Tag Archives: trees

Mar30

Today Is Wednesday

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Today Is Wednesday

Four weeks ago yesterday I crossed the border at Nogales. I’m only allowed 180 days in this country and already 30 precious days have flown by.

I was talking to a friend in Winnipeg last night who asked me what I was planning to do when I got to Canada and how long I was going to stay. The painful truth is that I don’t even want to come to Canada. I come back to see my kids, my granddaughter, and the handful of close friends I keep in touch with. And of course I want to go to the cemetery in Winnipeg. But my life is here in Washington as well as in Mexico.

I’m settling in to life in East Wenatchee. I’ve never lived in Douglas County before. Always in Chelan County. The big difference I’ve noticed is that each county has its own judicial buildings.

While I still teach fitness classes in Leavenworth, I found a new life group from Sage Hills Church just down the street from where I live. And on April 1 the senior center in Wenatchee reopens so that will be an opportunity to meet people and perhaps even play bridge again.

I’m off shortly for a walk. I love watching the trees come to life in the spring. I took this photo of a tree down the street a couple of days ago when it was just beginning to bud.

I peeked out my window a few minutes ago and it’s now in full bloom. A new photo is definitely in order.

Have a great Wednesday!

Que tengas un buen miercoles!

May11

Dryden Days

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Dryden Days

I’m living in Dryden for the month of May. This is a small town between Cashmere and Peshastin. Here is a pic of the house where I’m staying.

The house is surrounded by orchards, along with a lovely view of the mountains .

My bedroom has a spectacular view of the river, including a fish ladder, and the mountains.

It’s quiet and peaceful here. While Leavenworth is a quaint Bavarian village only ten minutes away, I do not miss the constant tourist traffic. I enjoyed a walk along a back road yesterday and marveled at the beautiful trees and wildflowers.

I have truly found a piece of heaven on earth here.

Nov4

Something Different

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Something Different

This post is not about COVID-19 or Trump. I want to forget those for a moment and write about something completely different.

Monday night I went to a baby shower. I can’t remember the last time I went to one but I know it’s been years. It was such fun to see all the cute items for this precious new baby.

Yesterday was our exercise get together. We have now grown to five from three. My body really appreciates this as the colder weather has a tendency to stiffen up the joints.

Usually at this time of year, if I’m not already back in Mexico already, I’m shopping the summer clearance sales for clothes. Instead last week my purchases included boots, a toque, lined gloves and a cozy pullover sweater.

Although many of the trees have lost their leaves, there are still many showing off their glorious hues of red and orange. The recent rain has kept them hydrated.

While I turn to Duolingo every day and text in Spanish to some friends, I must admit I’m enjoying watching movies in English again. But I did go to my favorite Mexican restaurant last week and I always get to use my Spanish there.

I’m really enjoying my new tablet and am in the process of buying a new computer. However I became so reliant on technology is beyond me. It’s sure a different world.

And then there are the video calls. My granddaughter Madeline in Canada turns three in February and thinks her grandma lives in a phone. My grandson Juan Carlos in Culiacán is eleven and we converse in English regularly. Now if only I could convince my son in Canada to do video calls.

Today is another shopping trip to Wenatchee. More warm clothes for winter are very much needed. Somehow my usual wardrobe of capris and tank tops are not appropriate attire here in Leavenworth at this time of year.

The best part of being here is that I’m having a great time renewing friendships, meeting new people and making memories. My extended family just keeps on expanding. Life is more than good.

Jan5

Propósitos

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Propósitos

2020 has arrived. A new year. A new decade. And a hot topic here in Mexico is “propósitos” or what we call in English “resolutions.”

When I lived in Canada, popular resolutions included losing weight, exercising regularly and working harder to earn more money. But what I’m hearing here in Mexico from friends and students is very different.

The common propósitos here are more spiritual in nature. Students tell me they want to study and be more successful at school. Friends tell me they want to spend more time with family and attend church more often.

As for me, I want to preserve that inner calm that I have worked so hard to find. Inevitably it will change some of the relationships I have with others in my life; some for the better and some for the worse. But that can’t be avoided.

I’m also determined to spend less time in front of a computer screen. I have bid farewell to many of the games I used to play online. I apologize to those I no longer send lives to. But I want to commune with nature a little more this year.

On that note, I went for a long walk this afternoon around my neighborhood. One of the first things I noticed was the oranges growing on a neighbor’s tree.

Further on down the street I noticed the beautiful red blossoms on a poinsettia tree.

I then meandered through the park where I regularly color. But this time I left my gel pens and coloring book at home.

I admired the blossoms emerging on bushes and trees.

I gazed solemnly at the lovely cacti.

And I felt at peace.