“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” Maya Angelou
When we took off from Dallas on the last leg of our trip home, I quickly reflected on our experiences of the last two weeks . . .
New York City is always an exciting and exuberant place. Our theatre-going marathon, items to be crossed off of our shopping list, shared meals with dear friends and family.
I have to admit when David said, “I will fall in love with P’town (Provincetown)…” the place oozes charm; it’s in an idyllic, natural, and beautiful setting. Our gorging on lobsters and my search for the perfect clam chowder.
Boston, a place where no matter where you walk you are stepping into history. Pizza at Regina’s – still savoring its garlic sauce and charred, thin crust.
Well now we are back home and our daily lives. A very long 2-hour drive into Guadalajara to the Hyundai dealer for Teresita’s first service, then a quick stop at Costco on the way home. At home I used to call Costco the 200 dollar club – in Mexico, it’s the 6,000 pesos club.
Everyone here plays Mexican 🚂 – a game played with number dominoes. The object of the game is for a player to play all the dominoes from his or her hand onto one or more chains, or “trains,” emanating from a central hub or “station.” We were invited next door to play – the rules are simple to follow and even easier if you knew how to play dominos. I’m a descendant of great dominos players – my grandparents on my father’s sides were champions. As a team they were unbeatable – they won several trophies at the Culver City Cuban Club in the days of yore. Our neighbor, Judith, asked me why I always spin my last tile with my left hand – I was not aware of doing it. Then I had a vivid memory of my Abuelo Celiano spinning his last tile so I guess it’s imprinted in my DNA. I won the game.
Over the last few months, we have been establishing medical relationships. This week was our first internist appt.. Our initial consultation lasted over an hour of thorough questioning and examinations. We both left with good impressions of our doctors. Blood tests were ordered but as part of a general check-up. You know when you go to the doctor and one of the usual questions is “… are you exercising?” We replied “… yes, chair aerobics …” their response – that is great, but that’s for people 20 years older than you. Our response – “But it’s FUN!”
As I mentioned before I have been translating biographies of the new Mexican artisans attending this year’s La Feria Maestros de Arte. Friday we had lunch with its founder – it’s “big queso.” Of course, I had 1001 questions about the origins- its creation, growth, artist selections, etc. What I got was a human tapestry story of passion at all levels. We will not be in town during this year’s Feria, but by translating the Bio’s, I have felt that I know the artisans, life, art, family…..for me it has been a very rewarding and enriching experience.
On the menu this week: Shrimp Fried Rice … getting pretty good at cooking Chinese food at home. One of the things I miss from NOB, no Chinese food delivery.
My new hammock has been installed in our palapa. I have tried reading, but my eyes just want to rest and automatically close as I gently swing.
Next week my freshly college graduated goddaughter, Alessandra, is down for a visit…..really looking forward to spending time with her as an adult.
