The car is finally fixed, and it runs great. The whole thing including the tow, the next door neighbors, the parts & the labor from three other mechanics came to only 5000 pesos, about $462.
I went to participate in the Turkey Trot today, an event to gather food and money for the poor of Peñasco. I was in the 2K walk, and came in 2nd. I thought 2K was enough given my hip issues. There were also a 5 K walk, and several distances of runs and a raffle. Fun was had by all.
Next we took Shadow to the beach, but he can't go to the one we usually go to, because they had someone letting off M80s or something yesterday, and he ran away. He has a long memory, so today as soon as we got there he wanted to leave. We took him to Mirador instead. We'll try to fool him tomorrow by going to another entrance to Playa Bonita.
Then we headed off to taste of Peñasco! We liked it very much, entertainment, sun, art, and food, right on the ocean. No pictures 'cause I forgot my camera, but I will be able to find plenty plus a video I'm sure.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Car troubles and Taste of Peñasco
Oswaldo came by yesterday morning to pick me up to get the car. It started, but there was still the ultimate problem of it not having any pick up whatsoever, which has been going on for a while now. So we picked up a fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, spark plugs, 5 litres of oil and 5 litres of transmission fluid. That was about 10 AM. Oswaldo showed up with his friend about 7 PM last night. His friend had done all that work, washed the car, washed the motor, and it was only 1000 pesos.
Unfortunately it still has the initial problem of no pick up. So I took it over to Oswaldo's house, and he was there, along with his brother Ed, who initially sold us this house! He's a great guy as well. We talked for a while and caught up, and of course Ed's also a great mechanic, so we took us to a couple of his friends. They are going to take off the catalytic converter, because they think it's probably clogged. If not, then we'll go back to another friend and he'll check the PSI on the fuel pump.
By the time the car's fixed, it's going to be a diamond!! All the work that had been done needed to be done, but in Canada it would have been much too expensive, so we probably would have given this one to the Kidney foundation and bought another beater. In spite of the time it's taking, I prefer this. I like to watch our little car being taken care of so well!
Just after I typed that, Oswaldo knocked, and the car was ready! It helped, taking the catalytic converters off, but it still isn't quite right, so tomorrow morning at 8 AM I'm meeting him at another mechanic- this guy will look at the fuel pump and run some other diagnostics. But I have the car for now, so Shadow and I are going to go down to the beach and throw a few things around!
Later: Oh yeah, the Taste of Penasco part- 8 restaurants have tastings, in a beautiful surrounding by the ocean, entertainment, etc. etc. Takes place tomorrow, I've been looking forward to it since I saw it online last May. One more sleep!!
Unfortunately it still has the initial problem of no pick up. So I took it over to Oswaldo's house, and he was there, along with his brother Ed, who initially sold us this house! He's a great guy as well. We talked for a while and caught up, and of course Ed's also a great mechanic, so we took us to a couple of his friends. They are going to take off the catalytic converter, because they think it's probably clogged. If not, then we'll go back to another friend and he'll check the PSI on the fuel pump.
By the time the car's fixed, it's going to be a diamond!! All the work that had been done needed to be done, but in Canada it would have been much too expensive, so we probably would have given this one to the Kidney foundation and bought another beater. In spite of the time it's taking, I prefer this. I like to watch our little car being taken care of so well!
Just after I typed that, Oswaldo knocked, and the car was ready! It helped, taking the catalytic converters off, but it still isn't quite right, so tomorrow morning at 8 AM I'm meeting him at another mechanic- this guy will look at the fuel pump and run some other diagnostics. But I have the car for now, so Shadow and I are going to go down to the beach and throw a few things around!
Later: Oh yeah, the Taste of Penasco part- 8 restaurants have tastings, in a beautiful surrounding by the ocean, entertainment, etc. etc. Takes place tomorrow, I've been looking forward to it since I saw it online last May. One more sleep!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Weather check
This is my favorite new weather image I've seen for Puerto Peñasco:
Snow. Yeah. That's not happening. However, today I was startled by a rattling sound, and realized it was the first time I've heard rain on my roof! This week it's supposed to be in the low 20s and rain a little bit. By the weekend it clears up.
Today we are supposed to get our car for sure. Not holding my breath or anything.
On the weekend Carl and I spent quite a lot of time trying to find a cheap laptop for Oswaldo, for his wife. I found a good little refurbished dell laptop for $215 plus shipping :
fingers crossed, everyone!
Once we get the car, we're taking a drive up to Lukeville to renew our tourist visas. Hopefully tomorrow. And while there, we will be getting a few of the staples: frozen peas, parmesan and feta and cheddar cheeses, pickles.
On the neighbor front, I baked some corn sticks the other day (corn bread in a special pan that makes them look like little corn on the cobs). I added some red chile peppers to make them a little spicy, and Carl and I both liked the testers we had. I put them on a plate covered with a napkin, and pinned a note saying, "Thank you for your kindness" in Spanish, and delivered them next door.
There was only one person there when I delivered them, and here's the strange thing- I haven't heard a thing from them about the cornbread, and nobody has brought the plate back. Theory one- the lady who took the plate took them home for her family. Theory two- they hated them and are being polite. Theory three: the lady who took the plate ate them all and just left the plate, so they think I gave them a plate. Vote now!
Snow. Yeah. That's not happening. However, today I was startled by a rattling sound, and realized it was the first time I've heard rain on my roof! This week it's supposed to be in the low 20s and rain a little bit. By the weekend it clears up.
Today we are supposed to get our car for sure. Not holding my breath or anything.
On the weekend Carl and I spent quite a lot of time trying to find a cheap laptop for Oswaldo, for his wife. I found a good little refurbished dell laptop for $215 plus shipping :
| Model | Dell Latitude D600 |
| Processor | Genuine Intel Pentium M 1.4 Ghz |
| Memory | 512MB |
| Hard Drive | 20 GB Hard Drive |
| Monitor | 14.1" TFT Active Matrix Display |
| Graphics Card | ATI 9000 |
| Video Memory | 32 MB |
| Optical Drive | CD-ROM |
| Modem | 56k V.92 Mini PCI Modem - Just plug into the wall jack! |
| Network | 10/100 - Internet Ready |
| WiFi | Intel Internal Mini PCI WiFi Card |
| Pointing Device | Integrated Track point and Touchpad <> |
| Sound | SIGMATEL 9750 AUDIO |
| Interfaces | 2 - USB, 1 - S-Video, 1 - RJ11, 1 - RJ45, 1 - Parallel, 1 - Serial, 1 - VGA, 1 - Infrared, 1 - Mic, 1 - Speaker/Headphone |
| Other I/O Ports | Docking Port |
| Operating System | Windows XP Professional |
fingers crossed, everyone!
Once we get the car, we're taking a drive up to Lukeville to renew our tourist visas. Hopefully tomorrow. And while there, we will be getting a few of the staples: frozen peas, parmesan and feta and cheddar cheeses, pickles.
On the neighbor front, I baked some corn sticks the other day (corn bread in a special pan that makes them look like little corn on the cobs). I added some red chile peppers to make them a little spicy, and Carl and I both liked the testers we had. I put them on a plate covered with a napkin, and pinned a note saying, "Thank you for your kindness" in Spanish, and delivered them next door.
There was only one person there when I delivered them, and here's the strange thing- I haven't heard a thing from them about the cornbread, and nobody has brought the plate back. Theory one- the lady who took the plate took them home for her family. Theory two- they hated them and are being polite. Theory three: the lady who took the plate ate them all and just left the plate, so they think I gave them a plate. Vote now!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Dancin' the night away
Last night we heard a sound check- "Bueno- si! Bueno-Si! Bueno-Si!" and saw that they were setting up a wedding reception just a few doors down from us. White tablecloths, a band, very chic! It was dark by then, so I couldn't get any pictures. The neighborhood was abuzz, and there seemed to be even more parties than usual. Carl and I stood out in our front patio area and listened to the music, danced (Shadow doesn't like us dancing) and generally had a great time. This is a very festive city.
The car should be ready tomorrow, but meanwhile we've been biking and walking and cabbing. One day we pulled onto our street in a cab, and said, "la amarillo", which means "the yellow". The cabbie pulled up and asked, "Como se dice amarillo en ingles?" How do you say yellow in english? I said yellow, and he repeated yellow, and Carl said, "Like ice!". And the cabbie cracked up. See, ice is hielo, and Carl always remembered it at first by saying it sound like yellow. (EE-AY-LO). Hmm.maybe you had to be there...
We cabbed it down to the beach a couple of times so that Shadow could have his swim, and did that again today. Kind of an expensive way to exercise your dog, but it had to be done. Anyway, gotta run, I have a Grey Cup Game to attend. GO STAMPS!!
The car should be ready tomorrow, but meanwhile we've been biking and walking and cabbing. One day we pulled onto our street in a cab, and said, "la amarillo", which means "the yellow". The cabbie pulled up and asked, "Como se dice amarillo en ingles?" How do you say yellow in english? I said yellow, and he repeated yellow, and Carl said, "Like ice!". And the cabbie cracked up. See, ice is hielo, and Carl always remembered it at first by saying it sound like yellow. (EE-AY-LO). Hmm.maybe you had to be there...
We cabbed it down to the beach a couple of times so that Shadow could have his swim, and did that again today. Kind of an expensive way to exercise your dog, but it had to be done. Anyway, gotta run, I have a Grey Cup Game to attend. GO STAMPS!!
Friday, November 21, 2008
The wonderful Oswaldo
Oswaldo picked up our car today, we didn't even see him do it, and somehow got it to his mechanic. He said it would be ready maybe tomorrow, but Monday at the latest. What a great guy!! Tonight we're going to Ramon's for dinner, 'cause we can walk there.
The sky is a funny color, gray instead of blue...
The sky is a funny color, gray instead of blue...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Don't believe everything you see.
What it says on my computer:
What it looks like two steps away:
As for the car, we've seen no movement on it all day long, we're fixin' to take another cab to get our mail, since our new amp is waiting for us! Yesterday we took a cab down to Playa Bonita with Shadow. We thought we needed to get him in the ocean or he might kill us in our sleep. He's the kind of dog who needs his exercise. He's very popular down there, as well, everyone thinks he's beautiful. He's getting spoiled. We stopped at a cafe that had a patio, and got a bite to eat. They were all over Shadow, brought him water, (we had just offered him water which he refused, but he drank almost all the water they brought, to show that we are bad owners.)
We really want to go to a little stand down there on Calle 13 that sells baked potatoes and all the fixings, it's supposed to be really good. However we need a car for that. sigh.
What it looks like two steps away:
As for the car, we've seen no movement on it all day long, we're fixin' to take another cab to get our mail, since our new amp is waiting for us! Yesterday we took a cab down to Playa Bonita with Shadow. We thought we needed to get him in the ocean or he might kill us in our sleep. He's the kind of dog who needs his exercise. He's very popular down there, as well, everyone thinks he's beautiful. He's getting spoiled. We stopped at a cafe that had a patio, and got a bite to eat. They were all over Shadow, brought him water, (we had just offered him water which he refused, but he drank almost all the water they brought, to show that we are bad owners.)
We really want to go to a little stand down there on Calle 13 that sells baked potatoes and all the fixings, it's supposed to be really good. However we need a car for that. sigh.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Car update
The guys are still working..they've brought us various parts to be replaced, if they can't find it used they ask us for some money. They said last night there was an electrical problem and they'd take it to someone else today.
This morning our guardian angel Oswaldo called to ask me what was going on, who was working on it, "Gregorio? OK, he is a mechanic..do you want to tell them to stop working, and I'll take you somewhere? It's taking a long time!" I told him if it was still not fixed tonight, I'd give him a call. Meanwhile, we really need to renew our tourist visas, and we need the car for that. We took a cab to burrito express, then to a bank and then home yesterday, and it was 120 pesos. I think Rhonda got the cute woman discount. But 120 pesos is just over $10 with the current exchange rate.
More updates later!
Further update- I went next door and asked the grandmother, "esta Andreas o Gregorio aqui?", (are Andreas or Gregorio here?) she said, " something carro something electrica something mucho trabajo, something mañana." Which I translated as either the electrical guy has much work, so they will take the car in tomorrow", or the car needs much electrical work, they will take it to the electrical guy tomorrow". Shortly therafter Andreas came by and confirmed that my first translation was the correct one. He also said that this is the electrical shop they trust, which is great. Oswaldo's going to talk to them just to see if he can get a few more details, when he drops Marysol off today.
This morning our guardian angel Oswaldo called to ask me what was going on, who was working on it, "Gregorio? OK, he is a mechanic..do you want to tell them to stop working, and I'll take you somewhere? It's taking a long time!" I told him if it was still not fixed tonight, I'd give him a call. Meanwhile, we really need to renew our tourist visas, and we need the car for that. We took a cab to burrito express, then to a bank and then home yesterday, and it was 120 pesos. I think Rhonda got the cute woman discount. But 120 pesos is just over $10 with the current exchange rate.
More updates later!
Further update- I went next door and asked the grandmother, "esta Andreas o Gregorio aqui?", (are Andreas or Gregorio here?) she said, " something carro something electrica something mucho trabajo, something mañana." Which I translated as either the electrical guy has much work, so they will take the car in tomorrow", or the car needs much electrical work, they will take it to the electrical guy tomorrow". Shortly therafter Andreas came by and confirmed that my first translation was the correct one. He also said that this is the electrical shop they trust, which is great. Oswaldo's going to talk to them just to see if he can get a few more details, when he drops Marysol off today.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Socks are weird
They are! I haven't worn them in months, to put them on is like encasing my foot in concrete. This blog soon to be followed by 'shirts are constricting', 'I hate my bra', and 'what about these pants?'
In the "this never happens in Canada" file, yesterday our car started acting strangely. I started it, and there was like an extra motor sound. So I turned it off, and the sound continued!! We opened the hood and stood looking at it like the hopeless motor idiots we are. The neighbors immediately came over and dove in, stopped the sound, and the English-speaking young guy, Andreas, said his Uncle was a mechanic and could fix it. We said great, let's do that tomorrow! Meanwhile he said if it happened again, we could just take off this one wire and it would stop.
We carried on with our plan of buying fish at the old port, and having a cerveza while looking out at the birds at Senor Shrimp. That's one of my favorite pastimes on the weekend. Upon leaving, the same thing happened, except that this time the car wouldn't start at all!
Within minutes we had three guys looking at it trying to fix it. They couldn't, so eventually we asked if they could get us a tow. No problema, sit here in the lovely shade and let us bring you a cerveza while we call the 'car ambulance'. A bunch of really funny, helpful guys. And every few minutes someone would walk by, see the open hood and look yearningly at it- I know I could fix that!!
So we got the tow, and this morning Andreas knocked on the door (well actually people stand at the gate and call out), and we pushed the car into their yard to be fixed. If he can fix it, we'll get him to give us an oil change and a tuneup as well. A couple of American guys said, you couldn't break down anywhere better, the guys here are the best mechanics in the world!
Periodically we get blasé about living here, and then an incident like this re-opens our eyes. I walked to the Mercado last night, reminding myself again that I should walk more often. Kids are playing soccer in the streets, everyone is out visiting, and the walk light on Josefa is a little animated man who is not walking, he's RUNNING! I think that's appropriate.
In the "this never happens in Canada" file, yesterday our car started acting strangely. I started it, and there was like an extra motor sound. So I turned it off, and the sound continued!! We opened the hood and stood looking at it like the hopeless motor idiots we are. The neighbors immediately came over and dove in, stopped the sound, and the English-speaking young guy, Andreas, said his Uncle was a mechanic and could fix it. We said great, let's do that tomorrow! Meanwhile he said if it happened again, we could just take off this one wire and it would stop.
We carried on with our plan of buying fish at the old port, and having a cerveza while looking out at the birds at Senor Shrimp. That's one of my favorite pastimes on the weekend. Upon leaving, the same thing happened, except that this time the car wouldn't start at all!
Within minutes we had three guys looking at it trying to fix it. They couldn't, so eventually we asked if they could get us a tow. No problema, sit here in the lovely shade and let us bring you a cerveza while we call the 'car ambulance'. A bunch of really funny, helpful guys. And every few minutes someone would walk by, see the open hood and look yearningly at it- I know I could fix that!!
So we got the tow, and this morning Andreas knocked on the door (well actually people stand at the gate and call out), and we pushed the car into their yard to be fixed. If he can fix it, we'll get him to give us an oil change and a tuneup as well. A couple of American guys said, you couldn't break down anywhere better, the guys here are the best mechanics in the world!
Periodically we get blasé about living here, and then an incident like this re-opens our eyes. I walked to the Mercado last night, reminding myself again that I should walk more often. Kids are playing soccer in the streets, everyone is out visiting, and the walk light on Josefa is a little animated man who is not walking, he's RUNNING! I think that's appropriate.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Cholla Bay and Ramon's
I decided for no particular reason this morning to drive out to Cholla Bay, to see if maybe there was a garage sale or something going on. No such luck, it really is a suburb-y kind of place, good for people who really like to drive on bad roads. But it is beautiful as well, with some unique architecture. I took some pictures, but only a few of them came out, I simply can't take pictures in this sun. But I like the sun! What a conflict.
Here are a few shots of Sandy Beach condos from behind. And an idea of how you get to these places:
o
On this map, 1 is about where our house is. 2(which is white, not blue-I meant to do that), is the old port, three is where we enter the beach, 4 is the beginning of the Sandy Beach condos, 6 is Cholla Bay, and 5 is the road taken to get to both Sandy Beach condos and Cholla Bay. Now we can walk from 3 to 4 in about 15 minutes. But for some reason the road is out in the desert. Anyway, gives you an idea of the layout.
Sonoran Sun:
Landscaping:
The Rocky Point Times is out, and Melody's picture is in it twice, 'cause of Uncommon Women. Also they have a new rumours page, which relays these rumours:
-There will soon be a new Home Depot here as well as new Walmart. I hope to boycott both, but fear that I will succumb to the ease of buying everything in one place. I must fight!
-Burger King has been sold and soon wil be a McDonalds. I think I can easily boycott that one, as I've never set foot in the BK.
-Bull fighting exhibition coming.
Also, not in the rumours list, there is a horse show here on November 28 or 29 featuring Andalusian horses, with folk dancing, food and drink! We won't be going unfortunately as it starts at 5 PM and would require driving back on a narrow dark highway in the dark.
-Taste of Penasco is getting closer!
-We now know where the hole-in-the- wall bakery is, and will go soon. Although we love our nearby panederia, and will not be abandoning it.
I went to Ramon's for breakfast today and took a few pictures- it's so bright and sunny, a nice place to read the Times and eat your brekky.
The menu: I had the cactus eggs, because I've been meaning to try nopales.
Nopales:
Breakfast- nopales don't really have much taste.
We want to build a little partition to the left of the guest room door, (Rhonda knows why), and were on the lookout for some lattice. I think I found some!
And that was my little adventure today. I have some feelers out to see if I can get into some Spanish lessons, now that I can differentiate words. I'm actually understanding a fair bit, if only because of circumstance and intonation. Like if you're in the grocery store, and the bill is $102 pesos, and you give them $200, and they say, "something something dos?" you know they're asking if you have two pesos. Or, another instance, someone comes to the door and asks, "something something trabajo something something comida", you know they're asking if you have any work they can do so they can get some food.".
And if someone sees you have a a couple of US dollars in your hand, and they come up and say, "something something comida", with a very very sad look, you know they are saying they want food, they're hungry. If they say that to you with a very very sad look, but they have a plate of food and a coke they just bought, you know you're being taken for a sucker. But you might give them a buck anyway.
Here are a few shots of Sandy Beach condos from behind. And an idea of how you get to these places:
o
On this map, 1 is about where our house is. 2(which is white, not blue-I meant to do that), is the old port, three is where we enter the beach, 4 is the beginning of the Sandy Beach condos, 6 is Cholla Bay, and 5 is the road taken to get to both Sandy Beach condos and Cholla Bay. Now we can walk from 3 to 4 in about 15 minutes. But for some reason the road is out in the desert. Anyway, gives you an idea of the layout.
Sonoran Sun:
Landscaping:
The Rocky Point Times is out, and Melody's picture is in it twice, 'cause of Uncommon Women. Also they have a new rumours page, which relays these rumours:
-There will soon be a new Home Depot here as well as new Walmart. I hope to boycott both, but fear that I will succumb to the ease of buying everything in one place. I must fight!
-Burger King has been sold and soon wil be a McDonalds. I think I can easily boycott that one, as I've never set foot in the BK.
-Bull fighting exhibition coming.
Also, not in the rumours list, there is a horse show here on November 28 or 29 featuring Andalusian horses, with folk dancing, food and drink! We won't be going unfortunately as it starts at 5 PM and would require driving back on a narrow dark highway in the dark.
-Taste of Penasco is getting closer!
-We now know where the hole-in-the- wall bakery is, and will go soon. Although we love our nearby panederia, and will not be abandoning it.
I went to Ramon's for breakfast today and took a few pictures- it's so bright and sunny, a nice place to read the Times and eat your brekky.
The menu: I had the cactus eggs, because I've been meaning to try nopales.
Nopales:
Breakfast- nopales don't really have much taste.
We want to build a little partition to the left of the guest room door, (Rhonda knows why), and were on the lookout for some lattice. I think I found some!
And that was my little adventure today. I have some feelers out to see if I can get into some Spanish lessons, now that I can differentiate words. I'm actually understanding a fair bit, if only because of circumstance and intonation. Like if you're in the grocery store, and the bill is $102 pesos, and you give them $200, and they say, "something something dos?" you know they're asking if you have two pesos. Or, another instance, someone comes to the door and asks, "something something trabajo something something comida", you know they're asking if you have any work they can do so they can get some food.".
And if someone sees you have a a couple of US dollars in your hand, and they come up and say, "something something comida", with a very very sad look, you know they are saying they want food, they're hungry. If they say that to you with a very very sad look, but they have a plate of food and a coke they just bought, you know you're being taken for a sucker. But you might give them a buck anyway.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Why we moved here
o
There are many reasons why we moved down here, but I have to say the fact that it's going to be 30 degrees tomorrow and I can have a beach day has got to be way, way up there. It has been a little cooler the last week, (not cool, just not hot), but temperatures are rising again, and the tide's high at 1:30 PM.
The electrical has been perfect the last week, and although we had to buy a new amp, that's not that big a deal- we needed more inputs anyway. I'm almost finished putting up a new website at www.diabeticmealprograms.com, an offshoot of www.magickitchen.com as you will surely see.
I also have two more projects on the go, as well as a possible actor's website in January. So we're keeping busy. As I said, beaching tomorrow, and maybe some fish for supper. We bought what the fish guy said was sea bass last week, and marinated and barbecued it, and it was tough and chewy- sorta like the scallops we had. I'm not sure what's up with that, but maybe I should stick with snapper.
I decided to drive out to Mayan Palace yesterday, and ended up on a beach at Playa Miramer. It's off another road they're building to the Mayan Palace, which I couldn't get anywhere near. Probably just as well, it seems like a vortex, if you get in you might never get out. I did see the airport they're building, and people are still working on it, so hopefully in not too long you'll be able to fly right in here!
I'll go out to that Playa again, there are houses all along the beach and I'll take some pictures for you. Here are some:
http://homes.point2.com/MX/Sonora/Puerto-Penasco-Rocky-Point/East-Beach/Playa-Miramar/1519401-Real-Estate.aspx
I thought about going out there tomorrow because it's so deserted right now, but after going to Playa Bonita in town today, I see no reason to drive anywhere for a deserted beach. There might have been ten people on the two-kilometre sweep of sand today.
Shadow is the king of waves now, the other day I watched him with a little trepidation as he plunged headlong into waves well over his head. He loved it though, and is the bravest dog ever, anywhere. No, don't bother to argue, I just know he is.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Carl's Remembrance Day Blog
Remembrance:
Hi All
I just got this message a few hours ago and it really kicked my butt .
Alan G. Yeoman
OBITUARY ALAN G. YEOMAN Fifty-four, with great sadness, the family of Alan Yeoman informs you of his death on November 4, 2008. He went gentle into the night. Alan had battled lung cancer for the past two years. Alan was born October 30, 1954 in Moncton, the son of the late Mark Yeoman, Q.C. and Sylvia Yeoman, C.M., Granville Ferry. He grew up in Dorchester, NB. and attended Dorchester Consolidated School and Tantramar Regional High School. His work in theatre, designing, building props and scenery, took him to many parts of the country which he won awards for. The past eight years he lived in Montreal, working at the Centaur Theatre. For the last two weeks of his life, Alan was in Annapolis Royal, NS, in order to be close to family, and he died surrounded by those who loved him. His parting is much regretted by his brothers, sisters and loving mother. The family will hold a memorial and celebration of his life on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 2 p.m., at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Annapolis Royal, NS. Reception to follow at Granville Ferry Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Salvation Army. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Serenity Funeral Home & Crematorium, PO Box 239, Port Williams, NS, B0P 1T0. Donations or cards and letters of sympathy may be sent to this address or on-line at: www.serenityfuneral.com .
Al was a good friend of ours for many years. He helped us with numerous projects around the collection of questionable houses we rented in Calgary. He laughed with us, shared our fun and demonstrated an uncanny ability to show up just when food was being put on the table.
Melody: OK, supper's ready!
Carl: OK, I'll be right there!
(sound of front door opening)
Al: Hi guys, what's going on?
Melody & Carl: Hi Al, Grab a plate!
So what does a person say about Remembrance Day? We've lost at least three people who were dear to our hearts just in the last year. Melody's Dad left us, the great Tracey Hooper took her last bow, And now, Al is gone as well.
It's sad of course, but it makes me wonder. What is this thing we call remembrance ? Is it just about people we know who died recently? Or can it incorporate all the sorrow we have experienced in our lifetime?
I'm still broken up about John Lennon, Jack and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Do we only celebrate those who died in wartime, or are we sad to see the loss of any life?
I think I can go back further and even wider with what this means.
For example: I remember my brother and sister-in-law posted in harm's way in the Golan Heights, the Persian Gulf and Bosnia. They both came home safely, but many others have not.
Our young friend Greg Hudson is now serving in Afghanistan. I think it is appropriate to remember him on a day-to-day basis and add a thought for the countless numbers of indigenous people who lose their lives every day in this and other wars being fought worldwide. This is also a form of remembrance.
And what about the thousands of civilians who are killed every day in the name of politics, money or religion? That's not right but should we not also spare a thought for the non-soldiers?
What I'm trying to say on this Remembrance Day is this. We elect a government based on their ability to lead, not only in this country but to help lead the world. A large part of that job is to keep people from being killed. Once a government buys into an armed conflict it is an admission that they are doing a poor job. The real job is to not have a war. Canada should not fight in un-winnable wars, Canada is a country of peace-makers!
I remember; Gandhi, Bill Blackmore, my Dad, the Beotuk people, Stan Rogers, Denny Doherty, Kenneth Stanton, my dear Lana, David Brown, Susan Wright, Maurice Evans, Cody, Jack Kerouac, Nicola Goddard, John Dowling, George Harrison, John Lennon, Victor Borge, Tony Randall, Patrick, George and Donny Reed,.
May you Rest in Peace,
May the rest of us Live in Peace
Carl
Hi All
I just got this message a few hours ago and it really kicked my butt .
Alan G. Yeoman
OBITUARY ALAN G. YEOMAN Fifty-four, with great sadness, the family of Alan Yeoman informs you of his death on November 4, 2008. He went gentle into the night. Alan had battled lung cancer for the past two years. Alan was born October 30, 1954 in Moncton, the son of the late Mark Yeoman, Q.C. and Sylvia Yeoman, C.M., Granville Ferry. He grew up in Dorchester, NB. and attended Dorchester Consolidated School and Tantramar Regional High School. His work in theatre, designing, building props and scenery, took him to many parts of the country which he won awards for. The past eight years he lived in Montreal, working at the Centaur Theatre. For the last two weeks of his life, Alan was in Annapolis Royal, NS, in order to be close to family, and he died surrounded by those who loved him. His parting is much regretted by his brothers, sisters and loving mother. The family will hold a memorial and celebration of his life on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 2 p.m., at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Annapolis Royal, NS. Reception to follow at Granville Ferry Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Salvation Army. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Serenity Funeral Home & Crematorium, PO Box 239, Port Williams, NS, B0P 1T0. Donations or cards and letters of sympathy may be sent to this address or on-line at: www.serenityfuneral.com .
Al was a good friend of ours for many years. He helped us with numerous projects around the collection of questionable houses we rented in Calgary. He laughed with us, shared our fun and demonstrated an uncanny ability to show up just when food was being put on the table.
Melody: OK, supper's ready!
Carl: OK, I'll be right there!
(sound of front door opening)
Al: Hi guys, what's going on?
Melody & Carl: Hi Al, Grab a plate!
So what does a person say about Remembrance Day? We've lost at least three people who were dear to our hearts just in the last year. Melody's Dad left us, the great Tracey Hooper took her last bow, And now, Al is gone as well.
It's sad of course, but it makes me wonder. What is this thing we call remembrance ? Is it just about people we know who died recently? Or can it incorporate all the sorrow we have experienced in our lifetime?
I'm still broken up about John Lennon, Jack and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Do we only celebrate those who died in wartime, or are we sad to see the loss of any life?
I think I can go back further and even wider with what this means.
For example: I remember my brother and sister-in-law posted in harm's way in the Golan Heights, the Persian Gulf and Bosnia. They both came home safely, but many others have not.
Our young friend Greg Hudson is now serving in Afghanistan. I think it is appropriate to remember him on a day-to-day basis and add a thought for the countless numbers of indigenous people who lose their lives every day in this and other wars being fought worldwide. This is also a form of remembrance.
And what about the thousands of civilians who are killed every day in the name of politics, money or religion? That's not right but should we not also spare a thought for the non-soldiers?
What I'm trying to say on this Remembrance Day is this. We elect a government based on their ability to lead, not only in this country but to help lead the world. A large part of that job is to keep people from being killed. Once a government buys into an armed conflict it is an admission that they are doing a poor job. The real job is to not have a war. Canada should not fight in un-winnable wars, Canada is a country of peace-makers!
I remember; Gandhi, Bill Blackmore, my Dad, the Beotuk people, Stan Rogers, Denny Doherty, Kenneth Stanton, my dear Lana, David Brown, Susan Wright, Maurice Evans, Cody, Jack Kerouac, Nicola Goddard, John Dowling, George Harrison, John Lennon, Victor Borge, Tony Randall, Patrick, George and Donny Reed,.
May you Rest in Peace,
May the rest of us Live in Peace
Carl
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Party on!
We got our new curtains yesterday and put them up, I think you'll agree it's an improvement, and the best part is, the room doesn't look pink anymore.
Old curtains:
New:
Last night there was a very noisy party going on somewhere. I went to bed with earplugs, but after about an hour carl decided to investigate. He walked, and walked, and found himself at the baseball stadium, where there was a big concert on. aha! No charge at the door, he went in and listened for about twenty minutes, then it shut down and he grabbed a cab home.
He says when the cab arrived on the next street, there was a car outside our house doing crazy donuts. The cab stopped a block away, and said, momento to Carl. Once the guy drove away, the cab driver dropped Carl off. Here is my car this morning(hard to get a clear shot in the sun, sorry:
Ah well, it needed a cleaning anyway. In fact, today, is cleaning day, time to air the place out, tidy up, dust, and oh yeah, see if we can fix this amp!
Old curtains:
New:
Last night there was a very noisy party going on somewhere. I went to bed with earplugs, but after about an hour carl decided to investigate. He walked, and walked, and found himself at the baseball stadium, where there was a big concert on. aha! No charge at the door, he went in and listened for about twenty minutes, then it shut down and he grabbed a cab home.
He says when the cab arrived on the next street, there was a car outside our house doing crazy donuts. The cab stopped a block away, and said, momento to Carl. Once the guy drove away, the cab driver dropped Carl off. Here is my car this morning(hard to get a clear shot in the sun, sorry:
Ah well, it needed a cleaning anyway. In fact, today, is cleaning day, time to air the place out, tidy up, dust, and oh yeah, see if we can fix this amp!
Friday, November 7, 2008
3 gringos have power
It has been a bit of a stressful week, as power surges blast through the house. In one room, the lights get bright enough to blow bulbs, while in the other room they get so dim as to hardly be seen. Fans take off like turbines and then slow down to nothing. We've kept all the gear off as much as possible, and last night we just read for the most part.
We called Rocky Point Resources, and Kesia brought over Hector, who used to work for the power company. He had a team in replacing wiring and then he replaced the meter. At first everything was working except when I checked with a meter we were at 87 volts AC. Not good. Hector checked the panel and came back shaking his head, no es bueno! So then he replaced some more things and now we're at a nice cozy 120 volts. Cost is about $60, but we may get an extra charge on our electrical bill for the crew that came out, we'll have to wait and see.
Meanwhile, the back right brakelight and signal light on the car went out, so I checked the manual; it wasn't a fuse, that would take out both bulbs, so it had to be a bulb. For once, something was easy, I took it apart, walked a few blocks and got a replacement, and Carl put it in, and it worked on the second try. (The first bulb ws no good, but still, we got it fixed within half an hour).
Now we are hoping there are no more household or car problems for a while. A nice quiet week is what we're hoping for. This week we also paid the trash pickup bill for a year, and paid the water bill (I had it put into our name a while ago, a morning's work).
This weekend is the big bike rally here, where 10,000 bikers come to town. We've seen evidence all week as early bikers arrive. We were at the Old Port yesterday and it was packed, with lots of bar parties going on. People seem to really like this week. I understand why the locals like it (lots of money gets spent), but I am not a bike person, so I don't get the whole noise part. Driving out to get light bulbs, I saw probably thirty bikers this morning. So it has begun!
We'll have to get Shadow out for his swim, he needs to crash into some waves. I wouldn't mind doing that myself! 28 degrees today and sunny this weekend.
Last night we barbecued our first fish. (Well our second, but the lobina was cooked in foil, now we have a fish basket so the fish is open to the flame.) It was some nice fresh flounder, big fillets, that Carl marinate in garlic and lime juice. Yum!!
The fish guy we go to recognizes me for sure now, he asked if I lived across from the air conditioning place, and said his brother works there and had mentioned us (in a good way, I'm sure!) We had a little chat, and he is aware that I'll be coming to him pretty much exclusively. We got these two big fillets for only $3, so yep, I'll be going back to him!
I also got a smile yesterday from the lady at our local bakery. Either she is happy the weather is cooler, or she recognizes me, too. I hope it's the latter, we do feel like we're fitting into the neighborhood a bit better. Love that panaderia, everything is so fresh. And I found some crusty chewy buns yesterday, which makes me happy.
We might have blown our amp in this electrical issue, but if that's all that happens, we're fine! It appears to be a self-healing amp, it's been off before and somehow with time it comes back. Time will tell.
We called Rocky Point Resources, and Kesia brought over Hector, who used to work for the power company. He had a team in replacing wiring and then he replaced the meter. At first everything was working except when I checked with a meter we were at 87 volts AC. Not good. Hector checked the panel and came back shaking his head, no es bueno! So then he replaced some more things and now we're at a nice cozy 120 volts. Cost is about $60, but we may get an extra charge on our electrical bill for the crew that came out, we'll have to wait and see.
Meanwhile, the back right brakelight and signal light on the car went out, so I checked the manual; it wasn't a fuse, that would take out both bulbs, so it had to be a bulb. For once, something was easy, I took it apart, walked a few blocks and got a replacement, and Carl put it in, and it worked on the second try. (The first bulb ws no good, but still, we got it fixed within half an hour).
Now we are hoping there are no more household or car problems for a while. A nice quiet week is what we're hoping for. This week we also paid the trash pickup bill for a year, and paid the water bill (I had it put into our name a while ago, a morning's work).
This weekend is the big bike rally here, where 10,000 bikers come to town. We've seen evidence all week as early bikers arrive. We were at the Old Port yesterday and it was packed, with lots of bar parties going on. People seem to really like this week. I understand why the locals like it (lots of money gets spent), but I am not a bike person, so I don't get the whole noise part. Driving out to get light bulbs, I saw probably thirty bikers this morning. So it has begun!
We'll have to get Shadow out for his swim, he needs to crash into some waves. I wouldn't mind doing that myself! 28 degrees today and sunny this weekend.
Last night we barbecued our first fish. (Well our second, but the lobina was cooked in foil, now we have a fish basket so the fish is open to the flame.) It was some nice fresh flounder, big fillets, that Carl marinate in garlic and lime juice. Yum!!
The fish guy we go to recognizes me for sure now, he asked if I lived across from the air conditioning place, and said his brother works there and had mentioned us (in a good way, I'm sure!) We had a little chat, and he is aware that I'll be coming to him pretty much exclusively. We got these two big fillets for only $3, so yep, I'll be going back to him!
I also got a smile yesterday from the lady at our local bakery. Either she is happy the weather is cooler, or she recognizes me, too. I hope it's the latter, we do feel like we're fitting into the neighborhood a bit better. Love that panaderia, everything is so fresh. And I found some crusty chewy buns yesterday, which makes me happy.
We might have blown our amp in this electrical issue, but if that's all that happens, we're fine! It appears to be a self-healing amp, it's been off before and somehow with time it comes back. Time will tell.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Nice Day
Calgarians, avert your eyes. It's really nice here now, about 23 to 25 during the day, and cooling off to about 15 at night. Windows open, (earplugs in for roosters and dogs), and no air conditioning.
Got up about 6:30 this morning and caught this sunrise:
We had another big power surge today and knocked out another surge protector. Nice smell! It was still working but actually melted. We replaced it. Our amp keeps going in and out, too, will work then a surge will come, it will go out for a while, then back in..worrying! I want to buy some power conditioners, can' rmember if I mentioned that yesterday. There don't seem to be any in town, I checked with Electrica Diaz and RCC. So I guess we get them from the US.
Anyway, cross your fingers for us on that front. Meanwhile, a stray somewhat thoughtful idea of mine might make a big difference to Mary Sol (Oswaldo's wife). She wants to go back to school after the baby arrives. I asked if she knew much about computers, and she wanted to learn, so I found a Spanish language online computer course, set up my spare laptop in the dining area, and she's coming over every day and studying diligently. It's no skin off our nose, but she seems really happy about it.
And here is the first of this year's holiday decorations:
Got up about 6:30 this morning and caught this sunrise:
We had another big power surge today and knocked out another surge protector. Nice smell! It was still working but actually melted. We replaced it. Our amp keeps going in and out, too, will work then a surge will come, it will go out for a while, then back in..worrying! I want to buy some power conditioners, can' rmember if I mentioned that yesterday. There don't seem to be any in town, I checked with Electrica Diaz and RCC. So I guess we get them from the US.
Anyway, cross your fingers for us on that front. Meanwhile, a stray somewhat thoughtful idea of mine might make a big difference to Mary Sol (Oswaldo's wife). She wants to go back to school after the baby arrives. I asked if she knew much about computers, and she wanted to learn, so I found a Spanish language online computer course, set up my spare laptop in the dining area, and she's coming over every day and studying diligently. It's no skin off our nose, but she seems really happy about it.
And here is the first of this year's holiday decorations:
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Three Gringoes again
+
=
Yum.Thanks to Rhonda for taking over the blog last week! She got some great shots and unique perspectives on the town.
The new thing with us is the sunset dog swim. (He swims, we don't.) We head down to the beach about 5 PM, wade about knee deep and throw his football for half an hour or so as the sun sets. Tonight we came home and cleaned up and went out to Aqui es Con Flavio, the restaurant that Rhonda and I went to the other night. I had a hankering for the Mexican platter and an aversion to cooking.
Interesting day today- the electricity kept browning out and then surging! My electronics!! I was in a panic- we might buy a couple of power conditioners to protect the computers, routers, TV and othe expensive electronics.
I was just talking on the phone to Oswaldo, asking him if he knew where we could buy such a thing, and the phone made a crackling sound and went dead! We could smell a burning smell, and several components were dead. Both phones were gone. It was not a good moment.
After some investigation, we found out one of our surge protectors was producing the smell. We replaced it (they're really inexpensive here), and all the components are ok!! Phew.
Carl is thrilled because when we went to the beer store tonight, he got a card. If you buy 6 12 packs of Tecate, you get a six-pack free. They stamp the card like they do for ...I don't know, donuts, I guess. We'll be buying the Tecate, I'm guessing. :)
Oh! I completely forgot to say what I'm doing next week! Another Uncommen Women event, I quote:
We can't wait to have you as our guests at Consign & Design this month Nov. 11th, 5ish. You can expect a fun evening including a fashion show featuring many items from the Consignment Collection, make up and hair styles by the talented artist Dalia, " Nail Artist Extrordinaire"! We will also have yummie appetizers, sangrias, and rum punch prepared and served by Beverlys' Catering service! You can be sure to expect a great "girls night out" at Consign & Design! (in the old Costa Brava Bldg, Old Port)
Now I don't know where the old Costa Brava bldg is, but you can be sure I can find out. Melody at a fashion show! First a pedicure, now a fashion show-wonders never cease!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Last days of summer....
Ok, we kid you not: http://www.cameltoecantina.com/
Mel.
Now on to Rhonda.
Tire stores - they are everywhere... the roads are bumpy but come on... one every 2 blocks and no one seems to be buying.
Mel had never been for a pedicure and walking on the beach can be hard on the feet so I walked past this place - it's only a block away and they do pedicures. So I went to Mel and asked her if she had 40 minutes. She did but I don't think she realized (and either did I) that they would spend almost 2 hours on her feet. She likes it - hey Mikey....
The music in the streets is always playing. Each corner you turn you hear a different song. Shadow and I were walking yesterday and we came upon a young fellow BBQ'ing. I asked him if I could have some of what he was cooking and he said yes and pointed to a chair. I waited 1/2 hour and finally realized he didn't understand English and what I was supposed to do is to go into the shop behind him and buy the meat for him to cook. An hour later we had a feast and it was delicious.
Mel and Car l bought a fan for my room - it's a turbo charger and what a difference a fan makes!!! I am very happy about it.
We spent a good part of the day waiting for their handyman Oswaldo (the one they bought the house from ). He was supposed to be here Tuesday at noon to help them change a faucet and called at 2:30 to say he would be late. He came over at 4:00 and had to postpone his appointment until Thursday. He was to be here in the morning and arrived at 3:30 that afternoon. He finally finished he job yesterday. A very hardworking man who is overbooked and living on Mexican time.
Today Mel and I went for a super $4 breakfast and then to the the beach. It is the "day of the dead" here so it wasn't very busy. After we went shopping and I am going to make a seafood broth dish with fish, prawns and clams. Yum!
Tomorrow is my travel day home. I will miss it here and miss Mel, Carl and Shadow too of course. What a great holiday it has been!
Mel.
Now on to Rhonda.
Tire stores - they are everywhere... the roads are bumpy but come on... one every 2 blocks and no one seems to be buying.
Mel had never been for a pedicure and walking on the beach can be hard on the feet so I walked past this place - it's only a block away and they do pedicures. So I went to Mel and asked her if she had 40 minutes. She did but I don't think she realized (and either did I) that they would spend almost 2 hours on her feet. She likes it - hey Mikey....
The music in the streets is always playing. Each corner you turn you hear a different song. Shadow and I were walking yesterday and we came upon a young fellow BBQ'ing. I asked him if I could have some of what he was cooking and he said yes and pointed to a chair. I waited 1/2 hour and finally realized he didn't understand English and what I was supposed to do is to go into the shop behind him and buy the meat for him to cook. An hour later we had a feast and it was delicious.
Mel and Car l bought a fan for my room - it's a turbo charger and what a difference a fan makes!!! I am very happy about it.
We spent a good part of the day waiting for their handyman Oswaldo (the one they bought the house from ). He was supposed to be here Tuesday at noon to help them change a faucet and called at 2:30 to say he would be late. He came over at 4:00 and had to postpone his appointment until Thursday. He was to be here in the morning and arrived at 3:30 that afternoon. He finally finished he job yesterday. A very hardworking man who is overbooked and living on Mexican time.
Today Mel and I went for a super $4 breakfast and then to the the beach. It is the "day of the dead" here so it wasn't very busy. After we went shopping and I am going to make a seafood broth dish with fish, prawns and clams. Yum!
Tomorrow is my travel day home. I will miss it here and miss Mel, Carl and Shadow too of course. What a great holiday it has been!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
I wouldn't lie to you
I put the laundry out on the clothesline, came back in and cut myself a slice of cheese and ate some strawberries. I went outside and the clothes were almost dry. I waited another half hour, and they were totally dry, but I probably could have brought them in in about twenty-five minutes total.
True.
True.
The cousin who dared
Having Rhonda here is great- as you can see, she's not the least bit daunted by living in the Mexican area of town. Last night we went out to the restaurant she mentioned, had tacos and tostados and chile relleno and a tamale and some garlic fish-too much food! And we watched a sliver of a moon sink slowly into the ocean, becoming more and more orange until just before it slipped away it was a firey red.
Came home, watched a little tv, then we all went for a walk. There's a house a block away that always has a big party on the weekend. Carl and I would have just wandered by, wishing we could join them, but as we were wandering, Rhonda marched right in and made friends with everyone.
They had us dancing, and Rhonda got the grandmother up, and was dancing with the kids, talking to everyone! We had a great time, didn't stay very long but slipped gracefully (I hope) away after about half an hour. Maria and Fernando may come visiting soon, he has a housing project here and wants to talk to us, and they're a nice couple.
Rhonda has also eaten at a bunch of the little stands around here, something I've been meaning to do but never got around to. It's great to have a visitor who is plunging into life here with such zeal!!
Came home, watched a little tv, then we all went for a walk. There's a house a block away that always has a big party on the weekend. Carl and I would have just wandered by, wishing we could join them, but as we were wandering, Rhonda marched right in and made friends with everyone.
They had us dancing, and Rhonda got the grandmother up, and was dancing with the kids, talking to everyone! We had a great time, didn't stay very long but slipped gracefully (I hope) away after about half an hour. Maria and Fernando may come visiting soon, he has a housing project here and wants to talk to us, and they're a nice couple.
Rhonda has also eaten at a bunch of the little stands around here, something I've been meaning to do but never got around to. It's great to have a visitor who is plunging into life here with such zeal!!
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