El Ojo del Lago - April 2020

Saw you in the Ojo

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Saw you in the Ojo

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 DIRE C TOR Y  PUBLISHER David Tingen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alejandro Grattan-Domínguez Tel: (01376) 765 3676, 765 2877 Fax: (01376) 765 3528 Graphic Design Roberto C. Rojas Reyes Diana Parra Morales

Index...

FEATURE ARTICLES

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COVER STORY

Dr. Lorin Swinehart, our Roving Correspondent, has “roved” all the way to a little town in Georgia called Plains—to meet none other than the former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

COVER STORY

VOLUME 36 NUMBER 8

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Special Events Editor Carol D. Bradley

Cover by Mario Negrete

32 PROFILE

Associate Editor Victoria Schmidt

Robert James Taylor profiles Abby Rivera, one of Lakeside’s most enchanting entertainers.

Theater Critic Michael Warren Book Review Panel Margaret Van Every Margaret Porter Clare Gearhart

36 SPORTS

Roving Correspondent Dr. Lorin Swinehart

Pag. 30 Sales Manager Bruce Fraser Carmene Berner Office Secretary Rocio Madrigal ADVERTISING OFFICE Av. Hidalgo # 223, Chapala Mon. thru Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 1 pm Tel. 01 (376) 765 2877, 765 3676 Fax 01 (376) 765 3528

LAKESIDE LIVING

40 TIME TRAVEL

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Editor’s Page

12 Bridge by Lake 14 Mirror to the Universe 16 If Pets Could Talk 20 Welcome to Mexico

Alexsi Currier writes about the life-changing moment a young woman had in going back to the Greek village that had been the home of her grandparents.

22 Profiling Tepehua

44 POETRY

28 Lakeside Living

Mark Sconce remembers the life and career of Vachel Lindsay, today widely remembered as The Prairie Troubadour. It is thought that over his lifetime more than a million people personally witnessed his poetry readings.

Send all correspondence, subscriptions or advertising to: El Ojo del Lago http://www.chapala.com elojodellago@gmail.com ojodellago@prodigy.net.mx Ave. Hidalgo 223 (or Apartado 279), 45900 Chapala, Jalisco Tels.: (376) 765 3676, Fax 765 3528 PRINTING: El Debate El Ojo del Lago aparece los primeros cinco días de cada mes. (Distributed over the first five days of each month) Certificado de Licitud de Título 3693 Certificado de Licitud de Contenido 3117.

Reserva al Título de Derechos de Autor 04-2011-103110024300-102 Control 14301.

Permisos otorgados por la Secretaría de Gobernación (EXP. 1/432 “88”/5651 de 2 de junio de 1993) y SEP (Reserva 171.94 control 14301) del 15 de enero de 1994.

Distribución: Hidalgo 223 Chapala, Jalisco, México.

All contents are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of El Ojo del Lago. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher or the Editor, nor are we responsible for the claims made by our advertisers. We welcome letters, which should include name, address and telephone number.

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Tom Eck writes about an event that was billed The Greatest Auto Race Ever—and gauging from Tom’s vivid description, it was exactly that.

COLUMNS THIS MONTH

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

26 Front Row Center

38 Mexican Grace 46 Vexations & Conundrums

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COLUMNIST

Editor’s Page

By Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez

The Curious Case of John Kennedy...

O’Toole

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istory is replete with vivid (and mostly sad) tales of people whose work became immensely successful too late for them to know about it, but few such stories have a humorous aspect as that involving Mr. O’Toole . . . and for that matter, his mother, as well.

O’Toole was from an old New Orleans family. Born in 1937, he went on to become a highly-regarded college teacher, popular with his students for his highly amusing comments that he often delivered with a mournful expression. During this period, he wrote his first novel, The Neon Bible, the very title of which gave more than a hint of

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the outrageous mindset of its creator.

Unfortunately, the novel failed to find a publisher, causing its author’s spirits to substantially darken.

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

With time, O’Toole’s morale improved and he wrote a second novel, Confederacy of Dunces, whose main character was called “Ignatius J. Reilly” and whose plot involved little more than the grossly over-weight main character and his equally flabby mother roaming around New Orleans pushing an old shopping cart, looking for whatever they could find.

Some have regarded such a meandering plot as a metaphor for Mankind’s eternal search for ...whatever.

Luckily, the two main characters are true originals and more importantly the novel is hysterically funny.

Sadly, however, even though it came close to being accepted by one of the best publishers in New York, it was turned down because of its non-existent plot-line. O’Toole thereupon entered into several discussions with the firm’s Editor-in-Chief, who made clear that while he thought the book had signs of genius, it would be difficult if not impossible to market because of its non-existent plot-line. Some few weeks later O’Toole committed suicide. He was thirty-one years old. The year was 1969.

Several years later, the eminent writer Walker Percy, who had won the 1962 National Book Award for Fiction (The Moviegoer) was delivering a lec-

ture about writing at Tulane University in New Orleans when an elderly, pudgy and unkempt-looking woman approached the stage, carrying something wrapped in what looked like brown butcher’s paper.

Cautiously backing away from the lectern, Percy asked the woman how might he help her. Being a Southerner himself, Percy knew better than to be impolite to an old woman, and certainly not in front of a roomful of admiring students.

The old woman replied that if he knew anything about good writing, certainly he could recognize it when he saw it, and with that she plunked her bundle down on the lectern and walked away. Percy tried to call her back but the old lady headed for a side exit and quickly disappeared.

Percy was scheduled to return to New York the next day, but that night in his hotel, he opened up the package—-which contained a tattered copy of Confederacy of Dunces.

He had thought to read only a few pages and leave the manuscript with the desk clerk. The old woman, who had left her name and phone number on the first page of the manuscript, could be advised to come and pick it up. She had identified herself as the author’s mother.

However, when Walker Percy left for the airport the following morning, the manuscript was with him, on its way to New York—and as they say, the rest is history. When finally published, the book would win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature, sell more than 1.5 million copies and eventually be translated into eighteen languages—to all of which we say: John Kennedy O’Toole —Rest in Peace— Alejandro Grattan(finally!)

Dominguez

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The Small Town That Produced A President

By Dr. Lorin Swinehart

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“

ome back again when you can,” invited the kindly elderly man.

I had to remind myself that this soft-spoken man inviting my wife and me to his church was one of my most admired historical figures, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Meeting the former president and First Lady has been the high point of our winter season with the National Park Service in the tiny town of Plains, Georgia.

The Maranatha Baptist Church held perhaps 35 members and an equal number of visitors on that rainy morning. The Sunday school lesson

was taught by President Carter’s niece Kim Miller, his brother Billy Carter’s daughter. It was superlative, as was the sermon delivered by Rev. Tony Lowden, the pastor.

In Plains, Georgia, it seems that everyone knows everyone. The town reminds me of many back in my home state of Ohio. Plains is a crossroads community bisected by two lightly traveled highways and a railroad track. There are three churches, a small business district and a single restaurant.

The restaurant, the Buffalo Cafe, is reminiscent of many small town restaurants, the service friendly, the food delicious and delivered in such

bountiful amounts that no one could conceivably leave hungry. Citizens are warm, courteous and welcoming.

There is a sense of timelessness in this quiet town with not a single stoplight, a sort of Norman Rockwell quality.

A 14-foot peanut wearing a giant Jimmy Carter grin guards the entrance to the single RV park. The National Park visitor center is located in the old Plains High School building where President Carter graduated in 1941, his wife Rosalynn three years later. The center has recently undergone extensive renovations and innovations. The six rooms are filled with new exhibits and memorabilia are unique and impressive.

One day each week, I am assigned to Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home, a 17-acre working farm two and a half mile outside of Plains in the black agricultural community of Archery. I spend the hours conversing with four goats, two mules and a pair of barn cats named Scaredy-Cat and FraidyCat. When Earl Carter, Jimmy’s father, purchased the farm in 1927, it consisted of 360 acres. He cultivated an additional 2000 acres of leased land. Given the soil quality, it took many acres of corn, cotton and peanuts in order to earn a good living. I imagine that I can hear my Grandpa Swinehart, who farmed 72 acres in rural Ohio all of his working life, saying, “This ground is so poor that you couldn’t raise a fuss on it.”

The house was constructed from free plans found in a Sears and Roebuck catalog. Until 1938, there was no electricity. Electricity would come to rural areas only after the New Deal created the Rural Electrification Commission in 1934.

There was no running water. The makeshift shower in the bathroom consisted of a bucket with holes drilled in the bottom. Ground water was pushed through a pipe to the shower by the windmill outside.

The only source of entertainment was the battery powered radio in the parlor. By pressing a button, one can listen to President Carter share the experience of the night Joe Louis defeated the German boxer Max Schmeling. Jimmy’s father sat the radio in the window so that their black neighbors and farm hands, a crowd of about forty people, could listen to the fight. Despite Adolf Hitler’s crowing that Germans were the Master Race, Louis cleaned Schmeling’s clock in the first round.

The crowd of black people remained silent. After quietly thanking Earl Carter, they walked out of the yard and across the acreage to one of their homes, where they celebrated all night. Joe Louis, a black man, was

the “strongest man in the world.” It would not be wise for black people to celebrate too openly in the often violently racist South of those days.

In his memoir An Hour Before Daylight, President Carter speaks of the hardships of farm life in the 1930’s.

Days were long, the work rigorous and the rewards few. Most small farmers worked forty to sixty acres. It took three acres to produce a bale of cotton or a ton of peanuts. Generally, a farmer could expect to earn fifty dollars for a bale of cotton or sixty dollars for a ton of peanuts. If one was a sharecropper, he would only be able to keep half or less of the crop and that after paying rent for use of the land.

The lines “I owe my soul to the company store,” in Tennessee Ernie Ford’s song “Sixteen Tons,” lamenting the hard lives of coal miners, accurately describe the dilemma of southern sharecroppers and farm workers as well. Many landlords, unlike Jimmy’s father Earl, who only charged a dime on the dollar, levied high rates of interest for items purchased on credit in their commissaries. A poor family could never work their way out of the cycle of poverty.

Jimmy’s mother Lillian, a registered nurse, recognized the relationship between malnutrition and illnesses like pellagra and the pervasive lassitude that sapped the energies of poor farmers and sharecroppers.

Items purchased in the commissaries consisted of lard, fatback, cornmeal, molasses and coffee. Many suffered illnesses associated with protein and vitamin deficiency.

The commissaries also sold tobacco, kerosene, salt, matches, work shoes, work clothes and other necessary items.

The Carter farm produced cash crops such as peanuts and cotton, as well as garden crops for the family.

Like many farmers, nearly everything they consumed around the dinner table came from their own soil; potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beans and peas. They milked eight cows twice a day and slaughtered up to forty pigs in the winter.

President Carter’s life gives proof to the old adage in my part of the country that hard work never killed anyone. He went to work on the farm at an early age. One can find no complaints in his writings other than his dislike of the miserable process of “mopping cotton.” To prevent destruction of the cotton crop by the ever present plague of insatiable boll weevils, each plant had to be “mopped” during the fiery hot days of summer. The process consisted of bathing each plant with a mixture of

Continued on page 10

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water, molasses and arsenic. At the end of the day, Carter writes that his pants were so encrusted with sugar that they could stand up alone.

One cannot rightly consider life in the rural South in President Carter’s youth without including the harsh realities of racism and segregation.

After returning to Plains from his years of service in the US Navy, Jimmy Carter experienced the boycott of his business on two occasions. Early on, he refused to join the White Citizens Council, even after his fellow townsmen, recognizing that he was short of money, offered to pay his twenty dollar membership fee. Carter simply replied that he could not contribute to an organization in which he did not believe. When they insisted, the future president quietly took a twenty dollar bill from his pocket and flushed it down the toilet.

On one occasion, Carter’s peanut processing and warehouse business was boycotted because he dared to do business with the local Koinonia Farm, an integrated Christian business and farming community. He continued to supply the people there with seed peanuts and to market their products despite local opposition which was sometimes violent.

Some years later, while he was serving in the Georgia State Senate, after the White Citizens Council had mostly withered away, his business was boycotted when the John Birch Society circulated the rumor that he and his family had been attending a Communist training camp in Alabama while they were away for three weeks on vacation in Mexico. As Fred Mittag, my fellow contributor to El Ojo, has often reflected, people will believe anything. Carter had to provide the hotel and meal cash register receipts from his Mexican vacation before the boycott ended.

As a boy, Jimmy Carter hunted, fished, played with and worked alongside his black friends. At the age of 14, he became sadly and starkly

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aware of the invisible racial divisions, an incident vividly described in his poem “The Pasture Gate,” included in his collection Always a Reckoning. On that day, his friends pushed open the pasture gate and stood back to allow him to pass through first. Initially, he assumed it was a joke that his boyhood friends had put a trip-wire in his path or that he was about to step in something. But then, the painful reality struck him: We only saw it vaguely then, but were transformed at that place.

A silent line was drawn between friend and friend, race and race.

His friends’ parents had explained to them that they were no longer children, that they now had to defer to the white boy. I think of that incident each time I stand at that gate by the mule pasture. Such scars endure forever.

In Jimmy Carter’s case, the incident fostered a lifelong quest to combat poverty, racism, cruelty and injustice wherever they are to be found.

Old patterns of established injustices and even cruelties do not die easy deaths. The principal of Plains High School insisted that the building would be integrated only over his dead body. When in 1966, integration became mandatory and came to Plains, the principal went home and shot himself. Those first black students who came to Plains High School suffered taunts, name calling and spitballs from some others.

As I look at the 1966 yearbook pages, I wonder how many bullies may lurk behind the saccharine smiles. It took great personal courage, true grit, to be Jimmy Carter in southern Georgia during the 1950’s and 60’s, long before he ever entered politics or public life, long before anyone even asked, “Jimmy Who?” A cousin describes Jimmy Carter as a good Christian man, not a religious person but a man who simply lives what he believes. The guiding light of his faith led Jimmy Carter to the presidency and to a decades long career as a humanitarian, working through the Carter Center to eradicate such horrendous ailments as Guinea worm and river blindness, to mediate between enemy nations, to encourage the democratic process globally and enforce recognition of the rights of women and religious and ethnic minorities. All that by a soft spoken, honest, kindhearted man who invited my wife and me to come back to his church.

Lorin Swinehart

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COLUMNIST

BRIDGE BY THE LAKE

By Ken Masson

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ne of the fascinating things about this game of bridge is that no matter how long we have been playing, new problems keep occurring to challenge our minds. This month’s deal is a perfect example where Herself and I had to improvise as we made our way throughout a choice of many bids to reach the optimum contract.

With the opponents silent throughout, the bidding began with a routine 15 to 17 High Card Point 1 NT by me followed by a 2 heart transfer response by Herself, showing at least 5 spades but with an unspecified number of points.

I duly bid 2 spades and awaited further instructions from directly across the table. To my surprise Herself now bid a game forcing 3 clubs. I say surprise because the nature of duplicate bridge is that it rewards no-trump and major suit contracts with higher scores while the poor-relation minor suiters generally lag behind.

So why was Herself introduc-

ing a lower ranking suit into the proceedings? I could only surmise that her hand was distributional with 5+ spades, 4+ clubs and with at least a mild interest in slam.

My hand had certainly improved greatly so without much hesitation I raised partner to 4 clubs.

Herself now placed her 4 diamond card on the table, a “cue bid” showing first round control of that suit, the ace or a void. I had nothing good to say about my hearts so I bid 4 spades hoping partner would read this as “Pick a slam.”

Fortunately she did, so without further ado she advanced the bidding with a call of 6 clubs, giving me a choice of slams in either clubs, spades or no trump. After all, Herself belongs to the school that says: “Be an optimist in the bidding and a pessimist in the play.”

East led the heart ace followed by the king which declarer ruffed in hand. She now drew the opponents’ trumps which took three rounds and paused for reflection.

If she could find the queen of spades, she would make her slam.

Herself now played a small spade toward the dummy and, with nothing else to guide her, went up with the ace. Voila – 12 tricks were ours. And why did declarer play for East to have the queen of spades? For no other reason other than West had already shown up with an ace and a king.

Herself and I will be looking out for similar opportunities in the future!

Questions or comments: email: masson.ken@ gmail.com Ken Masson

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Mirror To The Universe

By Rob Mohr

Spiritual Dimensions of Human Life

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uman societies have universally developed around the belief that life existed on two distinct levels, physical and spiritual. Organic science throws out the spiritual. Are they wrong?

Quantum Physics, and understanding of the nano world, where everything, electrons, protons, neurons like alpha particles, and Buckyballs can be in multiple states at the same time, suggests that we might also super-position ourselves in time and space. Our mind - which combines the elements of consciousness, our sensed experience, cellular awareness, input from our genetic memory and from the flow of universal consciousness–blossoms

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when fed by metaphysical encounters.

Renowned Physicist, John Wheeler, and Writer, Paul Levy believe Quantum Physics incorporates a spiritual path where we dream our lives and our reality into being. These fields of creative potential, which consist of material and spiritual aspects, rationalize these shifts in what we thought was real, and make possible much of what we now believe impossible. Scientists are currently mining the scientific and philosophical meaning of what the physicists have uncovered. Their conclusions are consistent with Kant’s 200 years old belief that our sense of colors, sensations, feelings, and understandings of objective reality can only be representations formed by our mind. We con-

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struct reality. Space, time, light, nano worlds, coalesces within this complex, creative spiritual milieu and engender new possibilities for human development. The spiritual realm qualifies every aspect of creation and extends life beyond our mechanical responses, and our daily experience. When we risk engagement with the spiritual, we move toward higher, more complex levels of consciousness where mind, body and spirit unify. Enabled, we engage the world in revelatory ways that expand consciousness and recast our individual and collective lives.

Metaphysical experiences - celebrating creation, meditation, our integration with the natural world, and participation in transformative rituals in a search for universal understanding -expand the spiritual part of our integrated consciousness. Rituals in Buddhism, for example, encourage disengagement from mechanical responses to life through rhythmic chants, and vibrations created with Buddha Bowls and bells. Religions, in general, solicit suspension of self-protective responses.

Humanity’s focus on the spiritual began deep in pre-history and emerged full blown in Neolithic societies shaped by their relationships with gods, out of body experiences, movement through space and time, passage through thin places, visitation with ancestors, trances, and visions. During the mold-breaking Rig Vedic, Aryan period in north India (1500 until 600 BCE) culture was heavily weighted toward spiritual, communal and egalitarian life. Governed by Rashtra polity, propagated and protected by Kala (tribal councils moderated by a Ragan), communities shared production equally, and leveled the status of women and men. Spiritual rituals in Vedic life were focused on an intimate relationship with Indra (the creator), and harmony with the natural world.

My doctorate degree in spirituality imparted a broad understanding of historic cultures and their focus on the

‘magic’ of spirituality in a community’s religious life and governing structure.

Yet, my personal moment of inner spiritual connection came during a heart ablation at Mayo Clinic Hospital in 2010. The operating team included a new anesthesiologist mandated by a change in Hospital policy. Something went wrong with the administration of anesthesia, and I became restless, and one of the five devices that had been thrust into my heart through my legs and neck punctured my heart wall.

Blood filled the protective sac covering my heart which caused my heart to stop beating. At this point I was technically dead, but I was elsewhere, conscious and watching and listening as the doctors discussed the situation.

Then, in a flash, everything changed and I was in a timeless space observing creation in process. I saw infinite space into the past and creation being laid reaching forward into infinity.

My world was filled with brilliant light.

Elements were defined with subtle changes in tone. The experience was overwhelming and deeply spiritual.

Back in the material world, an oncall surgeon came in and cut a hole in my chest and suctioned the blood out of the heart sac, and after being dead for five minutes I reentered life.

Through the years I have sought understanding of my and others’ spiritual engagement with creation, but firm answers eluded me. However, each day creative possibilities emerged. As I write now, I have a strange sense that I am still there watching the creation of the universe.

This spiritual event amplified my spiritual connections and understandings. If you have had out of body experiences, visions of the future, or have seen events thousands of miles away, please share your experience with me. <robmohr@gmail.com> Rob Mohr

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If Our Pets Could Talk

By Jackie Kellum

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our pet like yourself needs to have their mouth checked regularly for any gum or teeth problems. Most times pet owners only notice or think about their pet’s mouth until they smell their breath, and especially if the reaction is Yikes!

Some pet studies have shown that an estimated 85% of dogs over age 4 suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Nearly 70% of cats 3 years and older have signs of periodontal disease.

This condition can result in pain, bleeding gums, bad breath, gingivitis and ultimately tooth loss.

Pet oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but an important factor in your pet’s overall health. Poor oral hygiene can cause systemic bacterial infections especially affecting the heart (Endocarditis) and liver, as well as causing diabe-

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tes. It can also lead to a fractured tooth or a broken jaw, especially in smaller pets. Because many of our pets are stoic, you may not even realize there’s a problem until it is a major situation.

The most effective way to prevent these conditions is to maintain an oral hygiene regimen, which should include a monthly oral examination. This exam should include (a) looking into your pet’s mouth, smelling his breath, see if the gums are a healthy pink without redness, inflammation, chipped teeth, bleeding, ulcers, or teeth discoloration.

Also notice if he is having problems eating, drooling, difficulty swallowing,

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pawing at the face, swelling on the face, or changes to your pet’s eating patterns or weight. If anything is found to be abnormal or changed, take your pet to your Vet. for a more thorough examination. During your pet’s annual Vet. visit have your pet’s mouth thoroughly examined, and as needed cleaning of your pet’s teeth.

If your Vet should suggest that you brush your pet’s teeth, be aware you should not use human toothpaste, as it contains fluoride which is harmful to your pet. There are beef / chicken flavored toothpastes made suitable for pet use. I am not a Vet. nor an expert, but I have done a lot of research about this topic for this article. There are a lot of pet treats available to help deal with dog tartar build up.

All sites I found suggested use of raw bones as an option, with bone size appropriate for the size of the dog and its mouth. But, cooked bones of any kind were strongly warned against being used as they can splinter and puncture the esophagus or intestines. Chew toys such as Kong toys, Plaque Attackers, Nylabones, or Gumabones are options.

Also mentioned were “Bully sticks” helping with chewing, and they are digestible, and “Greenies” and “DentaLife” for cats and dogs.

Many dog health websites that had

no vested interest in promoting any particular products spoke about the dangers of using rawhide sticks / bones.

This is a brief summary of these independent studies about rawhide as a chew treat: (a) They are a by-product of the leather industry, and is Not a food.

Therefore, it is not covered by FDA pet food regulations, requiring information regarding its labeling, source and contents, processing information, and safe use requirements. (b) The leather hide must be processed and uses preservative chemicals, including arsenic, ethoxyquin, mercury, formaldehyde, BHA and BHT. They may also contain other dangerous additives such as antibiotics, lead and insecticides. (c) When the hide becomes soft / gummy after initial chewing, it is No longer effective for reducing tooth tartar, and (d) The hide has a potential when pieces are swallowed of causing obstruction of the esophagus or intestines, possibly requiring surgery.

Prevention is best, and knowing what you are putting in your pet’s mouth is important.

Jackie Kellum

Love Is Love A poet wrote that love is gold while others say it’s blind but all I know is what I hold when you, my love, are kind.

Though words are whirling in my mind words can be bought and sold and gold’s a metal that was mined and made in bricks, so hard and cold – no, love is love, my love, as we grow old, then when you’re sitting by the fire where dying embers of desire flicker like stories often told, I’ll come and find you, touch your hand say words that only you will understand.

—Michael Warren—

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Vision Quest

His long white hair blew from his neck Exposing a deep blue stone, Its energy sent a burst of light Emitting a soothing tone.

The Elder spoke a sacred tongue

Walking across the prairie grass I glanced upon the ground, Covered with weeds and sagebrush tall Lay rocks set in the round.

A medicine wheel, immense in size, With spokes that numbered five, Restfully poised on Mother Earth With an aura of being alive.

I rubbed my eyes in disbelief As ghostly forms appeared, They moved around an Elder One Whose spirit was most revered.

The Elder One gazed straight at me I knew the message he spoke, I stepped into the sacred hoop Fearless—and full of hope.

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Which touched me to the core, I knew the meaning of his words Their essence let me soar.

A rainbow haze of brilliant hues Whirled swiftly by my eyes, The colors danced and sang their song Rejoicing to the skies.

The Wise One faded, leaving behind A smile that touched my heart, An ancient memory was now released To play its sacred part.

I stood in awe with reverence true Though partly in a daze, The Wheel of Life had disappeared In twilight’s mystic haze.

—Dr. Bob Cave—

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COLUMNIST

By Victoria Schmidt

An Invasion of Lakeside

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t was slow at first. There was one in Chapala. There was one in Riberas. There was one in Ajijic. Then, as time went on, another one was added. There was a second one in Chapala. And then they seemed to be to pop up here, and another one in the next village.

There was a lag time, but then there suddenly became a boom. They were popping up everywhere.

There was one built on the main street in Chapala, just shortly thereafter, another one only a block away at the intersection where the “gang that couldn’t shoot straight” blew themselves up with a hand grenade when their truck plowed into the corner building. Another was being built at the west side of Chapala. Another new one on was recently completed.

That’s just Chapala.

This invading force? Oxxo. They built another one in Riberas near the new Pemex station. Kiddy corner from the 7-11 another new Oxxo is going up just a few blocks from the age-old Oxxo that was here when we first came to Lakeside. There was an Oxxo put on the Libramiento, they are building one on the highway leading out of Chapala towards Guadalajara.

In Ajijic, leading towards Jocotepec, is another new Oxxo, and a rumor of an Oxxo across the street from

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Tango Restaurant. It just doesn’t fit the ambiance of that neighborhood.

So what exactly is going on? Well, according to the Mexico Daily News article in 2014, Oxxo is a chain of stores that set a goal to build 1,000 new stores per year. A goal they seem to be achieving. They are the largest retail chain store in Mexico and Columbia. Seven times larger than WalMart in 2ndplace and 7-11 trailing at third. (Although, I could never consider WalMart as a convenience store.)

According to El Financiero, Oxxo is owned by Femsa, proprietor of Coca-Cola Femsa and one of a handful of Mexican companies that have thrived internationally since starting in 1978. It is their unique business model that makes them so competitive. These stores are not franchises.

Most of their property is rented, not owned. So they are able to start sales quickly, and have to pay less than competitors.

They also have more freedom regarding the products they carry because of the number of distribution centers. They look at the population density to determine the number of stores. According to the MDN “It currently has a very high density in the northern states with one store per 4,700 people; in the center of the country there is one for 14,000 inhabitants.” They estimate the average store services about 800 people a day. Customers, people paying utility and telephone bills, and similar services. With numbers like that, and it looks like there will be more Oxxo’s in Lakesides in our future, as our population increases. I worry about the effect of all these stores competing for my neighborhood tienda and the families that own them.

Meanwhile, look for your newest Oxxo, it’s just up the block from you….everywhere you go.

Victoria Schmidt

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COLUMNIST

PROFILING TEPEHUA

By Moonyeen King

President of the Board for Tepehua

moonie1935@yahoo.com

T

he Tepehua Community Center will probably close its doors for a while to protect its 400 or so registered families. Feeding up to 200 women and children every Friday is risking too many people’s health. The Medical Center will keep open to tend to the sick. Our doctors and nurses are having constant meetings to be sure they are ready.

It was with regret we had to cancel the April fools event. For the tickets already sold and the donations that came in, we would like to thank all of you that told us to put the money where we will need it the most. For the rest, if you have a ticket you may still retrieve your monies from the Tepehua Treasures store, but YOU MUST present your ticket for refund.

Monies donated will be used for medication. If the village is infected we will need money for medications, not just for our people but for all the areas poor whose only access for help is Tepehua.

Hopefully, because of the isolation of many of the barrios, they may escape the Corona virus simply because the outside world of travelers do not come in contact with them. As we know, isolation is good.

There is no cure for this disease, but as the symptoms are like the flu, we

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can treat the symptoms to make the patient more comfortable, especially the children.

As the law and the landlords dictate, we have to pay the rent, so the Tepehua Treasures store will try to stay open even if it is sporadically, we are all volunteers and past the parental consent age, and we appreciate the regular visitors who always drop by for a chat and invariably buy something, but a few of us will drop out of the team for awhile so we will be short staffed, so Tepehua Elbow hugs only, they are free.... the real hugs are in the heart.

The following month will dictate how we spend the next three months...we urge everyone to follow advice from Medical Teams...hygiene, distance and any event over fifty people. Village life will go on as usual, circumstance dictates to them what they can change in their routine. Which isn’t much.

Disease thrives in the poor residing in the cities...but in rural areas, we optimistically feel a little more secure. Keep living a full life but more tranquil.

Water is important, especially for the sick. We are carrying on with the free potable water for the ‘at risk’ people and the very poor, with the exception that our driver pick up the empty bottles from the people direct and take it straight to the distributor for refilling for the next week. The driver will have minimal contact with the center and the village.

This author’s beloved daughter visited, to check to see if the ageing parents were doing fine, and bought sprays for every orifice, hand, foot and every flat surface in between, entering a room bugs and flies fall lifeless around us...our friends keep double the distance required. Follow the sanitation rules and the schools and the bars will open in no time.

This too will pass.

Saw you in the Ojo 23

D

ear Sir: Last Friday night, March 6th, Mac Morison gave a concert performance to the Lakeside community which will undoubtedly serve as both example and inspiration to the several generations of people living at Lakeside. Mac is 87 years old and has been performing publicly for 75 years minus one. He skipped a year in 2019 in which he had a major heart attack and open-heart surgery.

Despite what would be a debilitating physical circumstance at an age when most would have long since retired from public life, Mac made good on his promise to return after his 2018 concert. His voice is still powerful and compelling. His stage presence is still

24

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

poised and confident. And his versatility as a performer is rather amazing as can be seen in the fact that he was equally at home singing singly in the style of Sinatra, or in duet with his guests, jazzman Mike Fortier and operatic songstress, Mariana Vigueras.

The show was produced and directed once again by Mac’s talented and professional wife, Barbara Clippinger who has obviously envisioned a continuing cavalcade of entertainment with Mac and invited guests.

This year Barbara once again included the edgy comedian, Jeff Capri as well as a chorus line of the Ajijic Showgirls, both of whom punctuated the evening’s entertainment with Vegas style humor and eye-popping glitter and dance.

It is apparent that Mac’s annual show is transitioning from being a one-man performance to a variety show that introduces new talent to Ajijic and the Lakeside community.

Not only is this totally in keeping with the ever expanding venue of arts and entertainment in the area, but it is also a continuing reminder and inspiration to those of us who may have thought that retirement requires us to stop what we love doing in life. That is obviously not true for Mac Morison.

Here’s hoping he will continue for years to come.

Sincerely, Michael MacGrath

Saw you in the Ojo 25

FRONT ROW CENTER

By Michael Warren MY FAIR LADY Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner Music by Frederick Loewe Directed by Dave McIntosh

M

any of us can remember the Oscar-winning 1965 movie version of this classic musical starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, which was in turn based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1912 play Pygmalion.

And this triumphant three-hour show lives up to expectations.

Dave McIntosh used a huge cast and all the tricks of the trade to bring a very slick production to the LLT stage. At the start a piano overture (Robert Thieme) puts us in the mood with some of the familiar tunes from the musical, and then the piano magically disappears! In the opening scene we meet the flower-seller “Eliza Doolittle” played by a very young newcomer Michala Swanson. I confess that I couldn’t understand the cockney dialogue, but Michala was sufficiently charming that it didn’t seem to matter.

The Rex Harrison role of language expert “Professor Henry Higgins” was well played by Brian Fuqua. He brought out the narcissist and misogynist elements of the character, just as Shaw intended. However, perhaps because of his work on TV and commercials, he has a tendency to let his voice drop or to turn away while speaking, so that some of his lines were inaudible.

The songs were well performed, and the staging was spectacular. I particularly enjoyed the Ascot scene,

and I have to give special credit to Wardrobe Mistress Johanna Clark. She developed over 125 costumes, and supervised 140 costume changes. I don’t have space to mention the entire cast, so I will just say that the ensemble did a great job and had a lot of fun doing it. Mark Heaton played “Colonel Pickering” with some energy, and Catherine Thieme was suitably homely as “Mrs Pearce” the Higgins’ housekeeper. I enjoyed Rob Stupple as “Alfred Doolittle” who had a good time with the song Get Me To The Church On Time.

I should also give credit to Mark Donaldson, who managed to look and sound like Fred Astaire in the role of “Freddy Eynsford-Hill,” and there was a weird cameo performance by Tom Nussbaum as the strange Hungarian “Zoltan Karpathy.” Also Marsha Heaton was delightfully outspoken as “Mrs Higgins” the mother of Henry Higgins.

The interplay of character between Eliza and Henry Higgins was well performed by both actors. Michala Swanson has a strong soprano voice, and Brian Fuqua came across well in You Did It and especially in his male Hymn to Him. This musical was very cleverly written by Lerner and Loewe. The ending of the story, when Eliza comes back to Higgins, seems disappointing except that we must remember that the play is set in 1912.

What other choice did she have?

I congratulate Dave McIntosh and the entire cast and crew for giving us a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

Music Direction was by Ann Swiston, and Choreography was by Alexis Hoff and Mary Neill. Win McIntosh was Stage Manager, assisted by Bruce Linnen.

Michael Warren

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El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

Saw you in the Ojo 27

Lakeside Living Carol D. Bradley

Email: cdbradleymex@gmail.com Phone: 33-2506-7525

Sometimes the Show can’t go on. The COVID-19 virus has caused havoc across the globe, we here at Lakeside are not immune. We are all taking precautions and event changes are ongoing. Please check with your event website or Facebook page for current status.

While events may offer a refund in the wake of cancellation, please consider making your ticket price a donation. A sudden event such as this can devastate live performances. Our Lakeside arts groups would appreciate your thoughtfulness in this time of uncertainty.

The Lake Chapala Society has cancelled all classes and events. They will remain open for services.

The Lake Chapala Society hosts Open Circle every Sunday at 10 AM, a popular community gathering in Ajijic every Sunday morning to enjoy a diverse range of presentations.

For more information see their website: opencircleajijic.org.

CELEBRATING THE NINETIES!!!!! EVERYONE INVITED. Dean Niles is celebrating his 90th Birthday Celebration on Sunday, April 19th. at 1-5 The party house is on the corner of Guadalupe Victoria and Juan Alvarez, which is the street just west of El Torito and the Ajijic Tiangus Street.

(There will be balloons and a sign marking the house.) If you turn onto Juan Alvarez from the Carretera, go one block to the circle with the water tower and the party house is on the corner on your left.

There will be steamed tacos and punch, but guests are asked to bring a dish, chips or appetizer to share and a bottle if they wish. Entertainment will feature a dance on the trampoline by Dean, whom many will remember as a yoga instructor of great acclaim! This year also marks his 25th year living lakeside.

PUBLISHED LOCAL WRITERS READ THEIR WORK: April’s Event has been cancelled.

El Gato Feo is closed indefinitely…

Your intrepid reporter will be bored silly and ready to see you very soon!

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El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

Saw you in the Ojo 29

The Book Of Will A Summary by John Ward

T

he Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson is a play that is set in 1623, after the tragic death of William Shakespeare. It is an excellent play written by the most produced playwright in the USA today. I was in it.

We had to cancel half way through the run due to Covid-19 concerns and, unfortunately, the last four days were to host the biggest audiences.

The play describes the efforts of William Shakespeare’s friends John Hemminges, Henry Condell, their families and to a lesser extent Ben Johnson, poet Laureate of England at the time.

30

Just as young people go into movie theatres and make illegal copies of films with camcorders, to sell in the markets today, in Shakespeare’s time, young boys would copy the words spoken by actors and unscrupulous printers would print “Quartos” of the plays. These were badly copied and inadequately artistic copies of the plays, which were circulated and performed by hack actors and Shakespeare’s friends realized that his work’s legacy would be lost or thought of as inferior, when they knew that it was some of the most important literature the world had seen.

After witnessing a badly written

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

and performed version of Hamlet, “The King’s Men” players gather at their bar in Stratford-upon-Avon and decry the state of these quartos. Their actor friend Burbage rages about the travesty, but the next day he is found dead. It strikes the other King’s men that if they do not, by means of whatever quartos they can find, whatever original manuscripts are available and their own memories of parts they played, collect Shakespeare’s work into a book, the plays will be lost forever.

With the help of their families and friends they go about trying to find the plays of William Shakespeare, only to learn that the lion’s share of them were lost in a theatre fire which caught from the cannons in Shakespeare’s Henry Vlll.

As time goes on they do find actor’s sides, play snippets found in privies, originals kept by theatre fans and when they assemble what they have, and supplement the lines with their own recollections of them, they are then tasked with finding a printer and the funds to print the book, referred to as the “Folio.”

They get Ben Johnson to write a Preface to the book, which he is reluctant to do, having been a rival of Shakespeare and in constant physical and artistic fights with him. Johnson’s aversion to anything Shakespeare writes is quickly replaced with awe when he reads some of the newly recomposed works Hemminges and Condell have put together and realizes the true genius of the man.

Unfortunately they are rejected by every printer on Fleet Street, but for the one they hate and who Shakespeare hated the most, a man called William Jaggard. After much soul-searching and against Henry Condell’s better judgment, they agree to let Jaggard be the printer and he hands it to his son Isaac Jaggard who truly understands the im-

portance of the project.

Of course raising the funds to print the First Folio is complicated and involves going to mistresses and some aristocrats for support, but in the end they produce the First Folio of the collected works of William Shakespeare, of which, I am proud to say, I have a copy. *********** Regarding the local production, oddly enough, despite months of rehearsals, the backstage atmosphere was harmonious and mutually supportive, more than in any play I have ever experienced. Petty insecurities and jealousy was nowhere to be seen. With Lynn Phelan at the helm as Director, rehearsals went smoothly and everyone, from experienced actors to those who were new to the boards, learned, grew and interpreted their parts with aplomb.

Ken Yawkichuk, who played John Hemminges, Ted Fahey, who played Henry Condell and Johanna Labadie who played Hemminges’ daughter Alice, had the most lines and no-one envied the amount of work they had to put into their roles.

The others played multiple parts so that twelve actors portrayed around thirty characters, which is the intent of the playwright. Personally, I played seven characters.

We are devastated that we could not continue the play for the last four days, because it is certainly one of the best plays to be staged Lakeside. Bravo Theatre and Jayme Littlejohn should be commended for putting the play on and bringing so much culture to the community.

There has been talk of restaging it in the fall if this plague has passed and we can gather again. Cross your fingers.

John Ward

Saw you in the Ojo 31

ABBY RIVERA

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;An Extraordinary Entertainer

By Robert James Taylor robertinmex@gmail.com

A

bby Rivera, a name familiar to so many, has become one of the most popular singers at Lakeside: constantly in demand, she performs at numerous restaurants, charity and social events and private functions.

Where did it all start?

Born in 1979, she was raised in Chapala with her two brothers. She has memories of a happy childhood, walking the safe streets to school where she would later become an excellent scholar. From an early age, singing came naturally to her: she would play her CD player, and sing her lungs out as she played songs from the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Spanish and English.

She would later study for two years to become a Social Worker, but had to forego that path when family financial problems forced her to end her education prematurely.

On her 18th birthday she met her future husband, Omar, on the Chapala malecon. They courted, married, and in 2003 they went to live in the USA where her husband found work. During the next six years Abby would have the first two of her three children, but by 2009, living with inlaws, she was homesick for Mexico and her family and returned to Chapala. Some time after she joined a music trio which performed in and around Guadalajara. After her third child was born, the group split up

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Abby Rivera

and Abby, feeling sad and lost, faced some difficult times.

Despondent about her future, she finally landed a full time job working in a local well-known insurance agency here at Lakeside.

Her next bit of luck came with a telephone call from a well-known restaurant wanting to hire her as a singer. She nervously accepted, but that was to become a first big stepher confidence grew as a performer; soon she would be receiving calls from everywhere.

Today, she has hundreds of songs in her repertoire, and her mezzosoprano voice can cover songs of Piaf, Country, Disco, and, her most popular of all, the songs of ABBA, which she performs with her best friend, Rocio.

Robert James Taylor

To Our Esteemed Contributors (Current and Future)

1. Few circumstances warrant punctuation outside of quotation marks. Hence, “All’s well that ends well.” Not “ends well”. There are exceptions to this rule, but chances are good that none of us will encounter them more than a couple of times in our lifetime!

2. Always use one space after commas, periods, colons, semi-colons, and question marks.

3. Never use hyphen marks (-) when the dash (—) is required. Only use the hyphen mark to hyphenate words, e.g., “writer-director.”

4. Never justify right-hand margins.

5. Always use italics for the names

of books, plays, movies, magazines, etc., e.g., The De Vinci Code, On the Waterfront, etc.

6. Always use quotes (“ ”) for names of articles, quotations, characters in plays, etc., e.g., A Streetcar Named Desire has two unforgettable characters, “Stanley Kowalski” and “Blanche DuBois.” (Also “” title of photographs.)

7. Always use single quotation marks (‘) only when bound by double quotation marks (“ ”), e.g., Jack said that “A splitting headache was the cause of the ‘unusual’ thing that happened to him that day.”

8. Always spell out the numbers one through ten, and use numerals

(11—) thereafter.

9. Always use semi-colons, not commas, to join independent clauses.

10. Do not use CAPS or underlining within the body of an article. If emphasis is needed, use italics. The title of an article or column, however, should be written in CAPITAL LETTERS. The preferred format is, e.g., A TALE OF TWO CITIES By Charles Dickens (Only the title should be in caps.)

11. Proofread material to eliminate unnecessary words. Everyone should read Getting the Words Right by Theodore Cheney—one of the best books ever written on re-writing.

12. Put statements in positive form.

Use active, not passive, voice.

13. Use specific examples.

14. Instead of relying on adjectives and adverbs, use vivid nouns and action verbs.

15. Keep exclamation marks (!) to an absolute minimum.

16. Avoid overusing gerunds (words ending in “ing”) whenever possible.

17. Never begin a declaration with “The truth is . . .” or “The facts are . . .” or “frankly.” This implies that all other declarative sentences not commenced in such a way are not to be trusted. It’s also boring.

18. Avoid qualifiers such as rather,

very, little, pretty, etc. Their use is the mark of an inexperienced writer.

19. Use the U.S. spelling instead of the British. Hence, favor rather than favour, etc.

20. Only submit material that has been carefully checked for spelling, punctuation and clarity.

21. When submitting material by email, write in the subject line only the title of the article, such as All Quiet on the Western Front, or if it is a regular column, Name of Column–and month.

Never use the subject line for a salutation, or something so vague as “New Column” or “New Article.” Always put your name on the material itself. Articles that arrive without the name of the writer are usually discarded.

When submitting hard copy, it should be single-spaced, and with the font Times Roman 14. Page numbers should be marked, with the author’s name always on the material. Also make sure each paragraph contains at least five sentences. Single sentence paragraphs take too much space and seem affected, if not downright silly.

Strict adherence to such standards will make our job here at the office much easier, as well as help to get your article published.

Thanks!

AG-D

Saw you in the Ojo 33

The Remembering

By Bill Frayer

Ed. Note: Bill was a long-time, highly-esteemed columnist for the Ojo, (Uncommon Common Sense) and this is his remembrance of his wife, Pixie, who passed away recently. We also publish this poem for the benefit of the many people here at Lakeside who have lost a beloved family member.

“It never stops, the remembering... It seems im-

possible to endure at first, but after a long time, I think you’d rather be haunted than not.” —Rich Bass It haunts me, of course.

How did it pass so quickly?

How did you disappear into dust when I wasn’t looking?

Your presence still seems physical.

All your Mexican jewelry stares at me from the dresser.

Your empty chair sits with me as I watch our favorite Netflix shows.

The photos that I place around the house with their frozen smiles, seem unreal.

I am haunted by our years, the impetuous jump into family,

the joy and pain of children, the camping trips, the endless Christmases, the tender moments late at night, the crazy move to Mexico, the final, heartbreaking illness.

Now, my free time alone with your ghost always present.

You loved your Freda earrings made from flattened beer caps.

I remember the warm day in Mexico City when we sat in her garden by the cornflower blue house and admired the yellow flowers.

I saved the emerald ring I gave you to commemorate thirty years together as we renewed our wedding vows on the Cliffs of Mohr. We laughed because I could hardly speak through my bronchitis brought on by the cold Irish weather. Thank God for pubs with music, tea, and Guinness.

The children’s high school portraits still hang in the living room, recalling their adolescent attitudes as we struggled through our forties, cozy nights in the waterbed overlooking the pines and the lake.

The old chipped teapot you used to brew Earl Gray to comfort our wayward daughter who came home to live with us again and escape her demons.

The layers of colored sand standing proud atop our hutch in the big Ball jar. You devised the ritual five short years ago to honor our forty years together by having all those we love pour their color as they spoke of what our union meant to them.

You wore flowers in your hair, just as you did the day we married.

Yes, I’d rather be haunted than not.

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Saw you in the Ojo 35

The Greatest Auto Race—Ever!

By Tom Eck

“

I

t’s just a publicity stunt.

The car will never even make it to Chicago, let alone the West Coast.”

Such was the ridicule that greeted the Thomas Flyer’s entry into the Great Auto Race of 1908. Five cars entering the race were specially designed for this grueling event. Germany had one entry; Italy, one; and France, three. The sixth entry, the Thomas Flyer was taken off the showroom floor in New York, just six days

36

before the race. Only a spotlight was added.

Co-sponsored by the Paris newspaper, Le Matin, and the New York Times, the race, starting in New York, pushing west across the United States to Alaska and crossing the Bering Strait into Manchuria, traversing the Siberian wastelands, Eastern Europe and finishing 22,000 miles later in Paris, was intended to prove the superiority of French-built cars.

Ignoring the objections of more experienced explorers, Georges St. Chaffray, the organizer of the race, insisted that the race begin in winter, so that the frozen Bering Strait could be traversed by car from Alaska to Siberia.

On February 12, 1908, amid a Times Square crowd of more than 250,000 hardy souls, the race began. The first entry, the French Sizaire – Naudina, a fragile 3000-pound 15 horsepower machine, dropped out less than 100 miles from New York City with a broken drive shaft. The other five cars pushed through New York, Ohio and Indiana to Chicago suffering though record winter storms, high winds and temperatures of 26 below zero.

The Thomas arrived in Chicago first, with the Zustand the DeDion, both French cars, one day later. The German Protos and the Italian Moto Bloc were three days behind. After Chicago, the snow turned to mud— deep mud that nearly swallowed the car, and almost drowned crew member George Schuster, the chief mechanic for the Thomas Flyer, and the only crew member who was to endure the entire race. Undaunted, they pushed on, arriving in San Francisco more than 14 days before the second, the Protos. But now there were only four cars. Half-way across Iowa, another French car, a 6,400 pound 30-horse power Moto-Bloc dropped

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

out because the driver Marcel Goddard found “the hardships too severe.”

On March 27, the Thomas now 16 days ahead of all others went on to Seattle and, according to rules, embarked by boat for Valdez, Alaska.

In spite of severe weather and high winds, all 787 of the inhabitants of Valdez were on hand at the dock to witness the arrival of the first car ever in Valdez. After just a few hours in the Alaska wilderness by dogsled, Schuster informed the race officials that no car could make it through Alaska, let alone the Bering Strait, which now had thawed to mushy ice floes—so back to San Francisco.

Because of the race route change and the ferrying of the German car by railroad in violation of the rules, the American team was awarded a 30day credit. It was now off by sail to Japan, across Japan by car, and on to Vladivostok.

By the time the race reached Vladivostok, only the Thomas and the German Protos remained as contenders. The final French entry, the De Dion, had dropped out after crossing Japan, and the Italian Zust, a 3500-pound 4-cylinder 30 horse power machine, was more than six weeks behind. Now the race was on-- a battle of survival, ingenuity and just plain guts.

On May 22, the Flyer left Vladivostok. The car and crew continued to struggle through endless stretches of mud, sunken logs and pools of water as deep as the car. Twice, the Flyer hit boulders sunken in the mud, causing it to somersault and hurl the crew out of the car. By now the Flyer was slumping on sagging springs with a seven-inch crack in its transmission case and six broken teeth off its driving gear. That both the car and crew could still be expected to continue on to Paris, another 9,000 miles, was unfathomable. But with Schuster, now as team leader, they pushed on.

The steppes of Manchuria were teeming with brigands who would gladly kill for clothing, let alone something as exotic as a car. George Mac Adams, a correspondent for the New York Times who accompanied the crew for a short time, wrote, “I sat with a rifle staring into the dark beyond the small circle of light cast by the campfire. There were bandits out there somewhere, ruthless Manchurian marauders known as ‘red beards,’ who hoped to capture rich foreigners and hold them for ransom. A tiger had been shot only fifty miles away, and the unnerving sound of howling wolves only increased my loneliness and fear.”

In a ferry crossing in a Russian River, the boat sank and the Flyer had to

be dragged out from under the water by eight draft horses. Another five days were lost when Russian locals, unable to speak English, gave the Americans wrong directions.

The incredible tribulations, the lack of food, gasoline and shelter severely tested the mettle of both the Thomas crew and the Germans. But even in the throes of such competition, at times civility emerged. In Manchuria, instead of overtaking the Germans, Schuster stopped to pull the German Protos out of a waisthigh mud pool. The German driver, Hans Koeppen, then popped open a bottle of champagne and toasted their American fellowship and sportsmanship. The Germans occasionally shared food and water with the Americans, acknowledging their mutual respect for those facing ordeals already conquered and those to be encountered. But they drew the line at sharing gasoline.

On July 23, the Flyer crew arrived in St. Petersburg. Rather than resting, Schuster continued toward Berlin ignoring the protestations from the exhausted crew. Near Berlin the car hit a large bird, shattering the right headlight. “It was minor compared to all other problems, but almost proved to be our downfall,” Schuster later reported.

On July 27, the German Protos reached the French capital. But, the Americans, not far behind, and graced with the 30-day credit were actually in the lead and the anticipated winners. As they approached, Paris, a local gendarme, refused to allow the car to enter the city limits because it violated traffic laws requiring all motor vehicles to have two headlights. A young French spectator, however, came to the rescue when he offered his bicycle with a headlight to the crew. Schuster strapped the bike to the front of the car and the policeman relented. The Flyer arrived in Paris at 8:00 p.m. on July 30, to a cheering crowd of over 50,000, the clear victor by 26 days.

The race covered almost 22,000 miles of sheer hardship endured for 167 days. The Thomas Flyer, at 5700 pounds with a 571 cubic inch, 60 – horse power motor, had proved to the world that just a plain American car and a crew with the right stuff could achieve the near impossible. Today, it is on display in Reno, Nevada, at Harrah’s Auto Collection, a tangible tribute to the courage of the men who won the greatest automobile race in history.

Tom Eck

Saw you in the Ojo 37

Mexican Grace Mexican Grace is a new regular feature column inspired by the September 15th 2019 Open Circle. El Ojo is looking for anecdotes that relate the many encounters, whether initiated by expats or locals, that exemplify the special manifestations of mutual giving and receiving that define the Mexican Grace that brought us to this unique paradise and that keep us here.

Please email articles of up to 900 words, typed in Times Roman 14-point font with a Title and your name at the top of each page to both grattanmx@gmail.com and loretta.downs@gmail.com. Photos are welcome.

Always a Helping Hand When You Need It Most

By Bob Branson

F

irst Story: I had gone to the tianguis to buy food.

With a plastic bag full of goodies in each hand I started back to the car but tripped on the curb and fell, breaking ribs and badly bruising my knee. Two people helped me to my feet and I struggled back to the car to go home. I found that I could barely walk and my ribs pained me unmercifully.

My wife was in the US visiting grandchildren at the time, so I was totally alone. I was in so much pain, I knew I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t manage on my own. I called Carlos Soto, my favorite taxi driver, to help me do errands and when he saw my condition, he took over.

He brought me a plastic chair for my shower, shopped for food, and determined that I could only receive adequate care from a nursing home. He took me to one and demanded that I be given good treatment. Over the next three

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El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

days he took me on errands and even arranged for my hairdresser to come and wash my grungy hair.

He continued to serve me for the remainder of the week until I could go home and get by on my own. He would only accept money for the taxi rides and nothing else, all the while showing genuine compassion and a cheerful disposition.

Second Story: I was in Guadalajara trying to cross Avenida Moctezuma to get to a restaurant. I walk slowly and the traffic was fairly heavy. Before I started across the street a man got out of his parked car, directed traffic to stop for me, and walked me safely to the other side.

A week later, I was trying to cross the same street, which is divided by a grassy median strip, when a Mexican woman firmly took hold of my arm. When we came to the second half of the street, which always has more traffic, she waved at a man in a pickup truck who promptly blocked the intersection with his truck. She then walked me across the street and wished me a happy day.

Saw you in the Ojo 39

Roots

By Alvin Alexsi Currier

Y

ears ago when I was a college Chaplain, a young girl eagerly sought me out at the end of the summer vacation.

During the vacation she had traveled to Greece. Her grandparents had come from Greece. In the spring as she was planning the trip she had confided in me that she wanted to visit the village of her grandparents. Her parents discouraged her from traveling alone so far up into the remote mountains of northern Greece. She asked my advice.

I encouraged her. After she returned this is the story she had to tell.

“After getting off the bus I spent most of the morning trudging up a dusty, winding, dirt road, past isolated farmhouses until in the blazing noonday sun the cluster of squat blindingly white buildings that made up the village appeared. I lost all my courage. I had to force myself to move. I couldn’t see a soul. I finally made it right into the midst of the buildings and only then did a young man about my age appear.

In astonishment he studied me, my little backpack, and my western clothes.

He addressed me with a blast of Greek.

His eyes widened as he realized that I didn’t speak Greek. I pointed a finger at myself and announced the name of my grandparents. Again his eyes widened even further in astonishment. He repeated my grandparents name in a voice that sounded like a thunderclap.

In a sudden flood of Greek, punctuated with the repeated mentions of my grandparents name, he indicated that I was to wait right there.

He ran away. I stood in the middle of the road in the middle of the village.

Curious villagers began to appear, at a distance, but in a circle all around me.

I could hear a murmur of conversation.

“I stood there and waited and waited. I was terrified. I wanted to cry. I wanted to faint but I couldn’t. Then, at the far end of the street, a dozen or so people appeared with the young man. I can’t describe them all but in the center was an old man in a wrinkled suit. He was obviously an important person.

His face was weathered and his eyes

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were intense. He walked right up to me and the crowd folded in around me. He spoke in a commanding voice and from somewhere an English translation appeared.

I showed him my passport and explained to the translator that my grandparents had come from this village. A great buzz of excitement passed through the crowd. He asked my grandfathers name and when I answered there were gasps. When he asked about my grandmother it was the same, but when he asked about my father and mother my answers were met with stony silence. Next the old man walked to within inches of my face, and spoke in short strong sentences of Greek that hit me in translation as follows.

“Your grandfather and your grandmother were born in this village.”

He took a long pause before saying deliberately and emphatically: “But they left this village and never came back.”

It seemed to me that he shouted the words: ’never came back.’

His flashing eyes stared at me as he continued.

“Your father was born to a father and to a mother that came from this village, but he never came back.”

Again he seemed to shout the last words: ‘never came back.’

Then everything happened all at once. He started to speak again. His voice was low and soft. I heard a murmur in the crowd. People started to cross themselves. Then a wailing began. I was terrified. Then I noticed that the old man’s eyes were filled with tears. The English translation drifted into my consciousness as he embraced me and kissed me on both cheeks.

“But you, my child, you have come back, you have come back, we are your family, this is your village, this is your home, you belong here, welcome, welcome, welcome home.”

The young woman ended her story with vivid vignettes of the days that followed as she experienced the village that would now be hers forever.

Saw you in the Ojo 41

Making Love In English

By Barbara Eldridge (Republished by Request)

Y

ears ago, when I was a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis, I attended a reading by the Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes. The event was held in the Hurst Lounge, a small venue with plush sofas and massive medieval tapestries designed to render an air of literary sophistication for the audience of university professors and their students. Nevertheless, when Fuentes strode to the podium, two women behind me abandoned all pretense and audibly sighed, “Oh my god, he’s so handsome!”

Fuentes was indeed a charismatic presence and an energetic reader.

That night he read from his novel The Death of Artemio Cruz. He gave a dy-

42

Carlos Fuentes

namic performance made even more impressive because he was reading from the Spanish version of his novel and translating on the spot into English. As the son of a diplomat, Fuentes spent much of his childhood in the United States, so he was equally fluent in Spanish and English. During the question and answer period that followed the reading, someone asked him which language he preferred. His

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

answer was diplomatic. “I dream in Spanish,” he said.

I recall one significant moment when Fuentes faltered in his reading. He’d come to a scene that caused him to pause. An awkward silence followed for which Fuentes apologized.

He explained his difficulty. The passage was one in which his characters were about to make passionate love.

He could not translate it into English, he said, because “it would sound like pornography.”

It’s been over three decades since the night of that reading, but I still regret not asking Fuentes to elaborate on his remark. Not one person at that reading asked for an explanation. I think at some level we all agreed it was true. Making love in English can sound like pornography.

Still, I wonder, why would a passionate love scene be acceptable in Spanish, but not in English? I suppose the obvious answer is that Spanish is a Romance language and English is…well, not. I should qualify. As a member of that group of languages descended from Latin, Spanish belongs to the Romance languages, but we can’t deny that it can also be very romantic. Its vowels create repetition and rhyme, the fundamental patterns of poetry. Its various cadences are emotional and expressive. It’s no surprise that Spanish is the language of some of the world’s most beautiful love poetry—Pablo Neruda’s Twenty Love Poems and A Song of Despair— poems so powerful that when first published, they reportedly sent more than one heartbroken lover to his death.

Fiction writers are at a disadvantage when writing about passion.

They are bound to place and time, not simply to imagery. They must render the continuous action the reader expects in a scene. The problem is, as Fuentes suggested, English can be rather crude. Like many of the Germanic languages, it often sounds like so much coughing and spitting.

It can be dominated by abrupt onesyllable Anglo-Saxon action verbs, what editors want when they tell writers to “punch it up.” Verbs like “thrust” or “throb” or “suck.” Or, like “punch.”

Words with violent overtones. Words that lead to graphic depictions.

When I was an undergraduate, I took a seminar in the works of D.H. Lawrence. My professor pointed out with salacious glee every time Lawrence used the word “erect.” If a character rode a horse, he sat erect in the saddle, etc. Lawrence would have considered my professor a pervert. In his treatise on pornography and obscenity, Lawrence claimed that in his novels graphic depictions of sex were

not pornographic. Rather, it was the public perception that was twisted.

He wanted to equate the sex act in fiction with a metaphysical experience. He approached the sex scene with a revolutionary fervor, but his real battle was with the censors of his time. Luckily, a judge saw the literary merit of his work.

It’s possible when Carlos Fuentes skipped the translation of the sex scene at his reading, he was simply being sensitive to cultural differences.

Even translated into English, Fuentes’ writing is of the highest literary merit.

Audiences, on the other hand, can twist words.

Today we have an entire genre of fiction devoted to graphic sex without much fear of censorship. The romance novel is wildly popular, in spite of its dubious literary merits. I recently ran across an article on the internet announcing a popular romance writer’s latest novel. In the comments section, one of her readers wrote that she hoped this novel spent more time on character development and less on graphic sex. Another reader commented, “Oh grow up!”

We’ve come a long way since D.H. Lawrence. I consider the romance novel with its attempts at titillation to be soft porn, mainly for women. I may be one of the few who never finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey. I picked it up to see what all the shouting was about, and put it down because the writing was tedious. (He pushes her up against the wall. He reaches between her legs…yada yada yada yada).

So how do you write a passionate love scene in English without it sounding like pornography? I think first of all, you must have characters the reader can care about. What’s missing from so much writing today is the idea that the union of two bodies, two souls is an act of intimacy. It’s not just panting and groping. So how do you make it meaningful? How do you give it literary merit? One answer, I think, is to borrow from the poets.

One of the most memorable sex scenes in English literature came from Ernest Hemingway, a writer with so much affinity for the Spanish language and the sensibility of the people. In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway’s characters, Robert Jordan and Maria, whom the reader has come to know, make passionate love, and afterwards they tenderly ask each other, “Did the earth move for you?” Yes, Carole King used the line in a song. It’s no longer fresh, but in the context of the novel, it still works.

It’s a simple metaphor that translates into any language. It is intimate. It is powerful. It is pure poetry.

Saw you in the Ojo 43

VACHEL LINDSAY – Prairie Troubadour

By Mark Sconce msconce@gmail.com

T

wilight is the ideal time to visit the Oak Ridge Cemetery here in Springfield, Illinois. You can still see the tombstones even as an evening haze settles in, some would say a ghostly haze.

Over there is the most prominent monument in the cemetery, and you instinctively know whom it memorializes when you recall the prairie-lawyer who once split rails in this neck of the woods. Just a stone’s throw from his commanding presence is a less-noticed headstone that simply says Nicholas Vachel Lindsay 1879-1931 Poet. In truth, a prairie poet, who wrote this about Abraham Lincoln.

It is portentous, and a thing of state That here at midnight, in our little town A mourning figure walks, and will not rest, Near the old court-house pacing up and down.

A bronzed, lank man! His suit of ancient black, A famous high top-hat and plain worn shawl Make him the quaint great figure that men love,

44

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

The prairie-lawyer, master of us all.

His head is bowed. He thinks on men and kings.

Yea, when the sick world cries, how can he sleep?

Too many peasants fight, they know not why, Too many homesteads in black terror weep.

The sins of all the war-lords burn his heart.

He sees the dreadnoughts scouring every main.

He carries on his shawl-wrapped shoulders now The bitterness, the folly and the pain.

But becoming a poet, not to mention a wandering troubadour, wasn’t exactly what his parents had in mind when they sent junior off to pre-medical school where, after three years, he quit. He convinced his parents to underwrite a program at the Chicago Art Institute and, later, the New York School of Art where an instructor suggested he would make a better poet than painter. Vachel managed to sell several poems to a New York magazine, but not enough. He decided to take his art and poetry to the highways and byways of the country “bringing hope to the common people” through his art and poetry. He would support himself by trading poems and pamphlets for food and shelter.

Thus began one of the most remarkable literary journeys in American history. He set himself the task of reaching as many people as possible through poetry and art. From Florida through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky “afoot and penniless,” he sometimes had to beg door-to-door just to survive. The 600-mile journey was no cakewalk: “No one cared for my pictures, no one cared for my verse, and I turned beggar in sheer desperation.” Yet he made it in just three months, unscathed, and felt rather proud of his effort.

Forever restless and mission-driven, Vachel once again took to the road in 1908 to walk from New York through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana and on to Springfield. This time, however, he gave public and private lectures in high schools, dance studios or club meetings—auditoriums were filled for him. They came as much for the performance as the poetry. He also met Harriet Monroe of Chicago, a patron of the arts and founder of Poetry, who decided to publish one of his submissions: General William Booth Enters Into Heaven.“ To Be Sung to the tune of The Blood of the Lamb.”

William Booth was the founder and first General of The Salvation Army, and one of Vachel’s heroes. Marginal notes for the poem include “Bass drums beaten loudly,”“ Banjos,” “Sweet flute music,” “Tambourines to the foreground.”

Big-voiced lasses made their banjos bang, Tranced, fanatical they shrieked and sang:— “Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”

It was an instant hit and heralded a new and exciting career for one who believed in home-towns, rural values, and “the uncommon qualities in the common man.” His success continued with the 1914 publication of The Congo: A Study of the Negro Race. It was the poem most requested and most remembered, and audiences often chanted along with Vachel when it came to the chorus: Walk with care, walk with care/Or Mumbo-Jumbo, God of the Congo, And all the other Gods of the Congo, Mumbo-Jumbo will hoo-doo you.

Beware, beware, walk with care, With a boomlay, boomlay, boomlay, BOOM. THEN I SAW THE CONGO, CREEPING THROUGH THE BLACK, CUTTING THROUGH THE FOREST WITH A GOLDEN TRACK. Volumes of his poetry were published and selling well. Lecture tours were organized by his new wife, Elizabeth, whom he met in Spokane, Washington where he lived for four years both as a celebrity and a working poet. She was a twenty-three-year-old teacher half his age and, as a married woman, by law, she could no longer teach school. Thus, she became dependent on Vachel’s boom-or-bust livelihood. Desperate for money, he undertook an exhausting six-month tour of lectures and recitals that wouldn’t have paid the rent had it not been for his wife’s careful management and the lifetime achievement award he received from The Poetry Foundation of $500 or about $7,500 today. He paid his bills and moved the family back to Springfield.

Finally, the prairie troubadour’s depression took a fatal and painful turn in 1931. He was fifty-two when he drank the bottle of Lysol that killed him. His last words were: “They tried to get me; I got them first!” One might say he died from paranoia. Vachel Lindsay’s most important contributions were his commitment to poetry as a performance art at a time when poetry was becoming more and more “an artifact of the printed page.” Then, too, his celebration of the village in a century when most of American culture turned more and more toward the teeming urban centers. Even so, few poets in their lifetime become as widely known as Vachel Lindsay. Over a million people heard or witnessed his work during his lifetime.

Mark Sconce

Swampwoman

I

’ve noticed that as we age my friends are all being struck by more health ailments. Our prescription numbers increase with our years on the planet. Most of our issues are shared and common: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high weight numbers. This was not the “high” we envisioned to grace our senior years. There isn’t anything fun about adding these concerns to our already challenging lives.

Every now and then someone calls with an odd diagnosis. One friend had “Dura Leakage.” Her spine was leaking fluid. This sounded scary and was accompanied by migraines. Her specialist had to give her painful shots in her spine, and the treatments were numerous. Traditional medication failed to ease her pain. I cross fingers with each shot, hoping this might be the one that works.

Another friend called with the droll pronouncement that she had “Tree and Bud, whatever the hell that is!” I researched and the photos of the blooming tree in the lungs were sobering. That tree shouldn’t be there. Of course, this could advance to something life-threatening. We don’t discuss it.

This week I was taking a bath, when I went to rinse soap off my hands. Wait!

What was this bump in my palm?! I soaped and rinsed four or five times, thinking this would disappear. No such luck.

I dried off and took a long look at my hand. There were two of these weird knots which had appeared seemingly overnight. I Googled “knots in palms.”

Google can really help the amateur diagnostician. Three possible causes came right up on my screen. One had vivid photos that looked exactly like my palm. Diagnosis: Dupuytren’s. Basically, nodules form and can cause your fingers to become stuck or curl inward.

Frightening. Of course, this was on my

right hand, and I’m right-handed. What if my middle finger stuck, and I walked around shooting the finger at everyone? My popularity would plummet, and my lifespan would shorten. Shooting the bird gets you shot in Texas. I was in deep trouble.

I sent a photo to one friend. She said she too had it. She said not to worry about surgery, as they might just amputate the offending finger. She chose to live with it, bumpiness and all. She wondered if we might become a traveling act, like twin freaks. Her humor didn’t cheer me as much as she intended.

----------------I had to accompany my husband to a plastic surgeon for a biopsy on his face.

I’d sneak a chance to show this to the surgeon, under the guise of requesting he remove the offending bumps. He took one look at the nodules, now increased to four. As they had seemingly multiplied in forty-eight hours, I had visions of me in a horror movie, the character Swampwoman. Scary, gnarly, scaled over. I’d frighten small children, repulse adults. My latest grandchild would nickname me Bumpy and wouldn’t want her head touched with my reptilian hand.

The doctor said what I had usually occurred in older Scandinavian men. He had a perplexed expression. How comforting. He referred me to a hand surgeon. His nurse offered comfort, “Maybe the hand specialist can give you some steroid shots as a first option.” Imagine that numerous long needles penetrating my sensitive palm was a wonderful first option.

I’ll call to make the appointment today. I hope I can get in soon. The way these bumps are proliferating, I don’t have time to waste.

I’m too old for the rigorous schedules required to produce horror movies.

Katina Pontikes

Saw you in the Ojo 45

The Ojo Crossword

ACROSS 1 Scour 6 Eastern Standard Time 9 Weaken 13 Lowest 14 Expression of surprise 15 Measuring instrument 16 Adios 17 Distress call 18 National capital 19 Offspring 20 Grow teeth 22 Concord e.g.

23 Compass point 24 Ozone 25 Snaky fish 27 Broil 29 Supporting 33 Nada 34 Bath 35 Stray 36 Opposing finger 39 Pea holder 40 Distrust 41 Nimbus 42 Kitten´s cry 43 Bad (prefix) 44 Milder 46 Improvise a speech 49 Sight organs 50 Not amateur 51 Compass point 53 Hog 56 Skin care product brand 58 Prod 59 Trunk 61 Transgression 62 Angel of love 63 Kitchen seat 64 Tender loving care 65 Projection 66 First light 67 Perceive 68 Grassy marsh plant

46

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

DOWN 1 Appease 2 Surrendering 3 Looter 4 Avails 5 British thermal unit 6 Comforts 7 Loafer 8 Tongue part 9 Date 10 Pen fillers 11 “You can´t eat just one” brand 12 Horse´s gait 15 Inscribed stone 20 Gangly 21 Seasoning 24 Voluble 26 Move computer screen 28 Convict 30 Promissory note 31 Snatch 32 Greenwich Mean Time 34 Pull 36 Price sticker 37 Color 38 Pot 39 Perseveres 40 Pedestal part 42 Sports event 43 Red planet 45 Household cleaner brand 47 Crustacean 48 Musician (3 wds.)

50 Plural for pennies 52 V-shaped object 53 Posttraumatic stress disorder 54 Small particle 55 Raise 57 Wicked 58 Unsullied 60 Child 62 Hertz (abbrev)

GROWING APPRECIATION —For Life at Lakeside!

By Barbara Hildt

O

ur love of life here in Ajijic stays strong, as long as we don’t take the benefits for granted and forget to appreciate the great weather, the natural beauty and the people and many other positive qualities of life in this Mexican community.

I particularly love the amazing variety of creativity expressed in so many forms and mediums: murals on walls, ceramics, weavings, sculptures, etc.

We appreciate how naturally friendly and polite most Mexicans are.

Our impression has been that most natives don’t mind having so many gringos here. Many are aware that with our presence come jobs and assistance for those in need.

Recently I have wondered if I’m not picking up some feelings of resentment from encounters with Mexicans in stores, on buses and on the streets. Even when I try to connect with a smile and greeting, the response often feels less friendly and more reserved, perhaps cautious.

But I wonder if some local Mexicans haven’t developed negative feelings from adverse dealings they’ve had with the gringos.

As the community grows and changes, the attitudes and behaviors of some people may not be as positive as they have been. Lately, I’ve seen gringos act impatiently and insensitively toward Mexicans. It’s disturbing and embarrassing to witness behaviors of foreigners that show ignorance of the culture and basic Spanish language, as well as disrespect toward Mexicans. The insensitive, demanding, impolite behaviors of some foreigners are most likely causing many local Mexicans to have mixed feelings and even resentment toward the invaders.

As long as development is allowed to continue along the lake, we can expect more traffic congestion and a few more inconveniences waiting for services. We can’t do anything to prevent more foreigners from com-

ing to this wonderful area and Mexican community. But we can set good examples for them by our actions and attitude. We have heard from friends who live in San Miguel de Allende that relations between the expat and Mexican communities have deteriorated.

We shouldn’t let that happen here!

We can all help to keep relations between foreign immigrants and Mexicans friendly, appreciative and mutually supportive by fostering better feelings with our own positive attitudes and behaviors. Here are some easy ways we can each grow our love for this place while fostering more positive and respectful relations with all people here at Lakeside: Open your eyes wide to take in and appreciate all the beauty.

1. Allow yourself to feel gratitude and happiness that you are in this good weather.

2. Smile and say hello - hola, buen dia or buenas tardes - to all people you meet.

3. Say “perdon” or “con permiso” with permission, when you need to pass 4. When you need help say, “por favor, puedes ayudarme.”

5. Be patient. Try not to be in a hurry.

6. Express gratitude, by saying “gracias” or “muchas gracias” every chance you get.

7. Smile and make eye contact when you pass anyone on the street.

8. Don’t expect things to be the way they were where you came from.

9. Accept the unexpected. And laugh as Mexicans do at whatever, “ni modo” By staying positive, flexible, with an open heart we will feel happier and more peaceful. If the majority of foreigners are kind and generous, showing respect and appreciation by using words of gratitude when relating to others, particularly Mexicans, we can do a lot to foster mutual trust and respect.

Barbara Hildt

Saw you in the Ojo 47

CHURCH DIRECTORY ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN Church Worship Service and Sunday School at 11:00 am 4600 Avenida Tepeyac, Guad.

Tel. (01 333) 121-6741.

ABUNDANT LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD Carr. 140 next to Mail Boxes etc, Tel: 766-5615.

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING CELEBRATION SERVICE 1st Sunday of each month, Nicolas Bravo #17 Ajijic.

Tel: (376) 766-0920 or tim@revdoctim.com CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS Services in English and Spanish, 10 am, Riberas del Pilar Tel. (376) 7657067, President: Pedro Aguilera. Recidence (376) 762-0299.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Services Sun. 10 am, Alvaro Obregon 119, Chapala. Tel. (376) 765-4210.

CHRIST CHURCH LAKESIDE Eucharist for each Sunday 11:00 am. La Huerta Eventos Center in West Ajijic.

Rev. Danny Borkowski at (376) 766-2495 or Jim Powers (387) 761-0017.

HOME CHURCH INT’L Locations by calling (332) 242-8648, or email yeshuapfa@gmail.com JEWISH CONGREGATION Santa Margarita 113, Riberas del Pilar, Tel: 766-2668. lcjcac@gmail.com for information and service times.

Web site: www. lakechapalajewishcongregation.com.

LAKE CHAPALA BAPTIST CHURCH Sunday Bible study at 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship at 11 a.m. at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar.

Eddie Garnett, deacon. Tel. (331) 608-0856 LAKE CHAPALA UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP

The Unitarians meet Sundays at 10:30 am. Hidalgo #261 Riberas del Pilar. Lew Crippen, 766-1119.

LAKESIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Worship-Sunday 10 am; Bible Study-Friday at 9:45 am; San Jorge 250; Riberas del Pilar Church Office at 376-106-0853.

Website at www.lpcchapala.org LITTLE CHAPEL BY THE LAKE Sun. services 11:15 am, Chula Vista,. Jal, Tel. (376) 106-1199, 766-4409 SAN ANDRES CATHOLIC CHURCH Services 9 am on Sunday, Ajijic, Tel: 766-0922.

SAINT ANDREW´S ANGLICAN CHURCH Calle San. Lucas 19, Riberas del Pilar, Worship begins at 10 a.m., “Coffee Hour,” a time of fellowship and welcome. Tel: 765-3926. www.standrewsriberas.com.

ST. MARK’S ANGLICAN GUADALAJARA St. Mark’s is at Chichimecas 836 in Colonia Monraz.

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El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

Saw you in the Ojo 49

Service

www.tel.chapala.com

DIRECTORY

* BED & BREAKFAST

* ADVERTISING / DIRECTORY - EL OJO DEL LAGO

- CASA TRES LEONES

Tel. 765-3676

Cell: (045) 331-350-6764

Tel: 33-1228-5377 Cell: (045) 331-520-3054 Pag: 11

Tel: 766-5961

* BEER & LIQUOR STORES

* ANIMAL CLINICS/PET SHOP - BIO MAXCOTA

Cell: (045) 333-507-3024

Pag: 47

Pag: 26

* BOUTIQUE / CUSTOM SEWING

Tel: 766-0808

Pag: 12

- LAKESIDE FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS AC Tel: 765-5544

Pag: 13

- MASKOTA’S LAKE Tel: 766-0287

Tel/Fax: 766-1790

Tel: 766-5131

Tel: 766-3771, Cell: 331-340-3758

- GARDEN CENTER

Cell: 331-241-9773, Tel: (376) 766-4534

* GRILLS Pag: 13 Pag: 24

Tel: 766-6153

Tel: 765-2224, Cell. 331-135-0763

* HAND LOOMS

Pag: 44

Pag: 03

DENTISTS

- TELARES LOS REYES

Pag: 32

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Tel: (376) 766-5640

Tel: 766-0133

Pag: 06

Tel: 331-762-7838

Tel: 765-5584, 766-3847

Pag: 25

* DEPTORS ANONYMOUS

Pag: 41

Pag: 12

- DEPTORS ANONYMOUS

* CANOPIES

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* ELECTRONICS/ TECHNOLOGY

- LONAS MEXICO Tel: 766-0045, Cell: 33-3956-4852

Pag: 28

- M.D. CARLOS ALONSO FLORES VALDOVINOS - STEREN

Tel: 766-5126, 766-4435

Tels. 766-0599, 766-0630

* CLEANING SERVICES

* HOTELS / SUITES Pag: 47

- AXIXIC SPRING CLEANING

Pag: 35

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Tel: 766-5140- Cell: 33-1075-7768 Tel: 33-2385-0410

- DIANE PEARL COLECCIONES

* FINANCIAL SERVICES Pag: 39

- LA NUEVA POSADA - EFFICIENT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Pag: 34

Cell: 333-451-8139

Pag: 10

Tel: 766-1444, 766-1344

* INSURANCE

* AUTOMOTIVE

- HEALTH INSURANCE - TRANSITIONAL DIRECTIONS - Life Coaching

Pag: 39

Tel: +52 331-435-7080

Pag: 36

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Tel: 108-1087

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Tel: 766-0395, 1-888-449-7799

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Pag: 03

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Pag: 43

* COMPUTERS

Pag: 07

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Tel: 33-2340-7501 / 766-5933

Tel: 766-4828 Pag: 43

Pag: 09

Pag: 33

* CONSIGNMENT SHOP * GARAGE DOORS OPENERS

* BEAUTY - EDITH’S SALON Cell: 33-1310-9372

50

Pag: 44

- AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Pag: 40

* LEGAL SERVICES

* CONSTRUCTION

- NEW LOOK STUDIO Tel: 766-6000, 33-3950-9990

Tel: (387) 763-0782 Pag: 25

Tel: 766-4973

Pag: 40

* INVESTMENT - INVESTMENT

- TEPEHUA TREASURES Tel: 763-5126

Pag: 11

- UOU

Tel: 106-1618, 333-149-4536

Tel: 766-2499

Pag: 20

- TIOCORP

- BENNO - Computer Solutions

Tel: 766-5978

U.S. Toll Free 1-800-608-5743 Mexico Toll Free 01-800-681-6730

* FURNITURE - INTERCAM

Pag: 14

- PROTEXPLAN

Tel: 688-2826, Cell: 331-464-6705

* BANK INVESTMENT

Pag: 10

- PARKER INSURANCE SERVICES Tel: 765-5287, 765-4070

- ISHOPNMAIL

Pag: 15

- LAKESIDE INSURANCE - EDGAR CEDEÑO Cell: (045) 33-3106-6982

* FUMIGATION

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Pag: 17

- MULTISERVICIO AUTOMOTRIZ ESCALERA Tel: 765-4424

Pag: 03

Pag: 08

* FISH MARKET

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- ZAINO MEXICO

Pag: 11

Pag: 24

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Tel: 766-5683

Pag: 54

Pag: 20

* HEARING AIDS Pag: 24

* ART GALLERIES/HANDCRAFTS

Tel: 33-3170-6135, 33-3677-3482

Pag: 10

- CHAPALA DENTAL CARE

- PET FOOD AND GROOMING

Tel: 766-2980

Pag: 16

- WARWICK CONSTRUCTION

Tel: 766-0880, Fax: 766-2440

Tel: 766-3062

Pag: 32

Pag: 38

- PET PLACE Cell: 333-1964-150

Pag: 16

- RAINFOREST

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Tel: 766-5959

- SO CHIC BOUTIQUE

Pag: 38

766-1760 765-4444 766-5555

Tel: 765-5973

Pag: 41

- PISOS Y AZULEJOS DE LA RIBERA

- LA BELLA VIDA

- CLINICA VETERINARIA SAN ANTONIO

Pag: 42

- SIKA

- CUGINIS BOUTIQUE

Tel: (376) 762-1486, Cell: 332-115-0076

066 765-2308, 765-2553 766-3615

* GARDENING

- ROBERTO MILLAN - ARCHITECT

- BETO’S WINE & LIQUOR

Pag: 46

Pag: 26

- MARBLE & GRANITE

Cell: 331-250-6486

- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

EMERGENCY HOTLINE AMBULANCE - CRUZ ROJA FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICE Ajijic Chapala La Floresta

- GENERAL HOME SERVICES - Amancio Ramos Jr.

Tel: 766-1306

* ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

- SOLBES & SOLBES

Pag: 24

- COMFORT SOLUTIONS

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

Tel: 331-520-5529, Cell: 333-676-6245

Pag: 39

* LIGHTING

Tel: (376) 688-2683, Cell: 332-255-2040

Pag: 46

* SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

Pag: 39

Tel: 33-1862-8442 - GO BISTRO

* REAL ESTATE

- L&D CENTER Tel: 766-1064

Cell: (045) 33-3502-6555

- AJIJIC HOME INSPECTIONS

* LUMBER

Tel: 33-3904-9573

Tel: 765-2404, 765-3404

Pag: 34

Tel: 766-2077

Pag: 23 Pag: 43

- TONY’S Tel: 766-1614

Pag: 10

Pag: 47

- PIAN - Cocina Thai

Pag: 05

- SCALLION

- COLDWELL BANKER CHAPALA REALTY

Tel: 766-2301

Tel: 766-1152, 766-3369 Fax: 766-2124,

- SIMPLY THAI

Tels: 765-2877 Fax: 765-3528

Pag: 56

Tel: 766-1994 - CUMBRES Tel: 33-2002-2400

Ophthalmic Surgeon

- EAGER & ASOCIADOS Pag: 17

Pag: 34

Tel: (376) 766 1917, 1918

Pag: 05 Pag: 31

Pag: 32

Tel: 766-3565

* RETIREMENT/REST/NURSING HOMES

Pag: 25

- AIMAR Tel: Cell: 33-1741-3515

Tel: 766-1381

Pag: 39

* STAINED GLASS

Pag: 38

Tel: 766-4767

- YVES

- ALTA RETINA - Dr. Rigoberto Rios León Tel: 766-1521, 688-1122

Pag: 35

- THE PEACOCK GARDEN Pag: 25

Tel: 766-3379

Pag: 20

Tel: 766-2881

Tel: 33-2002-2400

Tel: (376) 766-5653, 331-385-9839 - TOTAL BODY CARE

Pag: 07

Tel: 765-5719

- CONTINENTAL REALTY

* MEDICAL SERVICES

- GANESHA SPA Pag: 44

- MOM’S DELI & RESTAURANT

- CIELOVISTA

* MEAT/POULTRY/CHEESE

Pag: 22

Pag: 21

- BEV COFELL Cell: 33-1193-1673

Pag: 48

* SPA / MASSAGE

- “LA TAVERNA”DEI QUATTRO MORI

Tel: 766-4296

Tel: 766-1049, Cell. 33-1210-7723 Pag: 29

Tel: 765-7032

- LOS MOLLETES

Pag: 46

- LOS NIÑOS DE CHAPALA Y AJIJIC

Pag: 03

Tel: 766-2848

- BETTINA BERING

- CENTRO LAGUNA

- LA NUEVA POSADA Tel: 766-1444, 766-1344

- ALL-IN-1 Tel. 766-1161, 766-2115

* MALL / OUTLET

Tel: 766-5514

Pag: 26

- FAR Cell: 331-321-6969

Pag: 09

Tel: 766-1946

- AJIJIC REAL ESTATE

- MADERERIA CHAPALA-Hardware for Carpenters

Pag: 12

- LA CASA DEL WAFFLE

Pag: 44

Pag: 26

* TAXI / TRANSPORTATION - ARTURO FERNANDEZ Cell: (045) 333-954-3813

Pag: 06

- OMAR MEDINA Cell: 33-1281-2818

Pag: 41

- FOR SALE BY OWNER

- DERMIKA Tel: 766-2500

Pag: 09

Tel: 766-5267, 333-903-6056

- DR. HECTOR G. MIRAMONTES - SPECIALIST

- FOR SALE BY OWNER

IN COSMETIC SURGERY

Tel: 33-1717-8388

Tel: (332) 203-6398

- JUDIT RAJHATHY

Pag: 18

Cell: (045) 331 - 395 - 9849

Ophthalmologist

- KATHLEEN MCLENNAN Pag: 19

Pag: 46

Cell: 332-221-6855, Tel: 766-4530/4540

Pag: 15

Tel: (376) 766-4530/40

- BEST MEXICO MOVERS

Cell: 331-365-0558

US/CANADA: (915) 235-1951

- MONTELAGO Pag: 28

- LAKE CHAPALA MOVING Tel: 766-5008

- CHAPALA TREE SERVICE Pag: 19

Pag: 42

* WATER

Pag: 22

* SATELLITES/ T.V.

- TECNO AQUA

Pag: 55

Tel: 766-3731, 688-1038 - AJIJIC ELECTRONICS S.A. DE C.V.

Pag: 35

Tel: 762-0602

- VIDA BELLA

Tel/Fax: 766-1117, 766-3371

Pag: 40

Pag:

38

- SHAW SATELLITE SERVICES

Tel: 33-2536-9370, 33-1279-4190

Pag: 27

Pag: 22

Tel: 33-1402-4223

- RADISSON BLU Pag: 06

- STROM-WHITE MOVERS Tel: 766-6153

- NURSING HOME LAKE CHAPALA S.C.

Tel: 765-4000 Pag: 45

- LORI FIELSTED REALTY

US Cell: (520) 940-0481

* TREE SERVICE Pag: 37

Tel: 376 688-1705

- LAKE CHAPALA REAL ESTATE

* MOVERS

- LA PUEBLITA

Tel: 766-0404

DRA. CLAUDIA LILIA CAMACHO CHOZATel: 33-3403-3857

Pag: 32

Tel: 766-4525, Cell: 332-255-5972 Pag: 16

- INSTITUTO THOMAS MORE

Pag: 37

Pag: 03

- SANTANA RENTALS & REAL ESTATE

Pag: 40

Tel: 33-2002-2400

Pag: 05

Tel: 315-351-5167 - D.J. HOWARD

Pag: 02

- RAUL GONZALEZ Cell: 33-1437-0925

* MUSIC / THEATRE / EVENTS

* SCHOOLS

Ajijic Resort, Spa & Residences

- VISTA ALEGRE

Tel: 766-3044

Pag: 20

* RENTALS/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

* OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT - MAQUINARIA Y HERRAMIENTAS

- COLDWELLBANKER CHAPALA REALTY

PROFESIONALES

Tel: 766-1152, Cell:(045) 331-386-7597

Tel: 387-763-1232, Cell: 33-1892-2142

Pag: 40

Cell: 33-1115-6584, 33-3196-9679

Pag: 46

- HACIENDA PMR Pag: 10

- QUIROZ-Pinturas Tel: 766-2311

Pag: 43

- FOR RENT

- QUIROZ-Impermeabilizantes Tel: 766-2311

Pag: 45

- FOR RENT Cell: 333-667-6554

* PAINT

The Ojo Crossword

Tel: 766-3320

Pag: 47

- SANTANA RENTALS & REAL ESTATE Pag: 14

Tel: 315-351-5167

Pag: 40

- ROMA

* PHARMACIES

Tel: 766-3163, 766-5171

Pag: 11

- VILLAS DEL SOL - FARMACIA EXPRESS II Tel: 766-0656

Tel: 766-1152

Pag: 30

Pag: 45

- FARMACIA MASKARAS Tel: 766-3539

Pag: 30

* RESTAURANTS/CAFES/BAR

- FARMEX Tel: 765-5005

Pag: 43

- AJIJIC TANGO Tel: 766-2458

* PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Tel: 33-1301-9862 - JOSÉ MARTÍNEZ RUBALCAVA

Pag: 54

- ALFREDO’S CALIFORNIA Pag: 42

- BAR JAMON

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CARS

WANTED: I can buy it under $50,000 pesos. Call: 333-955-8594 tony FOR SALE: 2016 Honda HR-V Epic. White with black interior. 55,000 K, mostly highway driven. High 30’s mpg. Door edge guards, front bug deflector, all weather floor mats, autodimming mirror. $235,000. Available April. Call: 766-4716.

FOR SALE: White 2013 CX-9, Grand Touring, tan leather, navigation, all the usual options. Approximately 110,000 km, new tires recently, regularly serviced by Mazda, excellent condition. $235,000 pesos. Call 331-7878252.

WANTED: Looking to buy older model VW Beetle (Vocho). Must be in good condition. Please contact. Email: tomstewart@live.com.

WANTED: Cargo Trailer Good Condition. Please advise. Minimum 6 x 10. Email: monrio1@yahoo.com.

WANTED: I live in San Antonio, Texas. But visit my brother in Chapala couple times a year. I am looking to purchase a u.s. Plated vehicle for my daughter. I will consider all offers.

Please write me or call: 210-374-5641.

Email: Elijo707@yahoo.com.

FOR SALE: AUTOMOTIVE 2019 Mazda CX-3. Selling car - had to move back to the States. Car has sunroof and 18 inch wheels. Perfect condition. Contact USA Cell 772-485-0783. $15,000 USD 3000 miles on it.

FOR SALE: 1973 volkswagen thing, good running, condition motor and transmission rebuilt, new paint, driven every day. Asking $3500.00 us dollars obo. phone Frank 332-954-3206.

COMPUTERS FOR SALE: HP 46 Printer Cartridges - 3 color & 4 black. All can be yours for $700 pesos. Regular price at Office Depot is $259 pesos each. Call Donna at 766-4636 if interested.

FOR SALE: two 952xl black for hp office pro 8710. Bought at Costco was over $900 pesos for two works on USA 8710 printer. $400 pesos for both.

Wayne 766-1860.

PETS & SUPPLIES FREE: Neutered 2-year old, handsome and affectionate gray and white male cat needs a forever home. His name is Boomer. He is feline leukemia free and has had shots with paper health certificate from his vet. This guy adopted me last year. Unfortunately, my cranky old lady cat wants nothing to do with him, my house is on the market, I will be leaving in six weeks and cannot take him with me. My two options: find him a home or put him down. I don’t like the second one.

Email: slickrock39@yahoo.com.

FOR SALE: Pet Crate. 24” fits dog 6 kilos to 11 kilos (13 lbs. to 24 lbs) Black metal wire w/2 doors. Total visibility on all sides. New condi-

52

tion. Paid $1000 pesos. Purchased @ Lakeside Friends of Animals. Has carry handle. Dimensions in cm: 62 X 44 X 51. Price: $750 pesos. Email: patriciahemigway@gmail.com.

GENERAL MERCHANDISE

WANTED: I am interested in purchasing wood working tools and machinery. All things considered, drills, clamps, drill press, table saw etc.

Please call or Whatsapp 331-7517520.

FOR SALE: Extension ladder 6 meters in length. It sells for $4,190.00 pesos. I will sell it for half price. Contact Louise 376-766-1127.

FOR SALE: Men’s XL & XXL Clothing. 50 pesos each for shirts, pants, warm up suits, dress pants & jackets, outdoor shorts. Call: 331-765-3163.

FOR SALE: Shaw Arris 800 receiver like new with remote, power cord and HDMI cable. Free and clear to be activated. Price: $3000 pesos. Call: 376-766-4032.

WANTED: I’m looking for display easels for showing art work at the LCS monthly event. These need not be complicated, just suitable to hold a 24 inch square framed art work. Email: vamostwo@yahoo.com.

FOR SALE: Side by side refrigerator freezer. In good working condition even the door ice maker! Not a beauty on the outside but would be great for a garage or casita. $5000 or best offer.

Email: laura1108@comcast.net.

FOR SALE: Corner cabinet 32 inches on the diagonal, 22 inches front to corner, 76 inches high. Top door has glass insert and one shelf. Bottom 2 doors open to one shelf. $2500 pesos.

376-766-4032.

FOR SALE: 2 wooden nightstands with 3 drawers - $1500 pesos each. 2 Arizona Kokopeli chairs - $800 pesos each. Cartop cargo carrier - 53 x 36 x 13 inches - fits most cars with roof rails - $2000 pesos. Paper shredder - one year old - $500 pesos. Vitamix blender - 2 years old - $3000 pesos. Electrical ceramic heater - $500 pesos. Humidifier - $300 pesos. Electronic translator - 40+ languages (incl Spanish to English) - $100 pesos. Kokopeli wall hanging - three pieces - ceramic - $800 pesos. artandgail@yahoo.com.

FOR SALE: Shaw 60E dish never used. Complete dish but has the ku lnb. $300 pesos. 376-766-4032.

FOR SALE: Farberware 20 piece knife set in wood block. Brand new in box $1200 pesos. 766-4032.

FOR SALE: I have beautiful Cathy Chalvignac and Javier Zaragoza paintings for sale. I am moving and cannot take them. Sadly parting with fine art. Contact: rdiamond99@live. com.

FOR SALE: Portable G2 Oxygen Concentrator. Has 5 levels of oxygen.

Call Helen at 766-1072 if you have questions. It is an inigen One Machine. 2 4 1/2 hour batteries. Carrying case. pull trolley with wheels. Manual

El Ojo del Lago / April 2020

instruction. I have the receipt the cost was $49,9000 pesos. Bought in October and used for a week, your price is only $30,000p. Email: julieywayne@ yahoo.com.

FOR SALE: Ceiling fans with lights, Whirlpool refrigerator, wrought iron and glass round tables, double bed with two nightstands, Ariston electric frontloading dryer, wooden 4-shelf book case, sofa, dining room table with leaf and 8 padded chairs, 5-drawer cabinet, wood and glass hutch, treadmill and Nautilus exercise bike, 2-car metal carport, Shaw Direct satellite dish and 2 receivers, Casio CTK-496 keyboard, 2 stepladders, two padded rotating bar stools, GM air compressor and hoses.

Email jim@fdaweb.com or U.S. telephone 623-239-7725, Mex. 331-7090901 – or browse in person at 712-D Carretera Chapala a Mezcala, Tlachichilco, San Juan Tecomatlan.

FOR SALE: counter-top dishwasher with manual. needs no plumbing or carpentry. Quite new call 766-2489.

FOR SALE: We have two single beds for sale - they have matching, basic, sturdy, wooden frames and very comfortable “comfort plus” mattresses. $1500 pesos for the pair. Contact me at stephanie@le-st-hilaire.com if you are interested.

FOR SALE: Wheelchair never used, Heavy duty, paid $7000 pesos, Make offer 376-763-5664.

FOR SALE: BH FITNESS MULTIGYM, Good as new. $300 pesos. To pick up in Ajijic Centro. Cel 333-3949770. Email: malecone@cloud.com.

FOR SALE: Gently used men’s clothing. Lucky enough to wear man’s size 38. 2 pairs jeans, 1 slacks, 1 denim shorts, 4 shirts, lg. 100mx each.

Thermals, joggers, bathing suit. 60 Mx each. Gently wor. Email: Doted4474@gmail.com.

FOR SALE: Over 50 paintings from small and very large all sizes, price right to sell, some you can canvas you can paint over to may to post pictures.

Todo Bueno Resale Shop. Email: rvhowardrenz@aol.com.

FOR SALE: Please pm me for more info if you’re interested in Warren Hardy Workbook #2, plus audio. In good condition, no writing in the workbook.

500 pesos. Includes audio. Email: v.v.kaskow@gmail.com.

FOR SALE: 2 identical red 4 wheeler SKYWAY expandable carry ons. Pull up handle. 21 inches x 13 x 8. Good condition. All zippers work. $400 pesos each or 2 for $700 pesos. Call: 7664032.

FOR SALE: Dog crate: Guliver #6, 92 cm X 64 cm X 66 cm h, with wheels, good for Husky, Labrador, Boxer, etc.

Price: $1,800. www.stefanplast.it for more details. Call: 331-785-7185 – 376-765-6161. Email: ejndrjnsn@ gmail.com.

FOR SALE: A rear mounted carrier that will carry one motorbike or small motorcycle. Up to 500 pounds, fits into a class 2 hitch. Is located in Roca Azul

RV park. $5000 pesos, price is firm.

Text or call 332-726-5718. I am posting for a friend, please contact him, Larry.

FOR SALE: Grey Micro plush blanket 90 inches x 88. 10 hour auto off. 10 heat settings. $2000 pesos. 376-7664032.

FOR SALE: 1500 Litre LP tank, no rust w/ remaining gas. Must be willing to move it. Call Phil 331-340-8115 or email: preitano@netzero.net.

FOR SALE: We’re selling 2 really nice, swiveling metal bar stools that have never been used. The measurements are: ht fm ground to top of backrest: 66.5cm/38in. ht fm ground to base of stool: 54cm/21.5in. cushions: 41cm/16in. cushion thickness: 4.5cm/1.75in. Please note that we’re selling these as a package (both) for $800mxn. 376-765-5085 or 332-617-3588.

FOR SALE: Lipitor 800 mg #90.

Not outdated. 25% off best Lakeside price. Email: 1988jeopardychampion@ gmail.com.

FOR SALE: Selling my 52-bottle Magic Chef wine fridge for $2,000 MXN. Cost about $10,000 MXN new. Dual zone cooling, easy to read internal thermometer. Works great. I built a wine cellar so no longer need the fridge. Contact Randy at randy4475@ hotmail.com.

WANTED: Juicer new or used.

766-0660.

WANTED: I am looking for a large used hot tub. Cell: 331-942-9321 John.

FOR SALE: 2 - Oversized Mexican chair, excellent condition. Changing furniture out. $4000 or B/O. Call Phil 331-340-8115 or email: preitano@ netzero.net.

FOR SALE: I have an almost new 88 key Casio piano. The keys are weighted and it sounds great. Casio CDP S100 digital piano. I am in town February 6-11. Price is $300 US or equivalent pesos. Call or text Danny at 208-938-7966. US number.

FREE: I have a used US doctor ordered back brace available for FREE!.

It is especially designed for post spinal fusion surgery but also for anyone with lumbar pain. You can contact me at 331-746-1288.

WANTED: I have recently lost my VA connection for CPAP supplies and will need to begin sourcing them locally. If you have unused supplies you would like to pass on for cheap or free to a needy Vet, please message me with what you have. I use a Resmed S9 with humidifier, but some things like hoses and masks and nose pillows may be universal. Yes, I know of the many online sources, but my budget is tight and I prefer this method as many people buy CPAPs and end up not using them. There’s no sense wasting good medical supplies. Email: carlabuchanan1@gmail.com.

FOR SALE: WANTED Gas BBQ Grill. In good condition. Email: sunnyvogler@yahoo.com.

FOR SALE: Looking for a 6 drawer

dresser (no mirror), buffet or sideboard preferably in ivory or light color finish. I appreciate any help. Email: silkfleurs@ outlook.com.

WANTED: Small chest freezer.

Email: sunnyvogler@yahoo.com.

WANTED: I am a piano student and am looking for a keyboard to practice on for the month of February or any part thereof. I know the Arts Centre offers rental time on their pianos, but I am looking to borrow or rent for more intense practice. I’ll be located in central Ajijic and would appreciate any leads. Email: jszostak46@gmail.com.

FOR SALE: Dinnerware set, Napoli pattern, hand painted, dishwasher, microwave safe. 1 large platter, 8 dinner plates, 8 salad plates, 8 coffee cups, 7 cereal/soup bowls, 2 dip bowls. $350.

USD. Call 331-065-9193.

WANTED: 2 matching end tables or nightstands. Trying to finish off a living room and we need 2 smallish tables.

Condition = acceptable, there’s always magic in a can of spray paint. Email: kimanjo@gmail.com.

WANTED: We need a comfy occasional chair for an empty corner of our living room. Neutral color or pattern, style not very important as long as it’s not plaid Herculon from the 1970s.

Email: kimanjo@gmail.com.

FOR SALE: Stained glass panel.

10” W x 31” H. Needs to be cleaned up a bit, hangers soldered on the top or can install as is $300 MX. Call: 331857-0798.

FOR SALE: Moving and selling mattress and wooden base for just $2,500 pesos. Please contact me at patricktimothymullikin@hotmail.com.

Located in Guadalajara centro.

FOR SALE: An on-demand 5 litre per minute water heater. Cal-o-Rex. Lightly used one year, in great condition. Decided to get bigger one for the whole house, saving gas. $2,750 mx obo. Email: mike 4v@mac.com.

FOR SALE: Original Prada Shoes, size 24.5 Mexican, Only 1 time was used, price $3000 pesos. Call to Alma 331-005-3109.

FOR SALE: Individual Brass Headboard, Price $2,200.00 pesos. Call to Alma 331-005-3109.

Saw you in the Ojo 53

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El Ojo del Lago / April 2020