Saturday, January 18, 2020

Saturday 18th January 2020.....two birthdays!!

Today I want to wish my amazing and long time friend Linda the most happiest of birthdays..I know she is at the beach today..so have fun....there is a photo of Linda on yesterday’s blog!!

 Emily is also celebrating her birthday today, she is Gracie’s daughter and here is with baby Izzie...have a wonderful day!!



Time marches on!!!


In September 2015 I boarded a cruise ship in Vancouver and 42 days later arrived in New Zealand!!


It was a memorable and wonderful cruise made all that more special by June who I met on the first day....a lovey lass from near Newcastle in England!


We became great friends and did lots of excursions together....every time I went back to visit my family I always went and stayed a few days with June and she showed me around her hood!!


Well three weeks today June and her Partner Vince will be arriving in SMA and staying in my lovely penthouse.....I shall be here to great them and have all day Sunday with them before big leave on the Monday 10th February....


It will be great to see them again and I hope they enjoy my home, my town as much as I do!!


This is June in the black T shirt and other friends we met Georgina and Walter visiting a National Lava park in Hawaii!!





A quiet Saturday for me and now going to watch my new show ..a detective drama from England called Scott and Bailey!!


Yashi Kochi!!


Friday, January 17, 2020

Friday 17 th January 2020

Usually once a month I like to sit with a cup of tea and read my blog from years past..this was eight years ago today!!!


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tuesday 17th January 2012….as my Grandma used to sing “Count your blessings”

Linda and Guy invited me to drive them and a couple of friends to the town of Celaya about one hour away where the Children’s Cancer clinic is located, we went there delivering blankets before Christmas.

This visit was to deliver a great sound system for the clinic that had been purchased by members of Rotary.

We went in one vehicle and again received a warm reception by the wonderful staff and the presentation was made!!

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This is the sign on the clinic wall!!

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Which I think translates to   “the difference between a healthy boy and a boy with cancer, is YOU!!!”

The clinic was very busy

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We got the sound system working and it did not take long for this little girl to show us her dance moves!!

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One of the girls had just finished her treatment and she took a liking to me (why can I not have this effect on other women)

Her name is Belin and she is 3 years old!!!!

IMG_8156She is so lovely!!

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She loved having her photo taken and then to look at the photo on the camera!!

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What a humbling experience to be surrounded by such sick children and to see their smiles, their joy at such small gifts and to see the hope in the parent’s faces and the wonderful staff…like my Granny sang “Count your blessings name them one by one”  I have so much to be grateful for and I try never to loose face of that!!!!

It was a great visit and I hope to come again before I leave SMA!!!

Back in town I went up to Casa Hogar to see the girls and got them to make Jerry a Birthday sign!!!

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They look happy!!!!  I have been told I can take them out again on Thursday so I am thrilled about that!

Tonight I joined Paula and Jerry to help celebrate Jerry’s Birthday..we went to Hecho's no music but great food …thanks for supper!!

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Now back at Casita Doris listening to the Canucks hockey game on the radio…..and another one of those memory bank days!!!!

My Family back on the Bank in Nanaimo are all excited as they have a new addition to their family, BOOMER!!!!

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I told them to name him Leslie…   BUT what can I say!!! He looks cute looking forward to seeing him in the Spring!!

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Thursday 16th January 2020.....relax.......

Back on the courts again at 9am for what is always

a good start to the morning...lots of fun and good company.


Home and had lunch and at 2pm Beda my masseuse arrived and I enjoyed an hour massage..I do look forward to this weekly pampering!!


Relaxed most of the afternoon......


The gas tank is on my small patio leading to the roof and when they need to fill up the tank I call my landlord and he calls the company and pays for the gas..


They have a great system for filling up the tanks they were gone in less than five minutes.





I then went to pick up my ðŸ›µ from the shop..all repaired for a cost of 150 Pesos..  can you believe the price?


Them it was supper and some computer work and now going to watch my show...


A easy nice day!!


Yashi Kochi!!!

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Wednesday 15th jan 2020.....wow that was a busy day!!

I knew today was going to be a busy day and it was...


Started out by me meeting a man that I had called about picking up my scooter...I met Miguel at the bottom of my street he was on time and had a helper with him....we drove the 11 miles to where the scooter was and then took good care loading Little Yella onto the truck and even had blankets.....






Then back into town to the mechanics where I left the scooter and will pick it up tomorrow....


From there straight to ♥️ ♦️ poker where I always have fun with the guys and again another win...this time 180 pesos....


Left there and went to the gym and Aaron put me through my paces as he always does...


Just had time to wash up in the bathroom at the gym and go to my English class....


We had great discussions tonight a lot of fun and then as Gracie was also teaching and today his her birthday I ordered another cake and my students and I went up to Gracie’s class and with her students sang happy birthday and everyone had cake..





So a long and busy but productive day!!


So this is the photo of my Nanaimo Family on Vancouver Island this afternoon!!!









Yashi Kochi !!!!

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Tuesday 14th jan 2020...the three T’s!!!

The usualTuesday morning tennis was played under

warm sunny skies...great tennis and a lot of fun!!


Took the afternoon to relax before going for the Tuesday night Mexican train event.....


It is Gracie’s birthday tomorrow but she is busy all day so we celebrated her birthday tonight with...yes....a Mexican Train!!








Lots of fun!!


Yashi Kochi!!

Monday, January 13, 2020

Monday 13 th January 2020.....a tale of woe!!!

A GPS SAGA.....


Five years ago when I went on my epic 18 month journey I bought a top of the line expensive GPS in New Zealand..it had all world maps and was a great unit.


Unfortunately I dropped it a few months ago and it broke beyond repair and I ordered another one from Amazon....knowing that you get what you pay for I foolishly bought a cheap unknown brand and to sum it up in a word it is useless!!


When I head back to Nanaimo this year the plan is to buy a car with a GPS installed so when I saw on the Civil list here locally a man seeking a used Garmin for 500 pesos I emailed him and said I would take it..he did advertise that the maps were not updated.


So yesterday I told the seller I would come out today and make the purchase another man on the same civil list wrote me and said he believed he could update the Garmin for me and would be happy to do so for no fee..so I accepted his offer..he told me he lives  11 miles out of town in a very small campo and he gave me directions....I told him that would be great I have a scooter and love taking the back and obscure roads.


This morning I went and paid for the unit..the man was really nice and told me if I was not happy with it I could return it for a full refund......I then went out into the Campo to find Charlie’s house which I did without any problems or so I thought....the road into his driveway was chipped rock and when I went to leave, unfortunately he could not do the updates on the Garmin, I found out my rear tire was completely flat.....Charlie had a compressor but the tire would not hold any air...I was stuck.


So we made a deal for me to leave the scooter with him and his wife drove me back to the main highway and I plan to hire a guy with a truck and go out and get the scooter and bring it into town and the repair shop.


I was dropped off at the highway and within ten minutes a local bus arrived and I jumped on and paid the 13 pesos cost....it is years since I have been on a bus and I had no idea which route he would take but luckily he drove by the bottom of my street so that worked out really well.

Photo of the bus..





So now I have to find someone I can hire with a truck to go out and bring the scooter into the repair shop and I will use my car in the mean time.


Had another great class tonight all my students showed up and we all had to tell two sentences one true and one false and then guess which was which...they enjoyed that are are so engaged..a fabulous class!,

so ends my day!!!


Yashi Kochi!

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Sunday 12 th January 2020...a mini road trip!!

Another beautiful sunny day and Gracie and I took off on a road to trip to the huge town of Queretaro about 

a 45 minute drive away!!





We found a free parking space close to Centro and just walked around for three hours.....




A nice central area with lots of churches....








Green spaces and even an ice rink...








Love the shot of the lady..





Many quaint streets..











The aqueduct is quite stunning...











It was a good day...


Time for tea and my show!!


Yashi Kochi!!

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Saturday 11th January 2020...these first days of the new year flew by!!

Beautiful morning sunny and a tad warmer...great for playing tennis!!


We had a good two hours on the courts and every time I play I feel blessed that I am able to be out there hitting one or two good shots, no pain and with good friends!!


Went to the local saturday market and bought a few pastries and veggies....


Home and a quick shower and changed and off to the monthly open air free concerts they have in this amazing venue.....







Maria is a friend, a great tennis player and an amazing singer...






Don’t know why but I just like this shot!!






A really good concert such talent in this town.


Went to the supermarket afterwards and home for a cooking session..made a couple of meals for the next few days...


Going to settle down to and watch my new show...Prime Suspect..it is an old show but I have enjoyed the first half of the first show!!!


My lovely friend Paula sent me this and it defines me to the T!!!


Between 65 And Death


Many of us are between 65 and death and here I think is a great list..


01 – It’s time to use the money you saved up . Use it and enjoy it . Don’t just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it . Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard-earned capital . Warning : This is also a bad time for investments , even if it seems wonderful or fool-proof . They only bring problems and worries . This is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet .

02 – Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren , and don’t feel bad spending your money on yourself . You’ve taken care of them for many years , and you’ve taught them what you could . You gave them an education , food , shelter and support . The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money .

03 – Keep a healthy life , without great physical effort . Do moderate exercise ( like walking every day ) , eat well and get your sleep . It’s easy to become sick , and it gets harder to remain healthy . That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs . Keep in touch with your doctor , do tests even when you’re feeling well . Stay informed .

04 – Always buy the best , most beautiful items for your significant other . The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner . One day one of you will miss the other , and the money will not provide any comfort then , enjoy it together .

05 – Don’t stress over the little things . You’ve already overcome so much in your life . You have good memories and bad ones , but the important thing is the present . Don’t let the past drag you down and don’t let the future frighten you . Feel good in the now . Small issues will soon be forgotten .

06 – Regardless of age , always keep love alive . Love your partner , love life , love your family , love your neighbor and remember : A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection .

07 – Be proud , both inside and out . Don’t stop going to your hair salon or barber , do your nails , go to the dermatologist and the dentist , keep your perfumes and creams well stocked . When you are well-maintained on the outside , it seeps in , making you feel proud and strong .

08 – Don’t lose sight of fashion trends for your age , but keep your own sense of style . There’s nothing worse than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters . You’ve developed your own sense of what looks good on you – keep it and be proud of it . It’s part of who you are .

09 – Always stay up-to-date . Read newspapers , watch the news . Go online and read what people are saying . Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social networks . You’ll be surprised what old friends you’ll meet . Keeping in touch with what is going on and with the people you know is important at any age .

10 – Respect the younger generation and their opinions . They may not have the same ideals as you , but they are the future , and will take the world in their direction . Give advice , not criticism , and try to remind them that yesterday’s wisdom still applies today .

11 – Never use the phrase In my time . Your time is now . As long as you’re alive , you are part of this time . You may have been younger , but you are still you now , having fun and enjoying life .

12 – Some people embrace their golden years , while others become bitter and surly . Life is too short to waste your days on the latter . Spend your time with positive , cheerful people , it’ll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better . Spending your time with bitter people will make you older and harder to be around .

13 – Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren ( if you have a financial choice , that is ) . Sure , being surrounded by family sounds great , but we all need our privacy . They need theirs and you need yours . If you’ve lost your partner ( our deepest condolences ) , then find a person to move in with you and help out . Even then , do so only if you feel you really need the help or do not want to live alone .

14 – Don’t abandon your hobbies . If you don’t have any , make new ones . You can travel , hike , cook , read , dance . You can adopt a cat or a dog , grow a garden , play cards , checkers , chess , dominoes , golf . You can paint , volunteer or just collect certain items . Find something you like and spend some real time having fun with it .

15 – Even if you don’t feel like it , try to accept invitations . Baptisms , graduations , birthdays , weddings , conferences . Try to go . Get out of the house , meet people you haven’t seen in a while , experience something new ( or something old ) . But don’t get upset when you’re not invited . Some events are limited by resources , and not everyone can be hosted . The important thing is to leave the house from time to time . Go to museums , go walk through a field . Get out there .

16 – Be a conversationalist . Talk less and listen more . Some people go on and on about the past , not caring if their listeners are really interested . That’s a great way of reducing their desire to speak with you . Listen first and answer questions , but don’t go off into long stories unless asked to . Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really need to . Try to accept situations as they are . Everyone is going through the same things , and people have a low tolerance for hearing complaints . Always find some good things to say as well .

17 – Pain and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older . Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of the cycle of life we’re all going through . Try to minimize them in your mind . They are not who you are , they are something that life added to you . If they become your entire focus , you lose sight of the person you used to be .

18 – If you’ve been offended by someone – forgive them . If you’ve offended someone – apologize . Don’t drag around resentment with you . It only serves to make you sad and bitter . It doesn’t matter who was right . Someone once said : Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die . Don’t take that poison . Forgive , forget and move on with your life .

19 – If you have a strong belief , savor it . But don’t waste your time trying to convince others . They will make their own choices no matter what you tell them , and it will only bring you frustration . Live your faith and set an example . Live true to your beliefs and let that memory sway them .

20 – Laugh A Lot . Laugh at everything . Remember , you are one of the lucky ones . You managed to have a life , a long one . Many never get to this age , never get to experience a full life . But you did . So what’s not to laugh about ? Find the humor in your situation .

21 – Take no notice of what others say about you and even less notice of what they might be thinking . They’ll do it anyway , and you should have pride in yourself and what you’ve achieved . Let them talk and don’t worry . They have no idea about your history , your memories and the life you’ve lived so far . There’s still much to be written , so get busy writing and don’t waste time thinking about what others might think . Now is the time to be at rest , at peace and as happy as you can be !

And , Remember : Life is too short to drink bad wine ! ! !


Yashi Kochi!!

Friday, January 10, 2020

Friday 10th January 2020.....the journey

Will begin next month on the list......

Laredo for a visa...
Tucson to visit Linda....
San Pedro to house sit...
Indian Wells to work for two weeks at the famous tennis tournament..
Drive to Vancouver Island..to visit my second family Heather and Kirby and boys...
Fly to England to visit my family...
Fly to Paris rent a car and tour for two weeks...
Back to Airbnb in Paris and go to the French Open..
Fly to Nova Scotia to visit with wonderful friends Paula and Jerry...
Fly to Vancouver Island and buy a new car....
Drive new car back home to San Miguel!!!


Yashi Kochi!!


Thursday, January 09, 2020

Thursday 9th January 2020......a relaxing time!!!

Another cool morning but when the sun comes out

It warms up into a nice day....


I had two hours of good tennis again this morning and home in time to get cleaned up and Beda, my masseuse  arrived at 1pm for a very lovely and relaxing massage....


Spent the afternoon doing some trip planning and had an early dinner before going off to English class...I do not normally teach Thursdays but the teacher is sick so I am filling in for him.


It was another great class..we finished off the article I brought in yesterday about resolutions......


Then we played word games changing one letter in a word to make a new words and finished off with charades with chocolates as the prize!


I know I always so it but the students are so keen and interested makes it really easy for me.


It received this short email from one of the principals at one of the schools we delivered presents ...very kind.





Now time for tea and my show.


Yashi Kochi!!

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Wednesday 8th January 2020...back into the routine!!

had a really nice laid back morning relaxing and taking my time over breakfast and doing some computer work.


I have sent a thank you email to everyone who donated to the Three Kings..I am still waiting on the photos!


Back to poker this afternoon and the new decade did not diminish my winnings came away with ðŸ’¯ pesos!!


Went straight to my gym session with Aaron which was again another hard work out.


I had time to come home get showered and changed and off to my first English class.......eight students showed up and we had a really good class I had printed off an article about new year resolutions and we read and talked about that.


One of my students, Martha had a birthday last week so we had a birthday celebration for her...


Love this cake!!





Martha is a single lady and she would love to find a nice man hence the three cute guys on the cake.....she really liked it!!!!








Just to let all my female admirers know after this shot on the way home I stopped at my favourite barber shop and the lovely young lady gave me a great haircut and shave for the amazing amount of 40 pesos!!!





I so enjoy these amazing young folks!!


Time for my show and I brought a piece of birthday cake home to go with my tea!



I like this article from the BBC sports..


Australia fires: Roger Federer, Serena Williams & Rafael Nadal to play fundraiser







Federer, Williams and Nadal have 62 Grand Slam singles titles between them

Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal will take part in an exhibition match to raise money for a bushfire relief fund in Australia.

The match is scheduled for 15 January, five days before the start of the Australian Open, and will take place at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.

Australian Nick Kyrgios will also be playing, along with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki.

Fires in Australia have killed at least 25 people since September.


Millions of animals have also been killed and almost 2,000 homes destroyed.

Milder weather brought brief respite last weekend but fire crews are again preparing for worsening conditions with temperatures predicted to soar on Friday.

"For a period of about two and a half hours we're going to be showcasing the game, but also coming together as a community to play our part in the relief effort," said Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley.

Kyrgios is donating 200 Australian dollars (£106) for every ace he hits in events held in Australia in January as part of the fundraising effort, while compatriot Ashleigh Barty will donate all of her prize money from the Brisbane International.

World number eight Belinda Bencic has pledged the same amount for every double fault she hits at the Adelaide International and Australian Open.

"I'm not the best at hitting aces but much better at double faults," the 22-year-old Swiss wrote on Twitter.


"We are heartbroken over the devastation these fires are causing all across our homeland," the players said.

"Our thoughts are with our families, friends and all of the people of Australia. We hope you feel our love and support and know that we will continue to bring awareness to this crisis globally and provide assistance in any way we can.


Yashi Kochi!!

Thursday 5 th January 2023…it was a great run!!!

 This was my first ever blog post back in November of 2006!!! With just a couple of days off I have written a blog every day since and I hav...