1/1/80 VOLUME XXXV. Another January 1 and the start of another diary. Our country facing serious problems, some bad enough to threaten our survival. Up till now we have been aloof from outside threats but we are now seriously affected by several factors, inflation being the #1 concern. The Iranian crisis may be even more serious but it seems so far away. We have traveled almost 1800 miles since leaving home, at all times in a steady flow of traffic (much of it exceeding the 55 mph limit). We know that the same is going on on every highway in the nation. One doesn’t have to be an economist to know it is but a matter of time before we run out of fuel. We called grandson Terry & Jane from Catulla. Terry out hunting but Jane came to give us a tour of the Falco hunting setup. Very plush. Terry in at dark. We had a conference and the upshot was that the kids would have dinner with us in Catulla tonight and we would go back for a jeep safari tomorrow. We are excited!
1/2/80 One of the most enjoyable days of my life. Terry picked us up at Motel in Catulla at 8:30 and off for Rancho Cocina. Saw 7 deer before we arrived at camp. Sig waiting. The 4 of us aboard a deluxe Jeep, the type used at the camp. A platform extends out from bumper and 2 swivel chairs, upholstered, are bolted to it. Terry drove vehicle over, thru and around desert jumping game of many varieties. We saw 30-40 deer, 1 coyote, 1 javelina, jackrabbits, cottontails, road runners, hawks, owls, buzzards, quail and doves. Many unidentified birds. Back to Catulla at 2:00 and off for Laredo. Arrived in time to find room at Motel 6 and then finish insurance with Sanborns.
Sailed through customs and immigration at Nuevo Laredo with a minimum of discomfort.
Matehuala
Pulled into Eldorado Motel - our 4th stop here.
People huddled around little fires along roadside. Cold!
San Miguel
Maria took us to see our new home. It is much as we expected. We should be comfortable here for a couple of months.
Four boys 8-10 years old helped unload then asked to wash car. We gave them 10 pesos apiece. Happy kids.
Lots of bed clothes - we need them.
Met a man who had spent 50 summers on Manitou. Knew Shag well - small world.
Maria was entertaining at least 100 neighborhood kids. Jerry and I handled the piñatas. Much merriment.
Up at 8:00 a.m. to a 48 house, Yeesus but that’s cold. It doesn’t last, however
Many interesting sights but most fascinating was old man peddling herbs from sidewalk. He had them parceled in plastic bags (sandwich) and each was labeled - hemorrhoids, colds, heart trouble, respiratory, rheumatism, etc. I wonder what our food and drug department would sat to that.
I finished reading Long Ships - about the 5th time. I think I enjoyed this one the best of all. What a tale!
Morelia
Had picnic on banks of Lake Yurinia. Beautiful setting but hordes of flies on everything.
Patzcuaro
George and Maria led us on shopping tour. They bought several hundred dollars-worth of stuff. We bought some trinkets.
Uruapan
Bought a carved table - 200 pesos.
Stopped at a roadside market where we bought a small ceramic pot and numerous Christmas tree decorations made of wheat straw.
San Miguel
Last fall K and R brought Ann Norman to the island. She told us she had a cousin, Jack Edburg, living in San Miguel. Today we looked him up. A fascinating young man in a fascinating business. He makes plastic flowers - tons of them, by a most complicated process.
Off for baptism ceremony at San Antonio church. It was a mass production deal in that 9 infants were involved, including the baby of one of Maria’s ex-maids. We were the only gringos in the crowded church
Maria delivered a letter from Karen. Glory be! The first word from home.
We tentatively picked out a lamp for living room at #265. Fun in market with vendor of herbs. He even offered to improve my sex life. I told him I was afraid.
Our two little friends, Justo and Antonio came in out of the rain to warm up by our fire. We aren’t sure we are doing the right thing by encouraging them but it is fun.
I had my first touch of “tourista” in midmorning.
Drove home in the dark - narrowly missing numerous men on bicycles. No lights, no reflector tape.
We found a great view of city below. Also found a disgruntled Yankee painter who showed that he resented the intrusion, Christ, aren’t people selfish!
Three weeks ago we paid 60 pesos for a chicken. Today it was 78. Don’t know if it is inflation or if our butcher saw the gringos coming.
Today was the “Day of the Flowers.” We bought 2 petunias, potted. I asked the merchant what they were called in Spanish and she answered “pee-tune-i-a!” We learn something every day
The phone woke us up at siesta time. It was Karen! She is working on a deal whereby she, and maybe Sally, will come to San Miguel the last part of the month. We are excited.
I am well into Morris West’s The Navigator. An absorbing book.
Constitution Day - one damned fiesta after another. Much talk about Karen and Sally coming to Mexico. Upshot was that we called Sally. No definite plans made but some solid ground covered. Finished The Navigator - it died before the end!
Queretaro.
Well laid out, a combination of the old and the modern. Really booming.
San Miguel
We decided to see San Miguel after dark. Walked down to Plaza and people-watched for an hour. Very interesting.
We bought two burro loads of fireplace wood. 90 pesos each.
Guanajuato.
We had been there before, about 10 years ago, and it was amazing how well we remembered the tourist attractions. Truly a great city.
San Miguel
The minimum wage for labors here is 100 pesos (4.50). Today at the open market we paid 15 pesos ($.67) for an avocado. I don’t think that the peons buy many of them - nor should we. We blew ourselves to a Pobrecito (Poor Boy) sandwich down town.
2/19/80 I have been bothered by a trembling in my left leg, arm and hand for some time - it started last summer. It comes and goes - not painful. Tonight when I reached for light switch my arm and hand really shook. Rather frightening. Will see Dr. Walter when I get home.
George had a meeting with his broker. Some real high finance which he tried to explain later to me. All I got out of it was the fact he was getting 22% interest, after taxes, on CD of 2 years.
To the Ramerez home for cena (dinner). What an experience! Five of their seven kids home. Nowhere more beautiful people. We sat at table for a full hour after - most of talk in rapid Spanish, altho everyone there talked a fair amount of English. We have been exposed to this before and wonder at it. However, it is their home and it is their privilege to speak any language they wish.
Had a good meal, then listened to music of the 20’s. A comfortable evening.
Walked to native market and loaded up with fruit & vegetables in anticipation of Sally and Karen’s coming. Layna walked to bus corner at 7:00 p.m. At 7:30, right on schedule, the girls arrived! A great reunion.
House and Garden tour. Some very impressive (4) fantastic homes on tour but I had to keep thinking “What a vulgar display of wealth”.
The girls seemed able to see the overall picture and not let the seamy side bother them. We have a couple of gals who are muy “guapo.”
Guanajuato
Our shopping rather meager, altho Karen bought a beautiful blanket.
San Miguel
George took us on tour of new house. Much oohing and awing. I almost bawled when saying goodbye. Will I ever see George Williams again?
Layna did it! Every bag, box and loose end packed in car. No room for a squirrel. I was packed into back seat, the 3 gals in front. Our girls fun to be with.
We had a horror picture in mind at American Customs. What if we have to unload car? No need. We were passed thru in jig time.
