Cozumel - Island of the Swallows

From Wikipedia:
Cozumel (Spanish pronunciation: [koˈsumel], Yucatec Maya: Kùutsmil, English: Island of the Swallows) is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen, and close to the Yucatán Channel. Cozumel is one of the ten municipalities(municipios) of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The economy of Cozumel is based on tourism. There are a number of visitors to the islands balnearios, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The main town on the island is San Miguel de Cozumel.

Kari, Avery, Tate and I arrived at the international airport in San Miguel de Cozumel, on the island of  Cozumel, yesterday afternoon, after having flown from Sacramento to Dallas on Saturday and spending Saturday night at the Westin Hotel right outside the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.  Sunday morning we flew from Dallas directly to Cozumel, avoiding having to do the ferry ride from Cancun, on the Yucatan peninsula, to the island.  Jeff, Alice, Malia and Samantha joined us last night; we picked them up at the ferry landing; they had flown fro San Francisco yesterday morning.  Kari's husband and son, David and Spencer, will bring up the rear on Wednesday afternoon, due to inter mural basketball commitments.

David had researched and found this lovely condominium complex, actually outside the real touristy downtown area.  We knew we were going to have a large group of family members, and this condo sleeps 10 - 12 comfortably.  

Jeff and Kari have completed all the really difficult training for their Ironman endeavor next weekend.  This week is for resting and only exercising a minimal amount - to stay in Ironman shape.  And, Cozumel is readying itself for the onslaught of athletes and spectators that either have, or will soon descend on this little bit of paradise.

Cozumel covers an area of about 250 square miles.  I don't have all the facts about the Ironman itinerary planned for the competition; what I know so far is that the 2.4 miles swim will be an out and back course off the western side of the island (between it and mainland Mexico) with its mild conditions as far as temperature and current go; but heck, it's still two and a half miles folks!  

The 112 mile bike ride will be three laps around the circumference of the island, each lap approximately 37 miles!  Jeff and Kari shipped their bikes almost two weeks ago and are anxiously awaiting their arrival on Thursday.  Kari and I went to Ego Gym in town today, she for a light ride of ten miles; and me, a 45 minute walk on the treadmill.  

I don't have particulars about the marathon - will describe the course as soon as I learn what it is.

Today was a take-it-easy day; we all slept in, an adult-style trip to MEGA, the Walmart-like shopping bonanza in town, where, between the four of us, we managed to accumulate a plethora of victuals for the likes of this varied group.  Jeff loves to cook, so he made the Sherman family Spaghetti repast for this evening - it fit the bill perfectly for all of us.  We also bought ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner - with some substitutions for unavailable commodities.  I know we'll love the holiday, and the fact that we're spending it in our little place in paradise will make it all the more memorable.

On a personal note, because I was preparing everything I thought I'd need for my extended adventure, I didn't bring my camera; instead, I'm planning to use my new iPhone 6+, as the camera is supposed to have a higher resolution, etc. than earlier models.  We'll see - I've only snapped a few shots so the jury is still out on how the snapshots turn out - or not!

Happy Monday of Thanksgiving week.  I give thanks for my wonderful family and all the wonderful memories we'll be making this week in Mexico.

¡Viva Mexico!

Hola Todos:

Finally, the day is here!  We're leaving for Cozumel!  For me it's the beginning of yet another wonderful adventure, exploring this great world or ours.

This morning daughter, Kari (better known as "Super Woman"), the triplet girls, Tate and Avery, and I will fly out of Sacramento to Dallas for an overnight layover; then, tomorrow morning a couple of hour flight directly to Cozumel.  My son, Jeff (better known as "Super Man"), his wife, Alice, and their twins, Malia and Samantha, will join us at the large house we've rented on the island.  Wednesday, bringing up the rear of the family will be David, Kari's husband, and Spencer, the third triplet.

Before I say anything about the adventure itself, let me share that tomorrow will be the triplets 15th birthday!  Boy, we surely couldn't have fathomed a trip like this in that November of 1999.  Beginning new adventures is always exciting, hectic, and a little nerve-rackng.  Trying to coordinate all the particulars of a very large athletic event mixed in, as well as the fact that this sojourn in Cozumel is only the start of my own personal wanderings, is quite a feat!

More about all the happenings as they come up.  Right now, I'm trying to get the last "STUFF" in my luggage - Yikes!  Hold on to your hat, there's more to come as soon as we get the first contingent to the airport on time.

Hasta Tarde ('Til later . . .)

PS:  Lacy and Eleanor are safely 'visiting' dog groomer, Tammie, at her house in Lincoln, CA; they have another Standard Poodle, a Miniature Poodle, and a cat to keep them company.  I miss them already!

Finished, But Not Home - Yet

Yes, Kari and her friend, Andrea, finished the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike in just over 12 hours!  I talked with her last evening and her first description of the endeavor was, ". . .The hardest thing I've ever done in my life! . ."  I'll drive to the Sacramento airport to pick her up (or scoop her up!) this evening at 8.  We'll see how she feels after 24 hours of "recovery;" I use the term recovery loosely as she predicts that day 2 will be worse than the first 24-hour period.

Hopefully, she'll have a few photos to share; although, she already indicated she didn't take anywhere near what she thought she would because the hike was just too darn hard.  Remember I said it was 26 miles; she said that about 13 of that distance was uphill!!!  The final 6 miles, climbing up to the south rim from the canyon floor took an hour per mile!  At one point she said her whole body 'seized' and she couldn't move for several minutes; the cause was dehydration and sodium depletion.  She took extra salt tablets and drank about a quart of water over around 15 minutes and felt better.  At the time we spoke (about 6pm) she said several hikers were still a long way from the finish.

And, finally she said, "This is my first AND MY LAST Grand Canyon Rim to Rim."

I just thank God she finished with what appears to be no serious or terminal injuries.  Ironman Cozumel will be much more "sane," that's the term I'll use to describe any / all of these extreme athletic events my kids seem to be addicted to conquering!

I'm off to get a little exercise myself; then I'll commence the chief cook and bottle washer duties for a fractured family dinner tonight, before I head to the airport to pick Kari up . . . More (with pix) later.

El Dorado Hills and Lots of Activity

Lacy, Eleanor and I came down I-5 to El Dorado Hills on Wednesday, about 180 miles south of Redding.  I'd volunteered to 'babysit' the triplets, 15 in November, for a few days.  Their dad, David, was in Las Vegas for a business convention until last night. And, their mom, my daughter Kari, and her business partner were left Wednesday afternoon to fly to Arizona, where they are doing another spectacular feat of exercise:  a 26-mile hike beginning on the north rim down to, and across, the canyon floor and Colorado River; then up the walls to the south rim.

Grand Canyon - North Rim (left), canyon floor and Colorado River, South 

This hike used to be a yearly event; but, it's no longer legal due to the number of rescues the Park Service had to make each year.  In order to accomplish this feat, Kari and her friend Andrea, had to apply for a Special Use Permit from Grand Canyon National Park.  As I've mentioned so often in my posts, Kari is an incredible athlete.  She's considering this hike as a long training day in preparation for her Ironman event that will take place in Cozumel, Mexico on November 30th.

Kari and Andrea are now, as I write, hopefully past the half-way mark in this endeavor.  I'll have to post how they've done - when I find out!  I believe they began their trek at about 5 this morning an hope to complete the challenge by sunset this evening.  As I recall they were to begin at an elevation of about 8,000 feet, hike down to the Colorado River, at about 2,000 feet, cross the river and canyon bottom and then hike up to the south rim, which is about a 6,000 foot climb.

Life in their household continues at full tilt, parents here or not.  I feel that babysitting for three almost 15-year old high school Freshmen is more labor-intensive than when they were ten!  They're all very active in sports and extracurricular activities, as well as taking full loads of subjects in school.  And, although they're triplets, they have three different schedules for class hours, etc.  The driving taxi service that I'm providing is very close to a full-time position.  Since Wednesday I've driven close to 200 miles just back and forth to school and activities.  Thank goodness each kid is responsible for his own laundry; I haven't done any.  But, cooking for three voracious appetites, is also almost full-time work; it seems like they're eating non-stop - because they are eating non-stop! Kari and David have always believed that if they keep their kids very busy they won't have time to head down a wrong path; so far, it's worked wonderfully with the three older girls, all of whom are either on their own completely, or in college and living in a dorm.  Certainly as far as I know, there have been no teen problems other than the occasional heart breaks, moodiness and melt-downs that happen to us all inn getting through those teen years!

Earlier today I made a huge pot of minestrone and a large apple crisp. My son, Jeff, and my twin granddaughters, Malia and Samantha, will arrive from Cottonwood this evening to spend the weekend here.  The twins have a soccer game tomorrow in Elk Grove, about 30 miles from here.  Then Jeff and Kari, if she lives through today's hike, will do a long training bike ride on Sunday.  Remember, it's the two of them who will compete in Cozumel - together.  I'm so looking forward to that; all 'my' family will be there, even my ex-husband and his wife are planning to be in the cheering gallery for the brother-sister team.

I am really enjoying the kids and am amazed at how fast they grow up. It just goes by so fast, but other than when all five of the now 14-year olds were still in diapers, they're a really fun group of kids and I'm thrilled to be their Mimi.

Memories of a Special Birthday

I think it was my 4th birthday when an unexpected gift became one of those hallmarks of my life providing interest, practice, and love for literature and music.

As I recall, I opened the package wondering, 'Just what could this be?'  It didn't conform to the perceived measurements of any item on my wish list, at least that I could remember.  But, even at that age, I was beginning to realize that those 'mystery' gifts could be more exciting and satisfying than anything I'd thought I needed,wanted, or just had to have.  In this world, there are some people who possess a special talent for choosing just the right gift you never knew you wanted and hadn't thought of, yet!  My mom had that 'gift;' it started with picking a toy I wasn't even aware of, like my Toodles doll, who could drink from her toy baby bottle - and then tinkle (as Mom called it) into her diaper, giving me the opportunity to be the mother of that plastic daughter.  Those special and unexpected gifts flowed from my mother's thoughtfulness and empathy during all of my childhood - and adulthood, throughout her life.  I love you, Mom.

Birthdays were very important days to me, probably the most anticipated of holidays, after Christmas, that is.  My special day, February 3rd, I shared every year with the wedding anniversary of my parents.  I, the eldest, was born on their 9th anniversary, a fact that didn't mean much to me as a young child, except that I was always aware of the fact that I'd been a 'gift' for them as they'd wanted children from the day they married in 1934.  Military life with the inherent separations, the War, and other unforeseen obstacles had not made procreation possible - until I came along, right smack-dab in the middle of WWII.

Back to that #4 birthday.  Just what was in this flat, square and prettily wrapped package?  It took only seconds to get through the paper and what did I see?  A record album: a group of 78-RPM records, four of them, each tucked into its own cardboard folder (with a circular cutout in the middle to be able to identify each individual disc) for protection of both sides of each record.  And, as the album was opened, there was also a story and picture book attached as an actual part of the album that, I was to discover, coordinated with each of the records.

It was "Peter and the Wolf," Op. 67, a composition written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 in the USSR. It's a children's story, with both music and text by Prokofiev, spoken by a narrator accompaniment of a symphony orchestra.  I was familiar with the story, as Mom and Dad had read it to me and my brother, Jimmy, previously.  What could be so special about this album? Well, it didn't take long to find out.

I was directed to the combination radio and 'automatic' record player in the living room.  Dad taught me how to insert the 78rpm record into the record slot on the lower portion of the front of the machine.  You had to be careful to insert it exactly in the center from left and right, or the hole in the record center would be cattywampus, not lining up with the little popup that held the disc in place making the needle on the player arm unable to locate itself correctly for playing the music.

Well, I inserted the first of the four records and heard the narrator, i.e. conductor, begin the entertainment by telling the audience, i.e. me, that each of the characters in the story would be played by a certain instrument.  I lay down on the floor in front of the record player and followed along in the attached picture book as the conductor and the symphony orchestra took me on that first magical ride.

I probably played that series of records hundreds of times over the next few years.  I think going along with the story helped me learn to read.  And, most of all, the experience made me aware of the instruments in a symphony orchestra and develop a love of music of all kinds that has remained throughout my life.

Well, I can't say what ultimately happened to that album; I know it was well-worn and loved.  Perhaps it went to another 4 year old girl or boy to enjoy as much as I had.  I went on to take music lessons and play flute in the school band and cello in the school orchestra.   I also took some piano lessons along the way.  I'm sorry that I've not kept up on my instruments; however, I have my flute here in the RV with me and still intend to take it out and practice.

Here is a YouTube video to give you an idea of how wonderful my "Peter and the Wolf" indoctrination into the world of classical music was . . .

   Link

I hope, if you've not seen it before, you enjoy a bit of this symphony. 

PS:  I've tried to correct the type-spacing error; so far I can't figure out how to do it.  Any words of wisdom will be appreciated.

I Will Not Die an Unlived Life

Tuesday, the last day of September, 2014:

I've been doing a lot of reading, along with all the fun I've been having with my new friends in Redding, as well as my family.  Last week I drove down to Kari's house in El Dorado Hills and spent four days having lots of fun with Kari and David and the triplets: Spencer, Tate, and Avery.  You'll recall that they have started their first year of high school - and boy, are they busy - school work, football games, dances, sports, the list goes on.  With them in high school it's fun to 'compare notes,' sharing with them (when they have the time to be in a conversation with Mimi) some of my memories of freshman year.  For some unknown reason Kari was more available than usual, what with her jobs as wife, mom, athlete, athletic coach, and business owner, so we did quite a bit of retail therapy for ourselves and others.

Back to the reading notation above . . . I came across a book by a woman named Donna Markova, "I Will Not Die an Unlived Life:  Reclaiming Purpose and Passion."  I'd like to copy the poem she wrote the day her father died.  [Her father had believed that his life 'didn't matter' and he literally slipped into death, she thinks, without having really experienced the purpose and passion in his life].

Living Wide Open:  Landscapes of the Mind

I will not die an unlived life

I will not live in fear

of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days,

to allow my living to open me,

to make me less afraid, 

more accessible,

to loosen my heart

until it becomes a wing,

a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance

to live so that which came to me as seed

goes to the net as blossom, 

and that which came to me as blossom,

goes on as fruit.

Donna Markova

Copyright 2000

I'm so enjoying my time in Redding with relatives and new friends, healthy living with lots of exercise (with my new knee), coffee klatches, lunches out, reading, playing with my pets, and readying myself for the next big travel adventure beginning in November.  This poem just resonated with me at this particular time in my life.  It's curious that many people I talk with about previous and upcoming travel adventures seem to be impressed with my "lack of fear."  I wasn't always so independent with my solo travel plans; but, I learned a long time ago that if I really want to do something, I have to make it happen.  One of my greatest joys of living this retired and mobile lifestyle is that I can, and must, be a go-getter for the things I want to have or to do.

I am happier than I've ever been.  How can that be?  I'm retired and living on a fixed income.  I'm alone; well, except for Lacy and Eleanor.  I wake up every single morning with the light bulb coming on saying, "I'm retired.  I have innumerable choices of how I want to live this day."  I have a Bucket List, as so many others.  I suspect that I'll never be able to check off all the items on that list; but I'm going to die trying to get to them all.

What are some of your Bucket List items?

And, I'm off . . .

Looking Forward To - And Excited Very Excited About . . .

I'm excited to share my Fall through Winter travel and adventure plans.

My daughter, Kari, and I will leave Oakland to fly to Cozumel, Mexico on Saturday, November 22nd, where we will get the rental house ready for other family members who will be flying in the following day.  The reason for this family jaunt is that Kari and her older brother, Jeff, will be competing in the Cozumel Ironman on Sunday, November 30th.  I've shared some stories about both Jeff and Kari and their fetes of considerable athletic competition.  This Ironman will be the 4th for each of them, but will be the first they'll do together as a brother - sister team. 

Ironman Cozumel Logo

The entire Ironman event will take place in the waters off the island and on the island itself

A water paradise - we'll surely do some snorkeling

We've rented a large house with enough bathrooms, forks, spoons, chairs, and floor to room and board at least 10:  Jeff, Alice and their twin girls, Malia and Samantha; and, Kari, David and their triplets, Spencer, Tate and Avery; and, me, I'm Mimi.  Jeff and Kari's dad and his wife may be in Cozumel for the race and visits to the house and their brother, Spencer, may be able to fly in from the Dominican Republic, his current domicile.  Many of you are familiar with blog posts about his long international-traveling lifestyle.  So, when the time actually arrives, there may be 11 members of the family in that one house, and a couple in hotels.

The week before the race we're hoping to take in some of the sites and attractions; although, the main event will dictate how much galavanting we all do.  Jeff and Kari will be saving their enthusiasm and energy for the big day; I'll be the chief chef; David and Alice will be chief kid-managers; and you can bet the five cousins will be into having a ball the entire time.  It should be quite a party!

I'm thrilled to see my children wanting to take on this a wonderful experience and fabulous memory-maker, together.  Not only is it an incredible accomplishment for them, but it sends such an important message to those five young people [twins and triplets] who are all Freshmen in high school this year.  Both Jeff and Kari are avid about their dedication to health and the sport of triathlon; they set the bar high for their kids, who all seem to be interested in sports and fitness.  For those who aren't too familiar, the Ironman competition consists of a 2.4 mile swim in the ocean, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, and finally a marathon run of 26.2 miles - in one day!  They are NOT competing with one another, but are planning to be a support for each other; is all goes well, they'll cross the finish line hand-in-hand.  Jeff is the elder, who, on race day, will be 53 years, 7 months, and 14 days old.  Kari will be 52 years, 7 months, and 5 days of age - pretty impressive to be an Ironman at any age, but I'm a very proud mama of these two.

I'll post more about Kari and Jeff in future posts.  This post is meant to share my upcoming travel plans . . .

On December 1st, the day after the race, I'll board a flight from Cozumel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I'll meet up with a friend and the two of us will hop on a Celebrity cruise ship December 4th for a 16-day cruise through the Caribbean, traversing the Panama Canal from East to West, and then South to Valparaiso, Chile.  There will be lots of stops for interesting visits to fascinating locales all along the way.  We'll arrive in Chile on December 20th, just in time to take part in yet another country's Christmas and holiday season. As you know, I'm a people person.  I love to study cultures and learn as much as I can about how others live, love, laugh and enjoy life on this planet.  

Departing from:  Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sailing to:  Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Panama Canal, Panama; Manta, Ecuador; Lima, Peru; Arica, Chile; Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso, Chile skyline

More Latin American music, dancing and fun

Can't wait to see the colors, taste the food, meet the people

I currently have reservations and tickets for the adventure up to this point - Valparaiso.  From here on my timing and plans will blossom as they may.  My travel partner is planning to remain in South America for the entire Winter (that is, Winter in the US); of course it'll be Summer in the southern hemisphere.  My reading and web-surfing research indicates that Valparaiso will have a climate commensurate with San Francisco's Summer; so I'm feeling pretty comfortable with what to expect weather-wise.  I visited Santiago, Chile in 2003, but didn't make it to the coast on that trip and am looking forward to new horizons.  Where else I go in Chile - or other South American locales, I know not at this time.  Any recommendations form old-hand Chilean and South American visitors are welcome.

Sometime after the first of the new year I'll jump on another flight and head to Guatemala for a long-awaited visit to my cousin, Linda, who lives there, and all the wonderful friends I made while I was living there in 2011 and 2012.  I can't wait to see my Spanish teachers and their families,  my knitting / crocheting students, both adults and children, and all the wonderful kids and adults in the various foundations I grew to love.  And, I have three very important, to me, young people who are continuing to work / study very diligently to possibly be able to head to the United States for further education, after which they'll return to their Guatemalan homes and families with skills to really make a difference in their communities and families' lives.  I'm very excited to see them again:  Isai, Shirli and Hazel - be ready for me!  

Oh, how I love this country, the land of the eternal Spring,  the home of the Maya and volcanoes

Cobblestone streets, flowers, colors, lovely people

I'm tentatively planning to stay in Guatemala for about a month; but, who knows?  The first time I went with the plan to stay for 3 weeks - and stayed for a year and a half!  Seriously, though, I am planning to return to California, Floribunda, Lacy and Eleanor sometime in February.

So, that's the plan for Winter this year.  I'm already giving thought to next Spring, too.  More about that as it materializes . . .