I guess I need to start out explaining that the Mexican government seems to be very serious on the subject of the safety issues that have been in the US newspapers over the last however long. We caught the Red Bus ~ as usual ~ to come from the parking lot across the border. It has never taken over a few minutes to get from the parking lot to Revelolution bus station. On Friday it was over an hour between travel. The driver said the Mexican Border Patrol ~ very much in evidence~ was looking for firearms (etc) being smuggled in from the US so they were doing spot checks. One of the busses ahead of us had to completely un pack and all the luggage was searched. So, meanwhile, we sat in line to cross. They are really serious.... and I can't say it's a bad thing either. These gang wars have decimated much of the livelihoods of many, many hard working Mexican people. Even Dra. Ruth has noticed a large decline of her American patients.
So, on with my story..... On Friday after our visit with Dra. Ruth Rubio, our Dentista, neither of us felt up to negotiating the bus route to get to Rosarito Beach ~ So Dra. Ruth was kind enough to go downstairs with us ~ and negotiate a ride in a Taxi for us. Our drivers name was Leon and he very graciously took us from 3rd Avineda in Tijuana to the Rosarito Beach Hotel. He didn't speak much English but we did have a few funnies even with the language barrier.
The road between the two cities is all torn up. Lots of construction going on - and detours like you'd never believe. Little gravel driveway, through a small parking lot, and a LOT of rough road. And very little in the way of shocks... LOL Through all of this we saw many Policia - they are very much in full view and very obvious. Only once did I see a Policia with a machine gun in the middle of the street glancing at cars as they went on both sides of him. He nodded our way - and we went on by.
So we got there - all in 1 piece ~ safe and sound ~ even if my mouth was starting to throb a bit from my 3 extractions ~ it was a good trip. So we asked Leon if he would come back to Rosarito Beach Hotel and pick us up on Monday (today) at 9 am so we could come back to Tijuana to see Dra. Ruth and she could complete this portion of our dental work.
We went out front of the Hotel to wait for Leon ~ having already discussed what we would do if he didn't return on the off chance that we would still be waiting for him. Another driver came and offered to bring us to Dra. Ruth's but I didn't want to leave before 9 am agreed time - so the other driver waited....
Imagine my surprise when another driver (same company as the waiting one) showed up with a note (in English) telling us that he was sent by Leon to take us to the Dentista for the same negotiated price that was agreed on Friday! Our new driver didn't speak a word of English and we had only a small stunted conversation that probably didn't make any more sense to him than it did to me (after all my spanish is over 40 years old!). He stopped and asked directions only once - and I could see the 'school bus' that I have used for a landmark for the last 10 years! So I'm saying '2 more blocks' and he isn't understanding. But we made it there.
Dra. Ruth has finished my temporary crown on my partial and Keith is having a temporary crown to cover the broken tooth that Dra. Ruth did a root canal and repair on Friday.
So I guess the point of my story is that ~ even tho' Leon probably will never see or hear from us again ~ he stood by his word ~ and didn't leave us stranded. Thank you Leon~~
November 2, 2009
November 1, 2009
November 1
In the lobby is an alter for Michael Jackson. When we arrived - I was really curious about the alter and found this out.....
El Día de los Muertos is being 'celebrated' (for lack of a better word) today and this is what it was for.
This morning it looks as though the wind (it has really been windy!) has decided to lay down so I think we are going to try out the jacuzzi again - and do a walk on the beach... It is such a beautiful beach!
This morning it looks as though the wind (it has really been windy!) has decided to lay down so I think we are going to try out the jacuzzi again - and do a walk on the beach... It is such a beautiful beach!
Halloween in Mexico
We arrived in Rosarito Beach on Friday afternoon via a really nice taxi driver that brought us from Tijuana. I had visited my own wonderful dentista - Dr. Ruth - she had to extract (do destruction - in her terms :) ) 3 teeth - so I wasn't really up for taking the bus down. As always - the staff here at the Rosarito Beach Hotel are wonderful, nice, polite, and helpful. We have visited here several times before - and have always really enjoyed ourselves - so - we looked forward to another great time.
We have now tried all 3 of their 'room' styles. Oceanfront, garden view, and suite. This trip we are in their 1 bedroom suite! and it is complete with a well appointed kitchenette! Many int the US could take a real lesson here. We have a full size coffepot, blender, toaster, MATCHING dishes, dish soap and towels, salt - pepper - coffee - and drinking water - all right here all easily found. The room also has the usual small fridge and microwave. We have a great ocean view - right over the lower beachfront studios roof. Makes for a really sweet place to sit in the sun and enjoy the morning coffee! The sunset was really beautiful out over the Pacific Ocean.
Unfortunately is has been a bit on the windy side for the last couple of days so the pools and hot tubs were not anything I wanted to brave - but Keith did go for a soak and was all smiles when he reported back to me that it 'was wonderful'!!
There was entertainment last night with dinner. Our server, Manuel, kept us in peanuts, tacos, and chips (with guacomole!) while we divided out attentions between the big screen showing the World Series and the entertainment! I thoroughly enjoyed watching Efrain Precsado and his great quartet of Our bartender Manuel kept in peanuts, tacos, and shrimp coctail while we divided out attentions between the dancers and the big screen tv showing the World Series!dancers. The costumes and the verve of the dancers showed that they were enjoying themselves also! http://www.flickr.com/photos/dianeb/sets/72157622584744251/show/
The pictures aren't even close to doing justice to these dancers - but I loved watching them!
October 26, 2009
Washington visit
My visit to Washington is coming to an end. Tomorrow morning S'te will drop me at the shuttle so I can catch an airplane and meet Keith in San Diego. He has to work but I plan to enjoy the sun and dry out from my two weeks here in the drippy fall!
I have enjoyed being with the kids and thier family.... doing the school thing, going to Tetee's soccer game (I missed Jaleel's Saturday afternoon tho' - and his team won!!), and cooking for people that eat - and I do mean eat! I've always enjoyed watching people enjoy food that I've fixed! Last night Brayana, Destini, and I fixed homemade pizza casseroles. There was very little left over - even Cavelle had 3 pieces! I found the 'soy' section at Safeway so was able to score some soy ice cream for Makk - so we all had ice cream for dessert! Amanda and her family even stopped by for a short visit! It was a great fun evening!
Today comes the job of doing laundry and making sure I've picked up and packed all my 'stuff'. It is amazing how quickly one can get 'spread out'!! LOL
Makk is back to school this morning (he will still miss 2 days this week for post op followups)!! It is so amazing how God made the human body as resilient as it is. I know we don't always think so - I've had my bouts with self pity! - but to see this little guy looking so great - when not so long ago - it caused him agonizing pain to eat anything solid, move on or off of a bed (right after surgery), and terribly inactive due to the lack of nutrition his body was able to process - it is truly amazing! S'te has taken them so that she can show the staff how to hook and unhook his tube and flush the port after feedings. It is really sooooo much simpler than the oral fed formula drama so many times every day. Technology is such a blessing (at most times LOL)!!
And... right after S'te left with the boys- thier PE teacher called - she has nominated Jaleel for some sort of award for his perseverence and focused (yes, Jaleel!) achievemensts on the UNICYCLE!! He is the fastest in the school - and by the way - Makk is the fastest for his grade. I've not seen him ride - I hope to for our next visit! I didn't realize that he had advanced that far in such a short time!
I told her that S'te was probably pulling up at the school as we were speaking - so she was going to try to catch her there. What a great achievement! Way to go JMan!
So my next post should be from sunny San Diego! I'm ready!
I have enjoyed being with the kids and thier family.... doing the school thing, going to Tetee's soccer game (I missed Jaleel's Saturday afternoon tho' - and his team won!!), and cooking for people that eat - and I do mean eat! I've always enjoyed watching people enjoy food that I've fixed! Last night Brayana, Destini, and I fixed homemade pizza casseroles. There was very little left over - even Cavelle had 3 pieces! I found the 'soy' section at Safeway so was able to score some soy ice cream for Makk - so we all had ice cream for dessert! Amanda and her family even stopped by for a short visit! It was a great fun evening!
Today comes the job of doing laundry and making sure I've picked up and packed all my 'stuff'. It is amazing how quickly one can get 'spread out'!! LOL
Makk is back to school this morning (he will still miss 2 days this week for post op followups)!! It is so amazing how God made the human body as resilient as it is. I know we don't always think so - I've had my bouts with self pity! - but to see this little guy looking so great - when not so long ago - it caused him agonizing pain to eat anything solid, move on or off of a bed (right after surgery), and terribly inactive due to the lack of nutrition his body was able to process - it is truly amazing! S'te has taken them so that she can show the staff how to hook and unhook his tube and flush the port after feedings. It is really sooooo much simpler than the oral fed formula drama so many times every day. Technology is such a blessing (at most times LOL)!!
And... right after S'te left with the boys- thier PE teacher called - she has nominated Jaleel for some sort of award for his perseverence and focused (yes, Jaleel!) achievemensts on the UNICYCLE!! He is the fastest in the school - and by the way - Makk is the fastest for his grade. I've not seen him ride - I hope to for our next visit! I didn't realize that he had advanced that far in such a short time!
I told her that S'te was probably pulling up at the school as we were speaking - so she was going to try to catch her there. What a great achievement! Way to go JMan!
So my next post should be from sunny San Diego! I'm ready!
October 25, 2009
Uses for Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are eco-friendly and cheaper than paper towels!! Try some of these hints and see for yourself. I have tried most of them...
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers. I LOVE THIS ONE!
2.. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4.. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust. THIS WORKS WELL TOO!
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent The soil from going through the drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter. WONDERFUL FOR GRANDKIDS!
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.. WORKS GREAT!
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers. I LOVE THIS ONE!
2.. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4.. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust. THIS WORKS WELL TOO!
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent The soil from going through the drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter. WONDERFUL FOR GRANDKIDS!
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.. WORKS GREAT!
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."
October 24, 2009
October 20, 2009
I found this while 'surfing' and I love it!
Just for today when my heart feels like breaking,
I will stop and remember that grief is the price we pay for loving and the
only reason I hurt is because I had the privilege of loving so much.
I will stop and remember that grief is the price we pay for loving and the
only reason I hurt is because I had the privilege of loving so much.
October 19, 2009
Our Weekend
On Friday the older 2 girls went with their Youth Group for retreat. I dropped them, clothing (a LOT of clothing LOL), sleeping bags, pillows, and snacks off on our way out of town. The younger 3 and I went down to DuPont, Washington to spend the weekend at the Liberty Inn!
Thank you everyone for all the prayers - I know that they have helped him in the quick early recovery - and he is feeling and doing much better, his voice sounds less raspy - and it can only get even better!
Jaleel and Taniyah were eager to see Mak and I know that all three were eager to see their Mommy and Daddy!! The days without them went along well enough – but they missed them badly. Actually, all of the kids missed Rod and S’te a whole bunch and did well in helping me keep body and soul together!
Anyhow, we spent a leisurely weekend at the 'hotel' as Taniyah was excitedly announcing in the days leading up to it. The kids swam, S'te was able to come over from the hospital and spend some time with them down in the pool. Rod came and took the older 2 over to the hospital to see Makk while Cavelle and I hung out, had dinner, and kicked back. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to go hug my grandbaby boy - by the time we got there I had a full fledged cough, runny nose, plugged ears cold ~ so a visit was not in my baby's best interest. So I did the next-best-thing and made it possible for the others to spend some time with Makk. Rod and Jaleel had to make a quick trip back up to Bremerton Saturday afternoon for Jaleels football game - which he and his team won - by the way! They are heading off down the line to the playoffs - 1st time in 4 years they've had a good season!! Way to go team!!
While Jaleel was off playing on the wet and soggy field - Tetee, CB, and I took the Hostesses advice and visited Charlies Safari down in Lacey. It is a great place for kids to let off some energy when there has been 5 straight days of rain! I think they had fun. I was entertained and it was a great way to while away an afternoon. We spent so long there that it was dark when we finally returned to the 'Hotel'. LOL They were all worn completely out and we had a nice calm deep sleep, no-argument-about-bedtime night. The kids slept in this morning to the tune of ~ I woke them up so we could go to breakfast and they could get a swim in before we headed back North and pick up the returning girls. We did get in a quick visit with Makk when we stopped to pick Rod up (he came back up with us) ~ even I had to at least see him before I left ~ but I kept my distance! He had a rather rough morning and was not real excited about the company - but he was feeling much better by the time we left.
We made it back to town safely, the girls are home safely. Everyone is tired (especially the ones back from the retreat LOL) and all tucked safely and tiredly in beds (with visions of lollipops dancing in their heads)!
The hope is for Makk to be released and be able to come home within the next day or two. He is sore (of course) and was doing really well before (in my humble uneducated opinion) they decided to push him on the feeds and he started having issues again. S'te and Rod have been vigilant in returning items on his trays that he cannot have and should not be eating.... since he hasn't had solid foods in so long - large meals or hot dogs (complete with roll!) didn't seem to be in his best interests (in their same kind of opinions). Hopefully (again in that same sort of my opinion) the medical gurus will back off and let his little system find it's level and go from there. Of course, that is the Grandma talking there!
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