the adventures of dos tortas

Maybe We Should Be Smugglers

In 2018, Clint Eastwood made a movie THE MULE, based on the true story of an eighty something man who became a drug mule to pay off debt and ingratiate himself back into his estranged family. Of course no one suspected for a long time that a grizzled, elderly was moving cocaine.

At the same time Mr Eastwood was making his movie, Lisa and I were driving up Baja California on our way to help out with our new born twin granddaughters. We were stopped continuously while large German shepherds climbed through our truck. Apparently probable cause does not exist in Mexico. Quite the experience.

As time has gone on, twelve years to be exact, our hair has gotten grayer, and the number of random searches in our area have definitely increased. They’re probably due to our proximity to the border with Belize and the general insanity in the world.

Many foreigners get nervous at being pulled over by the military wearing ski masks and toting machine guns. We’ve seen it so often that we hardly pay any attention.

It must be our old white women privilege. We always slow down and wave as they flag us through. Even this week we passed through a new pop-up check point and inquiring eyes peered into the car and waved us on. I always crack jokes that “the drugs are in the back,” to which my wife hisses, “don’t jinx us.”

Apparently we don’t fall into whatever profile they’re looking for. IDK, I think we could make good smugglers. What do you think?

DOS TORTAS

Tags: aging, expat living in Mexico, humor, Inspiration, retire mexico

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Three More Steps Forward

9 Feb

I have graduated from the walker to a cane. Watching a YouTube vid taught me how to use the bastón. It’s all about triangles, which is the most stable configuration. The weak leg and the cane move together with the cane on the opposite side. To climb stairs, remember, “good up, bad down”. Move the strong leg first when stepping up. Lead with the weak leg and the cane to step down.

Now you know all you need to and I hope you never need to.

Actually I hobbled up the stairs this week and drove myself into town. Free at last thank God I’m free at last. Of course it didn’t take much and by Saturday I was back on complete rest. Why quit when you can overdo it.

It’s lovely to be getting stronger. I’ve lost so much muscle in the last five months. At least the light at the end of the tunnel is a bit more than a flicker.

I have much to be grateful for. Hats off to my wife who has lovingly put up with me and become quite the home chef in the process. And thanks to you all who have been my cheerleaders. It has made all the difference.

DOS TORTAS

Tags: healing, Inspiration, Laguna Bacalar, retire mexico

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Life Is So Unpredictable

2 Feb

When my youngest brother was in hospice care dying of brain cancer, I wanted to do something for him, but there was little to be done. He had stopped speaking and just looked at us with soft eyes. My brother was a character. He was a hair stylist and a massage therapist. He used to volunteer at a prison, going in with only clippers to sculpt Afros. He loved it.

What about a massage? I found the yellow pages (remember them?) and looked for a candidate. I scrolled through the list, getting either no answer or no dice. But then…

He was just beginning to have symptoms when this picture was taken.

I found a guy who was willing to come out. He was a rotund gay boy who had worked on many dying men during the AIDS crisis. He was wonderful. I saw my brother’s face relax. He loved it.

When our angel was done he asked if we’d like to do Reiki on Michael. Reiki is a hands on healing/energy work. I was familiar but had never tried it. He cradled my brother’s head. I stood holding his feet. My daughter was on one side and my sister-in-law on the other. I closed my eyes, not knowing what to expect.

The room was quiet. My hands began to tingle. The only way to describe it was an electrical current entering one hand, traveling my body and out the other. We were a healing circle and I was incredibly moved. As we exited the room, our angel glowed. I don’t know how else to describe it. As I hugged him expressing my gratitude, the TV across the hall was playing “Amazing Grace”. It was as close to a miracle as I’ve ever experienced.

Michael (left) healing from first brain surgery. Me, oldest brother.

I have since become both a massage therapist and a Reiki practitioner. Loosing my youngest brother changed me. I can’t believe it will be the twenty fifth anniversary of his death this year. I miss him every day.

DOS TORTAS

Tags: glioblastoma, Inspiration, Laguna Bacalar, retire mexico

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The Fire Breathing Down On You

19 Jan

There isn’t a person in the country who didn’t look around their house this week and wonder what they’d do with a fire breathing down on them and the urgent need to evacuate. Grab the animals and the kids, not necessarily in that order, and in some cases not much else.

Emotional Reunion

Then there was the fire fighter, digging through the rubble of his destroyed house to find his wedding ring. And he found it!

Many, us included have donated to displaced families, firefighters, community centers and food distribution volunteers. The homes that burned belonged to both gazillionairs and regular folks. What was once clusters of small towns melded together to create the sprawling City of Los Angeles. Such a sad and daunting task to rebuild.

I have tried several times to stuff a go-bag for each of us. Ours are mostly for trips to the hospital, which happens way too frequently with three older women. Bags must be kept up to date which is a job unto itself.

Once my leg allows me more mobility, the plan is to go through the house and do a thorough clean out. Aging is the fire breathing down our necks and no time like the present to face it,

DOS TORTAS

Tags: aging, Inspiration, Laguna Bacalar, Los Ángeles, retire mexico

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A Man Of Service

12 Jan

This week the US said goodbye to our 39th president, Jimmy Carter. At 100 years old he left the world a better place for his existence. His funeral featured loving remembrances from both the sons of Walter Mondale, his vice president and Gerald Ford, his political rival and dear friend. The grown sons read their fathers’ words in tribute to one of the greatest humanist our country has ever seen.

In 1977, I was a young mother during his presidency. The country was living through an energy shortage. President Carter was one of the first to recognize the looming climate crisis. I remember in an address to the American people he suggested that we put on sweaters and turn down the thermostat. News stations openly ridiculed and made fun of him for his practical suggestion. I always liked him with his calm, caring demeanor.

I think Carter got in the last laugh as a certain president-elect got to sit through the accolades of a man who was referred to as an honest, gentle man who negotiated peace, gave immigrants a hand up and helped build homes for the needy.

Somehow Trump got cut out of the photo of all living presidents.

Thank you President Carter for showing us what a president with integrity could be like. I think the world has forgotten.

DOS TORTAS

Tags: Inspiration, jimmy carter, Laguna Bacalar, retire mexico

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Let’s Skip 2024

5 Jan

Someday when I’m strolling down memory lane, sharing my life history with grands, or in my memoir, lol, I think I’ll skip over 2024. I see posts all over Instagram with smiling people flashing photos celebrating their accomplishments, weddings, vacations, reunions, you name it. I’ll pass thank you.

Truthfully the year wasn’t entirely a bust. Our out of the blue trip to Europe was over the top fun. I keep going back to the memories to get me through. It helps.

Ever the optimist I’m always looking for the gifts and the lessons, even if doing so brings me to tears.

I learned not to dismiss my experience with “it could have been worse.” There’s so much going on in the world that people are dealing with. I try not to complain and take life one day at a time. Some days it’s all I can manage.

I learned to appreciate my wife who has done the lion’s share of taking care of me since my accident and running our house. She shops, cooks and does everything possible to facilitate my healing. I feel very loved.

I learned that accidents happen, whether it’s getting robbed twice in four months or tripping over my own feet. The longer I exist on the planet, the odds go up for a life changing event, sometimes not a good one.

So as we head into 2025 I feel optimistic. I was born on the 25th day of February in the year 1952 (2-25-52). I’m not sure if 2025 has any astrological significance but I’m holding out hope nonetheless for a vastly improved year.

DOS TORTAS

Tags: expat living in Mexico, happy new year, Inspiration, Laguna Bacalar, retire mexico

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Christmas Surprise

29 Dec

We kicked off Christmas morning sitting on our sun filled porch, quietly taking in the day. My MIL is very attached to opening gifts and she was gleefully tearing wrapping paper.

Suddenly our dog, Luna began barking frantically and we were shocked to see a dog standing in our yard. He was wet and shivering having just swum up out of the laguna. Where on earth did he come from?

A very sweet boy who we later discovered is named Oso.

In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated December 24 with family dinners, midnight mass and fireworks, It was the fireworks that sent Oso to our house and numerous other terrified doggos running and in the case of Oso, swimming for their lives. Poor things.

Another run away on Christmas Eve, a chihuahua named Larry. .

This beauty named Melon was also reported missing.

After posting notices on numerous community pages, we located Oso’s family. The reunion brought tears to our eyes as his excitement was demonstrated through whimpers, wiggles and wet kisses. Unfortunately there are no photos.

Melon and Larry also found their way home. We are lucky enough to be out of earshot of the fireworks in town. Many poor dogs are not so lucky.

DOS TORTAS

Tags: Inspiration, Laguna Bacalar, mexican dogs, retire mexico

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Hi Ho Hum

22 Dec

It seems that the older I get, the less enthralled I am with the lights, the gifts, and the fuss. Even our little Mexican town of Bacalar has a Santa parade and school Christmas shows. We’re having some folks over for a potluck so I guess any excuse to gather with friends and family is worth it. However you spend your time, I hope it includes what gives you pleasure. Happy Holidays.

DOS TORTAS

Me with my brother William. My finger is bandaged because I rocked on it while sitting in my rocking chair.

Tags: gratitude, Inspiration, Laguna Bacalar, retire mexico

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Three Steps Forward Two Back

15 Dec

Healing is not a linear process. To do and not overdo takes trial and error and a lot of finesse. As I begin to put weight on my healing leg, pain and fatigue show up in unexpected ways and places.

In order to respect my body, I’m going to make this week’s blog short and sweet. I thought I’d post some of my artwork, none of which has been produced while I’ve been laid up. Stela has decided that my pens and sketchbook make a lovely place to nap.

One of my first attempts at painting on canvas.

Have a good week, we got this!

DOS TORTAS

Tags: aging, gratitude, Inspiration, Laguna Bacalar, retire mexico

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What A Week What A Week

8 Dec

After two and a half months of being bound to my bed, and not in a fun way, Lisa and I ventured out of the house three times this week. While it might not seem like much to someone who can stand up and walk to the kitchen, it was a big deal for us.

When we built our house ten years ago, we built a ramp from our front door to the car. Our house itself is on one level but we live on a steep hill with parking up top.

Tropical paradise but not for a broken leg.

In true Mexican style, the ramp was built way too steep and not according to any regulations. Pushing my walker up it this week took strength and self control not to laugh.