For the next two months we will be visiting our children in Northern California, helping with the integration of two new family members.
Our newborn twin granddaughters Analise and Sara.
Please enjoy his earlier blog post from May 2015. September begins our sixth year of retirement in Bacalar. Life is good and we are so grateful for these babies and the chance to support their parents in getting them off to a good start. What are you grateful for?
DOS TORTAS
When we moved to Mexico almost five years ago, we rented the lower level of a house from a US/Mexican couple. They lived upstairs. Joe, the owner of the house, used to complain loudly that the housekeeper swept the floor “wrong”.
This week the Tortas travelled to California and Disneyland to hang with our son and his family.
In this part of the world, people sweep by pushing a broom away from them. Joe insisted that it destroyed the broom which he had to replace frequently and no matter how many times he explained the “right” way, the housekeeper did it HER way.
Grandma and Sophia.
So if you are considering a move to Mexico, remember that your way just may not be the right way to other people. I have found this to be true for my children, friends and neighbors as well. For some unknown reason they rarely see the practicality of doing things MY way.
And yet I persist. The last time I saw my oldest son, against my better judgment, I made a suggestion. Nope, it has never improved our relationship in the past and I’m not sure why I thought it would this time.
Birthday dinner with Cullen.
Accepting people exactly as they are, wherever they live, however they sweep or do anything, goes a long way to producing harmony, both theirs and mine. Actually, this revolutionary practice just might change the world.
Please add my daughter’s family to your prayers. She is in the hospital with preeclampsia. We need to keep the babies in for a few more weeks. Think four more weeks!
Life rarely turns out the way one expects. Lately, The ADVENTURES of Dos Tortas have consisted of walking the dogs, taking Lisa’s mom to physical therapy and recuperating from la gripa.
Alice has her cast off and is working to regain use of her hand and arm.
Our youngest son showing off his new glasses.
I never get sick! But this week I’m down for the count. I’m not sure if it’s allergies or a spring cold but I have fever, drippy nose, sore throat and sinus headache. Consequently you will get the week in photos. Until next time.
My MIL Alice getting her cast off. Yeah.
Rainy season has begun.
Art Of The Week – Let There Be Light
Everything blooms when it starts raining. Hibiscus/tulipani
Last night’s view from the roof.
Thanks to my friend Gabriel for getting me out of the house this morning. Feeling better.
After a weeklong visit to Texas, we are home in Bacalar. Mother’s Day was spent with our youngest son and family.
Lisa, son Dylan, step-mom Terry (our wife-in-law) and myself.
Sophia making silly faces with Grandmas.
A most inspirational and uplifting movie.
San Fernando Cathedral light and sound show, San Antonio.
Many people come for their first visit to Mexico by flying into Cancun and staying at an all inclusive. The hotel staff meets you at the airport and you never have to step foot out of the compound. It may be “safe” and convenient but you’ll have a very sterilized visit to an exciting, colorful country. For the adventurer among you, I’m suggesting a more diverse vacation. Fly through Mexico City.
Flights to and from Mexico City connect the world.
Restaurant, hotel, taxi? Follow the signs.
Helpful bi-lingual information kiosks.
This is Mexico?
Look familiar? All but the cheaper prices.
Candied fruit, a local treat.
A gift shop for those last minute purchases.
Make sure your ATM gives pesos.
Our house is on the north end of Laguna Bacalar. Chetumal is to the south.
What does one do to rest while recuperating from a broken wrist (A Quiet Week In The Jungle)? Why go on a road trip of course!
The island of murals.
The center square surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Living in small town Mexico, I wrote this blog three years ago as I longed to find an artists community in Bacalar. Wow have things changed.
Even Frida got in the picture on our Free Walking Tour of Bacalar.
In three years since my post, our sleepy village has grown considerably. New hotels and restaurants pop up daily. There were two articles in the international news this week that mentioned Bacalar as a vacation destination. I cringe. Please stay home.
The Safest Places To Visit In Mexico
Visitors on yesterday’s walking tour were from Spain, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. Rarely do USers come here. It’s too far from Cancun and people do not have enough vacation time.
Yesterday in the Centro there was a Body Painting Festival. It was put on by a group I sketch with on Thursday evenings.
My friend and full-time resident and artista extraordinaria Yolanda
The phases of the moon over the Laguna.
The body as canvas.
So much detail. Very Mayan.
A great time was had by all. I love hanging out with these folks. We make art together. As Bacalar grows, not all things have to be a drain on the community and the environment. People coming together to express love and art has to be a good thing right? DOS TORTAS
I thought I’d update a few pictures of my mother-in-law’s tiny house. It’s been one of my most popular blog posts.
Entrance
All is well. Just a stumble. 😂 I even predicted it.
Tiny House Plans
Alice has been visiting California and missing her cozy nest. Her kitty is also missing her. I think I know more of what it feels like to be a house sitter as Lisa is away as well. Whatever you do this week, make it an adventure.
DOS TORTAS
My memory of childhood birthday celebrations is family dinners, with my mother’s lasagna always being my meal of choice. One lean year when I was in middle school I received a pair of oxfords as a gift. No penny loafers for me.
Leaving Austin, Tx in September 2013 for our move to Mexico.
The last garage sale before we left. Our sons and their dad and my DIL and grandson. Bittersweet.
To make up for my lack of childhood parties, I guess it wasn’t a thing in the stone age, I planned my own fun adult parties.
Family portrait for my big 6-oh. A lot has changed in six years.
My annual celebrations included a kite-flying picnic in the park and glow-in-the-dark bowling which was a big hit. We had musical performances on the patio in Austin and even a poetry reading. But the absolute best was my sixtieth birthday in a hardware store!
Treehouse Hardware in Westgate Mall, Austin, TX.
Formerly a Boarder’s book store, Treehouse is an upscale, swanky hardware store. In 2012 it had just moved into its current space and wasn’t doing that great. I approached the staff about having my party in their large central workshop area during store hours. I wanted to promote the store because I liked having it within walking distance of my house. Staff looked a bit confused but seemed willing to humor me. My good friends The Therapy Sisters performed and we served a large sheet cake to all comers. It was a blast and the best birthday party ever.
Not your daddy’s hardware store.
Today is my birthday and Lisa and I have slipped off to a jungle B&B for a few days R&R. No electronics allowed. I’ll be back next week with some great pictures.
DOS TORTAS
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