Saw you in the Ojo
1
Saw you in the Ojo
3
DIRE C TOR Y
Index...
PUBLISHER David Tingen
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Victoria A Schmidt
EDITOR EMERITUS Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez
34 COVER STORY
“And the Post Office Made Three.” As appropriate for the month of February, Margaret shares a story of love and marriage and their unusual honeymoon. Not your typical love story.
Tel: (01376) 765 3676, 765 2877 Fax: (01376) 765 3528 Graphic Design Roberto C. Rojas Reyes Diana Parra Morales Special Events Editor Carol D. Bradley Proofreader Sally Asante Theater Critic Michael Warren Book Review Panel Margaret Van Every Margaret Porter Clare Gearhart Roving Correspondent Dr. Lorin Swinehart
Sales Manager Bruce Fraser Carmene Berner 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 Send all correspondence, subscriptions or advertising to: El Ojo del Lago www.chapala.com elojodellago@gmail.com ojodellago@prodigy.net.mx Ave. Hidalgo 223 (or Apartado 279), 45900 Chapala, Jalisco Tels.: 376 765 3676, Fax 376 765 3528
8 “Venice in a Wheelchair.” Libby Colterjohn writes about navigating a trip to Venice while in a wheelchair. Did it all go as planned? Read on.
Cover by Anita Murray
10 Chuck Paulsen entertains us with a nightmare scenario involving computers, bank cards and ATM. In “Have You Ever?”
COLUMNS THIS MONTH
12 Michael McLaughlin warns us of the upcoming “Carmageddon.”
14 Vexations and Conundrums
18 “Pontius Pilot Walks Among Us.” Dr. Lorin Swinehart gives us an in-depth look at Pontius Pilot and his role in history.
6 Editor’s Page
16 Mirror to the Universe:
Music Transforms
22 Neil McKinnon entertains us with a look into “Time Travel in Lantian.”
26 If Pets Could Talk
24 “Malinche.” David Ellison looks into the background of the infamous woman and her role in Mexican history.
40 Mexican Grace
44 Michael Hogan reviews the book: “According to Soledad; Memories of a Mexican Childhood” written by Katie Goodridge Ingram. 50
“What I Didn’t Know I Knew” by Judy Dykstra-Brown
52 Margie Keane describes her disappointment with Timothy Leary in “Magic Mushrooms.”
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.
4
COVER STORY
VOLUME 37 NUMBER 6
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
28 Lakeside Living
42 Profiling Tepehua OBITUARIES: 20 Richard Tingen, Ojo del Lago Founder 38 Tod Johnson: LLT Co-Founder 46 Candace Luciana: LLT Performer and Community Volunteer
Saw you in the Ojo
5
COLUMNIST
Editor’s Page By Victoria A. Schmidt
Living in History
T
here are few times in our own lives when we stop and we think, I’m living in history. In years to come people will ask me, what was it like when . . . My first moment of living in history was when Walter Cronkite told the viewing audience that JFK had died, that they would continue broadcasting with no commercial interruptions. I was ecstatic! No commercials. I was three years old and of course could not appreciate the gravity of what had happened. It was only when they closed the schools and I saw on TV that everyone was crying, that I knew something bad had happened. And even though my mother had not voted for Kennedy, she was terribly upset. This was the beginning of my understanding of shared loss. As I grew, there were moments that made the world stop and hold its breath: the 1968 Democratic National Convention, George Wallace being shot, three kids being murdered in Mississippi, Blacks being granted the right to vote, the Apollo space flight, the Russian space flight, the Apollo moon mission, the legalization of abortion, the Vietnam War, the marriage of Charles and Diana, the divorce of Charles and Diana, the death of Diana, 9/11, the Oklahoma City bombing, and more than a few other instances. But in the last year, I watched the
6
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
United States, and then the world, fight against an invisible invader. No country was spared. In eleven months, more than two million people have died worldwide, while there are actually people who believe the virus is a hoax. My mind is blown beyond belief that the United States of America, the beacon of democracy around the globe, has become the Divided States of America. And then, just two weeks ago, there was an actual domestic siege at the nation’s Capitol. My family has defended this nation since 1776. My love of the country is part of my being. And for the first time in my lifetime, I had genuine fear for the representatives of our government. In fact, since the election, I have felt frozen, unable to believe what was coming out of the mouths of broadcasters, the “talking heads.” And, yes, even a president. Leaving politics aside, I grew up knowing that people have their differences but that, as an enlightened populace, we could work through a problem no matter what. But this was different. It seemed as though we were being besieged by insanity. It is my sincere belief that the overwhelming majority of Americans would choose the seating of a candidate they didn’t want before they would choose the seating of a favored one through dishonest and illegal means. And so, we rode it out, waiting for the evidence the law requires to overturn the election. None was produced. Never had a candidate not conceded when faced with obvious loss. But when one has lost the popular vote, the electoral college vote, multiple recounts, and filed over 60 lawsuits in which NO wrongdoing is found, there comes a time when facts must be faced, as bitter as that may be. But this wasn’t happening, and I feared for our nation as people held the facts and the rule of law hostage and were whipped into a frenzy. For me, this was beyond politics, it was beyond reality. I grew up Republican. But somewhere along the way I stopped us-
ing labels. There were things that Mr. Trump relished that I didn’t agree with, but I tried my best to understand what was behind his actions. After the recent election, in my mind, he and many others crossed an uncrossable line. Country first! What about your oaths? Today a new president was sworn in. The theme of the invocation was “malice towards none and generosity for all.” THIS is the lofty goal and real challenge that lies before us as a nation. If we vow to allow for individual differences, choose negotiation over intransigence, engage in civil discourse
and debate, and embrace the diversity that is one of America’s cornerstones, together we will forge a stronger and greater nation—as JLo inserted in her singing of “America the Beautiful”— ¡Para todos! Yes, people who broke the law should be held accountable. But beyond that, it is time we turn our gaze forward and create a history worthy of our beloved United States of America... together. Victoria Schmidt
Saw you in the Ojo
7
Venice in a Wheelchair By Libby Colterjohn
V
ENICE! The very name usually conjures up romantic images of beautiful old buildings, gondolas on narrow canals and fine dining under starry skies, but not for me. About three weeks before I was to join a friend Jean, my sister Judy and her husband Robert on a cruise through the Mediterranean in October 2007, I fell on a staircase in Scotland and broke my ankle in four places. After a very complicated operation and two weeks in hospital, the doctors reluctantly agreed that I could go on the cruise but, in retrospect, I should have listened to their advice and gone home instead. The trip became a nightmare from the moment
8
our flight took off from Edinburgh, complete with lots of luggage, a wheelchair and crutches. We had hoped to have three glorious, relaxing days in Venice before boarding our ship, enjoying all that this beautiful city has to offer but, for me at least, this did not work out as planned. Arriving in Gatwick, we discovered that the ground staff was on strike and that we had to transport all our own baggage for what seemed like miles to the international terminal. I was pretty useless in my wheelchair, even with a mountain of luggage on my knees, and the transfer was quite a challenge in the limited time of our schedule. We finally arrived at the gate just in time to hear an
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
announcement that our plane would be departing two hours late, and this delay increased as we waited. We finally took off so late that all the special arrangements that we had made for our arrival in Venice had been cancelled. Almost anywhere else in the world, we would have hailed a taxi and gone to our hotel, but not in Venice. To start with, it was very dark, pouring with rain, and the Special Services had gone home for the night. We had no alternative but to manage with public transport. This started with a short bus ride to a pier where we transferred luggage, wheelchair and all, onto a small and very crowded boat covered only with a soggy tarpaulin. After a rough and very uncomfortable crossing, we arrived at another dock and were told to take an appropriate canal boat, which left a little further down the pier. What they did not tell us was that we had to cross a bridge over a canal, that the path was a mixture of cobbles and potholes full of water, and was very badly lit. This took us about thirty minutes of manoeuvring our heavy luggage and my wheelchair through the obstacle course and over the dark bridge, which I had to do on crutches. By the time we finally reached Hotel La Flora we were so wet, cold and dirty that it is surprising they even checked us in. The dining room was already closed, the bath water was cold, and, for me the final humiliation, my wheelchair would not fit into the elevator. We fell into bed filthy and exhausted, just the way we were. Next morning, we slept in late and woke to a dark, wet day totally unlike the Venice we had dreamed of. I decided to stay by the fire in the lounge with a book, but the others braved the elements and finally returned shopped out and soaked. However, they had found some beautiful locally made glass and exquisite Pashmina stoles to take home as gifts, so their day had not been wasted. They had also booked tickets for a Vivaldi concert in an old church and insisted that I join them, in spite of my sense of foreboding. There are only two ways to get around Venice, by foot or by small boat, and as neither of these are wheelchair friendly, my protests were well founded. There were no boats that would take us where we wanted to go, so we set off on foot, with Robert pushing my wheelchair, bumping over the wet cobbles and negotiating bridges every few minutes. Each time, Robert had to collapse the wheelchair and he and Jean carried it across the bridge while I struggled over on crutches, which was both time consuming and dangerous. About half way, we stopped for dinner at a delightful restaurant where the food was wonderful and we were relieved to
be warm and out of the rain. Sadly, the bad weather obscured the beautiful setting on a canal, but it was cosy and full of ambience, so we all enjoyed it thoroughly. After dinner, fortified by good wine and with full stomachs, we set off again trudging through the dark, wet night and I wished I was still curled up by the warm fire with my book. Eventually, we reached the church and took our seats for the concert. The building was vast, unheated, and smelt of wet clothes but the concert was excellent and, even under these difficult circumstances, we enjoyed it. We had crossed five bridges on our way there, so decided to go back to our hotel by another route which looked easier on the map. The first three bridges were not too difficult and we were finally feeling that we must be getting close to home, when we came to a wide canal spanned by a bridge with twentyfive steps up, an expanse across the top, and twenty-five steps down again. By this time it was close to midnight, we were cold, wet and exhausted and felt completely defeated. The wet weather was really aggravating Judy’s arthritis and giving her a lot of pain, and Robert and Jean were obviously not looking forward to hauling my chair over this mountain of a bridge. We stood there dripping and staring at this newest challenge. Suddenly, four tall, young men appeared over the top of the bridge, dressed in smart uniforms of black, red and gold, and descended like angels from Heaven. Apparently they came from a very exclusive local naval academy and had learned the art of chivalry. They appraised our situation at once, donned white gloves, picked up my wheelchair and carried me over the bridge. The people standing around cheered and clapped and I was ready to swoon with relief. The young men clicked their heels, bowed graciously, touched their caps and went on their way. I still cannot believe that none of us had a camera to record this amazing event. In fact, we are still dining out on the story. I was now safely over the last bridge, but the others still had to join me. For my sister, this was a slow and painful process and I don’t think she has ever quite forgiven me for my easy passage. However, this bonus was a big boost to our morale, and we found the rest of our trip much easier. Sadly, the rain continued until we sailed on our cruise, the boardwalks were erected in the Piazza San Marco and other flooded areas, and I stayed firmly by my fire in the lounge for the rest of my stay in Venice. Libby Colterjohn
Saw you in the Ojo
9
Have you Ever? By Chuck Poulsen
H
ave you ever had your email account so badly corrupted that it was shut down permanently? Are you out of therapy yet? Where are you in the anger management part? I’ll say just this about storing all your email documents in the email cloud, thinking they will always be available: That’s crazy. What’s more interesting is that the chaos in my email also led to my credit card being hacked. This is the third time my Visa has been hacked. I wish I knew how to stop it, but if the U.S. government can’t stop Russia from invading its computers, what chance do I have? Visa knew my card was hacked so they shut it down. Of course, Visa didn’t tell me this. It wasn’t until I had three dozen items rung up at Walmart that the cashier handed my card back and said it wouldn’t work.
10
I’m thinking, don’t have enough cash to pay for all this. She’s thinking, Maybe I should call security on this crook. So Visa sends me a new card from its offices in Ontario. Normally, it arrives in Chapala in two or three days. After there was no sight of the card in two weeks, I checked UPS’s tracking. The card had landed in Greece. Someone had signed for it. I pictured a guy named Zorba pulling out a Visa with the name Chuck Poulsen on it to pay for a dinner of souvlaki. You’d think that would raise questions. In any event, the card hadn’t been activated so maybe Zorba ended up washing dishes. Visa replacement card No. 2 couldn’t find Mexico either, but it did find Germany. From there, it found China. This time
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
I
no one signed for it. The tracking just plain disappeared somewhere in China. I suspect disappearances happen often in China. One more try. Replacement card No. 3. It travelled to Kentucky. I was hopeful. This isn’t rocket surgery. But instead of continuing south to Mexico, it flew to Saudi Arabia. People often get the two countries confused. “You don’t have to shout,” said the Visa customer service agent. I was demanding, at the very least, frequent flyer miles for my cards. The agent checked with UPS and then called back to say the card would arrive in a couple of days. Sure enough, the card returned to Kentucky, touched down for some sun and surf in the Cayman Islands, and then landed at my front door in Mexico. The Visa agent told me this strange routing was not unusual. I told him that in my experience, it was about as unusual as Donald Trump and Nancy Pelosi teaming up for “Dancing with the Stars,” but what does someone dumb enough to believe in the email cloud know about international shipping? Near the start of my calling campaign with Visa, I agreed to have my voice recorded for further recognition. The pitch is this: a customer’s voice will be recognized by Visa’s artificial brain and further
security questions won’t be needed before having a conversation with an agent. I made my recording. But the first time I tried it, Visa’s artificial brain wouldn’t recognize me. I was then transferred to a manager who had a long list of questions before he’d talk to me. “What’s your favorite hobby?” he asks. Like, from 40 years ago when I first got the card? I don’t remember. Mud wrestling? The manager explained that sometimes there is ambient racket going on when the first recording is made— maybe a dump truck going by—and the artificial brain won’t give the go-ahead again without dump truck noise in the background. “OK. Then just cancel the voice recognition,” I said. “A person can never find a dump truck to drive by when they need one.” “Sorry, can’t do that over the phone,” he said. “You’ll need to just pop into a branch in person to change it.” I’m 4,600 kilometers away from the nearest Canadian branch. It would be easier to hire a dump truck to drive by than just “popping in.” It’s like being in Visa jail. The manager is thinking, This is a serious crime, buddy. You’re not getting out that easily. For all we know, you’re the kind of person who would hack someone’s email.
Saw you in the Ojo 11
Carmageddon By Michael McLaughlin
Don’t it always seem to go That you don’t know what you’ve got ‘Til it’s gone They paved paradise Put up a parking lot —Joni Mitchell The biggest threat to our little fishing village way of life is not the cartels, break-ins or plagues. It is the automobile. Now, the bad news— and don’t kill the messenger—there is nothing we can do to stop this. AND, don’t hate me for saying this, but all the Mexicans Lakeside cannot have cars and all the expats cannot have two or three cars. Can you
12
imagine a Lakeside with 5,000 more cars on a daily basis? You can? No, you think you can. Cars are choking the good life out of Ajijic. On any given day traffic is backed up . . . well, I don’t need to tell you. Just try finding a parking space in the village at 11 a.m. in high season, or on weekends when the tapatios roll in from Guadalajara. What can be done to mitigate our traffic problem? Nothing, but let’s put on our civil engineering thinking caps and look at the discounted solutions to all this traffic: Let’s build a causeway out over the lake around the city? This proposal is—how do they say?—DOA,
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
and we all know why. No one wants to look across the lake and see a concrete causeway. Let’s build a tunnel under the existing road. One word on that idea: WATER. Let’s build a bypass above the city in the mountains. That won’t work either because of land issues and the NIMBY (not in my backyard) of the people living up there. And, NO, you cannot use existing streets that wind through the neighborhoods unless you can condemn houses and widen the existing streets. Let’s just widen the road through town and make it into a four-lane road? Again, you would have to use Mexican “eminent domain” to bulldoze through town. It would take money, as in BIG money to build a wider road through town, or around town, or above town, or underneath town. How about a light rail system from Chapala to Jocotepec? That concept is way too progressive for Mexico. How about these solutions: Alternate days of driving depending on your license plate? This is similar to what Mexico City does. Understand, the business interests run the town and will not go for ANY PROPOSAL that limits the amount of people coming into Ajijic. They want wall-to-wall customers. The realtors will moan that their agents won’t be able to drive their cars every day and it will hurt business. (The real estate business is the largest employer of expats and another powerful force in town.) The sick people here—we have many—will ask for an exemption because they have to drive their spouse to the doctors and if they can’t drive, the person will die. The handicapped will say they cannot walk far and their car is their only way to an independent life and they can’t afford taxis. The Mexicans who are involved in construction trades (one of the biggest Mexican employers) need their trucks for their business
every day and will either get an exemption or just ignore the law. How about we limit norte americanos to one car? Make me laugh. Again some of these people who own two cars will use their “old people’s card” to nix that idea. What about parking?! One thing we can do, and it is only a symbol, is to eliminate the quaint Mexican custom of putting out chairs or buckets next to the curbs to “save” parking spaces. That really doesn’t do much but it is a symbol. Also, we could increase parking space in Ajijic by towing away “memorial” vehicles that have flat tires and a heavy coat of dust and have not been moved this century. We could put parking meters on Ajijic streets. Right. Make me laugh. The Chapala government could impose a tax on households with more than one car. Think that will work? No, Señor. Prediction: As the traffic continues to multiply, the only feeble attempt will be traffic cops in the streets, especially on weekends, to move traffic through town. I predict (not hard to do) one day there will be traffic gridlock and a lineup of cars from the libramiento to Colon to the west and bumper-to-bumper traffic from Colon to the fish restaurants in San Juan Cosala. What? There is already? So, we are back to the inevitable. The car traffic will increase and increase and especially on weekends until we reach traffic carmageddon. It is coming and there is not a thing you can do to stop it. All suggestions for a realistic solution can be mailed to this publication. The answer is out there someplace, probably stuck in traffic. Michael McLaughlin
Saw you in the Ojo 13
Vying For The Needle
T
he race is on! Our salvation, inoculation with the COVID-19 vaccine, has finally come. After ten months of quarantine, one of the weirdest chapters in my life, there is hope for a future. Of course, it has become political. Damn politics, inserting itself in every breath we take. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined the rank order of who they thought should get the vaccine first. There were physicians, ethicists, and heaven knows which oth-
14
er specialists who met and hammered out a recommendation. They gave it to the states and surprise, surprise, the states changed the criteria. Now, I have to say, I benefitted with the state change in Texas, so I am not railing against this interference with common sense. Doctors, nurses, and other front liners were supposed to receive the shot first. Hospitals were allocated the doses. Next would be the l(b) phase comprised of those sixty-four and older and those with high-risk con-
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
ditions. The city directed users to an interactive map showing fifteen locations in my area offering the desired serum. I began trying to get in to one of them. One site was a dermatological clinic (go figure). They assured me my category was up for scheduling, but I was not a patient of theirs and existing patients had priority. I was added to a wait list. I rushed to enter other sites. I was on hold once for fifteen minutes and didn’t advance one position in that queue. Two sites were still inoculating front liners. I wait listed again. After two hours, and development of a fierce headache, I gave up. The plot makes a jog here. I woke the next morning to an interesting text. A knowledgeable, streetwise friend sent me a link to schedule the shot. I have been online shopping for groceries, meals and holiday gifts for ten months. I have become masterful at working sites and understanding the importance of timing. I hopped on that site like a rabid bat seeking a host. The site was complex, and the required data had me sprinting all over our condo looking for critical numbers on insurance accounts. Nomenclature of what was required did not match what was on cards, so I played roulette, guessing what the sys-
tem needed. Critical health questions were answered as fast as I could type. I was doing this in early morning darkness, as other citizens slept soundly in their beds. When I told my husband I had an appointment, he begged me to run a second heat and get him one. He doesn’t have my practice with navigating these systems, so I obliged him and got him in too. We were euphoric as we printed our confirmations. Katina Pontikes
Saw you in the Ojo 15
COLUMNIST
Mirror To The Universe —MUSIC TRANSFORMS By Rob Mohr “Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” Leonard Bernstein
W
hen I was a child my uncle John Edmond MacQueen, a Davidson graduate, played Opera every evening. The tragedy of Puccini’s La Boehme haunted, and the simplicity of Verdi’s La Traviata lifted my spirit. My uncle loved them all and ensured that my mind would be filled with the power of their sounds. Later, Bach’s simple melodies enchanted me, and nurtured my creative instincts. Music transforms and fortifies my humanity. Artists, from the Paleolithic period until today, have risen above social norms to create worlds of sound, visual masterpieces, literature that opens vistas, and dramas that feed the human soul. I have recently added Quantum scientists to this creative family. Artists and Scientists collectively sift through
16
the sand of the earth for flakes of gold. Their music, paintings, sculptures, stories, and interpretations of reality are imbued with the power to enchant, and through ritual performance transform us and bring into being spiritual formations never before imagined. They are the true sorcerers of the earth. “Artists, as anti-world, sorcerer, creator of myths and images far removed from reality … challenge human minds and hearts.” Felipe Padilla de Leon Quantum physicists have recently discovered that music uniquely effects the basic mechanism of our minds and bodies. More astounding, their research indicates that the universe is sustained by musical harmonic vibrations. The universal soul, of which we are a part, is structured according to the geometry of these musical tones. The information imparted guides and informs matter (including all life forms), energy, space, and time. Art and science have a universal connection. Music is the language of creation. Harmonic waves (musical tones), connect via an intrinsic cosmic energy exchange with field-receptive entities (like the human mind and body). This exchange integrates the past and anticipated future events, and enables rapid brain response to stimuli. We, via this spiritual exchange, are informed subconsciously. This vital musical connection links humans (and all liv-
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
ing beings) with cosmic information which enables evolution, consciousness, intuition, providence, serendipity, extra-sensory perception, and qualia. Reception and recognition of this information forms the complementary unit we perceive as reality. Artists, connected through all of the above modalities, assemble previously unknown creative works that point to new worlds of understanding. Music, which humanity creates, the sound, beat, rhyme, and meter, is also causative in the development of human consciousness. Throughout human history the sound of the human voice, through both music and rhythmic poetry has lifted our humanity. Mothers sing to their babies to put them at peace, but the impact on the baby’s awareness is much greater. In all human societies, from our Paleolithic beginnings, to the piano concertos played by Murray Perahia, music conveyed by the human voice and instruments, has been a core element of human communication and culture.
Embed ritual music is also a component in a trans-formative process which is central in spiritual encounters during human religious and secular ceremonies. The ritual beat of music brings order to human life. Music is spiritually engaging and amplifies the flourishing of life, while proclaiming hidden tones of meaning which enriches our existence. It enables the evolution of human understanding and liberates us from the restraints of our egocentric cravings. We humans melt into tears when we hear the soaring sounds of primitive pan pipes. We are lifted into the heavenly realms, when we hear Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. In every arena of life, the arts, collectively, offer a creative doorway into our human soul. The arts exist on the cutting edge of an evolutionary process that pulls us into new and yet unknown futures. I give thanks for the plenitude of musical and art offerings we have here at Lakeside. They enable our renewal.
Words Of Thanks To The Ojo Rob Mohr For many years my columns in the Ojo del Lago, Focus on Art and Mirror to the Universe, have been an essential part of my life in Mexico. My February 2021 column will be my last offering of Mirror to the Universe. My hope is that in the future I will be able to write an occasional poem or story for publication. To my readers I am very thankful for your encouragement. The Ojo del Lago has consistently given me a creative outlet and a unique opportunity to explore life, and the arts at Lakeside. I have gained great respect for the many talented writers and artists who have shared their art and interest in each publication of the Ojo. Alejandro Grattan, Editor Emeritus, (Alex) wisely cultivated a cadre of writers through the twice monthly Ajijic Writers’ group which met in the patio of La Nueva Posada. His critiquing skills, experience as a published writer, and intuitive wit offered important insights which helped those new to writing grow and mature. He ensured that each issue of the Ojo del Lago had a stimulating mix of articles, stories and poems. My friendship with Alex continues to be a personal grace. Victoria Schmidt, the current Editor, brings her organizational skills to bear, and is doing a excellent job encouraging writers and guiding the literary and art content of each issue.
Richard Tingen the founder, and David Tingen the Publisher, have enabled and administered the Ojo del Lago with wisdom, and consistent encouragement for their writers. Under their guidance the Ojo has provided an important forum for the writers and artists at Lakeside. Richard and I became friends through our shared interests in the arts. His support for Focus on Art gave me an opportunity to develop lasting friendships with many of the fine artists at Lakeside. My interactions with these artists has been a high point in my life. The staff of the Ojo del Lago have been consistently helpful in working through the details of every publication. Sally Asante has recently been doing the thankless work of proofing each issue. Roberto Rojas, ‘mi tocayo’ has consistently done an excellent job pulling the advertisements and creative works together within each issue. And, Diana Morales has given him essential support. For communication Rosy Madrigal has been outstanding and wonderful to work with. My sincere thanks to you all. Rob Mohr Rob Mohr
Saw you in the Ojo 17
Pontius Pilate Walks Among Us By Lorin Swinehart
“
W
e must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence always encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” —Elie Wiesel Jesus of Nazareth was railroaded. Some have commented that he must have been a black man because he couldn’t get a fair trial. Those who identify themselves as Christians, who profess to follow his teachings, believe that the entire passion drama had to play out exactly as it did, that it was all preordained, that Jesus willingly offered himself as a sacrifice for
18
all mankind, that those who took part in the ancient drama were filling roles long anticipated by the great prophets. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than he who lays down his life for his friends.” This, however, does not get the perpetrators off the hook. We are all responsible for our actions as well as for our inaction, as, indeed, were Judas, Pilate, the members of the Sanhedrin, the Roman torturers and executioners, and the frenzied mob foaming and shouting, “Crucify Him.” History tells us little of Pontius Pilate, the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judea, other than that he
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
was of the Pontii family and that he served under the Emperor Tiberius. The historian Josephus tells us that he was removed from his high position as a consequence of his use of excessive violence while suppressing a Samaritan revolt. Previously, he had apparently acted in such a manner as to outrage the Jewish citizens of his province. After his recall to Rome, he may have simply retired from public service. There are legends among Coptic Christians that he converted to Christianity and was martyred, thus becoming a saint. All four authors of the Gospels tell us that Pilate could find no fault in Jesus, nothing to justify his execution by the excruciatingly painful method of crucifixion, a days-long process of asphyxiation. “Nothing deserving death has been done by him.” Pilate may have feared a riot, even an insurrection, if he did not acquiesce in the gathering crowd’s demands. According to the Gospels, Pilate attempted repeatedly to release Jesus. At one point, he punted Jesus to King Herod in order to get rid of him and to free himself of any decision-making. Herod sent Jesus back. Pilate offered up an alternative to the mob: a murderer and thief named Barabbas, who was scheduled for execution. The mob demanded the release of Barabbas and the death of Jesus. What to do? Pilate, it seems, dithered. After a bit, he sent Jesus to be scourged, apparently hoping that such a dire punishment would discourage the Nazarene rabble-rouser from further disruptions and sate the crowd’s bloodlust. Many victims of scourging died from the procedure, from blood loss, pain, shock, and dehydration. It was a brutal process whereby the flesh could be stripped down to the bone by the scourge, resembling a cat-o’- nine-tails, with bits of lead or bone at the ends of each strand. Perhaps seeing Jesus in such a wretched state after being scourged would sate the mob’s bloodlust. The crowd continued to be dissatisfied, demanding crucifixion. St. Matthew tells us that Pilate symbolically washed his hands of the matter and shouted, “I am innocent of this man’s blood!” One doubts that any victim of a lynch mob over the succeeding centuries would find one such as Pilate innocent. Fearing another uprising by the populace under his governance, did he fear retribution from his superiors back in Rome if he stood in defiance of the slavering populace? If that is the case, then Pilate seems to have been motivated more by cowardice and a desire to maintain his political position than any sense of humanitar-
ianism. If such is the case, it was not the first or the last time that a political hack has placed his own self-interest ahead of the good of his country or a commitment to simple justice, a situation with which we are not unfamiliar in our own particular time. As the crowd continued to insist, “Crucify him!” Pilate acquiesced, setting the stage for one of mankind’s greatest injustices. How many whom Jesus had healed, treated with kindness, were among the crowing multitude demanding his death. Treachery to benefactors is nothing new in the annals of human history. In “The Divine Comedy,” Dante places Judas alongside Cassius and Brutus, fellow traitors to lords and benefactors, in the very lowest level of hell. While the Easter story is familiar to most, even to non-Christians, the remainder of Pilate’s life has become lost in the fog of time. His supposed deeds are listed in the apocryphal “Acts of Pilate,” dated in the fourth century, but one must be judicious in citing the Apocrypha. Some items, like the Gospel of St. Thomas, are worthy of serious scholarship, while others, like the Gospel of St. Peter, strike the reader as a bit crack-brained. All we are told by the Gospel writers is that when Pilate learned of Jesus’s death on the cross, he was surprised at how soon it had occurred and granted the body to Joseph of Arimathea for burial. In surrendering Jesus to the will of a frenzied Lynch mob, Pilate added him to a long, tragic list of others who have suffered and died at the hands of humanity at its worst, including those who were served up for entertainment “to the masses of fans in the Roman arenas, so-called aristos who fed Madame la Guillotine during the Reign of Terror and innocent southern black men lynched and burned to the accompaniment of hoots and cheers from mindless, slack-jawed white automatons. Among mankind’s many offenses, failure to protect an innocent person from a lynch mob must rank among the very worst. In an often-quoted speech, the 18th century British statesman Edmund Burke said, “The hottest fires in hell are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.” One can hope that Pontius Pilate did actually repent of his earlier conniving and cowardice and turn his life around. Lorin Swinehart
Saw you in the Ojo 19
RIP
Richard Tingen By Dale Hoyt Palfrey
It is my sad task to apprise Ojo del Lago readers of the untimely death of Richard Oscar Tingen, the founder of this longstanding publication and a close personal friend of mine. He passed away Sunday, January 3 at age 76, spending his final days in a Guadalajara hospital where he was under care for various health issues. Richard’s death leaves a deep void for his family, his cherished amigos, business associates and the community at large. He will stand out in memory as an astute entrepreneur, a pioneer in the lakeside real estate sector, an early Canadian settler here, a devoted family man and as jovial and engaging an individual one could ever hope to meet. He was born March 14, 1944 in Ontario, Canada, the only son of five children raised by Max and Margaret Tingen. As a young man he worked with his father in a Canadian turkey breeding farm until the family relocated to Mexico in the early 1960’s. While vacationing in Mazatlán in 1968 he met his future bride María del Refugio (Cuca) Velarde. Following their marriage the couple settled in the
20
Chapala area where they brought up three offspring, David, Wendy and Samantha. Tingen’s first line of work here was an account executive at the Allen W. Lloyd investment company, where we first crossed paths. He made a career change in 1976 when he and his wife opened Chapala Realty, now an affiliate of the Coldwell Banker chain. One of the area’s first real estate outfits, it has maintained leadership in the field to this day. Chapala Realty was born in a former ice cream shop, located on Avenida Madero, across the street from Chapala’s plaza. As the business grew, the office moved into its current headquarters, a historic building situated just around the corner on Avenida Hidalgo. A few years later a branch office was es-
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
tablished in Ajijic. In 1983 September, Tingen published the first edition of El Ojo del Lago, an eight-page English language periodical showcasing Chapala Realty listings, fleshed out with feature stories about local history and profiles of the area’s prominent artists and authors written by the late June and Cody Summers. When the couple retired, I was privileged to briefly fill their shoes. Others came aboard as editors in subsequent years as the magazine grew in size and scope. Now produced under the management of Tingen’s son David, El Ojo was recently passed on from long-time editor Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez to the capable hands of Victoria Schmidt. Aside from his invaluable roles in Chapala Realty and El Ojo del Lago, Richard racked up numerous other lifetime achievements. He was instrumental in introducing bilingual education to lakeside back in 1975 as one of the founding families and partner of my late husband Wayne Palfrey in the now defunct Oak Hill School. Some years later he invested in the launch of The Art House of Chapala, an enterprise dedicated to producing and marketing giclée prints of photographs and fine art reproductions. And in yet another brilliant entrepreneurial stroke, Richard partnered with David, Wendy and husband, chef Ricardo Laredo, to open Ajijic Tango, now ranking as one of lakeside’s most popular and successful restaurants. His children say he was Tango’s guiding light in pro-
viding top customer service and fine-tuning its fabulous menu. Semi-retired in recent years, Richard chose to take up a relaxed beachcomber life at the rustic beach front palapa he built on the Pacific coast between Boca de Iguanas and La Manzanilla. The beautiful bay had been the family’s favorite get-away spot since the 1980’s when Richard planted a trailer at Boca de Iguanas. Undeterred after the trailer was swept inland and destroyed by a tidal wave that hit there in 1995, he began the planning and construction of the seaside paradise he happily occupied until his health began failing over the past year. It is fitting that it’s the spot his descendents have chosen to lay his ashes to rest. Richard was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his younger sisters Megan Tingen of Chapala, Margot Surgent of North Carolina, Mary Ann Tingen of Texas, Louise Minges of Florida, as well his wife Cuca, the couple’s three beloved offspring, respective spouses and eight grandchildren. Family and friends will eventually celebrate his life at a memorial service to be scheduled once the Covid-19 health crisis subsides. As they bid him a fond Adios, all will forever keep his charming personality, irrepressible sense of humor and enchanting laughter close to heart. Descansa en Paz, querido Ricardo.
Saw you in the Ojo 21
Time Travel in Lantian
W
e were lost, the driver was mad, the temperature was forty-five degrees, and my ass hurt. I leaned forward to absorb the next pothole. Unanchored, my sodden ache of a body went up as the Toyota roof came down. Lightning flashed in excruciating symmetry with pain waves in my skull. I hung on and bounced back into the seat. Nauseous and dizzy, I blocked out the others and thought of why we were here. *** We had been lazing in the restaurant in Lanzhou, munching on baozhe and washing it down with Qinghai beer. “The project’s going well, I think we’ll finish early.” Michael smiled through his black beard and his eyes sparkled as he went on. “It would be a shame to be in Northwest China and not visit Lantian. We can catch the midnight train to Xi’an and then rent a car.” He continued, but I hadn’t heard. My mind was already sixteen hours down the track. Xi’an, in the center of Shaanxi Province, is the historic and prehistoric Mecca of China. For over two thousand years it served as the imperial capital, starting with the Western Zhou Dynasty and ending with the Tang Dynasty one thousand years ago. Camel trains, carrying silk and other exotic cargo for the courts of Roman Caesars, started here and followed the old Silk Road across Asia. Nearby geographically and more distant in time is Banpo, a seven-thousand-year-old village, where the Neolithic Yangshao people settled and developed agriculture. Farther east, near Mount Lishan, is the terra-cotta army of Emperor Qin. Even closer in time and distance is HuaQing Hot Springs where Chiang Kaishek, minus his false teeth, was captured in his pajamas and forced to ally with the communists in 1936. But the ultimate in time travel is to visit Lantian, not the home of a new dynasty or culture, but one of the few
22
known cradles of humankind. In 1963 geologists discovered a Homo erectus mandible near Chenjiawo village. A year later a skullcap with facial bones was found at Gongwangling Hill in the foothills of the Qinling Mountains. Both sites are in Lantian County near Xi’an. Both yielded quartzite choppers, scrapers, and other stone tools along with the remains of extinct sabre tooth tiger, stegodon, and giant macaque. Lantian Man is more than 1.6 million years old. But he is an impostor, a fake—for it has now been shown that Lantian Man is a woman. In fact, both Lantian men are women! *** We had arrived the previous evening. After sixteen hours the train jerked to a stop and a prolonged hiss outside the open window announced the end of our journey. I pulled myself out of my reverie, rubbed soot from my eyes, and peered through hazy clouds of escaping steam. Ancient city walls loomed alongside the track reflected in the murky water of the Wei River. Solemn, dirty-faced kids, looking for treasure, crawled through the train windows as we dragged our packs to the front of the car and stepped down... into Xi’an... and back into time. Now we are about to visit our very beginnings. We know Gongwangling is about 40 miles southeast of the city and decide to ask directions along the way. This isn’t easy. We soon discover we are being piloted by China’s answer to Mario Andretti—a very badhumored Mario Andretti. Two harrowing hours, a headache, and one traffic ticket later we climb Gongwangling Hill. We’re welcomed by Mr. Gao, a thin man whose cheeks wrinkle as he gives us a big grin and introduces himself as the site director. He leads us into the museum. Soon we are staring past massive brow ridges into cavernous eyes. The skull is low and wide and the bones are thick. No dainty doll, this lady is sturdy and stable. “Homo erectus meet Homo sapiens. Our Lady of Lan-
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
tian, it’s us, your misbegotten sons and daughters.” My companions speak in whispers. To look across a million years is very intense. We climb to the site and from high on Gongwangling gaze across lush landscape patterned in dark green and yellow squares punctuated by leafy trees and toadstool haystacks. Lantian Lady had looked across this land. She had stood here above pine forest now turned to canola and cereal—then had slept an eternity surrounded by soft red clay. “What was here,” I wondered, “that allowed her to survive? Why here? What other secrets do the Qinling mountains hold? Where did she come from? Did she have children? Had she known love, fear, warmth, hunger? How did she die?” A thousand questions and few answers. What is Michael saying? “Homo erectus had fire.” Wow! Fire and cooking, one million years ago! His voice is hushed. I understand. He too has dreamed of this place. The answers are here all around us. If we treat them right the stones will tell us. The skull and the dirt itself will tell us. Is this lady God or Prometheus? Are we on Mount Olympus or Last Stand Hill? Locked beneath our feet are all the answers. I return to look at the bumpy brown cranium. This woman had survived. She was still surviving. She’d spread her genes throughout the world and now her offspring had returned to pay homage. Soon it is time to leave. A grinning Mr. Gao brings us tea and cigarettes. He’s very proud of his site which has attracted so many from so far. I take his picture to send back. Chenjiawo is dusty and dirty brown. Dry clay flows from streets into walls; from walls into houses. Noisy chickens scratch the clay. An old lady with tiny feet stirs a large pot in the middle of the street. The dust hangs in the heat mixing with flies and the smell of burning dung. Sheep and pigs and goats split apart as we inch up a transporter trail in our overheated van bullied on by our overheated driver. Both he and the van will kill us going down. But we don’t care. We are in Eden, where it all started. We are too excited to notice dirt. The town’s beauty is in its past, not its present; in its setting, not its houses. Two boys run ahead. They’re not afraid of crazy foreigners. Others have been here before us. One boy is serious, in yellow t-shirt and shorts; the other grinning and outgoing. Both have brush cuts and curious, open faces. They run ahead to show us the place that has made this tiny village known in Moscow, Phoenix, and Cal-
gary. They are puffed up and proud that we have come to their village from Jianada. Excited white teeth flash and chatter nonstop as they clamber down the red clay of the cliff. They are right to be proud. This clay the village stands on, and is built of, is that used by God to create Eve. The Sunday School story pales beside this earthy lady who has bridged the genus gap en route from ape. We pause at the top of a 100-foot cliff, red clay hanging from our heels and ponder our infinite past. Then sliding and falling, we scramble down, back beyond the timelessness of the village to our beginnings. The Lady stood here; made tools here; cooked food here; had children here; hunted here; perhaps went hungry here; and eventually died here. Then like her sister at Gongwangling she had rested for eons in the reddish brown clay. The dry clay preserves and produces. It is the essence of civilization. From it grew grass which fed the animal which fed the Lady. From it now grows green-hued cereals, yellow rape, and white-flowered potatoes. In a sense she’d sown herself in this fertile land and in a million-year growing season produced a vibrant, thriving, self-sustaining crop—all of us. I hear a shout. High above me a yellow t-shirt is waving from today, beckoning us back to the village. Later, as we silently inch down the trail to the main road, even our driver is subdued. We have all been touched by something sacred. There is a connection, a common bond through the centuries. Each of us gives thanks to the Lady for enduring. Our debt is large. It must be acknowledged but can never be repaid. How can we repay our own existence? Perhaps we can only protect tomorrow for our children’s children and make a world where they too, centuries in the future, will feel the link to the past and so connect with us who go before. The End Neil was born at a young age in an old house that is now a funeral parlor. He grew up, in Canada, to the height of six feet where he stayed until he was fifty, at which point he started to shrink. His books enjoyed brief success until sales dropped off after his mother’s garage got full. Quick to speak, people often leave the room while he’s still talking. He’s very competitive and once won two cans of fried chicken in a fishing derby. Neil McKinnon
Saw you in the Ojo 23
Malinche By David Ellison
M
alinche (also known as Marina, Malintzin, Malinal…) remains one of the most enigmatic and controversial characters in Mexican history. According to Texan historian T. R. Fehrenbach, “If there is one villainess in Mexican history, she is [Malinche]. She was to become the ethnic traitress supreme.” Meanwhile, Colorado Professor Cordelia Candelaria called her a “prototypical Chicana feminist. La Malinche embodies those personal characteristics—such as intelligence, initiative, adaptability and leadership—which are most often associated with Mexican-American women unfettered by traditional restraints against activist public achievement.” Born to a royal family, Malinche was sold into slavery as a young girl, perhaps by her own mother. She was eventually given as tribute to Hernán Cortés who, once he recognized her noble bearing and especially her mastery of multiple Native languages, made her his interpreter, mistress, and even adviser. Malinche enabled Cortés to convince many subjugated tribes to join him in overthrowing their Aztec overlords. According to one apocryphal account, Cortés quipped afterward that, after God, Malinche was the main reason for his success. The fact that he named their child after his own father, Martín, was a huge, public testament of his love and respect for her. Together, Cortés and Malinche founded a new Mestizo (mixed
24
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Spanish and Native) race. Did Malinche thus betray her own race? She enabled Cortés to end Aztec tyranny and human sacrifice. Even Native accounts (recorded on codex drawings) depicted her in heroic fashion, sometimes even carrying a shield into battle. She could never have anticipated the horrific results of Cortéz’ ruthless conquest of Mexico—aided in no small part by Smallpox, which finally claimed Malinche, too, at the young age of about 25. Perhaps journalist Farah Mohammed summarized Malinche best: “What all the stories of Malinche’s life—both damning and sympathetic—ultimately reveal is a particularly intelligent and resourceful woman, betrayed, enslaved, buffeted between two empires, somehow emerging as a historical giant in her own right.” This is a selection from Ellison’s book-in-progress, Niños Héroes: The Fascinating Stories Behind Mexican Street Names. He retired a year ago after 36 years in education. He and his partner, Edgar, volunteer at Lucky Dog and SOS Chapala Dog Rescue.
Saw you in the Ojo 25
COLUMNIST
If Our Pets Could Talk By Jackie Kellum
H
as your cat or dog lost their hips, and looks more like a butterball? Then possibly your pet has become obese from “love over feeding”. Excess weight is easier to prevent than treat, so keeping a lifelong healthy weight will help keep your pet healthier and happier. If there is not a specific medical condition causing obesity diagnosed by your Vet., the most common cause is an imbalance between food intake and its usage. The same as in humans, the pet is eating more than it can possibly ‘burn’. Obesity also becomes more common in old age because of the normal decrease in the pet’s ability to exercise. Unhealthy eating habits, such as high-calorie foods and frequent treats is a contributing factor. There have been many studies done mostly with dogs, on the longterm effect of obesity of our pets. During my research, it has shown that both cats and dogs are both affected negatively by obesity. Both species have the increased potential to develop the same types of medical problems. One dog study showed dogs who are trim live longer (2 years on average) than their mildly overweight counterparts. The study also showed reduced risk of some diseases or developing them later in life. Some studies showed non-obese cats may also see similar benefits. This is a short summary of medical conditions caused by pet obesity. (A) When having surgery or need for anesthesia, the obese pet is at higher risk for complications or death, and also are less heat tolerant, (B) Many pets require special care in selecting the correct dose for medications, (C) Obese pets who stop eating when ill, etc.. are at greater risk for developing a potentially life-threatening liver condition called Hepatic Lipidosis, (D) Overweight pets develop an increased risk for many types of cancer, heart disease, hypertension, torn ligaments, hormonal imbalances, (E) Obesity creates extra fat, which does not just sit there, it secretes hormones into the blood steam, that increases stress and inflammation in the body, making it more difficult to fight
26
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
infectious diseases, (F) Overweight pets are almost five times more likely to develop lameness due to osteoarthritis, with faster degeneration of affected joints, (G) Obese cats are three times more likely to need veterinary care for non-allergic skin conditions, possibly because the cats cannot reach all parts of their body to properly groom themselves, and (H) Diabetes, is not only a risk factor, but can make the diabetes more difficult to control. FYI: Unlike most other mammals, cats do not have the enzyme amylase secreted in their saliva, which helps digests carbohydrates. An ideal cat diet should contain low carbohydrates and high protein. [Read the pet food labels]. In general a diet that is rich in [identifiable] dietary protein and fiber, low in fat, are typically recommended, since dietary protein stimulates metabolism and energy expenditure, and creates the feeling of fullness. Weight loss should be gradual and consist of a healthy diet with sufficient exercise. Even reducing a weight loss of 6 - 8% in dogs showed reduced pain and requiring fewer medications. A weight reduction program should be discussed with your Vet. Many pet owners believe that feeding their pet is a sign of love, which is the main reason for over-feeding. An animal that is constantly over-fed will recognize this human behavior, and will then increase their begging. The animal’s owner then thinks that the animal loves him in return, so this vicious cycle of “overfeeding” begins/ continues. The best way to show love for your pet is to feed them in a way ensuring a healthy and long life. Also give him more time, attention and nonfood rewards. Jackie Kellum
Saw you in the Ojo 27
Carol D. Bradley
Email: cdbradleymex@gmail.com Phone: 33-2506-7525 “The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today…The whole future lies in uncertainty: Live immediately.” Seneca Our Lakeside community is reeling; still reeling, from the insidiousness of the Covid-19 virus. After months, almost a year, of sheltering in place, lockdowns, COVID-19 protocols, we are finally seeing a light at the end of our tunnel. The vaccine is coming. In the meanwhile, keep safe my friends. If you can; safely go out, enjoy your favourite restaurants, your favourite musicians. If you aren’t going out, all restaurants have pick-up and/or delivery. They need your support. I’ll bet you can get a serenade or two if you play your cards right. The Lake Chapala Society hosts Open Circle every Sunday at 10AM, a popular community gathering in Ajijic, to enjoy a diverse range of presentations. For more information and to make reservations, see their website: opencircleajijic.org. In order to follow State of Jalisco safety precautions, attendance will be limited to 80 persons, reservations required, use of mask is mandatory and temperature checks on entry. During this period, we recommend bringing your own coffee or bottled water, and please remove containers upon departure. Open Circle video Consent. As a service to our audience and presenters, Open Circle will video-record presentations and upload them on the LCS YouTube channel. Open Circle presentations for February 2021: February 7: Your Life Is a Battlefield. Your Weapons: Power, Control, and Domination Presented by Daniel Acuff Dr. Acuff will explore how you and the important others in your life use power, control, and domination to win, get ahead, and avoid losing in the game of life. He will analyze each of the weapons that you and others utilize in this battle, and will show how you also apply your physical body along with intellectual, emotional, social, and ethical powers to gain control. You’ll be surprised to discover how these forces play out consciously and subconsciously in your everyday life. Dr. Acuff’s Ph.D. is in philosophy, sociology and education. He has been a seminar leader, radio talk show host and marketing consultant for more than 40 major corporations. He is author of fifteen books including three philosophical/ spiritual works of fiction: God Lied–What’s Really Going on Here, The Mysteries of Quan, and Golf and the Zen Master. February 14: The Great Pause (Postponed from January 3rd) Presented by John Stokdijk John Stokdijk will share his thoughts about the coronavirus crisis as a spiritual experience. What insights can be gained? What lessons can be learned? How are we to live now? John will share some of his exciting new discoveries during this extremely disruptive pandemic. His presentation will be a continuation of the spiritual journey he shared at Open Circle in 2015, accessible by clicking here: Secular Spirituality. John and his wife Pat moved to Lakeside in 2012. Locally he is best known for launching the Ajijic Book Club in 2016. ABC has continued to meet and thrive utilizing Zoom. In addition to reading, John enjoys tending his John Stokdijk garden and exercising on his treadmill. He and Pat have remained mostly in quarantine supported by local shopping and delivery services. February 21: When Vulnerability Becomes Strength: From Care Giver to Receiver Presented by Loretta Downs How do we adjust when health challenges upend our independence? Whether parent, child, spouse, partner, friend or neighbor, we face vulnerabilities while adapting to role reversals from care giver to care receiver. Being vulnerable is never welcome yet receiving care provides opportunities for developing compassion, expressing love, achieving personal growth, and finding grace. Learn ways to welcome your vulnerability and surrender to “what is.” Loretta Downs, MA, CSA has studied death and supported the dying since the AIDS crisis in 1985. Since then she has been a hospital, hospice, and nursing home volunteer and earned a Master’s Degree in Gerontology, specializing in Thanatology. She is Past-Pres-
ident of the Chicago End-of-Life Care Coalition, a Certified Senior Advisor, End-of-Life Care Practitioner, Advance Care Planning Facilitator, and Death Doula. She has given workshops, published articles, been quoted in articles and books, and is featured in a video about the importance of advance care planning. After ten winters as a snowbird, Loretta has returned to Lakeside as a permanent resident. My sources in our Theatre groups, Lakeside Little Theatre and Bare Stage Theatre, our Music, Lake Chapala Community Orchestra and Live at the Met are disheartened they cannot bring you anything new and exciting during this time of such risk. Many in-person events are growing and thriving online, like the Ajijic Writers Group, gathering a global audience (contact VictoriaASchmidt@gmail.com to register). Check your favourite Facebook pages for more current Loretta Downs updates. As I had lunch on the Ajijic plaza at Christmas time, I delighted in hearing Carols from a group of classical musicians. I wondered over. This is what I learned:
The International Institute started teaching strings the year they opened in 2011. The first classes were very small. In 2015, they formalized a program for a string orchestra. Instruments now include violin, viola and cello, though they have had string bass, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and percussion players join in the past. Pre-pandemic, three concerts per year were performed with additional concerts for charity at assisted living homes, such as Ohana in San Juan Cosalá. Rehearsals were for-credit music classes, and students rehearsed twice per week for 90 minutes per rehearsal during the school day. Students from 7th grade through 12th participated. The program grew from about 5 students in 2015 to about 40, pre-pandemic in 2019. In addition to the strings’ methods classes given during the school day, an afterschool orchestra rehearsed twice per week. The after-school orchestra was a “community” orchestra which included interested students, teachers, and general community members who liked to play string arrangements for fun. We play everything from Christmas music, to musicals, Disney soundtracks, basic arrangements of classical pieces (Canon in D, Beethoven’s 9th, etc).
Continued on page 32
28
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Saw you in the Ojo 29
30
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Saw you in the Ojo 31
International Institute students on Mezcala Island performing a moonlight concert
32
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
International Institute students, and their program have benefitted from programs already offered in the greater Lakeside community. Many students take private lessons with CREM in Ajijic and the Casa de Cultura in Chapala. Michael Reason’s Lake Chapala Community Orchestra has been kind enough to receive the most talented strings players in several rehearsals, which has been a welcome opportunity for the students to learn from practicing musicians with decades of experience. LCCO’s concertmaster, Martha Murphy, even gave a free strings clinic, and Michael Reason came to the school to give a talk about power of music and its’ role in the events of 20th century history. The last, pre-pandemic concert was in conjunction with the Yacht Club of Chapala, and it was absolutely magical. Luis Villaseñor Parra invited 15 students to take their instruments and music to Mezcala Island, in boats, to play a one-hour dinner concert, under the light of the full moon on the 11th of February 2020. Not long after, Jalisco went into COVID lockdown, and rehearsals stopped for several months. Now, post-pandemic, orchestra numbers have dropped to about 10 dedicated students, teachers and community members. We rehearse in Cristiania Park in Chapala on Saturdays at 1 PM; they had a Facebook Live concert in December, and we performed for a fundraiser led by Susan Larson, benefiting the cats at the Lake Chapala Society. They hope to have another Facebook live concert at the end of March. Beginning strings’ classes start again on Saturday mornings at 9AM at the International Institute, C. Internacional 63 in Col. Brisas al Jaguey, in front of the Tecnológico de Chapala on the Libramiento to Guadalajara. Classes are taught by Mtra. Fátima Flores and Lily Ehlebracht, with two of their star strings’ players from high school acting as teaching assistants in order to comply with their community service graduation requirement. Anyone can join, but attendees must RSVP for a space at 376 688 0004 (in order to comply with social distancing) and students must bring their own instruments and books. Lakeside Living thanks Mtra. Lily Ehlebracht for her write-up, information, invitation and photos. CDB
Saw you in the Ojo 33
And the Post Office Made Three By Margaret Van Every
T
hey met in the US Postal Service in 1936, in St. Louis. She was a secretary/stenographer and he was a post office inspector. They loved their work and they loved each other, partly because of shared love for their employer. The post office was not just any workplace. Its inability to lay them off was getting them securely through the Great Depression, and for that Ted vowed to remain loyal to his employer for the remainder of his life, even though he had a law degree. Ted, with his parents and seven siblings, had immigrated from a shtetl in Transylvania to Chicago when he was a small child. He quickly learned English, studied hard in school, and started helping support his family as a milkman’s assistant, delivering heavy bottles to topfloor apartments in the wee morning hours before school. His goal was to melt in the Great Melting Pot and reap the fruits of the Promised Land. The Postal Service was an institution anyone would be proud to be part of. Predating the Declaration of Independence, it was the first federal law enforcement agency, founded in 1772 by Benjamin Franklin. It not only delivered the mail, but provided Ted a new set of Commandments after he had laid down the oppressive burden of his own religion. All employees swore to adopt the post office code of conduct so they would know how to behave on and off the job. He also liked that his employer was the legislator and enforcer of public morality. If postal inspectors suspected the sender or recipient of mail of unlawful or deviant behavior, they could steam open an envelope and examine the contents, no warrant necessary. They could withhold leftist publications in order to do what was in the best interest of the individual and the nation. They could even decide what books were fit to be sent through the mail, barring filth like Tropic of Cancer and Lady Chatterley’s Lover, thus sparing the United States of America from the corruption of smut. If the Postal Service, in its wisdom, deemed a book to be sexually stimulating, it was empowered to send publishers to prison with six months to five years of hard labor for printing “obscene, lewd, and/or las-
civious materials.” Lumped under these definitions was information pertaining to contraception and abortion. Postal inspectors were among the country’s original men of action, gun toters who risked danger for the public weal. A post office inspector swore to uphold high moral standards. Unfortunately, to get the job Ted had to lie about his age on the application, perjuring himself—but only for the sake of consistency. When he was 15 he had told the first lie about his age in order to enlist in the US Cavalry. It gnawed at him every day that he had to maintain the lie all the way to retirement and cheat his employer out of two years of service. No one had ever checked the date of birth on his immigration documents because none was recorded. Sally had her own reasons for loving the Postal Service. What drew her to her stenographer’s job there was that she worked for something she believed in, namely, writing letters and enabling people to stay in touch. She lavished her literary bent on letters to family and friends, written on a mahogany desk with a goldnib fountain pen. She was intrigued with stationery—its textures and tints and intertwined, illegible initials. She was sentimental about addressing an envelope with a flourish, daubing it with a seductive scent, and licking a stamp with an image matched to the interests of the recipient. Even the corner mailbox captured her fancy, the way you opened the chute and inserted your letter, your heart thumping as you abandoned it to the belly of the box—because sometimes you bared your feelings or wrote something of questionable taste, something you intuited you might regret. Yet once inside the box, it was irretrievable, no longer deemed your legal property. A uniformed employee would slip it into his sack, another would sort it, and yet another would deliver it. It took so many caring hands to process the mail. A willowy brunette from near Austin, Texas, Sal was 36, eight years older than Ted’s real age but only 6 years older than his fabricated age, which was the only age that mattered anymore. People said she resembled Wallis Simpson, the glamorous, scandalous Duchess of Windsor,
Continued on page 36
34
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Saw you in the Ojo 35
From page 34 and Sal flaunted the resemblance, which included the now fashionable notoriety of being a double divorcée. The couple eloped on New Year’s Day 1937 and decided to drive to Mexico City for a honeymoon as soon as they could pack their bags and settle affairs at home. It was the most romantic honeymoon Sal could imagine. Ted said they could justify such an extravagance because he could inspect post offices all the way from St. Louis to Laredo. Sal bought a gilt-edged leather-bound journal with the title “My Trip” stamped in gold. She would document everything on the honeymoon, including her secret-most thoughts. That’s what a diary is for, to serve as a confidant when there’s no one else to listen. Sal Begins Her Diary Our first night, January 4, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Ted stopped in the PO, and what do you know, there was a notice from Ted’s boss that because he is now married, he will receive a $300 annual salary increase. Will I get a raise, too, because I’m married? Jan. 5. I woke this morning to find that Ted was nowhere to be seen. A note informed me he had ventured off to visit post offices in neighboring towns. I didn’t mind staying in the room manicuring my nails, buffing my arms, writing letters, and reading the Poplar Bluff Gazette. A woman, after all, needs time to herself. It’s awkward to groom oneself with a man looking on, prying into your maintenance secrets. Jan. 6. On to Blytheville, Arkansas, where we got a hotel right across the street from the post office. Together we wrote a 6-page report on the POs visited so far. Ted had brought along his Underwood and I took dictation and typed it all up. Might as well. Just married and nothing else to do in this little town. Jan. 7. Destination Little Rock, driving through rain and sleet. First stop was you-know-where, where one of the inspectors invited us to his home for dinner. By day’s end, a blizzard had started
up.
Jan. 8 in Ft. Smith, another warm welcome from the postmaster and his inspector, including another homecooked meal. Wives of postal inspectors beware! Short-notice guests come with the territory. Dear diary, does this sound like a honeymoon? Morning of Jan. 9 we discover the postmaster paid our $2 hotel bill as a wedding gift. Such generosity. The post office is family wherever we go. The blizzard had made roads nearly impassable with snow so deep we weren’t sure where the road was. Nonetheless, we forged on to Dallas for just one night and then to Austin, my home turf. I told Ted I didn’t care about any other accommodations but wanted a good hotel in Austin, where my childhood friend lives. But because the state legislature is convening, we had to stay in a “thirdrate” hotel. Nonetheless, because of certain people I know, we got invited to a hastily arranged cocktail party at Senator Parnell’s suite at the Driskill and were his dinner guests later that evening at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel. On January 13, after breakfast with my girlfriend and the senator, we set out for San Antonio, passing through San Marcos where my family, the earliest settlers there, are buried. I yearned to visit their graves but Ted was so eager to get to Mexico, I didn’t insist. He left his ancestors buried in Europe and he can’t comprehend why anyone would visit graves anyway. We arrived in San Antonio around noon and checked into a decent hotel. That night we saw The Drunkard at the Diamond Horseshoe. January 14, I put my foot down and insisted that Ted see the historic Alamo despite his disinterest. It was even more important to me than visiting the graves of my forebears. In strained silence I breathed in the sacredness of this shrine that is hallowed ground to all Texans, as Ted looked at his watch and chafed to hustle on. We were soon on the streets of Laredo, where we checked into The Plaza Hotel. Ted went immediately to the post office and picked up both our paychecks. How coincidental! Postmaster Jackson, from St. Louis, had just passed through Laredo the day before en route home from Monterrey. Mild weather here. Dear diary, this is not at all how I remember my first two honeymoons! I keep waiting for this one to get started. I guess it will begin tomorrow once we cross the border and leave all the post offices behind us. To be continued in our March issue... Margaret Van Every
36
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Saw you in the Ojo 37
Tod Johnson September 21, 1929 - January 10, 2021
Our brother in Christ, Tod Johnson, entered eternal life on January 10, 2021. Please join us as we extend our deepest sympathy to all of his dear friends and family. Born Raymond Arthur Johnson, Tod seemed to live a charmed life. As a youth, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he studied theater and was “discovered” when he was 18 years old by a producer who gave him a starring role in an off-Broadway play. His roommate during this time was Montgomery Clift. Later, Tod moved to California to join the Pasadena Playhouse where he caught the eye of Ingrid Bergman, who cast him in her movie Joan of Arc and helped him garner a contract with Twentieth Century Fox. A few years later, he left acting and pursued behind-the-camera endeavors, producing documentaries with his beloved partner, Ektor
38
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Carranza, and winning three Oscars. Tod blessed Lakeside with his presence for several wonderful years. He shared many, many stories about his encounters with the glitterati of Hollywood—including occasions when he danced with Marilyn Monroe. After Ektor’s passing, Tod’s health would not allow him to remain with us, so he moved, with another of Lakeside’s sparkling and enduring talents, Joyce Vath, to the Alabama coastal town of Fairhope. In Fairhope, he had his own radio show for over five years, avidly campaigned for the town’s former mayor Tim Kant, worked on the annual Film Festival, the Fairhope Public Library’s Chocolate & Champagne Fantasy fundraiser, and organized the history records for the performing arts theater, Theatre 98. He also enjoyed the task of shining the silver at Emmy’s Thrift Store. Tod’s funeral service was held January 20, 2021, in Fairhope, at his beloved St. James Episcopal Church.
Saw you in the Ojo 39
COLUMNIST
Mexican Grace This is a regular feature column inspired stories that manifest “Mexican Grace.” El Ojo is looking for more anecdotes that relate the many encounters, initiated by expats or locals, that exemplify the special forms 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, with a Title and your name at the top to both victoriaAschmidt@gmail.com and loretta.downs@gmail.com. Photos are welcome.
THE QUEEN OF CLEAN By Loretta Downs
I
n 1980 my work started to involve frequent travel and long hours so I engaged a cleaning lady. First, it was once a month then more frequently as my time diminished and my income increased. It didn’t take long for me to love coming home on the day she had stormed
40
through the apartment. Oh, the smell of lemon Pledge, the sight of a dustless home, the order that was regained, the pictures on the wall slightly tilted to let me know they, too, were touched with her soft rag, were the reward to paying another to enter my domain and do the hard work of cleaning it.
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Even though I haven’t cleaned my own home since 1984, I am never totally comfortable, maybe even feeling a little guilty, having another woman clean my house. To ease my discomfort, I try not to be home when she is working because I know I could do it myself if I were more organized and prioritized my time differently. I pay dearly to go to a gym instead of exercising with a broom or a mop. Some of my discomfort is surely connected to my mother. She was obsessive about cleaning. Not the kind of obsession that needs therapy (well, maybe), rather the kind of obsession that could not live with a bit of dirt near her. We had an old house with a basement where she washed, hung (outside in the summer), ironed our clothes, and cooked on her original 1935 stove to not make a mess in the upstairs kitchen. You could lick the cement floor it was so clean. My mother was born in 1912 to Italian immigrants who had found their way from Ellis Island to a small coal mining town in southern Illinois. They were poor even before her father died in the 1918 flu epidemic (yes, I get vaccinated), but after that her mother worked desperately to keep her five children together. At the age of 12, she was sent to St. Louis, 90 miles away, to be a live-in servant in the home of a couple with two small children. She never said much about that experience, though she smiled when she talked about the “nice family” and sending her $50-amonth salary to her mother. After one year the family sent her home to finish grade school. Cleaning is in my blood. So is respect for the cleaners. When I bought a home five years ago, a friend recommended a young woman starting out in the cleaning profession. I didn’t have the patience—or the emotional vigor—to train her and she didn’t like the work, or maybe me. We parted. Then Josefina came into my life, improving it in untold ways.
The house has more windows and doors than walls, and they are often open to let in warm air and birdsongs, and also dust. Lots of dust. I discovered just how much dust during my first two-week quarantine, in March, when I returned from the States and I paid Josefina to stay home so she wouldn’t lose income. I was willing to wash my dishes and wipe the mess on the counters, but I could not get in the mood to move the dust that I watched accumulate until I could quite easily have written my grocery list on the coffee table. About day ten I drank enough coffee to take a few swipes at the surfaces that were beginning to support plant life. I even took Josefina’s mop in my hands, wondered what products she uses to wash the floors, looked around in the (her) cleaning supply cupboard, stood dazed a moment, and put the mop back. By the end of my quarantine I had cleared narrow paths from room to room with my slippered feet and followed Erma Bombeck’s advice to “just lower the lights and put flowers in vases, then no one will notice the dust.” Just like my mother, Josefina simply abhors dust. She walked in shaking her head, “Polvo! Hay mucho polvo!” Dust! There is so much dust! I gave her an air hug and left, knowing when I returned five hours later there would not be one speck of dust in my house. Even if there were, I wouldn’t see it. I call her La Reina de la Limpieza, the Queen of Clean. Once in a casual conversation I mentioned to someone that I was giving her a raise. Without even asking from what to what, they said, “Don’t do that or I’ll have to give mine a raise.” Really? Based on casual research, the pay range for cleaning services in Lakeside is 50 to 100 pesos per hour. In the US the going rate is $25 an hour, and finding a good, reliable, trustworthy cleaner is not easy. Josefina, her mother, and some of her many sisters have always cleaned houses to contribute to the family’s income, resulting in an educated and hard-working younger generation in the Lopez family, just like in my family. She’s only ten years younger than I am, and I hope she remains strong much, much longer. I need her not only to move my sofa and mop my floors, but because she reminds me where I came from. That reminder makes me beyond grateful that I don’t have to clean my house or anyone else’s house like my mother did. Loretta Downs
Saw you in the Ojo 41
COLUMNIST
PROFILING TEPEHUA By Moonyeen King President of the Board for Tepehua
moonie1935@yahoo.com
T
he Tepehua Team wishes the world Health and Peace this 2021, as we spin into the New Year with great expectations. This Author would like to embrace the oncoming year fiercely and demand change, but we must have patience, change will come. Last year was not all doom and gloom, we had high moments and were able to achieve things using a different tactic that seemed to work. One of the highs was the introduction of the potable water unit that was built at the Tepehua Center with the help of Rotary. Despairing over the deaths from water diseases caused by polluted wells, we took matters into our hands. The local barrios could not afford the bottled water prices of this area, so our Water Unit was built on the promise of a controlled price, so that affordable water was available to all barrios and villages Lakeside, and businesses, restaurants, etc, which would like a better price for their water and at the same time, help the Community Center remain sustainable. We are licensed to sell by the Health department. The Distribution Center is open for visits and sales every Friday and Saturday morning from 10am until Noon, or call Adam at 332-627-1274 for English and Carlos at 333-004-7849 for Spanish. Delivery is possible from Ajijic going East only. Or order your needs at Tepehua Treasures store in Riberas every Wednesday from Noon until 3pm where your order can be delivered for pick-up. The cost per garrafone (5 gallon bottle) is 15 pesos. People get affordable water and a village gets support. How’s that for sharing the wealth? Sadly, the education for younger kids and those that have no computer resources was put on hold through the year. To replace that, the Tepehua Education unit opened English Classes which have become popular. English language is essential to the service Industries which create a stronger middle-class for the Barrios
42
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
Lakeside. Although the service industry was forced to close down partly, this service will always be needed in tourist towns such as Chapala/Ajijic. The middle-class in Mexico is getting stronger because education is reaching the masses, a sure indication the future is brighter for so many. The people are demanding and getting their rights, and although the pandemic forced many to their knees, change is inevitable and still happening. We can never be the same but we can be better. A future project will be to have a public toilet built on the edge of the barrio in Tepehua so that ALL people have access to a toilet rather than to defecate on the land, causing so much of a health risk to all people especially in the rainy season, where human and animal waste eventually end up in the wells through rainwater runoff. Communal Baños will give work to a few people once built, to hand out the toilet paper and keep the toilets up to the local Health Department’s standards. We will never eradicate poverty, but we can help to bring a little dignity to our less fortunate neighbors, and make the world a better place. The Tepehua Community Center vows this year to keep our free medical consultations open, help for education available, potable water and pharmaceuticals affordable. The support of the public for the Tepehua Treasures Bazaar in Riberas was for Tepehua Center a life line. We managed many things and kept services to the people open; it could have been so much worse. We are not through this by any means. Don’t let down your self protection or that of your brothers not even for a second. Although the vaccine gives hope, it will be awhile before this pandemic loses its grip on the world. Look forward with hope, but live cautiously. You can make life as you want it, happiness is a state of mind. For the Tepehua Team! Moonie
Saw you in the Ojo 43
ACCORDING TO SOLEDAD: Memories of a Mexican Childhood By Katie Goodridge Ingram Review by Michael Hogan
T
here are two kinds of stories from childhood: those that we are in bondage to, and those that liberate us. This memoir is a combination of both. The author, calling herself “Soledad” in the book, is a young girl born in Mexico to expatriate parents. Her father is a rare-book dealer who has come to Mexico from the US in search of a valuable Aztec codex, a journal from an earlier Spanish missionary, or other unique volumes. Her mother, also an expat, is a designer, and becomes a hostess for famous artists and writers as well as a raconteur in her own right. Together they create a world in which Soledad is born. They live in Coyoacán, a lush suburb of Mexico City, home to artists, poets, and historians, and even the Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky. Her parents are often din-
44
ner hosts to both Frieda Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Soledad gets to watch José Clemente Orozco work up on a scaffold painting one of his famous murals. She “helps” Anita Brenner write her breath-
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
taking history of the Mexican Revolution, The Wind That Swept Mexico. But that is not the charm of the book; it lies elsewhere. Like The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, the narrator of this memoir is very young. So, the book is rich with observations from the perspective of a child, rich in surprising and delightful imagery from the sparkle of the cobblestones after the rain in the streets of Coyoacán to the frightening hiss of the night birds in the trees; from the patting of tortillas on the wood stove to the neon fluorescence of the bougainvillea in February. All say “This is Mexico” in a way that is fresh and new. It is paradise but, much like the biblical one, there is a dark angel hovering nearby. The father, who is often away on buying trips, has a weakness of the flesh. He finds himself tempted to liaisons with women of the night, some of whom make off with his profits, and one who actually steals a family heirloom. When his extramarital adventures become too much for her, the mother packs her bags and takes Soledad and her two brothers, Primo and Amado, away to Ajijic, a village on the shore of Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico and home to colorful artists and writers. While this is liberating for the mother, who blossoms there becoming a weav-
er as well as designing original clothing which she sells in a shop and along the way picking up a second husband, it is less so for Soledad. She misses the father whose memory she clings to. She hates the stepfather (whom she calls “my mother’s husband”) who is something of a misogynist and controlling. She writes weekly letters to her father in Mexico City full of wonder and lush descriptions of her new home. She writes in the plaza on the round cement bench under the purple jacaranda tree and the yellow primavera. She watches the birds drink out of the fountain and discovers her voice and the power of language. She rides a horse to the edge of the lake and observes “the long-nosed fishing boats with the oarlock made out of the elbow of a branch.” She becomes one of the voices of Ajijic, an artist who will leave her own legacy behind. Her father dies in a terrible fire that gutted a nightclub in Mexico City. She never got to tell him goodbye. Yet, in this memoir she captures his life and times which still hold her captive to his love, while at the same time using her narrative gift to liberate her own soul and that of the reader. Michael Hogan is the author of twentysix books, including Mexican Mornings, The Irish Soldiers of Mexico, and Abraham Lincoln and Mexico. He lives in Guadalajara with the artist Lucinda Mayo Michael and their Dutch ShepHogan herd, Lola. Title: According to Soledad: Memories of a Mexican childhood. Author: Katie Goodridge Ingram Publisher: Sombrero Books, BC, Canada Published date: 2020 Availability: Kindle and print version via Amazon - https://www.amazon. com/dp/1777038103 Copies are available in Ajijic at La Nueva Posada and Mí Mexico (the childhood home of the author)
Saw you in the Ojo 45
Candace Ayers Luciano Well-known Lakeside resident Candace Luciano passed away on January 1st, in the loving company of her husband, Peter, and several close friends, following a courageous battle with cancer. A vibrant and generous member of this community since 2011, Candace was kind to all and friends with many; she will be sorely missed. Born on September 5, 1948, in Greenville, South Carolina, Candace was raised and educated there, later attending Lander College/ University of South Carolina, where she completed her bachelor’s degree. After teaching elementary school, she returned to the University of South Carolina where she earned a master’s in Education in 1986. Later, Candace changed careers, after attending Florida State University, where she earned a master’s in Social Work. Starting in Northern Florida as a social worker, she subsequently moved into management and executive positions in Columbia Health System in South Carolina and North Broward Hospital District in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1990, Candace married Peter Luciano and they moved to Apple Hill Farm in Newton, New Hampshire, where she entered what she called her “Martha Stewart phase of life,” managing a 1720 colonial home and farm including gardening, canning, cooking, and raising animals. She was admitted to the Grange Society; served on the boards of director for the historical society and Newton Library, and was a candidate for state representative, gaining notoriety by losing that election by one vote. In 1996, Candace decided to pursue a career in the law and was admitted to the Massachusetts School of Law from which she graduated magna cum laude as number one in her class. She was sworn in to the Massachusetts bar in the historic Faneuil Hall in Boston. After spending a short in private practice, she was selected to be law clerk for the justices of the Superior Court of New Hampshire. Following that, she was invited to join the faculty of the University of Massachusetts Medical School where she taught ethics and managed a program to place health
46
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
care professionals and physicians in underserved areas of the commonwealth. Later, Candace was recruited to be the executive director of the Upstate Area Health Center in Greenville, South Carolina, enabling her to be near her parents who were in failing health. In 2011, Candace and Peter retired to Ajijic, Mexico. Here she discovered a new passion—acting. Never having acted before, Candace took acting lessons at Lakeside Little Theatre, and over the ensuing years found herself cast in numerous plays. Acting afforded her the opportunity to use her significant communication skills and ability to memorize large amounts of material. Of all the plays, one of her favorite leading roles was a love story, The Last Romance. The pinnacle of Candace’s acting accomplishments, however, was her performance in the play “MMXX” about the last day of Marilyn Monroe’s life. This one-woman, two-act, 54-page play was a tour de force in which Candace convincingly became Marilyn, showing the months of voice and mannerism study she did in preparation for the role. Candace was to have performed the lead in last season’s play, The Actress, when COVID-19 hit and LLT closed one week prior to opening night. Candace is survived by her husband, Peter Luciano, her daughter Laura Campbell, beloved son-inlaw Jay Campbell, and their two sons Ryan and Will; son P. J. Luciano, his wife Julia, and their children Thomas and Mia; and her sister Patricia Ayers. A memorial is being planned and will be announced at a future date.
Saw you in the Ojo 47
F o r Whom The Dice Roll By Randy Warren
I
n Ajijic sits the Sad Casino. Oh, that is not its real name, but that is what I call it because the casino’s actual name sounds too close to a sex act. And it might as well be called the Sad Casino because nobody is smiling, except the plastic leprechaun standing outside the entrance. With his green outfit, he assures luck to all who enter. But once inside, there is no feeling of luck. Upon entry, you know you are in the Sad Casino. No music. No jackpots clanking in a joyous sound of rain. Instead of boisterous sounds from players and machines, there is only silence. The slot machines make no sounds; they trade in paper rather than coins. The place is just . . . quiet. You would expect to hear the shout of a winner now and then, but apparently the leprechaun works for management. Even the few blackjack tables are quiet. Gringo players and Mexican croupiers do not speak each other’s language, so there is not much to talk about. I think the only people in the world who would truly be happy here are librarians: So many people gathered together in one big room and everybody maintaining silence. So that gave me an idea I want to send back to the Old Country: America should turn its libraries into casinos! Slot machines up and down every aisle. Roulette alongside Rousseau. Blackjack at the librarians’ desks. They can deal cards while checking out books. Shout out when you win and you forfeit the payout. Shhhh! Let’s be realistic: Post-pandemic budgets are going to get slashed. Gambling would be a great way to preserve funding while also getting more people into libraries. Free admission but you need a library card to get in. Add a section for books about how to beat the games. That at least gets the newbies started with reading. After all, casinos are much like literature: You arrive with Great Expectations and leave when it’s Gone With The Wind. Maybe librarians can confer with Bally to create custom library slot ma-
48
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
chines replacing those noisy Wheel of Fortune units. Instead of chasing three cherries, you need three scarlet letters. Try to hit the Harry Jackpotter. We simply have to accept that Betty Friedan would not approve of “Feminine Mystique” slot machines or their artwork. Like other casinos, sometimes they issue credit and sometimes people don’t pay. So they will need a private collection force to round up the payments. To offset library budget cuts, this same workforce could double to retrieve those past due book returns. “Bobby, there is a man named Salvatore at the front door. He is asking about ‘Catcher in the Rye’ and something called the vig.” There may be some pushback about libraries having cocktail lounges, but if you look around the library, cocktails probably played a big role in creating a good number of the novels. Now, I concede that some librarians may not care for their new outfits. On the other hand, the tips will be amazing. I think this is a great idea! The one problem that remains to be solved is the minimum age to enter the joint . . . I mean the library. Normally, you have to be 18 to enter a gambling hall. But students need to be able to use the library too. This conflict must be resolved and I think I have the answer. Minors can enter the casinobrary only if they have a library card in their name, the obtaining of which now requires at least a B average at school. So suddenly, having a library card is cool. Because only the cool kids can get inside the casino, only kids with high grades will be cool. Yes, it may result in a few fake library cards, or minors congregating outside the entrance asking strangers if they could get them some Victor Hugo. But the only way to be sure to have access is to get those higher grades. An unintended consequence of this policy might be to make students place value on being smart. When they grow up, that could fully reverse decades of American policies. Will this work? You can bet on it!
Saw you in the Ojo 49
What I Didn’t Know I Knew
By Judy Dykstra-Brown
A
ll truths of life are in their essence trite—because at heart they are what everyone eventually discovers if they choose to examine life as it occurs. They are also at the heart of most writing. It is only the words chosen to convey them that change from teller to teller. Here are some truths I have discovered as I get older: I think I like writing because it teaches me what I’ve learned but might otherwise forget. I guess we can’t really own beauty, but I’m enjoying it while it is possible!!! I don’t really know what I think until I write about it. Dogs adore us and expect things from us but probably don’t appreciate us that much. I think it is one doggie treat and then on to the next. Out of jaws, out of mind!!! We have to be glad for what happens in our lives, not sad about what ceases to happen. Life experiences are often like presents under a tree. Although we have not chosen them and though they are not what we expected, if we choose to unwrap them, we might find some wonderful surprises. Even the terrible things in life have the seeds of some happiness
50
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
in them. Many times this is our only consolation; and if you refuse to believe this, life is likely to be a terrible disappointment. There are many friends who will seek to tell us the truth about ourselves, but a truly good friend will make us laugh in the telling. In my friends, I seek my copies and my opposites. One reassures me that I am not alone in this world. The other shows me alternative possibilities. Although I am not religious, I can’t deny that there is a huge creative force in the universe. The way I have discovered this is through finding it within myself. I have a limited amount of patience for a limitless number of children. In a way this is the opposite of motherhood, although I think it makes for a very good schoolteacher. My four-year-old stepson called me his “wicker stepmother.” In spite of the fact that I had a huge basket collection, I don’t think he saw the pun; although I’m sure he saw the humor as he grinned wickedly every time he said it. I was made strong by the most terrible things that happened to me in my life. I was rewarded by the good ones. I don’t think there is a scorekeeper evening out the game. I think we ourselves choose to find the rewards in what is offered to us. One man’s prize may be another man’s punishment. Point of view is everything. It is much easier to spout philosophy of life from comfort than from pain. I know this and acknowledge that in any crisis situations I was not thinking about the significance of the experience. Flight or fight is one thing. Reflection about fight or flight is another. Judy posts daily on her blog at judydykstrabrown.com Judy DykstraBrown
Saw you in the Ojo 51
The Ojo Crossword
Magic Mushrooms By Margie Keane
T
ACROSS 1 Beat it! 6 Eastern Afghani 10 Far away 14 Whizz 15 Decorative needle case 16 Telegram 17 Underlying principle 18 Unconsciousness 19 Sour 20 Rushed 21 Dyke 22 What you apply mascara to 24 Apprehend 26 Infectious disease 27 Speaks 30 Stare 31 Crack 32 More confident 33 Compass point 36 Regress 37 Hearing part 38 Changed the radio station 40 Snacked 41 Brash 43 Exploiting 44 Thought 45 Comely 46 Well above ground 49 Perceives with eye 50 Autocrat 51 Farm credit administration (abbr.) 52 Syrian bishop 56 Winged 57 Brand of sandwich cookie 59 Pacific, for example 60 Evaluate 61 Brook 62 Michelangelo’s famous statue 63 Mined metals 64 No longer for sale 65 Sarcastically
52
DOWN 1 Compass point 2 Fellow 3 Stand up 4 Barrenness 5 Married woman 6 Decorative picture printed on sticky, glossy paper for transferring to glass or wood 7 Small portion of matter 8 Liquor 9 Undergo dialysis 10 Flooded 11 Sheer, triangular scarf 12 First sign of the zodiac 13 Cincinnati baseball team 21 The opposite of 23 Gap 25 From Armenia 26 Pitchy 27 Ca. University 28 Not this 29 Record 30 Fruit 32 More withered 33 Irritation 34 Mailed 35 Jittery 39 Drives (3 wds.) 42 Newspaper revisers 45 Legume 46 Shiny balloon material 47 Wrathful 48 Risks 49 Chew out 50 Tropical edible root 51 Chop down 53 Gathering 54 Security 55 Comedian Griffith 58 Brazilian city 59 Unusual
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
he instant I stepped off the Golden Gate Bridge I knew that Timothy Leary was a liar. He said, “Eat enough magic mushrooms and you can fly.” Or did he say you will feel like flying? I wanted to go up and grab a star and soar around the earth, but that wasn’t happening. Here I was plummeting down like a goony bird. Maybe I should confess my sins while there’s still time. “Listen God, I have to make this quick, so if I forget anything maybe you can cut me some slack. I don’t know if free love is a sin.” “One of the commandments is ‘love thy neighbor as thyself,’ and that’s what I’ve been doing. Or maybe not.” “What’s the difference between free love and fornication? “Oh, well too late now. I know I have caused my parents pain. They didn’t want me to go to U.C. Berkeley, said I’d get into trouble. Maybe if they had given me some freedom when I was in high school I might have handled things differently. My roommate, Janie, at Cal, said, ‘Let’s get a pad on Fillmore Street!’ I have to say it was a blast! All that grass and Boone’s Farm wine. I can hear my parents now, mother whining, ‘I’ll be disgraced. The women in the Episcopal church will shun me.’ Dad will be ticked off because he wasted all that money on my education and he won’t be able to yell at me because I’ll be dead and not grateful either! So, God, if you could please forgive these sins . . . oh, and I haven’t gone to church, but I have prayed a lot, especially after I moved to Fillmore Street.” I wonder if there are sharks in the bay. I hope not; I want to be buried in one piece. I don’t want my epitaph to say, “Here lie some pieces of Betsy.” Wow! Here’s the water, my feet are touching, all of me going under, bubbles all around me. A vapor wrapping around me. What’s happening? I’m not sinking anymore! What are these silver things floating next to me, hanging on to me? “Who are you?” I shout.
“I’m Faith,” says one. “I’m Hope,” says another. “Yeah, yeah. And you grabbing my leg, I’ll bet you’re charity, right?” “You crazy? My name’s Lowand a . Listen, girl, I was working on my second bowl of ambrosia when we got the call.” “What call?” “The call to come down here and save your soul.” “You mean I’m going to heaven?” “You get a tryout. See, God knows you weren’t trying to kill yourself when you jumped off the bridge, right?” “Right. I thought I could fly. Timothy Leary said if I ate enough magic mushrooms, I could fly. What a joke.” “Yeah. That guy is causing us a lot of extra work. So, anyway, God sent you some wings.” “You mean I get to fly?” “Do I look like a pack mule? You comin’ with us, you best be flyin’.” We shot up to the surface and I started flapping my arms. I was flying! I was really flying! “Look, Mom and Daddy, I can fly! I’m an angel, Mom, so tell that to the Episcopal Ladies Friendly society!” “Come on, Lowanda, I’ll race you to the stars.” Epilogue: A story appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle about a strange phenomenon. It said in part “. . . many people who witnessed a girl jump from the Golden Gate Bridge last night said they saw a strange sight. Supposedly, four vaporous forms emerged from the water at the exact spot the jumper went in. They all agreed that the forms ascended into the stars. A nun from Our Lady Star of the Sea Convent said she was sure they were angels. The Vatican is sending Archbishop O’Malley to investigate the incident Margie Keane
Saw you in the Ojo 53
Service
* ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
* ANTIQUES & FURNITURE
Pag: 06
Pag: 09 Pag: 11
* BEAUTY
Pag: 20
* GOLF
- TRANSITIONAL DIRECTIONS - Life Coaching Tel: 766-2928, +52 331-435-7080 Pag: 13
* COMMUNICATIONS - ISHOPNMAIL Tel: 376 766-1933 - MACDONALD SERVICES Tel: 415-121-9266
Pag: 21
- NAPOLEON Tel: 376 766-6153
Pag: 13
* HARDWARE STORES Pag: 03 Pag: 27
- CASA INARQ Tel: 376 766-5397 Pag: 47 - FERRETERIA Y TLAPALERIA GALVEZ Tel: 376 766-0880, 387 763-0341 Pag: 58
* COMPUTERS
Pag: 42
* CONSTRUCTION - COMFORT SOLUTIONS Pag: 24 Tel: 33-1228-5377 - GENERAL HOME SERVICES - Amancio Ramos Jr. Cell: 331-520-3054 Pag: 14 - MARBLE & GRANITE Pag: 49 Tel: 376 766-1306 - SIKA Pag: 38 Tel: 376 766-5959 - WARWICK CONSTRUCTION Pag: 50 Tel: 376 108-8754, Cell. 331-135-0763
- M.D. CARLOS ALONSO FLORES VALDOVINOS Tel: 376 766-5126, 376 766-4435 Pag: 11
Pag: 11 Pag: 42 Pag: 27 Pag: 47 Pag: 39 Pag: 51
- AJIJIC DENTAL Pag: 09 Tel: 376 766-3682, Cell: 33-1411-6622 - DRA. ANGELICA ALDANA LEMA DDS Pag: 12 Tel. 376 765-5364, Cell: 33-1351-7797 - CHAPALA DENTAL CARE Pag: 35 Tel: 376 765-5584, 376 766-3847 - MOJO DENTAL - Dra. Cristina Barreto Tel: 376 688-2731 Pag: 41
* ELECTRONICS/ TECHNOLOGY - STEREN Tels. 376 766-0599, 376 766-0630
- HEALTH INSURANCE Pag: 25 Tel: 376 766-0395, 1-888-449-7799 - HECHT INSURANCE Tel: 376 109-1694 Pag: 45 - LAKESIDE INSURANCE - EDGAR CEDEÑO Cell: 33-3106-6982 Pag: 08 - PARKER INSURANCE SERVICES Pag: 13 Tel: 376 765-5287, 376 765-4070 - PROTEXPLAN U.S. Toll Free 1-800-608-5743 Mexico Toll Free 01-800-681-6730 Pag: 26 - TIOCORP Pag: 18 Tel: 376 766-4828, 376 766-3978
* INVESTMENT Pag: 34, 44
Pag: 11
* BEER & LIQUOR STORES
* FISH MARKET - COSTALEGRE Tel: 376 108-1087, 33-1173-6144
Pag: 46
* FUMIGATION - FUMIGA Tel: 376 688-2826, Cell: 331-464-6705
Pag: 42
* FURNITURE Pag: 24 Pag: 45
- UOU Tel: 33-3149-4536, 376-106-1618
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
- FELIPE GONZÁLEZ-Atorney at law Tel: 33-1862-6230, 33-1073-8553 - SOLBES & SOLBES Tel: 331-520-5529, Cell: 333-676-6245
Pag: 41
Pag: 03 Pag: 13
* MUSIC / THEATRE / EVENTS - D.J. HOWARD Tel: 376 766-3044
Pag: 51
- RAINBOW NOTARY & NUPTIALS Tel: 904-333-7311
Pag: 27
- MAQUINARIA Y HERRAMIENTAS PROFESIONALES Tel: 387-763-1232, Cell: 33-1892-2142
Pag: 46
* PAINT - QUIROZ-Impermeabilizantes Tel: 376 766-2311 - QUIROZ-Pinturas Tel: 376 766-2311
Pag: 46 Pag: 32
* PHARMACIES - FARMACIA EXPRESS II Tel: 376 766-0656 - FARMACIA MASKARAS Tel: 376 766-3539 - FARMEX Tel: 376 765-5004
Pag: 51 Pag: 36 Pag: 35
* PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT Pag: 43 Pag: 29
* LIGHTING Pag: 48
* MALL / OUTLET - CENTRO LAGUNA Tel: 376 766-5514
Pag: 50
* BOUTIQUE / CUSTOM SEWING
* LEGAL SERVICES
- L&D CENTER Tel: 376 766-1064
Pag: 38
Pag: 06
* OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
* INSURANCE
- INVESTMENT
- BEST MEXICO MOVERS US/CANADA: (915) 235-1951 US Cell: (520) 940-0481 - LAKE CHAPALA MOVING Tel: 376 766-5008 - STROM-WHITE MOVERS Tel: 376 766-6153
* NOTARY SERVICES
* HEARING AIDS - COMPUTACION DINAMICA Y SERVICIOS Tel: 333-614-5605 Pag: 49 - LAKESIDE - CompuShop + Repair Pag: 41 Tel: 33-2340-7501 / 376 668-1354
Tel: 376-766-5513, 333-813-3493 Pag: 47 - DR. PALOMA SOTO-Human Genetics Tel: 376-766-2928, Cell: 33-1760-9723 Pag: 27 - DRA. CLAUDIA LILIA CAMACHO CHOZAOphthalmologist Tel: 33-3403-3857 Pag: 19 - PLASTICA LIFT Pag: 43 Tel: 376 108-0595, 376 688-1820 - SCLEROTHERAPY-Dra. Patricia Estela Jimenez del Toro Cell: 333-808-2833 Pag: 47 - SKYMED Cell: 333-661-3402 Pag: 29
* MOVERS
- ATLAS COUNTRY CLUB Tel: 33-3689-2620
DENTISTS
* BED & BREAKFAST
54
Pag: 16
* GRILLS
- TEPEHUA TREASURES Tel: 376 763-5126
Pag: 33
- GARDEN CENTER Tel: 376 765-5973 - RAINFOREST Cell: 331-241-9773, Tel: 376 766-4534
* COACHING
Pag: 24
* BANK INVESTMENT
- LA BELLA VIDA Tel: 376 766-5131 - SO CHIC BOUTIQUE Tel: 331-762-7838
Pag: 43
* CONSIGNMENT SHOP
- MULTISERVICIO AUTOMOTRIZ ESCALERA Tel: 376 765-4424, 333-440-2412 Pag: 49
- BETO’S WINE & LIQUOR Cell: 333-507-3024
Pag: 41
Pag: 38
* AUTOMOTIVE
- CASA TRES LEONES Cell: 331-350-6764
Pag: 51
* CLEANING SERVICES - AXIXIC SPRING CLEAN Tel: 33-1075-7768 - STEAM CLEAN Tel: 33-2385-0410
- AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS Pag: 40 Tel: 376 766-4973, Cell: 332-213-8933
* GARDENING
Pag: 38
* ART GALLERIES/HANDCRAFTS
- CHRISTINE’S Tel: 376 106-0864, 376 766-6140 - EDITH’S SALON Cell: 33-1310-9372 - GLORIOSA Tel: 376 766-3372 - HILDA WORLWIDE Cell: 33-1717-2784 - NEW LOOK STUDIO Tel: 376 766-6000, 33-3950-9990 - NEW MOON Tel: 33-1841-3928
Pag: 32
* CHURCH - ST. ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
- CLINICA VETERINARIA SAN ANTONIO Pag: 07 Tel: 376 766-0808 - COLITAS - Pet Supply Pag: 39 Tel: 33-1318-9471 - LAKESIDE FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS AC Pag: 19 Tel: 376 765-5544 - MASKOTA’S LAKE Pag: 44 Tel: 376 766-0287, 33-3448-2507 - PET PLACE Pag: 16 Cell: 333-1964-150 - PET SITTING Pag: 49
- ACTINVER Tel: 376 766-3110 - INTERCAM Tel: 376 766-5978, 376 766-4055 - MULTIVA Tel: 376 766-2499
* GARAGE DOORS OPENERS
Pag: 50
* ANIMAL CLINICS/PET SHOP
- DIANE PEARL COLECCIONES Tel: 376 766-5683 - GALERIA ALFREDO Tel: 376 766-2980 - LA BELLA VIDA Tel: 376 766-5131
DIRECTORY
- LONAS MEXICO Tel: 376 766-0045, Cell: 33-3956-4852
- EL OJO DEL LAGO Tel. 376 765-3676
- GALERIA ALFREDO Tel: 376 766-2980
directory.chapala.com
* CANOPIES
* ADVERTISING / DIRECTORY
- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Tel: 376 766-5961
EMERGENCY NUMBERS EMERGENCY HOTLINE 911 CRUZ ROJA 376 765-2308, 376 765-2553 FIRE DEPARTMENT 376 766-3615 POLICE Ajijic 376 766-1760 Chapala 376 765-4444 La Floresta 376 766-5555
Pag: 02
* MEDICAL SERVICES - ALTA RETINA - Dr. Rigoberto Rios León Ophthalmic Surgeon Pag: 10 Tel: 376 688-1122, 376 688-1343 - DERMIKA Pag: 13 Tel: 376 766-2500 - DR. BEN - CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON Cell: 333-105-0402 Pag: 15 - DR. FRANCISCO J. REYES ESQUIVEL PhD Surgical Oncologist Tel: 376-766-2500, Cell: 331-110-7351 Pag: 36 - DR. GABRIEL HERNANDEZ NUÑO
- JOSE MARTINEZ RUBALCAVA Tel: 376 688-2683
Pag: 06
* REAL ESTATE - AJIJIC HOME INSPECTIONS Tel: 33-3904-9573 Pag: 51 - AJIJIC REAL ESTATE Tel: 37 6766-2077 Pag: 17 - BAUERHOUSE PROPERTIES Tel: 33-3038-1803 Pag: 14 - BETTINA BERING Cell. 33-1210-7723 Pag: 23 - BEV COFELL Cell: 33-1193-1673 Pag: 38 - CIELOVISTA Tel: 33-2002-2400 Pag: 05 - COLDWELL BANKER CHAPALA REALTY Tel: 376 765-3676, 376 765-2877 Fax: 765-3528 Pag: 60 Tel: 376 766-1152, 376 766-3369 - CONTINENTAL REALTY Pag: 35 Tel: 376 766-1994 - CUMBRES Tel: 33-2002-2400 Pag: 05 - FOR SALE BY OWNER Tel: +1 720-984-2721, +52 33-1395-9062 Pag: 51 - FOR SALE BY OWNER
Tel: 331-863-2136 - JUDIT RAJHATHY Cell: 331-395-9849 - LAKE CHAPALA REAL ESTATE Tel: 376 766-4530/40 - LORI FIELSTED REALTY Tel: 331-365-0558 - MICHEL POMMIER Cell: 331-399-8267 - RADISSON BLU
Pag: 49 Pag: 15 Pag: 59 Pag: 39 Pag: 44
Ajijic Resort, Spa & Residences
Tel: 376 766-4525, Cell: 332-255-5972 Pag: 02 - RAUL GONZALEZ Cell: 33-1437-0925 Pag: 03, 37 - SANTANA RENTALS AND REAL ESTATE Tel: 315-351-5167, 315-108-3425 Pag: 42 - VISTA ALEGRE Tel: 33-2002-2400 Pag: 05
* RENTALS/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - COLDWELLBANKER CHAPALA REALTY Pag: 50 Tel: 376 766-1152 - EAGER REALTY Tel: 333-137-8447, 376 766-1917 Pag: 20 - FOR RENT Pag: 40 Cell: 333-667-6554 - FOR RENT Pag: 50 Cell: 33-1115-6584 - RENTAL WANTED Pag: 34 - SANTANA RENTALS AND REAL ESTATE Tel: 315-351-5167, 315-108-3425 Pag: 42 - VILLAS DEL SOL Pag: 51 Tel: 376 766-1152
* RESTAURANTS / CAFES /BAR - AJIJIC TANGO Tel: 376 766-2458 - CASA LINDA Tel: 376 108-0887 - GO BISTRO Cell: 33-3502-6555 - LA TAVERNA Tel: 376-766-2848 - MANIX Tel: 376 766-0061 - MOM’S DELI & RESTAURANT Tel: 376 765-5719 - YVES Tel: 376 766-3565 - ZARANDEADO PERO FELIZ
* SCHOOL - INSTITUTO INTERNACIONAL Tel: 376 688-0004
Pag: 29
* SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS - PROGRAMA PRO NIÑOS INCAPACITADOS DEL LAGO A.C. Pag: 45 - LOS NIÑOS DE CHAPALA Y AJIJIC Pag: 55 Tel: 376 765-7032
* SPA / MASSAGE - GANESHA SPA Tel: 376 766-5653, Cell: 331-385-9839
Pag: 43
* STAINED GLASS - AIMAR-Stained Glass Cell: 33-1741-3515
Pag: 40
* SOLAR ENERGY - SUN QUEST ENERGY Tel: 376 766-6156, Cell: 333-117-9126
Pag: 39
* TAXI / TRANSPORTATION - OMAR MEDINA Cell: 33-1281-2818 - TAXI-Arturo Fernandez Cell: 333-954-3813
Pag: 46 Pag: 49
* TREE SERVICE - CHAPALA TREE SERVICE Tel: 376 762-0602, Cell: 33-1411-0242
Pag: 48
Pag: 58 Pag: 47 Pag: 07
* TOURS - CHARTER CLUB TOURS Tel: 376-766-1777
Pag: 07
Pag: 24
* WATER
Pag: 40
- FIRESSA Tel: (0133) 3135-2700, Cell: 33-1989-1322 Pag: 49 - TECNO AQUA Pag: 34 Tel: 376 766-3731, 376 688-1038
Pag: 03 Pag: 26 Pag: 49
* RETIREMENT/REST/NURSING HOMES - ALICIA’S CONVALESCENT Tel: 376 766-1194, 376 766-2999 - CASA LA VIDA REAL Cell: 33-2174-1180, 33-1629-9219 - CASA ANASTASIA - Care Home Tel: 376 765-5680 - CASA NOSTRA-Nursing Home Tel: 376 765-3824, 376765-4187 - NURSING HOME LAKE CHAPALA S.C. Tel: 376 766-0404 - VIDA BELLA SEÑIOR RESIDENCE Tel: 376-765-4000
Pag: 12 Pag: 49 Pag: 37 Pag: 35 Pag: 25 Pag: 32
* SATELLITES/ T.V. - AJIJIC ELECTRONICS S.A. DE C.V. Tel: 376 766-1117, 376 766-3371 - SHAW SATELLITE SERVICES Tel: 33-1402-4223
Pag: 47 Pag: 44
Saw you in the Ojo
Saw you in the Ojo 55
CARS FOR SALE: 1999 Honda Accord 4 door automatic. Exterior is in fair “mexico” condition, windshield is cracked (not in line of view). Silverish color, beige tan interior, Interior is in good condition except for steering wheel cover, Engine and transmission are very good condition, Suspension is somewhat soft, might need some work, Has power windows, and door locks, Air conditioning is non operational, needs major repair, This is good basic local transportation car. cheaper than an electric bicycle, paperwork in order and all paid up through 2020, change of ownership required with purchase. 20,000 pesos or dollar equivalent Please leave contact info by PM. FOR SALE: 2009 Hyundai Elantra. 60,000 actual miles, 4 door, Current american plates, $3000USD. Available mid-April. Call (703)864-4474 between Noon and Midnight. WANTED: Used pop up camper trailer in good condition. bethelbarnes40@gmail.com WANTED: I am looking for a good used suv or car. Value up to 150,000 pesos. email or call with details 333 238 1803. FOR SALE: Jeep CJ5 1976, Rebuilt motor, trans, and transfer case. new brakes holley demon carb new suspension y mucho mucho mas. $150,000 pesos. Send PM. FOR SALE: 2005 Nissan Platina Excellent condition, new brakes and rotors, new motor mounts, new ac electronics, new alarm system, new rh mirror, new water pump, all new belts. 58,000 pesos. Cell: 332 821 3531 in Chula Vista.
COMPUTERS FOR SALE: Never used HP US keyboard $40. 376 766-1155 FOR SALE: For Sale: Two (2) Like-New In Box 27inch Dell Full HD 1920x1080 Monitors & Blue Light Protectors. Experience consistent colors across virtually any viewing angle. Optimize eye comfort with a flicker-free screen. Stylish look fits perfectly in any dorm room, home or small office environment. Simple,
stylish design with the thin glossy bezels, matte screen and sturdy base for a clean, sleek look. Work and play the way you like, comfortably. Enjoy sharp, clear graphics with AMD Free Sync technology support which helps eliminate screen tearing. Connects easily to your computer and comes with Dell’s high reliability promise. Enjoy easy compatibility with both legacy and current PCs via VGA and HDMI connectivity. Also included with each monitor: Blue Light Monitor Screen Protector Panel, which protects your eyes from harmful blue light emission. Original paperwork and boxes included (just like new). $3,000 pesos for EACH or $5,000 pesos for BOTH (firm/non-negotiable). Please CALL 3O3-828-7876 (US Phone #) between 8am8pmYou can also text the above number on whatsapp. FOR SALE: iMac one year old. Two keyboards one in Spanish wireless, one English USB connected. Wireless mouse. one terabyte HD. Send PM. FOR SALE: I have two Netgear Routers for sale. #1 is a Wireless N300 Modem Router DGN 2200. Built-in DSL modem - ADSL2+ modem and router combined create complete gateway for DSL Internet connection. Fast downloads and online gaming - Provides Wireless-N speed for simultaneous downloads. Share Internet connection - Allows Internet broadband sharing and the freedom of wireless Internet usage. Shared storage ReadySHARE provides fast and easy shared access to an external USB storage device. Easy setup - Smart Wizard CD with graphical installation guide and multi-language support. Asking 500 pesos. #2 is a Netgear AC1450 Smart WiFi Router. The NETGEAR AC1450 Smart WiFi Router with 802.11ac dual band Gigabit delivers next generation Gigabit WiFi speeds. It allows you to connect more devices throughout your home and is perfect for online gaming and video streaming. Compatible with next generation WiFi devices and backward compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n devices, it enables HD streaming throughout your
The Ojo Crossword
56
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
home. With up to 450+975 Mbps† speed and simultaneous dual band WiFi technology, the AC1450 avoids wireless interference, ensuring top WiFi speeds and reliable connections. In addition, Beamforming+ technology boosts speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections. This technology also provides the best connectivity for dual band wireless devices like iPad® and iPhone5® . The dual-core 800 MHz processor delivers high-performance connectivity, while the USB 3.0 port provides up to 10X faster USB hard drive access. Asking 1200 pesos. Phone 376-765-2698. WANTED: Looking to buy Spanish laptop in good condition, Our #4 Oaxaca student will need a laptop soon so I’m looking to buy her a MS based Spanish language laptop. Two to three years old, 14 inch screen or larger. If you have one you want to sell please let me know.
GENERAL MERCHANDISE
WANTED: Please contact us if you have a billiard table for sale in the Ajijic area. Stephanie at 33 1526 5943 or stephanie@lest-hilaire.com FOR SALE: Gorky Gonzalez dinnerware, 4 designs: charros, catrinas, fish, chickens. Dinner and salad plates, soup bowls, mugs and saucers/dessert plates, platters and serving bowls. From $5 US TO $50 Us depending on piece. FOR SALE: N’Espresso Lattisima One Espresso Cappuccino Maker, and 10 sleeves of coffee, hardly used. Great little machine. $100 US for machine and I will give you the coffee as a gift. marybragg47@gmail.com FOR SALE: Shaw 800 receiver like new with remote and power cord 3000 pesos. Free and clear to be activated. 376-766-4032 FOR SALE: coffee table: Beautiful, large, bevelled, glass top, coffee table. 164 cm x 108 cm. Pictures available. $4,600 pesos. 376-766-4976 FOR SALE: Almost new digital rowing machine. Originally $1400 US, selling for $300. 376 766-1155. FOR SALE: Bowflex weight machine, good condition. $200 US originally $1500. 376 766-1155 WANTED: Heated Mattress Pad Queen Size. Does anyone know where I could purchase one of these? They are available on Amazon.com.mx but the cheapest one shipping from Mexico is still like US$200 (they are like $80-100 for a good one in the States/Amazon.com) and most of the ones are sold from the US so they won’t get here for quite awhile it seems. I’ve tried looking/asking at some of the local mattress/bedding stores but no luck. WANTED: We want your used tool batteries, that have gone dead, and battery chargers you no longer use. That are sitting around your workshop. We will be teaching the students to rebuild battery packs soon, New batteries are so expensive. Please also consider donating that tool you no longer use because the battery is dead, and the battery pack to expensive to buy to fix it. We need four used battery powered drills for the students. by helping the environment and rebuilding your old battery pack, we can get the tools we need. Specially the names Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, etc. Pleased drop them off at the Have Hammer Will Travel woodworking school. 376 766 4830, next to S&S auto in Riberas del Pilar. FOR SALE: Refrigerator water filters. 2 unused RFC 0900A water filters by One Purify. These fit Kitchen Aid, Whirlpool, Jen-Air, May-
tag, Amana, etc. Please check your fridge’s water filter spec. $200mxn for both. Please call 332-617-3588 or send a DM. FOR SALE: Roche CoaguChek XS Meter for checking the INR value (International Normalized Ratio) from a drop of capillary whole blood - simple, precise and reliable. Item only used a few times. 500 pesos. 376766-4389 or 333-116-0996. FOR SALE: Nakto Electric Bike Ranger. My friend bought it and he ended up never using it because of hip pain and also a heart attack. Details on Voltage and Power on the last picture. Asking 24,000 for it, negotiable. Send me an email or call me for more information. gonzalez10diego@hotmail.com. 3221499217. WANTED: Porter cable router wanted used, with 1/4 1/2 collett. Have Hammer will travel A.C. school woodworking school needs one for next semester, old not working well. Prefer donation, can buy if in good working condition. We have a volunteer who will donate funds if needed. HHWT school. 376-7664830 or stop by school and contact Mark for router or Wayne. Have Hammer Will Travel A.C. woodworking school next S&S auto in Riberas.www.havehammer.org 501c3 tax deduction for donation if needed any size Ok. WANTED: Looking for Ping pong table in good condition, Elliptical or Stationary Bike in good condition drop me a line at other.br@ gmail.com WANTED: DVD or VHS, 1945, Tomorrow is Forever. Orson Wells. Please PM me. FOR SALE: 2019 26” x 4” fat tire electric bicycle. 36 volt battery, 500 watt motor. 7 speed shimano gear shifter, dual disc brakes, attachable carry rack and bag. 2 rear view mirrors. Excellent condition. $18,000mx. Make appointment to see it. 3315311110. FOR SALE: Here is a super heavy duty dolly (hand truck) that we just brought down from the U.S. It has 4-ply pneumatic tires to cushion the load over rough terrain and a strong, durable carbon steel frame. It has a “D” handle to facilitate 1-hand operation. 800 lb (approx. 365 kilo) capacity. Like-new condition! Works perfectly. Excellent for moving or just moving lots of boxes. $2,000 Pesos (firm/ non-negotiable). Please CALL 3O3-828-7876 (US Phone #) between 8am-8pm You can also text the above number on whatsapp. (If you are reading this, it’s still available) FOR SALE: Nearly NEW Top-Of-The-Line Air Purifier - Two Units Available. Improve air quality in your home or office with a professional quality Healthway Deluxe Air Purifier. Want to clear the smell of cigarette smoke, household stale air, or reduce pet odors? Does anyone in your household suffer from allergies, pollen/chemical sensitivities, hay fever, or asthma? Originally cost $1,500 US ($60,000 Pesos) and worth every penny!! You will not find a better air purifier ANYWHERE! Almost new, in service for only two months. Great deal at $16,000 Pesos EACH. We have two units available. $30,000 Pesos for both. Please CALL 3O3-828-7876 (US Phone #) between 8am-8pm (If you are reading this, it’s still available). FOR SALE: Propane gas hoses. 4 foot hose from BBQ to Propane gas tank 200 pesos. 8 foot hose that attaches to a propane tap. 250 pesos 376-766-4032. FOR SALE: Sliding shower glass doors with frame 55 inches wide X 73 inches high 2400 pesos 376-766-4032 FOR SALE: Foldable electric wheelchair. Smart Chair. Can be put in trunk of a car by
a man, (40 pounds) Excellent condition. My husband’s handicapped outran his ability to operate chair. $1800 USD. mansfieldmex@ gmail.com FOR SALE: I have a Yamaha RX-V363 HD receiver for sale. No longer need. Work great. Click link to get full info of product. https://www.cnet.com/products/yamaharx-v363-black/ asking 7000 pesos. Tel. 376765-2698 FOR SALE: Dyson Cyclone V-10 Vacuum Cleaner Fantastic cleaner for all surfaces. Comes with a ton of attachments and wall mounted re-charging dock. The only reason we’re selling it is we hired a new house keeper and she prefers a broom! We paid $17,0pp pesos and the asking price is $6000 pesos...firm! More information, call Rick at 331-4423930 FOR SALE: Portable Scanner with Auto Feed Docking Station. Color or Black & White. Copies JPEG or PDF. Max 1200 dpi. Comes with a 16 GB Micro S.D. Card. Like new and only used several times. Works like NEW. Asking 2,000.00 Pesos. Call, 376-765-2698 FOR SALE: SALE OR TRADE. THE PRACTICE T.V. SERIES. I would like Season 7 on DVD of The West Wing. 1988jeopardychampion@gmail.com FOR SALE: I have a singer sewing machine for sale. It has cams and works well but is an older model which is heavy because all the parts are metal. I would like 1000 peso for it. Please call S Wilson 376-766-
3537 or jdandsw@gmail.com FOR SALE: 2 burner Charbroil gas bbq brought down from the States. Works well. $3,700 pesos. 376-106-2204. FOR SALE: 21 inch IMac. One year and one month old. Two keyboards one wireless in Spanish never used the other Macally English connected by usb. 17500 mxn or I will accept U. S. dollars. Priced reduced 15000 mxn. FOR SALE: Men Lift, hold Clubs. Nockoff, Trailer made ping Driver - King CobraTight lyes-. Right Hand Ladyes Golf Club, Full set. Gordon Brown 763-5314. Best off Have lock. FOR SALE: King headboard 86 in wide and 57 in tall $800 pesos Now $700. Please PM. 2 two drawer nightstands. 23in wide 15in deep and 25in high. $700 pesos each Now $600 each! FOR SALE: Palos de golf surtidos, Taylor made driver 10.5 matrix ozik felx m con cubierta original $1,980, 1 Jet speed taylor made 10.5 ajustable flex r/49 gramos matrix $2,150, 1 Taylor made sldr 460 fade draw 10.5 speeder 57 flex r 57 gramos fujikura, 1 Ttaylor made rbz flex r 65 gramos, 1 bolsa de palos de golf completa. *Todo se encuentra en excelentes condiciones *aceptamos ofertas, para más informes 3314317368 mikenan@prodigy.net.mx FOR SALE: We have many brands of golf balls for sale in excellent condition only used once by pros. They include TITLEIST LADY ROCKET BALLS TOP FLIGHT PRO
V 1 DISTANCE and many more brands. They are all priced well below market value. Don,t wait please email ssnnkenn7@aol. com (Ask for SUZI) Phone 376-766-4456 Cell 3318245205. FOR SALE: Turquoise Atlantic 4 wheel spinner suitcase pull up handle, All zippers work 550 pesos. Red Destination small and light carry on suitcase. 2 wheels, pull handle and all zippers work. 300 pesos 376-7664032. FOR SALE: 3G Women’s Bicycle like new, Newport 7 speed with fenders, bell, mirror, special seat, front forward position pedals (easier on the knees) Shimano Revoshift gears (easy to use hand gears), hand brakes, wide tires for the cobblestones, basket with liner, helmet and heavy duty lock, color purple and As GOOD As NEW. Top quality bike, beautiful ride. It is just too risky for me to be riding here. Paid about $875 in States. Asking $575 US. Please call only if you are willing and able to appreciate the quality of this bike. Call. Allison 376 766 3398 or email: Allielakechapala@gmail.com FOR SALE: Bike like new. Bike Schwinn M used only a couple of times. More info or photos 3317913211. WANTED: Bike for Tall Man. A Mtn bike in any condition for myself. I am 6’5”. I’d take a look at bikes that are sized as L,XL or with a 19” plus frame size. Been to the 3 shops in Ajijic on the carretera and am still looking. Thanks in advance. Please drop me a line at
other.br@gmail.com if you have something. FOR SALE: Lasko’s No.CC23150 3D Motion Heat Ceramic Heater features power controlled louvers plus side-to-side oscillation to create 3D heat waves. Ceramic heat offers 1500 watts of quick, comforting warmth with fan powered delivery for quick warmth. Ceramic element provides added safety with self-regulated automatic overheat protection. Exterior stays cool to the touch. ETL listed. Used less than one year. Complete with remote. Asking 800.00 pesos. Contact: peteredwards@052@gmail.com or 376-7652698. FOR SALE: I have a full set of 664 Epson Ink Refills . Never opened. Sells on Amazon for 730.00 pesos. Yours for only 500.00 pesos. email at peteredwards052@gmail.com or call 376-765-2698 FOR SALE: Original Prada Shoes, size 24.5 Mexican, Only 1 time was used, price $3,000 pesos. Call to Alma 331-005-3109 FOR SALE: Individual Brass Headboard, Price $2,200.00 pesos. Call to Alma 331-0053109.
Saw you in the Ojo 57
58
El Ojo del Lago / February 2021
