I know that some animals get “embarrassed” when they get shaved/groomed. However, this cat who would fight wearing a collar now has a bandana and struts around like he’s the prince. Too funny. And he feels so so silky. He just looks goofy.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Leo the Lion
My kitty has long, silky fur. I’d like to say that at age 18, he no longer grooms himself well. The truth is that he was never very good about it. If we weren’t diligent about brushing, he would get matted and we’d have to cut/shave him. Well, he was pretty matted when we got back, so we decided we would have to have him groomed. I called the vet for a recommendation and they said they had a groomer. I figured Mama’s baby would have to be sedated to be groomed. When I picked him up, this is what he looked like.
I know that some animals get “embarrassed” when they get shaved/groomed. However, this cat who would fight wearing a collar now has a bandana and struts around like he’s the prince. Too funny. And he feels so so silky. He just looks goofy.
I know that some animals get “embarrassed” when they get shaved/groomed. However, this cat who would fight wearing a collar now has a bandana and struts around like he’s the prince. Too funny. And he feels so so silky. He just looks goofy.
Transplant
Our dear friend Judy has suffered greatly with a liver disorder for many years. She took a pretty quick turn for the worse. Suddenly she was on the Liver transplant list, then #1 on the Chicago Liver Transplant list. We got good news that a liver was available and then that it was a match for her. The prayer list for her stretched very long. Please keep her in your prayers as she continues to heal.
This is the logo on the shirt that Pete wore to the ballgame.
Go Batta Batta
Sunday found Pete and I in the car with Sister Elaine and her hubby Phil headed to St. Louis to baseball games at Busch Stadium. Truth be known, I’m not a big baseball fan. After the game between the Cards and the Padres, St. Joseph-Ogden High School played Edwardsville High School. My nephews went to SJO, but what really made it special was that my nephew was the home plate umpire for the game. Isn’t that the coolest? The family was all there to beat up any haters. Just kidding. There were no controversial calls. He spoke to coaches, players, bat boys. I couldn’t have been prouder if he was my son.
My two nephews were so special to me when they were growing up. I loved spending time with them. They were great kids and they have both grown up to be fine young men with wonderful families. Once again, I’m blessed to have such a great family.
My two nephews were so special to me when they were growing up. I loved spending time with them. They were great kids and they have both grown up to be fine young men with wonderful families. Once again, I’m blessed to have such a great family.
89 years old
My dad turned 89 years old today. I have always been on spring break for his birthday. We came home from Mexico early this year especially so we could spend the day with him. He preferred to stay home rather than go out to dinner. My sister made Mom’s famous ham loaf and her special sweet potato casserole, to mention a few things. We celebrated other birthdays on that day as well. I’m blessed to have my dad, but I sure do miss my mother.
My life in a screensaver
My daughter saw the background picture on my android phone and said, “Mom, that looks like a screensaver.” Gosh, it’s so great to think that I live in a screensaver. Did I ever imagine that I could have such a wonderful place? But this screensaver would be empty without the wonderful friends I made there.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lunch with the girls
From now on, my posts will not be daily. But be sure to check back occasionally.
Lunch with the Butterfield School girls - it was so good to see them. I noticed how loud the talk was in the restaurant. All of the restaurants we had been to in Mexico had been “open air” and so the noise must’ve been spread out. Anyway, dining al fresco has always been my favorite…and it still is.
Lunch with the Butterfield School girls - it was so good to see them. I noticed how loud the talk was in the restaurant. All of the restaurants we had been to in Mexico had been “open air” and so the noise must’ve been spread out. Anyway, dining al fresco has always been my favorite…and it still is.
Sunday, March 27th
Leslie invited Alicia and me to go to a play that her theatre company is putting on. I love theatre. I love community theatre just as much as Broadway. I’m just so cheap that it’s hard for me to pay the big bucks to go downtown. But I always enjoy it when I do. The play was called “That was Then” and it was at the Irish American Cultural Center. I really enjoyed it. This weekend is the last weekend. You can find info about it at seneschal.org.
Friday, March 25th
Oh the mail!! Piles and piles of it. Yikes. Oh well, must tackle it.
Dinner with the BFFs. It’s so much fun.
Dinner with the BFFs. It’s so much fun.
Thursday, March 24th
It was an early morning 7:45 pick up for grandson Dylan. Ah, we’ve missed him so much. And he has really grown and he’s talking so so much. And sitting up by himself. He smiled when he saw me, but his eyes really lit up for his Grandpa. What is better than having a grandchild whose eyes light up when you walk into the room? Maybe it’s having your eyes light up when your Grandchild walks into the room.
Wednesday, March 23rd
What a nice flight back. We were in the first row with no one in between us - so that meant we were the first ones off the plane. Because of Pete’s pulled muscle (or whatever it is), we caught the tram and we were also the first ones in the immigration line. Unbeweebable.
What was our first meal back? Italian beef, of course. None of our friends have ever had Italian Beefs before. I am determined to get them down to Mexico for a party next year. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you were out of the country for 6 weeks, what is the first meal you would have?
What was our first meal back? Italian beef, of course. None of our friends have ever had Italian Beefs before. I am determined to get them down to Mexico for a party next year. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you were out of the country for 6 weeks, what is the first meal you would have?
Tuesday, March 22nd
My gosh, we woke up to torrential rain and no power. Thank heavens neither one lasted for too long. No laying around on the beach today. Glad I spent some relaxing time on the beach yesterday.
Time to start packing up for the season. This is our first time to pack things away for months. (though we have someone coming in July). Hope we’ve done enough to get the place shored up before hurricane season. Guess we’ll find out.
Since it was our last night, we picked out the restaurant. Oh, it’s too hard to decide. So I let Pete decide and we went to Mom’s in Playa del Carmen. Definitely our favorite place (with Util, Manne’s and H. C. de Monterrey coming in very close). Then it was back to do more packing and laundry.
Time to start packing up for the season. This is our first time to pack things away for months. (though we have someone coming in July). Hope we’ve done enough to get the place shored up before hurricane season. Guess we’ll find out.
Since it was our last night, we picked out the restaurant. Oh, it’s too hard to decide. So I let Pete decide and we went to Mom’s in Playa del Carmen. Definitely our favorite place (with Util, Manne’s and H. C. de Monterrey coming in very close). Then it was back to do more packing and laundry.
Monday, March 21st
Today is my last day of water aerobics for the season. Boo hoo.
Karl took us on a visit to the ranch he manages. They call it a ranch, but it doesn’t have animals. It is more like a Mexican conference center. There are individual palapas for sleeping and buildings for meeting and eating. There is also a pool, mini-golf, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and basketball court. There is also a spectacular cenote for swimming. Here is a link for you to see it for yourself. Thank you for the adventure, Karl.
Our town of Paamul is very charitable, supporting a variety of endeavors. This evening there was an auction to support the school at Chumpon. A percentage of the restaurant proceeds were donated by its’ owner, Kalu. Several thousand dollars were raised for the school library (which was financed by Paamul residents). If you would like to donate, I’d love to take any Spanish language children’s books to Mexico. Just send them to me or bring them over.
Karl took us on a visit to the ranch he manages. They call it a ranch, but it doesn’t have animals. It is more like a Mexican conference center. There are individual palapas for sleeping and buildings for meeting and eating. There is also a pool, mini-golf, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and basketball court. There is also a spectacular cenote for swimming. Here is a link for you to see it for yourself. Thank you for the adventure, Karl.
Our town of Paamul is very charitable, supporting a variety of endeavors. This evening there was an auction to support the school at Chumpon. A percentage of the restaurant proceeds were donated by its’ owner, Kalu. Several thousand dollars were raised for the school library (which was financed by Paamul residents). If you would like to donate, I’d love to take any Spanish language children’s books to Mexico. Just send them to me or bring them over.
Sunday, March 20th
Seems like Party is in the air these days. Our neighbors, Mikie and Annie are leaving for Canada the day after we leave. So they had a picnic in the street. Hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked on the grill and everyone brought something. These potluck dinners are wonderful!
Pete and I made a coconut pie. Pete’s job was to get the coconut off of the tree and to crack it open with his machete. I shredded the coconut and baked the pie. I think everyone enjoyed it. I think it would have been better if it had a traditional pie crust. But I am definitely gonna look up some more coconut recipes.
Pete and I made a coconut pie. Pete’s job was to get the coconut off of the tree and to crack it open with his machete. I shredded the coconut and baked the pie. I think everyone enjoyed it. I think it would have been better if it had a traditional pie crust. But I am definitely gonna look up some more coconut recipes.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19th
We had lots of steak and chicken left in the freezer and we’re leaving for Chicago in 4 days. So, what comes to mind when you say steak and chicken in the same sentence? Fajitas, of course. So, we invited about 20 people over. Everyone brought something to finish off the meal. We had barely enough meat even though we started out with 10 chicken breasts and ½ crockpot of steak. The best part was that we had almost no leftovers. Everything was so good from Danny’s homemade salsa to Debbie’s lime squares.
It was a beautiful night on the beach with the full moon shining on the water and lighting up our party on the beach.
I have to give kudos to my husband. We worked together to make the fajitas. I chopped and he cooked the meat and the vegetables on the griddle. I never could have gotten it done in time and/or I would’ve burned something trying to chop and cook at the same time. I’m a lucky woman.
It was a beautiful night on the beach with the full moon shining on the water and lighting up our party on the beach.
I have to give kudos to my husband. We worked together to make the fajitas. I chopped and he cooked the meat and the vegetables on the griddle. I never could have gotten it done in time and/or I would’ve burned something trying to chop and cook at the same time. I’m a lucky woman.
Friday, March 18th
We drove to Puerto Morales with 2 other couples for a lunch on the beach (the restaurant was called “La Playa”) and to see the town. The lunch was marvelous. We chose our own fish from the cooler. A small grouper for me. I was tempted to try something else, but soon there will be no fresh fish for me. So I’d better have fish for just a few more days. Here are a few pictures.
Our new neighbors were here when we got home and some other friends came in off the beach, so we ended up with 13 people sitting around in the font of the palapa enjoying the view and the camaraderie. I really love the people down here. It is so easy to get together with people and so much fun. I‘m glad to be a part of this “community“..
I was coming from the palapa into the trailer part at about midnight and there was a gecko on the wall above the sliding glass door into the trailer. I know that geckos are great for the environment and I really do love them. However, I just had to have a heart to heart with this guy and beg him to please hang on and not drop on my head (or any part of my body) as I had to pass under him to get to my bedroom. I knew I would scream like a girl (which I am) if he did. Besides, he’s the one who usually hangs out on my shower just eyeballing me when I’m naked in the shower. Now he’s hanging out at my bedroom door when I’m gong to bed. What’s up with that? Do I have a gecko admirer? He’d better not try to hitch a ride home in my suitcase.
Our new neighbors were here when we got home and some other friends came in off the beach, so we ended up with 13 people sitting around in the font of the palapa enjoying the view and the camaraderie. I really love the people down here. It is so easy to get together with people and so much fun. I‘m glad to be a part of this “community“..
I was coming from the palapa into the trailer part at about midnight and there was a gecko on the wall above the sliding glass door into the trailer. I know that geckos are great for the environment and I really do love them. However, I just had to have a heart to heart with this guy and beg him to please hang on and not drop on my head (or any part of my body) as I had to pass under him to get to my bedroom. I knew I would scream like a girl (which I am) if he did. Besides, he’s the one who usually hangs out on my shower just eyeballing me when I’m naked in the shower. Now he’s hanging out at my bedroom door when I’m gong to bed. What’s up with that? Do I have a gecko admirer? He’d better not try to hitch a ride home in my suitcase.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 16th
We went to the movies tonight. We chose a movie that was either called “Stone” or “Karma”. I’m not sure. The seats were comfortable and the price was definitely right. $350 pesos for the show - around $3.00. It’s also $450 pesos for popcorn, but I passed on the popcorn because we had just eaten. L
Anyway, it was probably the worst movie I have ever seen. A great cast - Robert DeNiro and Edward Norton.
It was in English with Spanish subtitles. Don’t even rent it from Redbox for 1.00. It’ll probably be up for best supporting actor. Edward Norton was scary good. Still not worth the price.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16th
Yesterday I said how I had a freezer full of meat. So what did we do? We went out to dinner with friends. I had suggested Manne’s Biergarten, but friends wanted to go to Mom’s in Playa. I’m so glad we went to Mom’s. It is now one of my very favorites…maybe my favorite. I will definitely take friends to Mom’s when they come down. They have a daily special for $80 pesos (less than $8) - like chicken fried steak, shrimp alfredo. I would definitely be in serious diet trouble if I went there too often. And it has that homemade taste…like from Mom’s kitchen.
Tuesday, March 15th
Our time in Paamul is starting to wind down - only one more week here. And my freezer is still full of meat. So I decided I would make a big crockpot of beef stew and invite some friends for dinner. Friends brought salad and bread and wine. Oh, it made such a wonderful feast, We finished it off with brownies and coconut ice cream drizzled with chocolate. We played cards until “Paamul midnight”, which is 10pm. At Paamul, just like at an RV Park or a campground, there is a quiet time or “noise curfew”.
Monday, March 14th
Just had to add this picture from last night’s dinner at Sur. Only in Mexico can you have a Drugs and Deli store. Be inventive. You make up the ad for it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sunday, March 13th
Our soon to be neighbors Jack & Kathy (and adorable 3 year old Emma Sophia) invited a group of Paamulians out to dinner tonight. We all met at Sur, a wonderful restaurant on 5th Avenue. 5th Avenue is the happening place in Playa del Carmen. The street is blocked off, allowing no vehicles. It’s filled with restaurants and shops. Anyway, I digress.
Jack regularly takes clients to Sur and so they know him very well. He started us all out with an appetizer of octopus and tuna. I tried both of them. Everyone raved about them. They just weren’t my thing. I really enjoyed getting a chance to try some really good octopus so I know I’m not crazy about it. Didn’t hate it, just have lots more favorite foods. And honestly, it was hard for me to get past the suckers on the tentacles. How about you?
Pete had a great steak and I had the fish of the day, Grouper. Honestly, I have never found a restaurant that doesn’t have grouper as the catch of the day. I’m not complaining. It’s very good.
And the desserts - crepes and a chocolate torte. Mmmm.
The food WAS WONDERFUl, but honestly, the most enjoyable thing was the friends
And the laughter and good times.
Thanks, Jack & Kathy.
Jack regularly takes clients to Sur and so they know him very well. He started us all out with an appetizer of octopus and tuna. I tried both of them. Everyone raved about them. They just weren’t my thing. I really enjoyed getting a chance to try some really good octopus so I know I’m not crazy about it. Didn’t hate it, just have lots more favorite foods. And honestly, it was hard for me to get past the suckers on the tentacles. How about you?
Pete had a great steak and I had the fish of the day, Grouper. Honestly, I have never found a restaurant that doesn’t have grouper as the catch of the day. I’m not complaining. It’s very good.
And the desserts - crepes and a chocolate torte. Mmmm.
The food WAS WONDERFUl, but honestly, the most enjoyable thing was the friends
And the laughter and good times.
Thanks, Jack & Kathy.
Saturday, March 12th
Pete joined “the inner circle” today. No, it’s not some crazy cult. His buddies have a stone circle on a leather band around their necks. So we attended an art show and bought him his own “inner circle”. We all decided to have ice cream or gelato for dessert. I chose coco Italian gelato - coconut. Yummmmmy. Sometimes this blog does have a food theme, doesn’t it? No wonder it’s so hard to lose weight. I love food.
Speaking of food, what do I miss most from Illinois? It has to be a toss up between Buona Italian Beef Sandwiches and Portillo’s Chopped Salad. What would you miss the most if you were out of town for a couple of months?
Lots of walking on 5th Street. I hope I keep up the walking at home.
Speaking of food, what do I miss most from Illinois? It has to be a toss up between Buona Italian Beef Sandwiches and Portillo’s Chopped Salad. What would you miss the most if you were out of town for a couple of months?
Lots of walking on 5th Street. I hope I keep up the walking at home.
Friday, March 11th
It’s Crab Race Night! It’s our last crab race of the season since we’re going to be back in Wheaton when they have the next one. Boo Hoo. We’ll miss Paamul and all of the friends we have made here. But we love our life in Wheaton as well.
After the crab race (we skipped the karaoke), we headed back to our palapa for cards with friends. I love playing cards. We always seem to have so much fun and laugh ourselves silly.
After the crab race (we skipped the karaoke), we headed back to our palapa for cards with friends. I love playing cards. We always seem to have so much fun and laugh ourselves silly.
Thursday, March 10th
One of the residents here offers an oil painting class. It’s a 1 day class and is limited to 7 participants. I have never painted with oils. Plus my high school art teacher told my mom, “She HAS no talent.“ End of parent conference. Anyway, Jeannie and I signed up for the class. I ended up painting a decent parrot. Not great by any stretch of the imagination, but decent. Even more important is that I really enjoyed it. Didn’t need to be great at it. Just really enjoyed the day and the relaxation of it. I guess it’s called the Bob Ross painting program. I’ll have to check it out. It might be on PBS.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9th
A group of Paamulians waited on the beach in the morning to see the Space Shuttle fly by. However, it took a different route and we all looked like dummies standing there looking at the sky. Or perhaps it was a morning party on the beach.
We went out to Util, an Italian restaurant in Playa del Carmen. I think it was the best lasagna I have ever had. Plenty of meat sauce. Not too much cheese. Just perfect. The restaurant owner is Argentinian. And it was made even more perfect by 3 other wonderful couples from Paamul. We celebrated Debbie’s birthday with a chocolate cake that was oh so good.
We had taped Survivor and watched it when we got home. If you’re not a Survivor fan, ignore the rest of this post. We can’t stand Russell. It was so good to see him go home. And I love it that the guy who manipulates everyone actually cries when he loses. He was/is such a snake. Adios sucka!
We went out to Util, an Italian restaurant in Playa del Carmen. I think it was the best lasagna I have ever had. Plenty of meat sauce. Not too much cheese. Just perfect. The restaurant owner is Argentinian. And it was made even more perfect by 3 other wonderful couples from Paamul. We celebrated Debbie’s birthday with a chocolate cake that was oh so good.
We had taped Survivor and watched it when we got home. If you’re not a Survivor fan, ignore the rest of this post. We can’t stand Russell. It was so good to see him go home. And I love it that the guy who manipulates everyone actually cries when he loses. He was/is such a snake. Adios sucka!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tuesday,March 8th
We got our new loveseat today. Yea!!!! We had ordered it in Dark Blue and it finally came in. It’s perfect in the trailer. Just the right size. The only down side is that I don’t get to stop in to say hi to the very cute, soft spoken Argentinean sales guy. Maybe I need a footstool. Ha.
Today when I was laying on the beach, Dave and Annie Rose (the little fluffy dog) came by. Annie Rose went to visit everyone that was sitting/laying on the beach. When she got to me, she jumped up on my chaise lounge and just snuggled up. It was so cute. There are lots of cute dogs down here. But don't worry, kitties. I love you best. I am NOT bringing a dog home.
Tonight we’re off to Puerto Aventuras to go to dinner. Yes, again. We have a gift certificate that has to be used by Friday (Thank you, Gary and Patti). Invited Springfield Rich and Debbie to join us. Should be a fun time.
Today when I was laying on the beach, Dave and Annie Rose (the little fluffy dog) came by. Annie Rose went to visit everyone that was sitting/laying on the beach. When she got to me, she jumped up on my chaise lounge and just snuggled up. It was so cute. There are lots of cute dogs down here. But don't worry, kitties. I love you best. I am NOT bringing a dog home.
Tonight we’re off to Puerto Aventuras to go to dinner. Yes, again. We have a gift certificate that has to be used by Friday (Thank you, Gary and Patti). Invited Springfield Rich and Debbie to join us. Should be a fun time.
Monday, March 7th
Water aerobics in the ocean. The water was perfect. I feel so lucky.
Pete noticed today that I wake up happy here. Maybe it’s the retirement…or maybe it’s the view….or maybe it’s the weather….I vote for a combination of all of them.
I had a taste for Paneras today…soup, to be exact. I suggested we go to El Fagon for ham and bean soup. It’s a traditional Mexican taco place. Don’t like their tacos (the cheese is disgusting), but love their bean soup. We invited others to join us and we ended up with 8 people for dinner. It was so much fun. Sometimes you only like the guy in a couple or the girl in the cuple, but we have 5 couples (at least) that we like the husband and wife and they are so much fun to be around. How great is that?
I’m always one for the desserts, so I offered to buy a dessert pizza at Italianni’s. For the equivalent of $3.25, we got an 8 piece medium chocolate (maybe nutella) pizza. An incredible deal! And yummy, too. I’m gonna do some experimenting at home. Why didn’t I remember to take a picture of it? Guess I’ll just have to order another one. Ha.
Pete noticed today that I wake up happy here. Maybe it’s the retirement…or maybe it’s the view….or maybe it’s the weather….I vote for a combination of all of them.
I had a taste for Paneras today…soup, to be exact. I suggested we go to El Fagon for ham and bean soup. It’s a traditional Mexican taco place. Don’t like their tacos (the cheese is disgusting), but love their bean soup. We invited others to join us and we ended up with 8 people for dinner. It was so much fun. Sometimes you only like the guy in a couple or the girl in the cuple, but we have 5 couples (at least) that we like the husband and wife and they are so much fun to be around. How great is that?
I’m always one for the desserts, so I offered to buy a dessert pizza at Italianni’s. For the equivalent of $3.25, we got an 8 piece medium chocolate (maybe nutella) pizza. An incredible deal! And yummy, too. I’m gonna do some experimenting at home. Why didn’t I remember to take a picture of it? Guess I’ll just have to order another one. Ha.
Here's a picture, compliments of Patti.
Saturday, March 5th
Did lots of sewing today with Teresa’s borrowed sewing machine. It is an older model. Works quite well. However, it has no reverse. Gosh, how I miss reverse. I made covers for the fan, coffee pot, and water dispenser. (I already made a cover for the TV.)
Everyone in Paamul is invited to a party today. It’s given by two long-time residents - a couple as a celebration of their birthdays and anniversary (3 days in a row). Everyone brings a dish and there is a giant buffet table set up. Beer, pop, and margaritas are provided. Donations are requested at $10 pesos per drink (about $.80). There are a variety of musicians who perform. Each year has a theme. This year’s theme is white so everyone is supposed to dress in white.
Update: What a wonderful party. There were about 120 people there. Talk about a huge buffet! And desserts galore. It was really hard not to overeat.
Everyone in Paamul is invited to a party today. It’s given by two long-time residents - a couple as a celebration of their birthdays and anniversary (3 days in a row). Everyone brings a dish and there is a giant buffet table set up. Beer, pop, and margaritas are provided. Donations are requested at $10 pesos per drink (about $.80). There are a variety of musicians who perform. Each year has a theme. This year’s theme is white so everyone is supposed to dress in white.
Update: What a wonderful party. There were about 120 people there. Talk about a huge buffet! And desserts galore. It was really hard not to overeat.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4th
I heard an “Oh Shit” from Pete as he walked out the back door this morning. Sure enough, there was our snake. Small, but snaky nonetheless. Pete hates snakes.
Internet is still going on and off quite a bit. It’s a pain.
Yup, we definitely have new neighbors. They are a nice couple who work in Playa with an adorable 3 year old girl named Emma Sophia. They decided not to purchase the 2nd palapa, so no guest house.
Now here’s a thought. You can partner on the palapas.
4 partners
$10,000 initial investment each (includes $10,000 for improvements and decorating)
For an additional $5,000 - $8,000 you could have the trailer removed and a 2 bdrm house built there.
13 weeks per year availability
$1500 per year “rent” + maybe $500 per year to maintain the place
Phone, internet, and cable are extra. - maybe $150/month split 4 ways
Less than 50 steps to the beach
Great neighbors across the street (us) and a nice “community” feel
A sliver of ocean view
You don’t pay for electricity, water, sewer, garbage. You only pay for gas.
Here are a couple of pictures.
Thursday, March 3rd
It was a perfect morning for water aerobics in the ocean. The water was calm and warm. It was so nice that no one got out after aerobics. Everyone stayed in the water and just chatted. I’m sure gonna miss this when I’m back in Chicago. Do they have water aerobics in the ocean anywhere else?
A Canadian guy from Playa stopped by to chat. He’s looking at buying an ocean-front palapa and we pointed out which ones (3 of them) are for sale. The one next door to us hasn’t advertised yet, though they are getting it ready to sell. Mr. Playa looked at it and he’s bringing his wife back on Friday morning to look. He’s planning to put in an offer. He’s also thinking about buying the one across the street for $$30,000 as a “guest home” for relatives who come to visit. He said we could use it as a guest home as well. He and Pete got along great right from the start. There’s a reason they call Pete “Sweetie Petey”. He’s a great guy. Perhaps we will have new neighbors.
We caught up on a few weeks of the TV Show Survivor. Love the challenges. Hate the drama. Love Boston Rob. Hate Russell. Brilliant move to vote him off. Hope he permanently goes home. What a sleaze bag he is.
A Canadian guy from Playa stopped by to chat. He’s looking at buying an ocean-front palapa and we pointed out which ones (3 of them) are for sale. The one next door to us hasn’t advertised yet, though they are getting it ready to sell. Mr. Playa looked at it and he’s bringing his wife back on Friday morning to look. He’s planning to put in an offer. He’s also thinking about buying the one across the street for $$30,000 as a “guest home” for relatives who come to visit. He said we could use it as a guest home as well. He and Pete got along great right from the start. There’s a reason they call Pete “Sweetie Petey”. He’s a great guy. Perhaps we will have new neighbors.
We caught up on a few weeks of the TV Show Survivor. Love the challenges. Hate the drama. Love Boston Rob. Hate Russell. Brilliant move to vote him off. Hope he permanently goes home. What a sleaze bag he is.
Wednesday, March 2nd
We took Patti and Gary to the airport for their trip home. We’ll miss them, but have great memories of their time here. Go Alice!
A relaxing day with no internet or phone (dang).
A relaxing day with no internet or phone (dang).
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1st
March, already? Time sure does fly. It is our last day with Patti & Gary. Hung around the house a bit. Then out to dinner at H&C Monterreys for arracherra. It was amazingly good. Patti said it was her favorite food and favorite restaurant. You get your choice of 2 - baked potato, baked onion, or ½ of an avocado. They also served complimentary shots of tequila. (None for me, the designated driver) I’ll post a few pictures of our fun evening.
We stopped at Manne’s for a drink, but they were closed. Then we headed to an underground cave restaurant (Alux) for drinks. It was closed for renovations. We stopped for a chocolate pizza at Italiannis. Pete and I had seen it before, but never tried it. It was so good. Very unique and delicious. Wish I knew how they made it.
Then back home for a rousing game of “99”.
Saturday, February 26th - Monday, February 28th
We got a really nice deal at the all-inclusive Sandos Caracol Playa del Carmen resort just about 20 minutes down the road from us. It was so nice to be pampered and to not have to cook for a few days.
It was billed as a eco-resort. They had donkeys, peacocks, deer, coati, & a bee colony (non-stinging, honey producing). They also had (this is my favorite part) a cat colony. All of the cats are from Coco’s Cat Rescue in Playa. They are all spayed or neutered, receive vet care, and so their numbers are controlled. It was wonderful for me to scratch a few ears and pet them. It made me really really miss my kitties at home.
Our room had a mini fridge that never really worked (that was the only bad part of our trip). We had plush robes, a tray of fresh fruit, bottles of champagne, rum, vodka, and tequila. There were 3 buffets - Mexican, Italian, and International. All were very very good. We also ate at a Brazilian steakhouse. It was yummy, too. But not nearly as good as Sal e Carvaro’s in Downers Grove. It’s one of our favorites. Butterfield School had our end of the year luncheon there. The food was great and they treated us so very well. There were a few cats and raccoons who hung out just outside of the restaurant waiting to be hand-fed. Cool.
We really did miss the wireless internet in the rooms. We had to go to the beach area to get on a computer with internet connection. Welcome to Mexico. We are so used to having Internet access everywhere.
I never ever liked guacamole or avocados. Now I love it. Which will probably turn out to be a bad thing for me. LOL. I have heard that daughter Tanya makes a great guacamole, so I’ll have to tap her skills.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25th
Today we drove to the Mayan ruins at Coba. It was really reasonable to get in. Only $51 pesos - equal to about $4.50US. We rented rickshaw drivers to drive us from place to place. There was still some walking, but not much. Each couple had their own “rickshaw”. Very interesting.
After the exhausting (LOL) time at the Ruins, we had to stop for a drink and appetizer. I have never been a fan of guacamole. However, the guac down here has been amazing. And I’m hooked.
Dinner at “The Camel” in Tulum. It is a wildly popular place. I insisted that Gary and Patti try the Shrimp Ceviche. It is a combination of chopped onions, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper, and loads of shrimp. It makes a yummy appetizer. It’s also available with fish, squid, octopus, or a mix of all of them. That would definitely be asking too much of me! LOL
We ended up the evening at the restaurant in Paamul. Patti and Gary loved the crab races (me, too). Pete won the money on 2 of the 6 races and Patti won a dinner certificate for $150 pesos off at the Pub restaurant . Do you Karaoke? We have Karaoke here in Paamul after the crab races. I am the worst singer in the world. So it’s no karaoke for me. Listened to a few numbers, then headed back to the Palapa for a rousing game of 99.
Thursday, February 24th
A little bit of a party time on 5th Avenue in Playa. We ended up at Senor Frogs. I think it’s my last time there. The food was okay, but just okay. And definitely overpriced. When there are so many other places (hundreds) that are so much better, why bother? Sorry, Senor Frogs. We loved you 20 years ago!
Wednesday, February 23rd
It’s so much fun to have friends to “play with”. A little time in the sun - not long enough to burn. We had a trip to Puerto Aventuras to see the dolphins and sea lions.
We stopped at a place where they were making tortillas and they handed us each one hot off the “press”. Yummyyyyyyyyy! I loved the experience, too.
We stopped at a place where they were making tortillas and they handed us each one hot off the “press”. Yummyyyyyyyyy! I loved the experience, too.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22nd
Headed for the airport this morning to pick Patti and Gary up for their 8 day Mexico adventure with us. I hit a huge pothole…huge just before the turnoff to the airport. Dang. Pete and I both said we’d be lucky if we didn’t get a flat tire. Guess we weren’t lucky because we DID get a flat. A nice Mexican guy stopped and changed our tire. The tire was shredded. The spare was a little flat, but barely driveable.
Gary and Patti’s plane was about 2 hours late because all of the flights were delayed from Chicago. Patti has pictures of them de-iceing the plane twice.
We decided to just go back to the car rental and have them fill the spare tire and give them the shredded tire to replace. Instead, they gave us a new car. A very nice one - a Dodge Attitude. Seems like it’s something I should have - a Dodge Attitude. It’s a really nice car, but it’s an automatic and I miss the 5-speed. Brings out the Anne-dretti in me. LOL..
It’s so nice to have friends come to visit. Isn’t it fun to share the things you like with friends?
Gary and Patti’s plane was about 2 hours late because all of the flights were delayed from Chicago. Patti has pictures of them de-iceing the plane twice.
We decided to just go back to the car rental and have them fill the spare tire and give them the shredded tire to replace. Instead, they gave us a new car. A very nice one - a Dodge Attitude. Seems like it’s something I should have - a Dodge Attitude. It’s a really nice car, but it’s an automatic and I miss the 5-speed. Brings out the Anne-dretti in me. LOL..
It’s so nice to have friends come to visit. Isn’t it fun to share the things you like with friends?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 19th
Thinking about my Mom today on her birthday. She was a wonderful lady. I miss her very much. Sometimes I just wish I could pick up the phone and call her. Hello? Heaven? Could you put my Mom on the phone? She’s probably in the kitchen baking bread or maybe she’s in the Sewing Room making wings for the angels.
Friday, Febuary 18th
Even though I wanted to go out on the beach, I never seem to get any reading done, so I took a “reading break” and sat on the couch and read my book. I almost finished it in bed, but just couldn’t stay awake. I must’ve looked funny with this light around my neck. But it works great. Great for walks, too.
http://www.mylight.com/huglight-4-led-p-219.html?zenid=27823dc07292abf6b1c48f74efa6bc2c
We went to Manne’s Beer Garden for dinner and it was goooooooodddddddd. The Beer Garden had tables with wooden benches for seats (no backs). For added comfort (?), there were Mexican serapes on the benches. Pete was not thrilled with the scorpion climbing on the wall. LOL. But we’ll go back. The food was well worth it. We shared an order of the special - Pork roasted on a spit, sauerkraut (ew), German potatoes, and a side order of spaetzle.
http://www.mylight.com/huglight-4-led-p-219.html?zenid=27823dc07292abf6b1c48f74efa6bc2c
We went to Manne’s Beer Garden for dinner and it was goooooooodddddddd. The Beer Garden had tables with wooden benches for seats (no backs). For added comfort (?), there were Mexican serapes on the benches. Pete was not thrilled with the scorpion climbing on the wall. LOL. But we’ll go back. The food was well worth it. We shared an order of the special - Pork roasted on a spit, sauerkraut (ew), German potatoes, and a side order of spaetzle.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thursday, February 17th
Don’t you just hate it when something doesn’t work?
Last night I set up my new Singer Pixie Plus mini sewing machine. I purchased it on sale months ago. So last night I finally opened the box and read the directions and started to wind the bobbin. So it’s like I’m revving a car in neutral. The bobbin isn’t spinning even though the motor is running. Crap. So I wind the bobbin by hand. What a pain. And then I put the bobbin in and threaded it and voila…nothing. Double Crap. So now I have a worthless piece of plastic that I will not be able to get a refund on nor will the manufacturer warranty it because it’s past the 90 day. I hate to just toss it cause it’s brand new, but I can’t see a point in dragging it back to the states. Grrr.
And now I can’t sew stuff down here unless I buy a sewing machine. Having something shipped down here would probably be expensive (if it even got here).
Speaking of getting here, one of the residents just received his Christmas card (mailed November 8th) today. And we thought the USPS was slow!
Last night I set up my new Singer Pixie Plus mini sewing machine. I purchased it on sale months ago. So last night I finally opened the box and read the directions and started to wind the bobbin. So it’s like I’m revving a car in neutral. The bobbin isn’t spinning even though the motor is running. Crap. So I wind the bobbin by hand. What a pain. And then I put the bobbin in and threaded it and voila…nothing. Double Crap. So now I have a worthless piece of plastic that I will not be able to get a refund on nor will the manufacturer warranty it because it’s past the 90 day. I hate to just toss it cause it’s brand new, but I can’t see a point in dragging it back to the states. Grrr.
And now I can’t sew stuff down here unless I buy a sewing machine. Having something shipped down here would probably be expensive (if it even got here).
Speaking of getting here, one of the residents just received his Christmas card (mailed November 8th) today. And we thought the USPS was slow!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, February 14th
Happy Valentine’s Day
Up early for a flight to Cancun. Woo!
Went through the full body scan at O’Hare. Sorry to all of you who hate it. I love it. I have had to go through pat downs and wandings for years because of my artificial knees. Now, I just stand with my hands on my head for a few seconds and I’m good to go. Yea!
We got a different car at the rental company this time. So long beater. Hello VW. Even the neighbors said we were classing up the neighborhood. Yuck. Yuck.
Pete (he calls himself my nagrivator since he navigates and aggravates at the same time) guided me through Cancun to Costco, where we spent a small fortune. Then we found room in the car for more stuff.
Neighbors invited us to go out to dinner and we realized we had only eaten a donut and ½ of a fun sized candy bar all day and it was after 6pm. Kenny and Annie rode with us and took us to their favorite restaurant. Oh my gosh, the steak was awesome. On the way home, we came the closest we have ever been to a fatal accident that we have ever been in.
Front seat - Pete in passenger seat and me driving.
Back seat - Kenny and Annie
We are driving 80 km/hr (limit is between 80 and 100 at this point).
I am in the left lane (southbound) and am coming up to a bus in the right lane. (I will be turning left in about 2 miles)
I see a car very very very rapidly approaching me from the rear. The guy is absolutely flying. Before I can even think about whether to slow down and pull over, he overtakes me and pulls around me to the right and as he attempts to go in front of me, he loses control and goes sideways across my lane no more than 2 feet in front of my car. Honestly, this is really no exaggeration. I brake and he continues across the raised median, then spins around in the northbound lanes going northbound.
It all happened so fast that I only had time to react. None of us know how in the world we missed hitting him broadside. There is no doubt in all of our minds that he would have died that night and we probably would have as well.
I thank my Dad for teaching me how to be a really good driver (even though I do tend to speed).
Kenny and Annie thanked me for saving their lives. I definitely have their respect for my driving ability and calm demeanor in a crisis.
I thank God and I also know we are four of the luckiest people in the world.
None of the 4 of us know how we managed to get out of this one alive.
Scary.
We had to go another 2 miles to turn around to get to our street. You have to go a mile past our entrance, then turn around and go back a mile. We’re sure the guy in the car was okay. His car? Don’t know. In Mexico, if you are involved in an accident, usually both drivers are taken to jail while the police sort out who was at fault. So, we just continued on our way home and we won’t report this one to the police. I will drive down the road tomorrow and see if there are car parts and/or a car on the side of the road.
Everyone is safe, though maybe a bit shaken.
Up early for a flight to Cancun. Woo!
Went through the full body scan at O’Hare. Sorry to all of you who hate it. I love it. I have had to go through pat downs and wandings for years because of my artificial knees. Now, I just stand with my hands on my head for a few seconds and I’m good to go. Yea!
We got a different car at the rental company this time. So long beater. Hello VW. Even the neighbors said we were classing up the neighborhood. Yuck. Yuck.
Pete (he calls himself my nagrivator since he navigates and aggravates at the same time) guided me through Cancun to Costco, where we spent a small fortune. Then we found room in the car for more stuff.
Neighbors invited us to go out to dinner and we realized we had only eaten a donut and ½ of a fun sized candy bar all day and it was after 6pm. Kenny and Annie rode with us and took us to their favorite restaurant. Oh my gosh, the steak was awesome. On the way home, we came the closest we have ever been to a fatal accident that we have ever been in.
Front seat - Pete in passenger seat and me driving.
Back seat - Kenny and Annie
We are driving 80 km/hr (limit is between 80 and 100 at this point).
I am in the left lane (southbound) and am coming up to a bus in the right lane. (I will be turning left in about 2 miles)
I see a car very very very rapidly approaching me from the rear. The guy is absolutely flying. Before I can even think about whether to slow down and pull over, he overtakes me and pulls around me to the right and as he attempts to go in front of me, he loses control and goes sideways across my lane no more than 2 feet in front of my car. Honestly, this is really no exaggeration. I brake and he continues across the raised median, then spins around in the northbound lanes going northbound.
It all happened so fast that I only had time to react. None of us know how in the world we missed hitting him broadside. There is no doubt in all of our minds that he would have died that night and we probably would have as well.
I thank my Dad for teaching me how to be a really good driver (even though I do tend to speed).
Kenny and Annie thanked me for saving their lives. I definitely have their respect for my driving ability and calm demeanor in a crisis.
I thank God and I also know we are four of the luckiest people in the world.
None of the 4 of us know how we managed to get out of this one alive.
Scary.
We had to go another 2 miles to turn around to get to our street. You have to go a mile past our entrance, then turn around and go back a mile. We’re sure the guy in the car was okay. His car? Don’t know. In Mexico, if you are involved in an accident, usually both drivers are taken to jail while the police sort out who was at fault. So, we just continued on our way home and we won’t report this one to the police. I will drive down the road tomorrow and see if there are car parts and/or a car on the side of the road.
Everyone is safe, though maybe a bit shaken.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3rd
Pete’s birthday is today. He got lots of wishes via email, face book, and phone. Our day started with a shopping trip to town. Since we had expected to fly out yesterday, we had eaten almost everything in the fridge. No bread, no fruit, nothing for breakfast or lunch. We realized that we were not so intimidated by shopping anymore and that it’s become much easier - not easy yet - but easier.
The afternoon was spent on the beach. Oh how blessed we are. Just the perfect amount of warmth without being hot. You really have to watch the amount of sun you get though. You can burn so very easily.
When we were shopping, we picked out a cake at the Chedraui Supermercado. Neighbors came over to share a piece of cake to celebrate Pete’s birthday. The cake was so awesome. It was a tres leches cake. So light. It would certainly mess with our weight if we got it very often. Maybe we’ll have to just buy one piece and share it on the rare occasion.
Wednesday, February 2nd
We were supposed to fly to Chicago today. I rescheduled our flight to Chicago and finally our flight was canceled. Wow! What a storm. Glad I didn’t have to go back to blizzard conditions and icy temperatures.
You know how sometimes your tummy feels raw on the inside? That’s how I felt today. Neighbors brought over some COCO (Coconut) Yoplait yogurt. It was so very yummy and it made my tummy feel better. I wonder if it was the food from the night before or just the stress from wondering if we were going to have our flight canceled or not.
You know how sometimes your tummy feels raw on the inside? That’s how I felt today. Neighbors brought over some COCO (Coconut) Yoplait yogurt. It was so very yummy and it made my tummy feel better. I wonder if it was the food from the night before or just the stress from wondering if we were going to have our flight canceled or not.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 1st
We were woken up (or is it awaken) this morning by our resident Dove. 6:20am. I’m telling you he was who who whooing and then he got faster and faster like he was really really excited. When Pete and I finally got up, he stopped. I guess he’s our Mexican rooster, waking us up at the crack of dawn. Pete may have to get a sling shot if he keeps it up. We tuned in to WGN and watched the hype for THE blizzard of 2011.
Today was a planned day of relaxation. A few jobs in the morning, then some relaxation. I washed sheets, then hung them on the line. When is the last time you hung sheets on the line? I wonder how they will smell when we go to bed.
Funniest thing happened. I got a phone call on my home phone that really made me chuckle. It was a recorded message from Jim Blanche, Superintendent of Lombard District 44 schools letting me know that there would be no school tomorrow. What a hoot. Guess he hasn’t gotten the word that I retired. And that I’m in Mexico.
We drove to Tulum for a dinner with friends. About a half hour drive on a very nice, divided highway. Pete had a great lobster dinner and I had a wonderful filet. Yummy! It was so nice to sit outside and eat. That’s one of my favorite things to do. The end to the evening was holding an 8 week old black and white pit bull puppy. He just snuggled and loved and licked me. He was just adorable. I do miss the kitties lots!
We’re scheduled to fly in to Chicago tomorrow - only I would schedule a visit back to Chicago on the day of the biggest blizzard in 40 years. So far, our flight hasn’t been canceled. Just hope we don’t get diverted to some crummy place.
:Pictures coming soon, I promise.
Today was a planned day of relaxation. A few jobs in the morning, then some relaxation. I washed sheets, then hung them on the line. When is the last time you hung sheets on the line? I wonder how they will smell when we go to bed.
Funniest thing happened. I got a phone call on my home phone that really made me chuckle. It was a recorded message from Jim Blanche, Superintendent of Lombard District 44 schools letting me know that there would be no school tomorrow. What a hoot. Guess he hasn’t gotten the word that I retired. And that I’m in Mexico.
We drove to Tulum for a dinner with friends. About a half hour drive on a very nice, divided highway. Pete had a great lobster dinner and I had a wonderful filet. Yummy! It was so nice to sit outside and eat. That’s one of my favorite things to do. The end to the evening was holding an 8 week old black and white pit bull puppy. He just snuggled and loved and licked me. He was just adorable. I do miss the kitties lots!
We’re scheduled to fly in to Chicago tomorrow - only I would schedule a visit back to Chicago on the day of the biggest blizzard in 40 years. So far, our flight hasn’t been canceled. Just hope we don’t get diverted to some crummy place.
:Pictures coming soon, I promise.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday, January 31st
I received this email from my sister today. Isn’t she funny? I was planning on bringing back 2 empty suitcases. Guess I will have to fill both of them with some warm salt air and sun from Mexico. I hope they make it through Customs.
Dearest Anne,
Since you are coming this direction anyway, could you please bring some warmer weather? The predictions for this week are freezin winter mix for tonight and tomorrow, then 6 or more inches of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday with strong winds on Wednesday. Temps will drop to 0 by Friday morning and remain in the single digits over the weekend. Do you have an empty suitcase that you could fill with something a little better than that to at least have when you deplane? LOL!!
Love you!
Elaine
I'm wearing my Florida sweatshirt to church this morning so maybe God can get the hint, too!
Dearest Anne,
Since you are coming this direction anyway, could you please bring some warmer weather? The predictions for this week are freezin winter mix for tonight and tomorrow, then 6 or more inches of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday with strong winds on Wednesday. Temps will drop to 0 by Friday morning and remain in the single digits over the weekend. Do you have an empty suitcase that you could fill with something a little better than that to at least have when you deplane? LOL!!
Love you!
Elaine
I'm wearing my Florida sweatshirt to church this morning so maybe God can get the hint, too!
Saturday, January 30th
A Beautiful Day! No workers here to supervise (unless you count Pete LOL). Finally we spent a little time on the beach. It was nice and warm without being hot. We really like it here. Might have to pinch ourselves to see if we’re dreaming.
We tried something new for dinner last night. We took skirt steak (or was it flank steak?), put slices of onion and lime on top, added garlic, salt and pepper, Mrs. Dash, and rolled it all up and secured it with a couple of toothpicks. Baked it with some potato wedges for 25 minutes at 3. Yup. 3. Our stove down here has no temperature settings. Only 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. The citrus make it very tender, but I definitely added too much lime and lime juice. I’ll definitely make it again, but with a bit less lime. It was our first time even trying the stove, which runs on propane, so we weren’t even sure it worked. When I grabbed the handle to take it out of the stove, the handle came off - melted off, actually. Guess that pan (it was here) is “toast”. LOL. I bet it will be really good with chicken, too.
My Mother was a really good recipe experimenter. I’m not so good at it, but I’m getting more adventurous. How about you?
We tried something new for dinner last night. We took skirt steak (or was it flank steak?), put slices of onion and lime on top, added garlic, salt and pepper, Mrs. Dash, and rolled it all up and secured it with a couple of toothpicks. Baked it with some potato wedges for 25 minutes at 3. Yup. 3. Our stove down here has no temperature settings. Only 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. The citrus make it very tender, but I definitely added too much lime and lime juice. I’ll definitely make it again, but with a bit less lime. It was our first time even trying the stove, which runs on propane, so we weren’t even sure it worked. When I grabbed the handle to take it out of the stove, the handle came off - melted off, actually. Guess that pan (it was here) is “toast”. LOL. I bet it will be really good with chicken, too.
My Mother was a really good recipe experimenter. I’m not so good at it, but I’m getting more adventurous. How about you?
Friday, January 29th
We went from Baby poo to Gingerbread. Our neighbor, Annie dubbed our house “Sweetie Petey’s Gingerbread House”. She cracks me up. But the shade is beautiful!!! Such a difference it makes.
I have been frustrated by Internet and phone. On Wednesday, I was no longer able to connect with my wireless router or phone. Springfield Rich and Debbie were going out of town and they offered me their internet stick and Magic Jack. So I got to make a bunch of phone calls. Woo hoo. I was afraid people wouldn’t answer the “unknown” Springfield number, but after repeated calls, my sisters took a chance and we got to talk.
I finally decided there was nothing to lose and changed the connections on the back of the wireless router and vonage to the way I thought they should logically work - now, keep in mind that a professional guy set it up - and that it had worked fine for 2 days - and guess what - ding ding ding. You’re right. It works now. Excellent signal strength inside and outside and great phone service. Yea!!!! I might still have to invest in that Magic Jack as my plan B.
We went out to dinner with friends and they took us to a well-known Mexican restaurant. We had the most awesome bean soup. However, we need to take them to the states to find out how to make Queso Fundido and burritos. Could you believe they only had 1 burrito and it didn’t have beans in it,. And they couldn’t make a bean burrito.
I have been frustrated by Internet and phone. On Wednesday, I was no longer able to connect with my wireless router or phone. Springfield Rich and Debbie were going out of town and they offered me their internet stick and Magic Jack. So I got to make a bunch of phone calls. Woo hoo. I was afraid people wouldn’t answer the “unknown” Springfield number, but after repeated calls, my sisters took a chance and we got to talk.
I finally decided there was nothing to lose and changed the connections on the back of the wireless router and vonage to the way I thought they should logically work - now, keep in mind that a professional guy set it up - and that it had worked fine for 2 days - and guess what - ding ding ding. You’re right. It works now. Excellent signal strength inside and outside and great phone service. Yea!!!! I might still have to invest in that Magic Jack as my plan B.
We went out to dinner with friends and they took us to a well-known Mexican restaurant. We had the most awesome bean soup. However, we need to take them to the states to find out how to make Queso Fundido and burritos. Could you believe they only had 1 burrito and it didn’t have beans in it,. And they couldn’t make a bean burrito.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday, January 28th
Where is the sun, part 2. Once again, I planned to work in the morning and even make it to water aerobics. But I got to painting and staining and the time got away from me, so I didn’t make it to water aerobics. But we really got A LOT done.
Jorge started painting the outside of the palapa. It’s supposed to be a nice, warm shade of brown, not too dark and not too light. What it looks like is baby poo. So we let him finish painting the first coat and we headed back to the paint store again. Hola, Juan. He added some color to it and it should be a much nicer shade of brown for the 2nd coat tomorrow.
While Pete dealt with the paint, I went next door and ordered a loveseat. It should be here in early February. It’ll give us a comfortable place to sit in the bedroom. I love the name of the store. Happy Home. And the sales guy wasn't bad to look at either.
We congratulated ourselves for getting out of Sam’s for less than $100. Then we went to the grocery store and spent $67 more. Oh well.
Jorge started painting the outside of the palapa. It’s supposed to be a nice, warm shade of brown, not too dark and not too light. What it looks like is baby poo. So we let him finish painting the first coat and we headed back to the paint store again. Hola, Juan. He added some color to it and it should be a much nicer shade of brown for the 2nd coat tomorrow.
While Pete dealt with the paint, I went next door and ordered a loveseat. It should be here in early February. It’ll give us a comfortable place to sit in the bedroom. I love the name of the store. Happy Home. And the sales guy wasn't bad to look at either.
We congratulated ourselves for getting out of Sam’s for less than $100. Then we went to the grocery store and spent $67 more. Oh well.
Wednesday, January 26th
Where is the sun? I planned to work all morning and then lay in the sun and read my book and relax. But there was no sun. (I know you’re not feeling sorry for me because it is still warm at least.) So what do you do when there’s no sun? Keep working. Which means the kitchen is painted, too. Pete really likes the color. To me, it is the color of key lime pie. Yummy, but kind of strange. What’s great about paint is that it’s easy to change. And it makes such a huge difference. I like to paint. Walls, that is. Otherwise, I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. Do you?
Tuesday, January 25th
Tuesday, January 25thI’m patting myself on the back because I drove into PA to the local section (versus the resort section), found the laundramat from yesterday, and picked up the laundry. And felt quite safe and at ease.
Another trip to PDC for more paint. Juan is getting to know us very well. LOL.
We took a side trip to the fabric store (actually looking for some paint for the wall decorations. What a variety of fabrics. Much different from the fabrics at home. It might take a little more exploring (without an impatient husband. It sure makes me think of Mom and Dad. She just loved to stop at fabric stores and he just didn’t.
Another trip to PDC for more paint. Juan is getting to know us very well. LOL.
We took a side trip to the fabric store (actually looking for some paint for the wall decorations. What a variety of fabrics. Much different from the fabrics at home. It might take a little more exploring (without an impatient husband. It sure makes me think of Mom and Dad. She just loved to stop at fabric stores and he just didn’t.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24th
Oh my gosh, once again I am waiting for the phone guy to come here. I didn’t go to water aerobics because I didn’t know when he would be here. It’s so irritating.
Finally…he’s here. Oh no. It’s not the phone guy. It’s the internet guy. And I already have internet. But I’ll let him set up my wireless router and internet antenna. Whoo. My signal went from low and very low to excellent. But still the phone guy has to come and set up the vonage phone. But wait…with the router set up it has a different vonage error code. So I go on the internet and register this new vonage device and…A huge Woo Hoo. We have a phone. Now all I have to do is tell Vonage which device I’m using - the one in Wheaton or the one in Mexico. Now we feel so much more connected! I rewarded myself with a Snickers mini.
We offered to drive Jorge, the 20 year old man boy who is staining our beams, back to his home in PA. He took us to the hardware store and the Laundromat in the town (not the resort part) of Puerto Aventuras. Going to the local one was much cheaper. It was 300 pesos for one comforter in Playa del Carmen. However, it was 300 pesos for all 3 of my comforters at Puerto. Puerto is only 4 miles away, while Playa is about 15 miles. I tried to talk Pete into eating at a local restaurant, but he’s still nervous about the food. So it was back home for a spaghetti dinner. Can you believe they have the same brand of spaghetti sauce I use at home?
http://www.locogringo.com/puerto_aventuras/
Finally…he’s here. Oh no. It’s not the phone guy. It’s the internet guy. And I already have internet. But I’ll let him set up my wireless router and internet antenna. Whoo. My signal went from low and very low to excellent. But still the phone guy has to come and set up the vonage phone. But wait…with the router set up it has a different vonage error code. So I go on the internet and register this new vonage device and…A huge Woo Hoo. We have a phone. Now all I have to do is tell Vonage which device I’m using - the one in Wheaton or the one in Mexico. Now we feel so much more connected! I rewarded myself with a Snickers mini.
We offered to drive Jorge, the 20 year old man boy who is staining our beams, back to his home in PA. He took us to the hardware store and the Laundromat in the town (not the resort part) of Puerto Aventuras. Going to the local one was much cheaper. It was 300 pesos for one comforter in Playa del Carmen. However, it was 300 pesos for all 3 of my comforters at Puerto. Puerto is only 4 miles away, while Playa is about 15 miles. I tried to talk Pete into eating at a local restaurant, but he’s still nervous about the food. So it was back home for a spaghetti dinner. Can you believe they have the same brand of spaghetti sauce I use at home?
http://www.locogringo.com/puerto_aventuras/
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday, January 23rd
GO BEARS! Friends are coming over for the game. Woo Hoo!
Yesterday, Springfield Rich and wife Debbie served me some fresh squeezed lime-aid. Oh my gosh, it was so incredibly yummy that I had to buy limes today and make some. Mmmm. I used key limes and they are so sweet. Pete did the squeezing and it take a lot of key limes to make ½ cup of lime juice. Here’s the recipe.
1 cup of lime juice
1 cup of sugar
5 cups of water
Yesterday, Springfield Rich and wife Debbie served me some fresh squeezed lime-aid. Oh my gosh, it was so incredibly yummy that I had to buy limes today and make some. Mmmm. I used key limes and they are so sweet. Pete did the squeezing and it take a lot of key limes to make ½ cup of lime juice. Here’s the recipe.
1 cup of lime juice
1 cup of sugar
5 cups of water
Saturday, January 22nd
More cleaning, fixing up, and the removal of a small tree in the back…or is it the front? For me, the side facing the ocean is the front and the road side is the back. The landscaping is shaping up nicely.
I decided today that if I borrow something 5 times, I really need to buy it. I think I need a rake. The neighbors made fun of me for sweeping (with a broom) the sand since I didn’t have a rake. Serves me right since I made fun of Pete for doing the same thing last week.
I decided today that if I borrow something 5 times, I really need to buy it. I think I need a rake. The neighbors made fun of me for sweeping (with a broom) the sand since I didn’t have a rake. Serves me right since I made fun of Pete for doing the same thing last week.
Friday, January 21st
We’ve been here 2 weeks. Tonight was karaoke (not for me) and the crab races. I can’t believe I forgot to go to the crab races. They are my absolute favorite activity at Paamul.
Thursday, January 20th
Pete and I went to town for a few things and stopped at a pizza place called Italianni’s. We ordered a pepperoni pizza and brought it home. Did it ever smell good in the car!!! It ended up being pepperoni and mushroom, but man, it was good. It wasn’t as good as Rosati’s pizza, but it was yummy nonetheless. And enough for leftovers on Friday. We had no problem getting crushed pepper here. Ha.
Wednesday, January 19th
Ah, the joys of having a cleaning lady. I love love love it.
I got SO much shopping done. I went into town by myself. It was amazing how much I could accomplish when I didn’t have an impatient (hates to shop) husband along side me. I once told him I might never need anyone else if he liked to shop. He just laughed and said, “It’ll never happen.” I don’t really like to shop. I just like to cross things off my list. Are you a list crosser offer like me?
I got SO much shopping done. I went into town by myself. It was amazing how much I could accomplish when I didn’t have an impatient (hates to shop) husband along side me. I once told him I might never need anyone else if he liked to shop. He just laughed and said, “It’ll never happen.” I don’t really like to shop. I just like to cross things off my list. Are you a list crosser offer like me?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 18th
This morning I looked out at the ocean and it was like a million diamonds glistening. It was just so gorgeous. The sun was shining brightly. I watched as a sailboat took a group of (probably) snorkelers or divers out. I waved to the people on the boat, but I couldn’t tell whether they waved back or not. I wonder what they would think about me waving at them. Would they wonder what it would be like to live in Mexico just 50 feet from the ocean?
We have our first topless (European) snorkeler. She’s quite a beauty. Pete said, “How would you just sit and talk to her without staring?” I’m sure I wouldn’t know the answer to that question.
We have our first topless (European) snorkeler. She’s quite a beauty. Pete said, “How would you just sit and talk to her without staring?” I’m sure I wouldn’t know the answer to that question.
Monday, January 17th
Martin Luther King Day
I was reflecting on how nice it was to have a day off from school. I was always torn between whether to relax and enjoy the day or get a million things done around the house. The house almost always won.
It was our first day of relaxing on the beach. I walked the beach and picked up some beach glass, the edges worn by time and water and sand.
It was such a clear day that we could see Cozumel. We watched as a cruise ship sailed south in the Caribbean headed for its’ next port of call. I’ve been on 2 cruises, Although I had lots of fun on both of them, I really prefer land to sea.
I was reflecting on how nice it was to have a day off from school. I was always torn between whether to relax and enjoy the day or get a million things done around the house. The house almost always won.
It was our first day of relaxing on the beach. I walked the beach and picked up some beach glass, the edges worn by time and water and sand.
It was such a clear day that we could see Cozumel. We watched as a cruise ship sailed south in the Caribbean headed for its’ next port of call. I’ve been on 2 cruises, Although I had lots of fun on both of them, I really prefer land to sea.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15th
Another day of painting. Nothing makes a home look so fresh as a “fresh” coat of paint. We’re so happy with the way things are looking.
Satellite TV. Grrr. Is it Mexico or clouds or what? The signal keeps going in and out. Grrr. But we were done painting in time to enjoy two football games. Dang those Packers looked good.
Satellite TV. Grrr. Is it Mexico or clouds or what? The signal keeps going in and out. Grrr. But we were done painting in time to enjoy two football games. Dang those Packers looked good.
Friday, January 14th
Holy Smoly. It’s cold this morning. I had to put on my sweatshirt and jeans. Temp says 66. But it’s a damp cold. (you know, the opposite of Arizona’s dry heat) LOL.
Time for a little shopping adventure. It’s off to the fabric & hobby store. We were told that if we buy fabric for $1 or $2 they will make curtains for us. Also visiting the hardware and paint store.
Hardware and electrical stores are so different here. There are just a very few things in the front of the store. Then you go to the counter and tell them what you want. And, of course, ask if anyone speaks English. Everything we thought we could get at the hardware store we had to go to the electrical store to get.
We had our first invite to a cocktail party on the beach. What fun. Amazing food. Norene made these roasted jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped with bacon. Oh my Gosh. They were so good! I wish I was a good cook like she is. I’ll have to practice more - and experiment.
Time for a little shopping adventure. It’s off to the fabric & hobby store. We were told that if we buy fabric for $1 or $2 they will make curtains for us. Also visiting the hardware and paint store.
Hardware and electrical stores are so different here. There are just a very few things in the front of the store. Then you go to the counter and tell them what you want. And, of course, ask if anyone speaks English. Everything we thought we could get at the hardware store we had to go to the electrical store to get.
We had our first invite to a cocktail party on the beach. What fun. Amazing food. Norene made these roasted jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped with bacon. Oh my Gosh. They were so good! I wish I was a good cook like she is. I’ll have to practice more - and experiment.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13th
It is amazing how a little thing like paint freshens up a place. I’m not generally a fan of yellow, but we painted the LR & Dr a lovely shade called Pina Colada. I mentioned to our neighbor Annie (one of the 4 Annie’s on our block) that I liked her color. She said she doesn’t like it and is repainting her whole place. She had a gallon left over, so I bought it. A few hours later and 2 coats of paint make our LR and DR look awesome.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12th
We primed the LR and DR walls. What a difference that makes!
Pete says it’s just too quiet here. Everyone thinks they want peace and quiet. Peace definitely. But quiet goes a long way. The term stir crazy comes to mind, California Rich and Pete ran cable from the trailer to the outside corner of the palapa so we can watch TV outside. Yea! Now I have to sew a cover for it. It’s the best of both world. Watching TV and seeing the ocean. Woo Hoo!
Got the TV set up outside (temporarily) and within 5 minutes the power goes out. We have the cable box inside and have to change channels inside. Someone has to stand outside and tell me what the channels are because I seriously can’t see that far. Oh yeah. The Mexican way continues. LOL
I mentioned to my neighbor that I liked the color of her walls. She said she was repainting it, but there was still a gallon left. I bought it off her. Guess we'll be painting tomorrow. The color is pina colada. Mmmm.
Pete says it’s just too quiet here. Everyone thinks they want peace and quiet. Peace definitely. But quiet goes a long way. The term stir crazy comes to mind, California Rich and Pete ran cable from the trailer to the outside corner of the palapa so we can watch TV outside. Yea! Now I have to sew a cover for it. It’s the best of both world. Watching TV and seeing the ocean. Woo Hoo!
Got the TV set up outside (temporarily) and within 5 minutes the power goes out. We have the cable box inside and have to change channels inside. Someone has to stand outside and tell me what the channels are because I seriously can’t see that far. Oh yeah. The Mexican way continues. LOL
I mentioned to my neighbor that I liked the color of her walls. She said she was repainting it, but there was still a gallon left. I bought it off her. Guess we'll be painting tomorrow. The color is pina colada. Mmmm.
Tuesday, January 11th
Today brought a trip to the paint store. Easy Schmeezie. I was told right where the paint store was and it was there. How can you really miss “On the highway across from Sam’s Club”? We had an English-speaking sales guy and he understood “spackle”. If only I had my camera, I would’ve taken a picture of the guy mixing paint in a huge garbage can with a huge paddle.
Then a trip to the new Walmart. I used to think that Walmart had darned near everything,. Not so down here. How can they not have water shoes? Crazy. And only 4 sets of curtains? Really!!? I am so spoiled at home. I think everyone should have a chance to live in a 3rd world country so they can really appreciate what they have in America.
When I arrived home Pete to
ld me I should start packing my bags because he almost stepped on a snake. He showed it to neighbor Teresa and I and we ran - for our cameras. He was small and harmless. Can you see him in the picture? Kind of like "Where's Elmo".
Too late for painting. We have the distinct advantage of having a satellite TV system that gets Detroit AND Seattle. That means that if we miss a show, we can often catch it later.
Then a trip to the new Walmart. I used to think that Walmart had darned near everything,. Not so down here. How can they not have water shoes? Crazy. And only 4 sets of curtains? Really!!? I am so spoiled at home. I think everyone should have a chance to live in a 3rd world country so they can really appreciate what they have in America.
When I arrived home Pete to
ld me I should start packing my bags because he almost stepped on a snake. He showed it to neighbor Teresa and I and we ran - for our cameras. He was small and harmless. Can you see him in the picture? Kind of like "Where's Elmo".Too late for painting. We have the distinct advantage of having a satellite TV system that gets Detroit AND Seattle. That means that if we miss a show, we can often catch it later.
Monday, January 10th
I was going to water aerobics in the ocean, but I don’t have any water shoes with me and I didn’t want to go in the ocean without them. However, when I looked out a few minutes after they were supposed to start, they weren’t in the ocean. So I threw on my suit and headed over to the pool. A few minutes late, but better late than never. The water was ice-cold. But I was determined.
I must be too Americanized. I walked up to the restaurant to get some of their salsa to go with our quesadillas for lunch. It doesn’t have enough kick to it. Pete said it was boring. I love Tostitos mild or medium salsa. Flavor with a little heat. How about you?
I must be too Americanized. I walked up to the restaurant to get some of their salsa to go with our quesadillas for lunch. It doesn’t have enough kick to it. Pete said it was boring. I love Tostitos mild or medium salsa. Flavor with a little heat. How about you?
Sunday, January 9th
Costco. What a marvelous store. We went with some friends to the Costco in Cancun. They have a card and we don’t. It’s a little over an hour drive to the far side of Cancun. We had a big list. Crossed off about 4 things and came home with a lot more, including a 32” TV for the LR/DR/K area. Hopefully it will be hooked up on Tuesday. I know there are lots of people out there who say they never have time to watch TV, but I’m a Tvaholic. Luckily, so is Pete.
Back to Costco. They have so many more good things here at Costco than they do at the Sam’s here. And their meat is USDA. I think we have enough meat for a month now. I’ll have to compare Sams and Costco at home. I might have to make a switch.
Back to Costco. They have so many more good things here at Costco than they do at the Sam’s here. And their meat is USDA. I think we have enough meat for a month now. I’ll have to compare Sams and Costco at home. I might have to make a switch.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2010
I said I’d walk every day we were down here and I did today. Pat pat pat.
Then off to the new Chedraui supermercado at Playa Adventuras, which is only 5 minutes away. Shopping at a Mexican grocery store is definitely an adventure, This one is quite Americanized, so we picked up lots of things. It’s definitely an adventure. They have some pretty weird stuff. And I can’t read most of the labels. Oh well. I thought I left a set of everything down here, but it turns out I didn’t leave a set of makeup. And a swimming suit. Dang. I brought one down that is too small so that I could wear it when I lose weight (I promise). Tried it on and it is a tiny bit tight, but it fits. Hooray! Guess I’ll have to walk out even more.
We’ve both had a few “What have we gotten ourselves into moments.” And we both agree we jumped in too fast. I hope we can make this work. The view and the weather are so beautiful and the people are so nice. Getting TV set up will help these Tvaholics.
Then off to the new Chedraui supermercado at Playa Adventuras, which is only 5 minutes away. Shopping at a Mexican grocery store is definitely an adventure, This one is quite Americanized, so we picked up lots of things. It’s definitely an adventure. They have some pretty weird stuff. And I can’t read most of the labels. Oh well. I thought I left a set of everything down here, but it turns out I didn’t leave a set of makeup. And a swimming suit. Dang. I brought one down that is too small so that I could wear it when I lose weight (I promise). Tried it on and it is a tiny bit tight, but it fits. Hooray! Guess I’ll have to walk out even more.
We’ve both had a few “What have we gotten ourselves into moments.” And we both agree we jumped in too fast. I hope we can make this work. The view and the weather are so beautiful and the people are so nice. Getting TV set up will help these Tvaholics.
Friday, January 7th
OMG. Only 3 hours of sleep. It’s off to the airport. The only way to go is non-stop. If I only had a carry-on, I might take a flight that had a stop. Oh heck no, I wouldn’t. Just can’t wait until Southwest flies down here. Hope they have non-stop flights. We have had great luck with USA3000 and United as far as good fares. And we have never had a complaint about their service. I sure can’t say the same for Mexicana.
Arrived in Mexico around 10:30 am. It’s sure hard to get up for an early flight, but there is so much day left! Immigration and Customs went very quickly. The Customs Officer questioned the cost of my Dish Network receiver, but I told her it was going back and forth and I whipped out my list of items and their cost in English AND Spanish. She took one list and said “Go on.”
We were picked up at the airport by Avicar Car Rental right on time and headed to the rental place. Less than ½ hour later we were headed south to Paamul. The highway to Paamul is almost all 2 lane except for the short stretch through Playa del Carmen. We hit that at “Rush Hour”, according to Pete. I laughingly pointed out that it was only 12:30 and he said everyone must be rushing home for Siesta time. LOL. They are building a by-pass that goes over the short stretch and then it will be excellent. The roads are very good from Cancun, with just a few security slow-down areas (They have topes, which are big metal disks half embedded in the road. They can be just huge ropes, but these are the metal ones.)
Now I’m realizing this is sounding more like a diary and I don’t want that. So, just a little more.
Our Palapa had the work on it finished just before we got here and had been cleaned just an hour before so it was nice and clean - even inside of the cabinets.
We unpacked everything, then went down to the Restaurant for the Crab Races (more info to come about the crab races) and to share a wonderful garlic shrimp dinner. MMM. We made it an early night.
Arrived in Mexico around 10:30 am. It’s sure hard to get up for an early flight, but there is so much day left! Immigration and Customs went very quickly. The Customs Officer questioned the cost of my Dish Network receiver, but I told her it was going back and forth and I whipped out my list of items and their cost in English AND Spanish. She took one list and said “Go on.”
We were picked up at the airport by Avicar Car Rental right on time and headed to the rental place. Less than ½ hour later we were headed south to Paamul. The highway to Paamul is almost all 2 lane except for the short stretch through Playa del Carmen. We hit that at “Rush Hour”, according to Pete. I laughingly pointed out that it was only 12:30 and he said everyone must be rushing home for Siesta time. LOL. They are building a by-pass that goes over the short stretch and then it will be excellent. The roads are very good from Cancun, with just a few security slow-down areas (They have topes, which are big metal disks half embedded in the road. They can be just huge ropes, but these are the metal ones.)
Now I’m realizing this is sounding more like a diary and I don’t want that. So, just a little more.
Our Palapa had the work on it finished just before we got here and had been cleaned just an hour before so it was nice and clean - even inside of the cabinets.
We unpacked everything, then went down to the Restaurant for the Crab Races (more info to come about the crab races) and to share a wonderful garlic shrimp dinner. MMM. We made it an early night.
Thursday, January 6th, 2010
The Doctor okayed me to fly and this is good news, I think. Babysitting all day (no complaints - we love it) leaves us little time for packing. I promised Pete last time that we wouldn’t take/pack so much. Oh my gosh, I lied. And I think we’ll probably have to bring lots more down next time, too. We did manage to get 2 of the 4 chair pads that Pete and I made for our Adirondack chairs. 4 large suitcases and 1 carry on. It’ll be a late night.
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