HOME CONCERT..GOODBYES...POOL

      Saturday Richard came over to see my place and meet for the Home Concert, first of Monthly gatherings in different homes with different entertainers for a small fee that goes to the musician.

Richard took time out of his hectic schedule to impart his wisdom as a stellar businessman to advise this talented lady on how it would be to her advantage to promote herself.

We arrived just in time to a small group of 20 people and a wonderful Jazz/Folk/Blues singer with an acoustic guitar.  We had a brief break for wine and snacks the host provided and at 6 pm we closed down and Richard and I went out for drinks,

Art gallery,

dinner

TUNA STEAK, SALAD, MASHED POTATO

, music,

more drinks...

We met an interesting couple visiting Mexico.  She lived in Copenhagen and he lived in Southwest England.  Young couple that had arrived in Oaxaca from the Nude Beach at Zipolete and were leaving after 5 days here to visit Mexico City.  I left for home and retired as soon as I arrived.

         Sunday I returned to the couple that makes such good food to sell...limited menu but quality take out food....Lasagna, Paella, Pork and Bean (it cooks for 24 hours), Fish in wine sauce with Mushrooms, Ceviche, Empanada Spinach or Tuna. 

         I arranged Happy Hour at Sabor Sabe, a nice Mexican restaurant with a good Bartender.  That is essential for Mezcalinis.  Like a Martini but with Mezcal and Jamaica, and a couple other things...it did taste good.  Halina and I have a tradition, of sort, that we try to get together and have Mezcalini's when we first arrive and before we depart...and sometimes in between.  Tonight was special because her girl friend Barbara visited Oaxaca with her this year.  Barbara is a wonderful lady so this Happy Hour was a Special one.  I thought they were leaving soon but it turns out we have time for another Mezcalini Happy Hour in another couple weeks.

HALINA AND BARBARA PAYING RESPECTS TO MANUEL FIALLO...NAMED MY STREET AFTER HIM.

      Today I dropped my shirts off to be laundered and pressed.  That is something that costs about the same in the US.  Then took the bus to Sam's Club to stock in the condo a bit so it will be easier on my return.  It was a hot day...in the high 80's.  I had some of the Pork and Beans Casserole then around 5pm, I walked up to pick up my Oaxaca Baseball Caps I special ordered.  Tomorrow they will be ready.  BUT YOU SAID...careful David...Monday and it is Tuesday evening...but no problema Manana is Buenos....it was a nice evening for a walk.  The Temperature went down with the sun.  I hope to visit the Stamp Museum tomorrow...be the first visit since I returned.  Awesome museum and art gallery.

          I have been enduring a security construction crew next door on the roof building a mura or wall around the roof.  We did have a break in to the compound and some tools and stuff were stolen so the Landlord changed to a double lock security on the gate and  adding the wall to keep people from scaling it and entering the compound.  If they do, they have to go out the same way they came and they couldn't take much up and down that ladder.  The noise has been disconcerting but now I think they have actually made it easy for them to enter on to my back porch and come in through the kitchen.  Now I have to lock my kitchen door??  Well I'm having some great Lasagna I bought Sunday with a great Mango Margarita, no salt as it's bad for you.  The Spinach Empanada was a great snack and the Pork and Beans was great comfort food and was gone immediately...Manana.  

I did get my Baseball "Oaxaca" Caps the next day on my return trip from the Stamp Museum.

These are Stamps from the different Provence of Spain with the Senoras in the dress of the Provence

 These are Stamps from the different Provence's in Oaxaca that produce Coffee Beans

 These are where the Stamps are stored...old, new, from every country in the world with every theme imaginable.  They are presented behind glass drawers that slide out from the vault they are arranged in.

The Vaults, about 12 in all , are categorized by themes of countries, continents, sports, plants, etc.

I stopped by the new Food Court I tried the other day just to see how they are progressing....much nicer but no customers!

  When I left to return home, one of the Main Thoroughfares that is seldom without traffic...had NONE and there was NO Roadblocks....It is the HEAT.  It may get into the 90's now but we are a mile high and the UV ratings were EXTREME.  Which is 11.9 +  the Maximum but they don't state the number...just +...so it could be 15 for 50...but you stay out of the sun.  Oaxaca's UV ratings are EXTREME most of the time even when it is cool.
       I met Tomas that evening for dinner at Tres Bistro this time.  He had some fish Tacos and washed them down with a few Martinis and I had the Salmon washed down with a few wines.
           

Tom waved Goodbye till next year.

Thursday and it was our last Dominoes game at the library.  I , of course, led the pack winning almost every game and clinching the Tournament until next year.  Richard leaves this coming week so that was the end of Dominoes without enough players.

There are a lot of Volkswagons in Mexico.  They have been manufactured here for years and Mexicans are great Mechanics.  They love their cars, especially VW's.  Many are vintage models dating back to 1960 and have Chome touches added along with modifications.

Friday I finally made it over to the Pool Hall through a bunch of little shops that surrounded the building.  I finally found the entrance to a Mattress Company then a stairway leading up to the two floors above that housed a very nice Pool, Card, Snooker Hall with well maintained tables, and Ques.

The Gringo group that play here are GOOD.  They use special Racks and the balls are imported from England....they keep them along with professional Que Sticks and extras for guests in a locker.  They play three times a week.

LOOKS LIKE A LINE UP...I THINK RICHARD LOOKS GUILTY.

My "lucky streak" carried over from Dominoes and my first game I beat Richard...then the second game I almost beat Bill....had none left and missed the Eight Ball for Bill to put in the pocket and win the game.  I will return.

                 I left to get some Yogurt and the way home and as I was cruising through the Zocalo I spied two Senoritas selling there Textiles in this HOT SUN...they covered themselves from the Sun as I took their Photo...Then I heard a yell...It was Darcy with Steve, another Canadian...I sat for a bit until Pat, Darcy's sister showed then picked up my Yogurt and headed home.

                  It was hot in the house too so later in the evening I returned to the Zocalo to have a wine and read....then a second wine and Chicken and Pasta.  Just as I was leaving, Hector my friend who had just got off work stopped by and we caught up on things.  He is doing well and looked good.  I think getting back to work put him back on track.  Much more jovial.

       Today I picked up some shirts I had pressed and cleaned, then ventured up a block and bought some Homemade Lasagna and Ceviche to take home.  He had some Fish Veracruz I couldn't resist.

I stocked it in my overflowing Refrigerator and am now preparing to go to Bill's 75 Birthday Blowout .  Richard is stopping by to drop off some things for storage until next year and we will take a cab to the pick up point.  He didn't get in early so the Hotel Van is full and he will continue to the Party in the Taxi.

ST PADDY'S DAY....AND THE FOLLOWING WEEK

Helen offered to take me out to dinner her last night in town. It was St Paddy's Day.  The Oaxacan State Band were playing at the Gazebo in the Zocalo, reminding me of summer concerts in Whitefield New Hampshire when I was a wee lad.     We went to Tres Bistro and had my usual Salmon while Helen had the fresh Red Snapper. Helen enjoyed a dessert while I enjoyed the complimentary Chocolates.

         It was St Paddy's Day but no one seemed to know it or care.  The Phoenix St Paddy's Day Parade has a contingent of San Patricios riding horses and wearing Sombreros along side of Mexicans.  The San Patricios , led my Captain John Reilly fought for Mexico against the US in the Mexican American War.  They were all captured and hung in Mexico City.
     
         The next day Helen woke me around 6 pm because she couldn't exit the new gate lock without a key.  She was worried about a taxi to the airport...one greeted her on the other side of the gate and helped with her luggage.
         I did nothing that day except a brief walk.

         Sunday I did go out and about to a Clandestine Food Stall in an alley where this elderly couple lived.  Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon they sell homemade Pork and Beans, Paella, Empanadas, Lasagna, and Pastries to go. I believe they are retirees from Santiago, Chili?   I bought the Lasagna and a bowl of the Pork and Beans.
       That afternoon took a taxi to Casa Colonial for another Jazz Concert. The music was good, the drinks were good, Bill and his Brother were enjoying their life of leisure,Halina, Margo, and Carol had front row seats, Teri joined Halina, the band played on, John found a seat , then Tadeo and Will had their usual seats,....LISTEN TO HER

The singer and band was very good but all Jazz, and no Blues make me ready for bed.  Zooey, a friend, was there and drove me back to the Zocalo where I walked home.There was another band playing.SEE THEM DANCE

 I had the Lasagna when I arrived...it was very good and I tasted the Pork and Beans that was also good.  Barbara took my photo and I took hers before I left Casa Colonial.

        Today was Benito Juarez's Birthday.  The only president to be honored with a National Holiday so many places were closed except the Textile Museum.  Helen had visited there and marveled on how nice it was.  I hadn't been this year so decided to do the tour.  It was nice.

        Now I get to have Pork and Beans...took 24 hours to make according to the Elderly gentleman that made it.  Took me 10 minutes to polish it off...hmmm good!

         Tuesday was uneventful.  This time of year it warms up so afternoons are for power naps..Mexicans call them Siestas.

I blew $3.50 (tip included) on late lunch at one on my favorite Mom and Pop Mexican Restaurants.

     Wednesday I dropped off the laundry then I checked out the neighborhood for the location of the home concert that Richard and I were going to on Saturday afternoon.

I THINK THIS IS THE PLACE

         Cabouche was close by so I stopped in for another Breakfast...

NICE NEW TABLECLOTHS ADDED A NICE TOUCH

Two Poached eggs on a Corn Tortilla one with Red Sauce and one with Green.  Very good.   I walked down the street to find place where my laundry recommended for pressing clothes.

   On my return to home, I found another one that was closer and it was the one I gave up on finding.

  This time of day the shadows are more pronounced then at other times of the year.  I also saw some new art work on the side streets that I hadn't noticed.

          The scheduled Dominoes game was cancelled for lack of people...last week it was me.  Milton didn't make it this week.  I have a lunch engagement with Peter this afternoon so I will get out of the house and try and walk there.  I've been very lazy lately. Yesterday the Governor visited the Zocalo...all the roads in and out were blocked with Police in Riot gear.  I noticed one had a bandalier on that was load with tear gas shells. 

      Darcy was at Importando. I joined him for a Hot Chocolate and a chat.  He said the police did use the tear gas to disperse about a thousand protesters they showed up to welcome the Governor. It was good to see him.  He was sharing his lunch with one of the street urchins that sell gum. I think she was around 9 or 10 and looked like she needed to go on a diet but the way she scarfed down Darcy's leftovers you wouldn't know it. 

     I met Peter at Atila's a restaurant , cooking school that seats about 10 people but has good food. We both had the Fish...it was good but we were both hungry after so walked down to pick up some bread at the bakery and have dessert there. I saw Peter last summer in Lee, Mass where he resides.  We had dinner then I returned to my cousins in Coxsackie where I was visiting.  We haven't seen each other since I arrived except for a Church Tour he led that was very interesting.  

     I told him about Panama and my father doing Basic Training at Ft Jay in NYC before spending 6 years in the Canal Zone.  He too knew people that had organized the Union for the Black workers there and lived in the Zone for over 6 years at a different time.  

      Well it's Friday and Adelina will be arriving to clean the condo so I'm off to the Market.  I got some eggs, Spinach, Avocados and a little two drawer storage box to put on top of my cabinet for my keys, wallet and notes. 

         I stopped on the way back for breakfast at PAN AM that Peter had recommended. Today is "Good Samaritan" Day.  Businesses all over town set up a free Beverage Cart in front decorated with flowers and an attendant to serve you a drink.  The drinks are different but all free for everyone.   You see people strolling along with a drink in there hand...even on the bus. PAN AM greeted me with a free drink.   I never liked the place but haven't been this year and was pleasantly surprised at the remodel, service, and menu!  I had the Vegetarian Omelette with a Lassi.  Very nice.

    I was going to the bus stop and noticed another NEW restaurant Mall of sorts that was still under constructions.  It was group of shops like an upscale food court.  I might try their Happy Hour tonight.  Richard emailed me to tell me he wasn't feeling good and couldn't make the concert.  He went to a Doctor and got a shot and was going to take a nap...BUT if I still wanted to go to dinner, he is sure to be OK.  I informed him that 2 weeks without Dominoes has addled his brain. The concert is tomorrow night but we could meet at this new place tonight.

Richard met me there at the bar.  I had been early and still hadn't received my drink or Tapas order.  I think I was the first customer for the bar and the cook. The owner John came over and after getting me my glass of wine, introduced me to the Mall Manager Fernando.  Richard nor I liked the "Special" wine so ordered off the Menu but because it was the first day opened, we decided to get a Pizza at one of Richard's favorite places. We stopped at a gallery on the way.

 It was OK and we got a chance to catch up.  We decided to visit Luna y Sol for a last drink before parting.  Emilio and Natalie his wife, the owners, were there.  That ends this last week.