“Words are but pictures of our thoughts.“ John Dryden, poet
Here’s a couple of word definitions for consideration:
Defensive de·fen·sive, an adjective used or intended to defend or protect
Offensive of·fen·sive, an adjective actively aggressive; attacking
I’ve come to consider Mexican drivers play by a different set of rules from the ones outlined in the driver’s manual. Here you drive in both modes simultaneously: defensive and offensive. It’s continuously amazing to me the things you experience and see on the road . . .
Left turns from right-hand lanes; sometimes on a 4-lane road ~ no problema!
Kids sitting on laps or standing in the back seat ~ they’re enjoying themselves playing!
Multiple people (of all ages) riding in the back of open pickups ~ our highest count: 12! (you can actually get a license to transport people with a set upon count)
Traffic stopped ahead ~ no problema ~ just drive on the shoulder, median or against opposite traffic, “I’m in a hurry, man!”
Parking ~ no problema ~ unless you’re blocking an intersection ~ it’s all good, “What’s your issue, man?!”
Red? Green? Yellow? Isn’t that a blinking Christmas Tree?
Patient David had his hernia stitches removed Monday at the doctor’s. He’s feeling much better baking up a batch of M & M’s chocolate chip cookies for the doctor and his office. I asked him to save me a few for the next day’s horseback riding and Napo’s (the horse wrangler) kids … well, the cookies were a big hit all around. But what do you do when you want milk with your cookies? You do what Mateo (six years old) did pick up a glass and go straight to the source, the friendly black cow, and squeeze yourself a fresh glass of leche! If you think he makes milking a cow easy, you should see him handling a horse. And his two sisters, Emily and Belinda, are naturals on horseback. Those kids certainly keep me on my boot toes.
This week I rode three times which was both a privilege and luxury; experiencing new trails and an ever-changing landscape. Fields that a few weeks ago was bone dry and dusty are now sprouting new growths of corn, beans, and cucumbers. Today we rode by one as they were picking cucumbers their fresh aroma permeated the air. I stopped to talk with the workers and was offered one; Napo bought a sackful for what amounted to a dollar in change incredible. David could go into pickle making! We also happened upon my first local countryside funeral; where the mourners walk in procession behind the hearse.
On the Menu: Chile rellenos, one of my favorite Mexican dishes, but I usually find all that batter fighting with the mildness of the poblano pepper. My version is without the fried coating this way, you can taste all the flavors without the heaviness; it’s roasted, peeled, and seeded. The savory stuffing: wild rice, spinach, carrots, onions, garlic, calabazitas, jalapeño … served with a homemade, simple red sauce and melted panela, cheddar, and Cotija cheeses. The only problem I should have made more.
Generally, David is not keen on leftovers and I tend to cook for an army; so my solution for any leftovers hide it in a burrito and then the fusspot becomes Mickey, the “he likes it!” kid. David’s got a saying, “Everything tastes better in a burrito!”
The Patient has been housebound, resting and recuperating nicely, but Nurse/Chef Ratched needed a day off and demanded, “I’m not cooking, so please make reservations at our favorite restaurant.” There, David got to commiserate with the owner, Ricardo, on their shared hernia experiences. New dishes were tried: Chilpachole, a thick soup prepared with shrimp, crab & chilies, a Veracruz specialty; grilled salmon served on a bed of pistachio mole and pork loin slices in a rich, deep black mole; I reached over and spread some on a tortilla… and then another… heaven.
