Mexican Food!!!!

Food was a major part of our trip to Mexico. It was one thing we were really looking forward to. Chayo's family was also very understanding about my lack of handling anything too spicy. We enjoyed some enchiladas (I believe) from this kind lady below. It was ten o'clock at night and she still had people coming to her garage to buy her food. It was delicious.Chayo's mom here is cooking one of my favorite dishes - mole. It was so delicious. With her homemade tortillas (see previous post) food does not get much better.

Tamales are also a favorite of mine and we got to help build the 120 yummy treats. Here you can see the masa being spread onto a corn husk.

Then the meat was put in. Chayo's mom likes more masa so fewer meat. When Chayo took over the tamales were getting a bit more meat. After the meat they fold and get it ready for the steamer.
Dale even got put to work. It took some time and a few giggles, but he eventually got faster and they looked a little bit more like Chayo's.

Dale spent a lot of time with Chayo's dad watching one of the pots filled with tamales as they steamed.
A great place to visit with friends and eat some wonderful food.

Playing by Faith

I would be lying if I didn't say that this morning I was extremely nervous. I got up two hours earlier than I needed to. With a little more practice and encouragement from family I felt I had done all I could for this new calling.

It was finally time to sit on the big bench, put the shaking fingers on the white keys and start playing. All was great, with many supporting members sharing positive encouragement. Then it was time for the first hymn.

Playing the introduction was like a mini solo because I didn't feel under pressure playing the prelude Then the singing started and the organ stopped. Well, it didn't really stop. I just couldn't hear my playing anymore.

There are no speakers facing the organ. I could have been playing the wrong song, for all I knew. It was eerie trying to keep playing with the hope that the notes were correct.

Does anyone know if organs come with a jack to plug in headphones? Wouldn't that be a fashion statement?

I'm glad one day is finished. Hopefully they will get less stressful. Thanks for all the encouragement.

Ramblings

Whitni's team, I believe is 3-2 in league play. I could be wrong, I often am. I noticed during the Waterville game Whitni had 9 rebounds. I didn't see anyone else at that number. I'm impressed little five foot Whitni is getting some air to get balls.

Alas, no more fouling out. She has remained agressive, but not overdoing it.

She now has something more than basketball to worry about. Apple Blossom pageant. She is trying out to be the Apple Blossom queen. This makes my insides twist and turn. We bought her a beautiful peach dress online. Anyone not doing anything is invited to come, I believe the weekend of the 21st of February. Feel free to come support our little princess. (she looks like one in the pictures above, don't you think?)

I do have pictures of her birthday party, wonderful pictures. As soon as I can figure a way to get them off my camera I'll send some your way. I can't believe my baby is legally an adult.

One note from me. My viewpoint in church has changed. Our safe little niche in the back row will be changed. I'm going to drag my family to the front pew to sit with me near the organ. I was sustained today as ward organist. Scary thought, huh? It is a lifelong dream to have this opportunity, but I am scared to death.

Gratitude

I hope Melody doesn't mind if I share this. Letters like this give me hope that truth will prevail. This letter was sent to the Wenatchee World. After all the negativity from Harum (sheriff) when he released firing Dale to the paper, radio, and internet letters like this really help. Thank you Melody!

Thanks to England

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dale England for all the years of service he has given to the citizens of Chelan County. I have always known Dale to be honest, compassionate, respectful and fair. I’d also like to thank his family, for the time they gave to make our county a safe and better place for all of us to live. Being a public servant often comes at great cost to the family and the England family knows that well. Your sacrifice and service are appreciated!
To Sheriff Harum I have just three words: Shame on you!
Melody Baker

Mexico 2008, Camecuaro and Zamora

This was a small lake fed by the water that bubbles up above here.

Marisol (Chayo's sister in law) We enjoyed being with her. She couldn't understand hardly any English, but with our little Spanish and many translators we seemed able to enjoy each other.

Lupita (Chayo's sister) and her husband, Tony.

We were rowed around in one of the boats above. Chayo's brother, Fernando, and his friend rowed us one way, and Marisol and Angel (Chayo's brother, and lucky husband of Marisol) the other way. Dale was trying to take his turn, but Marisol insisted. A smile was on her face the whole time. What a relaxing way to travel.

One place I loved when we went to Argentina and Spain were the Cathedrals. Mexico is not without their beautiful ones also. This one in Zamora spent many years without the spires. About twenty years ago they started finishing it. It is absolutely beautiful.

From left to right, Angel, Marisol (who has the most infectious laugh), me, Chayo

The pipes for the organ were kind of reminiscent of other pipes I have seen.
The stained glass windows were beautiful with signs explaining their significance. Of course, it was all in Spanish. We figured out a few.

Can you tell we loved the land and the people we were with?

Mexico 2008, The Hike

Find the white cross at the top of the little mound. That's where we are heading. Appreciate how far and steep this is. Then you can read on.

I had originally said I didn't want to do the hike, due to achy knees. When everyone was seeming to go on the hike I didn't want to be left behind. I didn't realize the hike started from the house to the mountain. You can see I'm already at the end of the line. Chayo and her aunt (in blue) were kind enough to stay back to visit with me.

This was the halfway point. I was already done! I felt like either the engine that could or the big bad wolf. I could have huffed and puffed them hands down. My knees weren't the problem; it was my breathing. It was pretty embarrassing, but all were kind and kept telling me we weren't in a hurry.

This tree caught my attention. It stood in the midst of all the gray trunks. It looked like it had been painted with gold paint. It was quite beautiful.

The last little bit up the mountain you would see each of Chayo's brothers on either side of me practically dragging me up the very steep rocky incline. At the top I just wanted to sit and relish in the fact that I didn't pass out and that I really made it. Thoughts of how to get down did pass through my mind.

See I made it!

I was a little amazed when we got to the top they started this fire. They wrapped potatoes and onions in foil and threw them on.

I just loved this shot of Case (Chayo's son). He was telling a story.

After the fire died out they threw tacos with beans on the coals. They were very tasty and a unique way to enjoy a taco.
This shows their town, El Colesio, from where we were on the mountain. It was time to head down. I grabbed Dale and made him go with me before everybody early so we wouldn't hold people up. We had almost made it to the end before people started catching up with us. Thankfully a pickup was there. I wasn't proud. I would accept a ride. It was a great experience, and I'm glad I went. They kept teasing about doing the bigger mountain the next day. They can do it all they want.

Mexico 2008

We went to Mexico, my first trip and Dale's second. We stayed with the family of Maria Gallegos, a good friend we know in Chelan. A better family you could not find. They treated us very well. I don't think my stomach ever felt hungry. One of our favorite treats you can see above that Chayo (Maria) is holding. Frozen strawberries with a sweet cream. It was yummy!

I found sitting in the plaza to be one of the most relaxing events. It was fun to watch the kids run around, adults sitting and visiting. (Snow and cold have been a rude awakening!)
Dale wouldn't want anyone to think he didn't pull his own weight. He's the dishwasher. It is quite the interesting setup. Where the blue is, between Dale and the dish dryer is a very deep sink that holds clean clear water. Dale is washing the dishes, puts the plastic bowl in the big sink and rinses it off. I did help, I took a picture for documentation.

Chayo's dad here is showing how they get the dried corn off the cobs. It was a very interesting process. We ate tortillas the next day from the corn we saw him grate on the old corn cobs.

More to follow.