August 2016 trip to Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila - Mexico (Updated)

It rained a lot on Monday night and I was secretly hoping mother would not want to go to the beauty shop as the street in which it is located tends to flood even with small amounts of rain. I have no idea why as it is located in the downtown district, close to the bus station, the town square, and the main church.

 

I was surprised that the work being done on the US side of the border to the toll booths has not been completed.  Once more I saw quite a bit of people riding bicycles. There was a cyclist in front of me and out of curiosity I asked the toll booth clerk how much it cost to cross the border using that method and she said .75 US cents.

It took me back to my summers in high school when my best friend and I would cross to eat tacos from street vendors back when tacos were not readily available as they are today in the states. My mother never allowed me to eat them, telling me I was going to get sick.  Funny, to this day I have never gotten sick from eating anything in Mexico.  Of course, we did this unbeknownst to our parents.

OK, back to the present...mother and I got our haircuts.  The only subject being discussed was the passing of Juan Gabriel and by now finding out that his body had been cremated contrary to his wishes.  The majority of his fans myself included are very upset about it. While it is said "the family" made this decision, it is well known that the decisions are being made by his eldest son. Poor Juan Gabriel he always wanted to be buried next to his mother in the small town in which he was born. It is rumored that his son never liked this place.

We headed to the downtown Gutierrez grocery store that we like (the one with shade structures). Did not buy as much as we usually do, as not that much fits in the manual wheelchair with a basket and I did not feel like dragging along an additional cart.

Mexico's Independence Day is coming up, so the store was decked out in their patriotic colors. When one thinks of Mexico their popular beverage....Tequila...comes to mind.  All their brands were on sale.  With the high dollar to peso ratio, they were good buys to be had.  I considered buying one for Terlingua but with my mother in tow and the certain speech I would have to listen to about the "evils of drinking" decided it was best to pass on it.

Exchange rates today down Exchange Rate Alley...

We were lucky that there was no traffic going back home.  Only one car in front of me and a very nice ICE agent.

While I have a new computer, it does not give me the option to upload my pictures directly to my computer...it wants to send me to Dropbox and does not give me another option. This Windows 10 crap is not for me!  I therefore have to use my old Windows 7 computer to upload pictures to my blog.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Adios Juan Gabriel

The Latin community has lost one of its most prolific and popular singer-songwriters.  He was a Mexican icon, a mega super-star known world wide.  No small coincidence that the two major Spanish-speaking networks in the United States...,Telemundo, and Univision dropped their regular programming to cover his untimely death.

This afternoon President Obama gave his condolences to the country of Mexico and to his legions of fans.

Juan Gabriel 1950-2016

While a fan, I never expected that the news would hit me so hard.  I was in shock when I first heard of his passing and I am still incredulous.  He had a very hard life, yet in spite of that, he never allowed it to affect him.

Born Alberto Aguilera Valadez on January 7, 1950. he was better known by his artistic name Juan Gabriel. He died at his home in Santa Monica, California on Sunday, August 28, 2016.

It was one his songs that propelled singer Marc Anthony to stardom.  Marc gave a concert last night in New York where he broke down as he sang "Abrazame muy Fuerte" as a tribute to him. It was heart wrenching to watch, this is also my favorite song by Juan Gabriel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMKHb8RX-Qk

Rest in Peace Juan Gabriel, you are finally united with your beloved mother.

Visual treat

Last Thursday I woke up to gorgeous blooming purple sage bushes after all the recent rains. Purple sage is one of my favorite plants as it needs no maintenance or watering on my part.  For some reason it is also soothing and relaxing to contemplate.

For once have not minded having to do the dishes when I have such beautiful scenery to behold (minus the high weeds).

Please excuse my choice of pictures as I am using my two older computers to be able to upload photos to my blog and I can barely see what I am doing because both lack a battery and even plugged to electricity the background is dark.

I need to purchase a new point and shoot camera but I have no idea which one to buy.  This old camera does not do justice to the beautiful purple hues.

Headed out to Lake Amistad this afternoon and I was not disappointed with the beautiful vistas I was treated to.

So, so pretty...

I was so calm and relaxed that perhaps I over did it.  I was a few blocks from the house when my tranquility was rudely interrupted by flashing red and blue lights.

I supposedly ran or did not come to a full stop at a stop sign.  As much as I try to replay it in my head, I do not recall not coming to a full stop.  The last time I got pulled over was three years ago by Del Rio Police Department after almost twenty years of going without an infraction. Now three years later I get stopped by the Val Verde County Sheriff's Department...the good news is that like last time, I was able to get away with just a warning...life is good!

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Target...at last!!!

For someone who lives in a medium to a large town and is fortunate enough to have a Target store, you probably would not be able to understand my jubilation at finally being able to shop at one of my favorite stores.

There is no Target store in Del Rio, the nearest one is in San Antonio or San Angelo, both three hours away.  Even though we now frequently go to San Antonio, the opportunity to stop and shop in one had escaped me...that is until today.

It almost did not take place as believe it or not...they do not have regular wheelchairs...only handicap motorized ones.  That is so surprising to me as this store is located in a newer complex...San Antonio Westover.

The last time I shopped at a Target also took place in San Antonio about two and a half years ago. It was an older store and they had regular wheelchairs with a basket.  So had to leave mother in the parking lot with the motor running as it was awfully hot.

Just went in and got the things I needed, used my two Target gift cards and then picked up another $5.00 one for the items I purchased. I so enjoyed shopping at a store that is not a Walmart (sorry Billy Bob). In big spacious aisles, no mobs or screaming kids and without waiting an eternity to check out.  I was in and out in about five minutes...life is good!

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Barricaded

The rains have really put a damper on everything.  I need to make a trip to the laundromat but it has been a struggle.  The pond that separates or perhaps should I say...isolates us from the mainland...was barricaded.  One does not cross a barricaded crossway in Texas without suffering a stiff penalty for doing so.

Photo courtesy of El Zocalo Ciudad Acuna
http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/se-desbordan-arroyos-de-la-ciudad-por-la-tormenta-1471760458

Late this afternoon I finally made it to the mainland and thus was able to go to the post office, and the supermarket (HEB).  On my way there, I saw an absolutely obscene number of people at the laundromat...they were parked everywhere!

On my last trip to Houston, I was not able to go to Joe V's or Food Town. The first (Joe V's) is a discount food store owned by HEB and the latter is just a great place to shop at discount prices.  I hope to be able to make another short trip in the not too distant future and stock up our pantry.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Storm systems

We have been having storm after storm system move through the area.  Yesterday, when I heard on the news that we could have from 4 to 10 inches of rain this weekend...I really did not believe it...guess I should have.

I can not go anywhere as I do not drive in the rain, unless it is an absolute emergency.  So what is left to do?  Well, with my worthless DISH service it certainly does not involve watching TV or web surfing.  Lost both several times yesterday.  If anyone is considering satellite TV, think twice in particular if you live in the Del Rio area.

With the new kitchen leak, kept on getting up throughout the night to dump the bucket.  In one of those occasions I happened to notice that I had a message.  So at four o'clock in the morning I am listening to a message I got at 10:30 p.m.

I have taken to turning off the ringer after 9:00 p.m. as people seem to think they can call anytime. The same goes for early morning callers. I do not care if you get up at 5:00 a.m. I am not and have never been a morning person. For goodness sake, I have an elderly loved one who needs her rest....grrrrr!!!!!!!!

Blogger has a new tool called "featured post"...as usual, I messed up and can not make the picture appear smaller...sorry about that!

In anticipation of the 2016 CASI Chili Cook-off, I decided to feature a post I wrote back on July 24, 2013 with tips for those contemplating attending this year's festivities.  If you have any questions please do not e-mail me at terlinguadreams@gmail.com as I seldom check that account.  Please use terlinguadreams@outlook.com .  Thank you.

This is where I say good night, may you all have Terlingua Dreams...but since I never could go back to sleep after 4:00 a.m. I will begin my day.  Have a good one and stay dry if you live in Texas.

Recuperating

I am still recuperating from the three out-of-town trips and over a thousand miles I drove last week. That is not counting a doctor's appointment Monday...but at least it was here locally.

We have had a lot of rain which we desperately needed.  I no longer have to water the trees and that has saved me at least two hours daily. Though I do not look forward to the mosquitoes that the rains will eventually bring.

With so much rain, a leak in the kitchen has become apparent.  If it is not one thing it is another!

My fibromyositis has been acting up and the pain is at times unbearable.  Considered bringing it up at my last doctor's appointment but thought of the extensive blood and image testing but most importantly of the $$$$$ involved. If I get to feeling worst and can find the time...I will probably go see the doctor I like in Mexico.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Quick trip to Big H

This past Monday I took a quick trip to Houston.  I can hardly believe that it had been three years and five months since I had been to my house.

To think that the things that attracted me to the big city as a young adult are the same things that now repel me.

On the way to Houston I filled up in San Antonio at a very reasonable price.

The next time I make a trip home, I think I will keep it to myself.  I enjoy talking and spending time with my HOA lady friend but she takes a lot of medication and I think it has severely affected her judgment. I had less than 24 hours to take care of business. the last thing I needed was someone taking up my valuable time with conversation of meaningless things and of people I do not even know.  She came by my house twice!

It was a good thing I took some jello and crackers because I did not even have time to go buy me dinner.

I left early the next morning after only three hours of sleep.  All I could think as I drove home was how hungry I was.  Stopped off in Sealy, Texas and headed to a Whataburger for breakfast. When I think of cheating on a diet, I picture myself eating a pizza, a juicy hamburger or some succulent pasta dish...never a breakfast platter at a fast food restaurant!

It wasn't that good but the people that work there were very friendly.  I did appreciate the two cups of coffee I had as I needed to wake up.

Though gasoline was cheaper in Houston, I did not feel like stopping and besides I only paid $1.95 a gallon in Sealy.

I enjoyed the stretch of highway between Uvalde and Del Rio.  The purple sage is blooming and it looked absolutely beautiful.

My camera needs replacing and I need to upload the pictures I took to my old computer or I am not able to post them on this blog.  Oh where is my computer savvy TWC (tall weathered cowboy) when I need him? :-(

This trip really took a toll on me, I can no longer do one day back-to-back trips.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

New Derksen lot in Uvalde, Texas

As you all know I have a fascination with Derksen portable buildings http://derksenbuildingsusa.com/
There is a new lot location in Uvalde, Texas with a variety of models on display.  I like that they let you look to your hearts desire without pushy salespersons following you around. Can't say the same for the one in Del Rio.

Two caught my eye.  One a storage shed...

With a reasonable price tag...

The other a large cabin...

The unfinished inside has four windows...

Though the price tag is a little steep, one has to take into consideration that this is going to be your home.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you are probably aware of my disdain for "mesquite trees" so it came as a surprise even to myself that I actually thought this particular mesquite was not so bad. Though I do not know if that pile next to it were mesquite pods or dirt.  I guess as long as I am not doing the raking, it does not matter.

A zoomed photo of the same...

Ok Andy, if I had a tree as nice as this one on my future highway frontage lot in Terlingua...it would not be a deal breaker...happy? :D

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

New Ophthalmologist / SAS Shoes

We made another trip to San Antonio, Texas this morning.  We  had a 9:00 a.m. appointment and was warned by the receptionist that if we were fifteen minutes late our appointment would have to be re-scheduled for another day.  With that in mind got up at 3:30 a.m. in order to leave by 4:45 a.m.

The good thing about getting an early start is that I get to see the sunrise.  Watching the sunrise brings back memories of my days in Houston when after a night on the town someone would get the bright idea of driving to Galveston to witness this marvelous spectacle.  Same thing goes for Terlingua but no driving involved there.

The cataract doctor only sees new patients and performs surgery, afterward he refers patients to another ophthalmologist in his practice.  I actually liked this new lady doctor but most importantly mother liked her.

Afterward with hardly no traffic we were able to find the SAS (San Antonio Shoes) store mother has wanted to stop at.  I must say that they have great customer service.  The lady clerk opened the door for us (mom uses a walker) she was very considerate, thoughtful and gave us excellent service. I did not see her name tag but the sales ticket says her name is Melissa.  She even carried our package to the car with the old shoes, as mother decided to wear her new pair home. We will certainly be making a return trip to this location.

Just down the road found $1.87 gasoline at the Shell station.

With two hours of sleep, I think I will retire early this evening.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Crime in the big city

I have been keeping a low profile as the heat has been unrelenting.  I water the backyard trees in the early morning and the front yard in the evening.

Lately it seems that everything I purchase has turned out to be a dud.  Need to make a trip to Walmart to return a couple of items.

When we were in San Antonio I saw gas for as low as $1.89 per gallon at Walmart and at a Valero station but being that I would have to get off the freeway, decided it was not worth it.

I guess paying $1.95 per gallon in Del Rio is not so bad.

Have you all seen that arm robbery video by four hooded individuals with big automatic rifles in Houston? My goodness, it was just so violent...it made me appreciate Del Rio a little more even though crime has also moved into our small town.

This weekend I spoke to my HOA lady friend that recommended the lawn guy I use.  She told me some guys were following him around and when he stopped to do a yard, they held him up at gunpoint and stole his truck along with the trailer he tows that had all his work equipment.  I can not believe people can be so evil, this young man works hard for his money.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.