Grocery Shopping

 We took it easy today and did some stuff around the Condo and decided to go shopping for some groceries.  Grocery shopping is a love/hate thing for me.  I’m not really a shopper, but I do love to cook..ok, and eat.  So running around a grocery store is always weird.

However, running around a Mexican Grocery store is always fun because there’s always exciting finds.  I love their refried beans in a pouch.  There’s so many different kinds, but they always taste good when heated.  I picked up some with elote (corn) cuz I know my niece would want to try it.  I tried it first, and it was a good.  

The meat counter is always a challenge.  Some meat look really fresh, and some doesn’t. They leave their chicken out, and the skin gets dried, so you always wonder. We did end up getting some chicken breasts that I marinaded in mango, lime, garlic, jalapeños, olive oil, etc. Actually turned out great.  We had a salad, some beans, chicken, etc. All was good.

We did the usual hot tub and a shot of the Cava de Oro, then watched one of the greatest Zombie movies...called Train to Busan.  If you haven’t seen it, watch it.

Pool Time

 So today, my BFF and I decided to hang at Coral Baja today.  We had a leisurely brunch at the onsite restaurant, then got a palapa on the beach and vegged out for a couple of hours.  We then headed to the surf.

I played like a little girl....running back and forth, trying to get ahead of the waves.  One wave came crashing in and leveled my BFF...had to help her up. We were laughing so hard. We must’ve frolicked for a while, but it was so much fun!  

After, we headed to the pool for happy hour.  You know me, I’m not in the pool for long, and I end up meeting all kinds of people.  I took a pic of a girls back tatt cuz my BFF was too chicken too ask.  That started up a convo.  Met two couples from San Diego...and they were Conservative...woohoo!  We had a hell of a singsong, comparing notes and lives.  

We had fun watching a wedding from the pool...the MOH didn’t look happy to be there. She had this kind of frozen look on her face, and she was wearing a teal colored dress...which, if you’ve watched “The Wedding Planner” you know is the kiss of death.  It was so much fun!

Then we hit the hot tub and chitchatted with a bunch of peeps there.  They guys were all talking football, and the chick next to me wondered why, since they were outnumbered by women.  I chimed...”Let’s talk Hemsworth” and she was all for it.  We commenced in talking Chris and Liam and about the 3rd Hemsworth brother we know nothing about.  The guys got defensive, so I told them that ogling Hemsworth’s was all well and good, but if I can’t hand Chris Hemsworth a buck knife, and set him loose in the forest to bring home dinner, then he’s nothing but eye candy and not worth his salt as a man.  Then we started talking “guns” and it was all over.

My BFF and I headed back to the crib, and I cooked up some tortillas, and beans with garlic, onions, chorizo and cheese, and we had some dinner burritos.  I got some killer pics of the moon rising over the water.  We sipped some tequila and enjoyed the view and called it a night...although I still might go watch the surf in the moonlight.  

Back to Downtown San Jose

 So my BFF attended a presentation in the morning.  I swear, I got two calls from the front desk.  The first time, they couldn’t even say her name. And although she attended, they didn’t give her all the gifts she was promised because her husband wasn’t here.  Couldn’t they have told her that in the beginning?  That didn’t make me happy, so I’m going to have to talk to the front desk about it.

We decided to go downtown and sightsee. I called an Uber and waited.  The Uber didn’t show up to the front of the Condo, but I could see from the app that it was close.  I sent a message that we were at the Coral Baja, but the driver ended up canceling the trip saying that we didn’t show.  Uh, yeah, we were waiting for you.  Come to find out that they charged me for that, so I had to go online and dispute it.  In the end, we made it there.

I took my BFF to the bank and we shopped.  We saw some really cool artwork made of tree bark. And, of course, Tequila tasting.  I tried 4 different kinds of my favorite Addictivo and they were all good.  

We also had some Extra Anejo Cava de Oro, which my BFF bought two bottles of.  One for us to enjoy, and one for home.  I bought some shot glasses to go with. 

We saw some beautiful jewelry, and “F*ck Covid” purses that we had a good laugh over.  What a hoot! I tried on this really cool square ring that was really comfortable to wear.  It doesn’t look like it would, but I really liked it.  I snapped a picture and took his card.  He had some really unusual pieces that were worth looking at.  Just in case you’re interested, I’m including a pic.

After that, we headed home and got some dinner at the Sardina Cantina.  I got a seafood Cobb salad, and she got the Mexican combo plate.  Afterward, we headed home to sip some fine tequila and soak in the hot tub.  Yeah, I’m a pretty lucky bitch.

Awaiting Company

 So today, my BFF from Jr. High joined me.  However, her journey was fraught with difficulty. I get a text message asking for the link to the shuttle company because she needs to change her pickup time...huh?  Well, it turns out that she showed up to the Airport with only her passport card.  However, in order to fly into Mexico, you have to have our passport BOOK! Damn the bad luck.

She had to drive back home, get the book and wait for the next flight out and hope that she could get a connecting flight on standby to Cabo, or she’d have to wait until the next day.  All said and done, she didn’t get in until 11 p.m.

In the meantime, I waited and make sure the Condo was ready for company.  When I realized she wouldn’t be in for dinner, I decided to head across the street to The District.  They have an eclectic menu that is an Asian fusion. The place used to be an Appleby’s back in the day, but it was much too nice a location and building for such mediocre food.  The building has these huge open bay windows that lets the air flow through.  And it was such a nice breezy evening that made it perfect.  Since this meal was free, I went all out.  

I started with a handcrafted margarita made with passion fruit and a rim salted with celery and pepper.  It was good.  For an appetizer, I went with a hand roll, which was ok...mostly rice with a little bit of fish and wrapped with a soy wrap.  I figured, what the hell....and went with Ramen for my main course, and it was delicious with just the right amount of chili oil. I had another margarita with jalapeño that was also great.  Then they brought out their version of key lime pie, but I was too full to eat it, so I took it home.

I stopped at the store to pick up some more eggs, flour tortillas, etc.  I gotta say, flour tortillas in Mexico is my downfall. In the States, the tortillas are always too thick and spongey. In Mexico, they’re thin and light.  When you crisp them in the pan, they have a delicate crunch that reminds you of phyllo dough.  It’s the best!

After my BFF arrived, we got her settled and into the hot tub.  After the day she had, she needed it.  The evening was windy and I opened up the windows and doors and let the cool air flow through the Condo all night.  And thus ended another day in Paradise.

Happy Thanksgiving

    Yeah, I’ll give you that 2020 sucked, not because of Covid, per se...but the politicizing of it, with the power mad Governors trying to exert their control over the “little” people.  

But some great things came about to be thankful for.  

1. My niece came to live with me, and we’ve been having fun figuring out our ability to co-exist together.

2. Lots of great challenges at work.

3. I still have a job, when so many have lost theirs. It’s horrible that people are suffering with the shutdown of the economy,.

4. Came out of the other side of Covid just fine. 

5. I lost my battle with the City and lost property...but, that necessitated putting the rest of the fence around the property (4Gs later), as soon as they reschedule the date.

6. Got a great deal on clearance outdoor furniture.

You get the idea.  It’s easy to find all the crappy things about the year, but being thankful is about finding the joy on the other side of misery. I’m in Cabo...need I say more?

Their idea of a Thanksgiving dinner left something to be desired, and for $33 usd, it just wasn’t worth it.  I had tortilla soup and a beer.  And I’m quite happy with that. There’s live music that I’m enjoying from the roof, and it’s been a relaxing day.  

If you’re reading this, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.  I hope you were able to celebrate without your neighbors turning you in and trying to make you feel guilty about being “selfish” to have family over.  Screw them.  You are free to make your own decisions, and I respect that.  I hope it was a great day for you and I’m thankful to have you in my life.  Go enjoy your day!   

Foot Journey Through San Jose

 

So I had some fun tooling around downtown San Jose.  I dipped into a few shops, and I hit Tequila Town for some major tasting!  I must’ve sipped about 12 different bottles and my server was quite knowledgeable.  Thank God I brought water with me, but I also purchased a beer to go with..

After leaving that place, I walked around some galleries and checked out the art.  It’s amazing the beautiful colors that surround you.  I would’ve loved to have brought home the fish, but it was quite pricey. 

I knew I needed some food in my belly after the Tequila, so I hit a restaurant that had an upper terrace with a view to the town.  Unfortunately, the terrace was closed off, but I did get street seating. I ordered a Victoria beer and watched the police and the National Guard deliver someone to their door.  Not sure how important they were, or how much cash they had on themselves, but it was like watching royalty being delivered.  Too Funny.  I ordered  couple of tacos and chitchatted with a couple from Roseville CA.  You come all this way, and run into locals escaping California.  Love it.

I did some more window shopping and watched this cute little boy dancing in the square.  I think that’s what I love about old town.  It’s the family vibe you get.

I visited many courtyards, and would love to recreate that at home if possible.  There’s just a cool vibe about relaxing in a courtyard with the sound of water fountains and a cold beverage, right?  I found another one that had two for 1 margaritas, so I settled in and just relaxed.  I ended up leaving with the bartender’s card and personal phone number...like that’s ever gonna happen!!  Long distance relationships don’t work budddy!

!

Pulpy/chi Harold taco

Part of the Art Walk

My Love of Courtyards

I just loved the Christmas decor

Little boy having fun

Can’t pass up the huge skull

Another Courtyard

The Catholic Church in middle of Old Town

Two for 1 Margaritas

Appetizer on the house!

Tequila tasting at it’s finest

Another shot of the Margarita place

 I tried 12 different tequilas

Overcast

 Today was overcast with sprinkles.  In Mexico, that is not a big deal, it was still warm and kinda humid.  I spent the day out at the beach, just enjoying the waves and relaxing without worrying about the sun beating down on me. 

As you can see, the day is still gorgeous and the clouds just add a little something, right?  I ended up doing some calls and trying to plan ahead for a friend’s birthday.  We had a hell of a singsong on the phone, and I ended up consuming 2 Amber Modelo’s whilst chitchatting.  They were damned tasty!

I also scheduled my two Covid tests when I return.  One to see if I have the antibodies, and the other one to ensure I didn’t pick up anything in Mexico, which, so far, I’m reasonably sure didn’t and won’t happen, but for work purposes...

I chose to do salad tacos for dinner.  I had some Romaine lettuce, which I used for the taco shells, and added halved baby tomatoes, avocado, red onion cheese, strips of cucumber, hard boiled egg and cilantro ranch dressing...so good!  I just fold them up like a taco and go to town.  Healthy eating on a budget!  Got love it.

I ended up watching a movie in the evening and just chilling. I’m totally enjoying not having to do anything.  It’s been awhile since I just vegged, know what I mean? l perched up on the rooftop and slung my legs over and just watched Coral Baja life unfold while sipping my beer.  Heights never bothered me, and this is no exception....see my feet in the bottom of the picture?  Couldn’t help it.  

Well, I was going to continue blogging, but for some reason, my WiFi keeps going in and out, which makes this process extremely tedious.  Until tomorrow...

Another Chill Day

 So today was another chill day.  I ended up spending most of it under a palapa on the beach.  The weather right now is so choice!  Not too hot, nice breezes, totally awesome.

I talked to the vendors on the beach...still didn’t find what I was looking for, so I may go into Cabo San Lucas tomorrow to see what they have.  On the other hand, I may wait till C gets here.  I know I’ll be going into town with her, and with my cousin, and with my niece, so...  Maybe I’ll just head into San Jose, and tool round there.  

I engaged in a little verbal sparing on FB.  I swear, people don’t understand that I’m not protesting the use of face masks, I’m  protesting my Government’s intrusion on my basic personal rights.  Once given up, they are hard to get back, but trying to get people to see beyond the fear and and use some logic is damned difficult at times.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it’s again...I’d much rather die of Covid and be free, then be imprisoned by all the restrictions and be safe.  It’s my choice to make. Ah well....I digress...

I came back in and made myself a mango margarita and took it up to the jacuzzi.  I had the guy come in and put more water in it.  It was so nice and relaxing.  Spend about an hour and a half just snoozing away in the bubbles.  

Then I hit the shower and pulled out the nice robe that was in the closet.  Oooo...do I feel spoiled, or what?  I’m pretty stinking blessed.  

Lazy Day

 

Today was a all about lazing around and figuring out that I don’t have to do a damned thing.  It’s Sunday...God’s Day. So I snapped the Pano above, and made a pot of coffee.  I set about reading my digital paper and then decided to make breakfast, which consisted of the leftover nacho dip from the day before, eggs, tortilla’s and hot sauce...aka breakfast tacos!

There’s nothing like just enjoying the moment.  I caught up with The Daily Wire, Epoch Times, emails, etc.  Then decided to go up to the top deck and do some topless sunbathing.  

I turned down the temperature in the Jacuzzi so I could use it to cool off after laying out for awhile.  Worked like a charm.  There’s nothing like switching back and forth. Sunning, hot...cool off, start over.  After a couple of leisurely hours of doing that, I went back in, showered and made a batch of frozen fruit margaritas.  I am in Mexico after all.  En rochas, sin sal... I carry my tasty beverage back out to the lower deck and do some more web surfing and catching up on texts, etc.  

I ate leftover shrimp tacos for dinner and walked around the resort in the evening.  The crashing waves was so soothing that I wanted to curl up on the beach and snooze, but that’s when realized it was time to head back to the condo and call it a night.  I’ve been sleeping with the sliding glass doors open every night...just so I can listen to the crashing waves.  Something about the sound brings perspective to my life.  It brings me down to size and recognize my insignificance in this world.  I’m a tiny speck of sand in the vastness of the universe...and I like it that way.

G’nite Peeps.

Obligatory Presentation

 I like to get the presentation out of the way first thing.  Since I didn’t have any guests, this was the way to go. That way, my excursions are cheaper, and the Niece will be here, so she may want to spend money on something fun. 

I will say this....they were offering so much more at the grocery store for presentations at other resorts.  I may have to consider that.  $300 usd, breakfast, free glass-bottomed boat ride for 2, a bottle of tequila and discounts on other excursions?  Yeah, that’s pretty damned good.  I see my friend Lupita in the front lobby and although she can’t hug me due to Covid, she’s happy to see me, and we head over for the presentation. 

These bastards are bringing in another tier...”Titanium” and apparently, one of the perks is 15 month booking.  Not sure how I feel about that. I think this will make it more difficult for me to score the Presidential Suite in Zihua for 2022.  ARGH!!!  It is what it is.  Unless I’m winning the Lotto, there’s no reason for me to go past the credits I have.

I head back to my room and collect my gift for Lupita.  It’s a cute small black and red purse.  She had admired my little black one that D gave me, so I got something like that for her.  You should’ve seen how excited she was.  She had tears in her eyes.  It made me feel good to see her so happy.  

I head down to the beach to see Oscar and bring him an ice cold water.  I’ve known Oscar sine 1999?  When I was married and came with the ex. Business hasn’t been good for him, with this whole Covid crap and everything.  I can understand that, and promise that I’ll bring my friends by when they arrive.  I have to remember to fish out the pic of him 20 years ago.  He was so young. 

Anyway, happy hour soon arrives, so I make it my responsibility to make it a truly happy hour...or two.  Nice.  I head back to the room and decide to make myself nachos.  I picked up some really cool tortilla chips at the store yesterday that has, I want to say sesame in it?  $1.19 for the bag, and they make them in the store.  They’re freaking awesome.  I fried up some Chorizo Verde, heated some beans, cheese and made Guacamole to seal the deal.  They were so good.  

After that, I stayed pretty low key and hung out on the deck, listening to the DJ down below.  I think he’s a closet Jackson fan cuz he was playing a lot of Janet and Michael.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I do enjoy the Latin music when I’m down here.  It makes me channel my inner “Shakira” and start shaking my hips, and although it’s an acquired taste...it does give my sides a good workout. 

G’nite Peeps!  Until tomorrow’s adventures....

Shopping Day

Up with the dawn. Time waits for no woman! Today was all about getting the basic supplies for the Condo. I had to wait until maintenance came to do some stuff, but afterward, I headed out on Uber.  Believe it or not, Cabo finally has Uber.  What would normally cost around $8 usd to get to downtown San Jose del Cabo, only costs $3.  To get to downtown Cabo San Lucas (about 35 miles away) costs $16 with Uber instead of the $45 via taxi.  This is great news, although, I’d still take the bus to Cabo cuz it’s only like $2, and I totally dig hanging with the locals.

I had the Uber drop me off at my favorite Tequila place and I walked to the BanaMex...I was totally in need of cash.  Then I headed to Shooters for some brunch.  I had Nachos.  Due to the whole “Covid” thing, the menu was limited.  But I did order a Mezcallita, which is mezcal, orange, cranberry, and something else, with a spicy salted rim (I did order ‘sin sal’, but they ignored me).  It was delish. 

All together I spent about 350 pesos (17.50) which tells me I need to go hang more authentic, cuz that was definitely American cost. Tons of expats hanging out, etc. 

I started walking along the boulevard looking for sarong ties, but didn’t find them.  However, I did run into a little 4 year old boy, who, while clutching his mother’s hand, had the other hand full with her phone and was belting out a Mexican tune at the top of his little lungs.  I couldn’t help but start dancing, which made him giggle and start dancing too.  The next thing I know, I’m away from the cab district and can’t get a ride to the big grocery store.  I pull out my phone for an Uber, but no signal.  What’s up with that?  Is my VPN preventing that?  I end up walking the whole way. 

Don’t get me wrong, I can definitely use the exercise, but walking into the sun wasn’t fun.  I did end up passing a friend’s favorite exercise spot back in the day.  

As a matter of fact, I have many fond memories of walking down this avenue, sharing laughs with friends, hanging out at Paul Stanley’s and Gene Simmons restaurant. Total fun.  It took a hike, but I did finally end up at the store.  Once there, I had to get the essentials.  Taking a lead from my friend “K”, I picked up shampoo, conditioner, mousse, lotion (suntan/regular/mosquito), etc. so the Niece and friends wouldn’t have to bring it.   I also picked up the staples, i.e. avocados, onions, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, Pico de gallo, hot sauce, butter, frozen fruit, orange juice, tortillas, beans, olive oil, cheese (two different kinds), butter, eggs, two different kinds of chorizo, tortilla chips, baggies, vinegar, crackers, tequila, coffee liquor, orange liquor, and some clothes pins (cheap way to keep your bags of chips and other things closed). I basically spent about 2,400 pesos, or $120.  Ugh, at least that’s out of the way. 

I get a taxi and 8 bucks later, am back home, hauling up my goodies and putting them away.  When I look at the clock, it’s 8 p.m.  Yeah, I’m not cooking that late.  I head over to La Salsa’s for dinner.  It’s a seasonal restaurant that only open from November to May. I have a card for a free margarita.  I wasn’t too impressed with the menu, but they did have 5 shrimp tacos for 390 pesos (19.50). So I ordered 2 corn and 3 flour.

When the plate arrived, I was impressed. I was expecting the small street tacos, but these were not it. The shrimp was sautéed with bacon and white wine and served with a mango/pineapple salsa. Freaking delicious.  Could NOT eat it all and brought 3 tacos back for later.  I also got to enjoy a live band...ok, that’ being generous.  They actually had a percussion generator, but the guy played guitar and the woman had her tambourine. Still, it was fun and made the atmosphere quite appealing.  I also got to meet the owner, she’s a woman who lives part time in Oregon.  I bet she’s thankful to not be there right now.

I made my way back to the crib around 10:30, fixed myself a drink and hung out in the hot tub on the roof, listening to the crashing waves before bedtime.  Another day in glorious Cabo down.

 

The Beginning of my Last Extended Trip

 What does this title mean?  Well, now that I’ve taken on a new job, I’ve committed to not being away more than 10 business days until I retire.  This trip is my last extended trip.  I love being away more than two weeks...it truly gives a you a chance to unwind.

This trip ended up messy.  I booked a 3 bedroom penthouse and didn’t fill it like originally planned. Not that I mind spending time alone in a condo with a rooftop terrace, cuz...I don’t. Coming to Coral Baja in San Jose del Cabo is almost like coming home. I’ve been lucky enough to come here for the last 22 years and the people who work here are old friends. 

Enough blabbing...I’m sure you want to see what my digs look like, right?  Here’s a couple of movies I made for my niece since she’ll be joining me for the last week.