Fall in Merida

Hello my friends! I am a lousy blogger, I know. But, when I do write, at least it is interesting and comes with lots of pictures!

The weather here has finally cooled down enough to start taking walks in the morning. Izzy really appreciates it. For you snowbirds, “cool” weather here is in the 70’s and 80’s, versus the typical 80’s, 90’s and 100’s. We have actually had all the windows open, even at night, sleeping just with a ceiling fan on some nights. It is amazing!

OUTDOOR DECOR

Not sure if I’ve posted about the landscaping we’ve done in our “garden” While I loved the zen feel of just gravel, I needed something green out there. It isn’t done yet, but it is definitely an improvement. I really like the way it looks with the spotlights (solar, of course). We’ve moved a few things around since then, but it is pretty much the same. We added some patio furniture too.

Since then, I’ve been wanting to add a few more things, so Lyn and I went to a home expo and found some beautiful glass pieces to put on the wall by the pool. What do you think?

PASEO DE ANIMAS

As you know, one of the big events of the fall in Mexico is Día de Muertos. It is definitely my favorite holiday. So colorful and tasty, with pan de muerto and marquesitas (an interesting type of waffled crepe filled with Nutella and cheese. Don’t knock it til you try it!)! This year, Lyn joined in the festivities and went downtown with me and my gal pals for Paseo de Animas. Most of the activity occurs in Parque San Juan where the city sets up a big display of illuminated inflatables. Between there and Barrio Magico la Ermita, the road is closed for pedestrians and the residents and businesses display their altars on the streets. The actual parade of souls starts from the cemetery and passes along the street ending in la Ermita. This year there were fewer souls in the parade (budget cuts I imagine), but it was still a very fun party with live music and light shows projected onto the churches and buildings.

One of the coolest things was that the police participated. Not only were they patrolling in costume, but they had a booth for people who wanted to stop by and take pictures.

Before the event, my Club de Jueves (Thursday club) gathered at Brenda’s to put on our faces and have a little girl time before heading downtown. Mica brought everyone extremely long fake eyelashes which really made a differences. Of course we all dressed in traditional Mayan dresses (huipil). Fortunately we are all pretty small women and were able to borrow what we needed!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is also breast cancer awareness month here, just as in the U.S. Although they don’t have a Komen Race for the Cure, we did participate in a walking meditation in support of survivors to raise money for reconstructive surgery. It was a lovely event held in a public stadium.

After the race we stopped for tacos at this place — Jefe de Jefes. The tacos were amazing! There must have been 100 people there that night, which I found interesting because I drive past the place several times a week during the day and there is never anyone there!

ELENA COMES FOR A VISIT

Earlier in the year, Brenda, Carmen and I spent a day at the beach. While there, we met a lovely young woman named Elena from Madrid who was in Merida working on her Ph.D. research. She spent the day with us and quickly became part of our group.

Earlier in the month, Elena returned to Merida and we managed to get together with her for breakfast one morning. She is an absolute delight and I hope she continues to visit us regularly!

PARTY!

I almost forgot to mention my birthday party! This year I decided to host a party at my house. It was fun, albeit stressful. I was thrilled that so many people came. I just fixed finger foods and Brenda brought a DQ Ice Cream cake at my request. I managed a quick dance with Freddy (sorry, no photos), and a few of my girlfriends took a twirl of two. About 20 people came, and some even sat outside under the string lights in the garden area. We drank wine and tequila and had a wonderful evening.

It is hard to believe I am 68-years-old! I still feel like I’m 35 most days, although perhaps doing things a little more slowly than before.

Now that November is here, I suppose things will slow down. Everyone here takes time off around Christmas, so I will too. I am also planning a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for Thursday Club, which should be fun. I am, however, shocked a the price of turkeys! $50! Outrageous! Oh well, there is something about sharing traditions with friends.

Because we don’t entertain much, though, I have had to spend a bit on dishes, glasses, cooking and serving ware. It doesn’t go bad, right? Stay tuned, I’ll be sure to post some pics!

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now!)

D