Another (hot) morning at the Ajijic Weds market

Bedspread made in Chiapas

Lunch at the pizza stand.

Slice of pizza and small glass of coke in ice for 20 pesos.. a little over a dollar at this point.

I bought some cooked beets because they take too long for me to cook at home and I know they are good for me.

The crowds are always at the bottom of the market because the veggies are cheaper there.



Huichol beaded necklaces.

Little beaded purses.



I bought a leather purse from the man in the above photo. He makes them and has a shop on the carretera near Colon.

Dog (and cat) Days

Hot, hot, hot here now.

Time to take a nap.

Morning Thoughts

I haven't been on the blog for awhile because I am planning a trip to visit my family in the States. It has been so much work, just to get the airline tickets and make arrangements for my animals. My Debit card had been canceled by the bank because they sent out different cards. So I also had to deal with my bank about that. I have been spending hours on the phone for many days. I think things are settled and then they aren't.  Modern life!  There were many times when I just wanted to quit and not go. I guess I have been spoiled by the simplicity of my life here in Mexico. Maybe this will be my last trip up north. 

I have been thinking about life. How we start out vulnerable and dependent and as we grow, we become stronger and better at getting our needs met. We learn that life expands and we have more options and skills. We become more attractive. Life feels never ending. But then things change somewhere in middle age. We no longer see ourselves as invulnerable. We start having health problems. Instead of life always getting better, it begins to get harder. We begin to feel our limitations and we know that we will die one day. Until we get old, if we are lucky, and we become more vulnerable every day and more dependent on others for help, reverting back to when we first arrived here. Helpless, dependent and needing diaper changes. 

I remember my mother in her last years of her life. She would say, "I will never do THAT again." After different experiences. It made me sad to hear her accept the end of things so calmly but now I understand...

I may never go to the United States again after this trip. The stress is too much for me and I haven't even started out on the journey yet. I have just been tied to the computer, trying to get things arranged.  My family will have to come down to see me in Mexico after this trip. 

A couple of weeks ago on the news I read about a former scientist in Australia, a 106 year old man, who went to Switzerland to take his own life. Doing that is illegal in Australia. He sang a little song that was posted online. He seemed very happy and it was the day before taking the drugs.. He said that he was tired of all his physical problems. Maybe if I were to live that long, I too would want to die. For now, I still want to be alive although I have wanted to commit murder while on the phone all this time, listening to stupid songs and repetitions, "Your call is important to us. Pease stay on the line and a representative will be with you shortly...etc."   Be with me SHORTLY??? Not a chance......

Maybe the Amish have the right idea. Simplify life!  What appears to give us freedom may actually be tying us down, taking away our freedom. 

I would give up flying and all the stress associated with it but I haven't seen my family in about four years. I miss them. Maybe the worst is over now but that is doubtful after seeing all the craziness that happens on airplanes. I have six flights to go on. I am not looking forward to that part of the vacation. It is far more expensive and difficult to go to Kansas City than to Portland, Or. I guess more people want to go to Portland than Kansas. Kansas City in July! I imagine it will be about like the weather here now, only hotter. I just checked the local weather and it will be 90 degrees for the next few days, and very humid. Time to go to the pool and cool off. Now that the arrangements have finally been made, I can get back to swimming. I hope now I will be able to write more on the blog. 

Morning Thoughts

On Mother's Day, which was the 10th in Mexico, my friend, Ely, stopped by to give me a bouquet of flowers. As far back as I can remember she has brought me flowers on Mother's Day. This is a big holiday in Mexico and I am lucky to be included in Ely's inner circle. Ely also introduced me to my current landlord and landlady. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found this place. And Ely has taken care of me through all my illnesses. 

Above is a photo of Ely. She doesn't speak English but we have always managed to communicate. If you live in this area and need a helper, here is her phone number. 331 132 1540.  . 

Morning Thoughts-- Mexican Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day in Mexico. It is always on the 10th. I have no plans. It will be too crowded at the spa and in all the restaurants. Many places will be closed. Maybe I will take a walk with Chico. Here is a photo of my mother. 

Happy Mother's Day Mom. I miss you. 

The Container Restaurant

Sunday afternoon I went to lunch at the Container Restaurant again with my friend Carolina and her dog, Pepper. We were having so much fun that we stayed until they closed. We were the last customers to leave at nine thirty. The two musicians played such beautiful music that we stayed for their entire performance. And Pepper loved all the snacks and attention.

Above is a photo of one of the great cooks. 



I had a shrimp burger. 

That looks like a happy dog.


Carolina. 

Cinco de Mayo

I didn't do much today. Took a walk with Chico to the ATM machine and was relieved to see that it gave me money this time. Nothing like the panic of when my only way of getting money here is cut off. I used the same machine with the same card for years and last week it rejected my card, several times, several days in a row. After I got the money, I just walked home with Chico.  I didn't see anything special going on for the Cinco de Mayo holiday. It isn't that big down here. All I noticed were more cohetes. Those loud fireworks get the local dogs freaked out and they bark after each bang. 

There was a man training his horse in front of the store by my house. The store owner's curious dog was watching it. (He keeps track of everything in the neighborhood. A few times he has chased off dogs that were threatening Chico.) Otherwise today was like any other day in my neighborhood. About an hour ago, the thunder overcame the noise of the fireworks and then the rain arrived. It was a sultry day. The rain has cooled things down and made the air fresh and lighter. As if a heavy blanket had been removed.  That is enough celebration for me, breathing easier. The older I get, the happier I am with the little things. Like breathing. 

My neighborhood. The longer I live here, the more I have grown to love it. The simplicity suits me. 

Morning Thoughts

When I walked into my front room this morning, I was startled to see a young man looking in at me through my open window.

Then I realized it was just a poster for a political candidate. My landlord is involved with politics. He tried to get me to vote for his candidates. I had to tell him that I am not allowed to vote or be involved in politics here. 

He also has a couple of political flags flying from the balcony.

  I took a walk with Chico and opened the window again when we got back. Then Chico saw the poster and started growling and barking. I had to close the window again in order to make him be quiet. 

Here are some photos of flowers in one block on our way home.

Huerto café with Carolina and our dogs

It has been a beautiful afternoon. The rain made the air smell fresh and there was little breeze. I didn't want to go back inside my house. Fortunately, Carolina came by and took us out to lunch. Chico made it his job to protect our table from outsiders. He spent his time growling at two men who were changing a tire in the parking lot. 

Chico is behind the chair and can't be seen in this photo. If you look closely, you can see his tail and his feet.

Carolina and Pepper.

Pepper knew the sucker at the table. How could I resist a face like that, resting on my knee?



Rocio's cat.




Above is the owner, Rocio. I can't read her handwriting so I won't put on her last name. 

We each had a salad.

They have some old photos of boats and fishermen and some nice paintings.

The address of the restaurant is Hidalgo 212. It is between Zona fitness and Pemex in Riberas del Pilar.

They barbeque ribs on Friday and Saturday. And have live jazz for two hours hours from noon to two on Friday. On Saturday there are two musicians who play the violin and harp. The food is good and not expensive. I really enjoyed it today.  

They are closed on Sunday. Monday through Friday they are open nine to five and Saturday, nine to three.