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You wouldn't know we were in the dead of summer in San Pancho with all the activity around town these past few weeks. With the re-opening of the road our little village came to life once again-and not a moment too soon.

 

On Saturday, August 1st the community came together for Planta San Pancho and planted trees, pulled weeds, and cleaned up the Plaza del Sol and Recicla Parque. Nearly 1,000 new trees were planted with the help of 200 volunteers thanks to the organization of entreAmigos. So if you see one of the newly planted trees near your home or business please give it a little extra attention so it survives the summer heat.

To keep the action rolling about 50 people from San Pancho and Ultimate Frisbee Guadalajara hit the beach on Saturday, August 7th to play in a weekend long ultimate frisbee tournament. There were 6 teams of mix-gendered players and all of the money raised from entry fees went to the Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde (the marine turtle preservation project in San Pancho). For those of you unfamiliar with ultimate frisbee play there are two teams of 7 and the goal of the game is to get the frisbee from one end of the field to the other and into the "end zone". Needless to say, it was quite exhausting watching the two teams exerting all of their energy by running around the field and diving into the sand to catch the frisbee. The players were smart though and took advantage of the cool ocean water during half time and in between games.

 

I hope these activities continue and carry us into San Pancho Days--which is just around the corner at the end of September. Until then, stay cool and come out and support these types of events that are happening around San Pancho..
 

Barbara and I decided we would drive for this trip since we are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and this would be our first extended vacation in years.  Our destination was our former home, the San Francisco, California bay area, (the other San Francisco), with side trips (via air) to New York and Washington D.C.

 

Our route was Highway 200 to Tepic and then the toll road 15D all the way to the Nogales border, through Arizona then up the California coast to the San Francisco Bay.

 

We decided to leave our dog Kahlua at home in San Pancho with a great Pet Care couple Robin and Rick.  They are staying at our house with Kahlua and the three cats, so if you see them walking on the beach, say hello.

 

Undertaking a drive 1,600 miles is not easy, so we planned ahead, maps, talking with friends about best routes (not a lot of options) and of course the latest GPS voice technology.

 

Hmmm, a 20 year happily married couple sitting in the confined space of a car for about 40 plus hours can be a challenge.  But, with satellite radio and breathtaking landscape (well most of the way), it has moments of...pleasure and pain, and cause for argument, especially when the "other woman" interjects her commands to turn left or turn right into the conversation.

 

The "other woman" is our GPS system.  I have not named her yet, at least not something that can be printed here.  If there were tense moments during the drive, they were GPS related. The map routes are very defined, it's hard to go wrong.  But, GPS systems have another way of looking at things and it takes a while to get used to "their route".

 

Once you finally trust the computer and the GPS voice...well this does take time, it does make sense.  However I have been accused of "see, it's bad enough you don't listen to me, now you won't even listen to her". And that sets up argument number three.

 

I suppose "she" is right. However, if you are going to use a GPS system, I do have a few tips for you.

 

1. Take your GPS to dinner before a long trip and get use to the commands.
2. Use a portable mounted GPS system, they are easier to throw out the window, ours is (was) built into the dashboard.
3. Pick out the picture arrangement for the hole in your dashboard ahead of time.

 

So all the nervous talk about whether it is safe to drive in Mexico proved to be just that--talk. We saw nothing out of the ordinary, found plenty of clean places to stay and enough food to keep us from starving en route.  We expect that two months north of the border will be fun--but we also expect that we will soon be homesick for our adopted home and friends in San Pancho.

 

With the heat index reaching over 100'F these days it's crucial to keep your body hydrated. And nothing quenches your thirst better than a tall glass of cold water. When the sweltering summer months approach in San Pancho, you are probably more conscious about drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Staying well hydrated when it's hot is definitely a must; however, hydration is vital to maintain a healthy body year round.

 

Water is considered an essential nutrient. It has many important roles, helping to:

 

· Move nutrients and waste through the body
· Maintain normal blood pressure
· Protect and cushion joints and organs
· Regulate body temperature
· Lower the risk of dehydration and heat stroke

 

The amount of water you need depends on factors such as your age, gender and level of physical activity. Remember that you will need even more fluids to stay hydrated in hot weather and when you're physically active. The best approach to water intake is the "8 x 8 rule" - drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters).

 

If you are thirsty or have a dry mouth, it is likely that you are not drinking enough water. Aim to re-hydrate with fluids regularly throughout the day. Remember that once you are thirsty, you are already somewhat dehydrated. And if you are feeling light headed and tired, unable to concentrate or having frequent headaches these could be a signal that you are dehydrated as well.

 

Here are some tips to meet your fluid needs:

 

· Pay attention to your thirst cues and drink regularly throughout the day.
· Choose water to quench your thirst regularly.
· Carry a water bottle with you when you are on the go.
· Drink more decaffeinated beverages to keep you hydrated.
· Take sips of water while eating meals and snacks.
· Remember to drink more in hot weather and when you are very active.

 

Here's something to try: keep a pitcher of ice water, with lemon, lime, orange or cucumber slices in your fridge. This gives water an added flavor and is sure to quench your thirst after a long walk on the beach..

 

This special ecosystem that undoubtedly embellishes the beach of San Pancho is not only a body of water critical to migratory and resident birds. The estuary is also home to hundreds of species: insects and invertebrates (mainly crustaceans and mollusks), fish, amphibians, reptiles (including tortoises, lizards, iguanas and crocodiles) and mammals, as well as a complex community of plants, fungi and algae.

 

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Mondays, she stripped her bed immediately upon rising and did laundry; then headed to the vegetable garden to harvest what had ripened on Sunday. Tuesday was ironing, mending, house cleaning and choir practice. Wednesday was more gardening, cooking, list making and shopping. Thursday was Bible Group in the morning and in the afternoon, more laundry and paying bills. Friday was baking, usually cinnamon rolls for Sunday breakfast, cooking and window washing. Saturday was Farmers Market shopping, groceries, vegetable harvesting and 5 o'clock Mass. Sunday was a slow morning if she didn't have to serve at 8:30am Mass. A quiet breakfast, put the beast in the oven for roasting, and watch sports on television. Lunch at 2pm always and you'd best not be late. You would not only miss out but you would get the "stink eye", too.

 

Ruth always prepared 3 meals a day! One or more of her sons or grandkids always happened to stop by before the meal. She made her own pasta, pastries, sauces and salad dressings; no short cuts for her. And she always had one Manhattan before dinner, just one. And dessert. She made the most incredible chocolate chip cookies and there was always a tin full of cookies on the side board.

I met Ruth when I was 19 years old and she proceeded to raise me up from then. She scared the crap out of me at the beginning! I would quake when I heard her voice calling my name. "TAMARA!"  I love her completely. And I miss her daily presence terribly.

She was a retired Chicago inner city school official and then a 5th grade teacher at the local Catholic school. For 23 years she signed the back of her paycheck and donated it back to the school. She married at 40, had 4 boys in 5 years and helped her husband run a hotel with a restaurant, raised her family, volunteered at church and taught 5th grade.

Everything I learned about being a lady and hard work, I learned from her. I took her lessons and punishments seriously and I still rely on her words of wisdom.

Ruth is now 97 years old and lives in an assisted living center. Sometimes I am ashamed that I am not there taking care of her in her own house. But she insisted on moving. She didn't want to be a burden to anyone.

 

She has lost her hearing. No more television sports. She loves sports. No more reading. Her eyes have betrayed her. The lady with the library in her basement can't see to read. But if you stop by, she has a great smile and a booming laugh to welcome you to her apartment. And always cookies, now store bought.

 

Things I am grateful for: Ruth. Lessons learned the hard way. Family. Faith. Amen.

Contact Tamara with comments or suggestions.

el mueble
English Translation: piece of furniture