tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349140392024-03-05T02:42:37.651-06:00Life in El CorazonOur ongoing adventures in Mexico, from Patzcuaro to San Miguel de Allende.Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-42372166126551532302014-06-17T13:12:00.001-05:002014-06-17T13:20:17.438-05:00Having An Adventure....<p> <p>South of San Miguel, out in the campo, over bridges and through a dark and dusty tunnel is a little village that is well known for a having a very old, very large tree. <p>For some time I have been meaning to visit and take some pictures, yesterday I did just that. <p>Before I tell you about my visit, let me share the picture I finally made. <p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ox7YkQ20SOE/U6CE70f1F1I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/6ihM-13h3uI/s1600-h/Huerta%252520FB%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="Huerta FB" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Huerta FB" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RdCzVZsO2gU/U6CE9VJhwZI/AAAAAAAAB0g/N1eYljILupo/Huerta%252520FB_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="685" height="456"></a> <h3 align="center">Sabino de la Huerta</h3> <p> <p>The enjoyment you get out of life is not simply a matter of what happens to you , but more a matter of your reaction to what happens to you. For more years than I can remember, whenever Shannon and I took a wrong turn, we wouldn't say we were lost, we would say we were "having an adventure" <p>Many years ago, when we first moved to Patzcuaro, and my Spanish was more textbook that typical usage, I was heading into town on some errand. Our neighbor, a charming Mexican lady, was heading to town also so I gave her a lift. Keep in mind that I was new, the roads were new to me, and my neighbor and I were new to each other. Surprise, surprise! I took a wrong turn. Me being a person of habit, turn to my passenger and say in Spanish that we were going to have an "aventura " . <p>Little did I know that in addition to my intended meaning, in Spanish for that word also meant a "romantic affair". Lucky for me she had a good sense of humor. <p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X-wmJZiBppM/U6CE-XrbKsI/AAAAAAAAB0o/7rRfAIqvBog/s1600-h/DC%252520FB03%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DC FB03" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DC FB03" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lkEPqPkLkbE/U6CE_2gUU3I/AAAAAAAAB0w/sqR1t64-XTc/DC%252520FB03_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="682" height="456"></a> <p> <p>So, back to yesterday. While driving out to visit the tree with my friend Emma, I took a wrong turn, and a new adventure begins. <p>Enter Don Cruz and his family! They, like many in the area are basket weavers, as we sit and chat, his nephew is busily demonstrating their craft. <p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--APRfHSuhtc/U6CFBQf88FI/AAAAAAAAB04/wTGAGEl3muI/s1600-h/DC%252520FB05%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DC FB05" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DC FB05" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uhrLn6OHDGg/U6CFCd7Vr4I/AAAAAAAAB1A/6LPS_OK5cZA/DC%252520FB05_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="682" height="456"></a> <h3 align="center">The nephew of the clan, nimble fingers at work</h3> <p>In addition to baskets, Don Cruz likes to weave a story or too, perhaps some of them are tall tales even. <p>He is a man who has honed his story telling over many decades , as he talks , his hands dance more than those of his nephew weaving baskets. His voice rises, falls and skips around the words. He tells of the time he first traveled to a beach, for the sole purpose of seeing the girls there that he has heard so much about. We learn about his time picking oranges north of the border when there was an immigration raid. Many ran and were caught, he just climbed the tree and hid there. As he explained to me “ I was comfortable, in the shade, plus with the oranges I had both food and drink. I find his Spanish very challenging, some of his stories I miss points and details but I hesitate to break the spell by interrupting. <p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QP8VdIfuRLQ/U6CFDbXcgrI/AAAAAAAAB1I/Cv63NNi6eGM/s1600-h/DC%252520FB02%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DC FB02" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DC FB02" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLrbRW_P5Teu-0fMbPsP1A5TQe3rdhSkoTwYTunOedgZVOA0baWoMjBCUmDSx7Be050zZ7rdGphqAaMo24arUl11zkNoBpXdfRt8QNzSqsVx_g1l49gnRaqlBlZ_bkuK5Hms_/?imgmax=800" width="682" height="456"></a></p> <h3 align="center">85 years, a million stories</h3> <p>If you get a chance to meet Don Cruz, ask to hear his story about the governor and the pistol, or maybe the one about the Spaniard and the girl from Reynosa, or of the time he met Stirling Dickinson, trust me, you will not regret it!</p> <p>Almost as much fun was watching his kindly wife watch us as she listened to the stories for the umpteenth time, a wry smile bubbling up as she anticipated a punch line or a twist in the story approaching, bursting into laughter with us in spite of knowing all the endings.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z6S3cROqWiE/U6CFFYkzEdI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/sJ0MR0lp1mc/s1600-h/DC%252520FB01%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DC FB01" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DC FB01" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BeKCiBt4jYQ/U6CFGebGoYI/AAAAAAAAB1g/NaKGXJDQDl0/DC%252520FB01_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="456"></a></p> <h3 align="center">True love is laughing at the same story a hundred times!</h3> <p>I truly enjoyed visiting the tree and getting the picture that I have wanted for some time, but I know I will value my visit with Don Cruz much longer than the picture I took that day.</p> <p>Maybe you might like to share your “wrong turn “ story in the comments, I would love to hear it!</p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-53671427318315031352014-04-02T16:33:00.000-06:002014-04-02T16:33:32.268-06:00A New Friend!<br />
I was writing a post on Facebook to talk about a moment I had today. I realized I haven't blogged about these sorts of things because they seemed too small to be a post.<br />
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Then I realized that just because I don't have a lot to say doesn't mean it is not worth sharing.<br />
So hopefully this attitude with jumpstart by blogging again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paper Mache</span></td></tr>
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Today I was taking pictures to go into the San Miguel newspaper to promote the Hidden Workshops tour. These tours help pay for the kids programs at the library. Got to visit with some fun and amazing artisans.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peek-A-Boo</span></td></tr>
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At the paper mache place, I am lining up my shot, and a little face peeks through the doorway, all wide eyed curiosity with a timid smile. A few words, a little laugh and a new connection is made.<br />
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It only takes a moment to make and new friend, and I made one today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQU7Cx3F-fMaKO3ue95K4OdWx5AR3CvGU_xJpEmKyO_b39433A_sxbDNT45EZLHvBPZq6Q1EfuRc5kxCJYQvNDEOY0t2SjB1U15Clm63E-bC-0kJg5aerW9xTWtTg5Aa0t6vl/s1600/PM02+FB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQU7Cx3F-fMaKO3ue95K4OdWx5AR3CvGU_xJpEmKyO_b39433A_sxbDNT45EZLHvBPZq6Q1EfuRc5kxCJYQvNDEOY0t2SjB1U15Clm63E-bC-0kJg5aerW9xTWtTg5Aa0t6vl/s1600/PM02+FB.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A New Friend</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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Any day that ends with one more friend than it started with, is a good day.<br />
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It is not too late, you can go out right now and make a new friend. <br />
Trust me, you will be glad you did!<br />
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<br />Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-10045656735739622562013-06-10T13:37:00.001-05:002013-11-28T10:49:01.015-06:00Wanna Live in Michoacán?<br />
I have recently helped a friend of mine put together a couple of websites for some properties she has for sale.<br />
Her main property is in Patzcuaro. <br />
<a href="http://www.patzcuaro-real-estate.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPv9m4tWEs5cDlyX2HNLH3I4NHFrIByzikpOy83Bx09kbPUSOLzbwABzqZYhjE2-IY8v-qMMY7ByD-eQaDtF4mbUoYXBWH70d_yK-RM_knCu-VQtX3yzbO-XyN7WZ5CrZA7mB/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="685" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.patzcuaro-real-estate.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.patzcuaro-real-estate.com">http://www.patzcuaro-real-estate.com</a></h2>
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And her beach property on the Michoacán coast.</div>
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<a href="http://www.caleta-real-estate.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" height="468" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z6KNH4slQPc/UbYc64AzaAI/AAAAAAAABp4/aDjFVML7lpY/beach%25252018%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " width="625" /></a></div>
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This property sold, so I have removed the link</h2>
Have a look if you might be interested, or pass it on to anyone you think might.<br />
Thanks!Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-18123721938516840162013-03-26T09:21:00.000-06:002013-03-26T09:25:11.523-06:00Art Vs Graffiti–Muros en Blanco<div align="center">
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zm1uLaRaU7E/UVG8Cx4uGlI/AAAAAAAABoQ/ZQj81GqX1zs/s1600-h/Image00017-Bg3.jpg"><img alt="Image00017 Bg" border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyZ70eAUmq9UV9eSh106Y_tFcwChT5pmd1TBZAElrfZ90EMdsbJglSngMRd8BXLGLe4g-ojeXqI0w-MbOVXoGhgFNsPdFv9kXFxsFKzpyk0IOk9BvfCqgRrLatCg5AlIw-xhU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Image00017 Bg" width="685" /></a><br />
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Perhaps the flowers in the Jacaranda Tree are feeling a little jealous!</h3>
We just had an event close to our home here in San Miguel de Allende. You can find more about then on their facebook page.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/murosenblanco.distritodearte.7" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/murosenblanco.distritodearte.7</a><br />
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Here is how it was described in an email that informed me of the event.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Friday, March 22 and Saturday March 23, Colonia Guadalupe will host 22 artists (7 local and 15 visiting from around Mexico) to paint 13 walls on 3 streets! (Maria Felix, Margarito Ledesma, Julian Carrillo) The future will bring internationally known artists from all over Latin America. We will have the best-of-the-best Guadalupe street vendors and a high-energy, festive atmosphere. Watching a mural come to life from beginning to the finish is a fascinating process!! </span></div>
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This a wonderful alternative to tagging , these murals are OUTSTANDING! If you get a change to check it out it is in Colinia Quadalupe. Well worth the trip when you are in town.<br />
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It is also very close to our favorite new restaurant. I think you may have seen <a href="http://www.rat-race-refugee.com/2013/03/where-everybody-knows-your-name.html" target="_blank">Shannon’s post</a> on it recently.<br />
I will be meeting a friend there Friday in order to have nother look. If you beat me to Hanses, please leave a porkchop for me!<br />
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Rich colors!</h3>
Equipped with a large number of colors, and sometime a “gas mask” sort of unit, the 30 artist when to work.<br />
I took pictures for a number of days in order to record the progress on the pieces.<br />
I how posted 3 of my favorite pictures, but if want to see more, I have also made a video of the pictures you can check out on the bottom of the page.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rX49bXSTBQM/UVG8G4MsMnI/AAAAAAAABow/T4vsHk7yPnc/s1600-h/Image00014-Bg4.jpg"><img alt="Image00014 Bg" border="0" height="694" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LqF2LABGwuM/UVG8H_KOvyI/AAAAAAAABo4/WTpKZmzt2Tg/Image00014-Bg_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Image00014 Bg" width="456" /></a><br />
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Perhaps this is the corn goddess!</h3>
Please feel free to share the video and the post, I would love to get this great project the attention it deserves.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/62701017" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/62701017">Street Art Festival - San Miguel</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user16181383">Todd McIntosh</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Share the post, share the video, lets get a buzz going!Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-57356799434045547562013-02-13T09:45:00.001-06:002013-02-13T09:55:20.463-06:00Viagra and Valentines<p> </p> <p><font size="3">We are in the season of love… and marketing</font></p> <p><font size="3">Very much like it was north of the border, here Valentines day involves love and romance, and also a time to advertise things aimed at the lovely couples looking to add a special something to the day. Generally these items fall into three categories. Flowers, jewelry or a romantic evening of fine food and wine at the restaurant of your choice.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Here in San Miguel the advertising I have been seeing the most of is the romantic dinner variety, with packages for starry eyed couples running from $100 pesos to $850 peso per person. So far, not too different from north of the border except it is perhaps a little more economical.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Now, what are the differences between the Valentines days I have had in Canada, and the ones in Mexico. In Mexico Vanetines day is usually called "Día del Amor y la Amistad" which translates as “Day of love and friendship”. This I find this quite charming. </font></p> <p><br> </p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ue7xgAlAmls/URu1HYUhqtI/AAAAAAAABnY/Prrqyzv_VoY/s1600-h/Viagra%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Viagra" border="0" alt="Viagra" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cta3zOVUJvQ/URu1IJCSu-I/AAAAAAAABng/EKfEzZxFciE/Viagra_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="687" height="310"></a> <p align="center"><font style="text-align: center" color="#000000"><font style="font-size: 13.6pt"><strong>Sildenafil ,That is Viagra Don’t You Know!</strong></font></font></p> <p><font size="3">This year I noticed another difference I hadn't noticed before. While passing a Farmacia Similares ,a generic pharmacy, I noticed a Valentines promotion. On February 14th only, you buy 3 Viagra, you will get one for free! The added bonus is that down here, you don’t even need a prescription! After I finished laughing, I had to get a picture of it to share with you. Sadly the young lady behind the counter declined to pose beside the ad.</font></p> <p><font size="3">So, tell me, what are you up to for your Valentines day? (no pun intended) </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font color="#ffffff">.</font></p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-42555745021497508792013-01-27T18:10:00.001-06:002013-01-27T18:37:48.403-06:00The BIG Birthday Bash<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YVXCOLGAMTuP-dlPt974YIxL47uCM1MSueOFU46egnHq-uPK18AdXjK9D8MtDxPjxG9DOFjPnhZtu68lGgBr0TGjMadb5B-azY4r-AqEAhx50Nzij5NI2NyOIc9Y9oUT_4xQ/s1600-h/Flag%252520guy%252520Sm%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Flag guy Sm" border="0" height="607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_e1dU4rqLlRoj8Y8t-6MM-DEnDzAwhDw2afbSYKs8HnRS3XpKK_6pEO0Yt2HyayWoi5sj0oHS1wSstOuVFKtA1_5htzz_qZpJJy0eeVwgAEoqGtSaNad8hxD0J6z37JWVySWw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Flag guy Sm" width="477" /></a><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/caballero?__utma=1.358368049.1356321761.1357494752.1359322014.4&__utmb=1.14.9.1359322462779&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1359322014.4.4.utmcsr=google%7Cutmccn=%28organic%29%7Cutmcmd=organic%7Cutmctr=%28not%20provided%29&__utmv=-&__utmk=50550185"><span style="color: black;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">C</span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/caballero?__utma=1.358368049.1356321761.1357494752.1359322014.4&__utmb=1.14.9.1359322462779&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1359322014.4.4.utmcsr=google%7Cutmccn=%28organic%29%7Cutmcmd=organic%7Cutmctr=%28not%20provided%29&__utmv=-&__utmk=50550185"><span style="color: black;">aballero</span></a><span style="color: black;"> with Flag</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This week started with one of the biggest birthday parties in town. 244 years ago, Ignacio Allende, namesake of the town and one of the leaders of the revolution was born. This requires a major parade topped off with fireworks at the end of the evening.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ASg35PuqBCo/UQXB0MdSZII/AAAAAAAABk0/XPZCUxKjvu4/s1600-h/Girl1%252520G%252520Small%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Girl1 G Small" border="0" height="632" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hZQMT5yoYK8/UQXB1Ic22yI/AAAAAAAABk8/sLT_OMfPTwY/Girl1%252520G%252520Small_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Girl1 G Small" width="470" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Ready for the Charreada!</span></h3>
In Mexico I have found that parades have 4 required parts<br />
<ol>
<li>Large numbers of school kids , preferable with drums, often with bugles! </li>
<li>Flags. </li>
<li>Well dressed horses with well dressed riders. </li>
<li>Marching, marching and more marching.</li>
</ol>
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Sadly , by the time I got to the parade and into position I had missed the marching kids. Usually each group of kids have their own flag representing their school or group. I wasn’t sad to miss their version of “battle of the bands” as each group of drums and horns plays a different piece within feet of the next group.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX82jJBgRVYpgQ99MGNiOMPVb-kpKvXSht7bAITESJ8OtgktfvMnM4kgO81ZrLPnEJEncaynMGpdeX15maog6Z2Q8zkYobykvkZCZq6A9yTlOB5yC7O5RbrnwjPWkWsPUSSPR/s1600-h/horse%252520line%252520Sm%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="horse line Sm" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yO1oj5d6R4l46X7ECHzebUfz7GM6_lrlJjUD7EZPpixrl_z66Am-Q-3L0EQWuBK8-m5RK4IX71g7mNuUqumChPYug4QSS7psMi7ihCw8mhF9wQR5PSYUx1OCfXp992Tg4Mya/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="horse line Sm" width="647" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Send in the Cavalry!</span> <span style="color: black;">(Or the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rurales#Rural_Defense_Corps" target="_blank">Rurales</a> actually)</span></h3>
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This time there were even more horses than usual with the addition of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rurales#Rural_Defense_Corps" target="_blank">Rurales</a>, which is a part time militia that I wasn’t familiar with until seeing them in the parade.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GqwKwRagvTE/UQXB4QVCQ8I/AAAAAAAABlU/ctkvhaMjv78/s1600-h/army%252520Sm%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="army Sm" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4JpKJjnhhC8/UQXB5V0A_8I/AAAAAAAABlc/S9uBncPyz5c/army%252520Sm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="army Sm" width="685" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Guess what , more marching!</span></h3>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MjArufZe-MI/UQXB6n_az8I/AAAAAAAABlk/F6fSvHGibHs/s1600-h/cousin%252520It%252520Sm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cousin It Sm" border="0" height="709" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ah0wRG-bYJOt7PfzQbQQq664QBh0W4Fw5gsqCJf2oJ-cw9v7UDAkC0J9DFqoPmobIS1Cj9tKyf4-Da8lFoTfvI2pWf8qCylO_Zgc4pKIPc0SMlVz7yPLdxdC54HwpsM33kAN/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cousin It Sm" width="459" /></a><br />
<h3 align="center">
<span style="color: black;">Ghillie suit or cousin IT from the Adams Family???</span></h3>
I had good luck getting advantageous view points to get some good pictures of the parade. Being tall helps, but being lucky helped also.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bUfax9vGJ6w/UQXB8cKynQI/AAAAAAAABl0/XLqn_gvRNM0/s1600-h/starbucks%252520Sm%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="starbucks Sm" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m0siU7val0s/UQXB9TfexZI/AAAAAAAABl8/8eB3JgcgHS4/starbucks%252520Sm_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="starbucks Sm" width="685" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Starbuck’s unintended climbing wall</span></h3>
Kids love parades but tend to be much shorter that I , but they did not let that get in their way. A little initiative and some thankfully strong bolts gave more than a few kids a clear view of the show. This was a not uncommon sight throughout the parade route.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--ZktiFi08NE/UQXB-eLKFrI/AAAAAAAABmE/QoGk4E3Dutw/s1600-h/FW%252520stand%252520Sm%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="FW stand Sm" border="0" height="716" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wELS7n3qY6s/UQXB_QNSb3I/AAAAAAAABmM/Q3DIvrQuEnI/FW%252520stand%252520Sm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FW stand Sm" width="470" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Castillo in progress</span></h3>
After the parade, the building of the Castillos begins, the giant fireworks displays that are used to finish off the festivities. I guess these were to be the candles on the birthday cake so to speak. I made sure to bundle up against the evening chill, and get a good viewpoint. The fireworks did not disappoint!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2k7cRVm09II/UQXCAoMGZHI/AAAAAAAABmU/MoTb_iXO-gI/s1600-h/F1%252520Sm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="F1 Sm" border="0" height="629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IwhngWLzY2o/UQXCBTHiRmI/AAAAAAAABmc/xBzKb-kzeXQ/F1%252520Sm_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="F1 Sm" width="487" /></a></div>
<h3 align="center">
<span style="color: black;">Happy Birthday Ignacio!</span></h3>
Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-86315830033121782532013-01-06T12:12:00.001-06:002013-01-06T12:29:32.150-06:00What Colour Were Your Panties?<br />
Happy New Years all!<br />
My New Years involved a quiet night at home with my sweetie, then a quick zip out right after midnight to get some pictures of the fireworks over the Plaza. The fireworks here can typically run 20 to 30 minutes so I should be able to get 10-15 minutes of taking pictures. Sadly for me, the new mayor has different budget priorities, and the fireworks ended at 12:06, about a second after I got the camera and tripod setup. I hope this isn't an indication of the way my timing is going to go for the coming year. LOL<br />
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I hope you had a great night on New Years and weren’t in to much pain the next day.<br />
Our New Years day involved a get together at a friend's home that included making a few new friends, eating some great food and enjoying a drink or two ( BTW Thanks Terry and Michelle, we had a great time!).<br />
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We were having a conversation about New Years tradition. I told about when I was a young fellow, a Scottish tradition we had in our household had me going outside the house to be the first person over the threshold with a piece of coal right after midnight chimed.<br />
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We chatted about the traditions here in Mexico. Having 12 grapes, and eating one for each chime of the bell at midnight to get your New Years wish. Then I asked a question that seemed to throw a few people, as it was about a tradition that most there had not heard of. “What colour were your panties?”<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_pscrQXS7M8/UOm-fBvw6kI/AAAAAAAABj0/Tdfa4HoRZpI/s1600-h/Panties%252520s%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Panties s" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7n7Q9u6opqzEIB_mpnlpb8wL3EINQlIdPtuBmheKvby-oJg9gv0JwCupL3lC2j8H7FfpFz9EBhMLn-6x519vqmYpK_hfsD9yuTPD6RdWj34QSJLS5cFLyjnimtyCd-ynPg1w/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Panties s" width="610" /></a><br />
<h3 align="center">
So, what are you looking for this year, Love or Luxury?</h3>
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Starting in mid December, you will see in the major stores, large displays of red panties and yellow panties. By the end of December you can find them in most stores that carry clothing. The photo above was of a display hanging in the doorway of a store in El Centro.<br />
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The tradition involves a woman buying a new pair of underwear to ring in the New Year. There are two items of importance. They must be new, and their colour indicates what they are wishing for from the upcoming year. Red is for love, and yellow is for prosperity. Sometimes they even have dollar bills printed on the yellow panties!<br />
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I have also heard that green is for health, and white is for peace, but for some reason they never seem to show up in the store displays, hmmmm, I wonder what that says about our priorities?<br />
So, what colour were your panties?<br />
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Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-62671722668257775522012-12-31T18:45:00.001-06:002012-12-31T18:47:31.579-06:00No Room at the INN<br />
Wow, people love to visit San Miguel.<br />
There is a great deal of activity here in San Miguel over the holidays.<br />
Tonight is New Years Eve and I think everyone has decided to celebrate it here.<br />
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I popped into town today to get some pictures of the mounted police that they like to trot out for weekends and holidays. Trot out, get it! Sorry ! <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y_P_mnZo5MI/UOIxqIcyLqI/AAAAAAAABiQ/wWg7Yf7VzWc/s1600-h/Mountie%2525201%252520s%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Mountie 1 s" border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tZKhZUGBL8a0qHAIfrT_n0M8jCgo1HT19cPMjWsZJPncLT_-Y46K1j_T8CSISfWy-kAPmjSmfuO8NQ1sOpWW65446J5iezWu93SakQNqT477YA939f1E6NgKksEZUmyU0fuf/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mountie 1 s" width="557" /></a><br />
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Mexican Mountie!</h3>
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The main plaza is packed, as you can see. Then they proceeded to start building a stage for this evenings festivities, very organized.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFO4kb0Sra5C9iRirvbt0x5q8snjOSJYrFDfUFKje8w0E641xYtWUvsjOptwDzqgLmAbTglr0CNk33D6zD_7vNYbQGVCDPAR31KHJCA7eVlv5fH2uvtdqm4V3QPNtXbiDnTO/s1600-h/room%252520s%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="room s" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FASNwNjcQxY/UOIxtYrG-fI/AAAAAAAABio/K6TbvfDEs6M/room%252520s_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="room s" width="685" /></a><br />
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Packed!</h3>
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I have been impressed with how well they have been dealing with ALL the traffic, and when I say traffic, I don’t just mean cars, you have to add bikes , scooters donkeys, horses, and horse drawn carriages. Even then they come up with traffic you wouldn’t expect. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BuH0Cstv_Ms/UOIxuUAsBqI/AAAAAAAABiw/1vKv0FQjLxs/s1600-h/traffic%2525201%252520s%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="traffic 1 s" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VQV2avPiLIY/UOIxvcOcDOI/AAAAAAAABi4/Z9-CDft30kk/traffic%2525201%252520s_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="traffic 1 s" width="685" /></a><br />
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Traffic</h3>
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For example, below is a picture I took a little before 9 AM this morning out a window facing the rear of our home, now that is a unique way to jump a traffic jam!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NoZz8X49Wlw/UOIxwhcvfpI/AAAAAAAABjA/xeSWeuahUc0/s1600-h/traffic%2525202%252520s%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="traffic 2 s" border="0" height="573" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55Pp0NroNOA1_BujMCPDmWDwHr1SUaXRADsKnoGlWUIZbssgrPi2bZnyzSzmRTUxvQaNn1glksLuRZ74Y7G5b6QPVURlInrtExq2Ff_0LH7SgDpsutk4Kg-tdtteFVE9ZbJKE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="traffic 2 s" width="490" /></a><br />
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Arriving in Style!</h3>
I hope to catch some photos this evening to share with you later.<br />
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Have a safe and happy New Year!!!</h3>
Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-62292152275786726012012-12-18T13:56:00.001-06:002012-12-18T18:06:50.590-06:00Christmas Lights and Sights, San Miguel de Allende<br />
The other night I went for a walk around the Jardin in San Miguel with my camera to catch some of the colour and sights of the season. I would like to share that with you, no write-up this time, just a few pictures.<br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L2Qo00ZkaiA/UNDKXoljoTI/AAAAAAAABgo/u7ECoDl9t2U/s1600-h/xmas%252520fb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="xmas fb" border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovu1QQWibDpm9Y6iS3MeX9SVGAAg4PwSdiZeKYlFyCbbsRJn44LsGxxGlugy8TXYq6nfjwgbEKfNnwVEaP-MdW8ZsTzu9hVqUlHKz45g7iuzG6jaFULZ4MW_QTZs7HtOJ4rHE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="xmas fb" width="685" /></a><b>The Christmas tree in between the Parroquia and the clock tower that gives Calle Relox it name.</b></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nZlmvQV8DkI/UNDKaSia0YI/AAAAAAAABg4/RpSU1xpmf-A/s1600-h/pons%252520fb%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pons fb" border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtd2Lj1CsqoVRszp13Bb-ObW8sXIhJcW3ssuIUr1jOraDZfztch7jBzJsaDnpVxAUQPgYqx-RjE20XhZbI-26ZZ4NRX8OoL2t2n9y6waF83L4JWX0YfMLAFU11W5YA40jMAZq/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pons fb" width="685" /></a><b>Poinsettias glowing white against the backdrop of green turned almost black </b><b>by the lateness of the hour</b></div>
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<b></b><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ydAbJrLDvHs/UNDKdbfPRKI/AAAAAAAABhI/lBb2xXw2uhk/s1600-h/star%252520fb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="star fb" border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-6vJj8Ca1lCqcvR9fsicieoxd6LpERDXr_9CIv7FXtzvcGOnRdS3zK9ElGHfOYBYknpawveeMwfL6hg-tLaS46X2nTu8wjmYe3smEmxCXJO-YgKraThqX-x8ymMq-kisxsIS/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="star fb" width="685" /></a></div>
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<b>Cars slowly driving by though light strewn streets</b></div>
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<b>Please have a very happy holiday, where ever you are!</b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wDIBU7vHfpEhJ0yt6nreOy97rbjFnMkAOVsloFyUjLzjSvm3_oOD1Ikvzm0d_Lu6DQoI17aieCpw4snmKxtCYvjCeCHEoUFRteKt-nhX5WKDBT4bDRY14XEDzuS30xxW1T7Z/s1600-h/street%252520fb%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="street fb" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0udhzt9Abzs/UNDKiMWe97I/AAAAAAAABhg/R4RHcENeEvQ/street%252520fb_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="street fb" width="685" /></a>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-8093798633565561492012-12-06T11:23:00.001-06:002012-12-06T11:23:48.239-06:00Calendars & New Kid on the Blog!<p> </p> <p>Hello all</p> <p>for those of you who haven't found her yet, Shannon has started her own blog.<br>Please check it out and leave some kind words in the comments for her.<br></p> <p><a title="http://www.rat-race-refugee.com/" href="http://www.rat-race-refugee.com/">http://www.rat-race-refugee.com/</a></p> <p>In addition she has been going through my photos and has put together calendars , mouse pads, mugs and such. Check out the links to the Calendars and pass them on!</p> <p>If you want things in time for Christmas order now!</p> <p>Keep tuned to this channel, in the new year, I will be making some major changes!!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Patzcuaro Calendar</p> <div style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/a_year_in_patzcuaro_mexico_calendar-158914839235601701?gl=Mexico_Memento&rf=238212054870790494"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="A Year in Patzcuaro, Mexico Calendar" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/a_year_in_patzcuaro_mexico_calendar-p158914839235601701tj7vt_325.jpg"> </a><br><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/a_year_in_patzcuaro_mexico_calendar-158914839235601701?gl=Mexico_Memento&rf=238212054870790494">A Year in Patzcuaro, Mexico Calendar</a> by <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/mexico_memento*">Mexico_Memento</a> </div> <div style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%">San Miguel Calendar</div> <div style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/a_year_in_san_miguel_de_allende_mexico_calendar-158794869896362809?gl=Mexico_Memento&rf=238212054870790494"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="A Year in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Calendar" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/a_year_in_san_miguel_de_allende_mexico_calendar-p158794869896362809b73yu_325.jpg"> </a><br><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/a_year_in_san_miguel_de_allende_mexico_calendar-158794869896362809?gl=Mexico_Memento&rf=238212054870790494">A Year in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Calendar</a> by <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/mexico_memento*">Mexico_Memento</a> </div> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-5533876840700071242012-08-06T12:47:00.001-05:002012-08-06T12:47:17.454-05:00Now and Then<p> </p> <p>Just a quick note today. </p> <p>One of the things I love about the colonial highlands of Mexico, is you never really know what you are going to run into. Saturday morning, walking around with my camera, I round the corner of the Jardin in San Miguel and there sitting in front of a 300 plus year old church is an assemblage of 80 off road vehicles.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B7YuCOAGRKc/UCADFkRs2zI/AAAAAAAABe0/r_23mSCv0HQ/s1600-h/ATTN%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ATTN" border="0" alt="ATTN" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0uZQIWlfBjk/UCADGmd31SI/AAAAAAAABe8/H9_t5uSRyGc/ATTN_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="553" height="788"></a></p> <h3 align="center">Contrasting Now and Then</h3> <p>Seems I have stumbled across the starting line for the <strong>Rally Raid Bajio 500</strong>, a cross country race running for 3 days in the area. Me, I am just jealous of the parking spot they found. Parking can be a challenge here. LOL</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9tW5VQaLDrg/UCADH2sRUCI/AAAAAAAABfE/KaN4E6oRUh4/s1600-h/RR2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="RR2" border="0" alt="RR2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VyPjkCEIxCQ/UCADI42rkkI/AAAAAAAABfM/Kc1hrq9Luwo/RR2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="796"></a></p> <h3 align="center">The Best Parking Spot in San Miguel!</h3> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-87231534269762349162012-06-08T05:03:00.000-05:002012-08-29T20:40:57.986-05:00A Nave in Nurio<br />
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So, continuing on our drive that we started last week. After leaving Pomacuarán, driving for less than ten kilometers we roll quietly into Nurio. The sign at the entrance to town is the only street sign there, as everyone in town already knows where everything is, and rarely does anyone else stop. Those that drive through truly do not know what they are missing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai_RRT8HIUG4guDwXU0dsnJHex3MhMJr0WOg2AmDVE-UWQf2Cuo3q1ZCoXB20YgjelHlIwh-x9bUwdBa9zCN8dKFwSFs-KMC6zekADrxz8rmjHPFg2iEMJH_VdEPdiwgtvHvU/s1600-h/nurio%252520sign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="nurio sign" border="0" height="413" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4liuxUeXdzw/T9EeYeY1bgI/AAAAAAAABdQ/OxMNWcCg0bE/nurio%252520sign_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="nurio sign" width="685" /></a><br />
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The somewhat colorful entrance to Nurio!</h3>
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Luckily it only takes a question or two of the locals to determine the location of the church. While it didn’t happen in this case, I have often found getting directions on the ground from locals in Mexico can be highly entertaining. It seems that culture is such that they don’t want to disappoint, so even if they don’t know what the appropriate directions are , they will come up with some for you anyway! In cases like this it is often helpful to ask a few people and see if there is a consensus of option. I admit I have often been tempted to pull up to a group of people in some out of the way village and ask if I am headed in the right direction for Acapulco!</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wo1qUOyOsjA/T9EeZc4PrQI/AAAAAAAABdY/t-TkYysQr4w/s1600-h/c3%252520B%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="c3 B" border="0" height="458" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CRD-jx1FDm8/T9EeZ9G87II/AAAAAAAABdg/Yl6H6AgRHlM/c3%252520B_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="c3 B" width="685" /></a><br />
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Templo de Santiago Apóstol in Nurio</h3>
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The church sits behind one of the ubiquitous fig trees that seem so popular in so many of the town squares here. It is more massive and weightier than the painted churches in Pomacuarán and Tupataro, significantly more imposing, a deep dusty peach color with streamers trailing out from the window above the door.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fi30ZOXqLeQ/T9EebPsShFI/AAAAAAAABdo/a2NlSubHeN4/s1600-h/church%252520entry%252520S%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="church entry S" border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1siA6H6uCWbxBTmHgOavdz_P42H4kcYusNa9ShIhqly6P46Uk49yohLsuoTgZF26ZV9fMSH4G1ard3Gfk-0PlQOwcpbDHJMJoaNBv97K7KwcCvgdb35St47DY6JBpqxUqmCX3/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="church entry S" width="685" /></a> <br />
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Rich Colors and Gold Leaf</h3>
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The entrance, with deep colors, make Nurio stand out from the other painted ceiling churches in the state. The rich enameled paint and the gold leaf make the clear statement that this is a step beyond the typical folk art of the region. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvxIJyb2lNYazd-5H7Q_35oH3DuQKjE0DWvYyhb_z0n6I6cvXU69i3AKPLSJUQVxaX5LhppOWkLLO-Ro6xkWT33JK0qV7R1H2AwpP5DQTU9ck-hMsQLJSwrRKCwexIneO6fr5/s1600-h/paint%252520detail%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="paint detail" border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp8AvE6kr2QlZegpkGKqu87TWOLy0unYO5gLXhchff_j5e0MLuu_UA3vAiy72e8vWyT2Haj667KC1rIcEJjFE2EobIGODBQvjLXN1zrnNmylQkxLAmsKL6fStZBg1zEGqth_l/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paint detail" width="685" /></a><br />
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Ceiling Detail</h3>
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As we progress into the church, we can see that this is not just another day in Nurio, but a fiesta day, probably with the word “Saint” in the title. Elegant fabric drapes down from the ceiling to the sides of the church, with flowers everywhere including a mosaic of flower petals and other foliage running down the aisle in the center of the church. I am assuming that they don’t put this sort of show on for every visitor. but I could be wrong.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzGZJF6lr0UswRAcXWZSH5dKkCSdRKDlaM6jU8TbejOyqbsZSQbNFF1qwP1G0y8fNtZcTmCXbwKf_UUNDqrNUXsM7LOKLetEcxiNQsarGi_t-Dhe9LI13pAxMT5Pfx4i0jRRz/s1600-h/Nurio%252520Nave%252520b%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Nurio Nave b" border="0" height="457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2rnoNd9DRHw/T9EegfVmVzI/AAAAAAAABeQ/Lf1O4gfpIWY/Nurio%252520Nave%252520b_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nurio Nave b" width="685" /></a> <br />
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The Nave, All Dressed Up</h3>
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Below is the photo I took of the sign by the church, with details in Spanish, English and Purépecha dating the painting in the church to 1639. Hey, if you have no idea what the difference is between a nave and a narthex, then check out this website for handy reference that helped explain some of the details for me. <br />
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<a href="http://www.fisheaters.com/churchbuilding.html" target="_blank">Inside your Church</a></div>
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Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-73330594378774991972012-05-30T05:00:00.000-05:002012-08-29T20:40:29.782-05:00Painted in Pomacuarán<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dzC1OPRxTeU/T8Tzefn0CMI/AAAAAAAABbw/6MibRDPuV6M/s1600-h/Pomacuaran%252520sign%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pomacuaran sign" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniH2ctEvXW27_V90159e6s4mpjOkFNP5SGeROpekq6JimYzxFw4UpZmkoOiSO8F8JEstA5WdfS2KtvsUHwJlDeuygV5x_2KZHqWPwy7FpHE5gN-7lmp1vjQ84J3G51uSwdFk-/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pomacuaran sign" width="692" /></a><br />
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Welcome to Pomacuarán!</h2>
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Today we are on the road to visit the church at Pomacuarán. Another back road adventure in the Mesa Purépecha of Michoacán. We found this village the first time we went to Cocucho to get the big pots that they are so famous for when we lived in Patzcuaro.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJhPWQgzdekealeaZ1JMCFO4ovYOl1vpxiD7hWXWZ2CHY1aFJSaFMyQKexoNwfVNMIbA-luhw8G4GZ98BjJrxDLBSt-5ZahsA9oYFkli3lagk0s6Z0bRuURPfJFnfF3QhEvjC/s1600-h/Pomacuaran%252520church%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pomacuaran church" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4hjOKkMp0YZkULj88-FlFemi7FDN2YFIwkyDi_chYBAzIGj8daufXXiTQeqU6QZJ_VBza9g1MgCPMlTExSxnvRREbh1FUHw5cKX3sHKE2-9MgS8EHFh7aTW88ufwEELHYIPq/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pomacuaran church" width="685" /></a><br />
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The Church at Pomacuarán</h3>
We arrive in the village, with the sky a dramatic blue contrasted with the clouds floating by at a leisurely pace. A great day to take pictures. Like many of these villages that lie off the beaten path, Spanish is a second language here, while most , if not all, speak Spanish, you hear a great deal of the Purepecha language throughout this region. <br />At the ”shoreline” so to speak, of Spanish and English, you get Spanglish, I wonder if there is a word for the combination of Spanish and Purepecha?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfaYB0vLMdTs_1rCZkc8min5o3jEzufaYchYlZI5k7xrhStKHe03Fe8urUyoE9O25t75jVxVMq5jVRZ9y8SQr113B_mhjlI091_hLPNNPXmBYQ7SMViH8bifkT4m5M59RdBzC/s1600-h/Pom%252520church%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pom church" border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDlbml_F0PnQR1UzepfR4wcsHbTsnfRv48hYVxxwYCJ0UzqYC7ow08xWdDWT6N2jY_BZm_cq87e6VoQgIFWqo-jW3wUed0OBnWfzvYWHs0jJHS4AjsgzXMcE7HtbdqoyxVBq9/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pom church" width="673" /></a><br />
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Pomacuarán Painted Ceilings, Reminiscent of Tupataro</h3>
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Hey remember our visit to Tupataro? You can see that post here:<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/2008/12/church-at-tupataro.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">The Church at Tupataro</span></a>.<br /><br />What does the Tupataro have to do with todays trip? The uniquely Michoacán painted church ceiling, not that painted ceilings are uniquely Michoacán, just ask Michelangelo, but the style of the painting is very traditional of the folk art here, or perhaps it just seems so to my untrained eye.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO1LdIlvnkLZxA-xGPOmd9O0secKhBlZcT709XsNVygWaACMRTgeld2-pTp97Cbgho1whwjv4gny_IyjZSKg5xur0ngnyE9_-eGT2Ez5vlpDEsIUE3InMpuJLBKwGHpMEc8Zx/s1600-h/detail%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="detail" border="0" height="463" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6SU69Nul0R0/T8TznGOAxhI/AAAAAAAABco/RuMFxXI5ZoA/detail_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="detail" width="676" /></a><br />
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Ceiling Detail</h3>
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So, as we have started to visit more churches with painted ceiling, our next stop will be the beautiful church in Nurio that has received attention from the World Monuments Fund, so check back next week for another painted ceiling.</div>
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Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-86638317164751397722012-01-18T05:11:00.000-06:002012-01-18T05:11:01.505-06:00Cold Facts on San Miguel de Allende.<br />
Before we moved to San Miguel, we had visited here quite often.<br />
Whenever we would talk about where we lived in Patzcuaro we would regularly hear.. <br />
”Patzcuaro…..It’s SOOOO COLD there”<br />
Well , last week, no wait…. <br />
last month, no….. <br />
okay, I started this post at the end of November. I have been very bad about keeping current, but that will be changing with the new year!!!! <br />
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We had a cold snap like nothing I had ever experienced in Patzcuaro.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NMoqY1W6r0g/TxVzidCjilI/AAAAAAAABaE/Q_Aua582dlI/s1600-h/tree-damage11.jpg"><img alt="tree damage" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-17UHSoM7xng/TxVzjYIH-YI/AAAAAAAABaM/toWhYbDpV0E/tree-damage_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="tree damage" width="555" /></a><br />
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What Jack Frost Touches, Dies! </h4>
<h4 align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note the splash of green in the lower left where the larger tree shielded the smaller.</span></h4>
<div align="left">
The temperature dropped to <strong>–8</strong> Celsius and combined with the wind that night it made for some cold feet on the tile floor. But it also made for some very unhappy plants.</div>
<div align="left">
The tree in front of the house got the worst of it, leaves turning brown and brittle. <br />
Throughout the yard, plants are dead or dying back, to start over (hopefully) when the temperature permits.</div>
<div align="left">
I am already seeing some colour popping out amongst all the brown in the yard. I am taking this not as just a good sign for the garden, but perhaps an omen of the year to come and our new adventures in our new home!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXle0WoOiP-7FDdnANhhi9v5VKyoY88uWNBKJgg6K0GWuuMSBk11CDkoIVJ17f0WMPtfMJysABZKgJY75UoMN8VYex3q5WCh0eZOHUQkdp0cqu3oryWMRY0xnkSV1w1JCFGj3/s1600-h/rebirth4.jpg"><img alt="rebirth" border="0" height="547" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kFe9UpOUNsQ/TxVzk6IPVII/AAAAAAAABac/m0cBrv1Qgxo/rebirth_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rebirth" width="440" /></a><br />
<h4 align="center">
Rebirth!</h4>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-25818956378056822772012-01-13T10:09:00.001-06:002012-01-13T10:09:34.469-06:00I Have a Mountain of Books!<p> </p> <p>One of the things that I really disliked about living in Mexico , when we first moved here, was the lack of book stores. I missed Chapters.  For those of you in the States, Chapters is Canada’s large chain book store.</p> <p>I missed digging through piles of old books in used stores on Granville Street. <br />Sneaking out to Point Grey to see the latest science fiction in at the <a href="http://www.deadwrite.com/wd.html" target="_blank">White Dwarf bookstore</a>. Be careful not to trip over the basset hound wandering the store.</p> <p>When we moved down here we brought a small trailer for our belongings. Well, for what was left of our belongings, as we sold, gave away or threw out 90 percent of our stuff. Just keeping clothes, computer, a few sentimental things and boxes and boxes of books.</p> <p>When I got my kindle, I was very happy. I don't really buy hard copy books anymore. <br />But...... <br />I still cant bring myself to get rid of all my old books. Old books are like old friends.</p> <p>Right now I have boxes of books still to go through to pick which ones will go in the book cases of our new place. Yes, there are still some that I will be throwing away. Anyone want 6 books on how to use a 4 year out of date version of Photoshop? Let me know before the garbage truck gets here!!</p> <p>Then this morning I came across this <a href="http://www.guylaramee.com/files/gimgs/18_historia-das-americass.jpg" target="_blank">Canadian artist</a>. Perhaps I should turn my old books into a new hobby!</p> <p>So head on over to visit Guy Laramee, and be amazed, I know I was.</p> <h3 align="center"><a href="http://www.guylaramee.com">http://www.guylaramee.com</a></h3> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.guylaramee.com/files/gimgs/18_historia-das-americass.jpg" width="610" height="322" /></p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-11619654057911199982011-11-21T10:44:00.001-06:002011-11-21T10:44:05.317-06:00A San Miguel Morning<p> </p> <p>Hello Strangers, yes I am still alive. As we speed through fall and head towards winter, I am taking a moment to make a quick post. Life has been rather chaotic this year, but I hope to be back on track soon.</p> <p>We have just moved to San Miguel, and while we are missing Patzcuaro , we are looking forward to new adventures.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VXtoMolUiXI/Tsp_JKOQJtI/AAAAAAAABYg/xPP7y-ODBwA/s1600-h/morning%252520L%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="morning L" border="0" alt="morning L" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wsCbwKpwcJN7zBlG5VpS84D50HyY4kuiEZYY1terUf_zNRuvBrWer1cLS-v_kQzdHN_kfCnC-dduGOxVlNZHEArx6yBeiSJJ-7Z8GZqOZrXpDzCCro3VcOqptaPoVT1pHSkA/?imgmax=800" width="626" height="438" /></a></p> <h4 align="center">The Morning Light</h4> <p>I am an early riser, and have been for a very long time. Mornings are magic, watching the village wake up. Refreshing walks with coffee in hand, while the sun, low in the sky, brings drama to the commonplace scenes.</p> <p>Yesterday was one of those days. Let me share some of the pictures I took, it will be like we went on a walk together.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwYmb-9ATFoKQUa7XabLUWM48NIDfgZoCoNhCI_uYHgpkHmtZXr5Nr6-L-ipWAWSCzWKLh_u9RGT83yRWzV-Oq9VJB9VQ2FncZ4VMZtof8i__-hxxIF5Quo8aGoh1H1VDndHz/s1600-h/Window2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Window2" border="0" alt="Window2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhrAl-Mr5S-1ffBEGkrNteD-cUn6mVht9ae5lKHwAOD2UrfEFNqk0gH6VoJrhHWUxqQCCztxTfFP4PgsO2ftM19DHhvJmEacQPAMG7Q360tKwzOa0v7aQ2V_l_JilnaVPoy2L/?imgmax=800" width="619" height="463" /></a></p> <h4 align="center">More Colour!</h4> <p>Part of Patzcuaro’s charm is the traditional uniform colour of all the buildings in town, but it is a nice change of pace to find different colours every place you look. <br />One of the houses even looked like Hobbits lived there, with a doorway that seemed a couple of feet too short for practical use.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GG6A-66Y_24/Tsp_dWtlLJI/AAAAAAAABZA/lwE6qyIYaNQ/s1600-h/Frodo%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Frodo" border="0" alt="Frodo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6cyaadvMuCE/Tsp_guyXGTI/AAAAAAAABZI/FltPcat51gk/Frodo_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="596" /></a></p> <h4 align="center">Excuse Me is Frodo Home?</h4> <p align="left">After wandering the back streets of San Miguel for a while, I make my way towards the main plaza. Today is Dia De La Revolución, so there is a great deal of activity everywhere.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ssOSGRPFCAw/Tsp_i7h6YbI/AAAAAAAABZQ/76ar7gsLr5k/s1600-h/drum%252520s%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="drum s" border="0" alt="drum s" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgZY_vkD4QJNkyjZtr1SBARgf9rvvHkSztmmAU4HKlNHYq4i9qAiwhSZydkEeM97k9VvG9AUqkkx1VjMg7iXUBcCfcPFl4nnikFb8FAwbW-NVXAwlH8WH8eg7LkKRYtDbKBbT/?imgmax=800" width="324" height="508" /></a></p> <h4 align="center">What is a Parade Without Drums?</h4> <p align="left">There seemed to be dozens of bands, each playing louder in an attempt to overshadow the others.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3Pup7hKSixU/Tsp_qhmKguI/AAAAAAAABZg/RX9WKdUNw4o/s1600-h/feather%252520s%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="feather s" border="0" alt="feather s" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuj9LrWG9KQaU37iPDT7TIygvsUJva8dIJOgLZ8j-wlugG-p5TqTnWpUxAymaPbeDMjdiwTomKtslyu9jnI6Af4Iut6S5lgoSQ-iPI9r8nK2khLxFF2mzAUi2ZtkyizD68z0C/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="514" /></a></p> <h4 align="center">Feathers!</h4> <p align="left">And of course, you have to have vibrant costumes and adorable kids! <br />So, how was your morning?</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-paAese0oYaU/Tsp_xraJnCI/AAAAAAAABZw/tUpnnNgyFs0/s1600-h/shirely%252520S%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="shirely S" border="0" alt="shirely S" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl-0Lro6rLr83LuYS5vzrmBCK8Zv3LTfSdRKbyZ2NmLEggosIrNPGhFTE6AYa5hRrX6iud0ZVEQ5YG-WxyLk15Z5_KqrBDT967cujO3kugiscaz9a3bHNOdzZgAUOs56aVUKD/?imgmax=800" width="399" height="636" /></a></p> <h4 align="center">The Next Shirley Temple Busts a Move!</h4> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-44590295420349964812011-07-06T19:44:00.001-05:002011-07-06T19:54:03.389-05:00Come To Morelia For New Boobies!<p>Come to Morelia for new boobies, stay for the dominatrix run English classes!</p> <p>I have always liked signs, if you keep your eyes peeled you never know what you may find.  While driving down the road in Morelia I notice a sign.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q_QAKu_AoY8/ThTvzoU4UMI/AAAAAAAABXM/1UEw7YwlXmc/s1600-h/bubis2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bubis2" border="0" alt="bubis2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OD-9S2crq9o/ThTwFyPVMaI/AAAAAAAABXQ/96l3rvkETKk/bubis2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="641" /></a></p> <h1 align="center">Bubis = Boobies!</h1> <p align="center"> </p> <p>There are some buxom ladies on this sign, and in big letters it says “Bubis Nuevas” now bubis was not a word covered in my Spanish class, so I check with my next door neighbour, who is currently riding shotgun with me. </p> <p>“ Carlos, does bubis nuevas mean what I think it means?” He informs that it means exactly what I think it means. <br />I thought that they had to be kidding, so next time in town, I am armed with my trusty camera, looking for a few pictures and to check out the details. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM9MHkmpaYHt1xMqSt-HPS_7DWVZ8dAJDeTWKmV9QtMeGge55PhIbUd_jhaDubeStR9jpeEyP7HgVytDragXEUClo2gKXlYlJ0qLHlXXVtJ3ynM3a5Kbky_Iv3NgXP0p_bRQw/s1600-h/offer.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="offer" border="0" alt="offer" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8nY5QMfwNnQ/ThT9Gh_OK4I/AAAAAAAABXY/UDRsHFxMOQc/offer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="383" /></a></p> <h1 align="center">The Place To Go To Find Your Breast Friend!</h1> <p>Sadly it was not a joke. That sort of left me speechless, and for me that is saying something.It seems , that every Wednesday,  you can earn tickets for a draw for a boob job with all the drinks you buy.</p> <p>So, I grab my pictures and on the way back out of town I notice another sign advertising English classes with discipline! Looks like it will be a sign double feature. </p> <p>I am picturing a stern, somewhat statuesque female teacher (perhaps sporting new breasts she recently won down the street) dressed in black leather  and fishnets, sporting a riding crop.  The reality is probably an 70 year old retired nun who is very dangerous with a ruler!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q9hYg65U374/ThT9WfHkTRI/AAAAAAAABXc/8f69gOCDja0/s1600-h/EWD.Bjpg%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="EWD.Bjpg" border="0" alt="EWD.Bjpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WRQFS3kCCJg/ThUAgvH6RlI/AAAAAAAABXg/Z1BM5wvrlfc/EWD.Bjpg_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="355" /></a></p> <h1 align="center">Spank Your Way To English Proficiency</h1> <p align="left">I thought about popping up and getting a picture of the teacher, but I was afraid if I did that, they might discipline me.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">***********************</p> <p align="left">It has been some time since my last post. It seems that rather than being back in the saddle again, I got thrown by the horse. Hopefully now I will be able to get back on track. Lots to update you on, including, selling the house, moving, Shannon re-breaking her leg, IN SLOW MOTION, more surgeries, a week with 30 girls from Mexico City  and all the other maelstrom of things that have kept me from the keyboard. I just hope you haven't given up on me, but I wouldn't blame you if you had.</p> <p align="left">Thanks</p> <p align="left">Todd “Almost MIA” McIntosh</p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-25392336298804490832011-02-08T16:00:00.000-06:002011-02-08T16:00:51.478-06:00Back In The SaddleWell folk, I know have been missing in action for a while.<br />
But I am back.<br />
<br />
I have lots to catch you up on so stay tuned!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbg7lXz2GJja_TixtgxboF6tg7mHjiXOsl0A16ciSDsNs7RLLEzO4nNozCl49eG1HiXKsE56kwCys-qzfnKiLY_0o2E24w7kDQxFRscNK2PeJmdjgAB7Pz2-aUcoh2mo9dPgw/s1600/Saddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbg7lXz2GJja_TixtgxboF6tg7mHjiXOsl0A16ciSDsNs7RLLEzO4nNozCl49eG1HiXKsE56kwCys-qzfnKiLY_0o2E24w7kDQxFRscNK2PeJmdjgAB7Pz2-aUcoh2mo9dPgw/s640/Saddle.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Back In The Saddle Again!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The house has sold. Shannon has had an additional 4 surgeries (and hopefully no more), and lots of others news that has kept us very busy.<br />
<br />
So keep your eyes peeled and we can get all caught up together.<br />
<br />
<br />
ToddToddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-79992654576046701142010-09-10T11:42:00.001-05:002010-09-10T11:45:41.381-05:00Patzcuaro Time Lapse<p> </p> <p>Earlier in the year, I updated my camera. Yesterday I have finally found some time to play with the new bells and whistles.</p> <p>The results, a time lapse view of the clouds that have been hanging around over the lake, and around El Estribo. This is only my second attempt at time lapse photography, but I think this has potential!</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 510px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6e786f29-480b-448d-be7f-fdaaf3c2a28d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="1245dabd-cba1-406c-8602-0eb6a6df97ba" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4DRddjsQaQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/TIpgtEDvuBI/AAAAAAAABSs/w4wqa5hfytk/videoa556f3ba25a5%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('1245dabd-cba1-406c-8602-0eb6a6df97ba'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"510\" height=\"382\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-4DRddjsQaQ&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-4DRddjsQaQ&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <h3 align="center">Clouds  Dancing over Janitzio, on Lake Patzcuaro</h3> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#ffffff">TExt to add space before the end of the post</font></p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-71081617292309219842010-08-06T08:35:00.001-05:002010-08-06T08:39:36.559-05:00Drool – The New Black<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/TFwQRrgLl_I/AAAAAAAABKY/RgrnmKpNoY0/s1600-h/Drool%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Drool" border="0" alt="Drool" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k0emn7R2IlblmDxVcrgnTkakgNQsPr2mTOPZUhC6bggrK4rsDfKAMh106Z07rnKaKmbFaUd6SOYsoxYfQqefgJILrPdTFOXin9bhJOi-Fe_07eD4U2q9WaUdP9fgjvWoONgy/?imgmax=800" width="620" height="470" /></a></p> <h3 align="center">So, are photographers who chase around taking pictures of those still in diapers called the Pooparazzi?</h3> <p>Just got back in the door from doing a significant amount of running around. I have a ton of pictures backloged for lots of fun posts including some really neat places. Until then let me just pop up a picture of a very charming young lady I recently met. Apparently all the hippest young ladies agree that drool is the new black.</p> <p>A couple of blog items to update, the blog now has it’s own domain, so update your bookmarks to…..</p> <p><a title="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/" href="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/"><font size="5">http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/</font></a></p> <p>I have also just noticed that my list of blogs I like to visit, that I keep over on the right, seems to have disappeared. I don't know if that happened with the domain move or was caused by something else, but I will get that fixed this week!</p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-51328480215542024982010-07-20T12:41:00.004-05:002010-07-20T18:15:26.067-05:00SpongeTodd SquarePants!<h2></h2><h5 align="center"> </h5>Just got back from a whirlwind trip to Mexico City. I was lucky enough to be a part of the quinceanera for four charming young ladies. These are the girls that I have met through <a href="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/2009/05/my-dusty-love-note.html" target="_blank">Esperanza House</a>. We often have long talks, covering many areas. <br />
<br />
It was in the midst of one of these conversations when Yadira (who's 15th birthday I was there to attend) stops and looks at me very seriously and says “You are an amazing person” and gives me a big hug. My heart swells, I am deeply touched. Clearly this is a brilliant and insightful young woman. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/TEXfv74HX5I/AAAAAAAABJ0/GM_YHJ1yxEE/s1600-h/yadi%20and%20me%20LR%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="yadi and me LR" border="0" height="603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qfHeH05po1K-98PmC6t24NTo3sdf5gU5yUMe8EzViidQ6r6HQgzn3FbWZXhkJxi7liJqpsdn67Bh84WhlAL5USMwjw-S1zRsp895qKm6XZu-EQZmxvKfJb3Oscrt7PT6_-7_/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="yadi and me LR" width="577" /></a> <br />
<h3 align="center">The Beautiful Yadira…… and some <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Possibly spongy)</span> guy.</h3>Not being one that wants to miss out on hearing how great I am , I ask her what makes her say that. She looks at me, takes my face in her hands and after a dramatic pause says….. <br />
<br />
“Even though your body is old and spongy, your heart is very young” <br />
<br />
Please keep in mind that this conversation took place in Spanish, and trust me “esponjoso” actually seems worst than spongy. Now, to a young woman of 15, anyone over 30 is old and out of shape, but still…… Well, perhaps I could use a little more exersize. <br />
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In the past, whenever I heard someone say “Never look a gift horse in the mouth” I use to remind them of the Trojans. Now I know better. I now stand firmly in the Trojans camp. I now know I shouldn’t have asked why I was amazing. <br />
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Oh, for those of you who don't get the title of this post, ask your grandkids about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpongeBob_SquarePants" target="_blank">SpongeBob SquarePants</a> and all will become clear. <br />
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Excuse me, but I have to go do some push-ups now and then run 5 miles!!!Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-16863884642297686222010-07-13T10:46:00.001-05:002010-07-13T10:46:05.492-05:00A Patzcuaro Flashback<p>Look what I found! </p> <p>Surfing on the internet I came across an old photo of Patzcuaro that I thought I would share with you. I am not sure of the date of the original photo, but would guess early 1900’s.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULZYBSHQBvMD_0h7tLZ3Y9O8jYvD5JX-QiGjlF8032m7woYb1Lcgddhz7oteUBUSfCCejupzavdw0wNgTbl8eCex6N5p499y8Jh6n6i0Eui1MJ3JYJ6IrcafIEV5Tpj8u7Y3u/s1600-h/old%20patz%202%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Old Patzcuaro" border="0" alt="Old Patzcuaro" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/TDyKKeVlXJI/AAAAAAAABJo/JhQcN4s-s5w/old%20patz%202_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="546" height="389" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> Can you count the stereotypes?</h3> <p>I decided I would go reshoot the same spot so you can see the changes. There was surprising little difference beyond the power lines and the red car that I photoshopped out of the picture. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/TDyKNJGMLmI/AAAAAAAABJs/_ASW05GosPY/s1600-h/NP%20LR%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="NP LR" border="0" alt="NP LR" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0QDeZ8_86otzznbFj22nM1xTNe2zsaDs6Z4WfG7_DYkvnqnIc_IRaMm0EVsHuj0c5lbsUkR4WSs1oBVzMkOfIMlT7Eh0mRU9Bvuq3TUnLZTcTqMl4xWpTDMK_K0R4OSO0iI6/?imgmax=800" width="519" height="351" /></a></p> <h3 align="center"> Back to the future!</h3> <p>Sorry, but when I went there, the guy with the sombrero and the donkey cart was away for siesta, maybe next time. </p> <p>So, who can tell me where the picture was taken? Just leave a comment</p> <p>I found this fun to do, and I have some other old Patzcuaro shots I can redo also, would that be of interest? I wonder….</p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-90920691024681979732010-07-04T11:46:00.002-05:002010-07-04T11:54:48.527-05:00Patzcuaro, Pueblo MagicoMore on the saga of the<a href="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/2010/06/it-was-best-of-times-it-was-worst-of.html" target="_blank"> broken femur! </a><br />
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As you may remember, about <a href="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/2006/11/broken-ankle-surgery-required.html" target="_blank">4 years ago Shannon broke her ankle rather badly</a>. At that time we bought her a wheelchair, to use until she was able to put weight on that ankle again, or at least until she could use crutches. It was a very handy thing.<br />
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Shortly after the wheelchair was no longer needed, a notice went up on the local message board. An elderly woman in Morelia was in need of a wheel chair in order to continue to make a living. We quickly make arrangements and the wheelchair is off to someone new who can really use it.<br />
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Flash forward to a few weeks ago. I am bringing Shannon home from the hospital. I pull into our driveway and there , in the middle of the driveway is a wheelchair for Shannon to use.<br />
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One friend provided the wheelchair, and another delivered it. Maybe it is karma, or maybe just kindness, either way Patzcuaro truly is a Pueblo Magico!<br />
Thank you!<br />
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<img alt="karma dinner lr" border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXVt6pW9DQ5R3872j9Wyrkz0IVXFZih2SYoFO7yq8VG6E0ZHxbMH1jZEEfcikH46jwN-6l5isz3E2ePvCt1nsNzr0h5OxoX0AWZmgOrVkDOVpaLYnKRg5mrTC8qzoGI6F0MT/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="karma dinner lr" width="581" /><br />
<h3 align="center">4 Star Dining, with none of the work!</h3>With the ankle break 4 years ago, we were very new here, and were amazed and the outpouring of kindness, support and more than a few meals from our brand new neighbours. I talked about it in the post <a href="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/2006/11/welcome-to-mayberry.html" target="_blank">“Welcome To Mayberry”</a>.<br />
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Now we have been here longer and know many more people, and if I thought what happened 4 years ago, was amazing, I really don't have the words to describe the response this time. Kind words, offers of assistance coming from so many directions, more flowers than we can count. Thank you!<br />
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When we left in the ambulance the dining room was a mess, with a pint or two of blood pooling on the floor, but returning , there is no blood, there is no mess. I did not clean up, our neighbours did. Thank you!<br />
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The ladder, that had been left sitting in the garage, had been hidden about the back, they did not want her first sight, arriving at home, to remind her of her accident. Thank you!<br />
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Patzcuaro truly is a Pueblo Magico!<br />
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Sadly, it seems my reputation in the kitchen is well known, so friends and neighbours were bringing us our dinner every night. So many that, one of our neighbours here had to set up a schedule so we wouldn't be swamped with meals. Thank you!<br />
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We have eaten like royalty, globetrotting royalty actually. In the last few weeks we have eaten, Mexican of course, American, Italian and even German!!! The picture above was a meal from the other night. Garden fresh salad, homemade lasagne, and a bottle of wine, oh, and don't forget, for dessert, home made tiramisu. Thank you!<br />
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Patzcuaro truly is a Pueblo Magico!<br />
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We are very lucky to live in a place as beautiful as Patzcuaro, with a heart as big as Patzcuaro’s .It is not just the stunning landscape, it is the people that make it so. Thank you!<br />
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Patzcuaro truly is THE Pueblo Magico!Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-31107724477352489552010-06-27T16:29:00.001-05:002013-01-04T08:48:13.427-06:00It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!<br />
Dickens is too long dead to resent my stealing his line, but if I took all the time in the world, I don’t think I could come up with one more apt for the last couple of months. As you may have noticed we have been to busy to keep the blog up, but that has now changed. You will have a great deal to read as I catch up on the our goings on.<br />
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We have had the best of times with a group of young ladies from Mexico City you may remember then from this post.<br />
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<a href="http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/2009/05/my-dusty-love-note.html">http://www.life-in-el-corazon.com/2009/05/my-dusty-love-note.html</a></h4>
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A road trip to Texas, house sitting in San Miguel, and just working and playing in the garden. Many of these things you will be updated on shortly on this blog.<br />
But…..<br />
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We have also just has the worst of times. You may remember our adventure with a hummingbird stuck in our skylight some time back. Here is that post.<br />
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<a href="http://lifeinthecorazon.blogspot.com/2008/03/lion-witch-and-wardrobe-it-aint.html" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/TCfCiwNQgEI/AAAAAAAABJE/azHshadlZXA/image5.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://lifeinthecorazon.blogspot.com/2008/03/lion-witch-and-wardrobe-it-aint.html" title="http://lifeinthecorazon.blogspot.com/2008/03/lion-witch-and-wardrobe-it-aint.html">http://lifeinthecorazon.blogspot.com/2008/03/lion-witch-and-wardrobe-it-aint.html</a></div>
Well, it just happened again. So Shannon, my wife, goes to use the same technique that worked last time.<br />
Sadly, this time it did not go so well. The skylight is a bit over 20 feet off the ground. While at the top of the ladder, suddenly her world turns upside down, and she falls to the floor.<br />
She hit the floor hard, really hard. I hear her scream and I come running. I find her on her back, blood gushing from her head, and her femur sticking OUT of her leg.<br />
A quick shout out to my neighbour to call and ambulance, then I am at Shannon’s side, holding the leg stable and doing what little I can to reassure her.<br />
The additional gruesome details I will omit, but let me give you a summary.<br />
The head injury looked much worst that it was. The neurosurgeon on hand at hospital stitched her up after making sure there was no damage to the skull. A quick CAT scan confirmed no other head problems, although we will have to be a little wary for the next little while, and keep her on anti coagulants. <br />
Oh, and the scar she will have on her forehead, is the shape of the Mercedes Benz emblem. I just hope she doesn't want to get the car now to co-ordinate her look!<br />
The surgery to repair her leg took twice as long as expected, as they has quite the jigsaw puzzle to put together. Below you can see the results.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKP1TRMDQIj5xf2uqZxIe8wealSUhCAmJ2WgzKB0gl2HmhtGxpR4iDMW4c7tkOrUYyO6-DkWqAjdaV9LFhwu7Qr93Xo12VXU_UnQkD1w1BmU6ke6d8kufM9KBN4RBOMeO693z/s1600-h/BrokenFemurLR18.jpg"><img alt="Broken Femur LR" border="0" height="776" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/TCfCmcbbTRI/AAAAAAAABJM/7JvCeIW54qc/BrokenFemurLR_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Broken Femur LR" width="584" /></a><br />
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OUCH!</h3>
There was a great deal of blood lost, first from the head wound, then from the surgery. Sadly Shannon’s blood type is AB-, very rare back home, and even rarer here! This has lead to Shannon being very week and tired, but she has been receiving injections that are helping with this.<br />
Prognosis for the leg: it will be a long haul, and a great deal of hard work to rehabilitate the injury, but we are confident she will be able to walk again. The area of uncertainty is the damage to the knee. The knee cap was broken, but the knee also hyper extended in the fall so it will be some time before we know if there will be full range of movement or not, if there will be a limp or not. That is assuming no other complications.<br />
While this has been a rather nasty accident, we are feeling very lucky. The knee hit first, if it was the head that hit first the outcome would have been death or paralysis.Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34914039.post-69044654396594525992010-04-30T08:30:00.001-05:002010-04-30T08:30:55.471-05:00A Busy Month!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip98Vv3bIOnD4SQVNnF9YFbbtZ0aTJgUuw43Jcrsd-_zfmPyH_RlR8-rHqFgsy_FhEmoqkM-Ifs6p0Rupj7-vWeGSJH9w1OdFLJK5b_wy-hri3R-MKSyl8hyphenhyphenIINgGUT3vP1Fha/s1600-h/Vanessa%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Vanessa" border="0" alt="Vanessa" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_l3g8O06yCpQ/S9rbjZWfyLI/AAAAAAAABHw/xXZKdKBSyus/Vanessa_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="532" height="416" /></a></p> <h3 align="center">Vanessa and Me <br /><font color="#000000" size="3">Vanessa is one of the girls from Esperanza. <br />And before you ask, yes, my eyes are different colours, I am a mutant!</font></h3> <p> </p> <p>Okay, a busy week has turned into a busy month!</p> <p>Our week with the girls of Esperanza was amazing, I will have a blog posting on that once we are home again.</p> <p>Then, we had a quick run to Austin in the states.</p> <p>Now we are finishing up a week of house sitting in San Miguel.</p> <p>But we will be home soon, with lots of posts to catch up on.</p> <p>I hope it is worth the wait</p> Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569585552092886936noreply@blogger.com4