Archive | November, 2021

Time For A Kick In The Butt (Mine)

27 Nov

Time spent in the US has sometimes been surreal. I want to click my ruby slippers three times and be home in my jungle house in Bacalar, Mexico. Dang, I left my ruby slippers home!

1999 commitment ceremony before we could legally marry.

While visiting the States I have needed to address some health issues. There is more technology available and I have good health insurance so why not. The trouble is, the outcomes have been a bit disconcerting.

2012/2021 (one new granddaughter)

High cholesterol– This is nothing new. I have had the same results in the past. I hunker down with my diet but then don’t follow up to see if what I’m doing is working. In Mexico there isn’t an annual exam per say. I have had my head in the sand.

High triglycerides– Sugar is my Achilles heal. At home I eat almost none. In the US I get sucked in to the SAD (Standard American Diet). Too much nibbling, too much sugar, too much food.

Pre-Diabetic– This diagnosis really threw me. With a Masters in Health Education I have always prided myself in eating well and exercising. Truth be told, I haven’t been understanding how my aging body, well, ages. I have been lazy and am paying the price.

View from the kitchen window.

My answer came from a friend who recommended an online application to keep me accountable. In just a few days I have learned that I am not exercising as much as I think I am, I am not eating as well as I think I am and I need help.

My seventieth birthday is in February and I am using it as both a goal and a marker. The doctor in Austin gave me little assistance other than take this pill and eat less carbs and red meat. As much as I hate to document everything, research shows that it works. Simply keeping a food journal reduces weight and most of us can use to loose a few. If you’re interested in knowing more about the application, leave your email in the comments.

DOS TORTAS

As Thoughts Turn Home Toward Mexico

21 Nov

As my time to return to Mexico from Austin, Texas looms on the horizon, I have such mixed emotions. I wish I could be in two places at once, which always happens when I have to leave my dear wife. My departure requires her to be more independent, fixing her own meals, arranging transportation and most of all, finding support that is not me. All of it while juggling medication and healing from major surgery. She’s a trooper, I’m the one who’s nervous.

How I’ve been passing the time in Austin.

I do get the bennies of returning home to the jungle of Southern Mexico, seeing the dogs, returning to daily swims and sleeping in our bed. There is also much to be done. We have been navigating a lot from the US, including my mother-in-law’s care and clogged toilet. Daily messages from our workers, house sitter and MIL do not make for peace and quiet.

Home sweet Bacalar.

This week we will celebrate the US holiday of Thanksgiving. It will be a lovely visit with family and a delicious meal round a large table. A day devoted to gratitude while gazing on the faces of those we love is a good thing. We haven’t been in Austin for Thanksgiving since 2012.

February 2012 My 60 birthday.

Whether you’re in the US or somewhere else on the planet, take a whole day to devote to being grateful. I find that listing things I’m grateful for and WHY helps me to connect more to my heart.

Blogging has afforded me the opportunity to write, connect and hear from followers around the world. I appreciate each of you. So Happy Thanksgiving and catch my socially distanced hug.

DOS TORTAS

Sometimes A Distraction Is What Is Needed

13 Nov

Life continues to be about healing from back surgery for Lisa. We are both spent from handling the daily basics. Our wonderful house sitter in Bacalar keeps us supplied with photos of the adventures of Stella and Luna. Maybe we should change the name of the blog.

Stella loves her pillow on our back porch. We are missing our pups.
We know who runs our house. Luna was never allowed on the furniture until a house sitter changed all that.
It’s hard to believe she is blind.

Off To See The Wizard

7 Nov

With Lisa showing progress and less pain after her recent back surgery, I thought a chance to tootle off to San Antonio for an art show might be possible.

The weather was predicted to be a perfect autumn Saturday and the Goddess did not disappoint. I decided to avoid the interstate and headed into the Texas Hill Country. Lovely vistas and rolling hills made for a far more beautiful drive between Austin and San Antonio, Texas, a two hour excursion.

I had to pull over to capture the predawn mist.
The day was off to a lovely start.

My dear friend of over 45 years was participating in the Art Stroll. She is a wizard of fiber arts.

A whimsical fish pen case, a little sketching in my journal and an inviting art space.
A fish theme perhaps?

My favorite part of the day was talking to fellow artists about their inspiration, materials and process. I have sold at similar events and understand the time consuming work that usually pays very little by the hour. Many shoppers seemed willing to pay for unique, one-of-a-kind items of jewelry, quilts, paintings, ceramics, etc. I certainly was.

I am always fascinated with impressionist/abstract work.

I also got to sit with Allison and catch up. She is the consummate fiber wizard and I love to see what she has created on her handy dandy sewing machine. I had such a good time ❤️.

DOS TORTAS

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