“Havana, ooh na-na. Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh-na-na (oh, yeah)” Camilla Cabello, singer (lyrics to “Havana”)

We were enchanted and mesmerized with Havana Sky, my oldest nephew’s newborn, during our final time spent in Los Angeles with family. Her bewitching eyes and bright smile had me all wrapped up so tight, so much so that I neglected their two little boys.

Fortunately, David pulled his weight by playing with them, as they were so eager for attention. For a guy who’s not overly comfortable around kids, he showed he was a “player.” However, when asked to hold Havana, he balked, “… she’s much too little and fragile for me.” She’s a doll, but not made out of porcelain.

A dear old friend, Margarita, another Cuban mother who spoils me, hosted our final night in town. You’d think she was Jewish … “Eat! Have some more!” We shared a lovely home cooked meal with her daughter, Ana, and her super smart kid, Alex. His vocabulary at 7+ years old made me think the kid’s ready to jump into graduate school … of course he’s an honor student at school. Kudos to his mom and dad.

Sitting on the plane, I got to reflect on the great week spent NOB … wonderful food, laughter, sharing old and new memories with family and great friends. My heart was sad for leaving them, but happy to be returning back to México living.

David’s 26 yr. old nephew, Derek, and his girlfriend, Melissa, from New York, have now arrived for a week’s visit. The two think they’re going to relax ~ I think not ~ there’s a full week’s schedule planned for them. Can you say Tequila, horses, massages, museums and plenty of yummy foods. Did I mention Tequila?! First stop is dinner – where else, but at our favorite restaurant, Teocintle Maíz!

​On the (eclectic) Menu NOB:​ Thai Yellow Curry with Fried Tofu and vegetables, Pad Thai, Taco Bell cheesy bean and rice burrito, yummy homemade rice pudding, sautéed halibut with ginger and Chamorro pork shank.