Tag Archives: weather

May16

Can’t Count That High

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Can’t Count That High

I’ve officially been in Winnipeg for two weeks as of today, and it’s still raining. Thunder boomer going on at the moment. Glad I brought a rain jacket. Didn’t need it in Mexico or Washington but I sure need it here. And I don’t feel too badly about holing up in my room with the computer and scanning photos. I’ve stopped counting and can’t believe how many loose photos I’ve found in addition to albums.

I spent most of today in sunny San Diego and in Waikiki. The odd Winnipeg pic showed up. But I’m going out for dinner shortly with Laura and will don my rain jacket. We’re off to Sorrentos for my favorite salad and some pizza. It will be dry inside the restaurant.

Things I’ve noticed in the pics. We dressed up on birthdays and anniversaries. No jeans. No yoga pants. For some reason we always made two or three copies of every photo. I gave up taking pics out of frames to scan. Too time consuming. And I found a lot of framed pics. We had a regular rogues’ gallery in our family room on Dunbar so way too many framed photos. My cell phone takes better pics than my ex’s expensive camera with all the zoom and different lenses. And it’s so much easier to use. We took way too many pics of some things and not enough of others. And we should have been more diligent about writing dates on photos!

I hope to finish the first of four bins on the weekend. And I have a sinking suspicion that there are more than four bins and that some bins are still hiding at Kyle’s house.

Break time is over.

May4

I’m Here

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I’m Here

No, I’m not in Aguascalientes. No, I’m not in Washington. I’m here in Winnipeg. Except that we have Seattle weather here…..RAIN! And it’s cold. And I left my Columbia ski jacket in Washington.

Rita picked me up at the airport on Thursday and we went straight to VJ’s for lunch. Yep. VJ’s is always a must on my list when I come here. Best chili burgers anywhere!

When my kids were younger and in YBC I used to travel across town more than once a week as they bowled out of Windsor Lanes. How ironic that I’m now staying a mere five minute walk from there now. Of course my kids are no longer bowling and that alley house is no longer in existence.

Costco this morning. While I did find the granola I buy in Washington, protein bars were different. As were the cheese strings. And the yogurt. But I’m tough. It’s only for a month.

Laura, (my computer guru) and I went to Best Buy last night and I got a scanner. Now to connect with my son who is storing all the photo albums. I’m on a mission.

Here’s one from Alexa:

What’s the difference between a cat and a comma?

A cat has claws at the end of its paws and a comma is a pause at the end of a clause

Apr30

Challengers and Bluegrass

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Challengers and Bluegrass

It was a busy weekend. I should have been thinking about doing laundry and packing but there were too many other distractions. I decided to take advantage of those instead.

We went to see the movie “Challengers.” Although I’m not a huge tennis fan, I was drawn in by the twists and turns in this movie. It was well done and delivered more than one strong message. I highly recommend that you go and see it.

The Bluegrass concert in Cashmere was most enjoyable. Thunder Ridge is a band from Portland. But Saturday night they were more of a hodge-podge of musicians as a couple of the regulars weren’t able to make it. However they put on an amazing performance although they had only rehearsed for a short time earlier in the day.

Do you remember the movie “The Graduate?” Back in the 60s we all thought it was pretty awesome. But it’s 2024 now and when I watched it the other night on TV, I had a very different opinion. Boring and predictable. Lame acting. Corny. Hmmm. Do we even use the word “corny” today? My age is showing.

We’ve had rain and it’s been cold. And the weather doesn’t look too promising in Canada either. Wonder if I need to pack my Columbia ski jacket and my Sorels. But it’s May. It isn’t supposed to be winter. Maybe I’ll throw in some warmer clothes just in case. Days like this I really miss Mexico.

On that note it’s time to get out the packing cubes. My next post will be coming to you from Canada.

Have a great week!

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.

Mar30

Last Post From Aguascalientes

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Last Post From Aguascalientes

The winter flew by fast. But my six months is up. I’m taking a break from packing. It’s easier packing to leave than to come here. Everything goes and nothing is left behind. But it’s still not a task I enjoy. I do love my packing cubes, so that definitely helps.

It’s been a week of goodbyes with friends—one last torta, one last desayuno, one last hamburguesa, one last cerveza together until October. That’s the hard part about leaving.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Last year I went to Sage Hills in Wenatchee. This year I’ll be at one of the Catholic churches nearby. I wonder where I’ll be for Easter next year.

I will miss my lackadaisical days of writing when I feel like it. My life is a lot more structured up north. My April calendar is already filling up and I’m not even back yet. But I must admit I’m looking forward to my hair appointment at Shears. Every year I try out different stylists in Mexico but they can never quite seem to get it right.

I spoke to my daughter yesterday. I can’t believe my baby turned forty. Wasn’t it just yesterday I gave birth to her? Okay, I’ve embarrassed her enough if she’s reading this.

My journey home begins tomorrow at midnight when I take ETN to Puerto Vallarta. I opted for only one day there on the way back. Semana Santa is pretty crazy there. On Tuesday it’s Alaska to Wenatchee via Sea-Tac. And I refuse to check the weather forecast because I know it won’t be in the eighties and sunny.

To all who celebrate, have a blessed Easter. He is risen!

Mar10

March 14

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March 14

March 14. Pi Day. The Greek symbol for 3.14 is π, and 3.14 are the first three digits of Pi. It’s hard to believe that a symbol for a mathematical concept has become somewhat of a national holiday celebration. But back in 1988, a man named Larry Shaw was working at The Exploratorium, a science museum in San Francisco. He declared that Pi Day be celebrated on March 14. Years later on March 11, 2009 the U.S. House of Representatives made it official by declaring that March 14 be National Pi Day. Students, teachers, mathematicians and science geeks are very much aware of the significance of Pi Day. I’m not as interested in going into all the detail about circles and calculus as they are. But it’s interesting to note that March 14 is also Albert Einstein’s birthday.

March 14. The Ides of March. This dates back to ancient Roman times when March 14 was thought of as a day of doom and gloom. Bad things happened on that date commonly also associated with a full moon. I first became aware of The Ides of March in middle school when we studied Julius Caesar, a play by William Shakespeare. A soothsayer warned Caesar, a Roman dictator, to “beware The Ides of March.” Sure enough, Caesar was assassinated on March 14, 44 BC.

That’s your history lesson for this month.

On another note, I’m down to my last month in Mexico before I return to Washington state. That means the snow and cold have less than a month to disappear before I get back. I’m afraid that hearing temps have soared up to 50 does not create the enthusiasm for me as it does for Washingtonians. I’ve become accustomed to 80s. At least I have a closet full of warm clothes awaiting me.

Alexa:

What’s the difference between a cat and a comma? A cat has claws at the end of its paws and a comma is a pause at the end of a clause

Have a great Sunday!

Feb15

Let’s Move On

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Let’s Move On

The Taylor Bowl should have ended on Sunday. But it’s Thursday and it’s still going on. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got more media coverage than the game. The 49ers came on strong, screwed up and blew it. Done, finished, over with. Don’t dwell on it.

And now for the weather. Are we back in December here? 50s instead of 80s? Rain? And it’s not even the rainy season. Enough already. Bring back the normal sunny warm weather to Aguascalientes. Friends in Guadalajara and Mazatlan and several other places in Mexico are complaining as well.

Alaska, my favorite airline, please have a little more respect for your flight attendants. Resolve this issue before it’s time for my return flight up north in April. Disgruntled employees are not in your best interests. Neither are dissatisfied customers.

Okay people. I’ve ranted enough for one day. Now for something more positive.

We’ve had iffy weather and along with it comes iffy internet. The Wi-Fi actually was only out for a few hours on Tuesday and I was able to catch the last twenty minutes of my Bible Study on Zoom. And in the evening I attended another Zoom session with NCW Library where we discussed conflict in terms of escalation and de-escalation. Tonight the topic is compassionate communication and that should be an interesting one.

Off to do some shopping and practice my Spanish.

Saludos!

Jan7

Jumping Into January

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Jumping Into January

On the playlist while I’m writing today are Simon and Garfunkel, Wednesday Morning 3 AM. Amazing what you can find on Spotify and You Tube. Also contemplating some Boston and Rick Neufeld. I’ll have to see how the mood goes.

Alaska Airlines, I’ve told you before that you’re my favorite airline. I also go out of my way to fly with you. But I am not impressed with what I heard about that flight out of Portland the other day. In fact, I don’t know that I may ever want a window seat again. Getting sucked out into space through a blown out window does not appeal. You have until April 2nd to do some maintenance on those 737 Max 9 aircraft.

Okay. That’s my rant for today.

It’s finally starting to warm up here. We’ve hit 70 a couple of times and we’re now supposed to be in the low 70s for the rest of the month. While it’s still below normal, it’s definitely better than the overnight lows of 34 degrees.

On Sundays I tune in to the livestream from Sage Hills Church in Wenatchee. Today there was an awesome guest pastor. I really miss going in person to that church and that is one thing I’m looking forward to when I get back in the spring.

In my last post I alluded to a mission I need to accomplish and friends have been asking me about that. Sorry but it isn’t time to give any more details just yet. I’m just starting to touch base with people who may be in a position to help me make that happen. The only clue you get right now is that it involves a trip to Canada.

King’s Day was yesterday and that’s the final event in the celebration of Christmas here in Mexico. And the kids actually are all back in the classrooms on Monday.

Speaking of classrooms, I was devastated to hear about the latest school shooting in Perry, Iowa. The most traumatic thing that ever happened when I was back in middle school was if we had a fire drill in the middle of winter when it was 40 below outside. I actually think I like those days better. I’ll take frostbite over a gunshot wound any day.

The war rages on in Gaza. Please keep praying for peace.

Jan3

Here We Go 2024

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Here We Go 2024

Happy New Year! May 2024 be filled with good health, love, peace and joy.

Right now I’m also praying for warmth. The month of December was rainy and cold. Overnight lows in the 30ths and daytime highs that don’t even reach 70 are not my idea of a winter in Mexico. Mexican homes are built to keep the heat out so it’s not surprising that outside it feels warmer than inside. This is my fourth year here in Aguascalientes and I wish I’d brought a ski jacket with me. Last year I never even put on a sweater. This year my hoodie is my best friend.

Do you ever wonder about why you are where you are and why you do what you do? Today is one of those days where I find myself doing just that. When I first came to Mexico back in 2010 it was a one year plan to teach English in Culiacan. But here I am fourteen years later, still in Mexico. Granted I reverted back to a snowbird in 2016 when I discovered Leavenworth, Washington. But I still haven’t found that one place where I want to settle down.

Sometimes I imagine what that one place might look like. I prefer smaller towns to large cities. I’d like to avoid snow but I would like to experience the beauty of all four seasons. I make friends easily everywhere I go and a sense of community is important to me. And if I ever do settle down again I would definitely get a dog.

I would love to perch comfortably on the seat of a bay window when I write. I’m not one for traditional chairs and desks. I find it more inspiring to gaze outside, especially if I can also hear the sound of waves lapping on the shore. Sunshine is also preferred although the patter of rain is also welcome from time to time.

But right now the bay window and the dog are still just a dream. And that’s okay. I will continue to volunteer my time teaching English in Mexico in the winter. And I look forward to going back to Wenatchee in the spring and rejoining the writers’ group and the Tai Chi classes at the Senior Center.

I have no idea what else lies in store for me in 2024 although I do have some tentative plans that include travel to Canada. I have a mission to accomplish but haven’t quite worked out the logistics yet. In the meantime I intend to enjoy the three months I have remaining in Mexico.

I encourage you to continue praying for world peace.

Dec28

Adios 2023 Bienvenido 2024

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Adios 2023 Bienvenido 2024

This will be my last post for 2023. It seems like just yesterday I was writing my last post for 2022. The older I get the faster the time flies by.

Highlight of the year was spending a magical weekend with my kids and my granddaughter in Brandon when I was in Canada last summer. I hadn’t been together with both of my kids together in eight years, and who knows when we’ll do it again. One of the dangers of my nomadic lifestyle is that I spend the year in two different countries where neither of my kids live.

It’s been a cold December here in Aguascalientes, very different from past years. Last night it went down to 34 Fahrenheit that translates to about 1 Celsius. We’ve also had a lot of rain which is very unusual. And they have the nerve to call it global warming!

Christmas Eve I found myself in church with my friend Gloria and her daughter Romina. Afterwards we had dinner with Gloria’s family. Then on Christmas Day we vegged and watched movies. I also had a video call from my granddaughter Madeline in Canada.

I still haven’t made it to El Centro to see the lights yet. But I plan to do that with a friend on Friday night. But I will have to bundle up. The high will only be 64 tomorrow and once it’s dark out the temperature will plummet. Last year I didn’t even need a sweater at this time of year. Now I layer and wish I’d brought my Columbia ski jacket with me this winter.

I’d like to wish all my readers out there a HAPPY and a HEALTHY 2024. And let’s all pray for WORLD PEACE.