Living in Mexico. What an adventure
The house here is nice but as with all new houses, there are problems. leaks and doors and cabinets....... Then there comes WITH the house a maid and a gardner. Well the gardner doesn't care of the maid. The gardner has only been here one day to cut this little patch of grass (I can mow it in 5 minutes with old push mower). I've never had a full time maid myself, had a live in one growing up from Mexico, but not in my adult life.. but here everyone has one and the Senora of the Casa is not to do anything. I find myself cleaning before the maid comes as i don't want her to do things.... I don't think i will ever get used to this. Anyway gardner quit today, he hasn't been here to DO anything but 1 time since i've lived here! Will have to take that one up with the house owners when i can talk to them next week. Carmen (maid) likes the dogs and cat and is good with them, she is an older woman. They just don't believe in animals IN the house, all the hair and dirt. I told her today if she thinks my dogs have too much hair wait until the owner comes with her two labs in January! She'll really have a cow over the shedding. Dog's here are either stray's or they live on people's roofs! Flat roofs and dogs are kept there. I cringe when i see some of them and had no idea what the owners of this house meant when they kept saying "oh when you go walk your dogs, the roof dogs will settle down after a few minutes of you going by". I informed them i don't walk my dogs out in the street......even at my house. They stay in my yard where they are safe and i know nothing will happen to them. Calypso would love to be a roof dog. She goes up the stair's to the Casita over the garage from the backyard, and can just BARELY get her head over the wall. There is a park across the street and she woof's at the kids playing on all the equipment they are putting in. They all just stare at her (including all the grown men putting in the equipment in the park) in amazement and point and stare. OES are a rarity here. They point and cry "OSO" (bear) when they see us walk anywhere. Peeper's the kitty sit's in the kitchen staring out the window to the street at about head level with people walking by thru the window and bar's on the outside. The kids come up and talk to her and wave. I have yet to figure HOW to get BACK to my house the shortest route from downtown area. There is no rhyme nor reason to the streets here. I can get DOWN the hillside, just not back up. There are sooo many things i see, stores to go in etc. and i have not had one day to just LOOK and take my time. Tonight i was trying to figure out how to get back up the hill when i looked inside a little tienda and there was an OES stuffed dog staring out at me. Hopefully i can figure out where the tienda was tomorrow and will go and try to find it. Someone said they saw an OES walking downtown today on a leash. (good people). We just had one rescued and i am going to try to go and meet up with the woman here who took him in and is fostering him until we can find a good home. Sad story. Here is a short paragraph of what i posted to some others this last week, and i promise to try to get some pictures up. I have one scared big sheepdog boy at the moment as we are having a huge thunderstorm at the moment. No wonder my back was killing me today....... and Checker's lays like a big mouse with his head laying in between his paws panting... Anyone that has known me for some time knows that I am not a morning person. I just do not DO mornings! That has been changing somewhat of my life over the past month, lol. I must get a schedule of the major Saint’s holidays, important days in Mexican history, weddings and whatever other important day’s there are here. These days are celebrated with their arrival and departure of with fireworks. Big loud booming fireworks. At least at night you would think you were at Disneyland as they light up the sky over the Parroquia, which is AS beautiful as the Disney Castle ,IF NOT MORE so in many people’s opinions. Of course, knowing the Saint’s days and the holidays ahead of time won’t do me any good, but I will at least be prepared for a 90 lb Old English Sheepdog to land in the middle of my stomach or back. I have never had a dog afraid of loud noises, lightning and thunder storms before in my OES lifetime. There is always a first and Checker’s is my first bless his heart. Hopefully he will be immune by the time we decide to come back north, if we do………… we’ll see. Delilah and Caly could care less about them. This morning must have been some important Saint’s day. The fireworks started off at 5:45 a.m. and went on until 6:15. Then the Parroquia and all of the little neighboring Church’s bells started chiming in and going off. Now, on top of all of this, woke up the roof dogs in the neighborhood who started barking (and are still going off) their heads off. Which in turn awakened the rooster somewhere within the 2 block radius and he is also still chiming in to let the world know morning has appeared! San Miguel de Allende is a historic town founded in 1542. In 2008 San Miguel was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This is a very old old old colonial town, with cobblestone streets and police which still ride on horseback in traditional period costume throughout the city. (They do have police with automobiles also). There is very little crime here in SMA, but we are not immune to it. But I do feel much safer here walking at night downtown than in Denver, New York City or Los Angeles. We have many world class restaurants here, as well as top entertainment. Doc Severenson of the old Johnny Carson show and his wife live here and he regularly plays with other band members in one or two of the ‘cantina’ restaurants. This is an artist’s haven. There is no telling how many art classes are going on at any one time. Writer’s workshops and cooking classes as well. (I am hoping to be able to make it to one of the classes on Mexican sauces from A to Z how to make them from scratch). When I leased this home, and the lease arrived I was chuckling at the paragraph that I would not hold the owners responsible for the fireworks, barking dogs or crowing roosters. I thought okay, no problem and chuckled. Now I know and one get’s used to it……….. I also now know why Siesta time 2-4pm was invented! I will try to figure out how to post pictures again. I keep forgetting how 
I do have HBO and Cinemax and Showtime here!! mas tarde, Ali and the kids....... |
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| What an interesting place you are living in...dogs on the roof, imagine. ha. I'm sorry that Checkers ears are having such a hard time...hopefully he will adjust soon too.
I'm enjoying you posting of your new adventure, I hope you can find time to keep posting about it. I know what you mean about posting pics, it took me a long time to finally figure that out...now I want to chang emy Avitar and can't figure it out...oh well...good luck posting pics. |
| Where in Mexico are you? Sounds great. I was thinking of attending a spanish immersion school in Cuernavaca. Do you speak spanish? I have been studying spanish for 1 1/2 years now.
Would love more photos. thanks for the updates |
| Ali's in San Miguel de Allende:
http://www.fmschmitt.com/travels/mexico/San%20Miguel%20de%20Allende/index.html |
| Ali,
I sincerely hope they are selective about what saints they celebrate otherwise fireworks daily. I believe today is St. Bernard day, I'd celebrate that with a cask and a big drooly dog! Here's a calendar of events in SMA: http://www.internetsanmiguel.com/fiestas.html |
Get prepared for September 16 since you are just down the road from Delores Hidalgo  |
| I wouldn't enjoy having a maid either. Plus, I like my privacy and don't want people regularly coming over to touch my things.
Quote: Dog's here are either stray's or they live on people's roofs! Flat roofs and dogs are kept there
That's how most dogs (over 20lbs) live in crowded big cities in Asia as well. |
| What a great adventure!!!! Keep the posts coming!!
I imagine you on your Casita with Dee, Callie and Checkers, enjoying some Sangria~~~~ Watching the sunset.. (((((((((((((or at least that is what we'll be doing when I come for a visit!!!!!!  ))))))))))))))))) |
| I cannot WAIT fo ryou to come Val!!! PLEASE COME!!!!
I think November 1 for me is the day i am really waiting for to come! All Soul's day or the day of the dead as it is here. Originally it is for everyone to go to the graveyards and clean the graves of all the family members. But they now have street parades and the whole town is dressed up (windows, stores etc) with skeletons........ sugar skulls, sugar skeletons etc. I think this will be very interesting to say the least!! promise i will try ot get the pictures up. SMA is actually MORE of where the Mexican independence started than Delores Hildago! They were having a huge 'ball' in the second floor of the oldest building around the Juardin (Zocolo), and all of the lovely ladies in their ball gowns......... dancing away. Yet downstairs all the men were plotting the Mexican Revolution........ and it there began! |
| Ali, does the housekeeper speak English? If so, ask her what the town's saints days are. The days the church bells go off and the firecrackers are lit at dawn varies according to the specific days celebrated by that city/pueblo. As I recall the month long celebration of the town's saint is in September. And don't they do a running of the bulls there in early October?
I know you mentioned that you grew up there as a kid, so I am not certain how fluent your Spanish is but you can certainly appeal to the local priest to give you a list of dates. I have hit strings where it has gone on for weeks. It can be just brutal. You have my sympathies. And to make matters worse, isn't it still monsoon season with the ever predictable thunderstorm and torrential down pour every day between 11 and 2 - or does that fade in July? I have forgotten. A couple of useless factoids about la cultura. Regarding dogs, historically only the wealthy were fortunate enough to be able to afford the luxuries of pets. There are seven classes in Mexico and only the top two classes had the means to treat their pets as we would - or better. The other classes have dogs because generally it is considered a matter of higher status - and of course they are dog lovers. But they don't often adhere to the standards of pet ownership we do yet. It hasn't been all that long that we have been more humane about our pets, but thankfully things are changing in the US. But change takes longer in Mexico. SMdA is one of the sites the battle of independence was fought, but El Grito occurred in Dolores. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated Nov 1 &2nd. It used to be a week long celebration with families camped out in the cemeteries until by presidential order it was limited to the two days - though it still extends beyond the two day celebration in many places in MX. I am incredibly jealous. It has been about 5 years since I have been able to be there for that observance and I bet there are so many more artisan crafts for an altar. I am guessing the church will hold a fabulosa procession. I still put an altar up every year. Mostly it really freaks Americans out, but I find it tremendously soothing to honor my family and friends. But oh man would I love to be in SMdA for a wild shopping spree. Jealous, jealous, jealous, yes I am! Hey, since wine is iffy in MX (heat and storage issues not to mention the denomination of origin issues with tequila) and of course, sangria is from Spain  why not try this great drink they make with the juice of a cucumber, fresh mint, club soda (agua con gas) salt and then add some Blanco Madera (Mexico's best kept rum secret!) While that drink is popular in the western part of the country, I bet your housekeeper can whip up all manner of refreshing drinks and snacks which are regional favorites and muy sabrosa. I wouldn't be worried about her cleaning, but I sure would be using her wealth of knowledge to help me settle in and learn quicker.
I completely agree with you about safety. I have driven all over the country in a car alone and (gasp, even at night which they always tell Americans not to do!) but I have never felt as safe in American cities. I have never had the pleasure to spend a great deal of time in the beautiful colonial village of SMdA, so I love reading your reports. Experiencing Mexico can truly only be done exactly as you are doing it. Que vaya bien! ~n |
| Oh, THANK YOU for your post!!! So m any people are aghast at me moving down here at this time.......but again as i said, i feel safer here than in the USA...... and especially with the politics at this time........
Well last night the sirens started going off and went on and on and on for almost an hour! i didn't know if we were under siege or being bombed! Then it went as quiet as it could be. Then the fireworks started above the Paroqiua......... and the sirens started again. At that point i went to the roof terrace to look downtown. They were obviously going up and down every street! I called my friend with the Standard Poodles (who was instruamental in my moving here) and she too was in a quandry as to what was going on and she's lived down here 20 years! Finally i went to the SMA list and found out it was "bombadier day". okay, what did that mean?? They weren't celebrating a Saint, but all the Emergency vehicles and their crews! As i said, it is an adventure!! Here are a couple of pictures of the kids in the backyard.....  I think this is the one of Calypso on the top of the stiars looking down at the children in the park across the street. She secretly longs to be a 'roof dog', lol!
 This is Checker's and Rod at the Show in Fresnillo Zacatecas 2 weeks ago
 And this is the Windblown look! lol
Unfortunately, no my housekeeper speaks VERY little english! But we do okay with my broken spanish (which is coming back little by little). I have been WARNED about Septmeber and the fireworks! They are already putting up the Mexican flags EVERYWHERE......... getting ready. I think Checker's will become very immune to them (HOPEFULLY) by the time the month is over! Grito is a very big celebration here...... and as you said, i cannot WAIT until the 2 days of Dios de la Muerta! I certainly intend to make sure my camera disc is empty and get a seat somewhere in the Jardin to be able to take pictures!! You would be so surprised at all the vinyards that people are putting in down here! Mostly by Aguascaliente. May be something to put in for future!?? Oh yes, the weather. August is supposed to be a tail end of the rainy season. but just as in Texas, it is very much a drought here even. We had a monsoon day before yesterday, thankfully we really needed it. Except now i have to get the hot tub drained again due to mosquitos and dengue fever!! ahhhh off to bed. Tomorrow is another day and another adventure! We are getting ready to head down to shows (hopefully we haven't received our conformation's, have to call Rod in the AM) in Toluca to the Southwest of Mexico City, D.F. But the BIG BIG shows start next month. It is a whole 2 weeks of shows, exhibitions, seminars etc with total immersion on anything dogs at Expocan with titles from Latin America, Pan America, Mexican, Grand Mexican etc. CH.'s. and i am excited about it but also about going back to Mexico City to do some remembering at the Museum of Natural History, Chepultepec Park and zoo, and eating dinner at the Hacienda Morales with their wonderful cream of walnut soup!! mmmmmm mas tarde!! |
| Love the pics! I love your backyard. Thank you for sharing your adventure. |
| Sounds amazing.... |
| Well, we had our entry's finally confirmed for Toluca this weekend. So Friday we are off to the South West outskirts of Mexico City to Toluca for shows. I will let you all know how this weekend goes........
and will try to take some interesting pictures.... |
Quote: ... it was "bombadier day". okay, what did that mean?? They weren't celebrating a Saint, but all the Emergency vehicles and their crews!
Bombadier is a rough translation of Bombero = Fireman. As Michael the Archangel is the patron saint to cops, I assume there is an equivalent for fireman. And yesterday would have been that saint's day. Therefore you get the neighborhood processions, more loud noises and the EMT vehicle parade. I am guessing there was also a good deal of fundraising going on in the neighborhood processions. Loved the pics. Thanks so much. Keep on sending them, please! Zacatecas and Aguascalientes both have wonderful colonial villages. Beautiful country. Makes sense they are trying vineyards there, as they do have the benefit of aguifiers and more moderate microclimates. Best of luck in DF. Remember, that is the big city, so keep an eye out for treachery. No different than being in Manhattan, but much different than everywhere in Guanajuato. And I am guessing you will have a few military stops along the way. Those are always a thrill!
hasta.... ~n |
| what great pics and such an adventure |
| This is a beautiful place for you and your dogs. They must be enjoying themselves. What do you do about the water? Have you had any problems with that or do you have bottled water that is brought in. We always bought several 5 gallon bottles from the water trucks as they made the rounds.
I go down to Guaymas and San Carlos and stay at the trailer park down the highway from San Carlos. Great marlin fishing in the Sea of Cortez but I like to be next to the water where I can do my fishin and not land locked looking at a swimming pool or hot tub. The people are very friendly there in San Carlos but I have heard that Mexico is not as friendly as it use to be. The Mexican Mafia seems to have the control of what is happening in that country. I had a friend who was sent an email with four men beheaded and put on dispaly. I am aware that some of these are from drug lords setting examples for those who step out of line. I can't think Mexico is a safer country than we have here in or own backyard of the USA? If you want to live there, you can do that. What did you do with your house in Colorado? Sell it or is it empty? It looks beautiful where you are at and you are far enough out that you may not have to be afraid. My feeling is that Mexico is corrupt and the those who are in power of the cities make up the rules. I know as I have lived there and seen it with my own eyes. I have some friends down there who hold onto my gun until I return back in March. Even the taxi drivers are afraid of the police when transporting the americans in those third world cars they take back over the border from the USA. Has anyone else had any experiences in Mexico? Living or travel over the borders? Both borders in or out of the USA? Wags and Will |
| Well another adventure. i am learning to never believe them when thy say (oh it's only 3 or 4 or ??) hours!! I live a very sedate lifestyle in comparison............ i'm in bed when they are just starting to go out for the evening!
Toluca, Of course we had a DOWNPOUR for 2 days....... right before the show. It was like standing in quicksand you would just sink in the grass/mud/woodshavings. They had to move the rings 3 TIMES! I will put up pictures in the next day or so. But, we were in for a little surprise. The judges were Earnest Lauro and Peter Greene (Mr. Terrier himself) from the USA. I have known Earnesto for almost 20 years so the look on his face was priceless when he saw me show up down here. But the surprise itself was when Calypso took Best of Breed over Checker's both days AND Group 3's both days! Actually the grooming setup that we were all in (4 of us) took home the most ribbons and even Best Mexican Dog and Best In Show (English Bulldog) on Saturday! Our Standard Poodle and the Yorkie even took home Group wins too. So all in all a very successful weekend, rain and all. But, the drive home was long with us arriving home around 3 am. Again i dont do after 9 pm! So now the talk is of this coming next week... Yes, Mexico City. (And i know it's been all about the safety but hey it isn't Juarez! And i was raised practically there...........so sad, especially with today's news ). I love this City more than any other city in the world! And i intend to not only do the dog show, but other things i have done in the past. Who knows, why, i may never have the chance to come back here again, but *I* intend to go to Chapultepec Castle, Park and Zoo, and my favorite Museum of anywhere in the world the Anthropologica Museum with all the Aztec and Mayan and Olmec items. I remember seeing the world famous jade mask there years ago. Then to go to dinner at the Hacienda Morales one night. They make a cream of walnut soup that is to die for. Expocan is going to be 10 STRAIGHT days of shows from 10 am until 8 pm each day. This will be a stamina test not only for me but the dogs as well. And i don't believe them when they say 8 pm........  |
| Congratulations to Calypso and Checkers!!!!
Whoo---hooo...BRO...SIS...You ARE making me SOOooooooo PROUD!!!!!!! Mexico City~~~~ watch out!!!!! 2 of the Magnificent 7 are coming your way!!!!!!!!!!!! Love,,,,, your STL sis!!!!!!!!!   |
| The dogs will be asleep by 9. You know dinner will be after the events.
Congratulations on the ribbons! Caly and Checker-boy you guys rock! |
| Congrats on the wiins. I hope you get to tour Mexico City as you have planned. |
| Thanks all. I plan on being 'in bed' around 9 pm each day too!
Today i had a near heart attack. I had to go do LOTS of errands today, oil change in car, bank, deliver money to FCM bank and deposit in thier account (I like this, no mailing $$, no way for problems). Last night i did not sleep ONE wink. Norm called at 430 am to 'chat' and i was already awake as the roof dogs were barking at the full moon I guess all night. There are some really nice people that have rescued a lovely BIG OES girl down here from a campo and i went to visit them today and see her too. When i came home, I pushed the garage door button and ALL 3 DOGS ran out into the street!  I put that car into park so fast and left it running and with purse and $$ all in front seat, and jumped out calling to the 3. The roof dogs 2 houses down were going crazy and Checker's kind of was looking for them, he just didn't look 'up'. I called them and they all 3 came (which surprised the he*l out of me) and i hurded them all back IN thru the garage door and into the house closing the door behind me. I guess Carmen the maid did not put them back in the house before she left. (She doesn't believe in animals in the house).
So now i am left with do i board the cat and dog for 11 days which i really don't want to do, or take them with me to this beautiful hotel (they will accept them) ? It is with mixed emotions i won't be here for September 16. The town looks like most towns in the USA decorated for Christmas! RED WHITE and GREEN streamers EVERYWHERE (Val, I'm going to get some for your new Resturant!!), VIVA MEXICO strung across all t he streets in R,W &G tinsel streamers! The part i will miss is the fire cracker wars they say rage on for days here.......... Checkers definately won't miss it. Today i bought some adorable hair ties for their pigtails (i will send pictures) of RW&G flowers ! Checker's gets one with a Mexican medallion in the middle! I figure if we are going to be at Expocan in Mexico City they better play the part! Okay going to try to get some sleep. Will retrieve camera tomorrow and go picture hunting for all of you guys! Mas Tarde!! |
Ali wrote: The judges were Earnest Lauro and Peter Greene
Congrats on your big win! Just FYI it's Ernesto Lara & Peter Green. |
| CONGRATS! Oh no they were lose in the streets! Glad they listened and returned to you. What a day.
Tenga un buen fin de semana! |
This was a huge bouganvilla that the wind blew down............. right before our torential rain storm hit!!! How sad they had to chop it into pieces as there was no getting it back up. It took down phone and electrical lines as well. 
I went to eat at a resturant owned by the Sierra Nevada company. One of the great opera singers used to come here and sing with his own little mini amphatheater...... Anyway look at the beautiful bouganvilla then look at the white 'garza blanca' in the tree. They are beautiful but have come here in such bold numbers they have caused horrible health problems for the children and others walkingin the parks. Yes we have AR activist ere too that are raising fitts when the trees are pruned back to get rid of them. While sitting and eating at this resturant i was buzzed by no less than 10-15 of different hummingbirds. The birdwatching in this area is almost like a trip down into Costa Rica or the Amazon. |
| Oh Ali...thanks for the updates....what an adventure!!!
What fun! |
Beautiful pictures 
The bougainvillea is HUGE - and something we ever see around here.  |
| That is a beautiful Beaugainvillia...I feel sorry for the people who have to cut it down and chop it up, they are the prickiest bushes they have quite the thorns on them. We had a beautiful one in our backyard and one time, but we had to remove it for the safety of the dogs. |
| okay, let's say it has been a long 11 days aat this point and i am battling bronchitis! 10 days of active showing in Mexico City, with it raining ever day and all the chalk and dust and people AAAAAAGGGGHHHH
I promise a much more detailed report later, but let's say we were the stars of the series. Both dogs came away with their International(FCI)/Latin American/Mexican Championships! Checkers won BOB and placed in the group every day but 1 and that was when his sister beat his butt!! I am the only person to have their dogs place in the groups every single day..... Needless to say I'm proud of these 2 and they are now #1 and #2 OES in Mexico. (And believe me I had no idea how many OES there were in Mexico!!) They were up against some of the top ranked dogs of all of Mexico/Central America & / South America! Not to mention a lot of #1 ranked American dogs that showed up.
Checkers ended up with 4 Group 1's, 2 G Group 2's, 2 Group 3's, and 1 Group 4. Caly ended up with 1 Group 2!! (she smoked her bro that day) lol, and i was too sick to show her the next day. Needless to say the elusive Red White & Green has eluded us once again. ( I am too damned old to do 10 day shows) and we ALL came home in our group with bronchitis. Between the rain every day, the chalk and the dust etc. we are all sick. One great thing is i can go to the farmacy here and buy my drugs w/o a prescription! But will give it 24 hours and then go see Dr. if not better.
later. A & Kids I did take some pictures. as usual |
| We are sooo proud of ALL of you guys!!!!!
Give them ALL a special kiss from their ST.LOUIS sis!!!!!! |
| 10 day event, that's a campaign!! Sorry you are so ill for your efforts, but WOW! what an outcome. Congratulations........now to bed before it gets worse. Being out of the Cuidad environment should help. |
| Congratulations on your success, super to be in the group every day. I do not think I could stand a 10 day event either you are definately hooked you need to see a doc to help you with this terrible addiction lol. |
| Congrats on the wins. Hope you feel better soon. |
| okay AGGGGHHH i wrote a whole long update and it has disappeared!
Here are some pictures of our trip:  our wonderful hotel across the street from the World Trade Center. FANTASTiC service and food. We had half of one whole floor with a private terrace for the dogs!
 Calypso's idea of the end of a day of showing.
  
Checker's and Rod in the Group & Best in Show Rings! We had a great show. We were the only person to have a dog place in the group every single day. So we were proud. Coming home was another story. You are only allowed to drive in D.F., on certain days. Monday was our day to not drive. Well we thought we left early enough but not so. We were pulled over and the police tried to take a bribe. That is until the Federales arrived and told us to leave, they then took over with the other people. Thank goodness for Rod. I lost the translation in the rapid spanish but he kept his cool and dealt with it all. Other than coming home with Pneumonia, ad losing a couple of items at the show, it was a success. Oh and we do have the two new Mexican/Latin American Champions! |
| Congrats on the winning
I did see your original post too. |
| Your update is in the thread "shows" that Stuart (Dairymaid) posted.
Hope you're feeling a lot better. |
| ackkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk so THAT is where it went! lol.
feeling better. Went to Queretero today to visit with a new friend. She has a litter of 4 week old dobermans. We went to downtown to the Convent. There is a tree there that only grows THERE. It produces thorns in the shape of a cross, and on each point of the cross is where the nails in the pictures of the crucifixion are. This is also the convent where Emperor Maximilion was held after the wars. It was built in 1585!! The culture down here is just amazing. The streets all remind me of Spain a lot. a. |
| Tonight i was on the phone with another woman whose down here by herself at this time too. she has a Lasa and we decided to meet up at the Jardine. I decided Checquers needed to 'get out' and used to loud sounds and noises (see Val it isn't just Heart)!
Tonight was the Blessing of the Taxi's. ALL the taxi's in town were all decorated with balloons and streamers and flowers.... the band led off the parade around the zocolo, then the little kids all decked out as angels and what not, followed by the Saint carried in front of everyone else. Along with the brass and drum band booming around the square. Then the concert started. The most amazing 5 men i have heard. 1 on keyboard, one on electric guitar, one on 12 string guitar and 2 on violins. OMG I could have listend to them ALL evening........... except Checkers wasn't too fond of the high notes on the violins. He was quite the little ambassador going over. Sat pretty for a while then after about 1 hour he had had enough so home we came. All of this is end of September festivities. It was the Blessing of St. Michael today. I am NOT looking forward to 3 am however as the fireworks will start at 3 am SOLID for 3 STRAIGHT HOURS!!!!!!!!! I have had good news, and bad news lately. The good news is that Norm has a job for at least another year or 2. The bad news is he is in Korea for that time. I have found a house here and will be working on my paperwork to stay. A GORGEOUS house....... with pleanty of room for all to come visit! Actually i have my choice of 2 houses to look at. But this one is beautiful. And far enough in but out of town the fireworks are no bother. Needless to say, Rodrigo is over the moon the kids are going to be here. He has decided Standard poodles are too high strung and will continue to show them but wants OES now. He loves the temperments of my 3.....and was going to ask me to leave Checquers here when i came back north to put affairs in order. I told him he would have to have his 'partner' Charles's approval as well as they are not to live in the kennel at the clinic but at their home. INSIDE. We'll see how far THAT goes, lol. Peepers kitty is in heaven, as she is outside all day long. I only have to watch she doesn't fall off of the front wall. She isn't very street smart. She loves to hide in the garden plants to play Tiger. |
| Ahhh such an adventure. Sorry about more separation time from Norm. That must be getting pretty old already. |
| What a wonderful adventure. Congrats on the wins!
Buena suerte! |
Ron wrote: Ahhh such an adventure. Sorry about more separation time from Norm. That must be getting pretty old already.
Yes Ron it is getting old. For BOTH of us. We will admit it. We are in talks here with friends that are hunting him positions here. Queretero, just up the road is hwere there is a Nestle's factory, Pilgrims' Pride, GE etc., Martin Brower is in D.F. (Mexico City) where he used to work in CT. I told him i would find him an apt. and fly him back and forth each week, no problem. Then i told him about the 'bribe' and not driving there. either Fly or bus back and forth............ only if we do a dog show there......... do we drive!!!! BUT I leased the house today!!!!! OMG is it gorgeous. NOW i just have LOTS of paperwork to do to get MY FM3, and get my belongings brought down here, and the house leased out. I did talk to a property manager (actually the realtory that sold us the house) today. and she see's no problem with what i am asking for the house as it is an Executive level house for lease. Keep your fingers crossed we can get this done soon. Ali |
| Here it is October 4. I have NO FIREWORKS for the first time in a month!! Hallaleula!! What i do have are 2 barking 'roof' dogs 3 houses down. Every morning about this time. Must be the workers coming to put in the new park across from this house.
It is also hot as hades down here right now. We just all stay inside the adobe house where it stays cool. Even at night i have the ceiling fans and a floor fan on. Wierd weather. Last week we were all ready to turn on the gas fireplaces! Some exciting news happening for us down here. Will expand upon it more as soon as it happens. Rod's taking 2 weeks of vacation off with his 'partner', going to S.F. so i'm taking a break until he returns and hit the road running for shows at that time. Norm is coming 'home here' for the holidays! HOORAY first time in 7 years!!!! His contract has been extended for at 'least' another year.......... have to make insurance decisions now. |
| Just reading your posts are exhausting!!!!! I don't know how you are any rest!!! But all great things!! You must be so happy, about Norm coming home for the Holidays~~~~and the KIDS getting their Championship~~~ and the new house~~~and...and ...well, everything seems to be going fantastic!!!
((I will be sending Heart to you for a crash course in Noise desensitation!!!)))) |
| wow when things happen down here, thy happen fast.
Yesterday i went to Rod's clinic to sit down to decide where we are going to what shows when. Rod is off to San Francisco for next 10 days... so i thought hmmmmmm i will have time off. HAA I am leaving here Sunday am and making a MAD dash back up to Colorado to pick up more items to move down for next year, the mad dash BACK here have 2 days before going to Puebla for a show, then have family coming in for Mom's 80th birthday (this is my 1/3 mexican blood family), come home for 2 days and then leave for Irapuerto shows. Come home for 3 day and drive to Monterrey for EXPOCAN Monterey (NOT a 10 day show just 4). Then we have another show in D.F. the first weekend in December..... Then from THERE we have been (both OES) invited to represent MEXICO at the EUKANUBA CUP!! WOO HOO............ not sure if thats goingto happen but my 'team' hre seem to think we will be going. Then Norm will be flyingin.........and somewere in there is the trip down to Mexico D.F. for the year end banquet with awards for top dogs. I'm already worn out.................. |
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| Exactly Val,that is exactly what i am feeling!!
It has been so hot here, that today i had to water my lawn for 30 minutes. Wouldn't you know it around 4 pm it started raining like mad here......... i'm so happy i spent all the money for water watering the lawn!!! getting ready to leave. Should be an interesting ride. We are going straight up North. We will NOT be going thru Juarez, but turning off and going to the new station Santa Theresa Port........ and then straight on up thru your neck of the woods Sheepieboss.................... I've already been told to bring my parka as it is snowing at the house today... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I'm not ready for that. Lowest here has been in upper 60's and we thought THAT was cold!!!!! |
| Wow, you are driving! Hijole. What an adventure.
I have done that drive, but only leisurely. I cannot imagine trying to function in MX on a tight schedule, though I have often tried. So.... how was your entry into the country? Any issues with the car's registration, etc.? I always have my mordida money ready for border crossings.
I am not certain what you intend to bring with you, but have you looked at the list of import tariffs on electronics, appliances, etc. The border guys are vigilant because if they do their job and enforce their laws, they have done a good thing. But more often, it is less expensive to just abandon that television at the border than pay the import tax and their little cottage market continues. Viva! Gotta love the French's contribution to Mejico. I am curious about the new entry point and looking forward to your travel log! Safe journey! |
| I loved reading your post and as I've been away for a while I was surprised to hear you were in Mexico. What an adventure!
I'm sure you'll be glad to be returning home..except for the weather of course. Marianne |
| Well, whewwwwwwwwwwwwww we are HERE. Pulled in last night at 930 pm. Crossing the border was not anywhere near as bad as i thought it wouldd be. We crossed at the Santa Theresa crossing. My only problem was in I couldn't find Checkers papers, and he was with me. So 1 hours later the Ag dept. and i signed papers and he is here and we are all okay. Hit the ground running this am, am just now stopping to go to bed. Hit the ground running at 730 am tomorrow again..........dinner tomorrow night............. and sometime in here i have to pack in the next 3 days. THEN head turn back down to Mexico.............
WHEWWWWWWWWWWWWW |
| I'm beginning to wonder where a 'home' is and is going to be!
I made the 'mad dash' to Colorado week before last, and managed to pack up some items with me to bring back down. Enough that i really wanted to make me feel 'at home' for ANOTHER year here. I've leased another home, unfurnished for another year. So i brought the sleep number bed down, and my pictures from home etc (along with my dish box and 'eyes') gotta have the important things you know!! Checker's came along. Our "little boy" became a "man" while he was there....... sigh so hard to believe the kid that couldn't get housebroken is old enough.... I brought a nice friend i have made here along with me. We went 'around' Cd. Juarez coming in to the Santa Theresa port of entry and had no problems going or coming.........well, except for the fact that I forgot to bring Check's papers!! ACKKKK after 2 hours of pleading and showing his show pictures etc., they had me sign an Agric. paper and off we went. It was a fast trip but i did get to see "Molly" and Marcia her owner up in Ft. Collins. Spent a lot of time going back and forth between Verizon and the Volvo places........and Target. And after looking at the weather today back in Colorado i must say i am SOOOO happy to be back down here. 74 degrees today and low's of 54. The monarch butterflies are making their trek to their winter grounds.. I wish i had the time to go see this........they say this is a marvelous experience. I was back for 48 hours and then took the bus to Puebla for one of my high school friends mom's birthday party. It is a GORGEOUS city of beautiful tiles! The party had mariachi's and the most wonderful array of food you wouldn't believe...... It was wonderful to reconnect with what was my second family... I am missing the reunion on Saturday where one of the cousins who is a world famous Flaminco singer and dancer will perform....... the next morning BACK on the bus. I get to 'rest' (HA) for 2 days...... we leave tomorrow evening for Irapuerto for shows, BACK on Sunday evening. Wednesday we leave for Monterrey....for another Expocan. Thank God this one isn't 10 days, only 4!! Then that is it until the middle of next month........... Then I move into the new home on Dec. 1. It will be great to be somewhat 'settled' in one place. Norm will arrive the 19th for the holidays, our first in 7 years... Will be good to have him here, and for us to make some decisions...... he had good news and his job was renewed and they are looking at him staying on for another 4 to 6 years. That's also the bad news as I have NO INTENTION of moving to Korea! I prefer Mexico thank you very much! so i need to decide either to lease the house in Colorado out or go back there the end of next year. I will be back in March as that is when the HOT season starts here, for 3 months then return unless more changes come our way............. will post pictures of updates soon. Mas Tarde!!! |
| ps..................
managed to bring back the TV AND a new refrigerator (expensive down here) and only had to pay 50.00 usd mordita on the taxes......... I argued and argued with them (they didn't see the TV or Fridge) that it was "a lot of stuff" and i didn't want them unpacking things....... so it was the 'stand off', lol. I went to pull the $ out of my purse and hand it to them and they all backed off with their hands in the air going NOOOOOO!!!!! TO THE OFFICE!!! Arantza my friend and i had a good laugh. Yes, we did go thru about 5 military checkpoints going up. But you know what? I felt safer knowing they were there and doing it, as i had nothing to fear as nothing illegal. Federales were all up and down the road too. No problems with them either......it is the city policia that you have to worry about down with the shakedowns for mordita's. And, thankfully that is mostly in the big cities......... SMA is one where you walk most everywhere. Ali |
| I really enjoy your updates. And it sounds like you're really enjoying your time there as well. I hope you post pictures of the new house when you get there! |
| It is great to hear from you Ali. I've been looking for an update as to how your CO trip went.
It sounds like a lot is going oN. Looking forward to seeing pics of the new place. I have a plaque that I've taken with me to every house I've lived in and the plaque reads "HOME IS WHERE YOU HANG YOUR HEART." Which is true. Good luck and stay safe. |
| WOW........ went to shows in Irapuerto this past weekend. It is only about an hour and half away. Saturday was a real dud! The first time we didn't place in the groups since we started showing here! Judge from Chile.......
Sunday we took a Group 2 next to the Best In Show dog (both days) so i couldn't have asked for more... so i thought!!! We were called in for Best Dog in State as we live in this State............ WE WON!!!! So we have a BIG Blue and White Rosette now as well. They do not celebrate Holloween here.... but Dia de la Muerte on November 2nd. Everyone goes to the cemetary and cleans their families graves up and places tamales and candles and other foods, and lights candles around the graves for their departed family members. Also a bit of tequilla or two around as well. It is a full day event and they make picnick's out of it! My friends gave me a sugar skull for both Norm and I and one for each of the dogs and Peepers! Even a Sugar Lamb which represents wealth and happiness! My dear younger friends that have made me parts of their families invited me to their home for 'comida' today. Afterwards we went out to see some Azteca horses, one she is breeding her mare to. They also have dancing horses........much like the Lipizaner horses........they DANCE.. OMG they were gorgeous!! Then, we went to the Dia de la Muerta market downtown in Queretero. This is one of the largest markets in Mexico! OMG what a treat!!! As soon as the pictures are approved, i will add them in here. I'm looking for a Catrina (dressed up skelleton figurine) Bride and Groom to top their wedding cake with in April......... we are planning their wedding in Las Vegas by Elvis and that would just top the cake off!!! lol! Mas Tarde..... we have tomorrow off then leave for Monterrey for Expocan (only 4 days this time) Monterrey.... then back home for 4 days and off to Puebla to show, then back home and a short time with no shows until the end of the month ... YEAHHHHHhhhhhhhhh |
| I'm sorry it's taken me a while to upload these pictures and update!
I have just been running........... for a land of manana, i wonder when it will ever get there? or here? or there or whatever! Here are pcitures of the Dia de la Muerte in Queretero market and the Katrina's. 
In between those days, we also had the show in Irapuerto......... Checker's again went Best of Breed, and Group One Winner.......but then went on to win Best Dog In State of Guanajuato! (would have won BIS but those danged booms!)  here are copies of his ribbons.
The skulls are made of sugar, and you have your names placed upon them, and added to your 'altar's". This is to help your family know where to come visit you I guess ???? Anyway, Ara & Gustavo gave Norm, Myself, Checker's, Dee and Caly and Peeper's kitty all skulls.......... |
| Okay so two for one updates........
We have been and are back from Monterrey. This wasn't as bad as 10 straight days in Mx. Cty! But we were cramped in the Volvo 3 adults and 2 OES and a Boxer! lol. Then we got to Monterrey and wouldn't you know it.......... no hotels accepted dogs in the WHOLE CITY except for one.......... and that was after going to the head of the FCM to ask which one! How you can hold an Expocan in a city that doesn't accept dogs???????????? Anyways, 4 out of 4 days Checker's again won the Herding Groups. Day 3 the head of the FCM and the BIS judge headed for Checker's when the announcer said "And BIS goes to the Antigua Pastor Ingles".... and the crowd went AHHHHHH and I jumped and then.......... the judge turned and said "no I'm just shaking hands" and gave it to the Xolo. talk about having the wind knocked out of you.......... Day 4 of 4... BIS and on his down and back, they decided to do GUNDOG training in Ring 3 with blanks being shot off. So much for THAT day....... i've never seen a dog flatten so fast. We are now doing sensitivity training to gunshots. Seems the judges here think they need to be gun tempermented also.......... (and the next time someone asks for expression i am going to lift his ears up too). Anyway, Caly and Checker's brought home another title. Pan American Champion to add to their growing list. (we may have to start heading south next year to Guatamala and Costa Rica and on down south) They are trying to talk me into going to Cuba but I don't think i'm ready for that adventure yet, nor Columbia. We have 2 more shows left for the end of the year here. Next weekend in Queretero and then the International in Mexico City in December. This will end this year's rankings. Then we get a little break for the holidays and start alllllllll over again. Trying to get things together to move to the new house in 2 weeks as well, and get things situated before Norm arrives for the holidays. There are times when i really appreciate when no one comes and have to be up in the mornings....... mas tarde |
| Do you have an extra room in your new house for all the ribbons, photos and trophies???? Sounds like you are having a great time..!!!! but.... |
| okay move is completed. Just trying to get things hooked up and put away etc. find the hair dryer things like that. Finally got tired of looking for a used washer and went to Costco in Queretaro yesterday and bought a new one.
The standings for 2009 are final. I received a call from the FCM here (like AKC) asking/telling me to come to the Dog of the Year award banquet this Saturday night in Mexico City. Checker's is #1 Old English Sheepdog in Latin America and Calypso is #2! Checker's is in the top 5 Herding dogs. Not bad, 5 titles in 5 months for these two kids!! Everyone is already talking about the shows starting up in January. Right now i don't even want to think about them for a while! Norm will be here in 11 days and we cannot wait! Weather is gradually getting cooler and i have aclimated as well. Day's are pretty much in middle to upper 70's with some 80's. It is the first time in MANY years I have lived where there isn't snow for Christmas, but palm trees and bouganvilla's. **note to buy Christmas tree this weekend**** Ali |
CONGRATULATIONS TO CALYPSO AND CHECKERS!!!!!! How exciting is that????????     |
| Felicitationes! Que fantastico! |
| Congratulations Ali! |
| Congrats on the two kids wins Ali! Enjoy the visit with Norm. |
| Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday's to you all!
Some day i will get out the camera again, lol. We are all moved to the new house..We had the Dog of the Year Dinner in Mexico City last Wed., and then my friends Gustavo and Arantza came yesterday and helpled put the finishing touches on the house. We put the tree up, and had the fountain inside the house running...... the dogs and peeps knew something was up all day. I wish you all could have seen the 3 wiggling bums at the gate last night when Norm finally pulled up with the driver from Mexico City. I thought Dee was going to climb the 10 foot gate to get to him. I didn't know if the 2 younger ones would remember him or not, but Checkers was wiggling like i've never seen him wiggle before!!! Caly kept running into the house to Gustavo (whom she adores) and then back to Norm as if she was telling Gusty to COME SEE MY DADDY IS HERE!!!! It has been chilly for down here... and we actually have a fire in the fireplace at night. Peepers has been sleeping under the covers she's cold. We wish you all a Wonderful Christmas/Holiday and a Happy New year!! We didn't send out cards this year.......and who knows whats going to be in store for 2010?? I do know fixing the pipes and plumbing in the house in Colorado is on the plate.........  OMG the pictures of the burst pipes and damage......
oh well....... at least Norm andI are together........we plan on taking in the pyramids and the monarch butterfly sanctuary.......... Merry Christmas!!! |
| It is great to hear that Norm is home. Have a great holiday together! |
| Merry Christmas to you, Norm and the rest of the family!!! I know you will have a great time with Norm finally home.
As always, we send our love ~~~~~ |
| okay so i'm lax in the writing and photo developement. Not all my faulty however!! Norm took th camera back to South Korea with him with all the pictures on it and hasn't sent them to me................. Norm's vacation went by WAY too fast. I was not ready for him to leave. Neither were 'the kids'. It broke my heart to have them sit and look so forlorn out the front door/window for 2 weeks....... We made a trip to shows in Rio Verde....... didn't do well. After 2 months off , we all know how sheepdogs have to get their minds re wrapped into an event! Then i had 2 days here and left for Oaxaca for shows. A beautiful old city.............. horrid traffic but great spa's in the town for a day after showing! Again Checker's was a butthead. Having some problems getting him over the gundog training going on. Ate in the market and bought marvelous oaxacan cheeses!! ummmmmmmmmmmmmm then they brought over the delicacy of the region...NOPE NOT FOR ME!!!!!!! FRIED GRASSHOPPERS..........UGH just the smell of them..... On the way home we had a major blowout that scared all of us! Bless Gusty's wonderful driving we are all safe and sound. Home 3 days and OFF to D.F. (Mexico City)... now THIS was an interesting show.............4 day show... 1st day cancelled (first EVER in DF) due to the weather. Reminded me of the National Specialty in Rhode Island! Second day dawns GORGEOUS we all got sunburned! end of show I thought the people were having a meeting............... un uh dumb blonde gringa!!!! There was a FIGHT from handlers inthe ring regarding the BIS dog. (owned by the show chairperson) FISTS flew..........baby carriage overturned and 10 year old had a scrape............... Well, the good news was our streak was broken! Caly took a Group 3 Last 2 days Checker's tooka Group 3 and a Group 1! I just hate the drive in Mx. City but I'm getting pretty good at it! I have been told I'm starting to drive like a Mexican... lol. Now whether thats good or bad???? Getting ready to make my bi annual trip up north. We will probably be putting everything in storage for 18 mon. and leasing out the Colorado house. I've found yet ANOTHER home in Queretaro to possibly share with Ara and Gusty. (my two adopted younerster) Gusty is a fantastic handler and groomer, Ara is just ..... Ara. she is teaching my spanish and we keep each other grounded. I hope to see these 2 married this year. We've had 2 weeks off due to some 'issues' with the FCM and Gusty/Ara. I am praying we get this all worked out this week. Either that or they are coming back with me to USA to stay and no leasing out the house. I just want to be settled! Dee will be coming in while we are there and I will be breeder her one last time. Please think great thoughts for this long awaited litter. We are pretty positive what has been happening and feel like this will be the charm! Hoping to finish Caly's AM Ch. then she can become a mom. Looking into 2 new additions to our household this year.... (yes i'm nutts but a( either i will have a gorgeous HOUMOUNGOUS home here near Queretaro, or 2) Ara and Gusty will be back in USA with me. okay 2 am gotta go to bed. i'll try to find some pictures topost. I really wanted to post th ones of Norm and I Cchristmas and this house!! |
Quote: I have been told I'm starting to drive like a Mexican... lol. Now whether thats good or bad???? I know the illegal immigrants here are NOTORIOUS for driving Under the speed limit (not sure if they're trying to save gas or not get caught) Oh, and of course they're also known for carrying a dangerous (illegal) limit of things in the back of their truck (not properly tied down). I don't know why, but you strike me as someone who drives really fast b/c you've got so many places to get to!  |
| Thats one thing about Mexico. I try not to drive after dark! There basically are NO real laws here. Yes you see limits posted..........the cops (3 diff. types you have to learn which ones are the 'good' cops and which ones aren't. The Military at the checkpoints are really nice and i try to keep a bag of oranges to give to them). Anyway your right, it's either all or nothing. And they make 90 degree turns off of the road too....... It's kind of like driving on the Indian Reservation in Northern New Mexico which gave me good training, lol. I am going to have to re learn driving in the USA. Speed limit is #1. Rolling stops not permitted #2. There are as i said, basically no rules and it is just one car go, then one from the right pushes thru, then the one car goes again. They LOVE to honk the horn. Since Feb 2 they have been really cracking down on everyone on ATV's and motorcycles not wearing helmets or having registrations. Of course all the gringos are complaining it's motivated towards them to raise $$. I'm not so enamored with SMA as much as the tourist/Gringo thing with their "I'M ENTITLED' attitude has really hit me hard. I've never been an I'm entitled person...... And the prices here are 4 times what they are 30 minutes up/down the road. So i see another move possibly in the future.....probably to Queretaro if i don't come back to USA. There will be some decisions made in the next 2 weeks i feel. okay off to do errands... the sun is shining and it's going to be 80 today............... All the fruit trees are in bloom....... so i think Spring is here! |
| I'm sorry to those up North where it's cold and snowy........................ But today was a GORGEOUS day here. Laundry 3 loads dried in the sun and breeze. Talked to Norm. We are making some decisions................. Just need to implement them........ Until i know all is a 'go' will not say anything more......... Checker's is on my 'bad doggie' list. He is developing an attitude and it isn't making momma happy........... |
| Whenever you want, just send Checkers to Heart's house....we would just love to have him!!! What fun they both will have!!! |
| Uh huh i can see it now................ one lifted leg and he'd be in big trouble THERE too! Again... he's developed a 'tude' about mom being gone without him........ BOYS |
| Well guys.............I finally have internet connection again so it is time to update! This will be the final post of the Adventure......... so it is a long one. The past month in SMA was getting a little hairy.......... to say the least.. and I don't mean the dogs! I didn't want to post anything FROM there, and was even warned to watch what was said on the phone. In San Miguel for many years (since the 50's) it has been a serene peaceful small town that has grown into a small city, but as i call it a Tourist Trap. (Having lived for years in Durango Colorado and Ruidoso New Mexico). There are over 20,000 Expatriates Americans living there, and more still moving down and building humongous houses at that. It is still a beautiful colonial city. And if you get a chance (give it some time when things settle down) please go and visit. It is NOT near the beach but up in the mountains so don't go expecting to be on the ocean! lol.  Since the Holidays, crime had been slowly going up and up. In the other house i was in, i had someone coming OVER the 10 ft fence, coming in and showering and taking my clothes when i would be gone. There wasn't a key to the upstairs door given to me. I would gather all the dogs and cat into the bedroom with me every night and lock the door. It was a beautiful house... but not in the area of town i would want to be in. Holidays came and went and crime still was going up. Only it was escalating to higher things than just purse muggings... Women were warned not to walk alone with big purses (duh let's use common sense here folks) There were people going over roofs and burglarizing houses. Remember this is a very very VERY rich artist town. One house had over $10,000.00 of art and cash in the house stolen. About this time, 3 weeks ago we had 3 Police Captains executed. They were alerted to counterfeit money being passed in town and a chase and shootout ensued. I don't know if anyone saw Dateline but it was about the kidnapping of a man from SMA and his wife and the story of how she got him back. He was from a very wealthy family of Mexico. His father owned all the newspapers in the country. It took her 7 months to get him back for a six figure amount. He was kept in a small box and tortured. He was returned and they now live in the USA. The cartel "La Familia" from Columbia has also come into the town. They put the scanners on most all of the ATM machines in the town and when someone would use one, their cards were scanned. Within 24 hours bank accounts were wiped totally out with withdrawals from Bogotá Columbia. At the show where the fist were flying 2 months ago, I was told a very interesting statement. "In the USA you play by the AKC's rules". "In Mexico you PLAY WITH the FCM's rules". I had a great 5 months of showing thruout Mexico. I gained every title that could possibly be gained in Latin America. The certificates are absolutely GORGEOUS!! There wasn't anything more for me to do except go after Dog of the Year. We were right up there with 2 other dogs.... until the show with the fight. We (myself, Rod and Gusty) were not anywhere near the incident but they (FCM) had to do something to take the 'eye' off of the top handler so he could still compete, so, they go after the next person down the ladder. As Gusty was handling for me,and Caly and Checker's were both threat's, the 'eye' was put onto him as we had the #3 dog in the running and he was suspended (for what we still don't know) so he could not show any dogs. (Now, the TOP HANDLER and his son who were in the ring throwing the punches... the son was suspended for life, the Father Jorge had nothing done to him). The Show Chairman had his dog being shown at his show, by Jorge the top handler, and when the judge went to put down who was BIS, she was informed that no, the dog of the show chairman was going to go BIS. That is what the fight was all about... when the words Dirty Judging was thrown about ... I spent 3 days in D.F. with Gusty trying to straighten out what this whole mess was about. This is one of the most honest, hard working, great with dogs persons i have known in my life. Both Norm and I adore he and Arantza. We are still working on his status, but in the meantime we have asked him to come to the USA as he has more options here. *A funny note, Gabriel that was the handler that won Westminster this year, is also suspended by the FCM for life! Who knows what his suspension was for. And he had the dog of the year last year* remember i said you play 'with' the FCM's rules. you could be in today and out tomorrow...........it's just whose good side you are on or off of this month. Also going on is dog kidnapping. I have a very good friend that is a judge and has Afghan hounds. He is actually the youngest judge in history with the FCM and FCI. His family is very wealthy by their standards. They had their fathers brother kidnapped last year.. they paid and got him back but then they received a tip their dogs were to be kidnapped and ransomed. This is happening to more and more dog people down there. This is a very rich man's sport in Mexico. (Even if it is cheaper up here). They now have moved dogs to other places and the security on their kennel building is unreal with armed guards sleeping there. ** I had even received a 'tip' that my dogs were on the *list* as they are so unusual for there, and my being 'an american'.. well let's just say my gates and doors were always locked and the dogs were never allowed out front at all or out of my or Gusty or Rod's site when they are out of the house. okay back to at this point 3 weeks ago i decided that things were just getting a little to much to the point that a) i could not do anything else with the dogs unless i went to South America and b)the crime was growing and growing........ and c) the U.S. State Dept was sending out messages warning people not to go to certain places, or travel thru certain area's.... that it was time to come back North. Besides it is now "HOT" season there.....AND I had to renew my visa which meant traveling to the border anyways, so I decided to hit the shows in San Antonio and to head back North. (hoping i had missed the rest of winter, HA!! NOT). We loaded up the truck, and my trailer bringing back my furniture and things i had purchased there. As we were loading the truck we heard machine guns going off and other gun fire approximately 4 blocks from my house. I left the next a.m. We stayed at Ara's home in Querétaro (where I will go back to live when it is safe to go back eventually) and left early the next morning. We made it thru Monterrey where the state Dept. was warning not to go) and on to Laredo. The first bridge (at 4:30 pm) would not let us bring the small truck and my trailer over it, so we went to the 2nd bridge. They were only for 18 wheeler sized vehicles. So on to the 3rd bridge. The truck had to go one direction and Gusty and I and the dogs and Peepers the kitty, went the other direction. No one asked for animal papers, or anything. we were right over the border. Except for Gusty having to get his VISA which is not normally a problem... but he didn't know my address. When i gave them/him my address in Colorado was when they started in on accusing him of coming to the US for work and not going to return. By now it is 9:30 pm. We had no idea where Eddy was with the truck at this time. We asked and saw he was still up on the upper side of the hill on the USA Customs side. He had to go X-ray the truck. Because it has metal flooring, they said it was suspicious and he had to go dock it. They made him unload the truck, and put the dogs thru it. Made him go into a room where he could not talk to us via cell phone or anyone else. They finally repacked the truck and let him come to our side, where we then had to go thru getting a VISA for HIM... and again they were accusing him of coming to the USA to work for me. I had about lost it at this point (3 AM) I was told to GO SIT DOWN AND BE QUIET AND WAIT... well again poor Eddy didn't know my address. I was finally asked for my address for him where i told them what i thought of their WELCOME TO THE USA procedures.......here are 2 guys that were gracious enough to help me bring my belongings back, had no intention of staying and were doing all the correct things that needed to be done and being treated the way they were. It was really sad. We made it to San Antonio. We met up with other handlers and friends from Mexico that had come up to show. I shall really miss all the friends i have made from there. They greet you with warm hugs and kisses on the cheeks and you really feel they mean it and are happy to see you. Not the back faced ones from a lot of people here. I shall miss these friends and cannot wait to see their wonderful faces at future shows. Half of them didn't speak English and my Spanish is 100% better than when i went down, but we all communicated and had great times. The entry was so minimum that in order for Caly to get her final 4 points... i had to really throw it so she could go BOB 2 of the 4 days. We had fantastic judges 3 of the 4 days........and very well known respected judges at that! Long story short, Caly beat Checkers the 2 days and went BOB over Checkers and 2 other dogs on Saturday to finish her American (AKC) Championship! And she looked beautiful too. Here is her finishing picture with me showing her under respected judge Michelle Billings....  And, Checker's going Best of Opposite Sex to his sister..... with Gusty handling.  We headed off on Monday morning and made it 'eventually' to Lubbock where it started to snow. So we holed up for the night and headed on off the next am and are back at the house in Colorado. I don't know who was more excited to be home, the dogs or Peepers Kitty........she cannot go outside here but she has the rips here in her house and is as happy as can be.So, we are back. I will go back down for more shows, providing Gusty gets the FCM issues straightened out... otherwise Norm and I will sponsor them to move to the USA and be Prof. handlers here. He and Ara are coming back in about 5 weeks for us to go to shows. I cannot wait for them to come back they are fantastic friends. So the adventures in Mexico have come to 'an end' for now. We are thinking on going back for the 10 days of EXPOCAN in D.F. in Sept. again. It will be the 200th anniversary of the Revolution and gaining independence from Spain. I would love to be there in the Zocolo to see it. But only if the country doesn’t fall and get's safer......... This is really sad for me as I did love it there. But the safety of myself and my dogs comes first. It was a wonderful 8 months...gaining titles for the dogs, learning to make some wonderful new dishes and meeting some wonderful families and friends. But the adventure has come to an end for now............. Adios |
| What an adventure indeed. I am glad to hear everyone finally made it home safe and sound. Thank you for taking us on your adventure, I really enjoyed your stories. |
| Winter over?? You know better. Welcome back to the spring snow! Glad everyone is safe! |
| Wow. Wow. Wow. What an adventure. Glad you and the pups and everyone else are safe and sound. I know it was stressful- but it was fun reading your post. Thanks for sharing. I LOVE seeing these long, informative posts on here. Reminds me of the old days.... |
SheepieBoss wrote: Winter over?? You know better. Welcome back to the spring snow! Glad everyone is safe! Oh my I had actually forgot lol. It's definately spring....................last night was 'hairy' it's almost all melted here at the house now. The altitude and time change are still getting to me............ lol!!! |
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