Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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!

Thursday, November 10, 2016

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!!