Jan 26th - Sat - San Carlos
Went with Rick & Pat to do some shopping this morning. Pat had purchased a couple of home décor items (mirror, metal 3-D “picture”) and had her eye on another metal wall sculpture which she bought. Very nice things. We made a trip out to ‘the lot” and then stopped by Tony’s for some veggies.
We bought some fresh crab meat from the fish man so invited Rick & Pat and Bill & Geri for crab tostadas for lunch. I used some of the remaining crab to make a dip to take to the lot for happy hour tonight.
After happy hour(s) at the lot, Pat & I decided we would go very fancy and make beans & wieners for dinner. I had baked brownies earlier so had them for dessert.
Jan 27th - Sun - San Carlos
A group of 10 people in the park wanted to go clamming so Rick said he would show them where we went. Rick & Pat and we led 2 other trucks to the beach and we dug more clams. It is kind of addictive! On the way back, we all stopped at the beach in Empalme where we had found lots of shells on a prior trip. The tide was not out far enough to get shells but a couple told us that further down the beach there were lots of shells so we all took a walk and did find shells.
We joined the clamming group for happy hour. One of the guys (Al Funk) is Rick’s first boss and he and his wife Dolly were here 3 years ago when Rick & Pat were here. It turns out that they know my aunt Barb in Chilliwack (Sardis) B.C. We continue to be amazed at how small the world is!
I made crab cakes for dinner and decided that I would not do that again. We were not crazy about them and the fishy smell took forever to go away.
Jan 28th - Mon - San Carlos
Today was Pat’s birthday and she wanted to spend part of it in Hermasillo (casino included!). So we left about 8:30 and got back about 5. We went to the Mercado (market) there. It had meat & produce for sale and lots of eating spots - mostly counters. It was very clean, unlike the market in Guaymas. The floors were tiled and clean and we would not hesitate to eat at most of the places that we saw. Then we strolled and shopped the small stores in the surrounding area. The sidewalks are narrow and uneven and are much higher (12 inches or so) than the street. But they are not nearly as uneven as the Guaymas sidewalks.
We found a different casino but it ended up being closed. So we went to WalMart right beside it, then ended up at Costco in time for lunch. Hit the casino next for a couple of hours. It was my turn to cover Terry’s losses so was a good day.
The “lot people” joined us (Rick & Pat, Geri & Bill & us) for dinner at a restaurant right outside the RV park - it is owned by Joseph who owns the park. It was OK but different than we expected, probably will not go back. We had purchased a carrot cake at Costco and took it to the restaurant for dessert so were home by 8:00. Terry was feeling a little puny so we went right to bed to watch TV.
Jan 29th - Tues - San Carlos
Not much sleep last night. It was warm but windy so just about the time I finally got to sleep, some fellow campers went out and put in their awnings which is impossible to do quietly. Then Terry was up several times with what he calls “the Mexican quick step”.
I did laundry and got it fluffed in the dryer and on the line to dry before Pat & I had to leave for dentist appointments. We also changed the water on the clams before leaving on the bus. The dentist was still working on a patient so Pat’s appointment was late. Then she took longer than scheduled so my appointment was an hour late. Luckily, we are now smart enough to take books to read while we wait for each other.
Terry did not feel well all day. Good day for him to just sleep on the couch. We asked Steve & Linda and Bill & Geri to join us for a clam dinner. Geri must have forgotten as they did not show up . We have a couple of containers of clams to freeze and use for chowder or linguine - yum!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Jan 21st to 25th - San Carlos
Jan 21st - Mon - San Carlos
We spent some time going up to the office for wifi as we could not get it at the site and we needed to call our banker. Then we realized that it was Martin Luther King Day and banks in the US were closed. I called Marg instead (no wifi on Sunday evening) and had a nice chat with her.
I figured that with busy days planned for the week, I better do a couple loads of laundry while I could. We met some new neighbors across the road (from near Puyallup, WA) and chatted with them for a while.
We went golfing with Rick & Pat. Pat put in a roast to cook while we golfed so she made a lovely dinner for us and then we played Canasta.
Jan 22nd - Tues - San Carlos
We went clamming today south of Empalme. Rick & Pat, Geri and Linda went in one vehicle and Terry & I and Cathy were in another. There was a negative tide so we figured clamming would be good. We decided later that we did not need a negative tide as we did very well before the tide was all the way out.
The beach is sandy but shallow so stays kind of muddy when the tide goes out. We rolled up our pants and started raking. You only have to rack a few inches down to find the clams. It probably didn’t take us much more than an hour to get more clams than we thought we could eat in one meal - 3 half buckets and 1/3 bucket for Geri who was working alone. Terry walked way out to get clean water to rinse the clams and to change the water later. We had taken lunches so ate and sat around for a bit. On the way back, we stopped at the estuary to do more rinsing and get more clean water. It was a really fun day.
Jan 23rd - Wed -San Carlos
Dentist appointments again this morning. I went in with Rick & Pat for a 9 o’clock appt. The dentist was late and then Pat took longer than her ½ hour so I didn’t get in until 10. Pat told Terry that I would be about 2 ½ hours so he could come pick me up. There was road paving on the main street in Guaymas so Terry was a bit late and thought I might have given up. So he parked in a no-parking zone and came in to make sure I was still there. By this time, Terry is really fed up with traffic and trying to find a parking spot. After 3 hours in the chair, I went out and found him and we started back. I wanted a few groceries and Terry needed a restroom so we stopped at the Ley. When we came out, the traffic was all rerouted to one narrow exit and we ended up in a minor fender-bender - unfortunately our fault. Luckily, there was a young man next to us who spoke Spanish & English and agreed to interpret. But we (and a truck who pulled out and caused Terry to back up) were causing a bottleneck which attracted the attention of a policemen who was directing traffic around the construction. To make a long story short, it took 2 hours to get things settled with the insurance that we purchased paying for the damage. Steve & Linda were driving past and I motioned them in. They were a great help in communicating with the police (all 3 from the construction zone followed us to another location!) and getting in touch with the insurance company.
For some reason, we did not feel like cooking the clams tonight and instead I ended up making an easy dinner to share with Rick & Pat.
Jan 24th - Thurs - San Carlos
It rained this morning so we thought we would have a day where we could catch up on email & such. But Pat & Rick asked us to join them for a late breakfast. There were going to do laundry and eat at Barracuda Bob’s but too many other people had the same idea and the laundry and café were packed. So we went to Rosa’s Cantina for breakfast and then Pat & Rick did laundry at the park.
I made some salsa and did some prep work for dinner which was the clams that we dug. Pat & I steamed clams and Terry cooked some on the barbeque so we could compare methods. We all preferred the steamed clams so won’t do any on the barbeque again. Bill & Geri joined us and we ate a lot of clams which were excellent. Unfortunately, Rick was not feeling too well so he did not join us for dinner. People stopped by to chat after dinner and the evening flew by.
Jan 25th - Fri - San Carlos
Pat & I took the bus this morning to Guaymas for a dentist appointment for Pat. Then we walked a long ways looking for an interior decorating store which we did not find. However, we saw a lot of interesting places that you just pass right by when driving. We had Chinese food for lunch followed by fresh cooked churros for dessert. Had a wild bus ride home - I think the driver must have been making up time.
Terry & Rick had gone out for lunch while we were gone. Terry had done some chores and Rick enjoyed a book and the internet.
Terry, Pat, Craig & I went golfing shortly after we got back. Neither Pat nor I had a good game but the weather was lovely so can’t complain.
After dinner, Rick & Pat and we played Canasta and the guys finally won a game.
We spent some time going up to the office for wifi as we could not get it at the site and we needed to call our banker. Then we realized that it was Martin Luther King Day and banks in the US were closed. I called Marg instead (no wifi on Sunday evening) and had a nice chat with her.
I figured that with busy days planned for the week, I better do a couple loads of laundry while I could. We met some new neighbors across the road (from near Puyallup, WA) and chatted with them for a while.
We went golfing with Rick & Pat. Pat put in a roast to cook while we golfed so she made a lovely dinner for us and then we played Canasta.
Jan 22nd - Tues - San Carlos
We went clamming today south of Empalme. Rick & Pat, Geri and Linda went in one vehicle and Terry & I and Cathy were in another. There was a negative tide so we figured clamming would be good. We decided later that we did not need a negative tide as we did very well before the tide was all the way out.
The beach is sandy but shallow so stays kind of muddy when the tide goes out. We rolled up our pants and started raking. You only have to rack a few inches down to find the clams. It probably didn’t take us much more than an hour to get more clams than we thought we could eat in one meal - 3 half buckets and 1/3 bucket for Geri who was working alone. Terry walked way out to get clean water to rinse the clams and to change the water later. We had taken lunches so ate and sat around for a bit. On the way back, we stopped at the estuary to do more rinsing and get more clean water. It was a really fun day.
Jan 23rd - Wed -San Carlos
Dentist appointments again this morning. I went in with Rick & Pat for a 9 o’clock appt. The dentist was late and then Pat took longer than her ½ hour so I didn’t get in until 10. Pat told Terry that I would be about 2 ½ hours so he could come pick me up. There was road paving on the main street in Guaymas so Terry was a bit late and thought I might have given up. So he parked in a no-parking zone and came in to make sure I was still there. By this time, Terry is really fed up with traffic and trying to find a parking spot. After 3 hours in the chair, I went out and found him and we started back. I wanted a few groceries and Terry needed a restroom so we stopped at the Ley. When we came out, the traffic was all rerouted to one narrow exit and we ended up in a minor fender-bender - unfortunately our fault. Luckily, there was a young man next to us who spoke Spanish & English and agreed to interpret. But we (and a truck who pulled out and caused Terry to back up) were causing a bottleneck which attracted the attention of a policemen who was directing traffic around the construction. To make a long story short, it took 2 hours to get things settled with the insurance that we purchased paying for the damage. Steve & Linda were driving past and I motioned them in. They were a great help in communicating with the police (all 3 from the construction zone followed us to another location!) and getting in touch with the insurance company.
For some reason, we did not feel like cooking the clams tonight and instead I ended up making an easy dinner to share with Rick & Pat.
Jan 24th - Thurs - San Carlos
It rained this morning so we thought we would have a day where we could catch up on email & such. But Pat & Rick asked us to join them for a late breakfast. There were going to do laundry and eat at Barracuda Bob’s but too many other people had the same idea and the laundry and café were packed. So we went to Rosa’s Cantina for breakfast and then Pat & Rick did laundry at the park.
I made some salsa and did some prep work for dinner which was the clams that we dug. Pat & I steamed clams and Terry cooked some on the barbeque so we could compare methods. We all preferred the steamed clams so won’t do any on the barbeque again. Bill & Geri joined us and we ate a lot of clams which were excellent. Unfortunately, Rick was not feeling too well so he did not join us for dinner. People stopped by to chat after dinner and the evening flew by.
Jan 25th - Fri - San Carlos
Pat & I took the bus this morning to Guaymas for a dentist appointment for Pat. Then we walked a long ways looking for an interior decorating store which we did not find. However, we saw a lot of interesting places that you just pass right by when driving. We had Chinese food for lunch followed by fresh cooked churros for dessert. Had a wild bus ride home - I think the driver must have been making up time.
Terry & Rick had gone out for lunch while we were gone. Terry had done some chores and Rick enjoyed a book and the internet.
Terry, Pat, Craig & I went golfing shortly after we got back. Neither Pat nor I had a good game but the weather was lovely so can’t complain.
After dinner, Rick & Pat and we played Canasta and the guys finally won a game.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Jan 16th to 20th - San Carlos
Jan 16th - Wed - San Carlos
Caught up on my blog & did some cleaning this morning - fun stuff!
I went to a doctor here in San Carlos to have him look at a mole-type thing on my arm and a dry patch on my ear. The “mole” is totally benign and I will be using Duofilm (a mild acid like that used in Dr Scholl’s corn plasters) which should make it dry up and fall off. For my ears and another spot on my face, I have Efudix which will cause the areas to get very red and nasty looking before the fast-growing cells choke themselves with the medication and die. This is probably too much information but……
More laundry this afternoon. Pat had asked Steve to come for steak dinner as Linda is in Phoenix and I had steaks for dinner also so we did a joint dinner again. It is nice to prepare only part of the dinner each time.
Jan 17th - Thurs - San Carlos
Did some more computer stuff this morning and then wasted most of the afternoon at the dentist getting a root canal. We left early for Guaymas and stopped for a few groceries and then tried to get a parking spot - what a zoo! The dentist is across the street from a school and everyone is picking up their kids from about 1 to 3 as the different age groups get out. A dentist who just does root canals (I think) takes over the other dentist’s office on Thursdays. I had to get a prescription for an antibiotic as there was some inflammation and I guess that is nothing to mess with.
Got back just before happy hour where we enjoyed a dip/spread that I made with some more of the fresh crab meat and Pat made deep fried chicken fingers - yum! I was kind of tired from my dentist phobia so we just watched TV after dinner.
Jan 18th - Fri - San Carlos
Another day interrupted by the dentist. Pat had an appointment at 10:00 so took the bus to Guaymas. Rick had an appointment at 11:30 and I had one at 12:30. Terry & I had a lazy morning, went for breakfast at Barracuda Bob’s and then drove to Guaymas. When I walked into the dentist’s office at 12:25, Rick was still waiting! The dentist had a terrible time getting Pat’s old bridge off. Rick just needed a consultation so only took a short time and then it was my turn about 1:30. Terry was waiting in the truck so Pat told him what was happening. The dentist prepped me for a post and took an impression for a temporary crown so it took just over ½ hour, I think (don’t wear a watch any more!). Terry was across the street having a banana split so I joined him for a chocolate sundae. We stopped to look at a roadside sale and when we got back we had a note from Pat saying they had gone golfing and if we got home early enough we should join them. But it was 3:09 and too late so we went for a walk on the beach instead.
We went with Rick & Pat for dinner at a very nice place called Blackie’s. Good dinner, piano player in the bar, great company - what more can you ask for? Pat came over after to watch TV a bit and then she and Terry played Canasta while I read.
Jan 19th - San Carlos
After breakfast, Terry & I rode our bikes out to “the lot” and met Tim & Kim who are the other couple setting up an RV spot. They are here only for 4 days and then will be back at the beginning of March. Back to the rig for lunch and misc chores. Then Terry & I went golfing with Craig. Pat had another dentist appointment.
Terry & I stayed for a drink at the lot when we dropped Craig off, visited with Rick & Pat while I cooked dinner and then watched TV.
Jan 20th - San Carlos
Today was Terry’s birthday so we spent the day relaxing and eating. Started with a couple of warm, homemade blueberry muffins from Geri to enjoy with our coffee outside in the sunshine.
A bit later, Rick & Pat took us to breakfast at a place at the harbor. Very nice. We sat outside right beside the water and the weather was wonderful. Then we drove to a lookout to see if there were more vendors there. Nothing interesting.
Read, watched TV and ironed some clothes before meeting for one drink before going to dinner. Four couples from “the lots” joined us at the Fiesta. We started outside until the sun set and then moved indoors. Everyone had chateaubriand which was great. I had made a big pan of brownies so everyone returned to our place for dessert. Yes, we fit all 14 people inside as it was too cool outside. Not everyone got to sit but everyone got to eat - again!
Caught up on my blog & did some cleaning this morning - fun stuff!
I went to a doctor here in San Carlos to have him look at a mole-type thing on my arm and a dry patch on my ear. The “mole” is totally benign and I will be using Duofilm (a mild acid like that used in Dr Scholl’s corn plasters) which should make it dry up and fall off. For my ears and another spot on my face, I have Efudix which will cause the areas to get very red and nasty looking before the fast-growing cells choke themselves with the medication and die. This is probably too much information but……
More laundry this afternoon. Pat had asked Steve to come for steak dinner as Linda is in Phoenix and I had steaks for dinner also so we did a joint dinner again. It is nice to prepare only part of the dinner each time.
Jan 17th - Thurs - San Carlos
Did some more computer stuff this morning and then wasted most of the afternoon at the dentist getting a root canal. We left early for Guaymas and stopped for a few groceries and then tried to get a parking spot - what a zoo! The dentist is across the street from a school and everyone is picking up their kids from about 1 to 3 as the different age groups get out. A dentist who just does root canals (I think) takes over the other dentist’s office on Thursdays. I had to get a prescription for an antibiotic as there was some inflammation and I guess that is nothing to mess with.
Got back just before happy hour where we enjoyed a dip/spread that I made with some more of the fresh crab meat and Pat made deep fried chicken fingers - yum! I was kind of tired from my dentist phobia so we just watched TV after dinner.
Jan 18th - Fri - San Carlos
Another day interrupted by the dentist. Pat had an appointment at 10:00 so took the bus to Guaymas. Rick had an appointment at 11:30 and I had one at 12:30. Terry & I had a lazy morning, went for breakfast at Barracuda Bob’s and then drove to Guaymas. When I walked into the dentist’s office at 12:25, Rick was still waiting! The dentist had a terrible time getting Pat’s old bridge off. Rick just needed a consultation so only took a short time and then it was my turn about 1:30. Terry was waiting in the truck so Pat told him what was happening. The dentist prepped me for a post and took an impression for a temporary crown so it took just over ½ hour, I think (don’t wear a watch any more!). Terry was across the street having a banana split so I joined him for a chocolate sundae. We stopped to look at a roadside sale and when we got back we had a note from Pat saying they had gone golfing and if we got home early enough we should join them. But it was 3:09 and too late so we went for a walk on the beach instead.
We went with Rick & Pat for dinner at a very nice place called Blackie’s. Good dinner, piano player in the bar, great company - what more can you ask for? Pat came over after to watch TV a bit and then she and Terry played Canasta while I read.
Jan 19th - San Carlos
After breakfast, Terry & I rode our bikes out to “the lot” and met Tim & Kim who are the other couple setting up an RV spot. They are here only for 4 days and then will be back at the beginning of March. Back to the rig for lunch and misc chores. Then Terry & I went golfing with Craig. Pat had another dentist appointment.
Terry & I stayed for a drink at the lot when we dropped Craig off, visited with Rick & Pat while I cooked dinner and then watched TV.
Jan 20th - San Carlos
Today was Terry’s birthday so we spent the day relaxing and eating. Started with a couple of warm, homemade blueberry muffins from Geri to enjoy with our coffee outside in the sunshine.
A bit later, Rick & Pat took us to breakfast at a place at the harbor. Very nice. We sat outside right beside the water and the weather was wonderful. Then we drove to a lookout to see if there were more vendors there. Nothing interesting.
Read, watched TV and ironed some clothes before meeting for one drink before going to dinner. Four couples from “the lots” joined us at the Fiesta. We started outside until the sun set and then moved indoors. Everyone had chateaubriand which was great. I had made a big pan of brownies so everyone returned to our place for dessert. Yes, we fit all 14 people inside as it was too cool outside. Not everyone got to sit but everyone got to eat - again!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Jan 12th to 15th - San Carlos
Jan 12th - Sat - San Carlos
Rick & Pat and we went for a great kayak excursion today. We drove just partway through San Carlos to launch. The water was smooth and the temperature was perfectly warm. We went through a couple of “holes” in rocks that was initially a bit scary for me but ended up being a lot of fun. We took out the kayaks, drove to Catch-22 beach, had lunch at the Soggy Peso Bar and then the guys watched some kite surfers while Pat & I looked for shells.
We all (“group of 8” and “lot people”) went to dinner tonight to say farewell to Dave & Margo who are leaving tomorrow. We went to a Greek restaurant where they roast a whole lamb on Saturdays and have live music several nights a week. Terry & I danced a bit.
We made a special wind chime for Dave & Margo and gave it to them when we got back from dinner. I can’t believe I did not get a picture of the wind chime - we used a huge seed pod from a tree in the park for the “hanger” portion, decorated with a couple of shells and used beer cans for the “chimes”. It turned out much better than this description sounds!
Jan 13th - Sun - San Carlos
We got up early this morning to say goodbye to Dave & Margo. Terry & I went for a bike ride downtown before going to JJ’s for lunch. JJ’s has a central eating area with a grill area, a food prep “building”, a deep fry “building”, an old trailer selling tobacco & cigars and a drink/smoothie “building” around the edges. I put “building” in quotes as they are partially open sided structures. We split their carne asada Donkey which is a large burrito with spiced, grilled meat to which you add your own condiments. Another interesting experience.
Another lovely day for golfing this afternoon.
Jan 14th - Mon - San Carlos
Another trip to Hermasillo today. We started with the casino this time and it beat us all up. Then Costco for hot dogs and shopping, Home Depot and Wal Mart. Pat had shopping lists for Geri and Craig so shopping took a while. We wanted to find an outdoor market but decided to get better instructions from Pat’s masseuse instead of driving around the city looking for it.
We got back about 4:30, unloaded everything and then had a drink while we waited for a macaroni casserole (made ahead by Pat) to cook for dinner. Guess we hadn’t crammed enough into the day as we played Canasta again.
Jan 15th - Tues - San Carlos
Laundry this morning and then Pat & I took the bus to Guaymas for dentist appointments. Steve & Linda recommended another dentist. I had my teeth cleaned and had a sensitive tooth looked at. Pat had one filling and a price quote for removing a 3 tooth bridge, doing a filling underneath and replacing the bridge. She had this work priced in Canada for about $1000 more than it will cost her here. I have to get 2 fillings and am going to get a root canal, post and crown on the sensitive tooth that is nearly all metal filling right now. We both liked the dentist and felt very comfortable with his work. He used an ultrasound cleaning system that I have not experienced before and it was wonderful - very gentle and painless. My teeth were not the least bit “sore” after the cleaning as they usually are.
When we returned on the bus, we found that Terry & Rick had gone golfing so we walked to a small store for some groceries so we could make crab tostadas with the fresh crab that I bought from the fish vendor in the park this morning. We walked a little further to a clinic and I made an appointment for tomorrow to have a couple of skin issues looked at. I decided that I didn’t want to go to the dermatologist in Guaymas.
The guys had a great golf game, we had super crab tostadas together and then played Canasta to end a busy day.
Rick & Pat and we went for a great kayak excursion today. We drove just partway through San Carlos to launch. The water was smooth and the temperature was perfectly warm. We went through a couple of “holes” in rocks that was initially a bit scary for me but ended up being a lot of fun. We took out the kayaks, drove to Catch-22 beach, had lunch at the Soggy Peso Bar and then the guys watched some kite surfers while Pat & I looked for shells.
We all (“group of 8” and “lot people”) went to dinner tonight to say farewell to Dave & Margo who are leaving tomorrow. We went to a Greek restaurant where they roast a whole lamb on Saturdays and have live music several nights a week. Terry & I danced a bit.
We made a special wind chime for Dave & Margo and gave it to them when we got back from dinner. I can’t believe I did not get a picture of the wind chime - we used a huge seed pod from a tree in the park for the “hanger” portion, decorated with a couple of shells and used beer cans for the “chimes”. It turned out much better than this description sounds!
Jan 13th - Sun - San Carlos
We got up early this morning to say goodbye to Dave & Margo. Terry & I went for a bike ride downtown before going to JJ’s for lunch. JJ’s has a central eating area with a grill area, a food prep “building”, a deep fry “building”, an old trailer selling tobacco & cigars and a drink/smoothie “building” around the edges. I put “building” in quotes as they are partially open sided structures. We split their carne asada Donkey which is a large burrito with spiced, grilled meat to which you add your own condiments. Another interesting experience.
Another lovely day for golfing this afternoon.
Jan 14th - Mon - San Carlos
Another trip to Hermasillo today. We started with the casino this time and it beat us all up. Then Costco for hot dogs and shopping, Home Depot and Wal Mart. Pat had shopping lists for Geri and Craig so shopping took a while. We wanted to find an outdoor market but decided to get better instructions from Pat’s masseuse instead of driving around the city looking for it.
We got back about 4:30, unloaded everything and then had a drink while we waited for a macaroni casserole (made ahead by Pat) to cook for dinner. Guess we hadn’t crammed enough into the day as we played Canasta again.
Jan 15th - Tues - San Carlos
Laundry this morning and then Pat & I took the bus to Guaymas for dentist appointments. Steve & Linda recommended another dentist. I had my teeth cleaned and had a sensitive tooth looked at. Pat had one filling and a price quote for removing a 3 tooth bridge, doing a filling underneath and replacing the bridge. She had this work priced in Canada for about $1000 more than it will cost her here. I have to get 2 fillings and am going to get a root canal, post and crown on the sensitive tooth that is nearly all metal filling right now. We both liked the dentist and felt very comfortable with his work. He used an ultrasound cleaning system that I have not experienced before and it was wonderful - very gentle and painless. My teeth were not the least bit “sore” after the cleaning as they usually are.
When we returned on the bus, we found that Terry & Rick had gone golfing so we walked to a small store for some groceries so we could make crab tostadas with the fresh crab that I bought from the fish vendor in the park this morning. We walked a little further to a clinic and I made an appointment for tomorrow to have a couple of skin issues looked at. I decided that I didn’t want to go to the dermatologist in Guaymas.
The guys had a great golf game, we had super crab tostadas together and then played Canasta to end a busy day.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Jan 6th to 10th - San Carlos
Jan 6th - Sun - San Carlos
Golf again this afternoon. Then had Rick & Pat and Dave & Margo over for steak & prawn dinner. We watched what Rick said was the last episode of Desperate Housewives. We haven’t watched it for a long time - I think it is time for it to go as they are really reaching for story lines and some characters have become jokes.
Jan 7th - Mon - San Carlos
Laundry this morning. Most of the washers fill up very slowly so we take buckets, fill them with water at a nearby faucet and dump them in the washers for both the wash and rinse cycle. There were some other people doing laundry who didn’t know this trick so Terry ended up carrying water for them too.
We went to Baracuda Bob’s for a late breakfast with Dave & Margo and then went sightseeing on “Snob Hill”. Very narrow streets, some one-way, lovely views.
Pat made dinner for us tonight and then Pat & I showed the guys how to play Canasta.
Jan 8th - Tues - San Carlos
I have a cold now so rather than going kayaking I finally took the time to put comments on a lot of pictures and got them posted on the internet.
I was lucky enough to get to talk to Aunt Jessie this afternoon for over half an hour without getting dropped by Skype/internet. It was so nice!
Terry & I, Dave & Margo and Pat went for a long walk on the beach in the late afternoon. We had to return past the bar at the Fiesta Hotel and Dave was really thirsty so we stopped for our first happy hour drink. Had to hurry up a bit as it got cool & breezy and everyone was in shorts & Tshirts. Pat & Rick joined us for another drink in our rig before dinner.
Jan 9th - Wed - San Carlos
Went with Rick & Pat to Guaymas today. We found a new dentist and made appointments for Pat & I. We also found the office of a dermatologist but he was not there and the receptionist did not speak English so we didn’t make an appointment.
We went to lunch by the harbor and then walked around a bit and shopped before going to the Ley to pick up some groceries. Pat & I had both taken ribs out for dinner so we got together and ate.
Jan 10th - Thurs - San Carlos
I am still feeling a little puny so we had a lazy day and then played golf at 3. I actually did very well on the first 7 holes and then fell to pieces. It was another beautiful day. With the days getting longer, the sun was still up when we finished and we didn’t have to put on light jackets on the final holes.
Rick & Pat and we were going to go out for dinner but by the time we sat and had a drink and some munchies, Pat & I weren’t very hungry. So I made hamburger & noodles for dinner (sorry Rick!). Cable TV was not working again so we watched a movie. Pat & Rick had seen it and it definitely was not good enough to watch again so they left us to finish watching it.
Golf again this afternoon. Then had Rick & Pat and Dave & Margo over for steak & prawn dinner. We watched what Rick said was the last episode of Desperate Housewives. We haven’t watched it for a long time - I think it is time for it to go as they are really reaching for story lines and some characters have become jokes.
Jan 7th - Mon - San Carlos
Laundry this morning. Most of the washers fill up very slowly so we take buckets, fill them with water at a nearby faucet and dump them in the washers for both the wash and rinse cycle. There were some other people doing laundry who didn’t know this trick so Terry ended up carrying water for them too.
We went to Baracuda Bob’s for a late breakfast with Dave & Margo and then went sightseeing on “Snob Hill”. Very narrow streets, some one-way, lovely views.
Pat made dinner for us tonight and then Pat & I showed the guys how to play Canasta.
Jan 8th - Tues - San Carlos
I have a cold now so rather than going kayaking I finally took the time to put comments on a lot of pictures and got them posted on the internet.
I was lucky enough to get to talk to Aunt Jessie this afternoon for over half an hour without getting dropped by Skype/internet. It was so nice!
Terry & I, Dave & Margo and Pat went for a long walk on the beach in the late afternoon. We had to return past the bar at the Fiesta Hotel and Dave was really thirsty so we stopped for our first happy hour drink. Had to hurry up a bit as it got cool & breezy and everyone was in shorts & Tshirts. Pat & Rick joined us for another drink in our rig before dinner.
Jan 9th - Wed - San Carlos
Went with Rick & Pat to Guaymas today. We found a new dentist and made appointments for Pat & I. We also found the office of a dermatologist but he was not there and the receptionist did not speak English so we didn’t make an appointment.
We went to lunch by the harbor and then walked around a bit and shopped before going to the Ley to pick up some groceries. Pat & I had both taken ribs out for dinner so we got together and ate.
Jan 10th - Thurs - San Carlos
I am still feeling a little puny so we had a lazy day and then played golf at 3. I actually did very well on the first 7 holes and then fell to pieces. It was another beautiful day. With the days getting longer, the sun was still up when we finished and we didn’t have to put on light jackets on the final holes.
Rick & Pat and we were going to go out for dinner but by the time we sat and had a drink and some munchies, Pat & I weren’t very hungry. So I made hamburger & noodles for dinner (sorry Rick!). Cable TV was not working again so we watched a movie. Pat & Rick had seen it and it definitely was not good enough to watch again so they left us to finish watching it.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Jan 4th & 5th - San Carlos
Jan 4th - Fri - San Carlos
The cooking class went by bus to the Ley (grocery store) in Guaymas today to buy cheeses. Maria (cooking teacher) also helped us decipher the many types of tequila found in the Ley. Before we went shopping, I had Maria talk to the hairdresser who cut my hair when we first arrived as I needed another haircut but did not know how to instruct the stylist. After shopping, when other women were enjoying coffee, Pat & I both got haircuts. Then Margo, Pat & I walked and shopped further downtown until we arrived at our lunch destination near the harbor. We had a very nice lunch, walked & shopped part way back and then caught the bus back to the RV park. We arrived back just in time for the 3:30 cheese tasting. We tasted 8 cheeses and I think I would only buy 2 of them.
Terry & Dave went clamming while we were gone and got half a bucket of clams. They were not smart enough to stop somewhere for lunch so they went for a hamburger while we were tasting cheese. Rick has a cold so he is taking it easy.
We taught Margo to play Canasta as Margo & Terry played against Pat and me. We each won one game before calling it a night at 10:30.
Jan 5th - Sat - San Carlos
Rick & Pat and we went shopping for some “lot warming” gifts for our friends (Steve & Linda, Craig & Cathy and Bill & Tammy) who are setting up their RV sites on 2 lots and then we delivered the gifts. It was half past lunch time according to Rick’s stomach so Steve & Craig joined us for hot dogs at El Cheque which is a little place on the main street of San Carlos. The guy wraps bacon around the hot dogs before grilling them and the buns are baked in a bakery right next door. We had a large, late breakfast so I just ate a goodie from the bakery but the hot dogs looked good. Pat & I walked to Tony’s (produce stand) for a few items.
Pat made tempura (deep fried) prawns and zucchini for happy hour and I made guacamole. Unfortunately for Dave & Margo, they were having too much fun drinking beer on the beach and didn’t get back until all the prawns & zucchini were gone. “The girls” played Canasta after happy hour and made the guys fend for themselves. Pat & I won but I made the game a lot closer by making a stupid mistake! Oh well!
The weather is warming up during the day but still cool in the evenings.
The cooking class went by bus to the Ley (grocery store) in Guaymas today to buy cheeses. Maria (cooking teacher) also helped us decipher the many types of tequila found in the Ley. Before we went shopping, I had Maria talk to the hairdresser who cut my hair when we first arrived as I needed another haircut but did not know how to instruct the stylist. After shopping, when other women were enjoying coffee, Pat & I both got haircuts. Then Margo, Pat & I walked and shopped further downtown until we arrived at our lunch destination near the harbor. We had a very nice lunch, walked & shopped part way back and then caught the bus back to the RV park. We arrived back just in time for the 3:30 cheese tasting. We tasted 8 cheeses and I think I would only buy 2 of them.
Terry & Dave went clamming while we were gone and got half a bucket of clams. They were not smart enough to stop somewhere for lunch so they went for a hamburger while we were tasting cheese. Rick has a cold so he is taking it easy.
We taught Margo to play Canasta as Margo & Terry played against Pat and me. We each won one game before calling it a night at 10:30.
Jan 5th - Sat - San Carlos
Rick & Pat and we went shopping for some “lot warming” gifts for our friends (Steve & Linda, Craig & Cathy and Bill & Tammy) who are setting up their RV sites on 2 lots and then we delivered the gifts. It was half past lunch time according to Rick’s stomach so Steve & Craig joined us for hot dogs at El Cheque which is a little place on the main street of San Carlos. The guy wraps bacon around the hot dogs before grilling them and the buns are baked in a bakery right next door. We had a large, late breakfast so I just ate a goodie from the bakery but the hot dogs looked good. Pat & I walked to Tony’s (produce stand) for a few items.
Pat made tempura (deep fried) prawns and zucchini for happy hour and I made guacamole. Unfortunately for Dave & Margo, they were having too much fun drinking beer on the beach and didn’t get back until all the prawns & zucchini were gone. “The girls” played Canasta after happy hour and made the guys fend for themselves. Pat & I won but I made the game a lot closer by making a stupid mistake! Oh well!
The weather is warming up during the day but still cool in the evenings.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Jan 2nd & 3rd - San Carlos
Jan 2nd - Wed - San Carlos
Lazy morning with some cleaning and a drive to take some pictures and check out a couple of small grocery stores for “future reference”.
We played golf in the afternoon - Rick, Terry & Craig and Pat, Cathy & I. Cathy has not played much golf lately - at least partly due to tendonitis in both elbows. She was rusty but had some great shots so hope it encourages her to play more with us.
Golf was slow due to groups ahead of us so we got back late and it was quite cool. I had asked Rick & Pat to join us for dinner and then we played Canasta again. Pat & I started out great but then the cards failed us and the guys won again. Maybe they forget who cooks the meals!!
Jan 3rd - Thurs - San Carlos/Empalme
Our “group of 8” went sightseeing today. We went through Guaymas & Empalme to Ortiz to see an old fort that a friend in the park had mentioned. It was an interesting drive with a lot of large cultivated fields and a large dairy past Empalme. The fort was quite large but not maintained - lots of garbage & graffiti. A man and several children came over and the man tried to explain the history but his English was not too good. We gathered that the fort was used for protection of farmers but we don’t know from whom.
From there we went to a large beach near Empalme. We were all walking along the beach when a guy in a rickety bar started putting out tables & chairs on the sand and motioning us to come over. We were looking for a place to have lunch so we went over and ordered beer. I needed to use the restroom so asked if there was one available. He said yes and rushed in ahead of me to take a bucket and rag and wipe down the broken toilet. He provided some TP (common in Mexico) and had placed a container of water on the bar for me to wash my hands when I came out. While we were drinking our beer, he came back out first with a plate of chips & cheetos and then with sliced, salted cucumbers with lemon to squeeze over them - good. He also asked if we would buy him a beer - of course we said yes so he came out with his beer and we asked him a couple of questions which he answered with a bit of English and very good pantomime.
We were not encouraged to have lunch (and were not sure he did more than snacks) so stopped for lunch at the Flamingo Hotel in Guaymas. It was quite good but a couple of orders got confused and Terry & Rick ended up with lamb. They did not figure it out until they had both eaten part of their meal. Geri ended up with enough lamb for a meal.
Lazy morning with some cleaning and a drive to take some pictures and check out a couple of small grocery stores for “future reference”.
We played golf in the afternoon - Rick, Terry & Craig and Pat, Cathy & I. Cathy has not played much golf lately - at least partly due to tendonitis in both elbows. She was rusty but had some great shots so hope it encourages her to play more with us.
Golf was slow due to groups ahead of us so we got back late and it was quite cool. I had asked Rick & Pat to join us for dinner and then we played Canasta again. Pat & I started out great but then the cards failed us and the guys won again. Maybe they forget who cooks the meals!!
Jan 3rd - Thurs - San Carlos/Empalme
Our “group of 8” went sightseeing today. We went through Guaymas & Empalme to Ortiz to see an old fort that a friend in the park had mentioned. It was an interesting drive with a lot of large cultivated fields and a large dairy past Empalme. The fort was quite large but not maintained - lots of garbage & graffiti. A man and several children came over and the man tried to explain the history but his English was not too good. We gathered that the fort was used for protection of farmers but we don’t know from whom.
From there we went to a large beach near Empalme. We were all walking along the beach when a guy in a rickety bar started putting out tables & chairs on the sand and motioning us to come over. We were looking for a place to have lunch so we went over and ordered beer. I needed to use the restroom so asked if there was one available. He said yes and rushed in ahead of me to take a bucket and rag and wipe down the broken toilet. He provided some TP (common in Mexico) and had placed a container of water on the bar for me to wash my hands when I came out. While we were drinking our beer, he came back out first with a plate of chips & cheetos and then with sliced, salted cucumbers with lemon to squeeze over them - good. He also asked if we would buy him a beer - of course we said yes so he came out with his beer and we asked him a couple of questions which he answered with a bit of English and very good pantomime.
We were not encouraged to have lunch (and were not sure he did more than snacks) so stopped for lunch at the Flamingo Hotel in Guaymas. It was quite good but a couple of orders got confused and Terry & Rick ended up with lamb. They did not figure it out until they had both eaten part of their meal. Geri ended up with enough lamb for a meal.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Dec 30th to Jan 1st 2008 - San Carlos
Dec 30th - Sun - San Carlos
Thought I would be the only one doing laundry on Sunday morning but I was wrong - full house. The washers don’t fill with water very quickly so I had Terry pack buckets of water from a nearby tap to speed up the process. I was finished with drying when a lady who started her wash ahead of me was still on the final spin of one washing machine.
We played golf at 3:00. Bill played with Pat & I and the guys had a foursome. It was a warmer day so was very pleasant, even when the sun went down. The rest of our group joined us for happy hour when we got back and then we went our separate ways for dinner.
Dec 31st - Mon - San Carlos
Rick & Pat, Margo and we went grocery shopping at the Ley in Guaymas this morning. It was quite busy.
We had no group consensus on “appetizer dinner” or dinner out tonight so Pat asked us to share dinner with them. Of course we started with snacks at Happy Hour and then moved to their place. After dinner we came back to our rig so we could set up a table in the middle of the living room area to facilitate card playing. Rick & Pat taught us how to play Hand & Foot Canasta. Pat & I let the guys win! Had a good time.
After dessert, Pat & I walked to the road to check out any New Year’s Eve action. The park, the street and nearby businesses where all very quiet. This was at 10:20 so we thought the nightclub was not going to be open - wrong!! The music did not start until nearly midnight and went until after 6:00 am. I woke a couple of times but luckily went back to sleep fairly quickly. Someone said they expected the nightclub to slow down after the holidays - sure hope they are correct.
Jan 1st - Tues - HAPPY NEW YEAR from San Carlos
I puttered around making salsa and banana coffee cake this morning. We cannot find mild/medium salsa here so I am experimenting with making my own. I shared the coffee cake with our group and Margo asked me for tea as Dave was fishing with a neighbor. Terry was at loose ends so he rode his bicycle to town to find a Mexico map.
Bill & Geri made seafood linguine for our group of 8 and Craig & Cathy and Bill & Tammy. The rest of us provided salad, rolls and dessert. Great food but the flies sure find it quickly. We ate shortly after 3 and then sat around chatting. I started getting cool at 6:45 so headed for home.
Wifi has been sporadic at best for a few days. I managed to call Terry’s mom for a few minutes but gave up after getting dropped the second time.
Thought I would be the only one doing laundry on Sunday morning but I was wrong - full house. The washers don’t fill with water very quickly so I had Terry pack buckets of water from a nearby tap to speed up the process. I was finished with drying when a lady who started her wash ahead of me was still on the final spin of one washing machine.
We played golf at 3:00. Bill played with Pat & I and the guys had a foursome. It was a warmer day so was very pleasant, even when the sun went down. The rest of our group joined us for happy hour when we got back and then we went our separate ways for dinner.
Dec 31st - Mon - San Carlos
Rick & Pat, Margo and we went grocery shopping at the Ley in Guaymas this morning. It was quite busy.
We had no group consensus on “appetizer dinner” or dinner out tonight so Pat asked us to share dinner with them. Of course we started with snacks at Happy Hour and then moved to their place. After dinner we came back to our rig so we could set up a table in the middle of the living room area to facilitate card playing. Rick & Pat taught us how to play Hand & Foot Canasta. Pat & I let the guys win! Had a good time.
After dessert, Pat & I walked to the road to check out any New Year’s Eve action. The park, the street and nearby businesses where all very quiet. This was at 10:20 so we thought the nightclub was not going to be open - wrong!! The music did not start until nearly midnight and went until after 6:00 am. I woke a couple of times but luckily went back to sleep fairly quickly. Someone said they expected the nightclub to slow down after the holidays - sure hope they are correct.
Jan 1st - Tues - HAPPY NEW YEAR from San Carlos
I puttered around making salsa and banana coffee cake this morning. We cannot find mild/medium salsa here so I am experimenting with making my own. I shared the coffee cake with our group and Margo asked me for tea as Dave was fishing with a neighbor. Terry was at loose ends so he rode his bicycle to town to find a Mexico map.
Bill & Geri made seafood linguine for our group of 8 and Craig & Cathy and Bill & Tammy. The rest of us provided salad, rolls and dessert. Great food but the flies sure find it quickly. We ate shortly after 3 and then sat around chatting. I started getting cool at 6:45 so headed for home.
Wifi has been sporadic at best for a few days. I managed to call Terry’s mom for a few minutes but gave up after getting dropped the second time.
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