Paint Your Landscape

A Trip to the Dentist

January 26, 2011April 8, 2012LuAnn

After twelve years of therapy my psychiatrist said something that brought tears to my eyes. He said, “No hablo ingles.” ~ Anonymous

Hola Everyone! It has been awhile since I have blogged, as it seems that I have become one of those retirees (still don’t like that word!) who has begun to wonder how she had time to work, with all the activities in which we are involved.

Today was the day to experience the world of Mexican dentistry, which has been highly touted as professional and inexpensive. The particular dentist’s office that we visited was across town, and we would typically walk, as we do so most everywhere, but given other appointments earlier today (yoga and the Wednesday organic market), we thought it best to hop onto a city bus.

City buses lack some of the creature comforts of those taken for longer distances (like the ETN bus we took to San Miguel and Guanajuato), but are serviceable and cost 6-8 pesos (less than $1). Sitting by the window, on more than one occasion, I held my breath as the driver squeezed by other vehicles, missing side view mirrors by inches!

In the states, we are accustomed to being considerate of those around us and wear ear buds when listening to iPods or radios (except for some who use cell phones and wish everyone to hear their conversation) but in Mexico, anything goes. An older local gentleman stepped on the bus and proceeded to crank up his portable radio so we all could enjoy the Latin music. It phased no one around him and I realized that I am becoming accustomed to this type of behavior as well, because in the whole scheme of things, it is no big deal, right?!

We hopped off the bus at our stop and entered the dentist’s office, where we were told by an office staffer that Terry would be passed off to a nice-looking woman dentist and I would have a nice-looking male dentist to take care of my exam and cleaning. I must admit that this was not the type of comment I had ever heard before when entering a doctor’s office, but was all said in jest.

Both our dentists were professional and efficient and the equipment used was very modern (ultrasonic cleaning method). My exam seemed very thorough and, at one point, my dentist very kindly asked me if I was stressed, as he could see that I had a tendency to clench my teeth. Explaining to him that I was recently retired and enjoying the good life; yoga, meditation, beautiful weather, and long lunches with friends, I did not feel the least bit stressed. I bemused that perhaps watching the meanderings of the bus drivers down narrow streets could be a bit stressful but knew that my teeth clenching originated long before my departure from corporate life.

While still in the chair, I was fitted for a mouth guard, while Terry had a filling replaced after his cleaning, all done with much care. Surprisingly, this did not take several visits, and had I been willing to wait for one hour, I could have walked out of the office with my mouth guard, but opted to return the next day instead.

Now for the really exciting news, the costs for the services rendered:

Cleaning and exam: $12.00

Filling restoration: $28.00

Mouth guard: $50.00

Another side benefit was no insurance papers to file. Needless to say, we were impressed.

We decided to take the bus back as well and hopped on at the nearest bus stop. Local buses are commonly referred to as “chicken buses” because ostensibly, one could bring their live chicken on board if they were so inclined. Surprise, surprise, we had entertainment for the ride back in the form of two Mexican balladeers, who apparently used this venue as their side jobs. The younger of the two stood in the aisle with his back to me, strumming his guitar as he began to serenade the crowd. Given the swaying of the bus, I was braced to have him sitting in my lap before we arrived at our stop, but much to my relief, he had great balance and his singing was not half bad!

One never knows what they might encounter on a bus trip across the village. I am secretly hoping for the singing chicken act on our next bus adventure!

Hasta luego!

Happy New Year!

January 12, 2011April 8, 2012LuAnn

Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future; concentrate the mind on the present moment ~ Buddha

We have returned to sunny Mexico after spending a wonderful 5 weeks with family and friends. Our trip included an approximate 2000 mile trek from Arizona, to Oklahoma, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. For those of you up north watching the weather (and who hasn’t), except for warmer temps in Arizona and one day in the midwest, most days the temperature was frigid, but we were rewarded with a white Christmas and the warmth of spending the holidays with family.

Our first stop after leaving Arizona was to head to Oklahoma to visit children and grandchildren. We also had the opportunity to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a very moving tribute to those whose lives were changed forever after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 15, 1995. Looking across the expanse of the Field of Empty Chairs was a very humbling experience, one I will not soon forget. Each chair represents an individual who lost their life in the bombing, with names engraved on the bases. Smaller chairs chillingly depict the number of children lost in the daycare center that tragic day.

The memorial created by this tragedy was one of the most symbolic I have ever seen, with a reflecting pool sitting in front of the Field of Empty Chairs and The Gates of Time flanking either end of the pool. Engraved on the east gate is the time of 9:01, which reflects the innocence of the city prior to the bombing. The west gate’s engraving of 9:03 represents the moment that the city was forever changed, as the bombing occurred at 9:02 am.

One of many other noteworthy items on the grounds is that of the Survivor Tree, a 90-year-old American Elm that bore witness to the violence of that day, having been embedded with debris from the building. It was lovingly cared for and still is to ensure its survival, as it represents the strength of the Oklahoma City people. A message to visitors reads: The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us.

The memorial museum is an interactive chilling chronology of the days, weeks, and years that followed the bombing. As one walks from room to room, chapters unfold outlining the chaos of that day. The Gallery of Honor is the museum’s most beautiful room, honoring the lives of the 168 who were killed. Families of the victims display personal photographs and memorabilia of their loved ones, while interactive computers provide personal stories.

I would encourage everyone to visit this memorial if possible. It will forever change you.

From Oklahoma, we drove on to Ohio to spend Christmas with parents and on to Indianapolis to spend time with a sister and her family. Giving the parents a break, we headed to Illinois to visit a brother and family, along with a good friend. The first night there I came away with a bruised knuckle, thumb and knee, reminding me that I am not as young as I once was and that air hockey, rip riders and pogo sticks are probably best left for the young!

Another must-see when in Ohio is the National Museum of the United States Air Force, containing three large galleries covering aircraft from World War II through our current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A short side tour can be taken onto the active air force base to view Air Force One planes throughout the years, as well as a Research and Development wing. A Missile and Space Gallery rounds out the newer additions to the museum.

After the first of the new year, we stole away for a couple of days to visit friends in Columbus, Terry’s very dear friend from high school (how many of us keep in touch with friends from that far back) and his lovely wife.

Oklahoma family photos:

The Ohio and Indianapolis crowd:

The Illinois clan:

Some action shots of the nephews and niece and a wonderful reminder of special memories we all hold dear of Christmas – the smiles of children.

My oldest nephew and godson, Seth, did not participate in the above festivities but challenged me to a game of Air Hockey (what was I thinking?!) and could take credit for me sporting a black-and-blue knuckle and thumb for several days. Needless to say, I got trounced!

It was a bittersweet trip back to Mexico, given the time spent with family and friends, but we had to remind ourselves that they are just a phone call or plane flight away. Here is hoping that all of you have some beautiful memories of the holidays, with family and friends at the center.

May 2011 bring us all peace and prosperity and an abundance of blessings!

Happy Holidays

December 21, 2010April 8, 2012LuAnn

As most of you know, we headed north of the border in early December to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. The first leg of our journey began in Phoenix, where we had stored our vehicle and personal belongings. When we opened our storage unit and began to pare it down even further, we were struck by what minimalists we have become, which made me reflect on what is important to us and what we all (if we are honest with ourselves) at times lose sight of, with the hectic event that has become our daily lives.

We spent the first two days in Phoenix with our good friends Carl and Marcia, whose kindness and generosity of spirit are so uplifting and my hope is that each of you have someone in your life who gives so freely of themselves as they do.

Carl, Marcia, Jazz, Lu and Terry — Carl, Marcia, Jassmine (Jazz), Me, and Terry

From Phoenix we headed to Sedona for several days, to spend time with our friends Rosie and Jim, as well as Barb and Pete.

Rosie and Jim, as always, were generous with their time and opened their home to us. Jim went out of his way to keep us fed, cooking for us and others daily. Thank goodness we hiked most days to counterbalance the additional calories we consumed. I don’t know what made my stomach hurt more; too much of Jim’s good cooking or his wacky sense of humor, which kept us laughing.

Jim & Rosie's Christmas Steer — Jim and Rosie's Christmas Steer

Last, but certainly not least, are Barb and Pete, two special friends that we always look forward to spending time with in Sedona. Most of you have already heard me speak of Barb. Barb is my anam cara, my soul friend, who has been ill for many years. She and her husband Pete have such courage and strength in the face of adversity. I pray that I could conduct myself with the same grace that they do everyday if I were faced with the same challenges.

Nutcrackers — Barb's Amazing Nutcracker Collection!

We are fortunate to have friends spread across the country, as well as friendships developed in Mexico. Kevin and Erin are two we met in Mexico, friends and mentors, who so generously give of their time and their knowledge and made our transition to Lakeside so easy, and we feel blessed to have them in our lives.

It would be lovely to spend the holidays with all our friends but obviously, this is unrealistic, so here is to all our friends fondly remembered at this time. May we all step away from the stress of the commercialism of the holiday season and take a few moments to practice loving kindness for family (those close to us and those estranged), friends, and all those known to us and unknown who are suffering at this time.

This year we are fortunate to be spending the holidays with family, unlike years of the past. May this season find you embracing family and friends and may 2011 bless each of us with a sense of peace as we navigate through the waters of our lives.

Happy Holidays!

Puerto Vallarta

December 2, 2010April 8, 2012LuAnn

The week of Thanksgiving is a typical week when gringos and locals alike migrate to the beaches, before the kickoff of high season and higher rates. Who were we to argue with this, so away we went to Puerto Vallarta!

Before I provide a glimpse into yet another lovely Mexican city, I must first apologize to my friends in the colder climes up north, particularly in the Yellowstone National Park area, for the timing of this post. We happened to notice that the temps during the week of Thanksgiving plummeted into negative figures, with plenty of snow to boot. Suffice to say, we thought about all of you when we were basking in 80 degree temps during the day and 65 at night.

For those who have never been to Puerto Vallarta, it is on the Pacific Coast side of Mexico, on one of the largest bays in the world – Banderas Bay. North to south, this expanse of water extends 42 kilometers (roughly 26 miles).

Puerto Vallarta became an international destination with the filming of The Night of the Iguana in 1963, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The home that they purchased during filming is still on one of the tour routes.

In 1973, the construction of the big hotels began and PV was labeled as a mecca for water sports, one of them being parasailing, and no, this is not me.

Many locals still make their living from the sea. Terry was able to get a photo of some men readying their nets in the hopes of capturing some of the ocean’s bounty, while a pelican alights in a tree nearby, anxious for a free lunch.

While Terry was snapping these pictures, I just happened to be looking out into the bay and saw two beautiful manta rays project themselves from the depths again and again, fly through the air, and dive back down into the bay. What a miraculous sight this was but unfortunately, I had no camera in hand!

The malecon here is probably unlike any other in Mexico, as it is lined with restaurants, nightclubs and fine shops, a tourist’s heaven. It does have the obligatory plaza with gazebo and church nearby.

The Church of Guadalupe was constructed in 1951, right off the main plaza and has a magnificent crown balanced on top of her steeple, fashioned after the one worn by Mexico’s 18th century Empress Carlota.

Intricate and unusual sculptures and statues lined the malecon, many of them displaying mermaid-like creatures.

Sea Creature Chairs - Very Strange Indeed!

The malecon’s first statue was that of a little mer creature.

The next sculpture is that of Angel de Esperanza (Angel of Hope), washed away by Hurricane Henna in 2002 and replaced in 2007.

Triton and Nereid — Triton (son of sea-god Poseidon) and Nereid

We stood and looked at the next statue for some time, trying to determine what in the world this man was going to eat! Looking down at the base of the statue were the words “Come Piedras”.

One of the more colorful sculptures depicted a celebration of the Xiutla Folkloric Ballet.

A sculptor by the name of Bustamante, whose trademark is to create statues of people with triangular heads, has a sculpture displayed by the name “In Search of Reason”, where it appears the mother is calling out to her children who have climbed high onto the ladder. Wanting to experience this thrill myself, I had to be the tourist and have my picture taken!

Along with the famous bronze sculptures were less permanent pieces of artwork being fashioned by locals, those created in sand or by rocks worn smooth by the movement of the tides.

These look like some very sophisticated cairns. Terry watched as this man stood sans movement for the longest time to balance the final rock.

Some Serious Concentration Needed for This Balancing Act

The final product…

A very exciting performance that took place on the malecon was that of the Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers), a ritual that has its roots in the pre-Hispanic period, associated with the town of Papantla, Veracruz and was dramatized when asking the gods to end a severe drought. Five indigenous men scale a pole, via a ladder, 42 meters (138 feet) high. The piper, the first up the ladder, sits atop the pole on a small platform, playing a drum and flute, while the others encircle him, securing themselves with ropes. They launch themselves backwards off their tiny perches, as they spin upside down until they reach the ground. This would certainly not be for the faint of heart!

Puerto Vallarta is such a popular beach destination that many very large cruise ships enter her port on a regular basis. As we were waiting to hop onto a catamaran to take us to the more secluded beach of Las Caletas for some snorkeling, sea kayaking, and a sumptuous lunch, the Mariner of the Sea made her approach.

On our trip out to Las Caletas, we passed by two large rock formations jutting out of the bay that served as bird sanctuaries.

As our boat docked at Las Caletas, a beautiful macaw swooped in to welcome us. Her timing was impeccable!

And the cove was beautiful!

Our week at the beach ended with a very comfortable bus ride back to the Lakeside area. We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Stay warm and we will see some of you up north very soon!

This One’s For You Mom!

November 22, 2010April 8, 2012LuAnn

Our mother is a woman of many interests and talents. The one talent I will focus on for purposes of this blog is that of her remarkable “green thumb” and her love for turning the earth, planting, and marveling at the beauty that arises from a small seed or seedling.

Mom is not unlike many women who do not like to divulge their age, so I will honor her by not sharing this information, but suffice to say that she became a Master Gardener at a somewhat advanced age, an accomplishment worthy of celebration! In the past, her gardens (Rabbit Tracks) have been featured in several local tours, as she has the innate ability to create just the right balance of color and texture in her plantings.

Mom, given your passion for gardening, I have put together a small vignette of the flora that grows within the walls of the small community where we live, excluding the poinsettia tree, which is blooming in great abundance in Lakeside as of this writing and is a less than subtle reminder that the Christmas holidays are right around the corner. Although we cannot take responsibility for growing these beauties, our neighbors were very gracious in allowing us to give you a peek into the gardens they enjoy tending.

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