We had passed by MariscoLandia restaurant many times. It is just down the street from our house. But it is such a tiny place, just two rooms, maybe 7 tables. And seafood this far from the ocean....could the seafood be good? We had talked to other people who had eaten there. They were still alive. So one day we decided to plunge in. We went, we ordered shrimp cocktails. The "chico" cocktail came in a "malted milk" glass cocked full of small delicious shrimp swimming in a wonderful cocktail sauce with onion, cilantro and avocado. Oh, so good. We too lived to tell of the experience. Since then we have gone back many times and ordered more shrimp cocktails or fish cooked many different ways. Always delicious and fresh. Oh, I forgot to mention the the next best thing about Marisco Landia, the prices...very, very reasonable.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
Construction - Week 4
Construction is moving right along but I don't think we will be finished in four more weeks. We are still in somewhat of a destruction mode. This week the roof over the stair well was taken out. That was one whole day with a sledge hammer. First one man would work with it....Bam, Bam, Bam, Bam. When he got tired another would go to work....Bam, Bam, Bam. And all the while inside the house pieces of the roof were falling down the stairs, and there was a cloud of dust.
We had hoped to keep the large built in storage piece that was at the top of the second floor landing but when we started laying out the stairs we found there would not be room for it and enough room for the stairs to make the turn to start to the new third floor terrace. More destruction to take it out.
It is quite amazing to see how the stairs are made. So far they have chipped out a trench in the brick about 4 inches high, braced a ramp along the side of the trench and, although we don't quite understand how it all works, they will form the stairs on the ramp. This view is from what was the door on the second floor landing. The old stairs from the living area are on the lower right and the ramp to the new terrace is on the left. Of course, the roof is gone....hope it doesn't rain this weekend.
Both of these show the second floor landing where the large built in cabinet was located. Above it you can see the forms for pouring the landing for the new terrace.
The other important thing that happened this week was from scoffolding such as this. They brace boards together, tie it to other boards or columns and make scaffolding. This particular one is about 2-1/2 stories high and from it they have plastered two sides of the new construction. Also all the inside railings of the new terrace were plastered this week.
The tile for the bathroom has been ordered and the new doors and windows should be arrive next week. Progress, yes but already at the end of the 4th week, it seems like we have been in a a construction zone forever.
We had hoped to keep the large built in storage piece that was at the top of the second floor landing but when we started laying out the stairs we found there would not be room for it and enough room for the stairs to make the turn to start to the new third floor terrace. More destruction to take it out.
It is quite amazing to see how the stairs are made. So far they have chipped out a trench in the brick about 4 inches high, braced a ramp along the side of the trench and, although we don't quite understand how it all works, they will form the stairs on the ramp. This view is from what was the door on the second floor landing. The old stairs from the living area are on the lower right and the ramp to the new terrace is on the left. Of course, the roof is gone....hope it doesn't rain this weekend.
Both of these show the second floor landing where the large built in cabinet was located. Above it you can see the forms for pouring the landing for the new terrace.
The other important thing that happened this week was from scoffolding such as this. They brace boards together, tie it to other boards or columns and make scaffolding. This particular one is about 2-1/2 stories high and from it they have plastered two sides of the new construction. Also all the inside railings of the new terrace were plastered this week.
The tile for the bathroom has been ordered and the new doors and windows should be arrive next week. Progress, yes but already at the end of the 4th week, it seems like we have been in a a construction zone forever.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
La Huerta
Today three of us headed out of town to La Huerta which is off the highway to Guanajuato. You make a sharp turn and descend on a rough dirt road just above the Laja River. At one time there were railroad tracks and when you enter a long narrow tunnel you can feel the ghosts of the old trains. Back out in the light and past an old railroad station now sitting without a roof and suddenly you are back on a paved road of sorts. We followed the road further up into the mountains until we came to the village of La Huerta.
By now you are probably asking why are you going to La Huerta. Well you don't really need a reason for an adventure but two of us had never been there. However, there was a reason. Casa Linda, a new charity in San Miguel, has started building one room houses for some Mexicans out in the campos who are living in basically what amounts to lean-to structures....I can't call them houses. Casa Linda has found a way to use materials at hand to build these new houses for about a $1,000 each. I can't stop thinking about what a difference it can make in a child's life to have a real house to live it.
While we were there we walked up the hill to see a huge old tree. The roots were gnarled along the top of the ground to the drip line of tree...a tenacious hold on life.
It is the dry season now and while there are still springs trickling from the hillsides it is very dusty and brown. I will go back to this town once the rainy season starts because I'm sure the mountains will be green and beautiful. But even more important, maybe in some way I can help build a house for someone who desperately needs it.
By now you are probably asking why are you going to La Huerta. Well you don't really need a reason for an adventure but two of us had never been there. However, there was a reason. Casa Linda, a new charity in San Miguel, has started building one room houses for some Mexicans out in the campos who are living in basically what amounts to lean-to structures....I can't call them houses. Casa Linda has found a way to use materials at hand to build these new houses for about a $1,000 each. I can't stop thinking about what a difference it can make in a child's life to have a real house to live it.
While we were there we walked up the hill to see a huge old tree. The roots were gnarled along the top of the ground to the drip line of tree...a tenacious hold on life.
It is the dry season now and while there are still springs trickling from the hillsides it is very dusty and brown. I will go back to this town once the rainy season starts because I'm sure the mountains will be green and beautiful. But even more important, maybe in some way I can help build a house for someone who desperately needs it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Dinner on Wednesday
I cooked at home tonight.
_Roasted pineapple salsa
-Braised chicken breast with onion and garlic
_Lentils with Pineapple and plantain
_Zucchini with tomatoes, corn and Chipotle chile
The Lentils and Zucchini recipes are from "Recipes & Secrets from 'el Buen Cafe' cookbook".
When I went shopping today the pineapples were sending out an overpowering smell. I had to buy one but there are just two of us in the house So I started thinking of how I would use it.
Somewhere I had read about a recipe for a roasted pineapple and ???? Salsa....
Don't know where the recipe is but that doesn't stop me. I cut up some of the pineapple and put it in the oven to roast. Later I added serrano, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt and a bit of pomegranate molasses. My son, the chef, says the pomegranate molasses should be a staple in every kitchen so I use it whenever I think there is a window of opportunity. Not too bad but the serrano is powerful.
The chicken recipe is nothing new but the other two side dishes to our dinner were. The lentil recipe has banana and pineapple in with the lentils....mmmm...not bad but I don't think this one is a keeper.
The zucchine recipe is one that you can play with on which veggies you put in but I think the next time I would use a serrano instead of a chipotle chili. Tomorrow what was left of it will go into a chicken soup.
Oh, exciting news, for the first time today I saw squash blossoms in the market. I'll be cooking something soon with them.
_Roasted pineapple salsa
-Braised chicken breast with onion and garlic
_Lentils with Pineapple and plantain
_Zucchini with tomatoes, corn and Chipotle chile
The Lentils and Zucchini recipes are from "Recipes & Secrets from 'el Buen Cafe' cookbook".
When I went shopping today the pineapples were sending out an overpowering smell. I had to buy one but there are just two of us in the house So I started thinking of how I would use it.
Somewhere I had read about a recipe for a roasted pineapple and ???? Salsa....
Don't know where the recipe is but that doesn't stop me. I cut up some of the pineapple and put it in the oven to roast. Later I added serrano, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt and a bit of pomegranate molasses. My son, the chef, says the pomegranate molasses should be a staple in every kitchen so I use it whenever I think there is a window of opportunity. Not too bad but the serrano is powerful.
The chicken recipe is nothing new but the other two side dishes to our dinner were. The lentil recipe has banana and pineapple in with the lentils....mmmm...not bad but I don't think this one is a keeper.
The zucchine recipe is one that you can play with on which veggies you put in but I think the next time I would use a serrano instead of a chipotle chili. Tomorrow what was left of it will go into a chicken soup.
Oh, exciting news, for the first time today I saw squash blossoms in the market. I'll be cooking something soon with them.
Mangos
I've been shooting from the hip again today. Carried the camera along when I walked into town. I kind of wandered into town, looked at furniture since we will have to furnish the new room and then I had to shop for dinner. First at Bonaza for some staples and then just a door or two up the street for fruits and vegetables. The mangos in this tiny market reminded of a recent blog from Cooking with Amy on April 11. Then on April 24, she posted a recipe for Frozen Mango Lassi.
By the way, for anyone just tuning in "shooting from the hip" means I don't lift the camera to my eye. I just shoot in the general direction I have it pointed to from where it hangs on my shoulder. Actually you make a lot of strange pictures this way but every once in a while, you get one that is interesting.
By the way, for anyone just tuning in "shooting from the hip" means I don't lift the camera to my eye. I just shoot in the general direction I have it pointed to from where it hangs on my shoulder. Actually you make a lot of strange pictures this way but every once in a while, you get one that is interesting.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Comida with friends
I'm sure you have heard of "Power Breakfast" or "Power Lunch" signifying a quick meal where important business connections and decisions are made. Well today I didn't have a Power Lunch but I did have a "powerful lunch" with five other women here in San Miguel. The luncheon was hosted by a friend. The variety of food was wonderful, starting with an amazing cold yellow pepper soup and finishing with a fruit tart. My friend's house is beautiful and furnished with collections of things she acquired while living in the Middle East now mixed with Mexican furniture and crafts.
These things alone could have made a lovely afternoon but it's value was much deeper. For over 3 hours I sat and talked with strong, talented women who are living vital lives and continue to look for ways to make a difference. We discussed some of the issues that San Miguel faces and how we can contribute. We discussed the work we are currently involved in. It was exciting to hear about each other and each ones points of view. Before the luncheon I knew some of the women as acquaintances but I left the luncheon feeling energized and more connected to them.
I've been thinking about how important my women friends are and it brought to mind a study I read about on the importance of friendship among women. The study indicates that the way women relate to each other, helps us deal with stress and can prolong life. The study seems to indicate that the way we relate may be due to the different hormones in our bodies.
This is all well and good but for me, I can't imagine life without women friends who bring so much from their own exciting lives into mine.
These things alone could have made a lovely afternoon but it's value was much deeper. For over 3 hours I sat and talked with strong, talented women who are living vital lives and continue to look for ways to make a difference. We discussed some of the issues that San Miguel faces and how we can contribute. We discussed the work we are currently involved in. It was exciting to hear about each other and each ones points of view. Before the luncheon I knew some of the women as acquaintances but I left the luncheon feeling energized and more connected to them.
I've been thinking about how important my women friends are and it brought to mind a study I read about on the importance of friendship among women. The study indicates that the way women relate to each other, helps us deal with stress and can prolong life. The study seems to indicate that the way we relate may be due to the different hormones in our bodies.
This is all well and good but for me, I can't imagine life without women friends who bring so much from their own exciting lives into mine.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
ATM Scam
We've been scammed....but so have lots of other people here in San Miguel de Allende. From what we have read on the local email group, the scamming operation was well organized and widespread in Mexico.
Last Monday morning Ned went to get cash from the ATM. It wouldn't let him have any and told him that we had insufficient funds. Shock! Then you think, it is just another hiccup of the ATM's in Mexico. He called me from the centro and I went on line and looked at the USA bank account. Yes, there was plenty of money BUT there were two withdrawals totalling almost $825 on that Monday, April 18. Whoa! What is going on?
I immediately called our bank and after punching thru 1 and 2's I finally was able to speak to a person. Yes, they could see the withdrawals but they did not have any information at that minute as to whether they were from point-of-sale or ATM transactions. It would be 24 hours before they had additional information on the transactions. They kept asking me if we had the debit card, if we had the PIN number written on it, if my husband had a card, if we gave out our PIN number to anyone, if, if, if ???? I guess I finally convinced them that we had one card and it was in our possession. They cancelled the current card and would send another one. And they gave me a case number and the fraud telephone number.
When we talked to Fraud, we again went thru the litinany of questions but they seemed to be very knowledgeable about something going on with ATM's in Mexico although they would not give us specific information. As the week as gone on we have talked to several other people who had the same thing happen to them. It has to be an inside job for the thieves to be able to get card numbers and PIN numbers and it has to be well organized to duplicate cards and hit so many ATM's so quickly starting on a weekend.
We have been checking all our bank accounts and credit cards balances everyother day or so because of identity theft and scams. Now I guess we will be doing it everyday. And we will be cashing checks at Intercam instead of using the ATM....until someone figures out a way to crack them too. What is this world coming to?
Last Monday morning Ned went to get cash from the ATM. It wouldn't let him have any and told him that we had insufficient funds. Shock! Then you think, it is just another hiccup of the ATM's in Mexico. He called me from the centro and I went on line and looked at the USA bank account. Yes, there was plenty of money BUT there were two withdrawals totalling almost $825 on that Monday, April 18. Whoa! What is going on?
I immediately called our bank and after punching thru 1 and 2's I finally was able to speak to a person. Yes, they could see the withdrawals but they did not have any information at that minute as to whether they were from point-of-sale or ATM transactions. It would be 24 hours before they had additional information on the transactions. They kept asking me if we had the debit card, if we had the PIN number written on it, if my husband had a card, if we gave out our PIN number to anyone, if, if, if ???? I guess I finally convinced them that we had one card and it was in our possession. They cancelled the current card and would send another one. And they gave me a case number and the fraud telephone number.
When we talked to Fraud, we again went thru the litinany of questions but they seemed to be very knowledgeable about something going on with ATM's in Mexico although they would not give us specific information. As the week as gone on we have talked to several other people who had the same thing happen to them. It has to be an inside job for the thieves to be able to get card numbers and PIN numbers and it has to be well organized to duplicate cards and hit so many ATM's so quickly starting on a weekend.
We have been checking all our bank accounts and credit cards balances everyother day or so because of identity theft and scams. Now I guess we will be doing it everyday. And we will be cashing checks at Intercam instead of using the ATM....until someone figures out a way to crack them too. What is this world coming to?
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Construction - Week 3
We have a roof!
A lot was accomplished this week although at times it seemed nothing was happening. But everything was geared to being able to pour the roof by the end of the week.
Besides pouring more supports and beams, they put up a structure to hold the form for the roof. It is held up with 4x4's sitting on bricks or wood pieces and shimmed to the right heigth with slivers of wood. Some of the 4x4's are wired to the wall but it is amazing to me that the whole thing doesn't fall down from the weight of the rebar, cement and men.
We have seen construction crews use small electric cement mixers but our crew did it all by hand using the shovel to turn the mix over and over. Then the mix is shoveled into buckets, lifted to the shoulders and carried up handmade ramps to the roof. Our roof is about 25 feet high. Carry up a bucket and back down, another bucket and back up again, over and over until the roof is done. If you want to see more of the construction photographs you will find them here
A lot was accomplished this week although at times it seemed nothing was happening. But everything was geared to being able to pour the roof by the end of the week.
Besides pouring more supports and beams, they put up a structure to hold the form for the roof. It is held up with 4x4's sitting on bricks or wood pieces and shimmed to the right heigth with slivers of wood. Some of the 4x4's are wired to the wall but it is amazing to me that the whole thing doesn't fall down from the weight of the rebar, cement and men.
We have seen construction crews use small electric cement mixers but our crew did it all by hand using the shovel to turn the mix over and over. Then the mix is shoveled into buckets, lifted to the shoulders and carried up handmade ramps to the roof. Our roof is about 25 feet high. Carry up a bucket and back down, another bucket and back up again, over and over until the roof is done. If you want to see more of the construction photographs you will find them here
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Interpretations
When I saw this Jesus Santos in a village church outside of Oaxaca, my first thought was "Jesus in a box." What is Jesus doing in this little decorated box? This is something I need to photograph. Then I saw the little worm soap dish thing in the lower left hand corner and I knew I HAD to photograph it. One of the things that has drawn me to the Mexican churches is the mix of the religious/secular/ordinary. Often you find beautiful old Santos and the flowers at the feet of the Saint are in gallon cans that held canned jalapenos...with the label still on the can. But the worm with his goofy face sitting under this tortured Jesus just had to be photographed. When I developed the negative and was first trying to print it, things kept going thru my head about the Jesus in a box thing. Putting religious lives in compartments, leaving Jesus in the box of the church rather than as a part of daily life, etc. So after I had it printed and one of my sons looked at it, he said, "Mom, you shot Jesus on the toilet." This is something I had not seen or thought of at all now I can't look at the image without that thought going thru my mind.
It is surprising what we see in an image because we all bring our own life experiences to interpret what we look at.
In my photography collection I have an image of Linda Butler's from her Shaker series. The image is of some knit gloves. Everytime I look at that image I think of the way my mother's hands smelled when she helped me get dressed when I was a little girl. My mother didn't wear knit gloves. I don't know why that image brings this memory to mind but it does.
Sometimes it is interesting to find out what other people see in an image so I asked some friends what they saw in this Jesus and got even more interpretations.
Chip Simone said: "With no disrespect intended, this picture calls to mind the final scene from the play "Lenny" about Lenny Bruce. I saw it in NYC many years ago but vividly recall the end. Bruce, a heroin addict, was among a number of junkies in NYC that were sold a dangerously potent batch of the drug. Junkies began to die from it and the police tracked down the pusher to get names of his customers. The was in the day when Bruce was reviled by the authorities. "According to the play" the police deliberately kept the information from Bruce who fell victim to the drug. This is a round about way of talking about this image. In fact, Bruce's body was found in his bathroom near the toilet. In the very last scene of the play he was seated on the toilet leaning to one side, very much like the Christ figure is seen here... "
Another friend, Paul Ruby saw a couple of different interpretations: " What an odd gesture the Jesus icon has. The wall paper and the turtle soap dish at his feet and his seating position makes it look like he is listening to the stall next to him. See the way his hand is? He's trying to hear the conversation the person on the cell fone in the next stall is having. As far as Mexican Jesus icons go this one is different. I'd bet that the maker of the icon had the idea of Jesus listening to a confession. I've seen a priest cop that gesture in the confessional. "
What did you see?
Monday, April 18, 2005
Harry's New Orleans Cafe
Over the weekend we finally ate at Harry's New Orleans Cafe. No, we didn't fly to New Orleans for the weekend, Harry's is here in San Miguel de Allende. They have been here for a number of years but we have never eaten there because we couldn't reconcile eating Cajun in Mexico. Another reason is we never see any Mexicans in the bar or restaurant....only Americans. Also can't reconcile just eating with Americans when we are in Mexico.
The bar is a happening place, usually with a good number of singles doing the bar thing. But the restaurant is away from the bar and in several rooms.
The food was good, veal shanks, grilled salmon and creamed spinach, shrimp and pasta, soups and salads. I hear they also make a good hamburger. While we enjoyed it, we'll probably stick to our Mexican restaurants. I mean, after all we are in Mexico.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Dinner
We've been seeing friends and eating out and I wanted to stay home and eat in. But I had not been to the markets and sometimes you have to go with what you have. Tonight it was a fettucine chicken "thing" because I had some chicken thighs and legs and I had fettucine and I had a few vegetables.
I deboned the chicken and cut it in bite sized pieces.
Sauteed it in olive oil until it was beginning to brown.
Removed it from the skillet and added one medium chopped onion, one cut up zucchine, 2 cut up tomatoes and some garlic.
Cooked the veggies until slightly soft.
Added the chicken back in the skillet.
Added salt, fresh ground pepper, some crushed red pepper and wine.
Cooked until the chicken was tender and the wine cooked down.
Added some crema. Crema here is different than whipping cream in the USA...almost like soft butter.
Served over pasta.
Made a salad with red tip lettuce.
Sent Ned out for rolls. Opened some wine.........
Good dinner.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Construction - Week 2
This week brought more pounding and demolition but it also included walls and poured concrete vertical and horizontal supports. The image you see was on Friday morning before they poured the support at the top of the wall. On Thursday while they were knocking out that "hole" we had debris falling down the stairs. And just in case you are wondering about the vertical 4x4....it is "standing" on bricks and it is holding up the roof of the stairwell. If you want to see the rest of the progress from the week go to flickr You might want to go thru the pictures individually rather than as a slide show so that you can read the explanation of what you are seeing.
One good thing that came during the night was the idea of eliminating the door at the top of the stairs and knocking out as much of the wall as we can at the landing. I had been worried about the choppy spaces at the top of the stairs but with no door and about 6 feet of wall gone, it becomes a much better open space. Even the architect liked the idea!
One good thing that came during the night was the idea of eliminating the door at the top of the stairs and knocking out as much of the wall as we can at the landing. I had been worried about the choppy spaces at the top of the stairs but with no door and about 6 feet of wall gone, it becomes a much better open space. Even the architect liked the idea!
Friday, April 15, 2005
Dexter Austin Mercer
For all the family and friends who have been waiting to see Dexter Austin Mercer, born April 1, 2005, the time is now. This first one was taken just minutes after he was born and the rest within a week. Today is his 2 week birthday and he now weighs 8 pounds and 4 ounces. That boy is chowing down.
These photographs were taken by Dexter's Mom and Dad and sent to me via the internet....now, I'm passing them on to you. Isn't technology amazing
Jacaranda Tree
In late March and April, the Jacaranda trees bloom. The color is a purple but it is a color that is like the Texas bluebonnet....you just can't capture the color that your eye sends to your brain. The purple against the blue San Miguel sky is so beautiful. When you look across the city from a terrace and see the splotches of jacaranda blossoms against the ochres, terracottas, and reds of the buildings and the green of the other trees, it is breathtaking.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
La Palapa Restaurant
La Palapa Restaurant is an open-sided tent that sits behind a cyclone fence where the ambiance is laid-back....old CD's, stacks of old magazines and good food. Although they serve hamburgers and hotdogs, the speciality is fish tacos. I say "tacos" because you can't eat just one. 
Along with the tacos they also serve salsa Mexicana and a wonderful green sauce that is a secret recipe. We like to order cole slaw along with the fish tacos....some to eat and some to top off the tacos. Add a cold cerveza and what more could you ask for.
From what I hear Fish tacos originated on Mexico's west coast and traveled up the coast line becoming a popular treat in San Diego. Now you can find them in many places. Nancy and Jeff Gerlach document their search for the perfect fish taco, Baja-Style. I've watched the "chef" at La Palapa cooking the tacos and I think that their recipe comes closest to the way he prepares them. If you are interested in fish tacos, I think you will enjoy this whole article as well as the recipe for the fish tacos and salsas to serve with them.
By the way, if the fish tacos at La Palapa aren't enough, they also have some of the best carrot cake in town.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Mariachis
For the last year and a half, I've been trying to capture the "fun" of the mariachis in the jardin at night. There are lots of groups of them who stand around in the park waiting for a gig. It is always fun when someone comes along and pays them to play.
Photographically it isn't easy to photograph them. The lights are crazy. Many different kinds of lighting and at such terrible angles that it seems like it is impossible to avoid getting them in any image that you make. Then of course there is the fact that the light is dim, you are shooting at 800 or 1600 ISO so the images are grainy. Nevertheless, I haven't given up.
One of the first nights I shot them was a rainy night and there were not a lot of people in the jardin that night. At first they were playing under the trees but soon moved under the arches of the portico to escape the drizzle. There was a group of Mexicans who were having such a good time dancing to the Mariachi music. I keep hoping that I'll find the Mariachis again on an off night but with another group dancing to their music.
Today when I put some of these images on Flickr.com, I was blogged on Flickrzen. This is the second time they have chosen one of my images for the day. Fun!
Take a look at the whole Mariachi set. I'll be adding some more so check back from time to time.
Photographically it isn't easy to photograph them. The lights are crazy. Many different kinds of lighting and at such terrible angles that it seems like it is impossible to avoid getting them in any image that you make. Then of course there is the fact that the light is dim, you are shooting at 800 or 1600 ISO so the images are grainy. Nevertheless, I haven't given up.
One of the first nights I shot them was a rainy night and there were not a lot of people in the jardin that night. At first they were playing under the trees but soon moved under the arches of the portico to escape the drizzle. There was a group of Mexicans who were having such a good time dancing to the Mariachi music. I keep hoping that I'll find the Mariachis again on an off night but with another group dancing to their music.
Today when I put some of these images on Flickr.com, I was blogged on Flickrzen. This is the second time they have chosen one of my images for the day. Fun!
Take a look at the whole Mariachi set. I'll be adding some more so check back from time to time.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
April and Photography
A couple of significant things have happened in regard to photography during the first two weeks of April. One is personal and the other is a public event.
On April 1st, Adobe announced Photoshop CS2. From reading about the new features, I don't see this as a major upgrade except for the transition of the File Browser to Bridge. Although I used File Browser, it seemed to me that my Mac friends had better Browser/file management options. But maybe that is because I didn't try out all the PC options and I didn't do that because I never heard or read about anyone who raved enough about the product they were using to convince me to download or pay for a program. So this part of the upgrade and the upgrades to Camera Raw may be worth the money.
The other thing that is significant for me personally is I'm buying an Epson 4000 printer. I've thought about it since it was announced but the cost of the printer plus also needing additional software like ImagePrint to be able to produce good B&W work that doesn't have unwanted color casts was more money than I wanted to spend. But several things fell into place that made it possible.
Epson is running a rebate.
The vendor also reduced the cost of the printer and is paying for the shipping.
I've gotten some very good reports about the B&W output from Roy Harrington's Quadtone RIP. QTR is a very reasonably priced shareware program that I understand now has a good interface....so maybe even I can use it.
On April 1st, Adobe announced Photoshop CS2. From reading about the new features, I don't see this as a major upgrade except for the transition of the File Browser to Bridge. Although I used File Browser, it seemed to me that my Mac friends had better Browser/file management options. But maybe that is because I didn't try out all the PC options and I didn't do that because I never heard or read about anyone who raved enough about the product they were using to convince me to download or pay for a program. So this part of the upgrade and the upgrades to Camera Raw may be worth the money.
The other thing that is significant for me personally is I'm buying an Epson 4000 printer. I've thought about it since it was announced but the cost of the printer plus also needing additional software like ImagePrint to be able to produce good B&W work that doesn't have unwanted color casts was more money than I wanted to spend. But several things fell into place that made it possible.
Epson is running a rebate.
The vendor also reduced the cost of the printer and is paying for the shipping.
I've gotten some very good reports about the B&W output from Roy Harrington's Quadtone RIP. QTR is a very reasonably priced shareware program that I understand now has a good interface....so maybe even I can use it.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Fiesta
One of the things I'm learning to love more and more about Mexico is Comida. It is the main meal for the Mexicans, served in the early afternoon.
Some friends gave a lovely fiesta in their garden that is surrounded by the house with deep porticos that are furnished with tables where you can sit and eat or deep couches that you can sink into and talk.
First we had many snacks; shrimp, salsas, salmon, tomato on bread with cheese and basil, olives, nuts and maybe even some things I didn't get to sample. Later the comida was served; pork loin with a green salsa, pasta salad, green salads, hotdogs, potato salad and paella.
And much later after we are all sinking into the couches and chairs, out came huge platters of fresh fruits for dessert.
Dare anyone ask why we love Mexico?
Some friends gave a lovely fiesta in their garden that is surrounded by the house with deep porticos that are furnished with tables where you can sit and eat or deep couches that you can sink into and talk.
First we had many snacks; shrimp, salsas, salmon, tomato on bread with cheese and basil, olives, nuts and maybe even some things I didn't get to sample. Later the comida was served; pork loin with a green salsa, pasta salad, green salads, hotdogs, potato salad and paella.
And much later after we are all sinking into the couches and chairs, out came huge platters of fresh fruits for dessert.
Dare anyone ask why we love Mexico?
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Altar for the Pope
By the Parroquia church in San Miguel people have made an altar to honor Pope John Paul II. There are many bouquets of yellow and white flowers and thousands of votive candles.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Day 5
It is amazing what has been accomplished in just 5 days on the construction of a new office studio over the living area. You are looking at the new North wall in the center and another new wall on the right. The opening in the center will eventually be a 7 foot tall window with a tiny balcony that you can step out on to see what is happening in the street.
The plants that you see are in huge pots. I don't know how they can be moved from one floor to another but the Mexicans are amazing people. We think they have left them on this level, which was a flower filled terrace a week ago, and after the ceiling is poured for the new studio and the stairs are in place for the new 3rd floor terrace they will figure out how to move them to their new location.
The plants that you see are in huge pots. I don't know how they can be moved from one floor to another but the Mexicans are amazing people. We think they have left them on this level, which was a flower filled terrace a week ago, and after the ceiling is poured for the new studio and the stairs are in place for the new 3rd floor terrace they will figure out how to move them to their new location.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Vicente's
A trip to Dolores Hidalgo always means a stop at Vicente's for comida. Vicente's speciality is carnitas which are a braised pork. There are many recipes and this is but one. Some recipes call for the pork to be cooked in a sauce but I prefer them plain. The meat is cut into chunks and served with beans, tortillas and salsas and of course, a cold cerveza.
Vicente has several restaurants in Dolores Hidalgo but our favorite is the original and largest at Calzada Mariano Balleza #65. There are always people in the restaurant not only at tables but also at the counter for "para levar" take out. And most of the time you will find some musicians to seranade you while you eat.
Day 3
Scaffolding, Mexican style. They are building the brick wall, standing on this scaffold. The end of the board extending to the left is resting on the top of a wall. The board that goes under the plank that extends to the left is resting in a hole they have punched into the wall. The upright brace is wired to the horizontal plank. It is the way we have seen them build scaffolds before and it works. I'm not even going to think about OSHA regulations from the USA (Occupational Safety and Health Act).
Watching how they go about this construction is a lesson in ingenuity. The workers have figured out how to get the job done with relatively little equipment other than a hammer, shovel, small sledgehammer and a chisel.
By the end of Day 3, the wall on the east side of the house was up and the wall of the new bathroom was about 3 feet high.
Watching how they go about this construction is a lesson in ingenuity. The workers have figured out how to get the job done with relatively little equipment other than a hammer, shovel, small sledgehammer and a chisel.
By the end of Day 3, the wall on the east side of the house was up and the wall of the new bathroom was about 3 feet high.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Day 2
This afternoon rock, sand, and bricks were unloaded right outside our front door in the street. Also in the street is all the rubble from the deconstruction. The street is difficult enough to navigate under normal circumstances but our piles of building materials make it even more difficult. Still the Mexicans just do it, they figure out how to get their cars and trucks thru spaces that may only have a few inches of clearance on each side.
Cement, calc and re-bar were also delivered but those materials are nicely stacked and reside on the portico inside the house.
The person on the truck unloading bricks looked to be a boy about 12 years old. He was working with his Father. You often see boys with their Fathers doing hard labor, learning a trade. Child labor? Yes, of course, that is what we would call it in the United States. Visions of lines of children in factories working long hours come to mind when we hear "child labor." But this is different in that the child is with family. And it this so different than the early days of the US when children worked the farms with parents. I just hope this child is also going to school, doesn't have to try to sneak into the United States to make enough money for his family, and has a good life.
The architect had told us that they would move the rubble but the workday ended and we thought that no one was coming. About 9 PM someone came, loaded their truck, knocked on the door and said they would return for the rest. They did about 11 PM. Every night, I feel sorry for our neighbors. I know they will be glad when this project is complete.
Cement, calc and re-bar were also delivered but those materials are nicely stacked and reside on the portico inside the house.
The person on the truck unloading bricks looked to be a boy about 12 years old. He was working with his Father. You often see boys with their Fathers doing hard labor, learning a trade. Child labor? Yes, of course, that is what we would call it in the United States. Visions of lines of children in factories working long hours come to mind when we hear "child labor." But this is different in that the child is with family. And it this so different than the early days of the US when children worked the farms with parents. I just hope this child is also going to school, doesn't have to try to sneak into the United States to make enough money for his family, and has a good life.
The architect had told us that they would move the rubble but the workday ended and we thought that no one was coming. About 9 PM someone came, loaded their truck, knocked on the door and said they would return for the rest. They did about 11 PM. Every night, I feel sorry for our neighbors. I know they will be glad when this project is complete.
Day 2
OSHA would be at our door in the United States. These men are three floors up and standing on a wall about 5 inches wide. Most of the deconstruction was completed today so maybe tomorrow will be a little quieter. We have no idea how they will manage the large wooden beam that is in front of their feet. It has to come out. But could probably be used as a part of the covered terrace on the 3rd floor. The same with the other wooden beam at the very bottom of the photograph. How will they get them down? Where will they store them? How will they get them up to the third floor? I guess we'll find out as the "plan" unfolds.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Banana Nut Bread from Buen Cafe recipe
I made a load of banana nut bread today. I'm using the recipe from Kris Rudolph owner of the Buen Cafe in San Miguel de Allende. It is really delicious with a real touch of sweetness.
Baking at 6500 ft. is a problem for this girl from sea level. I just haven't figured out the adjustments for some of my favorite recipes....like chocolate chip cookies. Oh, were they a disaster! But Kris developed the recipes for here so I can trust the ingredients.
I also made the Creamy Tomatillo Sauce from Kris' cookbook. It turned out pretty spicey and also made a lot of sauce. I made it to put on a pork loin that I cooked tonight. The sauce was delicious and very good with the pork. But I think I can adjust it with adding some extra avocado finely chopped or mashed and serve it with chips.
Baking at 6500 ft. is a problem for this girl from sea level. I just haven't figured out the adjustments for some of my favorite recipes....like chocolate chip cookies. Oh, were they a disaster! But Kris developed the recipes for here so I can trust the ingredients.
I also made the Creamy Tomatillo Sauce from Kris' cookbook. It turned out pretty spicey and also made a lot of sauce. I made it to put on a pork loin that I cooked tonight. The sauce was delicious and very good with the pork. But I think I can adjust it with adding some extra avocado finely chopped or mashed and serve it with chips.
Day 1
It has begun. I don't know whether to call it construction or deconstruction. Today it was deconstruction. Above the living area in our house in San Miguel, we are building another room. We are calling it an office/studio. That seems simple enough but it means that we have to move all the plants and furniture that has been happily residing on the terrace and deconstruct the covered terrace and the laundry room and then construct a new landryroom, bathroom and the studio space with a fireplace and some closet space. Then the stairs that will go to the new 3rd floor terrace.
Over the weekend we moved as much stuff as we could, including all the artwork that was hung in the stairwell. We just didn't know how in the world they would move all the big plants that were on the terrace and take down the beams that held up the terrace tiles. But we shouldn't have worried. The Mexicans are strong and very smart in figuring out how to do contruction.
The crew arrived at 8:30 this morning and by 9:30, with much whistling and singing all the plants were moved down to the patio except for three very large pots. We don't know what they will do about them but feel confident that they will figure it out.
The hammering and chipping started. The biggest problem was taking down the brick and cement columns that held up the tiles of the covered terrace. We feel very sorry for our neighbors....the noise was loud and continuous. But at the end of the day, the colums were down. We are amazed. Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow.
Over the weekend we moved as much stuff as we could, including all the artwork that was hung in the stairwell. We just didn't know how in the world they would move all the big plants that were on the terrace and take down the beams that held up the terrace tiles. But we shouldn't have worried. The Mexicans are strong and very smart in figuring out how to do contruction.
The crew arrived at 8:30 this morning and by 9:30, with much whistling and singing all the plants were moved down to the patio except for three very large pots. We don't know what they will do about them but feel confident that they will figure it out.
The hammering and chipping started. The biggest problem was taking down the brick and cement columns that held up the tiles of the covered terrace. We feel very sorry for our neighbors....the noise was loud and continuous. But at the end of the day, the colums were down. We are amazed. Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Rinconcita
Just a block away from our house in San Miguel de Allende is a small restaurant called Rinconcita. Miguel and Mercedes own the restaurant and they both speak English. We first found them years ago when we rented a house just around the corner. Rinconcita is one of our favorite places for a relaxing Comida or Cena. I'm sure it would be a favorite breakfast place too if they opened before 1:00 PM. Not only is the food excellent but the place is kept spotless.
My favorite things on their menu are the bacon wrapped shrimp that you see here and the beef tacos with pineapple. But we've sampled it all and any choice on the menu is a good one.
My favorite things on their menu are the bacon wrapped shrimp that you see here and the beef tacos with pineapple. But we've sampled it all and any choice on the menu is a good one.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Private moment in public
On Thursday we went to Queretaro to shop at WalMart and Costco. I decided to take the camera along and try shooting from the hip...not raising the camera to my eye but just seeing what I could get from aiming in the general direction.
It was fun! Sometimes I'm so serious about photography and in a way it is like shooting with the holga, you don't know what you'll get. There are no expectations of making serious "Art." There is a feeling of play. And play I did. I found that WalMart is better lit than Costco and with more interesting spaces. I loved the floor tiles in the vegetable department. They added another dimension to the images. Maybe next time I'll be even braver.
It was fun! Sometimes I'm so serious about photography and in a way it is like shooting with the holga, you don't know what you'll get. There are no expectations of making serious "Art." There is a feeling of play. And play I did. I found that WalMart is better lit than Costco and with more interesting spaces. I loved the floor tiles in the vegetable department. They added another dimension to the images. Maybe next time I'll be even braver.
Dexter Austin Mercer
Dexter Austin Mercer arrived in this world yesterday morning about 7:51 AM. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, 19-1/2 inches tall.
His father called us here in San Miguel about 7:30 to say that Susan was in labor and that they thought the baby would arrive in 4 to 6 hours. We were having breakfast 30 minutes later when he called back and said, "He is here." I couldn't believe it and thought maybe Jokester, Daddy Doug, was pulling an April Fools joke on us....but it wasn't so. Dexter was here. They say he looks like Maxwell except much smaller. Maxwell weighed over 9-1/2 pounds when he was born so they think Dexter is really small even though he is a normal size baby.
Susan feels fine. Dexter is doing all the baby things, sucking, pooping, peeing and sleeping. I'm sure he will get to the crying part soon as we gets over his journey into the world.
I talked to big brother Maxwell yesterday at the hospital. Max told me, "Mimi, come see my brother now." He sounded proud to be a big brother.
Doug and Susan are so thrilled and sound so, so happy. And we are excited to have another grandson. Now if Doug will just send us some pictures so we can see him.
His father called us here in San Miguel about 7:30 to say that Susan was in labor and that they thought the baby would arrive in 4 to 6 hours. We were having breakfast 30 minutes later when he called back and said, "He is here." I couldn't believe it and thought maybe Jokester, Daddy Doug, was pulling an April Fools joke on us....but it wasn't so. Dexter was here. They say he looks like Maxwell except much smaller. Maxwell weighed over 9-1/2 pounds when he was born so they think Dexter is really small even though he is a normal size baby.
Susan feels fine. Dexter is doing all the baby things, sucking, pooping, peeing and sleeping. I'm sure he will get to the crying part soon as we gets over his journey into the world.
I talked to big brother Maxwell yesterday at the hospital. Max told me, "Mimi, come see my brother now." He sounded proud to be a big brother.
Doug and Susan are so thrilled and sound so, so happy. And we are excited to have another grandson. Now if Doug will just send us some pictures so we can see him.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
The Pope died this afternoon. In San Miguel de Allende, it was very strange, at about the same time the electricity went off, Church bells started ringing all over the city. Not the usual announcement of time for Mass or the excited clamor of bells announcing processions. But continous slow clanging from every church. Since the electricity was off we couldn't turn on the television but we knew. The Pope was dead. We will go into the Centro a little later to see what is happening in this very Catholic town.
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