Tag Archives: fireworks

Jul4

It’s The Fourth

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It’s The Fourth

The first week in July has been a busy one with friends, writers group and book club. But the highlight is definitely the time I spent volunteering with VBS (Vacation Bible School) here in East Wenatchee at Breath of Life Church.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to spread God’s word to so many kids by engaging them in fun activities that included skits, songs, games, crafts and even snacks. A few years back I wrote a blog post about my wish to have my own granddaughter attend one of these events. It hasn’t happened yet but I still hope that one year she will make it down here from Canada.

Today is the Fourth of July. While many associate this day with barbecues and fireworks, the history behind it is important. This is the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress back in 1776. The thirteen American colonies were now officially separated from Great Britain.

Later on today we’ll be going out for dinner and then over to a friend’s to watch the fireworks. I’m certain we’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the display from the deck. And it will be a pleasure to avoid the traffic and congestion at the park below.

Happy Fourth!

Nov3

Day of the Dead 2023

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Day of the Dead 2023

Today Facebook reminded me that on this date in 2008 I taught my first deep water aquafit class. I’d been teaching shallow water for a while but the workout is very different. Fifteen years ago I’d never even heard of Day of the Dead. But it has become one of my favorite celebrations in Mexico.

Throughout the years I’ve gone to cemeteries in different cities and built alters with students. I’ve eaten pan de muerto and seen many parades. I’ve taken hundreds of photos and videos and have incredible memories of spending time with people from all around the world, not only local Mexicans.

Last night I decided to attend the parade here in Aguascalientes for the first time. I braved the crowds of thousands and secured a perfect viewing spot on Madero near the Plaza in Centro. I’ve been to parades in Mazatlan, Culiacan, Rosarito, Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara and Zapotlanejo. This is the first time I saw people climbing trees or sitting on awnings and rooftops, adults and children alike. There’s nothing like watching a parade up close rather than on TV.

The obligatory police escorts and marchers signaled the beginning of the parade. I admit it was a little daunting at first watching tanks roll by. But they were tanks with friendly faces very different from the ones I’ve seen on newscasts from the Middle East. There were also an amazing number of police doing crowd control.

The floats were awesome! Colorful catrinas and catrins were the highlights. Musicians and dancers entertained the crowds. The costumes were sensational. Children and adults alike vied to catch the treats being thrown out to onlookers.

I’m a people watcher and saw many a face-painted person on the streets that night. The costumes were also interesting and worn by adults as well as children. Hawkers walked by selling all kinds of treats. I have to tell you, the amount of sugar being consumed around me was staggering.

After the parade, spectacular fireworks lit up the sky, a perfect ending to this Mexican celebration.

Dec30

New Years Traditions In Mexico

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New Years Traditions In Mexico

Traditions around holidays vary from country to country. Here in Mexico there are a few interesting ones. And yes, I have gone along with some of them but I won’t tell you which ones. They were kind of fun and maybe you might want to try some of these. They are definitely different and I have never done any of them when in the USA or Canada at this time of the year.

Eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight is one of the most common practices I’ve found here. As the clock chimes, eating the grapes signifies that good luck lies ahead in the coming year.

Taking an empty suitcase for a walk around the block is also believed to bring good luck in the new year. When I lived in Guadalajara my neighbors did this.

Another interesting one is all about underwear. Red signifies love and passion, yellow is for prosperity and happiness, green is for wealth and well-being, and white is for hope and peace.

And then there are lentils. Eating a mouthful is sure to bring you good fortune in the coming year.

Here’s a fun one. Throw a pail of water out the window. Bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new year.

Sweeping. Sweep the old year out the door at midnight and sweep twelve coins into the house for wealth and prosperity.

Burning candles surrounded by lentils, beans, rice, other grains and cinnamon is another one. Once the candles have burned down, the waxy foods are collected and buried in the ground to ensure abundance and prosperity.

Mopping the floor with water and cinnamon before midnight in preparation for the new year means all the old stuff is gone and there’s lots of room for new beginnings.

Fireworks is one of my favorite traditions. Yes we have them in Canada and the USA. But here in Mexico not only do they light up the sky with the usual professional pyrotechnic displays, but it seems like children of all ages are roaming the streets setting off firecrackers. In one neighborhood I lived in there was actually a wheel of fireworks that shot into the crowds of people. I was amazed that no one got hurt. After all, we were standing merely inches away from this wheel.

Champagne and kissing at midnight———–you have competition!

Happy 2023! May your year be filled with Health, Peace, Love and Prosperity!

Jul11

Wildfires and Crashes

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Wildfires and Crashes

It’s been a hot and dry July so far. Wildfire season is upon us here in Washington state. There isn’t much smoke blowing in to Leavenworth, but a fire near the airport in Wenatchee caused some people to be evacuated.

In Manitoba I enjoyed the thunderstorms at night after the heat during the day. But here the lightning is often responsible for sparking fires. Thunderstorms are dreaded.

Chelan County has a fireworks ban in place. Over in Wenatchee fireworks were set off on the 4th but no-one was allowed into the park. Watching from a distance was the norm this year.

Two car crashes in the news this weekend. One near Tumwater resulted in a fatality. The other near Stevens Pass tied up traffic for hours. Too many reckless drivers out there in a hurry to get through the mountain passes.

On the prairies in Canada it’s a different story. A flat terrain and straight roads often lull drivers to sleep. Of course speed and intoxicated drivers just add to the mix, regardless of where you live.

Wildfire and crash season is well underway.

Sep2

Try To Remember The Kind Of September

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Try To Remember The Kind Of September

Try To Remember The Kind Of September

This song captured my heart when I heard it live for the first time decades ago at a performance of The Fantasticks at the old Playhouse Theater in Winnipeg. I love live performances and much prefer them to movies.

With September’s arrival this year it reminded me of this song. Then other September memories resurfaced.

September was synonymous with going back to school after summer holidays. It was never a favorite time when I was going back to school myself, but once I had children it sure became one. I was exhausted from juggling year end at work and chauffeuring my kids around all summer to their many activities and play dates.

The past few years I’ve really enjoyed the month of September. In Washington state the leaves on the trees begin to change color. The temperature cools down. I look forward to Autumn Leaf Festival, Chelan County Fair, Apple Days and Scarecrow Days. But this September I’m still in Mexico.

September 16th is Independence Day. And I wonder what type of celebrations will be held here in Aguascalientes. Will crowds of people gather to hear the gritto? Will there be fireworks? That has been my experience in the past in other areas of the country. Of course COVID-19 wasn’t around back then.

I’ll have to find a more patriotic-looking mask than the one in the above photo.