John drove the girls to their last Spanish lesson while I exercised my horse. I picked them up and they were all smiles -said they had a final fun lesson with a mini-fiesta. Of course, they will not remember a whole lot from their lessons but I think it was a good introduction to the language and they can build on what they learned - if they try.
After lunch I had a mini meeting about Outreach and then we went to a bigger meeting at Al & Chris' house. Meanwhile, grandpa was in charge. The girls played at home.
When I got home, John said that Gisela called and invited Johanna and Lindsay to go to their house in Los Frailes so I took them there, came home and prepared meatloaf and went back to pick them up a couple of hours later. After dinner we all watched the first 1/2 of Fiddler on the Roof. We missed a few scenes due to scratches on the DVD but it was fun and Lindsay had never seen it although Johanna knew it by heart. We'll watch the other 1/2 Saturday night.
Lindsay and Johanna visit us in San Miguel de Allende, July 10 to Aug 10, 2010.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday - Weather Improving
Yes - I know, sounds like a weather report but since we normally have such fantastic weather in San Miguel, it's been a bit disturbing to have all the rain. But - change is here and things are looking more normal.
The girls had their morning Spanish lesson while I went to exercise my horse. I picked them up and we came home for lunch, violin practice, etc. I had a meeting here at 1:00 so while that was going on the girls spent time outside and in the pool and generally enjoying life. Then it was time to head off to choir practice where we had a record 14 people show up. The girls were a big help to the soprano section. We stopped at Mega and bought a couple of already broiled chickens and made a dinner out of one of them.
Evening entertainment for the girls was watching old episodes of the Addams Family on Netflix streaming.
The girls had their morning Spanish lesson while I went to exercise my horse. I picked them up and we came home for lunch, violin practice, etc. I had a meeting here at 1:00 so while that was going on the girls spent time outside and in the pool and generally enjoying life. Then it was time to head off to choir practice where we had a record 14 people show up. The girls were a big help to the soprano section. We stopped at Mega and bought a couple of already broiled chickens and made a dinner out of one of them.
Evening entertainment for the girls was watching old episodes of the Addams Family on Netflix streaming.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday - Sun and a Little Rain
Grandpa took the girls to class this morning so that I could ride early with Carol. We had a very good ride and the footing was excellent in the bull ring despite all the rain. Afterward, I went home and changed clothes and then went to pick up the girls from school and on the way stopped at the new organic gardening store where I got a good deal on some seed for the Sosnavar gardening project. Picked up the girls and we went home to have lunch and since the sun was out, the girls did about an hour or so of pool time - until it was times for Johanna to get ready for her violin lesson with Turkkan. And, guess what, it rained again. But it didn't last long. Looks like just scattered rain showers now.
After her lesson, we all packed into the car and headed out to Arno's to see the recently purchased Amigos de Animales RV to be turned into a mobile clinic. And, the girls had a tour by Arno of his 42 rescued dogs and 4 rescued burros.
Back home for hamburgers which were quite good - purchased from the Aurora Carniceria.
After her lesson, we all packed into the car and headed out to Arno's to see the recently purchased Amigos de Animales RV to be turned into a mobile clinic. And, the girls had a tour by Arno of his 42 rescued dogs and 4 rescued burros.
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| Arno with One of His Favorites |
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| Big Fella |
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| Johanna, Lindsay and Leigh |
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| Johanna & Lindsay with the Burros |
Tuesday - A Little Sunshine
Another morning of Spanish class for the girls and riding for me. Then I picked them up and we came home, ate lunch and the sun was out. So the girls headed for the pool. Grandpa stayed home in charge while I headed to church for a committee meeting and then I had to give Harold a ride home. When I got home - the girls were STILL in the pool. So they were in and out for over 2 hours. They finally got out and it was getting cloudy again. Johanna had a little fainting spell - too much sun, altitude and exertion, I think. But she was fine in just a few minutes so that turned out o.k. but a little scary at the moment. She had quite a sunburn on her face.
We decided to try out a brand new restaurant nearby - "Chicago Style". They had Chicago - hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Corned Beef and deep dish pizza - sounded really good. The Weicker's decided to join us and we had a really nice time and had extra samples of things on the house as it was the first week and their Grand Opening wasn't going to be until Friday. Harold had a hot dog, Carol a hamburger and the 4 of us shared a deep dish pizza - half Italian sausage and half pepperoni. In addition they gave us an Italian beef sandwich in 5 pieces, to sample and some french fries. We shared a couple of pieces of chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert. Everything was pretty good - not as good as the real thing in Chicago but not bad at all for the middle of Mexico. We all left stuffed and brought home part of the pizza.
We decided to try out a brand new restaurant nearby - "Chicago Style". They had Chicago - hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Corned Beef and deep dish pizza - sounded really good. The Weicker's decided to join us and we had a really nice time and had extra samples of things on the house as it was the first week and their Grand Opening wasn't going to be until Friday. Harold had a hot dog, Carol a hamburger and the 4 of us shared a deep dish pizza - half Italian sausage and half pepperoni. In addition they gave us an Italian beef sandwich in 5 pieces, to sample and some french fries. We shared a couple of pieces of chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert. Everything was pretty good - not as good as the real thing in Chicago but not bad at all for the middle of Mexico. We all left stuffed and brought home part of the pizza.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday - More Rain
Yes, another rainy day - light rain, though. Today was the first day of Spanish classes at Josefina's Language School. Josefina came from humble roots in San Miguel but through hard work and perseverance, she obtained an education and eventually started this school where Mexicans come to learn English and Foreigners come to learn Spanish. The school has an excellent reputation and lovely facilities. Since the girls were the only teens starting as beginners this week, they had a teacher all to themselves for two hours. When I picked them up at 11 they were both pleased with the class. They will continue every day this week with a 2 hour class every morning.
On the way home we stopped at the MEGA grocery store and picked up more supplies.
Back at home we had lunch and then grandpa helped Johanna a little with math. Then she practiced her violin and Lindsay worked on some crafts projects. For dinner I made Egg Foo Yung - neither Johanna or Lindsay had it before but both said they liked it - and, indeed, they cleaned their plates.
For entertainment tonight we played a game of Sequence which Johanna and I as partners won.
On the way home we stopped at the MEGA grocery store and picked up more supplies.
Back at home we had lunch and then grandpa helped Johanna a little with math. Then she practiced her violin and Lindsay worked on some crafts projects. For dinner I made Egg Foo Yung - neither Johanna or Lindsay had it before but both said they liked it - and, indeed, they cleaned their plates.
For entertainment tonight we played a game of Sequence which Johanna and I as partners won.
Weekend Activities
Well, the weather is not all that much better but we will make the best of it.
Grandpa arrived home Friday night around 10 - he reported that a good and relaxing time was had at the Weicker's home in Merida. The girls were happy to see him.
This morning the girls and I went to the Aurora Carniceria in La Luz (that's a meat market) and bought some chicken legs and a couple of kilos of ground beef. I wanted a pork loin roast (Johanna offered to make a roast with Lindsay's help for dinner tonight). Alberto did not have one on hand but he got on his cell phone right away and jabbered with someone for about 5 minutes and then reported that he would have our roast around 11:30. He gave me his card and got our phone number in case there was a problem getting it.
John and I had to buy some fencing materials for the gardening project in Sosnavar so we left the girls home (not enough room in the car) and went to Don Pedro for the supplies. On the way back we stopped again at the meat market and Alberto had a lovely roast ready for us.
Back at home we made chocolate chip cookies and later on the girls prepared the pork roast with vegetables - all in one roasting pan. When it was almost ready, they did a lovely job of setting a "fancy" table include place cards. We enjoyed a great dinner - Thank you Johanna and Lindsay!
SUNDAY
This morning we went to church and sang in the choir. We all enjoyed singing and listening to Rev. Harold's sermon on The Lord's Prayer. Afterward, we visited with our church goers and then went home. It was still, unfortunately, rainy. But, I had heard from my friend Betty, that Peppa, the red heeler, had her puppies Saturday and she invited us over to see them. So off we went to the Canales Equestrian Center where Betty lives. We had a tour of the facilities - meeting all the horses and giving out carrots and we went in the stall where Peppa and her puppies were. She allowed us all to cuddle her puppies while Betty changed the bedding. Well, it was still rainy so Betty suggested we play BINGO - she even had some little prizes. We played 3 or 4 games and everyone went home with a prize - including grandma.
After dinner, the girls had computer time and watched a streaming Netflix movie.
Grandpa arrived home Friday night around 10 - he reported that a good and relaxing time was had at the Weicker's home in Merida. The girls were happy to see him.
This morning the girls and I went to the Aurora Carniceria in La Luz (that's a meat market) and bought some chicken legs and a couple of kilos of ground beef. I wanted a pork loin roast (Johanna offered to make a roast with Lindsay's help for dinner tonight). Alberto did not have one on hand but he got on his cell phone right away and jabbered with someone for about 5 minutes and then reported that he would have our roast around 11:30. He gave me his card and got our phone number in case there was a problem getting it.
John and I had to buy some fencing materials for the gardening project in Sosnavar so we left the girls home (not enough room in the car) and went to Don Pedro for the supplies. On the way back we stopped again at the meat market and Alberto had a lovely roast ready for us.
Back at home we made chocolate chip cookies and later on the girls prepared the pork roast with vegetables - all in one roasting pan. When it was almost ready, they did a lovely job of setting a "fancy" table include place cards. We enjoyed a great dinner - Thank you Johanna and Lindsay!
Table Set for Dinner
The Roast & Veggiesd
The Diners Minus the Picture Taker (Grandma)
SUNDAY
This morning we went to church and sang in the choir. We all enjoyed singing and listening to Rev. Harold's sermon on The Lord's Prayer. Afterward, we visited with our church goers and then went home. It was still, unfortunately, rainy. But, I had heard from my friend Betty, that Peppa, the red heeler, had her puppies Saturday and she invited us over to see them. So off we went to the Canales Equestrian Center where Betty lives. We had a tour of the facilities - meeting all the horses and giving out carrots and we went in the stall where Peppa and her puppies were. She allowed us all to cuddle her puppies while Betty changed the bedding. Well, it was still rainy so Betty suggested we play BINGO - she even had some little prizes. We played 3 or 4 games and everyone went home with a prize - including grandma.
Peppa & Puppies - 1 day old
Betty & Sissy with Johanna & Lindsay
Secreto - Stallion at Canales Equestrian Center
Geek Girl at Betty's
Another Geek Girl at Betty's
After dinner, the girls had computer time and watched a streaming Netflix movie.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Rain! We Needed It.
Well, activities are a little slowed down because we had rain all day. I had to make a run out to the Rancho but the girls stayed home. It rained just about all day. So, we found home activities like baking chocolate chip cookies and finishing up the dog bed. The dogs love their new lounge. The girls watched "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" - Johanna had seen it a number of times before but Lindsay hadn't.
We left early for Turkkan's concert so that we could eat at the Dragon Restaurant. We all had Moo Shu - shrimp, beef and pork. We brought more than 1/2 of it home but it was really good.
Got to the concert in between rain showers so at least we did not get wet. The concert was a benefit for Katie Walsh who is 99 yrs old and now staying with Maggie Hutchins and her partner Gene. She is out of money so the concert raised a little to help pay off her previous 24/7 help she had at the Quinta Loreto. Anyhow, about 75 or 80 people (rough estimate) were there. The concert was very good - two singers - soprano and baritone, accompanied by Ann Riley on the organ. Plus, Turkkan played two pieces accompanied on piano by Liz Stone. They had the pews turned around to face the organ loft and singers so we sat right in the front row so we had a good view of the loft and were right there by Turkkan. Fortunately, it was not raining when the concert was over and it was not dark yet. Grandpa wasn't home yet - probably the rain slowed down the bus from Mexico City.
Hoping for better weather tomorrow.
Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies
We left early for Turkkan's concert so that we could eat at the Dragon Restaurant. We all had Moo Shu - shrimp, beef and pork. We brought more than 1/2 of it home but it was really good.
Got to the concert in between rain showers so at least we did not get wet. The concert was a benefit for Katie Walsh who is 99 yrs old and now staying with Maggie Hutchins and her partner Gene. She is out of money so the concert raised a little to help pay off her previous 24/7 help she had at the Quinta Loreto. Anyhow, about 75 or 80 people (rough estimate) were there. The concert was very good - two singers - soprano and baritone, accompanied by Ann Riley on the organ. Plus, Turkkan played two pieces accompanied on piano by Liz Stone. They had the pews turned around to face the organ loft and singers so we sat right in the front row so we had a good view of the loft and were right there by Turkkan. Fortunately, it was not raining when the concert was over and it was not dark yet. Grandpa wasn't home yet - probably the rain slowed down the bus from Mexico City.
Hoping for better weather tomorrow.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Busy Fun Day
Well, normally the girls just fix themselves a bowl of cereal and juice but this morning since we were not going riding, I made a bacon and egg breakfast - enjoyed by all. Johanna got in her hour of practice and then we headed out on errands. First stop was to buy a big piece of foam for a new bed for Lucky and Chloe. Then we stopped at Josefina's Spanish School and after a tour of the place, we decided that the girls would have Spanish lessons next week - Monday through Friday from 9 to 11. From there we did some grocery shopping and also bought camouflage fabric for the dog bed.
Had leftover chili for lunch and then I got out the sewing machine and gave the girls a sewing lesson while I started on the cover for the dog bed. We had some leftover fabric so both had a chance to try a little sewing with the machine.
Time for choir practice - we got there a little early but it was o.k. because I had to set up the keyboard for our substitute choir director, Liz. Came straight home after practice and I made baked pork chops while the girls had their 1/2 hour on the computer.
It was another fun day. Tomorrow Grandpa comes home.
Johanna Practicing her Violin
Had leftover chili for lunch and then I got out the sewing machine and gave the girls a sewing lesson while I started on the cover for the dog bed. We had some leftover fabric so both had a chance to try a little sewing with the machine.
Time for choir practice - we got there a little early but it was o.k. because I had to set up the keyboard for our substitute choir director, Liz. Came straight home after practice and I made baked pork chops while the girls had their 1/2 hour on the computer.
It was another fun day. Tomorrow Grandpa comes home.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Blogger Grandma
Yes, I decided that since I am requiring our visiting granddaughters to write in a blog every day while they are here, I thought I should do one to preserve the memories of this one month they are spending in Mexico.
Lindsay (age 12) and Johanna (age 14) arrived on July 10th and will stay until August 10th. Lindsay lives in Colorado and Johanna in Texas. They are step-cousins and met for the first time on the plane from Houston to Leon. They have been here for 11 days now and are having a great time. And, of course, grandpa and I are thoroughly enjoying their visit.
The day after their arrival, they went to church with me and sang in the choir. And, they went to choir practice last week and will continue with choir and church while they are here. They are both enjoying the experience (even though it is an adult choir).
On Monday, the 3 of us went down to the central Jardin (square) to meet our friend Fred York who gives walking tours of the historic center of San Miguel. He gives these tours as a benefit for Patronato Pro Ninos which is a charity that helps poor Mexican children with medical problems. Fred gave us a private tour and we walked for almost 3 hours. The tour was informative and fun and both girls learned a lot about San Miguel.
They are taking dressage lessons on the longe line from me - on my horse Molly. Both girls are learning and enjoying their lessons. We have been going about every other day.
Of course, being pre-teen/teen girls, they love shopping. We have been to the Tuesday Market and the Sunday market and the Artisans market and the Ramirez Market. Grandma is getting a walking workout, that's for sure since they are not allowed to go anywhere without one of us tailing along.
Last week my friend Donna had her two grands, Hailey and Nick, visiting her so the 4 of them had quite a few fun get togethers. They especially enjoyed our pool and one day we went to the Xote hot springs water park - a wonderful place for the whole family. There are numerous pools and several slides - one of them quite high. The nice thing about it compared to water parks in the US is that there are no lines. They probably went down the big slide 20 times. And, you can bring your own picnic lunch so you don't have to buy food. The entrance fee for big kids and adults is 90 pesos and for seniors with an INAPAM card, it is only 45 pesos - what a deal!
Monday, grandpa John went to Merida with our friend Harold, who has a second home there. He'll be back on Friday.
Today we went to So Others May Eat - a program for poor elderly (mostly women) where they get a hot nutritious meal every Wednesday in the back patio of the main church - La Paroquia. Each person gets a liter of boxed milk to take home and the girls helped to distribute the milk. We also sang a song for the old people - requested by Antonette, who runs the program with her husband Joe. They go to our church and she requested that we sing the song we sang at church last Sunday, "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" (with choreography). That was fun. The girls really enjoyed the experience and want to go again next Wednesday.
Johanna has a violin lesson every Wednesday with Turkkan. Today, after her lesson, Julia and Emilia (Mexican bi-lingual girls in the neighborhood) came over to swim but it was raining so they are playing cards (Hand and Foot) instead.
Ok. so I am caught up with this grandma blog. More when there is something to report.
Lindsay (age 12) and Johanna (age 14) arrived on July 10th and will stay until August 10th. Lindsay lives in Colorado and Johanna in Texas. They are step-cousins and met for the first time on the plane from Houston to Leon. They have been here for 11 days now and are having a great time. And, of course, grandpa and I are thoroughly enjoying their visit.
Lindsay & Johanna in Church
The day after their arrival, they went to church with me and sang in the choir. And, they went to choir practice last week and will continue with choir and church while they are here. They are both enjoying the experience (even though it is an adult choir).
On Monday, the 3 of us went down to the central Jardin (square) to meet our friend Fred York who gives walking tours of the historic center of San Miguel. He gives these tours as a benefit for Patronato Pro Ninos which is a charity that helps poor Mexican children with medical problems. Fred gave us a private tour and we walked for almost 3 hours. The tour was informative and fun and both girls learned a lot about San Miguel.
Johanna, Lindsay & Fred starting the tour in the Jardin
Comparing Pictures at the end of the Tour
They are taking dressage lessons on the longe line from me - on my horse Molly. Both girls are learning and enjoying their lessons. We have been going about every other day.
Lindsay on Molly
Of course, being pre-teen/teen girls, they love shopping. We have been to the Tuesday Market and the Sunday market and the Artisans market and the Ramirez Market. Grandma is getting a walking workout, that's for sure since they are not allowed to go anywhere without one of us tailing along.
Johanna & Lindsay at the Ramirez Market
Last week my friend Donna had her two grands, Hailey and Nick, visiting her so the 4 of them had quite a few fun get togethers. They especially enjoyed our pool and one day we went to the Xote hot springs water park - a wonderful place for the whole family. There are numerous pools and several slides - one of them quite high. The nice thing about it compared to water parks in the US is that there are no lines. They probably went down the big slide 20 times. And, you can bring your own picnic lunch so you don't have to buy food. The entrance fee for big kids and adults is 90 pesos and for seniors with an INAPAM card, it is only 45 pesos - what a deal!
Johanna & Lindsay with Hailey & Nick in Our Pool
More Pool Fun
The Big Slide at Xote
Today we went to So Others May Eat - a program for poor elderly (mostly women) where they get a hot nutritious meal every Wednesday in the back patio of the main church - La Paroquia. Each person gets a liter of boxed milk to take home and the girls helped to distribute the milk. We also sang a song for the old people - requested by Antonette, who runs the program with her husband Joe. They go to our church and she requested that we sing the song we sang at church last Sunday, "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" (with choreography). That was fun. The girls really enjoyed the experience and want to go again next Wednesday.
Johanna has a violin lesson every Wednesday with Turkkan. Today, after her lesson, Julia and Emilia (Mexican bi-lingual girls in the neighborhood) came over to swim but it was raining so they are playing cards (Hand and Foot) instead.
Ok. so I am caught up with this grandma blog. More when there is something to report.
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