Back To The Normal Views

Back to normal life today with a picture of a happy Rojo and also of last nights sunset.

Tropical Storm Julio--The Aftermath

I didn't think that I had much to say today; until I went over to Bliss' Blog, she has posted some videos today of various areas of Guaymas during Tropical Storm Julio. I started to make a comment on her posting and it was just getting too long, so decided to post some stuff here.
There is a lot of damage in the city of Guaymas/Miramar and San Carlos from Julio, there probably are not many, if any areas that were not damaged in some way. The worst areas hit were: Las Palmas, Mission del Sol, Cien Casas, Fatima, Centinela, Las Tinajas, the fishing area La Manga, La Manga, and Ranchitos. Streets were destroyed in Marsella area and most other areas have street damage of some type. Homes were flooded and some cars also were flooded.
I believe that a partial cost of damages right now is in the neighborhood of 2.2 million dollars,according to this mornings La Voz del Puerto.
In cases like this sometimes we english speaking people have problems finding out the information that is out there. It is there, we just need to know where to look for it.
If you are in this area and have cable TV through Megacable, there is a very good news program on Channel 8 called Entre Todos. Last evening the city mayor was on this program and while they showed videos and pictures he talked about the storm. You have to understand that what I say next was translated by me, (with my very poor spanish), from a fast talking news program. So it might not be totally accurate, so please don't quote me. If you have ever tried to translate fast speaking people in another language that you are not fluent in, you will understand what I mean.
What I got from it was that they were told we would get a gently falling rain and that it was to be kind of a non-event for us. Instead we got blasted with rain, 7 inches one night and then 3 more inches the next night. Makes for a soggy desert, with lots of run off from the nearby mountains, many of which are right inside the city. I also kind of got the impression that they were happy with the way their disaster planning was put into effect. There were 4 shelters and apparently about 201 people used the shelters.
Anyway the mayor went on to talk about how the clean up has already started,(we have seen this ourselves), where the people can go for help, and for people to let the government know if they need help in their neighborhoods.
Other sources for information here are: the Guaymas City site, the newspapers of course, they both have online editions which can be found here: El Vigia and here La Voz del Puerto. There are probably other sources of information out there that I don't know about, so if someone else in the area does know of some that I have not mentioned please leave a comment. I am always interested in more sources.

Newspaper photo.

Schools were closed on Monday and Tuesday and also a couple of the factories were closed on Tuesday. Some schools are closed until next Monday because of water and mud damage.

The electric supply to one of the water pumps was damaged so some areas were without water, not sure if they have it back yet or not.

The governor of the state also has already visited the city and met with some of the affected families.

Cleaning Up After The Storm

One of the neighbors always gets mud/debris washed into her driveway when it rains. Her usual way of removing this is to get the neighborhood handyman to come and clean it up. So today he was hard at work and as you can see he has his work cut out for him. There must be 6 inches of solidly packed muck in her driveway. The house next door is also owned by her and apparently is a mess. If you enlarge the photo by clicking on it, you will see lots of mud and rocks right onto the small patio. I guess there is also mud and water inside the home.




The home pictured below had a door that was not used as you can tell by the lack of stairs. The doorway was basically just boarded up and this door did not make it through the storm.




Early this evening 2 of the landlords sons got busy with shovel and pails and filled in some of the ditches left behind by the storm. They threw rocks in and then covered it with dirt so that the street is now passable. Several hours of hard work.
According to the Guaymas city site we received 168 mms. of rain, (about 6.61 inches) during the storm. Lots of mud and debris all over the city apparently, we didn't go looking today as we didn't want to be in the way of the clean up. Lots of damage to homes from the water from what I have read.
It rained again during the morning and then again last night for awhile and then almost all night. The street repairs seem to have held up through it though.

After The Storm

Last night after they downgraded Tropical Storm Julio to a tropical depression, we got dumped on with rain. It came down in sheets; but as it wasn't very windy we didn't get anything inside the house. Later on it slowed down and almost stopped so we went to bed. Before I could get to sleep I could hear that the wind had come up a bit and the rain was hitting the door hard. I came out and sure enough there was water coming in. It wasn't too bad though and I laid a towel there and just wrung it out once in awhile. After a time it abated and I went back to bed.

During the day when the rain was pouring down it cut a channel into the street on the street going up the hill west of us. This happens everytime it rains; but not to this extent. This time it cut deep, seemingly right down to the bedrock where it couldn't cut any more so started going wider. As the water got to the corner it turned and came down our street so we have a nice channel heading down the street. Further down the street it deposited a jumble of mud, rocks, and trash. It moved the one neighbors garbage can 2 houses down; but didn't upset it, it is still standing upright!
It is raining fairly heavy again right now at 8:30 AM, so who knows what today will bring as far as moisture goes. Schools are all cancelled again today as they were yesterday. Don't think I will be going to my spanish class this afternoon.
Our landlord said that in his time in this neighborhood (more or less 20 yrs.) it has rained this much maybe only two other times. In all his time here maybe it has rained this bad maybe 5 times or so.
There are many problems in the city, water on some streets was up to the roofs of the cars and there are many homes with mud and water inside of them. Big problems.

Channel cut into the street up the hill to the west of us.

The blue line right behind the car is our landlords waterline which is now above ground.

The concrete in the middle of the photo shows the level our neighbors driveway was before all the mud. Between her car and the concrete is about 6 inches of mud.

Waterline created a dam which diverted the water in other directions.

Blue barrel is our neighbors garbage can that was carried 2 houses down, still standing up.

Pretty Sunset

We had a pretty sunset last night, courtesy of the clouds blown in by Tropical Storm Julio that is heading up the Baja right now.
This morning we have some light rain showers and some fairly light wind; but nothing much as yet.
The government of Mexico has issued a tropical storm warning along the coast of mainland Mexico from Guaymas to Puerto Libertad. This means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the area within the next 24 hrs.. So we shall see what develops in the next while.

Tropical Storm Julio

Looks like we could get some wind/rain in the next few days as Tropical Storm Julio is on its way. Hopefully nothing serious.

Storm

It was very warm and humid here last night and we didn't spend much time sitting outside until about 9:30 PM. A storm was coming up and we went and sat out and watched the lightning and listened to the thunder. The wind came up, knocked over a couple of plants and we headed indoors.
Shortly after the wind started blowing strongly the rain came down. We spent some time mopping up water from around the windows. The wind was driving it, so it was coming in all the windows. It doesn't seem to matter how much caulking you put around them, they still leak. Oh well, it was nice to get the rain, everything is fresh this morning.

Just Because

I just really like this photo.

Clouds

The clouds build and then disappear without leaving any rain behind them.

An Ahhhh Moment

Don't think this post needs too many words. Roy and Diego yesterday. Diego-3 days old.

Kermés (Charity Fair)

A few days ago I had read in the newspaper that on Sunday there was to be a kermés or charity fair held in the 13 de Julio park. The kermés was being held by the family and friends of a handicapped little boy. Apparently the little boy has had 1 dolphin therapy session and now the family needs to raise more funds to be able to continue with the sessions.
We decided to go to the park and see what was going on. It was supposed to be held from 10 AM until 3 PM and when we got there at 11 AM there wasn't much happening. There were some food and drink stands and one stand where they were making balloon creatures. Some people were partaking of the refreshments; but it was pretty quiet. The zanco men (stiltmen) were wandering around talking with the children and a stage was set up; but nothing was happening on it.
We wandered around for a bit and then sat down on a bench in the shade to people watch for a bit.






We then wandered over to the bay and looked around for awhile before heading home. The big bronze guy is my second favorite guy in Guaymas, he is El Pescador and is very handsome now after being cleaned up a few months ago.

Our Favorite Torta Cart

We have several favorite places that we like to go to eat. Some are higher in price and some are lower priced. You cannot get a much cheaper meal than going to one of your local neighborhood carts and also the food is usually very good.
This establishment (don't think it has a name) is about 4 blocks from our place and we are frequent visitors. We usually get a ham and cheese torta, this consists of a large torta bun, ham, 2 kinds of cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo and mustard. Naturally there are fresh cucumber slices, radish slices and numerous salsas to top it with if you can find room to do so. The buns are toasted on the grill and the cheese is melted and gooey. Roy used to get the torta especial; but found it was too filling, so he cut back to the ham and cheese. These are not a diet friendly item; but they are good and very filling. They cost 18 pesos each (about $1.80) so we both eat for 36 pesos, or about $3.60. What a deal!!!
The owners are friendly and the atmosphere is open air, which here is not a problem as there is seldom an evening when you can't be comfortable eating outside.
They have other things besides tortas; but that is what we stick to as we like them.

The Baby Arrives

Everyone here has been impatiently awaiting the birth of the landlords daughter in laws baby. He was due to arrive last evening by C. section; but he decided things would be different. Instead he was born yesterday afternoon around 3 PM, still by C. section though. Shortly after that the landlords grandchildren told us about the baby and then our landlady came and told us, excitement reigned.

Around 4 PM the landlady asked me if I would like to go with them to the hospital to see the new baby and mother. Naturally, I didn't refuse, who can refuse a newborn baby.

When we arrived at the hospital we had to wait for awhile as she was still in the recovery room and we were not allowed in there of course. She was finally moved to her room and we were allowed into see her, 2 visitors at a time.

He weighted in at 4.2 kilos, which is about 9.24 pounds, so he is a big baby. I never did find out how long he is; but he has cute little chubby cheeks and lots of hair. I got to hold him, which was a lovely experience. I haven't been around a newborn for quite a few years and it felt really good.

Thank goodness mother and baby are both fine and everyone is happy. What a great day, we feel so lucky to have been included in this family event.

Patio View

Our patio isn't fancy. We are still waiting for the roof to be built over it and also for the floor to be tiled; but it is a nice place to sit in the evening and we do have a great view from it.
To the west we see some of the mountains/hills, to the south we see more mountains and if it is high tide we can see a bit of the blue water in the bay. To the east we can see the cranes in the port and other things in the downtown area.
Here are some of the landmarks that we can see from our patio.

Besides the view, it is a great place to sit and greet all the neighbors and check out what is going on in the 'hood.
Yesterday morning we went out for breakfast with Cynthia and Mike, we had a good breakfast and visit and it was almost noon before we got home. I finally got energetic in the afternoon and walked the 4 blocks to my hairdresser and got my hair cut.

Today I should go and see the doctor; but I will see.
The most exciting part about today is that our landlords daughter in laws baby is to come into this world this evening by C. section. We are all waiting patientLESSly.

On The WayTo Spanish Class - Part Two

OK, are you done your soda? Time to get going or I am going to be late for class.
After leaving the shade and the soda man we pass by a coffee shop, good coffee there by the way; but a little warm there in the sun right now.

Now we turn and walk down Calle 25, as we get to my Spanish teachers home there is a plaque on the wall. This plaque commemorates the brave deed of a young Spanish woman, she alerted the Mexican troops to the fact that the French troops were preparing to invade our city. This was the battle of July 13, 1854 and is a date celebrated here. This lady was the great, great grandmother of my Spanish teachers husband.

Here we are at my Spanish teachers home. That was a nice walk wasn't it? It was only about 4 blocks, it just takes longer when you are looking around at everything.

Ok, class is over, time to go home. We retrace our steps back to the Plaza de Tres Presidentes; but go to the East side of it.

What do we see from here? Well across the street is the bay and the pleasure boat marina, the statue of the fisherman, some childrens rides and little shops to sell food and drinks.



We stand at the bus stop and wait for my bus. While we am waiting I hear music. I turn around and sitting in the shade in the plaza, is a fellow playing his saxaphone. Very nice, music to wait by.

Ok, here is our bus, time to go home. I think it is a bit cooler now, don't you. Well, maybe 1 degree or so.
Thanks for keeping me company.
Note: I was going to post a photo of my Spanish teacher; but she had just showered, her hair was wet and she had no makeup on, so she declined the photo op..

Come With Me To Spanish Class

Yesterday when I left home to go to Spanish class it was 35 C.(95 F.) and the "feels like" was 44 C. (111 F.), so it was a little warm.
For a change I took my camera with me and thought that I would ask you if you would like to take a walk with me in the heat and humidity. Ah, come on, it's not that bad, you'll get used to it.
I walked a block over to my usual bus stop and waited a couple of minutes for my bus to come. I hopped on and began to perspire along with everyone else. The air conditioned buses of Tucson are only a distant memory now.
We arrive downtown and I stay on the bus past the usual stop where I get off when I want to go shopping. The next stop is the one I want today, it is closer to my Spanish teachers home.
The bus stops for me at the Plaza de Tres Presidentes.

Right across the street from the plaza is the municipal building.

I cross the main street Serdan and continue past the corner store to the Plaza 13 de Julio and enter the park.

I walk past the ladies feeding the pigeons.

Past the kiosk.

After the kiosk you can see the church, La Iglesia de San Fernando.

There on the corner is a fellow who sells sodas and snacks.

What do you mean you are hot? You want to stop and sit in the shade for a bit and have a nice cold soda? Ok, we'll stop and continue on to class in a bit. You think I should do what? Take a vacation from class until it cools off, nah, it's not that bad, after all you do get used to it. Yah, right!

After The Rain

We were awakened this morning around 2:30 AM by loud, booming thunder and bright, flashing lightning. Shortly thereafter it began to rain.

This morning it was still cloudy and a bit cooler, so we had everything open wide.

All the plants look happy and are covered with raindrops.

Went uptown and now it is again hot and sunny; but the forecast is for rain showers until Friday. Hope so.

Rain

As we sat outside last evening the clouds were slowly building and the lightning was flashing. We thought we just might get some rain, often this happens and then it just passes over us. Around 10 PM we started hearing some thunder and then it began to rain hard. It was great! It came pouring down the hill and our street river was reborn. We watched and listened until it slowed down some, then we opened all the windows and let the fresh, cool air in. This morning it is still cool (27 C./81 F.)as the sun hasn't made it out from behind the clouds. Everything is washed clean and everyone is happy.
The shiny strip in the bottom, center of the picture is the water in the bay, sparkling from the sun peeking out from behind the clouds.

Area Photos

Nothing too exciting going on here. It was cloudy and cooler for awhile this morning, so we shut off the air conditioners and I took the filters out and washed them. Hard to do the maintenance when you don't want to shut them off.
Went uptown and bought the birthday gift for Sundays party and got it wrapped and also got myself a new pair of flip flops. Exciting stuff.
Here are a few random photos of the area.

San Carlos To Miramar

These pictures were taken, (from the car window, while driving so not the greatest), between San Carlos and Miramar on the road past the Delphinario.

Update on the new streetlight, it worked for 2 evenings and then died a sudden death. Landlord says that perhaps it needs a new bulb. Oh well, it was bright around here for 2 nights.