criplomats

Two of our ACS local staff retired this week. They had over 80 years of service between them. We had a big taco party for them at work – it was a bittersweet day for them. Our local staff are really the institutional knowledge of the Department of State overseas; while officers like me come and go, they are the glue that keeps sections held together.

With Ana Rosa and Adriana

ACS Group Shot

John is in full War College mode – reading and writing papers! He seems to be enjoying it.

Speaking of reading, we hosted book club at our house on Thursday. I admit to not reading the book (!) but I do enjoy hosting the group.

Yesterday morning we went to a brunch to welcome our new consular chief – it was a pretty morning outside and we enjoyed socializing a bit.

My computer has begun to give me fits. I’ve been on two different telephone sessions with Microsoft technicians today, all to no avail!

Here’s a shot of me with my great boss Pete and excellent local staffer Cesar at happy hour last week.

With Pete and Cesar

Flavia

John and I finally made it to see a show at the lovely Teatro Degollado in downtown Guadalajara. It’s a beautiful venue – click to see an interior shot. We went to see a production of Amadeus, which was good, although it was heavier on dialogue than I had hoped, but very enjoyable all the same.

Friday was the last day for one of our managers, and the first day of his replacement. We had a taco lunch brought in for the section, and had a happy hour after work.

This morning John and I walked down to Dianzu, our favorite spot for breakfast. Here are a few shots from our walk, plus a rainbow we saw from our balcony earlier this week.

Tree

Door

Turnip centerpiece

Rainbow

Old aqueduct

One thing that really makes John and me happy are our hummingbirds and the Scott Oriole who visit us on the balcony. I love hearing them chirp and buzz around. They’re usually waiting for us to put the feeders out right before sunrise (we have to bring them in so the bats don’t guzzle the food) – yesterday I slept in a bit and the sun had been up about 30 minutes before I put them out, and they were not happy with me!

Hummers

Hummers

The oriole and hummer together

Coming in a for a landing

It’s been a typically busy week at work. I’ve been covering for my boss and a co-worker in the fraud department, so I’ve been running in several directions. Luckily, they both return tomorrow, so I have something to look forward to!

Thanks to the fourth of July holiday, we were only at work for four days this week – but they were busy. Summers here are a mixed bag for me. It’s our busiest time of the year, but I do love the storms! We had several big ones this week – after drenching my sandals trying to get to the car Wednesday after our English class for the guards, I finally got smart and have started toting my cute rain boots back and forth to the office with me.

We hosted book club at our house Thursday night. It was a small group, but interesting discussion of “Farewell to Arms.”

Friday night we went to a co-worker’s house for game night. I ended up teaching “Settlers of Catan” to a group of folks. There were several tables of other games going on as well. It was lots of fun and good to socialize a bit.

I went to the dermatologist yesterday for a check-up. It was quite the production – cosmetic surgery and the like are very popular in Guadalajara!

Last night we watched the finale of a series that Pam recommended, “River.” We agreed with her that it was worth the watch. Then we watched the incredible “45 Years” with Charlotte Rampling. It’s a slow, deliciously agonizing movie – the more we discussed it this morning, the more we liked it.