Then and Now Photos

Hola.  I have been thinking a lot lately about how far we have come with this casa and I have put together a little picture story for you........and for me. It reminds me that we really have come a long way.

When Senor first stepped onto the grounds of this  place in November of 2007, I knew he had a vision for it. I was not so sure about it. I kind of liked the casa down the street. It only needed painting and some general work. But when Senor said..........and then, what will we do...................of course, I thought...............travel the world. But he was not ready for that. Pretty soon, I recognized I was not really ready for that either. And we wanted to buy a house in Alamos. So, we bought the casa.

In the photo below the realtor is walking away and leaving us there to walk through the knee high weeds, the busted out windows, around the burro poop and to the next stage of our lives......in Mexico.
 
The first big things to happen were the adobe wall and the gate.

 In the photo on the right, from 2007, I stood and watched Senor. I knew in an instant we were not choosing the house down the street or the one with the big concrete swimming pools that eventually would become filled with mud during Hurricane Norbert. We were not buying the casa on Rosales with the huge arched door ways, amapa beamed ceilings and a dining room big enough for thirty. This was it.

I think he stood under those old canalis for an hour and suddenly he took off, walking the casa, walking the grounds, pacing off his steps, putting every single detail in his photographic memory and  back home in Carnation, by January, he had the whole rebuilding plan drawn out on paper, and he has seldom swayed from those original ideas that came to him on that November day.



And here, below on the left, is that same side of the casa where he stood. Below that is the original East facing front with the tile inserts we knocked out and two photos top and bottom of what was behind the concrete. In both I have just knocked out the last tile and am taking a siesta. There is a small photo of how that looks now, with the wall gone, the huge support beam and the opening to what will be the front door in the back ground.

Below is a present view into that same area.The L shaped wall in the right background, right behind the white chair by the column, will come down and this will be the large sala, or living area, with french doors in between the background columns, enclosing the house.

In these photos you can see how the addition of the portal has changed the casa.

 Below the view is out to the yard, what could be seen of it then through the tiles, and then, the view as it is now from the same location, just about where I was sitting in the chair. The french doors that will enclose the sala will be between those foreground columns.

 

 The older half of this casa, which was a ranch house on the Rancho Colorada, is over a hundred years old and an enormous bathroom was installed at a later time. We took it out and it is now the closet in what will be the master bedroom. You can see the closet in the second photo.

 Below is the old stable and then, the remodeled stable. The following two photos are the old kitchen of the ranch house as we first saw it and how it looks now. It will be the master bathroom.

 

In the photo below is the newer section of the casa, built most likely in the sixties. When we bought the casa, these two doors on the left were the only livable rooms in the house, both being used as bedrooms, both with working bathrooms attached.

 And below you can see the change, and what will be the kitchen window on the right and the extension of the adobe wall at the very end.

And now at the opposite end. Eventually the wall to the left of the open door, where the fake kitchen is now, will come down and so will the adjoining wall to the right. This will make the sala one big living area. The wall on the other side of the ladder has already been removed and over it is where the huge support beam is now.

The door Senor is opening is the one on the right in the photo above this one. You are looking at the tile that surrounded the room where we removed the back wall (where the you can see the ladder).

Well, are you exhausted? I am. It looks like a lot of work to me. These days Senor and Humberto are working on the actual wall of the house at the north end, outside the bedroom door. As soon as this room is complete, with walls and ceiling, the fake kitchen walls will come down and the entire sala will be exposed as one big room and we will see how I feel about things then. Senor says we are very near the time when nearly all of the outside frame and support work will be done and that sounds good to me. Notice how that is worded, we are very near being near the time of the next step...............well anyway, I just wanted to share this with you.
I am pooped out from loading and moving photos around, but I hope it is all fairly clear to you. Senor is off at his bridge game and it is time for Cookies and me to siesta.
Maybe....hasta manana.........Linda Lou

stromspower outagesand nointernet

we hadaweek ofstorms andwere without powerforawhile, then withoiut phone and internet. Ourphone isbackbutstill no internet. Over a week now and wemissedall thefinalOlympic soccer games and all theother goodstuff likewomensweightlifting which is nowmy2nd favoritesport, nexttosoccer.thosewomenareso strong, especiallytheones from Polandwholook liketheycould lifta semi ineachhand and neverbreak a sweat.

so Iam downin the internet cafe and thespacebaron thisold computer keyboard doesnotspace andit is also switching backandforth fromenglishtospanish. Itried tochangesome of my misspelled wordsand wholeparagraphs getdeleted. lotsof kids in here,playingcomputer games and yellingateach otheracross theroom, very lively andthe plug insdo notworkso I cannot show youanyphotos.
.I ameatingcookies,yum.

 Iwas in here saturday tooand it was super hot and humid. the lady nextdoorsellscorn tamales from herlivingroom and teysmelled so great. Then right outsidehtecafe doorsomeonetied upa burro toabicycle and the burropooped.

duringopneof the storms senorbackedhte caro utof thedriveway andthegateslammedinto thefront bumper adtookit part wayoff the car. sosenoris home fixingthe bumper because Itold him Irefuse todrive new old carwiththe bumper hanging off thefront, firstwhati f it fallsoff and idrive overit_ then hewill just have moretorepair.....we hadtogototownyesterday andeveryoneknows our carad theyjust staredat us and i was veryembarrassed.....so ineedto go because Iam walking.

anyway just want tolet everyoneknowwe are still aliveand it is superhot here and humid and we arereading lotsof goodbooks.

Telmex says the problem isin their officeand notwitho urmodem, soha, whatdoes thatmean..LOL, Idon'tgetit, but the internet kidtells melots fo peoplehave no internetsincethe storms......Ihave togo home and practice weightlifting infrontof the rotatingfan............hastaluego,lindalou

man, I am feelin' gooooooooood.............

 Hola!
I just popped a bag of popcorn in the microwave. Why is that a bag of popcorn only pops about 3/4's of its kernels? Or could it just be my borrowed microwave, or maybe I need to check the power level or something. Bajajaja, out of curiosity, just went and did that, it was on 2. Anyway I ate the whole 3/4th's bagful and put the un popped corn out on the asador for the doves. Senor did not get a single bite because he is off playing bridge this afternoon. Thank goodness!

I feel like we have been cooped up in the bedroom with the fake mini split since we returned from Colorado. In all fairness, feeling that way has been my own sense of ease in thinking it too hot, or I am just still too tired from the trip, oh, I am so lazy and so I will just lay down on the bed and read a book. I am pretty sure Senor has felt the same way. Really, I have spent the last 3 weeks since returning from Colorado doing....nothing. Cooking has been a chore, we have eaten a bunch of stuff out of cans. Sweeping? absolutely not. Laundry? too big a job. Washing dishes, forget it.

So today I snapped completely. I mowed the lawn, I rearranged the fake kitchen, I pulled the big weeds at the bases of all the palms, I organized the laundry glasspondstudio shop room. Cookies followed me around, meowing each time I returned to the kitchen for a new plastic garbage bag and when I went near the bedroom door he howled to get inside so we could lay back down on the bed and read or snore the day away. He demanded I stop every half hour or so and stroke his back by grabbing my ankle and tugging as I walked by. As soon as he rolled over on his back and I gave him the once over I was off  leaving him in despair.

I did 2 loads of laundry I brought back dirty from Colorado, I went and visited my 90 year old neighbor who was taken by her loving family back to live in the states while we were gone and then quickly returned because she missed her Alamos home too much and really let them know about it. She kissed me and said I smelled like old garlic and what had I been cooking and I said nothing really. Really, nothing......

I walked around the corner to Pancho's little store for a Nestle's dark chocolate and almond ice cream bar, and ate it before I got around the corner and went back for another one. I changed the sheets on the twin beds in case someone comes to visit and I organized all the magazines, Sunset in this pile, Martha in that pile, Phoenix Home and Garden over there.
Then I threw away all the refrigerator food that should have been thrown out before we even went to Colorado.
Man, I am feelin' gooooood.

 I think Senor must have a little snap as well, but he would never admit to that I am sure. However he has been up on the roof this morning, spreading some permeable in the hot sun and checking on a few things here and there.

He and Humberto went and got that pile of ladrillos and Humberto is working on one of the walls now that will be on the casa side of the portal. I am seeing shape here, people...........

 I just sense a change, you know.

And that's all right. I am good with it. I feel like I drank a couple of pots of energy and I only get 1/2 a teaspoon of caffeinated coffee a day. Maybe it was the double dose of sugar in the ice cream, but this peculiarity began at dawn with the pull of the mower switch, long before my 1/2 teaspoon of taste luxury and that smooth chocolate. So, maybe I have been Rip van Winkle'd and just did not know it or maybe I needed a long rest. Or I have been sort of like the microwave, I just needed my power level checked.

Okay, I guess I made my blog point and oh, that is good, too. I must be back in the blog swing and man, I am feelin' gooood.
LOL and hasta la vista, baby! Linda Lou

Back Home with Wonderful Memories

 Buenas tardes!
I have never seen such a beautiful wedding.
For two days, it thundered and rained, only to have a perfectly beautiful storm free wedding day.
The setting was unrivaled by any on earth, the bride and groom, the most beautiful and handsome, each with smiling eyes for each other.

And of course, the tie was perfect.

Ian was a handsome usher and while I couldn't pull off the boots, my sequined sandals blended perfectly with the coral and beige outfit KD and I chose in downtown Breckenridge.

The bride and groom told of their love for one another as they stood in a story book setting alongside the flowing Blue River. Overhead the Lodge Pole pine branches swayed in the breeze and purple wildflowers popped their heads up to observe the ceremony. More than perfect.

It all happened fast. From the moment Senor and I arrived in Breckenridge, time was on fast forward. Every waking moment was filled with an activity or a preparation for the day. There were errands to run, items to purchase, more things to make, things to try on, meals to share, new people to meet, family to pick up, news to share. Nights were studded with shooting stars, filled with constant reminder of things that needed to be accomplished the following day.

The day of the wedding flew and yet I recall every single detail, every taste, every conversation, every hug and every kiss, every breath. It is as if I have put it into the memory bank of my mind and I know it will never go away.

But on Sunday morning as our family stood in the condo parking lot and hugged and kissed and shared our feelings over and over again, one thing did not occur to me. Only as we all drove away, parting amid waves of laughter and happiness, promising the next time we saw one another would be soon, did time suddenly stand still.

There was nothing moving faster than the car, and my thoughts slowed down, my body slowed down and I felt suspended in time, just another being, nothing to do, no deadline, no errand to run, no phone to answer.
We had all been woven together like the tightest threads of fabric: making bouquets, decorating chairs and tables, hanging flowers and origami birds and pinwheels, filling small mason jars with gummy bears. The pace was fast. And we laughed and joked and loved each moment of being together.

It was hard to keep back the tears as we said our very last good byes to Ian and his girlfriend, Sara, and headed south on the freeway, neither Senor or I talking, each just trying to keep our emotions in check and wanting to freeze frame the last two days. We had no place to go, no where to be, no one to see, nothing to do. As the rain began I knew I would be in tears.
For four days we followed the wind and the rain, not really caring where we were going. We went south to Colorado Springs and decided to veer off at the last moment to Cripple Creek. We went back north, closer and closer to Breckenridge, but not wanting to make the commitment to a road already traveled, we turned west to Garrison and Montrose, and then followed the thunder as it continued south to Ouvray and Silverton. Each turn found us looking for something, eventually finding solitude in the simple peace and quiet that just comes from driving.

Finally we made the choice to go south to Arizona, knowing we had been away from Alamos for three weeks.  And then we could not get home fast enough.

We have been home now for a week. Cookies really does not seem to have noticed we were even gone, maybe out for a Sunday picnic is probably what he thought. We did nothing for about four days and then slowly the world began to move around us again, a little work here and there, a trip to the mercado, a walk around the barrio. But now the concrete mixer is going, the Etsy shop is up and running again, the water and electric bills have been paid, neighbors have stopped by to chat.

Family news is steady: KD and Darin have returned from their honeymoon in Mexico, folding happily together into a new life of married bliss, there are new cobblestone steps a Minnesota aunt is putting in her backyard, a Texas aunt tells about an estate sale and the treasures she found, there are carpenter ants at a family cabin,  new porch pillows being made while a heavy rain falls, a car that needs repair, a California uncle sends pictures, dancing at the local country and western club. Everyone keeps moving on.

Yet with the snap of a beckoning finger, and in a heartbeat, I would do it all again. The exciting anticipation of family being together, knowing we didn't really know much about making wedding bouquets, the fear of not having enough memory on the camera photo, hot dogs and burgers on the July 4th grill, tip toeing because we were on the 2nd floor and still wide awake at midnight tying ribbons on bubble blowers, the thrill of a daughter so beautiful and so much in love with a wonderful and handsome young man and the stars so close you could pick out your very own from the Colorado sky and make a wish.

I also keep moving on. A herd of cattle went up the street yesterday evening, their hooves pounding the concrete as the little boys came behind them on their burros, swishing their palm fronds against the backs of the cows. The wind keeps surprising me, picking up, letting up, the wind chimes tinkling with its pace. The rain falls early morning, the skies a deep gray for most of the day. A family of bright red cardinals has learned to use the new feeder I brought back. The mountains are thick and green with tropical trees and plants. The gardenias in the planters are in full bloom, surrounding the casa in constant sweetness.


I am beginning to feel back home now and I am filled with happiness and wonderful memories that are in my heart where I will keep them forever.

Rocky Mountain High

Hola! Just want to share a few photos with you and give you a little update on things.

Senor and I stayed on the back roads through Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado, and took our time driving to Breckenridge. The first photo was taken in north western New Mexico near Two Grey Hills, where we stopped and visited the Navajo Weaving Museum. The next was our first view of some of the devastating wild fires in Colorado. This one was near Durango, in the west. Then, a photo of the still snowy mountains that surround Breckenridge and one of the old Cowboy Mine here in Breckenridge.
Lastly, a photo of the wedding stage at the Agape church. You have seen it in the snow, but now, the wildflowers are out and the creek is flowing under the stage and out to the Blue River. It is a beautiful setting.

We have been in Breckenridge now for a week and it has been a busy one. Lots of wedding preparation, lots of wedding errands. Darin's family has arrived, and our family members begin arriving tomorrow. I have been making lots of cranes and paper pinwheels.

Breckenridge is packed with people. It is definitely a popular vacation spot, river rafting, zip lining, gondola rides to the tops of the mountains and endless hiking trails. Everyone rides a bike and the bike paths connect all of the Summit County mountain towns.

Tall firs, pines, cottonwoods and aspens are shimmering in the sunlight and the rivers are sparkling. Everyone here is on their own Rocky Mountain High.

Senor has his fly rod and a few new flies he bought in Pagosa Springs and tomorrow is fishing day. He will get a break from using the gas grill at our condo.

I tagged along with KD and Darin when they went for their marriage license and signed the registry book.
It is all coming together and we are excited for all of our family to begin arriving. I am especially eager for the ladies to get here so they can help me finish making all this great wedding stuff. Okay I have to run. We are due at the next event.
Quickly though, here is the rain update. It began on the 22nd and Nedra Johnson Cook of Tennessee guessed the day and the closest time. The wonderful thing about this is my sister and I grew up with Nedra in the Piney Woods of East Texas, in Carthage. We recently reconnected with Nedra through Facebook. What wonderful memories we have.
So the pendant has found its home and thank you to everyone who joined in the fun! We will do it again next year!
Que le vaya bien! Linda Lou and Senor, too, in Breckenridge, Colorado

Senor's Tie

Hola! We are blasting out of Alamos at day break. How did this day come so quickly. The flowers, cranes and pinwheels, packed away in their boxes, will make the trip flat and will be opened in Breckenridge. The fabrics and rolls of satin ribbon are ready. The decorated cards for the "Blessing Tree' are bagged and packed. Rehearsal clothes, and parts of wedding clothes are suitcased. They will meet up with other clothing and of course, the boots, which have all been sent to KD's condo.

Even Senor's tie, which he dearly loves, is going to Colorado. KD and I have both tried to tell him it just does not match with the wedding colors, but he is convinced that when KD sees it she will love it as much as he does. I told him he can wear it to the rehearsal dinner. KD told him he will look like a Navajo rug. And I think this is why he loves it, hand woven Navajo rugs and blankets are one of his passions. I just don't think it will work.

Below are a few of the flowers and pinwheels, and cranes, opened.


By now, the setting is covered with beautiful wildflowers and the Lodge Pole pines are brilliant with baby new needle shoots. The river is rushing by the wedding stage and the creek is flowing through the bowled ampitheater. If you want to know more and see what is going on you can by clicking on the pinterest button on the right. You can go to the board titled 'What's happening for the July 7th Wedding'.

If you have not made a guess for the day and time the rains will begin in Alamos, the next few days might be a good guess. We will most likely miss the first rain, but I will be informed when it begins. As I write, the wind is picking up and the sky is filled with dark clouds. But the thunder is missing and I think we will have a few days of these billowing clouds before the deluge begins.

I can't stick around any longer. I have too much to do. Senor has a list for himself and I imagine he will get it all done in the morning in about five minutes.

When we get back I think this will all be nice and green.
que le vaya bien!
linda lou

Let the Rain Contest Begin

Hola, hola, hola.

The Rain Contest begins today. Here is the prize above. The dots on the pendant remind me of the rain and the center, of a rainbow. It's a pretty cool looking jewel.

I held this contest last and the year before so people could guess the day and time the rains begin here in Alamos. Over seventy people participated last year and the winner guessed 6pm, July 4th. The rains actually began slightly earlier that afternoon and she won a very pretty pendant necklace.

June 24, Dia de San Juan, is the Mexican calendar's official date of the beginning of rainy season here in Sonora. Everyone talks non stop now about when they think the rains will come, how long the season will last and of course, how much we will get and whether they think another Norbert is possibly on the horizon.

Once the rain begins, with its accompaniment of heavy wind, and thunder that growls and rolls non stop for hours, lightning that streaks across the sky one direction and instantly back the other, the semi tropical forest comes alive and Alamos is suddenly transformed into a lush green paradise.

There are really no rules to the contest at all. Just send me the day and time, with am or pm specified, you think the rains will begin. You can post it here in a comment, or go to Glasspondstudio's FB page https://www.facebook.com/Glasspondstudio and post it there.

So, be sure to enter and maybe you will win! I will ship it free to the winner wherever you are. It comes with a nice 3 strand ribbon necklace, but you can easily slip it off the ribbon and put it on your favorite silver chain.

Okay, you can guess whatever date and time you want, but I will let you in on a secret. It is HOTTER than heck here and very humid and I checked the WeatherUnderground and there is NO rain in the forecast. Our thermometer even broke yesterday but really I think that is because someone, and I do not think it was me, left it out in the hot sun too long. But if I were guessing on my own contest, I would not be guessing today or manana.

In the evenings, I have seen huge beautiful billowing clouds to the east, out over the Copper Canyon. Studded with pink, and flashes of blue and lavender lightning, they blossom for hours, but I don't think they are ready yet to come this far west.
But then, this is Mexico and just when you think you have it all figured out, poof, things change.

I will keep track of all the dates and times and let you know if anything significant is going on. There are not too many flies and if you recall, that was a big deal last year. All the gardeners said because there were so many flies we would have a very early and heavy rainy season. Well, that did not really pan out, but it was still a good season.

I can't stick around to chat because I am making origami cranes for the wedding. I will post some photos soon so you can see them. It's funny, but I can make about ten and then something snaps inside my head, and I skip a step and have to get out the directions again and go through them step by step. But I will get them made.

And Cookies is upset about something, he is in and out, in and out, while I have the mini split which is not really a mini split running, so I need to go check it out.
Indeed, I just went out and look who was sneaking around. Cookies went with me and as soon he saw the mama lizard, and while I was snapping the photo, he was trying to claw his way back inside the bedroom door. The lizard lives in between the outside fake kitchen wall and the wall Humberto will be tearing down before long. Okay, hasta luego and hope for rain.

Linda Lou