“I’m not sure I always feel like I’m in the seat. Sometimes I’m only holding on by one hand and flying out behind the roller coaster. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t feel that way.” David Morse, actor

That statement basically sums up and describes our current rocky state of affairs, but between all the commotion surrounding us, there have been simple moments proving that life goes on, Life ​is Good​.

Our friend, Linda, of the locally popular institution, Abuelinda’s Cuisine, has reinvented herself for the times and started a line of chef wear clothing, aptly named Cocina-Wear. It’s made of natural cotton and beautiful, bright, handmade woven Mexican textiles; making each item unique and original. Stylish with a hint of spice added.

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Luckily, I got to model some pieces for input and critique regarding fit, comfort and style. Her colorful and imaginative creations makes me excited for the line’s upcoming launch. Linda brings all her experiences in the kitchen in designing the assorted pieces, including aprons, coats and pants.

Count me first in line to acquire the pants; they’re roomy and handsomely styled and sharp with its woven inserts. Together with the coat, they’re perfect for comfortable travel clothes, too. Remember those days?

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The Acapulco chair is a jewel of mid-century design. Modern in appearance and still in vogue. I can recall first encountering them poolside in Palm Springs back in the day. In the 1950s and ’60s, Acapulco was a hot destination for the jet set. Airline ads and other images from the time depict a glamorous, fun beachy town in full technicolor.

Sometime during that era, a clever Mexican designer created the famous chair made of vinyl cords on a metal, slightly pear-shaped frame. The Acapulco chair is most commonly used as outdoor lounge seating, in bright, tropical colors.

Well, for the last couple of years I‘ve been coveting a set, but the ones offered in town seemed overpriced and too dark colored for my taste (there’s a saying here, “See a gringo – raise the price!”). I thought of waiting until returning to the artesan town, Tonalá, to purchase them. As luck would have it last week, driving to town, there was a truck full of the chairs sitting by the side of the road, enticing and tempting me to stop.

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I made a quick beeline over to peruse the many different color choices and make my selection; all incredibly priced. The two most colorful now sit under our palapa, a great place to sit, read and relax and dream of far off places.

Fortunately, horseback riding’s been a saving grace, allowing me to get out into the beautiful countryside without fears and trepidation. Summertime temperatures are quite lovely at lakeside; not too hot, but still a strong sun prevails at this altitude.

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You’ve heard me gushing about Negrita. Turns out I’ve created a monster by bringing her a carrot or two pre-sliced into bite-size treats. The minute she sees me approach in the corral she grunts and snorts … staring at me looking for her carrots. As I get close to her she nudges me, like saying, “Hurry up with my snacks!” She’s very gentle as she takes them from my hand. With that, we can get on with business and ride off contentedly.

The rainy season bring tremendous thunderstorms and ample moisture creating spectacular rainbows. Cornfields proliferate and the mountains are abundantly covered in multiple shades of green. It’s awe inspiring and I count my blessings.

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​On the Menu …​ Going with the flow, we’ve been cooking up a storm. Even David has ventured somewhat away from baking sweets and into the savory world … making a dish that gathered lots of discussion: Cuban ​Black Bean Soup​. He dug up the recipe going through his mom’s “Floral Lakes Women’s Club Cookbook” (Delray Beach, FL) that he’s held onto the past twenty years.

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Well, as a Cuban, there is no such thing … we have potaje de frijoles negros that is served with a side of rice. David’s recipe called for the rice added to the soup like noodles. So, with an open mind, I tried it and have to admit it was a really tasty and savory dish; even our neighbor requested the recipe after enjoying her care package.

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I leave you with the Floral Lakes Recipe for Kindness:

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Instructions: Mix together 1 cup of kindness and 1 cup of thoughtfulness until well blended. Add a heaping teaspoon of enthusiasm. Stir in a pinch of loyalty. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of hugs and 1/2 cup of kisses. Blend with a little patience. Bake in sunshine and serve over a lifetime.