Joyce 1954
We also lost my Aunt Jo this week, another woman full of life. She was 85. She always had a smart-alec crack and quick smile. She used to let me come ride her horse, Cheetah, when I was young.
John is in Suriname on a TDY, so I’ve had the house to myself this four-day weekend. I’ve been scanning, organizing, and backing up thousands of old photos – it feels great to finally tackle this project! And it’s been so fun coming across old photos – lots of memories.
With Rocio
Then Friday, one of John’s old co-workers from Systematics, Leland, was in town. John took the day off to spend time with him, then we went out for a nice dinner together. He spent the night with us, but was out the door at the crack of dawn to catch his flight back to Arkansas. There’s nothing like old friends – they’re the best!
And, a friend from Tel Aviv is currently working in Juarez, and she was in town on a TDY working at our Consulate, so she and I spent the day shopping in Tlaquepaque yesterday!
It was fun catching up with all three of these folks – old friends are the best!
We hosted our monthly book club on Thursday night, which was a lot of fun. And with history repeating itself, Jennifer joined us – she used to attend in Tel Aviv, as well! Good times!
Downtown Tequila
We had a nice dinner across the street, followed by a mini-tequila tasting for Phillip before we hit the sack.
John had them up early this morning to ride bikes at the Via Recreativa downtown, then we met for breakfast at Dainzu, our favorite Oaxacan place. After that, it was time to head back to the airport, sadly. A quick trip, but fun!
Here are some photos – or click to see them all!
Phillip and John
Thistle with grasshopper
Andrew
I made it! Mount Tequila
John, Andrew, and Phillip – Mount Tequila
Jacaranda petals on tree trunk
Fish zarandeoda
Our friend from Pakistan, Marcus, was in town this week. He’s a big gamer like John, so he spent Monday afternoon with us (it was a Mexican holiday), playing games with John. It was fun to see a familiar face. We also had lunch with him one day at work.
Tuesday I gave a presentation at the Bi-National Center about women’s history month. It was so much fun (and in English, so I didn’t have to worry about my Spanish, thank goodness). The audience are English students, and they were very fun and engaged.
John and I did our Friday night dinner again, which was very good. We really like that little place.
Last night we went to our consular chief’s house for dinner along with the other consular managers and their families. I spent a lot of time talking to my boss’s three girls, who range from 7th to 10th grade. They are so cute and lively – and each with such distinct personalities. I really enjoyed it. It was a lovely evening with the table set up outside, and the weather here is pretty perfect right now!
Pillow with scene
Yesterday I made a trip to Tlaquepaque to shop for pillows for a friend in Washington. She had bought a few when she was here last fall, and decided she wanted a few more. I relish any opportunity to go to Tlaquepaque, so off I went. I sent her photos of some options, she picked what she wanted, and I got them for her. It was a lot of fun! And, of course, I ended up with the black one on the right (below) for myself.
Huapil style
John took me back to Cortazar for Friday night dinner, which we enjoyed. Walking back to our car after dinner, I’m always amazed at how many people are out on the street…walking, talking, having a beer, what have you. It’s a fun atmosphere.
We had another very crazy busy week at work. It’s exhausting!
Puebla style