweaty and it would take me hours to cool off enough to get ready to go to sleep.<br />
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High today: 96<br />
Temp in the house: 82<br />
Relative humidity mid-day~15%<br />
and did I mention N O A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G!!<br />
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<br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-79680574644663091852012-01-23T18:48:00.005-06:002012-01-23T19:11:42.949-06:00A few words on PinterestA few months ago I began noticing friends on Facebook were talking about this thing called Pinterest. My obvious first question was, "What is this and how do you pronouce it." Didn't know if it was a new foreign word I hadn't seen before or a new cyber word like Google, Groupon, etc. The comments being posted by my friends were exuberant, verging on obsessive and made me curious. I have really well educated, intelligent friends and family so I thought, "what the heck, I'll check it out."<br /><div><br /></div><div>So, just before Christmas I decided to Google Pinterest (how 21st century is that) and find out for myself what all the fuss was about. Huh, I don't understand. What are you supposed to do with it? How does it work? What's it for? etc, etc. etc. Then my Nephew, Mike, asked his wifeMarisa, who uses Pinterest what it was...she explained that it was a website for crafty people. (All this was done via Facebook -- another obsession I have developed). Well, I'm crafty. I love to knit, crochet, cook, read, etc. I looked at the site again and I still didn't get it. I was beginning to feel really old at this point. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to Dallas after Christmas to visit my brother and his family and Mike and Marisa were there with their Blackberries, iPhones, iPads, etc. So I asked them about Pinterest and the expression on Maria's face went from "oh it's nice to see you Aunt Donna" to "here let me show how cool this site is and all the cool things you can do on it." </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, today is January 24, 2012 -- a few days shy of a month since I was in Dallas and learning from my resident "expert" about Pinterest and I too am hooked. I have 12 followers now and I follow over 50 people. I have created several of my own collections of "stuff" and can spend hours on the damn thing looking around. I now understand all the comments like, I think this is going to be a problem and I spent hours on the computer today on Pinterest. </div><div><br /></div><div>I too am a new joiner. I found a meatloaf recipe (Paula Deene) that I'm making tonight. I have found knitting stuff, quotes I love, recipes, and pictures of places I want to visit and I've only just begun. This probably won't impact my knitting time too much, but it's a great place to find things that you like, pin them, and find more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Pinning Everyone! If you haven't signed up for an account, I encourage you to do so and explore the things you love! </div><div> </div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-27091625733672334132012-01-16T18:04:00.002-06:002012-01-16T18:20:45.562-06:00Just a quick updateIt's been a really long time since I've posted anything here. I got a replacement iPad for Christmas (2011) and I've been busy adding bookmarks and finding stuff in the app store. <div><br /></div><div>Roy had some serious skin surgery in the early part of December so we didn't get to Texas till after Christmas. Visited JoAnn in Longview for a few days, then into Dallas for a few days. I got to see all the nieces and nephews and met the newest member of the Frizzell family, Lucy, what a cutie. Kathyrn was so cute this year, not so shy and spent a lot of time sitting and talking with Roy. Sergei was home from Texas Tech and it was great to hear how he's enjoying college and studying architecture. </div><div><br /></div><div>We then went to Houston for a couple more days. I got to spend a couple of nights with my friend Susan which was so fun. We went to Berings one morning. I haven't been there for years. THE BEST hardware store in the world. We also went to Goode Company Seafood for dinner. Another place I haven't been to in years. I had the sweetest, juiciest fried oysters --- yummy!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>The bad thing, for me, about going to Texas in the winter is I always get sick. So again this year, I got a sinus infection which I came home with. I've been back 11 days and finally am feeling better. I'm going to suggest that we celebrate Christmas in July! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-33660124509222155052011-07-04T11:32:00.002-05:002011-07-04T11:41:39.881-05:00Rain, Rain, RainWell, the rainy season is upon us in all it's glory. We've had Hurricane Beatriz come from the Pacific Coast and then Hurricane Arlene come from the Gulf Coast. It's been cloudy, cool, and wet for a week. A friend told me last night that Arlene apparently had enough steam to completely move across the country and has reformed and is coming back inland on the west coast. Amazing! <div><br /></div><div>In between the first major storm in early June and the hurricanes we did have a normal period of sunny skies and rainy nights which is perfection. <br /><div><br /></div><div>I LOVE the cool temps and the green mountains but I miss the sun and I am affected by SADD. I look forward to the sun coming back out.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, finished reading Geraldine Brooks first book, "Nine Parts of Desire" about women in Islam countries. It was written in 1995 but is amazingly relavent today. Highly recommend it. </div><div><br /></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-88240549074484613602011-06-04T14:26:00.002-05:002011-06-04T14:40:11.340-05:0040 years ago todayI remember it as if it were yesterday. I graduated from Martin Spalding High School, Severn, Maryland 1971. There were 150 ladies graduating that day. It was one of those great days in one's life that closes one door and opens the next. I worked that summer at a department store to save up money for my big move to NYC to study fashion merchandising at Tobé Coburn School on Madison Avenue at 71st Street. While I was in school I lived at the East End Hotel for Women on East End Avenue at 78th street. Nice easy walk to school from there (weather permitting). <div><br /></div><div>My brother Don came to my graduation which was really a special thing. I always thought that I annoyed Don because he was 20 years older than me, his children were my age, and we had little in common except we shared a Mom and a Dad. Now, looking back, I realize that I was important to him -- I was his baby sister! :-) </div><div><br /></div><div>One of my high school friends and I have reconnected through Facebook and she's trying to organize a class reunion. I haven't gone to any of the others. I left Maryland the Sept following graduation and moved to NYC. I lived there for 4 years and then moved to Dallas, Texas where my Mom and Spence had moved in 1971. I never really kept in touch with any of my friends from HS, so it was nice when Nina Picciano found me on FB and we starting chatting. She's still living in the area, Washington D.C. so she's kept up with more old friends then me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, just was thinking about what today was this morning and thought I'd jot down my thoughts. </div><div><br /></div><div>1971 - Graduated High School, Maryland </div><div>1971-1974 - NYC</div><div>1974-1999 Dallas, Texas </div><div>1999 - Married, moved to Houston, Texas (and retired --wooohooo)</div><div>2005- moved to Ajijic, Mexico </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-87830738585451041732011-06-04T13:44:00.008-05:002011-06-04T14:25:48.037-05:00Beach, Rain & Pink Eye<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico 2011</b></div><div><br /></div>We went to Mazatlan over Memorial Day weekend (it's not MD here though) with Marta & Lupe et al and stayed at the Riu Mazatlan -- one of our favorite all inclusive resorts. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0GF7se0gYwT2KuQbdYwuv-R9ephx1jOQUmIwBa93gqFyWTU0JeCRiWLIS6UCrwEmTGoF-xzAisrXsKy7UqXTFhQlmHTb3P8uJ-9RDaXMMxpnl_mGG9JnNnqt64DP8KpBVlU4cKXg_rs-/s1600/006.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0GF7se0gYwT2KuQbdYwuv-R9ephx1jOQUmIwBa93gqFyWTU0JeCRiWLIS6UCrwEmTGoF-xzAisrXsKy7UqXTFhQlmHTb3P8uJ-9RDaXMMxpnl_mGG9JnNnqt64DP8KpBVlU4cKXg_rs-/s320/006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614446523510632578" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I love this picture 'cause the sun is reflecting on the ocean. Taken from our 11th floor balcony at the Riu Mataztlan. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsCtMn-vxUzrKFoQuGYqy7wKDDb9Y-3_nS4e1GgkMG7xz58JD0_ZGdGrYWBbjIAy456y1jb8WPsodU5j8Vt-DOVu2Um50S8hbjrYaXyIiFiyKbfWFu-7iXFvd_eEs-rXUmHwdsplqG8yq/s1600/001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsCtMn-vxUzrKFoQuGYqy7wKDDb9Y-3_nS4e1GgkMG7xz58JD0_ZGdGrYWBbjIAy456y1jb8WPsodU5j8Vt-DOVu2Um50S8hbjrYaXyIiFiyKbfWFu-7iXFvd_eEs-rXUmHwdsplqG8yq/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614444159318747906" /></a>I think the Pacific Ocean is so beautiful because of the rock formations that come all the way to the edge of the beach. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1st Day after 1st Rain of the Season</b></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ORK0JIzavRvRxww9zs0LMXRmqtnbmgnnQD9dk3ofss3da5c1hFaoFd89qlEJisgEK6Pv3CPyKOUBXyc4BCeuSqBI75gdJPnZrg-DyGw31p20-tBurm608MMI3xWrXhfgON4vOFPi602X/s1600/010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ORK0JIzavRvRxww9zs0LMXRmqtnbmgnnQD9dk3ofss3da5c1hFaoFd89qlEJisgEK6Pv3CPyKOUBXyc4BCeuSqBI75gdJPnZrg-DyGw31p20-tBurm608MMI3xWrXhfgON4vOFPi602X/s320/010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614441942695409890" /></a>Morning after the first rain of the season. Lots of wind -- blew over the table and chairs on our neighbors mirador. I'm going to chronicle the changes to our mountain as the rainy season progresss. I want to see how long it takes for the mountains to turn green starting from the first official rain (that's when the water is running down the streets from the mountain to the lake). </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pink Eye</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>How in the world did I get pink eye????? I didn't ever get it as a child (which is when I thought you got this kind of thing). My friend Judy, who's a nurse, asked me if I'd been swimming recently. I just got back from a weekend in Mazatlan and I did got swimming in the pool, but I've been to this resort many times before and have never gotten pink eye! The day we were leaving (Mon May 30) I woke up with swollen glands and sneezing (not like allergies though) so I took some antihistamine meds I never leave home without and the symptoms seemed to go away -- hahaha! <div><br /></div><div>It's very gross. I woke up on Thursday morning, June 2nd with my left eye crusted over and I googled conjunctivitis and figured that was what I had -- it's the infection kind, not allergic conjunctivitis -- oh joy. So by that evening my left eye was swollen almost closed and my right eye was getting yellow crusties in it too. Went to see Dr. Lastra on Friday morning and he agreed that was what I had. Still have swollen glands and sneezing like a cold. Dr. L said I probably was getting a cold and it settled in my eye -- Eye Flu! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now on antibiotic drops and ointment for 14 days, but that's not doing anything for my swollen glands or overall feeling of exhaustion. Haven't been sleeping well -- feel achy all over my body and I have a low-grade fever on and off during the day and night. YUCK! </div><div><br /></div><div>One good thing, we had our first heavy rains last night. Cooled everything down about 10 degrees which has been very nice today. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-82572972940923062732011-04-07T05:18:00.002-05:002011-04-07T05:20:55.037-05:00it's 5:20 a.m.and I can't sleep ------- so pissed off. I'm exhausted, my legs are jumpy and my feet are aching. What's going on. I leave in 5 hours for the airport to go to Houston and I want to sleep but I'm sitting in the living room looking at the computer. ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-37588132477545903832011-04-04T15:29:00.013-05:002011-04-04T18:04:36.173-05:00Food & Wine Festival in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW1mYIIuGcFDZYCslRCnxqU0m5moJAxmJX4XY9tNT1fb0DjsORboJVdwe9S8-8GopwJYx-1cemGnAVObgvJtH4Wliu_76pkWHD8yaU6sMnJ5Zhyphenhyphen1uozua2qZC3wO1BiMxPe0VgwYuqZOt/s1600/121.JPG"></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuUSxNHwt3r2f_3zNYZdDGCeG7_081xqwatcIJN4GZyeLFSNswjwXSUi91naR667L94Zi2fUftS3DBTtB2y8HejxbUA9S2DhyKXL_2x96wyZq47SyoNcI3VxgMZGK4BoA4z0U64CDd5D9/s320/062.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591860200354587650" /><div style="text-align: center;">We are having dinner at the Ixtapa Marina -- (L-R) Elizabeth, Pat, Kae, Joan and me</div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisGUDVt_w-767474y8fug4wtcJD-fLHfwyCNeiNyhlD6YCE2hAHpzUX7gk6d-PccDNa18ExAJ2ECx7pRZ5oxhSd2-PGGub_ILjVHzCGl6A-Snvv4Y_95-X0TrqOmKA84xSxT9Fht0X5Eu/s320/163.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591860189733036050" />Having comida at Carmalita's in Zihuatanejo. This was a wonderful surprise we discovered from Rick Bayless who tweeted about finding this place. He told us about it at one of the events and Carmalita (in the purple blouse) was visited by many of us who attended the Food & Wine Festival. BEST real Mexican food I've ever eaten. Her recipes are from her Mom and Abeulita! </div><div><br /></div><div>I had the pleasure of going to "Food & Wine" magazine's Food & Wine Festival in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo - 32 Tastes of Mexico the last week of March, 2011. I went with friends from Ajijic Pat Owens and Joan Brummitt, and a couple of Pat's friends from Seattle, Elizabeth and Kae.<div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div>Rick Bayless was the featured chef and we got to see him cook twice. He has the most amazing countenance and spirit ALL the time -- it is real, not forced. It was such fun to meet him and see him work. We ate some amazing food and drank wonderful new wines from Baja California.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Df9Wu6nfQDJrB9f8NbrvtgnbmX8OIfRqoLWtPlD5s6sNOlROFF6WanSdCfZnQMKKoEsy5MPwpn8tQNv3RyrTcADhZZubSZdXopcSS6pgozubct-hbRntckxKNC-GcCKCBWWd4r7NMX5L/s320/052.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591860185580678034" /><div style="text-align: center;">Señor Rick Bayless at the Market to Table event</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfuuCTbMDOD-i7xYX0s1omFQhnv3UT2bW9XaDuGwlNmTKQM76oU2xboD7ACR1RtGCw9HDuq1bLbUkv3rLxskgSsLYUVGlcd-pgSfyt41ePdbNq16ppYMroGB_7m8ljmrsI0bG47H6YyIA/s320/061.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591857225180200498" /><div style="text-align: center;">This sign was in the lobby of our hotel -- I didn't make this up! </div></div><div><br /></div><div>We also got to tour through 3 new homes in Zihuatanejo in a very private gated community of four homes called Monte Cristo. Our taxi driver had to leave his driver's license at the gate when he came to pick us up to go back to our hotel. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQRwiZNODFB60hzxx3csKnmG5rBy5iR6_E1mnbT2BUX7X89x2MlU2Ww2kc5vUUIVQVOknTWSAYlVLvMjIVqxvm1cwLy___H3ncqgXe5oRxzRY6blOAOLKXv2UbVIIdelzTb2Uypc5guV7/s320/118.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591864802742369282" /><div style="text-align: center;">Casa Conte - the couple who owned this house were from Orange County, CA and actually were here for the event. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghladTAWbfHeAbNQ705LbM-Uh1IhzjKxoP48UZAx-OITim3Si_KQQ9j2R6uKqK8TIJVlD5sslKWPL3NJf_Jw2CHsoB-PPN-is-0BVgtO1X4Hd3-tRmDV173IIEDSGMHua2Hn8OkjCNC0T1/s1600/063.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghladTAWbfHeAbNQ705LbM-Uh1IhzjKxoP48UZAx-OITim3Si_KQQ9j2R6uKqK8TIJVlD5sslKWPL3NJf_Jw2CHsoB-PPN-is-0BVgtO1X4Hd3-tRmDV173IIEDSGMHua2Hn8OkjCNC0T1/s320/063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591837441998386594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Casa Tulum - view from the infinity pool overlooking Pacific Ocean</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbaBBu7r_7PqaeTOND4QrL6aNjGdPKYL21O9sgp1thsxePwKfgVlglhseounmJtNDAgTh3gDXkSax6j-L0xo0HlWTDK52dku4hWfrA5xXT9pP-2wudoHbCglCMw8vO7WtBN79uISUMh7-/s320/099.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591834016361990066" /><div style="text-align: center;">Casa Alegría master bedroom pool -- nice!</div><div><br /></div><div>This house had 5 swimming pools, 5 bedrooms, an amazing outdoor living area facing the wide open Pacific Ocean, and 3 casitas. The "owner" was a really rich man from San Diego who has never been to the house, and according to the architect just sent him lots and lots of money to build and furnish the house. Can you say laundered money! That was our story about the house! These are 2 of the 5 pools! The one above is off the master bedroom and the one below is off the outdoor terraza/living room. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqQIrCe8_zx_fVWfsMFrVLRee_4WiJgyQd4OXvza1pYPBAUCXsWDnIs2Dh5RxP0dK76d14JgjqD1mGpAbs24XyzsOmd9O0ccglO1nWUtyNmDNX0nv6hdW3DNJs1tvmP75f4LevMCGv98z/s320/070.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591832598613000450" /><div>Because the house is built on top of a bill the breezes were strong! At each of the houses there was a different vineyard represented and lovely tapas.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-50244277844016717522011-02-14T12:04:00.003-06:002011-02-14T12:26:34.685-06:00Cameron's a big boy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcHu477y4xJGo4FDrDxbVp07UAaKj2uu30osFMArVfRM48x_XgA2izWDCxvP8RRJNx50xbZwZUjBDXAT7ieCX-Gg9CUE-aFo6EkRFjezmEfVz4jrvwyBmIKnx_QbYs00u-gmpw8oug5Fa/s1600/DSC02691.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcHu477y4xJGo4FDrDxbVp07UAaKj2uu30osFMArVfRM48x_XgA2izWDCxvP8RRJNx50xbZwZUjBDXAT7ieCX-Gg9CUE-aFo6EkRFjezmEfVz4jrvwyBmIKnx_QbYs00u-gmpw8oug5Fa/s320/DSC02691.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573612072127677330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">such a sweet face!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Ipyf0_mtlBMcg2bCsHQ2GQi79drEor7g-osbBSz7B_oBudXDl472K-Rv1JMAh64u23jhyphenhyphen8QVIOV2FYd_WuVoQVkqqMay2agxl9eQnsotAnXXArxmnaC9QWCUkwrUC_XOZnSKh1OmdRr/s1600/DSC02605.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Ipyf0_mtlBMcg2bCsHQ2GQi79drEor7g-osbBSz7B_oBudXDl472K-Rv1JMAh64u23jhyphenhyphen8QVIOV2FYd_WuVoQVkqqMay2agxl9eQnsotAnXXArxmnaC9QWCUkwrUC_XOZnSKh1OmdRr/s320/DSC02605.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573612066787118642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">They love to take baths together </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYYQLzzE3PlpM23aBH-dB2oiweZKC93Vl1LP1LzJqCrMPK7zHRvw8Sbx-xtkVo5KoK0vK7rw3BtJo0tbGy2-kFMmBFtwfkW-I-11v9xRulOOLVnFI3TEzzoWucSIp_LWwsNTUxrocA-ZL/s1600/DSC02864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYYQLzzE3PlpM23aBH-dB2oiweZKC93Vl1LP1LzJqCrMPK7zHRvw8Sbx-xtkVo5KoK0vK7rw3BtJo0tbGy2-kFMmBFtwfkW-I-11v9xRulOOLVnFI3TEzzoWucSIp_LWwsNTUxrocA-ZL/s320/DSC02864.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573612056109890562" /></a>Forrest is under the little table and Cameron is starting to get up on his hands and toes -- won't be long before he's mobile too. Forrest started to walk when he was 9 months old.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />Lauren called to tell us that Cameron went to his pediatrician for his 6 months check-up and he is in the 95% for his weight and height. He is 6 months old and weighs 22.5 lbs -- his OLDER brother who is 2 1/2 years old weights 28 lbs. They are almost the same size and they wear the same size diapers. OMG!<div><br /></div><div>I am going to Houston this weekend for a visit -- and I told Lauren I was going to bring a back brace so I can pick Cameron up and not hurt my back -- LOL! Can't wait to see them!</div><div><br /></div><div>He's our chunky monkey!!!!! </div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-70268488961210362102010-08-06T12:57:00.006-05:002010-08-06T13:22:51.622-05:00Cameron is here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZsD5Q6lFB4ToPhKn_IDTSaiX4grBpHbx0kpy29sEpoZ7EyGdd7Bl2IFSesASOXkJuAZ8g6PEypQ9ZVY_hCaOxDN2IfUgAmKYsHV__kTwFGNDgcrvPyHl3OvbDYnTCGEzMbhRVQFWwpmT/s1600/DSC01251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZsD5Q6lFB4ToPhKn_IDTSaiX4grBpHbx0kpy29sEpoZ7EyGdd7Bl2IFSesASOXkJuAZ8g6PEypQ9ZVY_hCaOxDN2IfUgAmKYsHV__kTwFGNDgcrvPyHl3OvbDYnTCGEzMbhRVQFWwpmT/s320/DSC01251.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502360699803071138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuttaz03T0pG9M_w-5yayhNJCJ57mnLwBGX-30dIB9yKIpsYqvjMKnTSRtCFeto5XDAajOFCqPava73NXn4C3_4RsH47E4HQArFgHmfKquPBPL1sF_w-Bv8NRnDJ09GKYZN_G_LORff8E/s1600/DSC01246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuttaz03T0pG9M_w-5yayhNJCJ57mnLwBGX-30dIB9yKIpsYqvjMKnTSRtCFeto5XDAajOFCqPava73NXn4C3_4RsH47E4HQArFgHmfKquPBPL1sF_w-Bv8NRnDJ09GKYZN_G_LORff8E/s320/DSC01246.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502358963208962594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Awwww - what a face! </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our second grandson, Forrest's little brother, came to us on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 4:55pm -- 11 days before his "official" due date. By the way -- this is President Obama's birthday too little man! <div><br /></div><div>He is perfect and muy guapo como su hermano y Papa! He looks a lot like Forrest, except his hair is dark brown like his mommy's hair was when she was born -- so it may be that Cameron will favor his Daddy's side of the family. </div><div><br /></div><div>Forrest has been checked out and poked and is ready to come home. His Pediatrician said he's perfect too! And why not?!!!!! Papi (aka Roy) took Forrest to the hospital this morning to see his Mommy and meet Cameron. Lauren, Joesph and Cameron are supposed to be going home today and get started on a new adventure in all their lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>Roy has been in town since last Thursday helping with Forrest and at their home while Lauren was at the hospital having Cameron. I know, from what Roy has told me, he's exhausted but thrilled to have had so much one on one time with Forrest. Taking care of a two year old takes lots of stamina! And Forrest is a very lucky boy to have gotten so much of Papi's undivided attention too! </div><div><br /></div></div><div>I'm going to be going up for my visit next week around the 12th or 13th. They want to get home and get settled so we have agreed it would be better for me to wait a bit -- which I am happy to do. </div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-64382268203862976342010-08-06T12:10:00.006-05:002010-08-06T12:56:46.724-05:00Saying Adios to an old friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj495RLVX207FHiKNL8lFrl4tuodlOtcM0rzChL9A0eroUZ5xYYu2krGYZ31h_jcMzMda2qIsxJKNkCt_mB6qFC-FpOJPUS0toThhPagtlk7sA7KppyvqfHAq4Tr1jp5wdHUvfOO21ams7b/s1600/HPIM0241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj495RLVX207FHiKNL8lFrl4tuodlOtcM0rzChL9A0eroUZ5xYYu2krGYZ31h_jcMzMda2qIsxJKNkCt_mB6qFC-FpOJPUS0toThhPagtlk7sA7KppyvqfHAq4Tr1jp5wdHUvfOO21ams7b/s320/HPIM0241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502355037508289762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is our rental house on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aldama</span> 2005 -- Beau, Susie and Rey</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmIr1T_v-bkI819ySlyOm30SBU7EHzqDC9UyvUFvE7g_E4LSZprCL8fhi4o295hQbVyeiSy3R6iEpEy30O816ECQadLF4s3RvwzpCFcSH_z7Hngf39G6X7avKVMAAJqdeLiWX322w3zdW/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmIr1T_v-bkI819ySlyOm30SBU7EHzqDC9UyvUFvE7g_E4LSZprCL8fhi4o295hQbVyeiSy3R6iEpEy30O816ECQadLF4s3RvwzpCFcSH_z7Hngf39G6X7avKVMAAJqdeLiWX322w3zdW/s320/IMG_0251.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502352329188486578" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas 2003</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJscNn1bBi9a4oyig-rhElSSTOBhZvkfhsgQUthoyiuyHIKN8G5px3IjBjO0XniNdnjptMITenH_nyCRHV1ZaEkBnG9A7Pmm6eT2q3bW0ntKRr6NuY6eMMnsIZnSv3HLu2MTyFUAvf0hJ/s1600/DSC00658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJscNn1bBi9a4oyig-rhElSSTOBhZvkfhsgQUthoyiuyHIKN8G5px3IjBjO0XniNdnjptMITenH_nyCRHV1ZaEkBnG9A7Pmm6eT2q3bW0ntKRr6NuY6eMMnsIZnSv3HLu2MTyFUAvf0hJ/s320/DSC00658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502350548802261586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Beau in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">casita</span> where we lived while remolding was going on in the big house 2006</div></div><div><br />I said goodbye to our oldest dog, Beau, this morning. He has been getting worse and worse over the last year and Roy and I have been talking about when we would let him go. I was ready sooner then Roy, but hey you get there when you get there and I'm glad we had him for so long. Roy finally understood that Beau was suffering and we needed to be able to let him go and end his suffering. So today at 11:25 am, August 6, 2010 I said adios to an old and sweet, loving friend.<div><br /></div><div>Beau took very good care of us while we lived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bellaire</span>, Texas. He loved to sit at the glass front door and wait to terrorize the mailmen when he came up to deliver mail. When we lived on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Aldama</span>, here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ajijic</span>, he loved to stand on the roof and command respect from the passersby. When we drove here to live, Beau was our "big black dog" who protected us from the crooked traffic police who tried to shake us down for money. </div><div><br /></div><div>We will miss him and his fierce loyalty and love! Everyone needs to have a Beau in their lives and we are so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">grateful</span> that he came into ours. I will miss you my friend.<br /><br /><div><div>We think Beau was maybe 16 years old. He was a lab/chow mix that Roy adopted from the Houston SPCA when Beau was 6 months old. Roy and I have been married for 11 1/2 years and I think that Beau came to live with Roy and Lauren when Lauren was 12 or 13 and she is 28 now -- so that puts Beau around 15-16 years old. That's a very long life for a big dog. AND he was never sick a day in his life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Beau's hips started getting bad about a year ago until finally he wasn't able to get himself up when he fell down (which he was doing a lot towards the end). He lost his hearing a couple of years ago, which was a blessing because we live in a town that loves to shot off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cohetes</span> whenever there's a reason, e.g. a visit from La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Virgen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">de</span> Guadalupe, La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Virgen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Zapopan</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Las</span> Fiestas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">de</span> San Andres, La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Virgen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">del</span> Rosario, funerals, parades, birthdays, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Las</span> Chivas score a goal, you see what I mean. The doctor explained to me today the reason Beau walked around a lot (which was incredibly painful to watch) was because he was getting dementia. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-20058028472297858342010-07-30T15:44:00.004-05:002010-07-30T16:10:36.137-05:00It's been a while - RamblingsWe are going to be grandparents again soon with a second grandson, Cameron. He will be coming any day now. Roy left yesterday to go to Houston to be on baby watch and to take care of Forrest when Cameron does come -- wanna have some normalcy for Forrest in the midst of the impending chaos. <div><br /></div><div>As much as I love to see Roy walk into the airport and fly away (love, love, love having the house all to myself sometimes) I also really miss him not being here. I'm invited to another Baron family fiesta tomorrow afternoon, and I will miss Roy not being there with me. I can speak some Spanish and understand a bit more, but it's hard to go by myself. I feel like a bump on a log. But I know he would say to go, so I will do what is best for me and include myself in their party. Mama Chuy's sister from Santa Ana, CA is coming for a visit -- and they always invite us to join them. Such a wonderful family! </div><div><br /></div><div>Spent the morning untangling yarn that Magda got into and winding it into balls. There were 3 skeins of yarn so it was a bit easier then I thought it would be because the skeins were still tied in several places so the mess was not so bad. Good thing I love this dog so much cause this is one of her favorite pass times -- messing with Mommy's yarn. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been reading a bit more this summer too. Finished "A Reliable Wife" and "Litte Bee" -- both great books, well written, character driven with lots of personal turmoil and conflict. Now I'm reading Ann Pachett's "Run" which I need to have finished by next Wed for another book group.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far since the rainy season began on June 13th we've been having A LOT of rain. Today actually is a very pretty blue skies trimmed with cirrus cumulus clouds around the edges day. Enjoying my hummingbirds and other birds at the fountain and lots of beautiful flowers in the garden. </div><div><br /></div><div>Beau is really not doing very well -- hasn't been for about a year now. Roy is struggling with saying goodbye to him and I have such sadness when I look into his eyes. I am watching our sweet, proud lab slowly dwindle away and it breaks my heart. About every other meal he proceeds to vomit up directly after eating (and Magda proceeds to clean up (yuck)) and he's not able to stand up and poop because his hips and legs are too weak to support him long enough in a stooped position for enough time to finish so we have lots and lots of accidents in the house now. He kind of walks and poops these days. </div><div><br /></div><div>Roy's going to be up in Houston for probably 2 weeks and I'm thinking I may have Memo come by the house and check on Beau and get his opinion about letting him go. If it were my decision alone, I would have done it a while ago, but he was Roy's dog before I came along so I don't feel I can make that decision on my own. Maybe it will be easier for Roy, for me to do it, while he's gone...no se! </div><div><br /></div><div>more later once Cameron arrives...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-73519637657205098612009-11-28T16:26:00.002-06:002009-11-28T16:36:06.798-06:00ThankfulSorry, no pictures right now, just wanted to say again how thankful I am that my hubby has gotten to a doctor before some huge life altering event happened to him as well as the rest of his family and friends! <div><br /></div><div>I am also thankful for my friends and family too. I am planning a trip North to visit family and friends in Dallas, Longview and Houston. I just wish I could stay longer -- it seems like a long time away from home when you're buying tickets, but when I get there I don't want to leave as quickly as the return home date arrives. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had a nice thanksgiving dinner with friends from my Tuesday book group. We bought a pre-lit Christmas tree too which has been connected, plug in, fluffed, and is awaiting ornaments! I will take lots of pictures of the house once it's all decorated and will post them shortly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just wanted to say again home grateful I feel for my life here in Mexico and for my generous husband for providing me with a life of a princess! I have "heard" from many of you on Facebook that your thanksgivings were good too! I hope you have a fun time getting ready for the next big holiday -- Christmas! Be safe and well -- I am looking forward to seeing some of you in a short time! </div><div><br /></div><div>Peace and love to you and yours...</div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-73802314549596769912009-11-19T21:25:00.002-06:002009-11-19T22:04:46.674-06:00Mazatlan, October 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDxN2K2c39rBM3XGNH6xdrQ46wS77KHAtd_8gJLi4aL527IM057jUtJuv4T1e87evXz747o6gMRCpTz7a9iifl2MS9gETgaRUeFXy1SME9ckAYhfcTVP-biRCOJU3-btXEsY9PyH-SzS9/s1600/DSC00578.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDxN2K2c39rBM3XGNH6xdrQ46wS77KHAtd_8gJLi4aL527IM057jUtJuv4T1e87evXz747o6gMRCpTz7a9iifl2MS9gETgaRUeFXy1SME9ckAYhfcTVP-biRCOJU3-btXEsY9PyH-SzS9/s320/DSC00578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406027780972900178" border="0" /></a>This is the beach on the hotel where we stayed in Mazatlan.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDxN2K2c39rBM3XGNH6xdrQ46wS77KHAtd_8gJLi4aL527IM057jUtJuv4T1e87evXz747o6gMRCpTz7a9iifl2MS9gETgaRUeFXy1SME9ckAYhfcTVP-biRCOJU3-btXEsY9PyH-SzS9/s1600/DSC00578.JPG"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8482jWzrLxQcmw2fDT7IRdfypkhRFUrdxr8yQZwWoqZeqqhltyer2cKnsGvwZ37GVnxpwZw4Apks7havM4XPzx88hwkyP2XsSsl49GpBZnnFq07IJYha-2ALzoGxm2WgOCdgDGOyj5h/s1600/DSC00555.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8482jWzrLxQcmw2fDT7IRdfypkhRFUrdxr8yQZwWoqZeqqhltyer2cKnsGvwZ37GVnxpwZw4Apks7havM4XPzx88hwkyP2XsSsl49GpBZnnFq07IJYha-2ALzoGxm2WgOCdgDGOyj5h/s320/DSC00555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406027762561482258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The cool Fowler Family, Joseph, Forrest (in the shades) and Lauren<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3bx_KNTOiwEUU1zR3wl9Df-9Vfq3_DOxqQa7FV7w8q5QGEC2tYNcQN0_y19CYehyphenhyphen8tBW0DFggqJxFnmAssSkpY8VcJ2jMeLPfJD9Jqi1NVmbTkcidcBCCh9PALfjUlK7RFErZZ8PluOe/s1600/DSC00527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3bx_KNTOiwEUU1zR3wl9Df-9Vfq3_DOxqQa7FV7w8q5QGEC2tYNcQN0_y19CYehyphenhyphen8tBW0DFggqJxFnmAssSkpY8VcJ2jMeLPfJD9Jqi1NVmbTkcidcBCCh9PALfjUlK7RFErZZ8PluOe/s320/DSC00527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406027754748860642" border="0" /></a>The dudes on the beach. Forrest didn't like standing in the wet sand when the waves went back out. The mountain in the background is called Rock Island and you can tour it. It's very near the airport for the town -- which you can see is on the other end of town from our hotel.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY1duwajZ8QbcxFQy_iueAHBNtOuWnsS04Ph8OeN5o1sVZLsx0muuDpiTAWT6xzdCdxpNGvkCMRsy-PF5PKdKHu7mWNhDy7a0AdP49jUt6wM3x-OYPi5g4XUt9SPZWXmeBWkKZwsjIxpQ/s1600/DSC00518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY1duwajZ8QbcxFQy_iueAHBNtOuWnsS04Ph8OeN5o1sVZLsx0muuDpiTAWT6xzdCdxpNGvkCMRsy-PF5PKdKHu7mWNhDy7a0AdP49jUt6wM3x-OYPi5g4XUt9SPZWXmeBWkKZwsjIxpQ/s320/DSC00518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406025958342942354" border="0" /></a>I have no idea what I'm saying, but the hands are in motion -- must have been something good.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzfxAjVr-OWtpiRT-VhzYpkezN-OkVDu-3_DLCMK8hIr8xky0TAMdXtGAtXqVdgn6AW8JPKiHGYaUdQ_MZ9734OMhzGIcNqX_e9jj_KaQGKaeC3TgdkLArDcpQeoh3hBApDYV1lgrTYcd/s1600/DSC00588.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzfxAjVr-OWtpiRT-VhzYpkezN-OkVDu-3_DLCMK8hIr8xky0TAMdXtGAtXqVdgn6AW8JPKiHGYaUdQ_MZ9734OMhzGIcNqX_e9jj_KaQGKaeC3TgdkLArDcpQeoh3hBApDYV1lgrTYcd/s320/DSC00588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406025949604382818" border="0" /></a>My sweet baby with the big, blue eyes.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdQs9GrqbSmqRWns5yULJtcjD6jpud8QEbdRJk5rKy9Zx3M5hGvUY392ChlIgTcvdPBuOz5kYDvN0u6RdFtAv8gbOzwg6HAWhifRy3RoWp_HpejCROe5HgcNMqyR_7_kaPypN69S8KomK/s1600/DSC00627.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdQs9GrqbSmqRWns5yULJtcjD6jpud8QEbdRJk5rKy9Zx3M5hGvUY392ChlIgTcvdPBuOz5kYDvN0u6RdFtAv8gbOzwg6HAWhifRy3RoWp_HpejCROe5HgcNMqyR_7_kaPypN69S8KomK/s320/DSC00627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406025939124087650" border="0" /></a>Joseph took a surfing lesson and made quick friends with the instructor. After they were finished surfing, they headed into town and Joseph got a tour of all the GOOD places to eat fresh seafood.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDExnZ67LUDAFJy3b_Sb73knGf13A3CRJk8DW_ukHtHOl1Cf0IQQm2n_opP2ZWUgxVngGYi218k4Fqt62R8sSSJQ2ObpQE9VH0Gt1OLVxfeQXlnrZ7ZaOWoLDy4cj5yG7T5iIfO4Uvib5v/s1600/DSC00593.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDExnZ67LUDAFJy3b_Sb73knGf13A3CRJk8DW_ukHtHOl1Cf0IQQm2n_opP2ZWUgxVngGYi218k4Fqt62R8sSSJQ2ObpQE9VH0Gt1OLVxfeQXlnrZ7ZaOWoLDy4cj5yG7T5iIfO4Uvib5v/s320/DSC00593.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406025930661896226" border="0" /></a>Sunset off our balcony -- all the rooms have an ocean view -- amazing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We stayed at the Rui Resort, Emerald Bay, Mazatlan. The hotel was just opened in March 2009 so it's very new and at the far end of the beach. All the rooms face the ocean so everyone has a view like this no matter what you pay. You could watch the cruise ships going out in the evenings on their way to Cabo San Lucas. I hope we go back again in May next spring.<br /></div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-61704842627343467352009-11-03T12:54:00.005-06:002009-11-03T14:04:09.348-06:0010 Reasons to forget last week!I wanted to show you pictures of our trip to Mazatlan, but I can't -- no pictures on my computer.<br /><br />Let's go back a few weeks...my hard drive crashed again on this laptop for the 2nd time, so I lost all my bookmarked pages (again) and Roy had to reinstall Windows (again). I have no sound on my computer so I can't hear videos, or my aquarium or my farm animals (that's another story). Very frustrating.<br /><br />So, just now, I was going to write about our trip to Mazatlan and add some of our beautiful pictures and now I find I am not connected to our home network and cannot access our shared pictures file. Another frustration. So I'll tell post pictures later.<br /><br />First off, we were leaving on Sunday morning around 3:45 and Lupe was going to pick us up at 3:30 to take us to the bus. I waited until Saturday afternoon to do laundry and during this process the dryer decided to stop working <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#1).</span> Roy is a master fixer -- so he fooled around and it started again so I could finish doing laundry before we left on our trip.<br /><br />On Tuesday, our trip coordinator Marta (Lupe is her husband), came to Roy and asked for a favor. He said, of course, which he always does. It seems the hotel where we were staying had gotten our reservations wrong and only had our group confirmed for 2 nights and not 3 so Roy whipped out his good 'ole AMEX (don't leave home without it) and he put 1 more night for our entire group (about 40 people) on his credit card $29,000 pesos <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#2)</span>!! We're going to get the money back, not a problem with that -- we were just the only ones there with a credit card with a large enough credit limit to help her out.<br /><br />We were scheduled to leave on Wed afternoon around 1:00pm. At 2:30 am on Wed. Roy woke me up complaining (which he never does) about severe pain in his lower belly. We called for the hotel doctor who came to our room and by 3:30 am he was on his way, via ambulance, to the hospital in Mazatlan to figure out what was going on. He (we) stayed in the hospital for 2 nights and he was diagnosed with a kidney stone and had surgery to break up a 1cm stone in his kidney that would not pass!<span style="font-weight: bold;"> (#3)</span>. We have insurance here in Mexico, but there is a one year waiting period so this expense comes out of our pocket too <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#4)</span>. The hospital, urologist, cardiologist, GM, hotel doctor, meds, nurses, etc was about $50,000 pesos.<br /><br />We now have to get home another way because our return trip was to be by bus with our group. On to the Mazatlan airport and tickets on Mexicana Air <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#5)</span> for both of us -- $1500 pesos. After a 5 hour wait at the airport -- we arrive back at the Guadalajara airport and our friend, Tom Faloon, is waiting for us to bring us to Ajijic.<br /><br />Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, that while Roy is in the hospital, we receive word from our friend, Tom, that Beau is near death <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#6)</span>! Beau has been Roy's big, black, dog for more than 16 years! He is part black lab, part chow and has the sweetest disposition and temperment of all our dogs combined. When we get back to the house, Beau is laying on a pallet outside our bedroom covered with blankets and not moving. Roy, who is just out of surgery and hospital, lies on the floor with Beau for several hours because we both think he won't be with us for much longer.<br /><br />Monday, I have a dentist appointment at 9:30am. I go out to leave and the car won't start <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#7)</span>. It's the battery, of course it is! So we call our mechanic and he buys and installs a new battery <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#8)</span> for $2000 pesos but it's not taking a charge when the car is running -- it's the alternator <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#9)</span>. We give our mechanic $3000 pesos to buy parts in Guad so he can repair our alternator. No car Monday or Tuesday <span style="font-weight: bold;">(#10)</span>.<br /><br />Today is Tuesday. I am without a car and low on cash! LOL The total for our trip to Mazatlan and the car so far has been about including refills on prescriptions here $58,800<br /><br />The good news is that we are home, Roy is healing, and the dogs got groomed this morning $350 pesos.<br /><br />Our trip to the beach was not what we had planned for it to be. However, the hotel was wonderful, the weather was perfect, we had a balcony with a magnificent view of the ocean and sunsets. The food was good, the pools were beautiful and Lauren, Joseph and Forrest were a delight to spend time with. We all had fun (except maybe for Roy because he admitted to me this morning that he'd been feeling poorly and had back pains for 2 weeks before we left). That's my husband, suffer in silence. Very frustrating, but I think he's gotten the hint that he needs to take better care of himself -- if he wants to be around to take of all of us. Even while Roy was in the hospital he was worrying about Lauren, me, and Keith, his business partner! That's what I love about him the most -- and find it to be very frustrating too!<br /><br />When I have access to our pictures I'll post some of them -- Mazatlan is a great place for a vacation.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-15148282654716316562009-08-18T15:30:00.002-05:002009-08-18T16:13:47.913-05:00I wanted some more yard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlJdxU18Id9qoFI6qkND95hNrlhDEzW3cZt2Tojrzs290CoJtg8Hffvu-F8Kj1D-JcPOpZyAJ_7ggRoBN22sNmZ944Uwt7646n5PvUF-yTybI1Faor3qad9eNPpwXJJe2aR24cNQm6jEq/s1600-h/IMG_0436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlJdxU18Id9qoFI6qkND95hNrlhDEzW3cZt2Tojrzs290CoJtg8Hffvu-F8Kj1D-JcPOpZyAJ_7ggRoBN22sNmZ944Uwt7646n5PvUF-yTybI1Faor3qad9eNPpwXJJe2aR24cNQm6jEq/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371404804668153426" border="0" /></a>I wanted to remove the slate patio for more yard and a place for another tree. We had workers here repairing the leak in the roof of the covered patio so while they were already going to be here for that job we included a "re-working" of the large area surrounding the fountain that was slate. It was very "hard" looking and hot when the sun was beating on it, which most days here in Ajijic it is sunny.<br /><br />Most work in Mexico is done by hand. A man and his pick axe hacking away at the slate. The picture above shows the beginning of the project.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-hySeKX2tz4EycvadeWboFZ0fUuw5fmktQKLjNz0G9ZjZ_1apl2hppW1JhUdq6fvi1mt24Yft97LRXqPzIv_jiCFiIpc2JnL-nlyeonljmMB5-x7YIs5faQMlc2wObyR37aFiQOI70cL/s1600-h/IMG_0437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-hySeKX2tz4EycvadeWboFZ0fUuw5fmktQKLjNz0G9ZjZ_1apl2hppW1JhUdq6fvi1mt24Yft97LRXqPzIv_jiCFiIpc2JnL-nlyeonljmMB5-x7YIs5faQMlc2wObyR37aFiQOI70cL/s320/IMG_0437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371404792347375730" border="0" /></a>This next picture shows what was revealed when the worker got under the slate. What we found was an entire other patio under the slate and concrete...a very common occurence here. You don't like your floor, we'll just lay a new one on top of the old one -- no one will ever know! The patio below the slate was laidout in a parquet design so obviously it was planned and designed that way.<br /><br />Apparently the previous, previous owners had gone to a great deal of work to have this brick patio installed. However, the previous owners, from whom we bought the house, decided they wanted slate. It is handsome and elegant looking, but it doesn't wear well in the elements.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yL44JZ9OLHskscD9IJo_47UqU87Zwx3XtG935B-6aLKslq3WJkct-NRoxj3s_mPYNFIechyphenhyphen-GRDh5Q77KKCykpdjGyhG1ArCNgLrfCF9J1subqzxG8mOkAXELPMnS74pLaFRgwMtWmnY/s1600-h/IMG_0441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yL44JZ9OLHskscD9IJo_47UqU87Zwx3XtG935B-6aLKslq3WJkct-NRoxj3s_mPYNFIechyphenhyphen-GRDh5Q77KKCykpdjGyhG1ArCNgLrfCF9J1subqzxG8mOkAXELPMnS74pLaFRgwMtWmnY/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371404786078964306" border="0" /></a><br />This picture shows how thick the concrete layer was they poured over the brick and then the cement layer for the slate to attached to...OMG how deep does this go down? I am going to guess about 6" deep. I was off a bit -- I just went out and measured and it's at least 5" thick. That's a lot of hacking and pounding.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRoyGuiDC5dcxEfuiZcDS3B8wFVCLJcCE2uDIornNjSYGCQ6dckYykHSi5Y_LLoFKGuOfb9jB3BvdjyH5kZM4ewsqmEEHv499fbO97JoSIuSMZSwm1i7Q0YXruquHW-zm0TYJCDFIe3EO/s1600-h/IMG_0444.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRoyGuiDC5dcxEfuiZcDS3B8wFVCLJcCE2uDIornNjSYGCQ6dckYykHSi5Y_LLoFKGuOfb9jB3BvdjyH5kZM4ewsqmEEHv499fbO97JoSIuSMZSwm1i7Q0YXruquHW-zm0TYJCDFIe3EO/s320/IMG_0444.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371404775753131458" border="0" /></a><br />This morning, I went out to take pictures and this is what was left of the "patio" before the guys came back to keep hacking and pounding and digging away. Magda had to come out and make her inspection prior to today's work beginning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNW1xJPeP0lQAuB7Fl5wSHDVu5YoGwoABVKU9guKrvr7Dmuv5kA0_-IjRBdQUHFff4uGJIUWWD1n2TqszsQY4YzP2B5oCvRJGly7hJfFDluXlxbkzmJpyiZIxAW8hE3rGvpViBJDZjVig/s1600-h/IMG_0448.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNW1xJPeP0lQAuB7Fl5wSHDVu5YoGwoABVKU9guKrvr7Dmuv5kA0_-IjRBdQUHFff4uGJIUWWD1n2TqszsQY4YzP2B5oCvRJGly7hJfFDluXlxbkzmJpyiZIxAW8hE3rGvpViBJDZjVig/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371404770798644338" border="0" /></a><br />Well, as you can see in this picture, the one guy in the foreground seems to be leaning on, what's that, a machine of some kind. The Maestro decided to rent a jack hammer for the day so the work would go faster for the two fellows working here. Thank you Miguel! It's an electric jack hammer so not quite as loud as a pneumatic one -- thank goodness. The pounding will be done by this evening as well as the digging!<br /><br />Magda is super angry she can't go outside and flirt with the trabadores. She's been whining for 2 days now. It's a really good thing Roy's working in Houston because between Magda's pathetic crying and scratching at the door and the pounding and noise -- he wouldn't be a happy man right now.<br /><br />The next part is the fill dirt and some new flagstone steps to and from the house to the garage and grass! It will be much cooler and softer looking too. AND I have more areas to grow flowers, etc. I am hoping we put in a plumeria tree (that's the blossom the Hawaiian's use to make leis) and maybe even a little lime tree for fresh limonadas y margaritas!<br /><br />I'll post the after pictures once the yard is in so you can see how much nicer it is and will become!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-72686501294759960482009-08-08T22:12:00.003-05:002009-08-08T22:33:22.565-05:00Facebook & Farm TownWell, I've developed a new addiction friends, Facebook and Farm Town. OMG -- I can stay on Facebook all day and into the night. It is a wonderful way to keep up with the goings on in friends' and families' lives. AND, since joining Facebook I have found out about a game called "Farm Town".<br /><br />It is an amazing waste of time and I can't stop thinking about my farm! When I first went on and started my farm I didn't get it -- what's the purpose of this silliness? You get 570 coins when you start and you buy and plow some fields and plant a couple of crops, have no more money left, and THEN WHAT? What's the fun in this silly game. I don't get the point of it. Roy googled strategies and chat forums about Farm Town for me so we could figure out HOW to play and how to advance.<br /><br />A couple of my friends invited me to be their neighbors at Farm Town. They started explaining what you do to "grow" your farm. I started working on their farms making more coins by harvesting and plowing for them. I went from level 1 to level 24 in about 2 weeks -- that's obsessive behavior! I have withdrawal when I can't get into my farm, when the server for Farm Town bumps me out, or when my computer internet is slow or down all together. I plan my crops around when my friends and I will be available to harvest for each other. <br /><br />I wake up in the morning and immediately log onto Farm Town to see what's going on and what is ready to harvest. If none of my "neighbors" are home, I go to the marketplace and wait to be hired to work on some stranger's farm so I can get more coins and more points to get more stuff to plant and decorate my farm. It's crazy and I love it! It's one of the only addictions I've had that's not shortening my life or costing me money -- at least as far as I know!<br /><br />If you want to be my Farm Town neighbor, let me know. With more neighbors I get to do buy more stuff like streams, lakes, big houses, and expensive crops that make more coins!!!!!!! See what I mean -- I've lost my mind.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-85437882125539883962009-07-08T10:51:00.005-05:002009-07-08T11:02:43.644-05:00Posting pictures, wierd celebrity obsession, whinningAs I am not a very techie person it seems to take me a long time to 1) remember how to post pictures on my blog, facebook, ravelry, etc. and 2) to then get them where I want them in the damn blog, facebook, ravelry, etc. I refer to Roy as "Help Desk"! We even have friends here in Mexico that call on Roy now when they need something figured out! <br /><br />Do I sound like I'm whinning -- You betcha! <br /><br />I am so sick of Michael Jackson, his family, his legal issues, his drug use, his beatification yesterday, etc. There was nothing else on TV yesterday except that crap -- I use TV to entertain and sometimes inform myself and there was none of that to be found leading up to and including yesterday. As someone said -- there are real issues to be talking about in the world now -- NOT MJ! WOW where did that come from....<br /><br />Thank you I needed to get that off my chest.<br /><br />Back to my original post title: posting pictures. I want to post pics on my ravelry page, but it's a pain in my a** to do it.<br /><br />Can someone please let me know if there's an easy way to download just some pictures off your camera, put them someplace logical and push a button to then "paste" them where you would like to view them and let others view them as well??? Probably not -- too logical. <br /><br />Enough whinning for today (maybe, not promising). Hope your day is turning out better than mine.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-8036562415053068602009-06-20T16:25:00.002-05:002009-06-20T17:05:35.900-05:00Visit to TexasI was back in Texas for a couple of weeks and saw lots of family and friends. My Dad was in hospice in Longview, and is in good spirits and still smiling! Love you Spence and JoAnn. It was hard to see him immobile in a hospital bed but I'm so glad I was able to go and see him. My brother Mike went with me on the drive from Dallas. We had a good visit and did lots of reminiscing!<br /><br />While in Dallas a tornado went over my brother's house -- pretty scary! Mike and Marisa were there for dinner and when they finally got home (which isn't too far) all their pool furniture was in the pool -- but the old fence was still standing pooooh! I enjoyed the time we all had to just be together and eat, talk, and watch some TV. Amy, David, William and Kathryn came up from Richards for a big garage sale at Mike and Willa's church. Even Carolyn got to come up for a night. We had a pool/BBQ party at Mike and Marisa's on Thurs so I got to see almost everyone expect Daniel (Carolyn's hubby) who had to work in Waco. <br /><br />Went to Houston for my grandson, Forrest's, first birthday party. So much fun -- lots of little children and noise! Lauren and Forrest go to Gymboree and many of their friends came. It was so wonderful to see Dad's holding their babies and being involved with the party. Not like when I was little. Moms did the children stuff and the Dad's smoked and drank cocktails and talked about sports or business. Very refreshing to see fathers eager to participate! What a blessing for them and their children. Forrest wasn't having any of the cupcake with bright green icing though. He smeared off the icing and rubbed it on his ears, and hair, and face -- great pics. The little man was coming down with a cold so by that night he wasn't feeling too well along with his Daddy, Joseph. Roy came down with it by Monday -- so far Lauren and I have dodged the bullet! <br /><br />Roy and I got to see Forrest's day care school too. It's really nice. Great security and the teacher/child ratio for his group is great. He's happy and has fun -- that's all you want for the little man! They read, dance, eat lunch together and learn something everyday. I'm so proud!<br /><br />We also were there to close on the sale of our Bellaire house. There were many, many, many, many glitches in this process (as of today we still don't have our money). The buyer has no shame! Lauren's going to go to closing for us on Monday and hopefully call us with good news! We think things are all okay -- but with this guy it ain't over til they slide the check across the table! If for some reason he blows it Monday -- he ain't getting our house. We'd rather leave it empty then screw around with him any more -- he's used up all our patience.<br /><br />I got to spend a lot of time with some friends too while in Houston. Some I haven't seen in a couple of years. I even met some new friends -- hi Pam and Lizzy! This, for me, is one of the hard parts about leaving Houston -- I miss my knittin' buddies! When we left Houston on Friday it was 98 degrees -- even hotter and more humid when I was in Dallas if you can believe that! When we landed in Guadalajara is was 78 degrees and raining. It was 68 when we got to our house! At 2:00 this afternoon it was 77 degrees and the mountains are turning velvet green! Muy bonita!<br /><br />I am happy to be home with my dogs and hubby! I love it here, but I do miss my friends and the kids so very much. We all have to make trade offs though and thank God for email, facebook, Ravelry, VOIP phones, and blogs! <br /><br />COME SEE US!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-9602835063374294182009-06-07T17:34:00.002-05:002009-06-07T17:53:23.524-05:00Knitting with FriendsYesterday I had 4 friends over to knit. It was soooo much fun. They looked through my library and borrowed some books and Roy even served us cool drinks. Having a group here to knit with on a regular basis has been something I've missed from Houston. There was a group that I used to go to but the makeup of the group changed and there was lots of drama associated with who was there and who wasn't wanted -- so I stopped going. <br /><br />This group is small and they have been getting together once a week for some time so I'm happy to have found them. We also have several alternatives for purchasing yarn here now too. Another couple of crafters who go back and forth to the US monthly have opened a yarn shop with mostly acrylic, but they will bring back special order stuff too -- like Lion Brand naturals, Vanna White yarn, etc. Still no Malabrigo though! -- I am dying to see this stuff. Got plans to visit several stores in Texas while I'm there to check out what's up!<br /><br />Also, I've found a couple of people on Ravelry that live here lakeside. I've got plans to hook up with one of them later this month. Ravelry is truly amazing.<br /><br />Well, sitting in my bedroom with 2 fans going and getting ready to break out the wet washcloths -- it's really freakin' hot today -- 93 on the patio -- and no A/C! This will be over soon, but OMG while we go through these dog days of spring here in Mexico it's pretty brutal!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-66276449735392039462009-05-24T10:49:00.005-05:002009-05-24T11:04:01.504-05:00Memorial DayMemorial Day for me is not just remembering and giving thanks for those citizens and friends of the USA who have given the ultimate sacrifice for me, but remembering and giving thanks for all my friends and family who have sacrificed and loved me during my journey here on this plain!<br /><br />I am feeling sentimental today and missing people that I don't get to see anymore on a regular basis. Thank GOD for the internet, facebook, blogs, email, Ravelry, and the phone. I don't think I would have been able to move to Mexico without being able to stay in touch with my extended family.<br /><br />I recently have reconnected with friends from Dallas through facebook. What a gift! I spent many, many hours, days, weeks, months, and years with these people. They had quite a positive impact on my life in forming how I think about myself, life, the world, spirit!<br /><br />THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING!<br />I love you this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!much!<br /><br />Please know that you are often in my thoughts even though I'm over 1000 miles away. Hope everyone reading has a wonderful, grateful, reflective Memorial Day weekend!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-4944304079967427592009-05-15T15:11:00.006-05:002009-05-15T16:10:04.712-05:00Orenburg progress report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZCYqgKlpTGJZdgafSQ0N2icqTELbllN8ffVa6SvQwXgdOZKmR2wbcjbi52JEvbJWJVC7pGfZB6nkGu-K4pesZpss3jN6Pv6-oJ9TJEu6-BZxwrEari1E0vIj5GsyEA4FvbzIQUj-nj9W/s1600-h/IMG_0387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZCYqgKlpTGJZdgafSQ0N2icqTELbllN8ffVa6SvQwXgdOZKmR2wbcjbi52JEvbJWJVC7pGfZB6nkGu-K4pesZpss3jN6Pv6-oJ9TJEu6-BZxwrEari1E0vIj5GsyEA4FvbzIQUj-nj9W/s320/IMG_0387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336148305592824482" border="0" /></a>These balls of yarn are the three colors I'm using in the project. This is the first section of the right edge then you pick up stitches along the straight edge being created and use the copper color. The main triangle will be the sable color in the middle -- perrty huh?!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPkrslOI42RjCUej5y2qkJmH1P7ITSEdagI1k6JxTdylN1j9RnRXqZn2TY-Zs99cnAX5Kd42c_bbWGSQ9TcKdubqQoB7R-ZVTwJ1L-9ur8BgFf11IrG_YjRbLZE6-H9jIqChPlTosIxiR/s1600-h/IMG_0386.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPkrslOI42RjCUej5y2qkJmH1P7ITSEdagI1k6JxTdylN1j9RnRXqZn2TY-Zs99cnAX5Kd42c_bbWGSQ9TcKdubqQoB7R-ZVTwJ1L-9ur8BgFf11IrG_YjRbLZE6-H9jIqChPlTosIxiR/s320/IMG_0386.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336148303671188066" border="0" /></a>detail of the tooth edge<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQo3Qt-ifi1Vwg4xDP-4Ybqpb8YD_4cOxZ4N6jK7sv3ZKyZW0epZE_UxFxB10TednZZ6NhgA3KaiJ_77hrp_YRTVFz6Gqjye1R4qU_IgIraurwgEdUcsOGZS-LGWXsScx3TL0a3FjfB-f/s1600-h/IMG_0384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQo3Qt-ifi1Vwg4xDP-4Ybqpb8YD_4cOxZ4N6jK7sv3ZKyZW0epZE_UxFxB10TednZZ6NhgA3KaiJ_77hrp_YRTVFz6Gqjye1R4qU_IgIraurwgEdUcsOGZS-LGWXsScx3TL0a3FjfB-f/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336148299137301394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VxIg9OHnnMpqMnWhyphenhyphen18WS2RiUBUzoLFgKs4jMTV93gGTrjLTFyTznDxkIWQ3LKeXMpuAYT3JjzANLFJRcU5Mp1BxDX4NdcNRZt93b6J7jkTiwt1QDPewVwuqw0yKlKrsOyMpQiAcmhp0/s1600-h/IMG_0385.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VxIg9OHnnMpqMnWhyphenhyphen18WS2RiUBUzoLFgKs4jMTV93gGTrjLTFyTznDxkIWQ3LKeXMpuAYT3JjzANLFJRcU5Mp1BxDX4NdcNRZt93b6J7jkTiwt1QDPewVwuqw0yKlKrsOyMpQiAcmhp0/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336148297812197698" border="0" /></a><br />I've gotton some knitting done on the Orenburg lace and wanted to share some pictures of my progress. Once I wrote out the repeat lines from the chart I started enjoying the knitting more and making progress. However, it's getting a bit redundant.<br /><br />Russian knitters primarily use k2tog or k3tog for decrease no matter which side you're on. I like that! <br /><br />Anyway, I don't have a good book to read this weekend so most of my time will be knitting -- hopefully I can make good progress.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-42525171186062719802009-05-13T16:28:00.001-05:002009-05-15T15:10:33.676-05:00Orenburg LaceI have started a shawl that I bought at a knitting conference in Sugarland, TX several years ago. It's a russian lace shawl that was featured in <span style="font-style: italic;">Piecework</span>, Sept/Oct 2002, pg 51; "Triangular Warm Shawl" designed by Galina Khmeleva. It is all charted. I use to be able to do charts, even liked working from them--no sweat! My eyes are older now and my glasses aren't that great so words are better. <br /><br />Roy scanned and enlarged the first chart for me, but it was taking me forever, knit one row, rip rip rip, knit it again, rip rip rip. So today I took the time to write out each row of the repeat section and away I went. Much more fun now and quicker. Actually making some progress.<br /><br />By the way, I LOVE RAVELRY ! I found someone there who has made this same shawl and she (Karen from Bethesda, MD) has already helped me with my first "problem" in reading the chart. Knitters are the friendliest people.<br /><br />Small world, Karen's husband used to live in San Miguel de Allende a while ago! I'll get a picture soon so you can see the progress I'm making.<br /><br /><br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752370072436618455.post-53251285351883038172009-05-09T12:54:00.002-05:002009-05-09T13:05:49.598-05:00Feather & Fan<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D8hT4er3COsasPGL6oYDTJ9aNRSKiLy-McPm3HfRh4uuhWoSqW77dqvqz-vcEpcVQ_sigS03VLXPx_xsx_gnqrevZLtA7yJDpW_m9RPsxK8ECnjH12aehr2mVV8SA4NVjJat0uXbru6Q/s1600-h/IMG_0381.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D8hT4er3COsasPGL6oYDTJ9aNRSKiLy-McPm3HfRh4uuhWoSqW77dqvqz-vcEpcVQ_sigS03VLXPx_xsx_gnqrevZLtA7yJDpW_m9RPsxK8ECnjH12aehr2mVV8SA4NVjJat0uXbru6Q/s320/IMG_0381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333885953615705218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFhvC0QvJffAshw-4iyP_gQPmE7LxcxDuJ0nEPhth4Cm55pjoGzB26wEGjBaSV_P7wzLpUjkmzvc3eRfmtSfwWjOaThT3m4o3-tUYcrWb0EGNONnT0Ykza9rl4QSM8lsjl6GgSNsOyZie/s1600-h/IMG_0380.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFhvC0QvJffAshw-4iyP_gQPmE7LxcxDuJ0nEPhth4Cm55pjoGzB26wEGjBaSV_P7wzLpUjkmzvc3eRfmtSfwWjOaThT3m4o3-tUYcrWb0EGNONnT0Ykza9rl4QSM8lsjl6GgSNsOyZie/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333885954926319730" border="0" /></a>too close and I can't get it in focus!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHXLXT1SpPta5f90AY4xvpI9gEjiqChnpSuT1ZoCyC0LNQaIt1Ts2_4cJIr7QiOuVc333wWJ-nvHkIYPFBy7pCStGcLocuV3RKwy9HfTSlECKUmDXOdhLbrbSEAVJg0wLzv2We4H_iLaJ/s1600-h/IMG_0378.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHXLXT1SpPta5f90AY4xvpI9gEjiqChnpSuT1ZoCyC0LNQaIt1Ts2_4cJIr7QiOuVc333wWJ-nvHkIYPFBy7pCStGcLocuV3RKwy9HfTSlECKUmDXOdhLbrbSEAVJg0wLzv2We4H_iLaJ/s320/IMG_0378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333885948587018466" border="0" /></a><br />I have knitted many feather & fan shawls, baby blankets and samplers, but when I received this pattern (as a surprise) in the mail from my buddy Virginia Martinez I was looking for something to knit. This fit the bill.<br /><br />I had previously gotten two different colorways of the new Noro Silk Garden sock yarn and so was ready to go. If I had gotten the pattern and then gone out to find yarn for the project I would not have used these two colorways -- one was for socks for Roy and the other was going to be a pair of bright socks for me. When I was working on the shawl, I wasn't sure I liked how it was turning out, but Roy kept telling me it was pretty.<br /><br />One of the things I learned early on is that when you're the knitter you are sometimes too close to the project to see it the way others will. This is one of those projects. I think it turned out really well because of the light/dark effect of the two yarns -- two rows with one ball and two rows with the other.<br /><br />I wish I cold take better pictures of my knitting, cause I think it's much prettier in person than in these pictures. Anyway...Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08578256088825318400noreply@blogger.com3