Tag Archives: shopping

Oct31

What A Week!

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What A Week!

Tonight can’t be Halloween already. Of course in Mexico the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos culminates with a parade tonight and partying in cemeteries over the weekend. Here in Aguascalientes there is quite the display in El Centro along with music, dancing and food.

But I’m passing on the parade this year. I will be watching the Blue Jays-Dodgers game. And yes, I watched all 18 innings Monday night. And I sincerely hope the Blue Jays take it on home turf. It’s been quite a series.

I’m settling in for the winter. I first discovered Aguascalientes in 2019. I arrived in January for three weeks after spending a couple of months in Culiacan and San Ciro de Acosta. I intended to stay for 3 weeks but stayed for 3 months. I returned that fall determined to visit the museums I had missed the previous winter. But Covid came along and I wound up staying until September of 2020 when I was able to get back to Washington. I returned to Aguascalientes in the fall of 2021 and it has become my winter home.

My Spanish has been getting a workout here in Las Flores. I’m not pantomiming as much when I shop at the tiendita or at the tianguis. And conversations with neighbors are going well although I still feel they speak way too quickly. I understand more when they speak slowly.

Yesterday I met some of my Mexican friends at Country Break for lunch. This is a quaint little restaurant that plays country music in English, although it is part of a Mexican chain. Great hamburgers and fries. A very popular place with Mexicans.

Speaking of food, Ricardo is cooking for me again and I am absolutely delighted. Tomorrow he is bringing me prime rib of beef Mexican style and 3 types of tamales. Earlier in the week I enjoyed chiles rellenos, enchiladas suizas and lasagna. Yes, he makes a wicked lasagna!

I got together with another friend and we had breakfast at La Palapa de Charly, another favorite restaurant. Delicious omelets are served with chilaquiles and beans. And the turtles still greet you at the entrance.

I belong to a book club in Cashmere and I’m keeping up by reading books on Libby now that I’m back in Mexico. The current book is Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. I’m almost finished it and will email my comments to Joanne to share at the meeting next week.

I’ve also watched 2 interesting movies in Spanish this week. I pass on the subtitles. It’s a great way to improve my Spanish. Friends have recommended that I watch soap operas, but I prefer movies. Occasionally I opt for The Simpsons or Dora The Explorer. But movies are more my thing.

And that’s what I’m going to do right now. I’m going to watch a movie while I eat my lunch.

Have a great weekend!

Oct24

Home Sweet Home

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Home Sweet Home

Three flights and a bus trip. Every year I say I’m getting too old for this. But I did it again. Of course it took it’s toll. The two hour time change was welcome when I arrived, but not so much the next morning. 12 hour naps are exhausting and are not my norm. But it’s Friday and I finally had the energy to hit the ATM. I usually enjoy the mile walk to the bank but today I appreciated the ride Raul gave me. By the way, the temperature is in the low 80s and that sun is hot!

When I arrived at the bus station in Aguascalientes Wednesday night, I had a delightful and unexpected visit with Charlotte. She and Humberto were taking a bus home to Puerto Vallarta. They’ll be back here in Aguascalientes in December so I’ll look forward to spending more time with them then.

Alaska. You are still my favorite airline. All flights went smoothly and my bag was one of the first off the carousel when I landed in Guadalajara. Thank you for delaying your tech outage by one day so that it didn’t affect my travel. And thank you Pangborn that all runway renovation was complete and I was able to fly out of Wenatchee. Much easier to deal with TSA at a small airport.

I went to my corner tiendita and picked up some much needed groceries and other supplies. And they provided me with assistance to get everything that short half a block to my home. Yep! I bought that much stuff! Other than a torta ahogada yesterday, I’ve been living off protein bars. But sleep was first on my agenda.

My newsfeed this morning was not a good one. Canada and the USA are becoming more than enemies. And that’s all I’ll say.

Yogurt and fruit have the appeal of a mouth-watering steak right now. Time to end this post.

Have a great weekend!

Sep29

More Ash And Smoke

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More Ash And Smoke

With the air quality alerts we’ve had recently, I’ve been finding more things to do inside. I’ve been reading and writing more. And I’ve been watching more TV. I know. I should be sorting through documents and clothes in preparation for my trip to Mexico next month. I should be contemplating that last venture to Bath and Body as well as Walmart. I should be hunting for my 2026 Kinkade calendar. But I’m procrastinating.

Went to the theater on Saturday to see Eleanor The Great. Enjoyed the movie but not all the ash that had settled on the car in the parking lot. As always, the pastor delivered a great sermon on Sunday. Then we all descended to the lower level of the church for the chili cook-off. Fellowship and food. And I got to show off a photo of my granddaughter Madeline that my daughter sent me that morning.

Monday is my stay at home day. Laundry. Ugh! Not my favorite indoor activity. In the afternoon I had my Bible Study on Zoom. A great way to stay in touch with friends when it isn’t possible to meet in person. Then I finished off a module in a course I’m taking online.

Coming up indoors this week are writers group, book club, small group and lunches with friends. Possibly a hike through Costco, LOL. I’d rather be out on the loop.

The weatherman keeps threatening rain. Hmmmm. Hopefully, but no lightning please. There are enough wildfires burning all around us. One of them is limping towards Wenatchee. That’s getting a little too close for comfort.

Please keep praying for all the firefighters and the people who have been evacuated.

May15

I’m Back!

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I’m Back!

A bus trip and three flights and I’m back in Washington. Everything went off scheduled. I got my usual three questions at Immigration: Where are you going? What is the purpose of your trip? How long will you be in the USA? I downloaded the I94 onto my phone and I’m good for 180.

I left Aguascalientes last Thursday at 8 am and arrived in Wenatchee at 1:30 pm on Friday. Joanne picked me up and brought me home where I collapsed into bed. My suitcase stayed out in the garage until Saturday. Of course I didn’t start unpacking it until Tuesday. My closet and drawers have more than enough clothes, and my toiletries were all waiting for me in my bathroom.

Joyce and I went out for lunch on Saturday and on Sunday I went back to church. Monday was a killer. I left the house with Christina just after 8 am. I went into Cashmere to visit my tree and have coffee at Weeds. Then on to Leavenworth to Shears for a much needed haircut and highlights. Charleen and I went to the golf club for lunch after. Then back to Wenatchee to do some shopping. I love Bath and Body Works!

Tuesday I stayed home to unpack and do laundry. Wednesday I went to the Senior Center for lunch and then back to Cashmere to volunteer at an essentials bank with Joanne.

This morning I was at Soul Sisters at church. I’m at home now and have finally booted up my laptop for the first time since I’m back. But this will be a short post as I still have a lot of organizing to do in my room. I’m determined to at least return my suitcase to its place in the closet.

Dec23

Two Days

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Two Days

It’s two days after the winter solstice. It’s two days before Christmas. It’s two days before Chanukah. It’s twenty years since the first day of Chanukah fell on the same day as Christmas.

The TV in the background features Meet The Fockers. But of course I’m watching it in Spanish as I eat my breakfast. Yes I realize it’s almost two in the afternoon but I slept late this morning and lazily sipped coffee in bed until a half hour ago when my body requested food.

A quick trip to the corner tienda was quick although it was crowded. I think the whole neighborhood was there. Last minute shopping. And if you think Costco or Walmart are busy at this time of year, you need to check out this tienda. The owners had even recruited extra help for today. They also presented me with a Christmas gift — a reusable shopping bag that contained a large box of cookies.

Christmas Eve is the big celebration here in Mexico. Families go to church and have sumptuous meals together. I will be with a friend tomorrow night and will be attending a mass in a Catholic church nearby followed by dinner. It’s a tradition we have since I’ve been in Aguascalientes.

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Enjoy whatever holiday you are celebrating with friends and loved ones.

Nov20

It’s Different Here

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It’s Different Here

Looks like I got out just in time. I missed that bomb cyclone in Washington with hurricane force winds, downed trees and powerlines. Friends in East Wenatchee are reporting power outages and more than six inches of snow. I’m shivering just thinking about this.

Here in Aguascalientes the temperature has been far above the norm for this time of year. I’m back to taking walks early in the morning and then again later at night.

Now that my room is organized, I have more time for writing. In addition to the novel I’m working on, one of my online writers’ groups gave an interesting challenge — “Write the story of your life as a narrative rather than as a collection of stories for a book of memoirs.” Seeing as I’ve struggled with the latter, it’s tempting to take up the challenge.

Last weekend Gloria and I went out to Tres Centurias. When I first got here five years ago, I took way too many photos of the trains so this year I only took photos of the catrinas. They hadn’t been taken yet although Dia de los Muertos was November 2nd. Then we walked over to Malva and had a delicious lunch of cochinita pibil.

Yesterday I went to my favorite bakery where I was greeted enthusiastically by the owner, “Maestra!” Somehow that name has stuck. The first time I went there I told her I was a retired teacher. Of course the word “retired” was eliminated immediately.

I also went to another favorite store where I buy a few things I don’t find at my corner tienda. And once again the staff remembered me. This store has a variety of meat and cheese as well as crepes and hotcakes.

My Spanish is getting a workout. Raul is pretty much the only one I speak English to. Of course I still have to tell my neighbors “mas despacio, por favor.”

My Spanish must be improving. I watched a crime show on TV the other day and actually picked up on most of the subtle cues although I’d never seen this episode before. And I don’t use subtitles.

Happy Humpday!

Apr9

Back in Washington

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Back in Washington

Coming back after 6 months away is always a blur of adjusting and getting organized. We’re actually going to hit 60 today which is a far cry from 87. My sciatica is complaining. But in time it will settle down. It wasn’t exactly thrilled with the 4 hour flight back from Mexico.

I’m unpacked and getting organized. I went to AT&T and got my phone number for the year. I’ve been busy texting and messaging my new number to friends. My What’s App stays on my Mexican number. Also have been dealing with credit card companies to register the new number and access my online accounts. They don’t like it when I change countries and phone numbers as often as I do.

Adjusting to an English world. The only Spanish I’ve done since I’m back is on Duolingo, although I have texted friends in Mexico in Spanish.

Only one trip to Costco so far in terms of shopping. Joyce and I are going to Dollar Tree tomorrow after lunch at the Senior Center. I don’t really miss Waldo’s in Mexico and much prefer the American version of a dollar store.

Did a Bible study with my life group on Zoom this morning. We’re planning on getting together in person later in the month. Not everyone lives in Wenatchee or East Wenatchee so it does take some planning.

I just came home from a SAIL Lunch and Learn and it was nice to reconnect with everyone after several months away. But I don’t intend to do any teaching until I get back from Canada in June. Did I say Canada? Yes I’m back on a plane in 3 weeks to head up north.

Speaking of planes, I didn’t get sucked out of my window seat on the Boeing 737 on my way back from Mexico. No blown tires, cracked windshields or missing parts of the fuselage either. Great flights that left on time and arrived early. Even Immigration welcomed me back.

Yesterday was definitely one of the highlights of my first week back. I traveled to Leavenworth to Shears for my hair appointment. Lisa always has her hands full dealing with the mess the Mexican hairstylists make and she had her hands full yesterday. But as usual she did an amazing job.

Yesterday in Leavenworth I also got to see Linda. We picked up sandwiches at Dan’s and settled in to watch the Virgin River Christmas episodes. We’re also making plans to attend the Leavenworth Summer Theater productions.

I have a CPR refresher on Thursday and then I will finally have a day to relax on Friday, if you call doing laundry and housecleaning relaxing.

Another highlight was going in person to Sage Hills Church on Sunday. So much nicer than on-line. And I got to meet some of the women from my Zoom life group in person as well.

Sunday afternoon Clairesse and I went to Blue Spoon for some delightful frozen yogurt. We had a lot to catch up on. That happens when you don’t see each other for 6 months.

Sunday night Christina and I watched a movie together. We decided that Sunday nights will be movie nights while I’m here.

I haven’t even looked at my WIP since I’ve been back. I had a lot more time for writing when I was in Mexico. But that’s okay. I still have friends to see and places to go and things to do. And I have writers’ group next week!

And my dear tree in Cashmere, I haven’t forgotten you. I promise I’ll come visit you really soon.

Jan21

A Gringa Saturday

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A Gringa Saturday

Today I did something very uncharacteristic of me. I ventured into gringoland in the north area of Aguascalientes instead of walking around in Las Flores or in El Centro as I usually do on a Saturday. I spent the afternoon walking around in two very different places, along with Raul, Alethia and Emiliano.

Our first stop was Altaria. This is a huge indoor-outdoor mall which has grown considerably. The two landmark stores are Liverpool and Sears but there are other stores such as Bershka, Sephora, Sanborns and H&M to name just a few. There are also a multitude of restaurants such as Italiannis, La Creperia, and Chili’s. And of course you’ll find Cinnabon, Dairy Queen, Starbucks and the like. There is even a casino, movie theatres and quite a few banks. I heard lots of English spoken here today. Most gringos live in the north part of the city.

Our next stop was Costco. It was time to renew my membership and buy some cheddar cheese. Yes, that’s why I have a membership. Costco is the one place you can find cheddar cheese regularly. Occasionally I’ve seen it at HEB, but Costco is the most reliable. A bonus is that the cost of a membership is about $25 US while up in Washington it’s $65 US. And I can use my card all over the USA and Canada.

A few hours later I’m back in my own neighborhood, comforted by the hum of voices speaking Spanish.

Oct14

Back in AGS 2023

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Back in AGS 2023

A government shutdown was avoided so the air traffic controllers stayed on the job and I arrived as scheduled on Monday in Puerto Vallarta. I dodged Hurricane Lidia by a day and arrived in Aguascalientes by bus at 4 am on Tuesday. Raul, my landlord extraordinaire, picked me up and brought me home where I slept a good part of the day.

With all the craziness going on in the world today, it was comforting to come home to my familiar barrio of Las Flores. I’ve spent the last few days wandering around and renewing acquaintances. My neighbors are the same as last year and my Spanish got a workout. None of them speak English. Everyone remembers me and are very welcoming. I think I bought more stuff at my corner tienda than all the rest of his regular customers combined. I picked up food at a cocina and the lady was quite interested in hearing about my time up north. The lady at the candy store welcomed me back. Yes I’m still addicted to chocolate. I was at a gift shop today picking up a few things. I’m invited to a 5-year-old’s birthday party tomorrow. The lady at the gift shop asked me how my friends in Washington liked the things I’d bought for them when I left in March. And of course my friend Chui still has his potato chip operation only two doors down from where I live.

But yesterday was Friday the 13th and I’m glad that’s over with. I woke up to no internet. Thankfully it reappeared later in the day. But the real fiasco was at Telcel where my chip didn’t work in my new phone. AT&T insists the phone is unlocked and Telcel says it isn’t. So for the time being I’m carrying around two phones until I get it sorted out. A big thank you to Raul for coming with me and translating. The people at Telcel were having problems understanding him and he’s even Mexican. Raul has the patience of a saint as he kept changing the chips from phone to phone. So it appears that I am now using my old phone for Telcel and my new phone for everything else at the moment.

I’m going to end this post on a more somber note. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my family and friends in Israel. Your texts are comforting and greatly appreciated. Here in Mexico planes are being sent to evacuate over 700 Mexicans from Israel. There is no escaping this horrible war. It has affected everyone everywhere. Unfortunately there is no end in sight and all we can do now is continue to pray.

Aug22

Oh No! They’re Gone!

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Oh No! They’re Gone!

In my last post I mentioned how the view of the mountains relaxes me and makes me feel at home. Well that was very short-lived. The smoke has rolled in and it’s time to get out the n95s again. The air is thick with smoke and the hills and mountains are now memories.

We went on a shopping marathon for a couple of hours today. Costco, Safeway and Happy Crop. Yes the groceries came first. But it was interesting to see who was at the pot shop today. No young people at all. Just us old people looking for comfort from the aches and pains as we age.

I’m looking forward to Tai Chi tomorrow. I really missed those classes when I was away in Canada. None of my friends up there are into that, although a couple are into walking. Right now it’s way too smoky out there to walk outside so I appreciated the walk through Costco today.

I dropped down a level in Duolingo. I just couldn’t find that half hour a day while I was away. It was more like only 5 to 10 minutes. But I’m back in there now and am determined to make it back up into the diamond league again this week.

There was an interesting article in my CNN newsfeed today about how airports have evolved into shopping malls with the advent of numerous restaurants and stores vying for space. Dallas got the award for the longest walk of just over two and a half miles to the gate. Of course security screening takes up an abundance of space as well. With the limited food options available on flights there is a demand for more restaurants. Air Canada…are you listening? I’m tired of your bottled water and juice when what I really crave is coffee. Starbucks is always a must when I’m in any airport.

I wonder if there are any deserts left in California today. Hurricane Hilary literally drenched the air and left quite a muddy mess. Floods and landslides are predicted for Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The weather is definitely getting nasty on both the Pacific and the Atlantic sides. And then the rest of North America is a smoky mess due to all the wildfires.

What will I be dodging when I head back to Mexico in October? Hmmmmmm…………..

You have outdone yourself with this limerick today, Alexa. Corniest one ever.

I once met a ninja who sings

When in through a window he swings

He picks air guitar

With his throwing star

But a concert is not what he brings.

Hope you’re having a marvelous Monday!