Open mic night

Back in March I blogged about cafe el Pendulo and their Open Mic Night Well unfortunately cafe el Pendulo has fallen. 


Fortunately Open Mic Night has been picked up by Amate Books. 

 O P E N   M I C  -  “In Your Eyes” Foundation and Amate Books proudly present Music, Poetry, Comedy, or whatever talent YOU can bring 

A NIGHT OF CABARET 

“No use sitting alone in your room…come to the cabaret!” 

At Amate Books Calle 60 y 51, Merida   

Every Wednesday at 7PM 

  Invited artists will perform for your pleasure, but all are encouraged to bring a guitar, banjo, poetry, fiction, comedy, harmonica, violin, tuba, whatever.  

Share your talent, be a star at  Cabaret Amate 

$50 pesos cover includes 2 free drinks (beer or wine), cafe, or $50 pesos toward the purchase of a book.  

Don´t miss this weekly event, 

every Wednesday at 7PM at Amate Books, 

or you will regret it for the rest of your life!!!!!  

 Hosted by: Jonathan Harrington

jicara, or xicalli in Nahuatl

We have what was once a small separate casita behind our house.  Lots of people think/thought we should turn it in to either a guest cottage or our master suite.  Well we don't get enough company to justify that expense, and  we don't need a 'Master Suite'.  It is best served as our bodega, or storage area.


Just past the end of the patio, and next to the bodega where the garden starts is a narrow spit of land. This spit of land is available for planting - it borders both the bodega and the walkway just before the garden opens up.  In this spit of land I have tried several different plantings trying to find what works.   I had a 'flor de campana' which I liked very much it was tall'ish, full and almost always had flowers. What this also meant was that it was always shedding flowers, that ended up in the pool.  Tom don't like stuff in the pool.


So I removed that and put in a jicara.  When I got this jicara it was in a 12oz plastic cup.  It is now about 12 feet high, AND I now have my first jicaras; 2 jicaras in fact.

here you can also see the work being done for an irrigation system installation, that will be a separate post!

Jicaras are used all over the place for all sorts of things.  They were originally utilitarian, used as bowls, cups, scoops, storage vessels.  

They are now also used as decorative pieces.












a few years ago I was gifted a green jicara fruit.  I researched on the internet and attempted to cure the gourd myself.  I was successful at eviscerating the gourd and drying it, although my attempt to cut it was not so successful;  I did crack it.  It was a smelly and tedious process.  So will I process these myself or gift them to a carver, hmmm, who knows, - sounds like another blog post to me!

irrigation system installation - Day 1

Over a year ago I started talking about putting in an irrigation system.  It takes a bit over an hour to water the back garden with the hose.  Then there is the small garden outside the kitchen as well as the pots around the patio and pool.  Oh, and the small garden out front.  So you can see how, especially during the dry season this could take up quite a bit of time.  I actually enjoy the watering, most times, but sometimes not!

And 'so what' you might think, she's retired, what else does she have to do - Plenty! I have plenty to do!

Anyway, I can't now remember where I saw the ad, but I contacted Randy, from Natural Thangs - he came out looked the place over, and offered me an estimate.

Tom and I tend to be do-it-yourselfers. Some say we're a bit controlling and want want things done the way WE want them done!  Yes, I'd have to agree on that.  We are also organized and plan things out.  In fact about a year ago I measured out the garden and started a layout for where heads should go for coverage etc.  I just didn't know how to measure the water pressure to know length of line and run, etc. Without that knowledge how could I plan properly head placement, etc. So, I sort of sat this plan off and forgot, well I didn't forget, I just didn't follow through.

So back to Natural Thangs, I saw an ad, or comment, or photo, or something and gave them a call.

Randy - came, we talked over price, we struck a deal, a very loose deal.  We didn't follow our own counsel to others.  Get a detailed estimate and outline of exactly what is to be done. Nor did he provide a 'Design' for the sprinkler layout - but hey - TIM (This is Mexico) Things roll a bit differently here.   Add to that we gave him nearly 2/3 payment up front - again, against our counsel to others; 1/3 up front, 1/3 at halfway point, and 1/3 upon happy ending.

Anyway, Randy and his guys, 3 instead of the 2 he quoted, One guy for free?   Doubtful! all show up this AM ready to rock n roll.

So Randy and 3rd guy, Renee I think, start talking about heads and coverage, and how much of this that and the other thing.  They check the pressure of the water coming out of the hose, chat some more and then head out to buy their supplies.

Talking with Randy, we, Tom and I ask questions about stuff, what's he doing here, how's he doing that - he keeps saying he's a professional and has lots of experience and to trust him!  OK! That's why we're not doing it ourselves right?!

So the worker guys are trenching - the boss man is shopping - and I am sittin back, fat, dumb, and happy!

before trenching

They did get a fair amount done - check out these photos!

during - trenching

Well the photos are causing me some grief right now!  But Day 1, most of the trenching is done, some tube is laid, the sod and dirt have been delivered, still no design, and things have changed from the discussion this morning to what was done by afternoon.

Let's see what tomorrow brings!

Pet/house sitting services

Our friend Kathy is looking for pet and/or house sitting opportunities. 

 I provide you with her references and contact info below. 
She indicates to us -  "...feel free to offer it to your ex-pat friends, especially if they have a beach home and need me to stay and love/exercise their dog on the beach for a week or so while they travel :)."

Please contact her directly if interested.

Kathryn Monahan – Pet Sitting Resume

Contact:  Kathryn_Monahan@yahoo.com or 970-764-5237

______________________________________________________

As a single woman, my pets are my family, and I need a petsitter to offer much more than feeding and watering and quick stop overs.  Kathryn treats my pets to a vacation while I'm away on vacation. She spends lots of quality time at my home, and I come home to calm, well-exercised dogs and a happy, well-loved cat. She offers the dogs physically and mentally stimulating walks on a daily basis, and the kitty lots of attention.  My home is safe and sound while I'm away, and clean when I return. I've used dozens of petsitters in my life, and Kathryn is one of the very best in every regard.  She gets a 5-star rating from me (and my pets). 

Ann Bond

Durango, Colorado

agent.bond2@gmail.co

-----------------------------------------------

We have known Kathryn for many years.  Throughout this time, we have asked her on many occasions to take care of our furry friends, Ginger & Duffy.  In addition to caring for our pets, she would take care of our property as well.  This included our home, vehicles, landscape, etc. We have recommended her to many of our friends, who request her services on a regular basis.  She has always been honest, sincere and done exactly what was asked.  We highly recommend her for any pet/house sitting job.  Please feel free to contact us at the information provided

Jo                        Joanne and Paul Wade

D                         Durango, Colorado

                            jwadern@earthlink.net

------------------------------------------------------------------

H                    Having known Kathryn for many years, she agreed to be our petsitter (housesitter, but I don’t care about the house as much as my pets).  We were truly amazed at how dedicated she was to our pets (house) and how much they came to love her.  Even now when she stops by the dog greets her like a family member, the bird starts talking away to her like she lives there, and the fish – well, you know fish.  They probably all get more attention from her than from us!  We find our home is better than how we left it.  I have shot myself in the foot by referring her to others but she somehow still finds time to fit our family in.  I cannot say enough good things about Kathryn and I know anyone who uses her services will not be disappointed.  As a side note, I remember asking Kathryn to go to dinner one night while she was petsitting elsewhere; she couldn’t go because that particular dog was afraid of thunder and it was a stormy afternoon!  If that doesn’t show commitment (dog sitting vs. friends), I don’t know what does!

Rick and Joan Ehat

Durango, CO

jehat@aol.com 

  ---------------------------------------------------------------

Before Kathryn began pet/house sitting for us, we used to leave on vacation with a feeling of trepidation and a dash of guilt. Now, we know our furry loved ones will be treated at least as well, if not better, than if we’d never left. And I sometimes believe our cat may wish we’d stay away. But we do return, and always to a home that’s been well cared for. Kathryn is very personable to work with, but also impressively conscientious and professional. Recommending her to others is my first, significant non-selfish act of the New Year.

Caroline Arlen and Lars Morris

Durango, CO

caroline@frontier.net 

A weekend cultural extravaganza!

Boy have I had a fun weekend -  On Friday I had the 2nd of my new Yoga classes.  Yes, yes, I know, me exercising, just doesn't seem right does it!  But yes! I am now attending a twice a week morning yoga class.   


In the evening there was a meeting at a local bookstore that sells English language books.  The bookstore also sells Spanish language books, and artisania, mainly from Oaxaca.


The current owner wants out, and the couple that are buying want to create a sort of Cultural Center, geared towards a predominantly English speaking customer base.  So we had a meeting; introductions were made, ideas outlined, and then we broke in to focus groups to outline some ideas and wishlist items.  There were groups for Book Club, Music, WorkShops, Lecture Series, I think, I could be wrong; I went with the Workshop Group.  We came up with quite a list, should be interesting to see what transpires.


Tom had a poker game that night and was using the car so I was on my own.  After the meeting I was strolling along and saw a dress I liked in a small shop and stopped in.  I did end up buying the dress, and found out the sales lady is a neighbor; she said she lives in La Ermita and mentioned a street not 5 blocks south of me.  Small World!


I then continued strolling and spotted several friends at a small streetside cafe, 'Vida Catrina', They invited me to join them and we visited for a while.  They had ordered food and it was really well presented, and according to the group the food was all good.


I continued my strolling and ended up in Paisaje de Revolucion, which is a breezeway of sorts between the cathedral and the Macay Museum.  This breezeway has just recently undergone some remodeling and now has a covered translucent open end roof.  Here I stumbled upon the tail end of a dance performance by a contemporary Cuban Dance Troup. They are here performing as a part of the Festival of the City, a month long cornucopia of cultural events.  I really enjoyed the dancing.  Here is the dance troupe info -

Compañía de Cuba de Danza Contemporánea ENDEDAN´S

So by now it's getting on to 11PM and I head home.  Yes, I walked most of the way, I did catch a bus at 67 x 62 y 64.  And yes I felt completely safe and comfortable.


Then on Saturday, there were a variety of everyday detail kinds of things, sweep the floor, load of laundry, grocery store, pay CFE (electric), blah, blah, blah.  And  again, Tom was using the car so I was on foot.  I should have taken a regular taxi home from the grocery, I normally get a trici-taxi but as I was walking out the store doors I saw all of them pulling off, drat and damnation.  I really did have too much stuff, and now my shoulders and elbows are a bit sore!


Tom ended up getting home a bit later than I had anticipated and one thing led to another and by the time we realized it it was 7pm.  I told him about the Dance Troup and since they were only playing the 2 nights.  He decided he wanted to see them so we walked up to Amaro for dinner. Amaro is one of our favorite places, the food is consistently good, Tom loves their margaritas, and I am a sucker for their sangria.  They have a great variety of vegetarian dishes, but they also serve beef, pork, chicken, fish, and seafood as well, a little something for everyone. Seating is mainly al fresco in the large courtyard of this converted colonial style mansion which also happens to be the birthplace of Andres Quintana Roo; AND starting anywhere between 8 and 10PM they have musicians. This particular Saturday was a guitarrist,/singer named Tony.  He's really quite good, plays lots of traditional and contemporary Trova music, romantic ballads, etc.  It was a shame to leave him but we had to get to the dance performance.




OKAY, so off we head after dinner towards the paisaje and we stroll past and great several friends, always fun! 


So here are some photos of the dancers, they were performing, among other things, a contemporary adaptation of La Carmen.

 I REALLY hate seeing the porta-potties as the background, 

and I thought the jumbo screen was a bit distracting

oye, this guy could fly, he was very talented!

OKAY, so after the dancers we, yes tonight it was Tom and I, walked to the bus stop and took the bus home together.


So Sunday I have a ticket for the symphony, and Tom has a seat reserved at a friends for football.


Our internet was down most of the morning so I couldn't get to an email for the phone number to call Trish who had my ticket - so luckily she lives only about 3 1/2 blocks away.  I walk up, get my ticket, accept the offer of a ride, as yes, you guessed it, Tom is using the car again.  Although he did offer to walk and give me the car today!


Anyway,  the symphony today was FABULOUS!    This link will take you to todays program
Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Strauss.  Fabulous! 

How can you not enjoy being in this building, it is beautiful!

So after the concert I start walking about a bit and run in to friends Jorge and Joanna and we decide to go for some lunch, or first choice was packed so decided to try the Vida Catrina, none of us had been.

This is one of the entries, not very fetching is it!

but look what you see when you get inside!

el mariachi loco!  or are they los mariachis locos?

tamarind chicken,   deelish!

 chile stuffed with picadillo and queso de bolo

and Jorge's Special Order, fettuccine with shrimp in garlic wine sauce.

all super tasty, and wine is 2 for 1 at lunch, SCORE!!!!

We each liked our food and I think we'll each go back again sometime!

OK, now I'm feeling fine, I have had lunch with 2 of my favorite people, and I've had 2 glasses of wine!  and I am back on the street.  I take a shortcut through the park and what do I find, a performance by a singer named Beatriz, who has an amazing voice by the way!

And I stop in at a pharmacy and pick up my prescription for the antibiotics for my tooth infection which I still have done nothing about scheduling for the tooth repair.

And then I make my way back to my trusty bus stop.  From my house to the plaza grande, or Plaza de la Independencia is about 18 blocks, to get to the bus stop that comes in to my neighborhood you must walk to within 8 blocks, silly eh.  But that short ride sure helps out on the way home!

So here I sit, Tom is still at football, dogs are fed, birds are in, I've made a followup appointment about the irrigation system and sod I want installed, It's been a very good day! Maybe I'll go watch a movie!

Yes, it's been a very good day!