tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312726482012-02-12T05:31:09.282-06:00One single gay man's experience, leaving corporate America and retiring early in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.comBlogger1571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-67954142005421843142011-06-18T21:50:00.002-05:002011-06-18T21:51:17.295-05:00

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-69772051656637364792011-06-18T21:23:00.003-05:002011-06-18T21:36:56.205-05:00

From one of my fans.Something tells me the wine glass had something to do with it . . .

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-75453273490753992372011-06-18T10:30:00.002-05:002011-06-18T10:35:22.954-05:00

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Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-21173669368287730502011-02-25T00:49:00.001-06:002011-02-25T00:53:04.808-06:00

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Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-39162969041006481472011-02-25T00:03:00.001-06:002011-02-25T00:05:35.406-06:00

(I didn't write this but I love it.)A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-66302733002678315142010-12-17T11:31:00.000-06:002010-12-17T11:32:57.291-06:00

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Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-44595026922366602532010-07-26T11:34:00.002-05:002010-07-26T11:39:49.863-05:00

Owen and Nancy were the first people that I met in San Miguel.I was just finishing up breakfast at Café de la Parroquia, on a crisp winter day. While I was waiting for my bill I could see them eyeing my table in the sun. So I asked if they’d like to sit down with me while I waited. Thus ensued a lively conversation where the two of them were gracious enough to give this newcomer the lay of the

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-15694713844408807222010-07-21T17:49:00.003-05:002010-07-21T18:09:11.269-05:00

When I moved to San Miguel it quickly became apparent that I had a choice as to which social community I was to become a member; the retired ex-pat community (older than me) or the more bohemian, artsy, crowd (younger than me). While I acquired a few older friends, by far I fell into the later group. Maybe it is my inherent immaturity but I think it was simply because they were more fun.What this

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-33765869598885679922010-06-18T10:31:00.002-05:002010-06-18T10:37:07.504-05:00

This is going to take a little explaining.Pollo Feliz (Happy Chicken) is a rotisserie chicken restaurant chain. (Very popular, for reasons that escape me, in this part of Mexico.) Part of their advertising is to dress up a kid in a bright yellow chicken costume, outside the restaurant, to coax people in. One will frequently see this poor soul standing in the sweltering heat in the middle of the

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-23767463045895131362010-06-04T11:10:00.003-05:002010-06-04T11:17:25.089-05:00

This nearly landed in our yard this morning. Given the name, do you think he might be a little off course?

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-15873006082320804782010-05-28T12:23:00.002-05:002010-05-28T12:32:43.174-05:00

What must we look like to those looking in, this strange gaggle of beach-goers?Are we business executives, consultants, lawyers, bankers, inn keepers, entrepreneurs, veterinarians, personal trainers, restaurateurs, oil speculators or Hollywood producers?Are we sexual deviants, queers, drag queen wannabees, evil lesbians, gold diggers, sugar daddies, hags and fags?Are we pot heads, alcoholics,

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-11003978288806825762010-04-27T23:46:00.003-05:002010-04-28T09:54:37.069-05:00

Finding things that will grow in this climate has been a challenge. Cactus, no problem, but otherwise, a bit of work.Roses work well. Amazingly well although finding them is a chore; at least any kind of variety.Rod wanted a rose garden. This really translates to, “I’ll plant them but you need to take care of them.” At the annual plant fair (Candalaria) we bought our first new rose plants. After

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-81612375153960967182010-04-27T22:47:00.000-05:002010-04-27T22:49:22.481-05:00

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Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-74322893026252091382010-04-20T20:00:00.000-05:002010-04-20T20:02:28.815-05:00

San Miguel has been called, “The City of Fallen Women.” It might better be called, “The City of Falling Women.” This is not because of some high rate of indiscretion but rather because they actually physically fall on the cobblestone streets. One frequently sees women (and let’s face it, men too) in casts, wrist braces or special medical boots. This weekend I joined their ranks.I was all by

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-90971575408912083972010-04-06T23:08:00.003-05:002010-04-06T23:46:31.578-05:00

The seeds were planted at Christmas. A couple of Rod’s cousins were staying at the ranchito and we began to talk about how fun it would be to invite a bunch of family members here for a camping vacation. We just needed to decide what would be the best time of year.Rod decided that Semana Santa was it; the kids are out of school and many of the parents take time off, and typically there is no rain

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-89628176602605148872010-04-06T19:32:00.001-05:002010-04-06T19:35:13.044-05:00

(First let me apologize for being so remiss about blog entries. I blame it on Facebook. Once I started using Facebook it simply became easier to post photos there, and to limit myself to one sentence musings. I’ll try to get better.)About 20 years ago, I bought a vacuum cleaner; an Electrolux Ambasador III. At the time, it was a pretty top-of-the-line canister model.Vacuuming in Mexico doesn’

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-73372848540126080502010-01-27T11:05:00.002-06:002010-01-27T11:41:36.270-06:00

PAAWWS (see previous entry) does not exist. It was an elaborate ruse and I fell for it, hook, line and sinker.The date was approaching.“Rod, you know if you’re receiving an award that you’re expected to give a speech.”“I’ll just say whatever comes into my head.”“I think people are going to expect a little more than that at 100 dollars a plate.”A few days later:“Honey, they want me to speak for

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-45162617976139419932010-01-27T10:45:00.003-06:002010-01-27T11:03:11.770-06:00

“Screw the economic down-turn. We need a vacation.” That was the thought.But where could we go where it wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg? California, of course, where we have lots of friends with whom we can stay, thus eliminating hotel costs. Plus, we hadn’t been back in over two years. As luck would have it, Mexicana had just reinstated their Leon to Oakland direct flight and ticket prices were

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-89388854651735628022009-12-08T11:04:00.000-06:002009-12-08T11:06:43.726-06:00

The title of this entry should probably read, “Maximum Procrastination.”Years ago, before I bought the ranchito and I was renting a house in Col. San Antonio, I thought that I should get a Mexican Driver’s license. After all, I’d bought a used Pathfinder, I was driving more in Mexico than I was in the U.S., it just made sense.But I was certain that I was going to need to study. My Spanish was

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-17273998594610886692009-11-30T17:23:00.000-06:002009-11-30T17:27:02.103-06:00

We’ve attended a number of weddings here. Most have been large extravagant events; Mexican – American, Mexican – Spanish or Mexican – Mexican weddings with hundreds of guests and costing thousands of dollars.This was different; very different.Rod had told me that his assistant, Juanita, and her boyfriend Chucho, after five years together, were finally planning to tie the knot. Furthermore, Chucho

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-27707227486262299242009-11-20T13:36:00.002-06:002009-11-20T13:41:00.150-06:00

I couldn't be more proud. Now I just need to find someone who can let out my tuxedo pants.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-86855463455374385332009-11-20T13:18:00.003-06:002009-11-20T13:27:03.412-06:00

When Rod and I travel by air we make it a habit to browse the magazine shop and look for cooking magazines in Spanish. We kill time waiting for our flight by flipping through the recipes looking for something interesting. Then we bring them home and ask our maid to cook them for us. (One big advantage to having a maid who can read!)This is one of my favorites. Although once I translated it I

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-65372767301303468722009-10-28T13:30:00.004-06:002009-10-28T13:39:56.389-06:00

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Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-70994592630479275922009-09-14T13:28:00.002-05:002009-09-14T13:30:44.708-05:00

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-63395247566786650632009-09-03T10:39:00.000-05:002009-09-03T10:40:02.132-05:00

The word for teenagers is “chavos.” The word for goats is “chivas.” Remember the difference. Because if you don’t, you could make a mistake like I did last night and say that your friend from California was here last month with four goats.When my Spanish and Mexican guests, and the maid, were able to stop laughing, one said, “Well, they smell about the same.”

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-49543888193257190032009-08-03T16:25:00.003-05:002009-08-03T16:35:32.088-05:00

Rod had just left for work. I shuffled out to the kitchen in my bathrobe and slippers and peered out the back door. There, curled up on the back patio, was a puppy. (Did Rod forget to tell me something before he left?)Small enough to fit through our fence, she appeared to be about six weeks old. When I opened the door and stepped out she backed into a corner and offered what I assume she

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-70309665103758272932009-07-24T10:15:00.007-05:002009-07-24T15:31:52.089-05:00

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Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-49402846692494209842009-06-06T09:15:00.007-05:002009-06-06T09:49:22.714-05:00

Toby, my young German friend currently living in Vienna, came to visit for the month of February. For a visitor, a month is a long time to spend in San Miguel, unless you’re taking an art or language course. So we decided that his visit needed to include a road trip. Having successfully traveled together for a month in the Yucatan, five years ago, we knew that we wouldn’t kill each other.We

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-70940560356171170702009-06-05T12:32:00.003-05:002009-06-05T12:41:09.038-05:00

Adult Content Warning: If you are offended by graphic sexual discussions, I suggest that you skip this entry.A frequent escape of ours is La Cañada de la Virgen, or rather, Alex’s cabin at the ranch; Casa Esquela.Alex has created a space completely off the grid. Water is collected from a spring, purified and then heated by a solar hot water heater. The lights are also solar powered. There is a

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-84533474393089718672009-06-02T09:50:00.001-05:002009-06-02T09:52:14.847-05:00

(Something floating around the internet.)Our Mexican maid asked for a pay increase.My wife was very upset about this and decided to talk to her about the raise.She asked: 'Now Maria, why do you want a pay increase?'Maria: 'Well, Señora, there are three reasons why I want an increase. The first is that I iron better than you.'Wife: 'Who said you iron better than me?'Maria: 'Your husband said so.'

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-9558467151980307772009-05-07T15:47:00.002-05:002009-05-07T15:53:26.256-05:00

(A friend sent this to me and I believe that Ms. Ellerbee says it so much better than I can. I hope that she doesn’t object to any copy write infringement that I may be committing.)One Journalist’s ViewBy Linda EllerbeeSometimes I’ve been called a maverick because I don’t always agree with my colleagues, but then, only dead fish swim with the stream all the time. The stream here is Mexico.You

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-6785185556072052762009-04-30T10:08:00.002-05:002009-04-30T10:11:13.776-05:00

Rumors abound. Some say there are four reported cases in San Miguel, another is one but not confirmed, and yet another is none in the state of Guanajuato.What is real is the panic. There is not a tube of hand sanitizer or a bottle of rubbing alcohol to be found in town. Stores have been cleaned out of these and any flu treatment medicines.Tuesday night we went to hear a couple of friends

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-71824129501127688872009-04-28T17:47:00.003-05:002009-04-28T17:50:26.759-05:00

The jokes began flying nearly as soon as the virus was announced. But so did alarm.Some people say to take it easy and just go about your normal life; others are calling it early signs of the apocalypse. Rod thinks we should go out looking for it, get sick for two weeks and then be immune, thus eliminating further concern on our part. It’s a plan, I guess, but not one I favor right now.What

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-2130649494906823192009-04-22T16:07:00.000-05:002009-04-22T16:09:50.908-05:00

There are aspects of banking in Mexico that remind me of banking in the U.S., 20 years ago. For example, the rubber stamp is very popular; there are mountains of paperwork which are embellished with big flourishing signatures, and long lines on Fridays and paydays.In other aspects, it is nearly the same as the U.S., with online access to account balances and transaction history.My biggest

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-14791770770440893682009-04-16T15:55:00.001-05:002009-04-16T16:19:27.577-05:00

The water company here is called SAPASMA (Sistema de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de San Miguel de Allende – no wonder it’s abbreviated).When I bought the ranchito, I asked our neighbor why we’d never gotten a water bill. “You won’t,” he said. “I pay the water for all four houses here. If you ask for a bill they’ll start reading our meters and everyone will pay more. Now I pay 600 pesos for the

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-6346818996223968542009-04-14T16:42:00.001-05:002009-04-14T16:45:11.355-05:00

It is rumored that the best week to visit Mexico City is Semana Santa, or Holy Week, because everyone in Mexico City leaves thus making traffic more manageable. The problem is that a great many of them come to San Miguel.It is interesting how things change for the foreigner living here. The first couple of years you would have found me running into centro to witness and photograph all of the

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-6302607127788536832009-04-07T10:47:00.000-05:002009-04-07T10:49:11.714-05:00

I have it again. Bell’s Palsy. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bells-palsy/DS00168)I’ve had it twice before; once when I was 19, again at 29 and now at 49. (Somehow I dodged 39.)I felt the all-to-familiar dull ache at the back of my neck and above my ear. But I thought, “It’s not that bad. I don’t want to take antibiotics so I’ll eat some raw garlic and maybe it will go away.”Failure to

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-28212152051418134082009-04-07T10:18:00.000-05:002009-04-07T10:19:48.776-05:00

In my dream, I’m still working at Providian and I’m trying to find someone to fire me. I know that I have a country home in Mexico and I want to go back. I wander the halls looking for someone of authority, to tell me that my assignment has ended and my services are no longer needed. But office after office is empty.I ask the few other people that I see, “Do you know where so-and-so is? Or

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-62822477375986981972009-03-23T23:03:00.001-06:002009-03-23T23:07:01.837-06:00

I was walking back from the bank today and witnessed an accident.Across the street a car was pulling over to the curb when it clipped the front bumper of a parked car and tore it clean off.I stopped and stared as did a couple of other gringos. The offending vehicle waited a moment and then drove off and around the corner.“We just witnessed a hit and run!” said the man standing next to me.“I

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-45931871063484298332009-03-17T21:48:00.000-06:002009-03-17T21:49:40.624-06:00

The husband had just finished reading a new book entitled, 'YOU CAN BE THE MAN OF YOUR HOUSE'. He stormed to his wife in the kitchen and announced, 'From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is Law. You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, you will serve me a sumptuous dessert. After dinner, you are going to go upstairs

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-73353026483730503202009-03-11T14:23:00.002-06:002009-03-11T14:34:03.014-06:00

Background:Toby and I met in San Miguel six years ago. He was 19 years old and was spending a year in Mexico studying Spanish. We struck up a friendship and since I was recently retired, and not quite sure what to do with myself, we decided to spend a month exploring the Yucatan together. When I asked Toby how his parents felt about him spending a month traveling with a 42 year old gay man, he

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-80014807541099709102009-03-10T22:48:00.003-06:002009-03-10T23:07:50.216-06:00

When Rod asked me, “What kind of band is it?” I responded, “Well, it’s a band, not an orchestra so it’s like “Bring It On” kind of music. (Or so I assumed.)The Yale University Band was all in black tie. Rod endured, I enjoyed. Picture this: In front of this (on a warm spring evening):I guess it is a "band" instead of an "orchestra" because there are no string instruments.It was a wonderful (

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-61347279885650579242009-02-24T13:24:00.004-06:002009-02-26T15:36:53.972-06:00

Another rough day at La Cañada de la VirgenDorks at La Cañada de la Virgen

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-78041734426524568212009-02-22T14:56:00.001-06:002009-02-22T14:59:44.195-06:00

(Another one sailing around the internet)Top 15 ways to tell it's a MEXICAN birthday party:1. The party is Saturday, and you get a call from the hostess Friday saying, 'I'm giving Mijo a birthday party tomorrow at 3pm'2. Some of the guests didn't bring a gift - but brought extra uninvited kids.3. The party is separated into women cooking, men drinking, and kids playing.4. The party is at Chuck E.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-38986119333842169002009-01-28T08:47:00.002-06:002009-01-28T08:52:00.389-06:00

I enjoyed this communication so I thought I’d share. (Christian is a friend in Mexico City and Toby is a friend from Vienna who is coming to visit for a month.)Hello Charles!Next Monday is my birthday, so we are planning to go skydiving the following weekend (Sunday, Feb 1st) in Teques, it’s the safest place or at least the most famous (and safest) one around, so I thought you guys might want to

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-85919079869344205252009-01-27T12:11:00.001-06:002009-01-27T12:20:02.588-06:00

Maybe the title should be, “Watching your dreams disappear.”The first year of retirement I made money faster than I could spend it. Even with multiple trips, home renovations and a new car, I ended the year ahead. I thought, “Damn, why didn’t I retire earlier?”That has all changed. The plans for spending six weeks or more in Europe every year, maybe buying another piece of property, adding an

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-50619250884628813302009-01-11T20:42:00.001-06:002009-01-12T10:20:17.509-06:00

I got one this evening, unexpectedly. A kiss that is.I went over to Melanie and Eric’s ranch to talk about building a three-system compost bin. Our other friends, Megan (from the U.S.), her Chilean husband David and their baby Matilda are living at the ranch now as well.Melanie met me at the gate with a glass of wine in hand, and pointed out where some bees had migrated through their property.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-64392228710020902372009-01-09T12:44:00.005-06:002009-01-09T13:14:50.181-06:00

Two years ago, I attended my first Christmas with the family and I was nervous as hell. I was the first boyfriend that Rod had ever brought home for Christmas so it was kind of his “coming out” Christmas. Everyone knew, but that was the first time that it was in their face. And an older gringo to boot.However, after four years together, I’ve met most of the immediate family and we’ve hosted aunts

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-45382837632816001062009-01-06T17:07:00.007-06:002009-01-06T17:53:28.649-06:00

Every other Christmas, Rod’s father’s side of the family convenes for a Christmas Eve celebration. This was the year.In addition, Rod’s father’s 70th birthday was the week before, in Cuernavaca. Rather than drive down twice, we decided to arrive for the birthday celebration, rent a little villa for the week, take some day trips and hit the big Christmas event on our return.It only took us two

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-38154764409341342652008-12-16T14:20:00.000-06:002008-12-16T14:26:45.262-06:00

I was doing a little Christmas shopping at our local natural health store, called Moonrise Health (http://www.moonrise-health.com/home.html). The new owner, an attractive young woman, approached me to offer assistance. We got to chatting and she asked where I was from.“Most recently from the San Francisco bay area,” I said, “But I grew up in Northern California.”“Where in Northern California?”

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-33180970116937336412008-12-16T13:50:00.001-06:002008-12-16T16:26:26.832-06:00

I received a birthday card when I turned 40 that read: “The good thing about turning 40 is that you know that you’ll never die young.” Harsh.Last Wednesday was my 49th birthday. Not technically a milestone birthday but sobering nonetheless.I never thought I’d live to be this old. I used to tell people that I planned to die at 45. “Live hard, die young, leave a pretty corpse,” I’d say.I was

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-26199768899104482442008-12-04T11:11:00.002-06:002008-12-04T11:14:53.270-06:00

I thought we were a large group at 16. But then I ran into a gringo at the flower Mercado who said that he was attending an event of 35. Who does that? Who hosts 35 people for Thanksgiving dinner? I imagine someone very wealthy. Why don’t we know this person? Alex wanted to provide a farm raised turkey from his family’s ranch. “By the time it gets here, it better look like a

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-83997588974832053652008-11-18T12:14:00.001-06:002008-11-18T12:18:21.545-06:00

(A tangy way to prepare chicken, that just falls off the bone. Rod got this recipe from his mother and I ask him to make it about once a week.)5 or 6 chicken thighs w/o skinSalt & pepper1 Tbls cooking oilTwo large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubesApple vinegar2 large bay leaves1 Tbls flour2 cloves minced garlicWash chicken thighs, dry with paper towels and season with salt &

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-72077811847804986802008-11-12T11:06:00.002-06:002008-11-12T11:09:21.530-06:00

Doesn’t everyone keep their kittens in a bowl?

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-81623829570270237052008-11-12T10:57:00.002-06:002008-11-12T10:59:27.077-06:00

You may remember some years back when I was asked to be the Godfather to Karla and Pawis’ daughter Enya. It was quite an honor, being invited into my first Mexican family.Since I am gay (and not Catholic) it was not an official baptism but rather a spiritual service performed under a tent in or front yard by our friend Reverend Nancy Anderson, and translated by Rodrigo.That was over three years

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-21538140648383409382008-11-05T12:03:00.000-06:002008-11-05T12:04:36.761-06:00

A couple of firsts;The first time I’ve ever been glued to the television watching election returns.The first time I’ve ever voted for someone younger than I am.I had a dream last night, after the election, that I was asked by Obama to be a political advisor. I wasn’t certain, in my dream, what advice I might be qualified to offer, other than how to make a good salad dressing. But I accepted and

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-49523149664283908232008-10-29T08:56:00.001-06:002008-10-29T08:56:12.409-06:00

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-1362116798036807112008-10-23T16:30:00.005-05:002008-10-23T16:53:52.980-05:00

We’ve hosted parties here before, up to 80 or so people. We’ve even hosted a wedding, but the entire wedding party was only 12 people. Christine and Mario’s wedding was by far our biggest, at 130.I was fairly successful at keeping my control freak nature at bay. I provided the space and my maid (who, along with some family members, prepared the meal). Christine and her family did the rest.The

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-92184235265449797852008-09-26T23:21:00.001-05:002008-09-26T23:21:18.765-05:00

The clip above was taken from the roof of Alex’s mother’s house, on Independencia. Independencia is Mexico’s 4th of July.Many people think that Cinco de Mayo (or the 5th of May) is Mexico’s independence celebration. It is not. Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16th. The night before the “Grito” or cry for freedom is re-read all over Mexico (with the attending crowd screaming “Viva!”

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-30307593349958648802008-09-26T12:19:00.004-05:002008-09-26T22:52:21.724-05:00

I don’t think he’s really this tall, do you?Alex and I dropped in at the Obama-fest fundraiser last night. This was my first democratic event in San Miguel and I have to say that it was an interesting crowd.Think social mixer (about 400 people) at a retirement home for hippies. (It wasn’t a retirement home, it was a private residence, but that was the feel of the event.)When I thought about it,

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-59650539702420247022008-09-12T13:29:00.002-05:002008-09-12T13:33:32.140-05:00

(Lifted from the internet)Excerpts from a Dog's Diary:* 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!* 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!* 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!* 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!* 12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!* 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!* 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!* 5:00 pm - Milk bones!

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-36768169326165710852008-09-12T12:10:00.002-05:002008-09-12T12:17:11.029-05:00

Rodrigo found this little girl abandoned in the back of a pick-up truck. Tisha says she’s not welcome.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-67108193704756299492008-09-10T12:58:00.016-05:002008-09-10T14:47:49.412-05:00

Croatia was Olivia’s first proposed destination for her 30th birthday. However, as the economy turned and we saw our travel budgets evaporate, another opportunity presented itself.Mariana’s family has a beach house in San Juan de Alima, in Michoacán near the border with Colima. Mariana offered the house and all we had to pay for was our food, drink and tips for the staff; $300 USD per person for

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-2684748602436587462008-08-02T11:30:00.003-05:002008-08-02T11:52:51.326-05:00

We're still missing a couple of pieces of furniture, but otherwise, the guesthouse is ready.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-66493026650387021882008-08-02T11:05:00.003-05:002008-08-02T11:11:33.100-05:00

Cattle, sheep and horses graze around the ranchito. This spring we were witness to this little guy wobbling around when he was only a few days old. However, his mother didn’t let us get close enough to take a photo until recently.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-29985304449350060102008-08-02T10:55:00.002-05:002008-08-02T10:58:32.371-05:00

One morning I walked out to the fish pond and found every fish floating dead on the surface. The water was crystal clear; unnaturally so.The night before I’d added a couple of inches of water to the pond. Nothing I haven’t done before and frequently far more than a couple of inches.After lab tests that showed up with nothing, and calls to the water company that revealed multiple customer

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-35995990877460058682008-07-29T23:27:00.000-05:002008-07-29T23:28:33.087-05:00

(Something that is floating around the internet.)FRIENDS: Never ask for food.MEXICAN FRIENDS: Are the reason you have food. . . .FRIENDS: Will say 'hello.'MEXICAN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss. . . .FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.MEXICAN FRIENDS: Call your parents mom and dad.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-57038030604208324902008-07-28T12:09:00.002-05:002008-07-28T12:17:44.251-05:00

The local private golf course wants close to $35 USD to use their driving range. Outrageous! It is only $15 more (weekdays after 2:00 PM) to play nine holes including your caddy. (Caddies are not optional, they are required.) So Eric came up with a solution; he made his own driving range. (It helps when your family has a big ranch.) And it is less than a mile from our house.His plans for

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-53311185267926714892008-07-20T12:02:00.005-05:002008-07-20T12:29:29.575-05:00

This weekend we decided to get away for a night and visit our friend Victor in San Luis Potosi.According to Victor, people in San Luis are all about the food. Given such, there are numerous restaurants with varying cuisines. So for you visitors, when you're tired of Mexican food, I cannot recommend highly enough the Oriental Grill. The menu is a delightful combination of Thai, Japanese and

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-57522202434481316192008-07-20T11:28:00.008-05:002008-07-20T11:59:36.206-05:00

Night shot of the Parroquia from Alex's mother's rooftop. Patti, Karen, Bob and Pao on Alex's mother's rooftop, after an amazing meal at THE Restaurant at Sollano #16The recently engaged Marianna & Karl in Bob & Karen's Sala.Cynthia and I in Bob & Karen's entryway.Our rescue dog Evita, waiting for someone to pet her.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-41909273743164927652008-07-18T17:25:00.002-05:002008-07-18T17:39:04.953-05:00

Rod and I seem to be the token diversity couple in town. This was a from a shoot for a new website to be released some time in the future.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-28368961845010488392008-07-18T10:59:00.000-05:002008-07-18T11:00:25.444-05:00

First a little background. A “chilango” is what Mexicans call a person from Mexico City. Originally it held a rather derogatory implication relating to behavior (i.e., how a person drives, the way they treat wait staff or how they generally behave in public like they are better than other people). Now it is a matter of context. As I refer to myself as a “gringo” another may refer to himself

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-90664562808503762252008-07-14T13:41:00.004-05:002008-07-22T15:20:44.442-05:00

The city of Tequisquiapan is about an hour and a half drive from San Miguel de Allende. Every year I’ve heard about their annual wine and cheese festival.“I want to go,” said our friend Paola, “Let’s go tomorrow.”“Somehow I don’t think an afternoon of drinking wine and eating cheese and then driving back is such a great idea,” I said.“I’ll hire a driver,” she said; and did.The next day Alex,

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-11332910533736216742008-07-01T15:05:00.002-05:002008-07-01T15:12:57.068-05:00

After volunteer teaching English for a year, I found this little internet piece very on-point:Reasons why the English language is so hard to learn:1) The bandage was wound around the wound.2) The farm was used to produce produce.3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.4) We must polish the Polish furniture.5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.6) The soldier decided to

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-23732553992886721582008-05-29T11:02:00.001-05:002008-05-29T11:07:32.944-05:00

Anyone who owns a home understands that they can represent significant challenges in one’s life. Whether it is repairs or the never ending upgrades (where you put your personal touch on the property), it all boils down to time, money and lessons learned.The last three days we have been without a phone or internet. The phone challenge is easily overcome by use of cell phones. However, I never

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-88166896546323144342008-05-24T17:56:00.004-05:002008-05-24T18:07:05.687-05:00

A few days ago, BG, our new Newfoundland puppy, was diagnosed with Parvo virus. Rodrigo consulted with other veterinarians in town and all he could do was to put her on an IV solution and wait. We canceled our scheduled trip to Cuernavaca for Rodrigo’s parents’ 35th wedding anniversary and settled in to watch and wait.Yesterday our maid Mari’s adult son, Oscar, came by the clinic with Mari’s

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-72119348710894963752008-04-28T14:33:00.003-05:002008-04-28T14:42:49.340-05:00

Rodrigo is back.I won’t go into a great deal of detail, it is too personal. Suffice to say that I received an email from Rod about a month and a half ago, saying that he’d been doing a lot of personal development work and wanted to meet to discuss reconciliation. After two weeks I conceded, we met and have hardly been apart since.In many ways, we’ve fallen back into old routines and social

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-91675660826590271972008-04-28T14:30:00.000-05:002008-04-28T14:32:17.379-05:00

Pao and Alex and I were having dinner one night before Valentine ’s Day. “Alex,” I said, “Do you remember several years ago, when you put together that lonely hearts Valentine’s dinner at Market Bistro? What were we, 17 people? If you were to do that for this Valentine’s, how many would we be?”Alex thought for a moment. “Three,” he said, “And we’re all sitting right here. Everyone else who

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-41866817795104188132008-03-27T11:37:00.004-06:002008-03-28T17:53:23.088-06:00

One of the principle challenges of living in a foreign country is living in the language. Many of the mistakes that one makes simply make one unintelligible. Other mistakes can be embarrassing or worse, insulting.My friend Mark has been living in Mexico for over 10 years. His Spanish has been described by native speakers, as the best Spanish that they have ever heard spoken by a gringo. He is

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-84306985720446368712008-03-26T21:54:00.018-06:002008-03-26T23:00:08.010-06:00

By plane, Guatemala City is less than two hours from Mexico City. From Guatemala City it is a 45 minute taxi ride to Antigua.I had been told that the city of Antigua is like San Miguel de Allende was 20 years ago. In terms of size I would agree, but clearly not from an infrastructure standpoint as ATM machines and internet cafes dot the town. Luxury boutique hotels can run $250 USD and up per

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-86735710876671953032008-02-03T13:28:00.001-06:002008-02-03T13:28:58.624-06:00

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-65093442770091028842008-01-30T13:10:00.000-06:002008-01-30T13:26:15.604-06:00

The shuttle arrived at our hotel in Antigua at 7:45 AM. We were the first pick up. Our second stop was nearby and we collected a friendly, very clean-cut, young backpacker. He told us he was Italian, from a city near Venice. When we pulled up in front of the third stop we saw a sign on the wall that told us it was a Lutheran Retreat Center. “Great,” Alex said, “We’re going to be riding

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-51862613947661598802008-01-14T14:37:00.000-06:002008-01-14T15:13:16.680-06:00

In a word, HOT. I don’t know how people function in this heat. If it is like this in January, how must it be during the summer?We wanted to get away from the cold and we did. Ticket prices had dropped to half what they were during the holidays and so with only three day planning, Alex and I booked the trip. The January forecast from the Power Path School of Shamanism (http://thepowerpath.com/)

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-70848449365920648882008-01-05T16:43:00.001-06:002008-01-05T19:17:40.560-06:00

I knew that I had to get out of town. I wasn’t about to spend Christmas alone, playing martyr in front of the tree.Visiting people is difficult when one doesn’t work. The people that you visit only have evenings and weekends to spend with you unless they take time off of work (or school). Plus many people have family plans around the holidays and a moping recently divorced person does not exactly

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-89513955161692436162008-01-05T14:59:00.001-06:002008-01-05T15:06:51.237-06:00

Some months ago I received a flyer in my mail box that said, “Enhance your Mexican experience. Become an English teacher.” So I did. I signed up as a volunteer teacher at the San Miguel School of English, an adult education program that has been around for over 50 years.“Here are your books,” the President of the organization said. And that was the extent of my training. I am the youngest

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-41293235605084471712008-01-05T13:57:00.000-06:002008-01-05T19:24:02.929-06:00

I often wonder if I am less efficient than others when it comes to recovering from breakups. Logically, I’m able to look at the situation and conclude that, yes, it didn’t work and it wasn’t going to work. Why then, do I subsequently spend so much time living in a fog? Probably because instead of living in what was and what is, I tend to live in what might have been. I walk through life as if

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-54770719200687686122007-11-30T17:54:00.000-06:002007-11-30T18:20:18.655-06:00

A couple of people have objected to my deleting the blog. I think the most poignant was from Jenny in London:“Can I urge you not to delete the blog?? It's a really lovely history of your time there so far, and Rod apart, includes many wonderful people, places and photos which all go to make up your life. You don't have to read it, but others will continue to enjoy it. Blogs are what will make up

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-1110483406624501232007-11-19T12:09:00.000-06:002007-11-19T12:12:53.590-06:00

Rodrigo and I are finished. If you peel away the symptoms and break it down into what was really the problem, I’d have to say the age difference.When you’re in love, it is easy to focus on the good qualities in a person and ignore the things that don’t work; but only for a time.I take comfort in the words of don Miguel Ruiz from The Four Agreements:“If someone is not treating you with love and

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-12763826297480282462007-10-09T14:26:00.001-05:002007-10-09T14:57:36.772-05:00

No discernable actual royal blood, but a bit of a princess none-the-less, Alex’s younger sister came to visit (from Miami) with her Moroccan boyfriend Youseff.“We need to drink champagne and play croquet,” she had said after her first visit to the ranchito. That evening when it was getting cool, Olivia asked, “Do you have a Patagonia that I could borrow?”“We don’t have any Patagonia,” I said, “

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-12744567424230559032007-09-12T15:12:00.000-05:002007-09-12T15:13:24.511-05:00

Last night, Rodrigo and I were sitting in the living room and I said to him, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine, and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."He got up, unplugged the TV, and threw out my wine.He can be so annoying .....(Thanks for the joke Hank. I found it so on point that I had to apply it to myself.)

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-45260409464803427572007-09-07T17:43:00.003-05:002007-09-07T17:43:59.426-05:00

Rodrigo tries his hand at broadcasting.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-77836948584281176502007-09-07T17:43:00.001-05:002007-09-07T17:43:03.744-05:00

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-83053831007695240002007-08-21T18:32:00.000-05:002007-08-21T18:55:36.685-05:00

My first memory of Christine is at Alex’s house. (She says we met before but it was at La Cucaracha so big surprise that I don’t remember.) A group of us were helping put together a benefit for the workers at the pyramid. Christine walked in the door. “Sorry I’m late. I had to go have my poop checked.” I liked her immediately.When we met she was a school teacher at a local bi-lingual school.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-20530031617490912602007-08-13T19:07:00.000-05:002007-08-13T19:11:13.058-05:00

A few minutes ago, I found Noche, or El Gatito (our Persian kitten) playing with one of these on the patio. I threw Noche into the house, grabbed an old wine box (we have a few of those lying around) and placed it in front of the snake. He went right in. I carried him to the fence and threw him over. Then I came into the house, walked over to the computer and typed in, “Photo Baby Rattlesnake

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-63203148059519021622007-08-08T21:04:00.001-05:002007-08-08T21:04:15.421-05:00

Nothing to do with Mexico, but everything to do with following your dreams.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-24716894972173068262007-08-02T13:35:00.000-05:002007-08-02T14:00:15.207-05:00

About 2 hours from San Miguel de Allende, is a city of about a million people called San Luis Potosi. Mark and Victor moved there approximately six months ago and are nearly finished remodeling their new house (which they bought for a song compared to San Miguel).“The city is so clean you can eat off the streets . . .” Mark kept telling us. Intrigued by their stories and haunted by their

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-90814771411281478772007-07-10T15:02:00.001-05:002007-07-12T11:19:37.812-05:00

Rodrigo received a call from our friend Pablo who lives in Queretaro, about 45 minutes from San Miguel de Allende. Pablo was contacted because the owner of a 1-year-old female Great Dane is dying from cancer and his children don’t want the dog. They told Pablo that if he didn’t find a home for her in one week, they were putting her down. “Bring her here,” Rodrigo said, “We’ll find a home for her.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-1817283810020334882007-07-07T13:38:00.000-05:002007-07-07T13:47:54.614-05:00

You may remember this photo from the Collapsible Barbeque entry. This is the new one.

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-84092101127621343152007-06-01T16:06:00.000-05:002007-07-04T10:34:43.518-05:00

The ranch, La Cañada de la Virgen (see previous posts and link), is an enormous property about an hour and a half from San Miguel, and it has been very much part of my life since moving here and meeting the family.Among other things, La Cañada de la Virgen is a working cattle and horse ranch with real cowboys (some of whom are rather hot if one is into cowboys). There is no electricity on the

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31272648.post-69977890823913018812007-05-23T15:41:00.000-05:002007-05-23T15:46:28.051-05:00

I’ve decided to broaden the scope of the blog a little, and include Mexican recipes that you may not find elsewhere. (There is some risk as I will be doing the translation myself.)The most common use of pork, in this region, is to cook the whole pig, chop it all up, and serve it in tacos. The dish is called “carnitas”. They’re tasty but if you ask me, a waste of good loin meat.When we began

Charles Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00769232935792365660noreply@blogger.com0