A Golden Day in Lake Chapala Mexico

by Kristina Morgan

Thursday, the day we spend with Lloyd Ajijic Real Estate, has become one of my favorite days on the Focus program. And our September program was no exception….but this time the experience exceeded even my expectations. What fun!

When we arrive at Omar O'Rourke's beautiful estate, everyone noticed what a gorgeous place it is and I'm sure we all thought we could tough it out and live there! Mela always decorates the tables so creatively and this time was no exception. This time, however, her napkins brought an unexpected element of fun to the day. Mela chose colorful bandanas and had then tucked in place with a clothespin.

After a margarita or two (who's counting?!) everyone was wearing Mela's napkins on their heads in a roguish fashion! Even Omar joined in the fun and we all looked a little like hippies, gypsies and pirates.

When Vivienne started to play the guitar and sing Proud Mary with the Mariachis group backing her up, many of us were on our feet and dancing and singing along. Vivienne, you did a great job on the guitar! If you hadn't told me it's been a while since you played, I would have never known. That was GREAT. This was such a fun group and that was the best time I've ever had at Omar's house.

Later that night, we went to dinner at La Tasca on the lake. They have a reputation for some of the best live music available in Lakeside and I am not just saying that because my husband, Joel, is in the TallBoys and plays there---well, maybe just a little bit but who could blame me? Anyway, that Thursday night was magical with Roberto Cerda and Jimmy Barto on vocals and trumpet. When Jimmy sings he does an excellent Jimmy Durante impression. Everyone was marveling that there was such world-class music right here in Ajijic. It sounded like we were enjoying famous musicians on Bourbon Street in New Orleans way back when. If you have the chance to hear Jimmy and Roberto play---don't miss it! (Kathy, we did get video of this so you can prove to your friends in Texas that we really do have it going on down here in "Podunk Town, Mexico!" J)

Those of you who were there that night saw Neill on the bongo drums and were duly impressed. Neill looked completely happy and in his element as a part of the band and a number of times when Neill stood up to stop playing Jimmy and the Roberto told him to sit back down and continue! Neill is an excellent drummer and fit right in. Neill, I think you have yourself a job! Ray even got up and sang the Sheik of Ajijic with Roberto and joined in on the fun with Neill on bongos. What a great night! *sigh* This is what makes my job so much fun---meeting people like all of you and sharing my Mexico! Thanks for dancing with me, Irene and Karen! All of you made it a very special day. Thank you!

The cherry on my "golden memory day" was Gustavo doing his gaucho-style bolas. Great balls of fire!---he even caught his chaps on fire. I will refrain from being too corny and saying anything about him "chapping his hide." ;) It was an excellent show, and an excellent day.

Come back and let's do this again!

I call that a Golden Memory Day.

Click here to see the memories and pictures of the September 13 thru 20, 2008 Program group..

Ana Gets her Just Desserts…

Okay…how many of you out there have been ‘mordida-ed’ by Ana? We’ve all had our share as any of you who have looked at the program pictures know. I’m sure there are participants who have come on our program and NOT let us know it was their birthday.

Well…we now have a movie of Ana’s birthday that will surprise and delight you. And the nice part about it, it made Ana laugh harder than anyone else. She just loved it. There are those of us who were just made for the Mexican way of life…mordida, confetti, piñatas and all!

Just in case there some of you out there who have not been fortunate enough to experience the mordida, Click here for our blog on the subject...

Just to give it to you briefly, however: At birthday celebrations, once assembled guests finish singing the lovely words of the traditional song, "Las Mananitas"…

Estas son Las manañitas
(These are the morning songs)

que cantaba el Rey David.
(that King David sang.)

Hoy por ser día de tu santo
(For today to be the day of your saint)

te las cantamos así.
(we sing to you like this.)

Despierta, mi bien, despierta!
(Wake up, my dear. Wake up!)

Mira que ya amaneció.
(See that it is already dawn...)

Qué linda está la mañana en que vengo a saludarte...
(How beautiful is the morning in which I come to greet you...)

…and the candles have been extinguished, the guests begin chanting "Mordida, Mordida, Mordida!" (Little bite, little bite, little bite!)

For NOBs (north of the border), unused to Mexican tradition, it's the unexpected "face in the cake" moment. The guest of honor is obliged to take the first bite of cake without using utensils or their hands---just leaning down to take a bite out of the cake. Then, usually, strategically positioned behind the honoree is someone else ready to slam their face into the cake when they lean down. It also usually means that is how big of a piece of cake you get to eat too...that part seems obvious to me! No, thank you...no face cake for me please!

Click here for the video of Ana getting her just desserts... Note: The movie may take a bit to download as we wanted you to enjoy the event. In addition, we would like to remind you that the movie is in a flash format. If you do not have the flash player, scroll down and get the player for free.

As you will see from the video, many people stood in line to “honor” Ana in her moment. And, I hate to say it, but you will see Bill add the final insult. It wasn’t until Ana saw the video, however, that she realized her niece was the first to jump into the fray. That was a funny moment!

Those of you who have experienced this wonderful event, please feel free to add your comment to this blog. I’m sure Ana will be happy to hear from you.

And, even if you haven’t, feel free to add a birthday wish or two for her. I’m sure she would love to hear from you.

Click here to see more pictures of Ana's Birthday party …


NOTE: These movies are in Flash Format, If you do not have a flash reader, click button below for a free copy of the reader:

I bit off more than I could chew (literally)

But I have a happy ending…

I love muffins and I have a wonderful “Alive” cookbook called “Fantastic Flax” where I found my favorite Muffin of all time “Flax Muffins with Chocolate Chips” (only I use Carob chips).

A few days ago I lovingly made myself a batch. This morning I poured myself a cup of green tea, got out a beautiful muffin and came up on the terrace to enjoy the view while I savored my treat. Two bites later I bit into my crown which had somehow come unglued.

It is 1 p.m. on Saturday and I race for the phone and call Dr. Haro, my dentist. The receptionist (who is also a dentist) tells me they close at 1 p.m. and Dr. Haro is just finishing with a patient, then he is driving back to Guadalajara.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m not really good at taking NO for an answer. So in my most persuasive tone I tell her that I am going to Ana’s birthday party in a couple of hours and I really must be wearing all my teeth. I said “I have my purse and keys in my hand and can be there in five minutes.” She tells me to wait while she checks with Dr. Haro and then tells me to rush right over.

In by 1:05; out by 1:30 p.m., my emergency appointment goes well. Instead of just re-cementing the tooth in place, they notice it is a little higher than the other teeth which would put extra stress on it so they filed it down to match and then gave me a quick cleaning and polish. Then they send my off to my party, all teeth back where they belong. Thank you Dr. Haro.
To drum up future business for Dr. Haro (for those of you that are here on the lakeside or when you visit or return), I’m going to share this favorite healthy muffin recipe with you.

Flax Muffins with Chocolate Chips
Muffins are an American mainstay, but here is a recipe with an Old World twist.

1/2 cup whole flax seeds
1-1/2 cups (375 ml) kefir or buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup flax meal
1/2 cup dried cane sugar, e.g., Sucanat or Rapadura
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 eggs
1/4 cup (60 ml) almond oil or melted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Soak whole flax seeds in kefir for 2 hoursPreheat oven to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix flour, flax meal, dried cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and combine with almond oil, vanilla and kefir-soaked flax seeds. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently stir until smooth. Finally, fold in chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into 16 medium muffin cups so that they are no more than 3/4 full, and bake for 20 minutes.

Let sit on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

NOTE: I have made a few changes to the recipe:
1) Instead of chocolate chips, I use carob chips
2) Instead of cane sugar, I use Agave Nectar and slightly reduce the quantity
3) I add a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
4) I also add 4 or 5 pieces of crystallized ginger cut in small pieces

Enjoy!
Marie Dwyer-Bullock

A Light Show to Die For!

During this past program, after dinner on Sunday, June 15, at La Tasca, we were treated to a spectacular light performance by a young man who certainly had a way with neon and leather! The fact that his artistry was accompanied by the wonderful classical guitar music of Robert Cerda made it a very special night indeed.

If you want to see his moves, click here... (Note: it may take a little bit to dowload and start playing)

Also, our own Paul Scherer immediately volunteered to help out during part of the show. He was pretty darn good. I'm sure if I had been doing what he was doing, someone would definitely have gotten hurt...probably me!

If you want to see that movie, click here... (Note: it may take a little bit to dowload and start playing)

Lastly, Paul showed some cool nerves as the young man knocked a cigarette right out of Paul's mouth.

Although it is a little dark (they wouldn't let me use a light), click here to see the daring action... (Note: it may take a little bit to dowload and start playing)

NOTE: These movies are in Flash Format, If you do not have a flash reader, click button below for a free copy of the reader:



Enjoy the movies!

Viva Tequila

That Julie Eihausen must have the inside scoop on what to order. While lunching at El Adobe in Tlaquepaque, she ordered a shot of tequila, and this is how it showed up.

The sphere of glass contains ice and water with a lime for decoration. The triangular glass Julie's holding comes full of tequila...that way the tequila is kept cold while you're drinking it.

You know…I’ve heard tequila should never be chilled, but here’s what others say:

Tequila is a fine and complex liquor and as such it must be sipped slowly. It should be served at room temperature, although some like it ice cold. Traditionally most people serve it in a "caballito", a 2 oz glass made exclusively for this purpose. Blanco and Reposado may be accompanied by "sangrita" made of tomato and orange juice with salt and chile. Añejo is preferably served in a snifter so that the aroma is fully appreciated. The tequila shot with lime and salt is Hollywood stuff and few people drink it that way. However, some people do put some lime juice in the tequila or bite the lime before sipping it. Life is, after all, a matter of taste.

There is no "right" way to drink tequila, but any spirit is best appreciated first on its own merits, without accompaniment.

Sip it. Forget about the lime and the salt and the margarita mix. Don't even add ice. If you want to taste it, drink it neat first, so you can savor it.

Some people like it served cold, especially the blanco variety. And, personally, I would only drink blanco cold. To me, blanco should only be used in a Margarita or drunk ice cold !It’s not what I would consider a sipping tequila at all…so I’m really surprised a tequila connoisseur would even suggest it!

With regard to reposado and añejo, sip the premium tequila slowly and gently, to enjoy the aroma, the body and the taste. Taste it as you would a fine wine. Life is really too short to miss out on enjoying it properly. I am a tequila-holic…I admit it!

And if you must do shooters, the proper order of the traditional method of drinking tequila is salt-tequila-lime: lick, sip, bite...

For the rest of the stoy click here ...

And for more pictures of this groups memories, click here...

Promoting Jalisco and our beautiful Chapala

TV Azteca, founded in 1993 is the second TV Company in Mexico behind Televisa. This company features Soap Operas, News, Sports, and Music and Entertaining. During the past few months, TV Azteca has been promoting the state of Jalisco following Televisa’s lead promoting Tequila, Guadalajara City and even Chapala, with its successful soap operas “Destilando Amor” and “Las Tontas no van al Cielo.” And this is why we’re having a lot of opportunities to see TV Azteca doing these kind of events throughout the state of Jalisco.

We also felt very proud to see that the Secretary of Public Education, along with the State Government of Jalisco, has a campaign running for adults who didn’t have a chance to finish school when they were young, to take their exams for free and get their school documents. The slogan was “Porque nunca es tarde para mejorar tu vida, termina tu primaria y secundaria” which means “Because it is never late to improve your life, come and finish your primary and secondary school.”

Besides, the government was also promoting free studies for adults who didn’t have a chance to attend school for any other reason.

There were a lot of people writing exams and filling forms to get their documents in order to have a chance to find better jobs and opportunities. Hurray for Jalisco’s Government, they always seem to look after the well-being of their people.

Celebrating a Happy Birthday at Hospicio Cabañas

One of our participants had a chance to share a Happy Birthday with a lovely girl who dressed up along with her mother and aunt to have her father take her some pictures for her 18th birthday. At first, we all thought these ladies were famous models or something, but at the end lovely Elia and her family were very happy to share this moment with us.
So, this was our tour of the Plaza Tapatía, I hope you have a chance to join us very soon.


For more pictures and memories of our April 19 thru 26, 2008 program, click here...

Mamey Momma!

There are so many luscious and unusual fruit in Mexico that I have yet to taste. I have been known to stand in front of a vendor staring at something, wondering how it tastes, how to eat it, how to serve it and what to do with it. I want to, but I just don't know how, so I end up passing it by, all the while wondering what I'm missing. We have a wealth of fruit and vegetables in Mexico, and here I am not really partaking in a lot of them! Shame on me!

Well, thank goodness for Ana...she will never let us pass up an opportunity to try something new. A case in point ...I came upon Aase Christensen and Herma Buchanan staring at an interesting looking fruit and wondering what it was. Well, Ana whips out her purse and immediately purchases one and has the vendor cut it for us. And, believe me, if Ana says it's good, I'm definitely going to try it! There is such a wonderful variety of tasty fruit in Mexico; we owe it to ourselves to step out of the box and try something different!

Well, on this particular day, Ana introduced us to Mamey...also called Mamey Sapote (MA-may sah-PO-tay). Roughly the size and shape of a small football or softball, the mamey has bark like brown rough skin and is orange inside. It is soft, smooth, thick, and creamy. There is usually one seed and it is smooth, shiny and dark...

Click here to read the entire article...

Click here to see the other memories of the March 29 thru April 5, 2008 Focus program...

Ana And The Gas Truck

By Tere Ruiz & Karen McConnaughey

This was just a regular day on the Focus on Mexico program...everything under control, especially the timing. We had our morning conferences, delicious barbecue ribs for lunch in Tony's and the Tequila Run with Ray. (And, I don't mean to gossip, but I can tell you! I saw two guys sneaking around the "wrong" aisle buying some whisky and Cuban cigars?) Is that Keith and Pepe (our nickname for one of the many Brians on our group!)? It sure is...and, I'm equally sure they enjoyed their purchases!

Wayne was even on time for the bus today, can you believe it? And now we are all happily riding towards Monte Coxala and its thermal waters. Ah-h-h, a relaxing afternoon!

Suddenly, the bus stops and we realize a gas truck is parked almost in the middle of the street. No way can we get past it and continue on our merry trip.

All of a sudden, Ana looks into Manuel's eyes, and then mine. We know immediately what she's thinking...No way, Ana! But, yes, in a flash, there she goes, Manuel opens the door and she jumps out. She asks everyone she sees where the truck driver is, but no one seems to know. Step by step, she approaches the truck, and as our eyes and mouths drop in disbelief, she climbs into the front seat (wearing a dress no less!)! We hear the engine rev, and slowly, the truck starts to move farther...farther...farther down the street, "Where is she going? What is she doing?"
Of all of us, I think the only person not surprised is Manuel...after all, he's worked with Ana for almost two years! He just pulls the bus up the street, turns left and waits. However, since none of us knew for sure what was going on...the yelling and shouting inside the bus kept growing. "Are we leaving Ana?" "What's happening?" "Wait for Ana!" Suddenly, we see her running towards the bus. The bus stops and up she comes. Wow, nobody caught her...she's safe! Manuel starts to pull away from the curb, but the saga's not over yet! Didn't she have her cell phone in her hands when she went out the door? Where is it? Yes, you guessed it, IN THE GAS TRUCK!! So back she goes, and Manuel pulls out yet again. Please, stop the bus Manuel; we know you're trying to keep to our schedule, but Ana is not here yet!

Again, through the windows, we see Ana chasing after the bus waving her cell phone at us! Manuel slows down, and, in the midst of cheering and hurrahs, Ana climbs inside, smiling broadly at her co-conspirators in the great truck caper. We're positive that those of you who know Ana are very disappointed right now because you didn't get to witness this for yourselves! It was typically Ana...no fear; no hesitation, no worries! Our participants become her family for a week, and we have a schedule to keep!...truck in the way?...no problem! Ana fixed it!

Yes, this our Ana, and we wouldn't want her any other way! Would you?

Click here to see the incident in pictures...

To see the memories for the March 8 thru 15 participants, click here ...

Cruz Roja Fashion Show

Three of our participants on the March 8 program came in early and were able to attend their very first charity event at Lakeside….the Cruz Roja Fashion Show!

We talked Wayne Murray, Greg Brick and John Tjia into coming to a fashion show with a persuasive argument in an email before they arrived: “It’s possible that you’re sitting there thinking…”And, why would I want to go to a fashion show?” Well, my only answer is because there are a lot of pretty women modeling, and you’ll get to meet the Focus Staff and some Focus alumni!” Wayne wrote back and said I was very persuasive:

Hi Karen,
Sure! You are so persuasive!

I can’t answer for Greg Brick but I will anyway.

You know our schedule and your schedule far better than I, so if we are there, we might as well join in and meet everyone. I’d like that.

This will be my first fashion show. I can’t answer for Greg.So put us down for Two tickets
Wayne Murray

Only knowing Wayne from emails, I decided I liked him immediately…he was so open and receptive in his communications…and he was exactly like that in person too!

Cruz Roja International Volunteers held their eighth successful Annual Fashion Show at Hotel Real de Chapala on March 7. Since our participants stay at the Hotel Real de Chapala, they didn’t have far to go.

The fashion show was a double header…a luncheon in the afternoon and a dinner/dance in the evening. The professionally produced runway show was ‘choreographed’ by Cece Darling, a recent transplant to the Lakeside area with a long history in the fashion industry. Models had to audition for a chance to strut their stuff for charity, and from the frequent and hearty applause, they were well chosen! Fashions were from Tina Jones’ Designs, Fiaga Boutique and Galeria, Mi Mexico, Opus Boutique, Ana Rosa, Alma Gutierrez and Takasami of Guadalajara. The show included an assortment of fashion, everything from funky and chic to classy and elegant to true objects of art! The women were not professional models, but worked long and hard hours to rehearse for this delightful and fast-paced production.

Focus on Mexico’s program director, Ana Kabande, has graced the runway many times for Cruz Roja, and this year was no exception. Focus on Mexico had at least two tables rooting for her every time she made her entrance, strutting to the music that set the theme for each clothing line. Sashaying down the runway to the THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of the background music, she looked absolutely gorgeous!

Cruz Roja raised $200,000 pesos during the March Fashion Show Event, money that will help the monthly operation of the critical Red Cross Chapala Delegacion. Organizers want to thank Lakeside residents and visitors for their continued support and generosity.

The local Cruz Roja (Lago de Chapala) operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and serves more than 350,000 people living and visiting on the north and south shores of Lake Chapala, and in numerous small villages surrounding the lake.

Lago de Chapala’s operation is funded through national fund-raising efforts as well as the national lottery. However, these efforts cover less than one-half of their operating budget. So community volunteers work tirelessly on local fundraising events throughout the year to help keep the deficit under control, and to keep Cruz Roja services available. Their regular fashion shows are one of the most popular events in the Lake Chapala area.

It is important that Cruz Roja Chapala has a steady income flow so that the monthly expenses are covered and their services don’t have lapses. If you want to help, Cruz Roja Chapala can take cash or check donations. Here’s how to do that:

Checks: If you’re local and are writing a check, make it out to 'Cruz Roja Chapala. They will provide receipts, including tax deductible receipts for U.S. You can drop your donations of at Cruz Roja in Chapala, Lake Chapala Society.

Pay Pal or Credit Card: Go to Cruz Roja Website and donate via Pay Pal or Major Credit Card. The web address is: http://www.cruzrojachapala.com/.

There are lots of ways that you can help Cruz Roja Chapala, even if you think that you don't have time to attend the meetings or to participate as an active volunteer. Check out http://www.cruzrojachapala.com/help.html for the ways you can help.

And, even though these are not my best efforts, click here for photos of this wonderful event, and some past pictures of Ana from the 2007 fashion show...