DINNER AT THE CORNER RESTAURANT

Today Bob was very busy working for his client. We had breakfast/lunch after 1:00 p.m. We had split pea and ham soup that was in the freezer along with a slice of pumpkin roll. Bob worked all afternoon. We started to watch the news and we taped the last half. Sam changed the sugar water for the hummingbirds and we decided to have a glass or two of wine in the living room. It was nice just to sit and chat about whatever we wanted to talk about. It was about 7:45 p.m. and decided we better decide on what to do for dinner. There wasn't much in the house so we decided to go out and try a new local neighborhood place. It is on the corner of Potranca and Ancha. They have a great BBQ grill. The restaurant is in their garage. It is a very clean restaurant. We each had a hamburger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, avacado, onion, bacon, and ham...it was yummy...along with an order of fries, which were wonderful. We each had a beer. Oh yes, then Bob wanted to try the arrachara taco...of course Sam had to have one as well. We will definitely go back and try the other items on the menu. We will have to go back and find out the name of the restaurant. Oh, I forgot...this was all for $135 pesos...or about $10.

A GREAT DAY IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in San Miguel de Allende. Bob and I were invited to play golf at Club de Golf Malanquin. This was the first time we have played in Mexico. I haven't played in over 15 months and for Bob it has been a few years. Our friends picked us up and took us to the club. It is only a couple of miles from our home. We were also meeting another couple at the course. When we pulled into the parking lot and opened our trunk, a swarm of guys came over to our vehicle. At this course, everyone must have a caddy and they were ready. Bob and our friend went into the club house to register. We were very fortunate to be able to use some "free" passes. At Malanquin, they do not accept tee times, it is on a first come first serve basis. We didn't have to wait too long before we played. Since there were six of us, the ladies played together and the men followed behind. I walked the course with my caddy. This was a first for me. It is a long course (5373 yards for the ladies), 6400 feet altitude, haven't played in over 15 months, 80F and sunny(no humidity)...what was I thinking? I loved it!! I really enjoyed myself and my caddy, Markerio. He was very helpful. After two holes, he knew exactly what club I needed. It was amazing because I didn't even know what club I should be using. I think I had my best round in ages. The first nine I shot a 51 and the second nine a 56. I have to admit that the last two holes were challenging because I was getting tired. For all of my Michigan friends...yes, I did have a snowman...just for you guys!! And, I had one par, a couple of long putts, and one chip in with my mano-wedge...gotta love that club. I am definitely looking forward to playing again. And for Bob, he also walked with his caddy and had a great day. He didn't keep score but enjoyed the fellowship and beautiful surroundings. After golf, we stopped into the club house for a drink. Sam asks, "What kind of wine do you have?" The waitress responds, "None." "OK, how about a gin and tonic with double lime?" "Ummm, we don't have any gin." "OK, how about a Margarita?" "Yes, of course!" So a Margarita it was...and it was good. When we got home we were both hungry since we didn't have lunch. So, we changed our clothes and we were off to see Juan Carlos at Baile Cafe. When we walked in we got a very warm welcome and they wondered where we had been since they hadn't seen us in about 10 days. We had a nice dinner and was home at a reasonable hour, went to bed and read our books. It indeed was a wonderful day in San Miguel. We love it here.

UPDATE ON SMA...MERRY CHRISTMAS, SEASON'S GREETINGS

It is hard to believe that it is already December 19th. Where has the time gone? Every day is full of activities or full of something! Each day Bob comments about the weather and can't believe it is December. Sunshine makes a big difference in how we feel. We have been spending a lot of time with friends. We enjoy entertaining and cooking so we have had a few dinner parties. It takes time to plan the menu, make the grocery lists, and find the ingredients. The most challenging part is actually shopping for and finding all of the ingredients. We try and buy as much as possible from the local small tiendas. Our last resort is going to the big supermarket, Mega. Mega is a great store; however, we like to give our business to the smaller business owners. This coming week, we have two more gatherings at our home. We will be hosting two other couples for Christmas dinner. We are looking forward to that event. Speaking of Christmas. We didn't bring any of our Christmas decorations with us in the move. We really don't have a lot of storage in our new home especially for all of the stuff we had. So this year, we purchased 14 poinsettias and have them around the house. The last several days, we have had them outside. They enjoy getting some sun...who doesn't! The plants look so much better being outside. When they are inside and get limited light and they lose their leaves. We just hope we can keep them looking great until Christmas. Next year we'll have to consider getting some other decorations. We have been doing some shopping at consignment shops. Consignment shops are very popular here. We purchased two Persian rugs and a painting. The rugs are for our dining room and master bedroom. About 10 days ago we attended a wine and food festival. We were sipping some wine and this lady comes up to us and says, "I know you". We looked at her and looked at each other and said, "We don't think so". She said, "Yes I do. You are from Minnesota, spent a month in Oaxaca, you love ducks, and you live in San Miguel". We were shocked she knew so much about us. We are not from Minnesota but Michigan. She told us she follows our blog. She isn't listed as a "follower". Perhaps if she is reading this, she will become one. She is from Ireland. Since that evening, we have seen her twice around town. What a small world! We have been out to our school, Los Ricos de Abajo. We have been buying school supplies, putting together computer desks, and measuring for curtains. Shopping for material was an experience. Thank goodness for our friend, Carolyn. She sews and was a life saver. We purchased the material and all of the miscellaneous stuff (needles, pins, thread, etc.) and delivered them to the school. One of the mothers in the village will be making the curtains. We will begin teaching English the middle of January. Bob continues to do work for his one and only client which has taken a lot of his time. He needed to work yesterday, so I baked for 6 hours. I made two different types of cookies and five pumpkin rolls. It is definitely different cooking in a new oven and remembering to check measurements. Such as, a recipe calls for 8 oz. of cream cheese. I went to the store and purchased packages of Philadelphia cream cheese. It looked like an 8 oz. package; however, it was only 190 grams...and I needed 225 grams. Good thing I realized this before it was too late. The same thing with a stick of butter. Always room to learn new things. Now who is going to eat all of these sweets? We won't fit into our swim suits when we go to the beach in February. Today, our local wine store was having a sale on Santa Carolina wine. We were able to purchase Santa Carolina Reserva for less than $5 a bottle. So we had to buy 4 cases. What does one do when you get a 33% discount? Afterwards we went to a restaurant, El Buen Cafe. We have never been there and thought we would try it. The restaurant is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and they are celebrating their 20th anniversary this week. Because we have a VIP Card, we got a 30% discount (this week only). We each had a bowl of soup...Bob had onion soup and Sam had cream of spinach. Our main plate was two slices of pork tenderloin on top of a bed of wild rice and topped with a pineapple-chipotle chutney and a salad. We both had ice tea and dessert (Bob had apple pie and Sam had tres leches). Everything was wonderful and for the low, low price (including a 15% tip) of $170 pesos or less than $13. What a great day!! Several of our friends who winter here will be arriving in January. So we know we will be busy getting together with them. Merry Christmas to all of our friends.

OUR FIRST CHARRO

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We attended our first Charro event yesterday. It was a school fundraiser for the children of our friends. It was a cold day 54F, cloudy, and a cool breeze. Nothing a little tequilla did take care of for us. The little kids were amazing. I'm sure it won't be our last Charro event. Click on the first picture to make them bigger!

HALLOWEEN AND DAY OF THE DEAD

This is the first time we have been in Mexico for Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations. Here in San Miguel the Mexicans have only been celebrating Halloween for the past two years or so. We had about 50 kids come to the door. They didn't start coming until just before 8:00 p.m. And well after 9:00 p.m., they were still ringing the door bell. We even had some the next night on November 1st. We didn't answer the door. On November 2nd, the Day of the Dead is a day the local families visit the cemetary all day long. They decorate the graves with flowers, mementos, play music, eat, and drink. It is nothing I have seen before. It was a very interesting and moving experience. Please enjoy the photos we took at the following link: https://picasaweb.google.com/113657035663785110260/HALLOWEENANDDAYOFTHEDEAD2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKLs77KTqN3vTQ&feat=directlink

FOR SALE

  POTs   FOR SALE

We are in the process of cleaning up our back patio and re-landscaping.  There were 27 potted plants and we are down to just a couple.  So, we have plenty of pots for sale. 

What did you think we were selling here in Mexico?

MEYER LEMONS



Yesterday we were walking back from running errands and passed by Natura, an organic market.  We stopped in to see what they had available.  Sam spotted a basket with two lemons in it.  She asked the owner about the lemons and he said they were "Meyer Lemons".  Lemons are very hard to come by in San Miguel.  That is, the lemons we are used to.   Here they are called "Limon".  Limes are called "Limas".  However, sometimes we see limons but they are green and sweet, somewhat like an orange.  The owner also talked about other lemons as well.  We were confused by the time we left.  We just purchased one Meyer Lemon to try.

Last night we fixed ourselves a nice refreshing Kir with fresh lemon.  It was tasty.  We only used half of the lemon so tonight we will enjoy another half with another Kir.

It will certainly "Kir" what "ales" us!!



UPPER TERRACE VIEW

In San Miguel de Allende, there are many churches. We are very fortunate at have a view of four of them from our upper (roof top) terrace. We thought we would share them with you.

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel

Templo de la Inmaculada Concepcion (Las Monjas)

Parroquia San Antonio

Templo de San Fco. (Ex-Convento de San Antonio)



CELEBRATION OF MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE - VIVA MEXICO

WOW...this has been one busy long, long weekend starting on Wednesday evening with the Feed the Hungry fundraiser.  See prior blog posting.

Then on Thursday, we went to visit the school where we teach English in the campo...Los Ricos de Abajo.  Sam wanted to sit in on the weekly English class that the teacher, Aurelia, teaches.  This is the first time that the 5th/6th grade class is having weekly lessons.  Aurelia had a computer program that she is using provided by the government; however, she has no teaching manual or workbooks for the children.  The children were very enthusiastic and all of the students participated.  Sam is going to see if we can purchase a teaching manual and a workbook.

While we were at the school, we also saw the new comedor (this is where the children eat their lunch).  Prior to having the comedor, the children ate outside in the elements.  Bob worked very hard last year and earlier this year to help have this comedor built.  Also during this process, the bodega was built to house all of the miscellaneous garden tools, old desks, etc.

On Thursday evening we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Cafe Firenze.  Antonio and Chef Gerardo are good friends of ours.  That night we listened to "El Grito" and watched the fireworks. 

On Friday, we skipped the parade but got a few photos. 

We decided do some shopping.   Stopping at the hummingbird store, Camino Silvestre, we met one of the owners, Alfredo.  We are looking for two lamps for our guest bedroom.  Sam brought a fabric sample of the bedspread to see if we could find something that would match.  Alfredo had a few items and spent a lot of time with us.  He is going to inquire with a couple of his vendors.  It was a very pleasant experience.

A few days prior, we purchased a small ceiling light for our hallway by the kitchen.  The people were so nice we decided to go back and we purchased two sconces and a light for over our dining room table.  We were a little hesitant about the light for the dining room.  The lady told us if we didn't like it when we got home we could return it.  That is not the norm here in Mexico.  We paid for the items in cash, and asked if they would hold on to them for us as we had other shopping to do.  She said, "No problem".  Off we went without even a receipt.  That's just how it is here.

We continued our walk to the jardin.  It was one busy place with everyone in town for the big festivities.  Many Mexicans were here from all over the country, especially Mexico City.  We headed to the Mercado.  We stopped and had an empanada for lunch.  It was so good.  The pastry was very tender and flakey.  Just as we finished, a parade began.  It was the "Pepsi Parade".  This was unusual for us because we don't see a lot of Pepsi being sold.  Coke seems to have a lock on the market.

At the Mercado, Sam purchased some flowers.  She bought a dozen carnations with greenery and baby's breath for 30 pesos or about $2.50.  Next stop was buying some fresh cut-up fruit.  We always buy it from the same lady.  We got an over flowing liter container of melon, papaya, and mango for 15 pesos or about $1.20.  We love this country!!

On our way back, we stopped at Baile Cafe to see our good friends, Juan Carlos and Rebeca.  We wanted to make a reservation for dinner because we wanted to be able to get some pictures of the Reenactment of the Insurgents at 6:00 p.m.  The horses and countrymen would be passing right in front of the restaurant.  With that being done, we stopped back to the store and picked up our light fixtures.   By this time (four hours since we left the house), were were tired and in need of a siesta.  However, there wasn't much time for napping if we wanted to watch the reenactment. 

Shortly after we went down for our siesta, it started to rain and rain and rain.  It let up for a moment and then it rained, and rained, and well you get the idea.  We still wanted to go.  So we grabbed our umbrellas and camera.  No way would there be a cab.  We would just have to be real San Miguelians.  We stepped out our front door and couldn't believe the rain water rushing down the street.  We got to the main street and people were drenched.  Many of the people in town for the festivities were not prepared for such a down pour.  The further we walked the worse it got.  Trying to cross flooded streets was not easy.  What were we thinking?  As we got to intersection of Zacateros and Canal the water was gushing down Canal.  We walked to the next intersection at Hernandez Macias and it wasn't any better.  Well we thought if we walk up to the jardin, we would be able to cross over and get to the other side of Canal.  Fat chance.  It was worse.  The rain was pouring down the steps.  What an amazing scene. 

It was raining so hard that rain was coming through our soaked umbrellas.  So, back down Canal to the intersection of Hernandez Macias.  We stopped.  Sam looked at the rushing water.  She rolled up her jeans, took off her shoes and socks, and crossed the calle.  Bob decided to make a few hops, jumps, and skips.  He ended up with his tennis shoes totally soaked.  We walked into Baile Cafe looking like drowned rats.

The place was packed.  As soon as it started to rain, all of the people ran for cover.  Of course, our good friend, Juan Carlos, knew we were coming so he saved us a special table.  We tried our best to make ourselves presentable.  Sam put her socks on...her shoes were still wet.
 

We enjoyed a margarita.  6:00 came and went.  We didn't think the reenactment was going to happen.  Well, it was just after 6:30 p.m., and we heard the hoofs of the horses.  Rain was not going to stop them.  Bob grabbed the camera and went to take some pictures.  Sam played it safe as she was shoeless and went to the upper level watching from the balcony.

We enjoyed a nice dinner.  Baile Cafe had a great band that night...Vudu Chile, a Blue, Funk, and Rock band.  They were a really great dance band.  We saw several of our friends, Gail and Warren, Nonnie and Ed and Eric.  Nonnie and Ed really tore up the floor.

Saturday was another busy day; however, it wasn't an early morning.  We walked a few errards.  We put up our sconces and enjoyed the afternoon.  We didn't want to venture too far from home so we decided to have dinner at our favorite restaurant,  Cafe Firenze.  We had soft shell crab as an appetizer. 

Bob had 1/2 of a rock cornish hen in a wonderful pipian pumpkin seed and tomatillo sauce, and Sam had short ribs with a wonderful mole sauce.  For dessert we had a delightful margarita mousse pie. 

We rolled home.

All weekend long, the crowds seem to be pretty calm.  Well, the last night was full of activity.  Bob wore his earplugs while Sam went without.  Sam heard the party die hards all throughout the night.  But as she says, this is part of the charm of San Miguel.

Sunday morning after breakfast, we took a walk to Parque Juerez.  It is only about 10 minutes from our home.  It is a wonderful park to take a nice strool.  On Sundays, several artist have their work on display.  Last winter, we became friends with Sergio and Patti.  We had not seen them since we returned the first of August.  It was nice to see them today.  We were talking with them and admiring Sergio's work.  A couple with two dogs came by and within minutes, purchased five pieces of art.  A couple of the pieces Sam had been wanting to purchase.  Oh well, our loss and their gain.  We spoke with them.  They were visiting for the weekend from Mexico City.  They were staying with 13 other family members at the Rosewood Hotel.  The most upscale hotel in San Miguel.  We know Sergio's paintings will have a very nice home.

We went to our favorite meat market (where we bought the lamb) and purchased a long piece of Italian sausage and two thick pork chops.  We stopped to the vegetable market and back home (of course after a stop to see a local restaurant, Mezzanine...Bistro by Bobo...that will be on our hit list). 

Just finished a wonderful dinner, pasta with  tomato sauce, mushrooms, garlic, onion, red and yellow bell pepper, and asparagus, fresh salad, Italian sausage and pork chops and a couple glasses of wine.

WOW...what a long, long weekend.

Now for some American football!!

That's all for now from San Miguel...Sam signing off.

SCHOOL CHILDREN PREPARING FOR THE CELEBRATIION OF MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE

On Tuesday, September 13th, around 8:30 a.m., we heard some noise on our side street, Privada Grillo.  All we could hear were feet hitting the pavement.  We looked out the window and saw a lot of school children marching.  The teachers were giving directions and the students were following their commands.

On Wednesday morning, the same thing happend.  This time Bob grabbed the camera and took a few pictures.  This morning, Sam was disappointed that she didn't hear the children at 8:30 a.m.  Just as she was mentioning this around 9:00 a.m., we heard the sounds of drums and horns.  We looked out the window and the children were marching.  Two girls were carrying the school banner, some students were playing the drums and horns, and the others were marching.  Today they looked much more serious and more organized.  Sam did a quick count and figured there were about 120 students.

We guess they were practicing for the big parade that will take place on Friday.

FOR NOW...THAT'S ALL FROM SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE!

CALLE SAN MIGUEL - FEED THE HUNGRY FUNDRAISER

Last night was the Feed the Hungry fundraiser, "Calle San Miguel". It was indeed a street festival like no other. The food, drinks, entertainment, and fellowship were great. A good time was had by all. The food and drink were plentiful: tamales, gorditas, tacos de arraachera, tequila, mezcal, beer, wine, margaritas, carnitas, painted tortillas, tacos al pastor, empanadas, abrazos, huaraches, cotton candy, bunuelos, ice cream, churros, enchiladas, and pazole.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who made the evening a very special one.

 

THIS IS THE NEW DENTAL VAN THAT IS A JOINT VENTURE WITH
FEED THE HUNGRY AND PATRONATO PRO NINOS 

INSIDE THE DENTAL VAN

SAM AND THE DENTIST

ART STUDENTS FROM PUEBLO VIEJO

ART STUDENT

STUDENTS FROM THE CHILDREN'S ART FOUNDATION PROGRAM

PAINTED TORTILLAS

GUADALUPE FROM LOS RICOS