Feliz Navidad!

From where I sit it doesn't look like Christmas! The sun is shining intensely, butterflies are flitting about, and the cool breeze is swaying the cacti and palms. The weather is perfect, unusually warm for December, and we are loving it!!

Many mornings we rise to heavy fog which has provided water for the variety of plants growing in our yard. The fog burns off quickly most days thanks to the sun's power at this high altitude.

Keith has worked incredibly hard nearly every single day since we arrived in Mineral de Pozos the second week in October. He has had some help each late afternoon from Antonio & Javier who work at the Lavender Farm up our lane. They cycle by after their long day in those beautiful gardens. Keith loves working beside them; it's a Spanish lesson as well as great help.

Javier & Antonio

Keith's Dad, Stanley, came to visit us for Thanksgiving.

Arriving in Queretaro

He is the perfect guest, he knows how to entertain himself.😃

Goofy Keith & Papa Stan

Stan in Dolores Hildago

We really enjoyed taking him to San Miguel de Allende and Dolores Hildago on two separate day trips and showing him around our Pozos. 



Stan really enjoyed the company of Mike and Shannon from next door.

Walking through the fields of broccoli behind our house

We met a local artist, Arturo Cabera, who does mastery metalwork.

Arturo

His creative mind helped form some of the garden areas. He'd like to design our whole acre but pesos don't grow on trees!

Gate nearly completed

One of Arturo's creations is a new entry gate way behind our house. He and his guys dismantled the existing rock fence to open it up to the service road in back. Then they constructed two pillars using rocks from the fence. Arturo is now finishing the metal gate and it should soon be installed. It was important to open the back fence to allow dump trucks to deliver gravel and rock for the on-going landscaping around the front and back of the house.

Arturo's interesting shop

One Sunday afternoon while Stan was visiting we were invited to Arturo's house to tour his gardens and have a demonstration on how he makes the hummingbirds that we bought earlier in the fall.

Arturo's family, with helpers Daniel & Daniel Arturo, joined us for Thanksgiving Dinner. They couldn't figure out what gravy was and nobody dared try it!

Thanksgiving Dinner 2016

It was interesting to try explain the myth and realities of the origin of Thanksgiving in Spanish, at least the way I see it. Arturo's wife, Dr. Edith, asked me what it was all about. We all agreed it's most important to be grateful and appreciative every day.

The Friday after Thanksgiving Day was PIANO DAY! After many weeks the new Yamaha was delivered by Liverpool.

They had three deliver guys with no piano dolly, their plan was to use a rope to pull it with shoulder strength.

Thank goodness Arturo was here with Daniel & Daniel Arturo to help pick it up and carry it over the stone pathways to the side door where it was unwrapped and placed under the beautiful mosaic we had purchased in San Miguel de Allende.

    (Still waiting to have it tuned, Mexico's time schedule moves as it will.)

So many rocks. Check out our community dog, Manotas!

Many stone pathways have been built in front and back. The process is all by hand, no Bobcat use in Mexico. Keith works long hours and seems to really enjoy being outside all day. It's just what he does!! It doesn't seem to matter where we are.

This is one Cool Cactus Garden!!

My life is much less physically demanding. I am walking once or twice a day. Shannon and I have a regular four lap routine that includes taking the garbage to the community shed where it is picked up. 

Flat Stanley in The Garden, center of Pozos

Kelly and I walk from the center of Pozos where she lives. Our normal path takes us steeply out of town, down a rocky trail, and back up a hill that seems to lead to the sky itself. It really takes you right into town. I'm really brave now, I drive straight into Pozos and home again. It's about three miles both ways. I like to ride my bike into town too.

Mike messing with lavender, all day long!

I currently have two English students, Manuel & Arlette. I do their lessons separately though if I add any more students I may have to do a class. Planning the lessons is good for me, thank heavens for the internet! There are many great websites from which I cut and paste informational sheets for my students to match the concepts I'm trying to teach. It's good experience for me. It's also a great Spanish lesson!

Too cute & creative!!

The highlight of my week is my time with Tallulah, my 6 yr. old, piano student. She is such a fun kid, so artistically creative and she loves to dance. I have to provide time for her to add doodles to all of the characters in her piano book.

At the end of each lesson she dances around my kitchen while I play  'ballet' music from more advanced books in the John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course. Tally is the perfect 'kid' friend for me!!

Keith encourages me to play the piano for him each evening while he reads which I adore doing. We have no television here and don't miss watching it at all, well Keith does miss The Simpsons on occasion, especially Sunday evenings.

Going into San Luis de la Paz for money and groceries is a frequent task. 'La Paz' is just 6 km down the road. Once you enter town, there's a roundabout with a great plant nursery with a hardware store beside it. Across the street we have a favorite place to return our empty purified water container for new water and buy our carton of 30 eggs. The owner is a woman about our ages who always greets us so warmly. If she's not right in the store her family members run inside the attached house to get her, it's sweet.

We like the center of 'La Paz', it's park is very green with a beautiful church in front. After we park the car, it's easy to walk from the ATM to fruit & veggies to the grocery store and on to the flower shop. The fresh fruits and vegetables here are a treat! You can't imagine the nutritious load we haul out for $7.00! There is also an amazing butcher shop as you drive out of town. There must be at least a dozen butchers carving various cuts from cows who just stopped mooing moments before. They can't package and distribute meat fast enough, the place is clean and I've never eaten such tender beef!

After the holidays I have another volunteer job that will really challenge my Spanish speaking abilities! I met Ana at a community meeting she organized in Pozos. At the meeting were various community members and many of the service organizations such as police, fire, EMTs, transit, tourist, recycling... also had representation. After the meeting Ana contacted me to help her organize speakers for the schools in Pozos from the various service groups. On three days in early December we visited different offices in 'La Paz', the county seat. Ana introduced me to all of the department heads and explained that I would contact them and schedule speakers for the public preschool, elementary, middle & high schools in Pozos. Ana also has names of local experts in other areas such as farming, animal husbandry, art, dance. etc. I am to contact for speaking engagements. I'll be the one to work between the school principals and speakers to organize days, times, groups, what's needed... It's an 'in' to the schools here which are heavily secured, parents are even allowed beyond the gates.

We are meeting people here who have immigrated south from the States. Tomorrow we will attend a Christmas Dinner where we will meet other 'ex-pats' living in Pozos. Mike and Shannon took us to lunch this afternoon at their friend Jimmy's beautiful restaurant El Mesquite in La Paz. Best hamburger EVER! and Jimmy took us all around his restaurant, giant shop and his incredible home. We are meeting good people here, both Mexican & Americans living south of the border.

As you can tell, we are busy here in Mexico! We miss our family and friends, but are able to call. I miss school, but not enough to ever move back to the city life. As we begin the New Year, we are grateful for the opportunities we have in this new experience!

Please notice the 'page' on the column to the right

Somehow I created a 'page' instead of a 'post' and can't seem to switch it over without a total re-creation.
Please read about the Martain's visit to see many great pictures!!

I learn by making mistakes!

A Typical Browning Day

Looking at our home from the entrance

Lyndsay asked what we do each day here in Pozos, so I will address that question now. Basically we do what we were doing in Randolph each day with some additions.

Looking out from the front of the house with Eagle Mountain on the left

Keith gets up before the sun and reads various news articles & FaceBook. I get up when I see sunlight, share a cup of coffee with my darling & make breakfast. 

Our cozy living room, isn't he cute with his reading glasses on?!

Most days I have been baking something to share with our neighbors and Kelly's family. Today I made a Pear Cobbler with fresh pears that Nancy gave us. I have nearly perfected Oatmeal Raisin Cookies at this higher altitude which is tough because I don't have access to my secret ingredient, Crisco, and the sugar is very coarse and is difficult to mix.

Keith has nearly repainted the whole outside of the house including the two fountains!

Keith has been working outside each day. We have an acre which hasn't been cared for for over a year. Surprisingly, the area right around the house has blooming flowers, lots of cactus and some other trees and bushes. The butterflies and hummingbirds are plentiful when the sun is shining bright.

Usually our neighbors, Shannon and Mike, are outside in the morning gardening, so we also take time to stop and chat. They have great stories to share.
I have tried to do a little cleaning each day, one room at a time. Today I washed our car which after the journey was plastered with butterfly wings and guts. We passed through a couple of migration paths on our way from, to & from the border (see previous posts).

Kelly's daughter Chloe with little Levy Matteo

Nearly every day I walk into town to visit Kelly and pick up fresh veggies, eggs or whatever we need. It's probably three miles, there and back. I love visiting her family! Her daughters and grandbabies are delightful!!

Kelly's granddaughter Tally, an artist, gymnast & performer!

Disinfecting the vegetables and fruits takes a while. First you have to soak them for 10 minutes in chlorax water, yes yuck is right! Then drain and rinse with bottled water. Then they must be patted dry or allowed to air dry.

I also washed clothes today. While I do have a stackable washer/dryer, I prefer to hang the clothes outside to dry. Another more lengthy process.

Part of my responsibilities includes making sure Keith has on sunscreen, constantly has some water to drink and takes time to stop and eat lunch.

People have been very welcoming, both the small group of Gringos in Pozos and the local Mexican people we have met. Saturday Shannon took me to meet Karen and Angela for tea at Karen's amazing house in town. Sunday we were lucky enough to celebrate the sale of a couple of lots owned by Miguel's father. 

Celebrating the sale of some of Miguel's family land. Kelly with her arms around Miguel.

Miguel is almost Kelly's son-in-law and since we are part of that family now (hooray) we were invited for a beer at the little bar in La Jardin. It was great to be included in such a happy time for that Mexican family.

Every other Sunday there is a small arts & craft market in Pozos which we strolled through yesterday.

Keith's first friendship bracelet at the Pozos' Sunday Market

Because of the big projects around the house that Keith is working on, we have had to make a couple of trips into Queretaro about an hour away to visit Home Depot. Luckily you don't have to go all the way into this BIG to get to Home Depot, Costco and Walmart. It's scary enough to visit these main three.

Buying a piano is on our list of things to do but the piano store in Queretaro closed two months ago so it's going to be tough to find one for sale. I've started asking everyone I meet if they know anyone with a piano they might no longer need. If it's meant to be, we'll find it.

Keith after his second massage, this one in San Miguel de Allende at the Life Arts Center down this lovely lane.

We are trying to find some relief for Keith's numb arm with therapeutic massage. He had one session last Friday here in Pozos and we are going for another this Thursday in San Miguel Allende where we will also try to get our temporary residency since we have the right paperwork now.

Signing the paperwork to apply for temporary residency

We have been enjoying nice dinners together followed by reading or watching TV, however we have no cable which means no real TV. The ladies who lived here before left a couple of DVD series. We've watched Weeds, season 1 & 2. It was far-fetched and raunchy, but it kept us entertained for a bit. They also left some early Game of Thrones session, that will be next. 

Yes, the retired life is BUSY! I still haven't started my drawing class or hung up the Mexican artwork we brought back to Mexico. While Keith works 8+ hours a day, I am busy researching all kinds of things on-line including how to cook with fresh turmeric & ginger, both good for all our ailments. We need to fix or find new propane gas logs for the bedroom and a water filtration system for kitchen and bathroom sinks. Our beds are hard as rocks, the Mexican way, so I'm trying to find pillowtop mattress covers. Remember, no AMAZON UPS delivery, in fact we have no mail delivery at all. Bills, such as the electricity and internet, must be paid at the business's bank. There is a lot to learn about living here, but we are LOVING IT!

Our first visitors, Jane & Brian, arrive on Friday! Maybe we can take a brief vacation with them!!

Home again, home again, jiggidy, jig...

I am happy to report we are safely back in Pozos after a three-day adventure back to the border to get ourselves and our vehicle legal!

Driving in Mexico is an adventure in itself. A left turn signal from a vehicle in front of you doesn't mean they are turning left, it is a suggestion that you pass them. A polite gesture to be sure, however how do you know when someone is hoping to merge into the left lane or make a left turn?! The hazards are used for that purpose. Any time you intend to really make a turn off the current path, you turn on the hazards.  

Traffic signs indicating the speed limit are completely ignored, in fact the posted speed of 80 KmPH must mean 80 MPH because that is the speed all drivers follow! There are more large trucks than cars on Highway 57 and it is a true race track. I don't think I'll ever drive here, thank heavens Keith is a PRO!

The worst part of our trip back to the border was passing through Monterrey, a huge, super polluted city about two hours south of Laredo, Texas. Quite by mistake we found ourselves deep in the heart of the city in weaving masses of cars trying to find our way back on the highway after pulling off the main road to rest for the night. I had looked up directions on Google Maps that would take us easily out of town, but when we got to the interstate entrance it was blocked off! Thanks Google Maps!! 

Getting to the immigration office in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico was a breeze because I had printed out very specific directions from a Gringo Blog. There were no lines, we were in & out with our passports stamped and the car decal attached in fifteen minutes. You can imagine our relief. Since our return, we have heard tales of cars being confiscated and never returned, $5000.US fines, and a week in jail for the decal violation. We are lucky campers!

Keith has been working hard painting the outside of the house in a shade lighter than was here originally. Even yesterday when it was lightly raining he was outside painting until after the sun went down. It looks bright & beautiful.

While Keith works outside the house each day, I have been finding time to walk into our little town of Pozos to visit Kelly & her family. I am handed Bronte's darling  baby, Levy, the minute I enter their home. Six year old Tally entertains me with puppet shows, her handwritten books and art creations. She meets my need for little people perfectly.

This afternoon our neighbor Shannon is taking me to meet another Gringa, Karen, who likes to dance for exercise. There was a Zumba class until recently in one of the plazas in Pozos, hopefully we can get something going again soon.

I'll add pictures as soon as I can remember to bring my camera out with me. 

Our first seven days living in Mexico

Ready to take off on the long journey

After visiting Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and our dear friends, Wayne & Cindi, we headed south to enter our new home for the winter. 

Amazing Bryce Canyon

The drive through northern Arizona was beautiful with the Vermillion Cliffs keeping us company for many miles. The road through verdant pine forests dropped into more barren land as we traveled through Native People's Lands.

Vermillion Cliffs

 Southwestern New Mexico's Gila National Forest was another visual wonder. Keith kept driving into the evening and,unfortunately, we were unable to find anywhere to stay until way past dark finally stopping in Silver City for a night's rest.

New Mexico's southwestern forest

Up early the next morning we found our way to I-10. We passed Thomas's college town, Las Cruces, checking in with him via telephone. We were again surprised by the mountain vistas.

Coming into Las Cruces, what mountains!!

  El Paso was much too large to consider a crossing into Mexico, what traffic!!

We couldn't get out of El Paso fast enough

We drove all day until Fort Stockton, Texas, where we sampled flavored whiskeys before checking into a Motel 6. Who knew Texas was such fun?

Fort Stockton, Texas

Our third day of driving south took us off the interstate until we reached Eagle Pass, Texas, which I had read was an easy place to enter. It turns out it was TOO easy! The customs agent ignored our carload of clothing & new supplies for the house, waving us on into the busy Sunday traffic. So happy we were to be in Mexico that we ignored a major task, checking in with immigration & the car registration requirement!

Crossing into Mexico!!

On we drove until we found a brand new hotel, somewhat like a mirage, out in the middle of nowheresville. Checking in we felt lucky to find a swank, but inexpensive, place to lay our heads.

In the morning we came to our senses. We had NO car decal to prove we had paid temporary registration fees and the bond required by Mexico to assure you will not sell your vehicle before returning home to the states. 

Checking with the first Gringos we saw in Mexico, we knew for sure we had created our first challenge of living in Mexico. The couple we spoke to were on their way back from Ajijic to Florida. They confirmed our stupid mistake, but agreed that we should proceed to our destination, Mineral de Pozos, though they didn't know how the problem could be solved. 

Being optimists with the American "can do" spirit we were back on the road heading south arriving in Pozos in the early afternoon where we were met with hugs & shots of tequila from our loving neighbors Mike & Shannon.

Wonderful Neighbors and hosts, Mike & Shannon

Boxes were hauled inside before we drove two kilometers into Pozos to visit Kelly and her family. Kelly & kids had watched over our lovely home for the seven months since we purchased it in March. As we had predicted Kelly 'freaked' when she heard we were in country illegally and quickly made some calls. All confirmed that a trip back to the border was required to remedy our situation. 

A super SHOUT OUT to Kelly who has taken such great care of the house!

However, first we had to get the electric power secured in our names. While Kelly had been able to have the power on when we arrived because of her connections, it was on without the knowledge of CFE, the Mexican electricity company.

Solving this problem was how we met Ken (El Gringo) and Nancy. They have lived in the area for over 25 years and have vast knowledge of everything about living The Mexican Way.

Ken walked us through San Luis de la Paz, greeting everyone he passed with handshakes & happy banter, in Spanish which was a real treat for us.

After the power situation was taken care of we visited an immigration specialist who assured us that with the paperwork I had (Mexican car insurance, my car title and driver license) no harm would come our way. Relieved, we shared a lovely lunch of salmon at his house.

The next day Keith worked super hard in the yard, a full acre of lavender, flowers and cactus alongside Mike & Shannon, whose yard is very pretty & well-tended. I worked in the house finding places for everything.

Mike & Shannon are very generous people who kindly offered showers when we discovered the propane tank that we had filled in March was emptied from having the water heaters on in our absence, another lesson learned.


Thursday we ventured into San Miguel de Allende with Kelly and girls. Kelly led us to the Immigration Office while the girls had healing massages.



Bad news for the Brownings was delivered by the Notary Public who helps with immigration. We were told that we must return to the US/Mexico border for FM3 papers to establish our temporary residency & to obtain the car decal. We nearly cried on the spot, but instead went for a great lunch at La Luna which will become a standard eating establishment for our ventures into SMA.



Upon returning home I read a text message from the woman in St. George who purchased our pre-Mexico retirement home, only to 'forget' to pay each month. She was requesting that we give her another chance (not happening). Then my phone rang and I was warned that my American Express had fraudulent charges (FROM THE STATES). A very messy, snot-filled melt-down occurred. Mike from next door sensed trouble, Shannon was quickly called over for reinforcements and the two of them calmed us down with lots of reassurance & and a bit of their special brew. An emotional day ended with bonding, how lucky we are!



The next morning Shannon invited me to Latin America's largest, and by far the most elegant, mall! I haven't been into the mall scene since jr. high, but I was happy to go with her and believe me, I'll be back. The City Market was incredible!!! A SUPER supermarket with everything you could dream of and more. It's located on the outskirts of Queretaro, a very modern and fast growing metropolis about 40 miles from Pozos. We had a great time together walking the mall & having lunch.



Saturday was another working around the house day, wow has Keith cleared & cleaned away the yard mess! It looks much better than when we arrived. We're excited to make a plan for the backyard where most of the lavender has died.

Avoiding hard physical labor, I went into San Luis de la Paz with Kelly & her daughter Bronte, Kelly's granddaughter, Tally (my new 6-year old buddy) and Bronte's new baby, Levy Matteo (too cute). They showed me where the main supermarket was, where to buy prepared chicken (Friend Chiken, don’t you love the spelling for Fried Chicken!), the freshest poultry & eggs, hot off the press tortillas and the bakery. All life’s necessities not ten minutes from home.



On Sunday, Keith & I started what we hope will become our daily routine. We walked a huge loop on the trails just outside our doors, up the mountain, around the mountain biking trails and then down into our new little town of Pozos.

I then led Keith back to the Supermarket in San Luis, following the Kelly's path. I had paid very close attention to how to get there, getting home was another story. A five-minute journey home turned into 45 frustrating minutes, but we did find the way out of the maze, eventually.



On the weekends, Kelly's kids run a taco stand, so Keith & I went back to Pozos for lunch. Their tacos are very tasty and the garden where they serve is very nice, full of flowers. I bet this will become a Sunday standard for us. 


Pozos comes alive with people on the weekend. There are many small art galleries that open on Saturday & Sunday. This weekend was special because there was a Cine Festival. Right now the main street of Pozos is all torn up because the electricity lines are being placed under the cobblestone road. It's really a mess. But the local people we've spoken with are very positive about the inconvenience because it will be a nicer road. As it is now you have to go up and around the center plaza which requires 4-wheel drive and nerves of steel.


Today, day seven in Mexico, was a travel day. We are currently about two hours south of Nuevo Laredo where we will become legal visitors tomorrow morning. We'll take care of business and drive halfway home tomorrow spending one more night on the road to make it a safer & easier journey for the driver, Keith, and the reluctant car traveler, your favorite blogger.