Beach Walks

So one of mine and Phil's favorite things to do every day in Mazatlan is walk the beach.  Yesterday was, I think, just our second beach walk this year.  Partly because Phil was so sick for so long but also because the beach just isn't the same this year.

For those of you not familiar with Mazatlan, or who haven't arrived yet this year, the beach is totally different from years past.  While Mazatlan was not hit with the hurricane that Cabo had so much devastation from, a tropical storm did come this way and has left its effects even now, months later.  Whereas we used to be able to walk for miles from our condo in both directions, now we are more limited.  Yesterday when we walked we encountered things we have never seen before, or at least not very often.  The beach in front of our condo is so different.  There are a bunch of rocks that really you can't get around unless it is a really low tide.  So when we ventured out we said "let's try climbing the rocks".  This involved numerous trips on my butt, some slips on the slimy green rocks, and some finangling of my "wine purse" to balance me out.  Then we were faced with the most slanted beach we have seen in years.  That matched with sinking sand that sometimes sunk us several inches.  The normally soft sanded beach was covered in rocks and shells and a foot into the water you could see that it dropped off substantially - at least a couple of feet.  Our friends that know these things though say that mother nature will eventually bring our beautiful beach back.  And for those of you not yet here yet but coming - don't despair.  The real effects for us are from our place down to The Palms Resort.  After that, down to El Cid, to Ocean Palms and beyond - still a beautiful beach. 

On The Mend

Okay, so we were on the mend enough to hit the pool yesterday (Phil is now officially dark again and not "pasty" like when he arrived - not bad for one pool day after two days in bed!)  Then we got invited down to John and Diane's at Ocean Palms and hit their pool for a bit.  That, of course, turned into Happy Hour on the deck.  Then a quick pulmonia ride home for a shower then out to Macaw's for Cosmos!  I love Thursdays!! 

Then we headed to Topolo for dinner.  I get that this is one of the top rated restaurants in Mazatlan but I knew there was a reason we didn't visit it on either of our two trips last year.  It really didn't impress.  The prices are high for Mazatlan and I think you can get better shrimp at many other places for a better price.  We shared the combination cilantro and tequila shrimp and dinner for me was just okay.  The ambiance, of course, is beautiful.  And I have to say the Oysters Rockefeller were amazing - the best I've ever had.  But the wine prices were outrageous (although I did have a nice glass of Chilean Cab Sauv and it was a healthy pour).  So, overall, I would return in the afternoon for appies and those Oysters Rockefeller but otherwise will probably be awhile before a return visit.

We weren't quite ready to end the night so we dropped John and Diane off and headed to Gus Gus to listen to some music.  Unfortunately, as is usually the case, there were some really drunk first timers staying at the El Cid (that's where we stayed when we were first timers!) and I was drinking red wine and wearing white so pretty much saw a disaster looking to happen so we headed off on our walk home.  It was a great night for a walk.  Rob tried really hard at Gus Gs to get the "funniest quote of the night for the blog" and I'm sure he would have if he had just a little more opportunity.  Keep trying Rob!

I'd say we're on the mend!

And Now I'm Sick Too!

Not nearly as bad as Phil who slept for 42 hours straight!  But we're both taking antibiotics thanks to Josie and Londa for giving us some so I think we're on the mend.  So not much fun stuff to report.  Went to Nasha's for dinner tonight and they were packed so the service wasn't great.  I had the chicken cordon bleu which was just so so.  Phil had the chicken friend steak and it was good.  Neither of us could complete our meals or try the Deep Fried Ice Cream.

Hoping to feel better tomorrow to meet friends at Macaws for Cosmos and then Topolo for dinner. 

Three Days and Phil is Down!

Poor guy.  Ever since he had double pneumonia years back he catches everything.  And Mazatlan can be very bad for respiratory infections - I caught one last year myself that was really bad and I rarely get sick.  I should have known today when we went to Loco's Loco's for lunch and he couldn't eat his burger.  Then we went back to the pool and he immediately fell asleep for the afternoon - not in the "tanning position" but in the fetal position!  I still didn't fully catch on until we headed out for the evening and he wanted to hit a pharmacy.  Then we went to FISH for dinner and he didn't even eat his clam chowder - then I knew!  So he's in bed and I'm home before 10 pm!  Oh well, I needed to catch up on Fox News anyways. 

So for the record - one "first night", two happy hours, three shows with Kannon, the Comedy Club and a Poker Run - and Phil is down! 

Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.  We did get some medication from the Pharmacist tonight but I don't think it's what he needs.  If he's not better tomorrow, we'll head down to see the Doctor that charges 30 pesos for a visit (less than $3.00 Cdn)!  Nothing but the best care down here. 

The Poker Run!!

Oh my god, such an amazing day!

So we were torn about how to spend our day today.  As true Nascar fans we REALLY wanted to watch Daytona.  But it is also the day of the once a month Poker Run.  So we wanted to do both!  We saw friends last night that I knew were going on the Poker Run and told them we wanted to join them and to let us know.  This morning there was no call, no call, no call.  And Phil slept FOREVER!  So at 11:00 am when the race started I thought that we would just stay in and watch the race and when we got hungry I'd just send Phil out down the street to get pizza (cuz he was the one that slept in after all!)  Thought we'd make some Martinis, have some snacks and enjoy the race!

But then Hank and Gord called!  They said we have an Auriga and we're leaving in two minutes.  I said we couldn't possibly be ready in two minutes.  I said "Have a good time and we'll see you later".  They said, "Okay, we'll pick you up in five minutes".  I asked Phil if he could be ready in five minutes and he said yes, so we ran around like crazy people for five minutes and headed downstairs and got in the truck.  We are so glad we did!  The Poker Run is amazing - five bars in five hours and you get a card at each place.  And a drink at each place of course!  Philly ended up winning second place with three Kings - he (and you know I mean I!) won 2800 pesos!  It was so fun.  We had a great time.  Thanks guys!

The Poker Run ended at 5:00 pm and then we had tickets for the Comedy Club at 5:30 pm.  So we raced to our condo, showered and headed down to the Playa Mazatlan.  Had a great time with many of our friends there.  Great show.  Thanks Cheryl!

Then - guess what?????!!!!  We went to Las Flores where Kannon was playing.  And you won't believe it - because I can't believe it - but Kannon let me SING with them!  I sang "What's Up" by Four Non-Blondes.  I loved it!  Not sure they will let me sing with them again but they made my night!!  My friend Josie wasn't there, nor were any of my Las Gavias crowd, but they will die when they hear about it! 

Another great day in Mazatlan!

Philly Arrived

He arrived.  We have a "first night, last night" rule and we always have fun those nights - unless Philly gets into the Tequila!  He was hammered!!  Not good.  But now he owes me two more diamond bangles and another set of diamond earrings so we're all good! 

He arrived at just after 3:00 pm and before 4:00 pm we were at Gaby's (the local beauty salon) so he could say hi to Rosie.  We met our friends Bruce and Opal and they said "Why are you not in bed??!!""  Sorry to my mother in law.  Before that we had a  lot of "why are you not in lingerie" and "why are Darlene and Louis with you?"!  Because they were at the condo waiting for him to arrive with me.

Then we went to The Palms for Happy Hour.  And 30 of our closest friends showed up to welcome Phil. It was amazing!  It was unfortunate that he didn't realize that everyone was there just for him but rather thought that we did this every day!  Thank you to everyone for coming.  When we left we went to Lucky B's to see Kannon and continue to welcome Phil to Mazatlan.  The band was thrilled to see him. 

Saturday is still a bit of a blur for me.  Oh yeah, we went out to Surf's Up for the afternoon with some great friends.  Phil gave a picture to Leanne (the owner of the restaurant) before the storm hit.  It was great.  We enjoyed a great afternoon of Rootsterford and then returned to The Palms for Happy Hour and then again to Lucky B's for Kannon and dinner.  The food there is really good. 

Philly is Coming! Philly is Coming!

Today is the day that my dear husband arrives in beautiful Mazatlan!  We all can't wait for him to arrive "home".  We have a big party and "happy hour" planned for his arrival!  And lots of great stuff planned for when he is here.  Phil is loved and adored as much down here as he is at home - and maybe now I'll gain a little popularity down here with him here - as he is the fun one and the funny one!

Funniest Comments Made in Mazatlan

So, over the last several days there have been many, many, many funny comments made that I said would make my blog.  I make note of them (because otherwise I won't remember!) but then I review them the next morning and I really don't think they were as funny or as appropriate as the night before when we were all howling about them - after all this blog has a very diverse audience - including my mother in law!  Many of whom may not "get" the comments we make when we're having just a few drinks!  But tonight they seem funny again so here goes!

So the other day at Diego's Raul said "were you in the parade the other night?"  I said no.  He said he told his friends that he was sure that was Laura on that float!  Refer back to the "you are famous here" comment!  LOL

One night I said "I paid 85 pesos for this Chardonnay and it sucks!"  My guy friends (Gord, Hank and Rob - the names have been changed to protect the innocent) said "I'd pay 85 pesos for something that sucked!"  They are bad - they know I'm a prude!

Last night I was out with a great couple and they kept referring to me as Miss Mazatlan.  The other woman was a pageant winner and she said "You may be Miss Mazatlan but I'm the "Beaver Queen". She was the TWO time pageant winner.

The other day I was starting a story with "there was one day when I was drunk".  The story got no further because everyone was in hysterics.

Another funny one - after the bull fights my girlfriend Joani asked whether I was okay with it.  I said yeah and she immediately understood.  After all, I go to a knife fight almost every single day!

And tonight my good friend Diana got the best quote of the day - but god help me - I can't remember what it was!  Diana can you help?  We did have great Basil Mojitos tonight. All you naysayers don't judge until you try it.  Everyone loved it!!

New friend Debbie had another good one too but, of course, I can't remember it at the moment.  It will come back to me though. Or she'll let me know!

I do have to say though that after the "anyone could look good in that dress" comment from the other night an absolutey gracious stranger walked by me tonight and said "that's a beautiful dress' without any other commentary.  It was a different dress but we still love that woman!

And by the way - I got home at 10:14 pm tonight.  The earliest ever.  Great effort!

A couple of food comments.  Oh and this brings up another funny late night drinking comment.  I have sadly not been eating much of the great food since I've been in Mazatlan.  I'm busy and have no time and said basically that by the time I get to eat I'm already out and it's late and "like a dog in a kennel, I don't eat where I crap". Hank said "what does that mean"  Luckily Gord was there to translate and said "she doesn't eat where she drinks".  True Story!   That's why I don't eat at Gus Gus or La Katrina, not that the food isn't great.  It just doesn't work for me when I'm drinking!  Again, probably a story that those that are not here won't really understand.  Melanie and Deb that are coming here soon - are you worried yet?  We'll have the best time!

Almost missed going back to the food comments.  Angelina's was great tonight!  For everyone in my group except me!  Ah, and that brings back Debbie's comment.  I had a Beattle floating in my Martini.  She called it Ringo.  We all didn't get it at first but when we did it was funny!  Then dinner. The foods, the smells of Mazatlan is just amazing.  We ordered a starter and a main.  The main came first - except mine. So we had  the tapas appetizer later which is always good.  When my flatbread didn't come I told them to forget about it but, of course, they brought it about a 1/2 hour later.  Oh well, Philly likes cold pizza at night, but not necessarily shrimp and goat cheese pizza!

Kannon at La Corriente yesterday was great as was Cheryl Gaudet at Jonathon's rooftop bar.  The weather has been absolutely beautiful and the company outstanding!  Life is good today.

Bull Fights

For the first time today I went to the Bull Fights.  As far as I know they are now mostly only held in Mazatlan during Carnaval, however, they are being held again in March so what do I know?  But this was my first time and I was lucky enough to go with my friend Ada-Lou who is a big fan and could explain the whole thing to me.

I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know if I'd like it or not.  From what I've heard from others you either love it or you will never attend it.  I could have easily ended up on either side of the debate.  But Ada-Lou loves it and anyone who knows her would think that was totally against her personality so off we went!

First of all, it's great to go with someone who knows when to go, how to get tickets, which bus to take etc. but it was really easy!  And I certainly wouldn't have wanted to go two hours in advance as some had advised.  We arrived about a 1/2 an hour before the fights were to start, were able to get tickets very easily, and got some great seats that weren't too crowded (and lucky for me no smokers were around me).  The weather was great today and there was a nice breeze which was great because many suggest getting shaded seats but we were in the sun and were okay.

Now on to the fights.  They were great!  It was very entertaining and the skills of the horses are amazing.  There were two Matadors - one was clearly world class and exhibited superior skills.  Quite remarkable.  As a novice to the "sport" I had lots of "stupid questions".  In the end, what I couldn't wrap my head around was - how can this be a sport when the bull can never win?  First of all, the bull goes, likely unsuspectingly, into a ring not with ten of his closest friends (like the Matador has) and knowing what to expect, but by himself.  He brings his hoofs to a knife fight.  And whenever he gets the upper hand, he is overcome by however many men with knives it takes to overcome him.  As a logical thinker and someone who values fairness, it just didn't seem fair.  In one of the four "fights' that took place tonight the bull actually won.  The Matador was taken out of the ring, carried by others.  Instead of the bull "winning" as what I think should have occurred, another Matador entered the ring and stabbed the bull to death.  How is that fair?  He won!  Now I get that he was probably so injured at that point that it would likely be inhumane to keep him alive, but at least let him have a public celebration of his win and then do what you need to do out of the sight of the public to treat him humanely.  I know my comments are controversial.  I know bull fights in themselves are controversial.  My comments are strictly related to the notion that if this is truly a sport, if there are truly winners and losers, then the bull has to have the ability to win some of the times.  The way this "sport" is run - the bull can never win. And that to me is the tragedy.  Not the fact that bulls die, because we kill cows for meat everyday.  One of the best part of shows is when these guys (I asked what they were called in Spanish but I forget - it is late and I have been to Gus Gus since then). They go into the ring and charge the bull. Everytime, they get bucked by the bull. The front guy got hurt to varying degrees every time.  I was shocked!  It's hard to explain in words, but I thought if you got a bull's horns into you or were thrown by a bull you would surely die.  They didn't! But the bull didn't win again!  It is certainly my nievety but that's what I thought the bull's advantage was is that if he connected with you, you would either die from a punctured organ or you would be thrown into the air and your bones would be crushed but that didn't happen.  Again, hard to explain, if you've never seen it.  But all in all it was a great cultural experience.  This is Mexico after all and it is part of their culture and one I was privileged to enjoy.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that on the bus ride home, a couple of women got on the bus and immediately said to me "You're the singer!  You won! You're famous!"  I didn't know what to say other than "Thank You".  They later tapped me on the shoulder and asked "Do you get a lot of people coming up to you and saying that to you".  I said, "Yes, but not for my singing - but I'm kind of a big deal around here (that's my saying - in jest)!".  I think my friend Ada-Lou didn't know how to take it and I don't think my poor friends Melanie and Deb who are coming in the next few weeks know what to expect.  All is fun in Mazatlan!  In any event,  I'm not famous like Hank is!!

Carnaval Parade

The parade was last night.  Phil and I attended the parade a couple of years ago and, as people who know me know - I'm not a crowd person - so it wasn't big on my list to attend this year.  But everyone was going and we had a couple of really great locations staked out that wouldn't catch us too far into the "frey" when trying to get out at the end of the night.

Started the night with a great group of people and then moved over to the Bodega to watch the parade.  It was great!  I had a front row balcony seat where I could see everything.  Thanks Bruce and Opal!  (The same people that gave me the front and center seat to the Good Brothers - boy do I owe them!)

The parade was beautiful.  It was really nice to see from such a great venue because I probably wouldn't go to it otherwise.  I was having convulsions in that crowd!  While the parade was totatlly amazing, the neatest thing ever was to watch, from our viewpoint, the over 700,000 strong crowd leaving the area.  It was amazing.  For those not here, Mazatlan has the third largest Mardi Gras in the world, after Rio and New Orleans.  It is quite the thing to see that many people in such a small area, and then that many people trying to leave.  All while we enjoyed our balcony view and another bottle of wine!

Another great night in Mazatlan!

Carnaval Fireworks

What a treat and a surprise!  I wasn't expecting to see the fireworks this year.  It gets crazy and it's hard to get home, especially when I'm on my own, so I decided to forego the fireworks and went for Valentine's Dinner with friends.  There was a large group of us, some of whom I didn't know at the far end of the table.  It was rainy and I was tired so I was about getting ready to leave when a woman came up and introduced herself and started talking to me.  We were having a great conversation and before I knew it she had invited me to see her condo - and the fireworks.  I didn't know that the plan with all of my friends was to return to the Penthouse of the Ocean Palms to watch the fireworks (one of the few places you can see them from that area).  It was great!  The fireworks were amazing and thanks to my new friends for including me.  

Today I headed out in search of a pedicure.  Didn't know where to go because it's Sunday and Gaby's is closed.  Well, wouldn't you know Suzanne showed up by the pool to sit in the sun as she recovers from knee surgery and she said she knew a woman that would come right to us.  So poolside pedicures it was for both of us.  Nice treat!

Tonight I'm off to the Carnaval Parade - something I said I would never do again because of the crowds but here I go!  I have two groups of friends that have a seat for me in good locations where we shouldn't have too much trouble getting home.   I won't have any pictures to post because I'm still working off this dang tablet and can't seem to post pics right but Philly is coming on Friday and he is the photographer so I should have some great pictures to share of all of our activities.

I Have a Clam Chowder Fairy

So today after my really late night and resulting late sleep in I was hungry and was on the search for clam chowder.  I headed north instead of south (first mistake).  I stopped at Loco's Loco's (even though I know they don't have clam chowder) to say hi to people.  It started to pour so I stayed a little longer but didn't eat because I really wanted clam chowder.  They don't have it.  After visiting my beloved Doris for quite awhile, I headed out in search of clam chowder.  Went to El Fish Market (it's their signature dish after all) and they didn't have it - again!  They have not had it the entire time I've been here.  So left and hit a few other spots - no clam chowder.

I ended up stopping at Baja Style.  I've never eaten there before but an amazing waitress - Jessica - drew me in and made me want to stay.  I ended up having an amazing dish the Molcajete Rockefeller which is a seafood dish, not like a Moljacete at all  but with shrimp, scallops, fish, calamari in a rich creamy sauce with cheese.  It was delicious!  Before I knew it Gord showed up and we enjoyed happy hour.  And then Gary arrived as well.  What a great way to spend a rainy day!

I had to leave though cuz I had dinner plans with other friends for Valentine's Day so off I went back home to clean up, change and head out.

Oh yeah, back to my clam chowder fairy.  So when I arrived back home - on my doorstep was my beloved FISH clam chowder.  It was so serendipitous and perfect. Didn't know at that time who my "fairy" was but had my suspicions.  Of course, I later found out it was my dear Londa.  She knows I get home late, often without eating, and knowing there is nothing in my fridge and I'm hungry and she knows I love that chowder - she's a dear!  Good call - cuz I got home tonight ( a few hours earlier than last night) but still super hungry so I had a great late night snack.  Thanks my dear friend!

 

The Good Brothers

Went to the Brenster and Carrum Show last night in the Venado Showroom at Playa Mazatlan to see The Good Brothers.  It was EXCELLENT!  Seriously the best show I've ever seen.  I gotta admit I didn't know a lot about them before or their music but they were fantastic entertainers.  Their music is good, they are funny and their show is excellent.  We just miseed seeing them last year in Mazatlan but next year I'll make sure that we're around for the date they are here.

Then after the show everyone went over to Las Flores to watch KraKen.  We were a lively group. For those who haven't been to Mazatlan - think Seniors on Spring Break!  (Sorry to all my friends that are here!!)

Then Paul, Londa, Hank and I got invited to Bruce and Opal's for midnight snacks.  She is such an amazing cook and puts on a great spread even at 1:00 am.  We ate, we drank, we laughed - until 4:00 am.  Great night.  Good thing it was raining today cuz I needed to sleep in!

Headed out in search of a snack and ended up at Baja Style.  Haven't eaten here before but the menu looks good and my waitress is excellent!  The two for one margaritas aren't bad either!

Heading to Twisted Mamas tonight for Valentine's Dinner.  I think there are about 20 something of us going so I won't be a fifth wheel - I'll be a twenty something wheel! Phil is pretty amazing though. He managed to get flowers to me for Valentine's Day.  What a guy!

Lluvia!

Boy it rained today!  And I got caught out in it.  I thought it was bad when I was on the water side at Loco's Loco's having lunch and had to keep moving further in and further in to keep out of the rain - until I was almost in the bathroom!  But then when I left to try and get home, the road side was crazy!  The streets were full of water, and I mean FULL.  I've never seen it like that before - ever.  I was walking in water half way up to my knees!  Taxis and cars were stuck in the street and couldn't get through.  A bus went by me in the deep water and totally soaked me.  A boy on the bus was leaning out the window watching it and laughing at me - we were both laughing, laughing, laughing.  What really made me laugh was that there were still two pulmonias full of tourists drinking beer going on a tour.  Even funnier, the city tour bus still took a busload of people to El Capitano for lunch because that's where the city tour stops. It's right on the water and last year in the storm almost the whole restaurant fell in the ocean.  And it was still really pouring but the city bus tour people still had lunch there!

It was a totally fun experience.  I hope Art and Ada-Lou got home okay though.  Ada-Lou was getting her hair done and Art was picking up their laundry.  Not such a good day to try and get home with your clean laundry and new hairdo!

Tonight is the Brenster and Carrum Show with the Good Brothers.  Should be good!

Cooking with Alastair from Water's Edge

So on Monday I had the privilege of joining one of Alastair's weekly cooking classes. This is new this year and so I was excited to book my spot before I got down here. I'm glad I did because most spots are filling up.

We had seven ladies in our class and Alastair started by taking us to the market to purchase what we were going to need to cook with.  This was one of my favorite parts of the day.  Alastair started by teaching us a bit about the market and where and how to buy things.  It was really neat!  Then we headed back to the Water's Edge kitchen to begin preparing our food.

We learned that we were cooking Asian food today.  We started with the prep work and made chicken stock from scratch which would later be used for the wonton soup. A couple of ladies peeled, deveined and finely chopped shrimp which, along with the ground pork we bought at the market, would also be used for the wontons.  I helped make the "pastry" for the green onion cakes and also sliced the beef terderloin for the Beef Sambal.  We made Szechuan Sauce for the shrimp from scratch plus a number of different dipping sauces of varying heats and flavours.  When the hard work was done we got to have a glass of wine(!) as we continued to put things together. Alastair taught us some plating and presentation tricks and we soon sat down in a private room in Water's Edge to enjoy our lunch.  It was amazing!  We first had the Szechuan Prawns and the Green Onion Cakes.  Both were delicious.  Then we had the Beef Sambal on vermicelli noodles.  The beef was so tasty and tender.  Then we had what I believe was my favorite - the pork and shrimp wonton soup was just delicious.  I loved it and it is easy to make.  And of course we enjoyed more wine!

Another great part of the day was just seeing how a kitchen operates.  I am always so amazed by how small the kitchen seems for such a big restaurant.  I mean - I need a huge kitchen just cooking for four and then no one can come in there at all!  They have four chefs working in a confined space and it's a well oiled machine.  And it's not air conditioned and they stand on their feet for hours.  Tough work.  My hat goes off to chefs!

All in all this was a great day and one I would recommend to anyone who is in Mazatlan.

What Was I Thinking? When Do I Have Time To Blog??

Honestly, I can't even believe how much fun I'm having and how busy I am - even three days after Cathy left!  And I didn't know originally if I could handle it on my own but I haven't even spent a single second by myself - thanks to all my girlfriends!

Even yesterday morning I thought that I would head across the street for breakfast and use the free wifi to post a blog about my cooking class with Alastair.  As I was trying to decide where to sit a lovely woman named Rosie said "Are you by yourself? Come have breakfast with me.  I need someone to talk to!"  We had a lovely time and great conversation, but as you can see - still no blog about my cooking class!  Maybe tomorrow.

The last few days have been fun, fun, fun as usual.  Just when you think you're going to do something, something else pops up that's just as fun.  Decided to give Kannon a break from me today and didn't go to La Corriente.  Had cocktails on the deck of our good friends Paula and Londa instead with our other good friends Bill, Melanie and Chantal with those gorgeous babies Brooklyn and Cruz.  We had a great time.  Then headed out to see Rob and the All Stars and split our time seeing Tanya.  It's so hard to go see all the great music in town because there are so many playing.  But, despite that, I still managed to get to Gus Gus to watch Kannon again tonight!  Bill, Melanie and Chantal were there too and Melanie sang again tonight as beautiful as ever!

Speaking of singing, that reminds me of two totally random comments that were made to me tonight.  Can't remember where I left off my blog but I'm pretty sure I mentioned that I WON the Karaoke contest.  Well, a woman said to me tonight "Your peformance was excellent".  I liked her.  The she said "Your singing not so much, but the performance was excellent!" Then I don't think I liked her as much!   It was totally funny.  I thought that was the highlight of my night until another lady came up to me (when I was in my fansiest party dress that I brought to Mazatlan) and said "Well, anyone can look good in that dress!" Seriously??!! Clearly, I was having a bad night!!!   In any event, had a good laugh at the two comments made at my expense. Who cares?  I'm in paradise.

Still loving life . . .

So Tonight I Went Out With My Responsible Friends . . .

So I thought I'd be home by 8:00 pm.  And boy did I need it!  I was a bore at dinner, no engaging conversation on my part (my dinner companions were fun and excellent as usual) but I was a dud.  I was tired and planned for an early night but it was David's birthday.

So when we left Mr. Lionso's we were headed to Las Flores - for Kannon!  The tired, boring, unentertaining Laura got in the "Party Pulmonia" with dance lights and musica and she all of a sudden turned into "Laurita" and the party was on!  We had so much fun I didn't want to get out of that Pulmonia.  I won't even tell you all the songs we sang to on the way - but what would the fun be in that - first it was Alice (you know that song, Alice, Alice who the f*** is Alice) and then the Rodeo song (with more swear words) - crap this is the reason that I didn't want to name the songs - I can't remember them all.  There was that really popular cowboy song (boy that narrows it down!)  oh yeah, and then Jailhouse Rock.  Dan says that's his song but secretly we all know it really is mine! And then we ended with Wolly Bully (sp?) There were a couple more in between but I can't exactly remember - Darlene - help me out - you know all of them.

So we got to Las Flores and surprise, surprise Angel was playing with Kannon.  He usually doesn't play Sunday nights because he's with his family and he has a full time government job during the week but Sergio's son was sick so he filled in for him on bass.  Boy was he good but his fingers hurt a lot!  Apparently I was a little out of control last night after my Karaoke singing debut in Mazatlan and may have got a little crazy at Gus Gus with Angel.  Something about a horse and a butt and pictures - of which I have no recollection!  But it was all in good fun and Angel says he has it all on tape for Phil so we're all good!  When I visit for two or three weeks mine and Phil's saying is "First night and last night" that's when I have a little fun.  But I guess when I'm here for two months it happens a little more often!  Phil will be here next Friday though and I think the whole town is looking forward to that!

Had a great night though and really have to thank my Las Gavias friends for including me and letting me hang out with them.  Happy Birthday Dave - your dancing was awesome tonight!  His wife Jody - even I want to see you in that outfit! Dan - no I'm not going to get out of the way so you can see the hot girl dance!  Darlene - my pulmonia singing partner - so fun!  Thomas - you are too funny - you never cease to make me laugh.  Diana - my karaoke singing rival - I now have you on video and you are soooooo good!  Joanie - laughed so much with you today it was awesome. Chris - You said it - we barely talked at all last year but have had a great time getting to know you better this year.  And your grandchildren are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing the calendar with me.  Larry - you're just a crazy man - that's why I like you so much!  And Ann - well you're with Larry so what else can we say?!  Good job woman!  Just kidding.  Oh and then how could I forget my Mazatlan girlfriend Josie?  She makes me ham and cheese sandwiches by the pool and feeds me at midnight in her condo when I (the foodie) didn't take the time to eat all day because we were having so much fun!  You guys are the best.  Thanks for a great day!

And even though I didn't get her permission to mention her personally I don't think she would mind if I thank Melanie for getting up and singing with Kannon tonight (and other bands lots of nights).  She has such a great voice and it's so fun to watch her and she is just an amazing person.

And for those following Cathy's adventures - she didn't get home tonight.  There was a delayed flight and she's stuck somewhere for the night.  They gave her a hotel room but no food.  Being stuck on the way home really sucks.  Thinking about you Cathy! And thank you again for such a great time.

So tomorrow I'm off to Water's Edge for a cooking class with Alastair.  That will no doubt be an absolutely incredible experience!  I will hopefully get a chance to write about it tomorrow.  I better go make sure it starts at 10:00 am and not 8:00 am.  Good night!

Okay Now I'm Just Tired!

What a crazy two weeks!  Cathy and I haven't stopped for one minute!  She's getting ready to leave now and it will be sad to see here go.  Maybe I'll slow the pace down now for a bit!

Oddly enough I haven't been going to as many restaurants as usual either because we're always busy doing something.  We did go to Happy Hour at The Palms last night.  Josie and I shared Tempura Shrimp and neither of us enjoyed them but the 2 for 1 drinks were good!  Seems that I'm trying to find something to eat too late at night.  The other night we went to F.I.S.H. for chowder and it was after 1030 pm so they had stopped serving food so I couldn't get any.  Even tried to get them to just give me some to go but he wouldn't go for it.  I'm sure Gabe would have if he was there.  I'm going to have to find time during the day to go down and buy a big bowl for take out and have it in my freezer for those late nights when I haven't found time to eat and get home starving!  Otherwise Josie's been having to cook me chicken patties and hashbrowns at 1200 am!

On Friday Night we went to the Art Walk and then to La Tramoya for dinner.  I had the Oysters Rockefeller and they were good.  There was a large group of us and everyone enjoyed their meals.  I find it very reasonably priced as well.  The Art Walk was enjoyable as well.  I love looing at the buildings, the houses and the architecture as much as I love the art.

Then there was last night!  Last night we went to The Saloon for Karaoke.  A few days ago I got it in my head that I wanted to sing in Mexico and last night I was in the mood to have some fun so I entered the Karaoke contest (that was apparently the only way you could get up and sing).  I had a little bit of fun, got a little crazy and won 100 pesos!  My girlfriends even left me at one point to go see Kannon (like we don't see them every night!) and other friends had to bring them back to me!  It was fun.  And when Karaoke was over and Kannon was done playing at Lucky B's they ran over to Gus Gus and played there so we still got to see them anyways!

Today is a friend's birthday so Happy Hour on the deck of the Junior Penthouse and then off to Mr. Lionso's for dinner.   Ah, nothing but fun in the sun!

I Am So Blessed

Not only do I get to be in one of the most beautiful places in the world - but I get to enjoy it with the best people and friends I have ever known.

Today my family lost one of our most beloved extended family members and it was really hard.   It was hard for me to be away from my aunt who is dealing with all of it and grieving so much - and it was hard for me not to be there with her.  But my friends here were so great and so cool and so comforting.  You really know who your friends are in times of difficulty.

And oddly enough tonight turned out to be a really fun night, despite what I was dealing with personally.  A really great friend celebrated his birthday tonight and we were all there to enjoy it with him.  We all missed Phil though and that was a common comment throughout the night!  You'll be here in two weeks though dear and everyone can't wait for you to come!  In the meantime, Happy Birthday Gord! Let's see if you make it to breakfast tomorrow!!  We took a pic tonight and if I can figure out how to post it I will!

So off to bed.  Meeting a great friend from Trip Advisor for breakfast tomorrow.  We might not be alone cuz it seems that I thought it was a great idea to invite the entire bar tonight!  Just kidding!  Then want to take Cathy to the Art Walk tomorrow night.  I also met the guy that runs Karaoke at The Saloon on Saturday night so that will likely be how we spend Cathy's last night.  Then I'm on my own for 12 days until Philly gets here.  My friends here will take care of me no doubt but we are all looking forward to his arrival! He is the funnier one of the two of us after all!!!

I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up!

Ok, true story.  Had a little to drink. And my extensive posse that Phil entrusted to take care of me (you know who you are) failed me.  Just kidding had a tumble in the shower and fell on the bathmat and fell hard into the shower hurting my shoulder. It's been a rough couple of days but last night I remembered that I had packed Voltaren so that helped.

Yesterday we enjoyed a beautiful day in the sun by the pool in the am and then headed to La Corriente for Kannon.  Left early though to enjoy the sunset from our friends' amazing condo.  Such a nice night!  Might bee able to post a couple pics soon.

After that we went to Pancho's for dinner and Pancho made us the amazing Tequila Shrimp except with Brandy.  It was awesome!

Then to Gus Gus to see Kannon.  They all looked at their watches wondering why we were arriving so late.  Then home a little early - for us!  Tomorrow is another big day!!

Second Patio Crawl

Saturday didn't start out this way but turned into another patio crawl!

We had planned to spend the afternoon at Surf's Up Cafe listening to Rootsterford but because the weather was iffy throughout the morning Leanne ended up cancelling the band.  So we stayed and tried a couple of items of their regular breakfast/lunch menu.  We had The Buffy, Still Dreaming and the Just Peachy.  All were absolutely excellent and the presentation was amazing.  I'll post some pics when I can.

Next we grabbed a taxi and headed into Centro.  First stop - Compania Minera the new bar in the El Presidio building.  It is very nice.  Had a beer battered shrimp taco and Cathy had a tostado with pulled pork - even though we weren't hungry.  Both were delicious.

Next up was Hector's Bistro.  It is very nice.  Hector came by almost immediately to greet us.  Wish we were hungry enough to eat but we just couldn't.  So I had a nice glass of Malbec and Cathy had a Syrah and off we went to Water's Edge.  Another great spot.  Cathy was able to eat a Chicken Satay dish that she said was excellent.  I had the Tequila Tagliatelle.  Very good.  Some friends were walking by and said that Macaws was filling up so off we headed to try and get a table there to watch the Troubadours.

Of course, when we arrived it was packed and not a table in the house, but Glenn quickly rectified that and brought us a table in a great location so we were set for the night.  Still nobody will play "Sweet Caroline" for me though!

When the band was done we hopped in an Auriga and I made a shameful display of myself dancing in the back of the truck all the way down the Malecon, waving at everyone and getting everyone to sing and dance!  Oh that is the fun part of Mazatlan!  We went to Las Flores to see KraKen and just as we were walking in Chad, Jeff, Suzanne and Lee were walking in to.  Hank and John were already there.  So we had a great night dancing and hanging out.

When the music was over it was time for another Mazatlan tradition - but a first for me - a street dog.  Boy was it good!  Will have to do that again - and Phil will have to try one when he gets here!

This morning was rough but I got up and went to Loco's for breakfast and said bye to Chad and Jeff that are leaving today.  Chad didn't have as much success fishing this year but he'll be back at the end of February to try again.

Then I came home and slept for a few hours.  Even GOD slept on the seventh day! But up now and heading out soon to meet Darlene and Louis and the gang for the Superbowl at Senor Frogs.