Mexico Travelogue - Day 10

It’s super-special when complete strangers are blessed to find each other a comfortable fit from the start, even at first meeting.  This has been the case for me with the resident priest’s wife.  We got together this morning for tea at her house (next door) and talked non-stop for close to two hours!  Merilynn’s story, and her transparency and wisdom, challenged and encouraged me.  I am grateful our paths have crossed here in Mexico, even briefly.

While we sipped spicy herbal teas and nibbled on fresh fruit and nuts, my two guys thoroughly enjoyed playing a beautiful golf course with her husband, Father Nick.  Although fog lay thick early in the morning, it lifted soon after they began play.    

In the flurry of excitement over the golf outing (I have personally never experienced this thrill, but have learned to respect it), Fritz sr. neglected to warm up and pulled his lower back.  So after golf they stopped to see Fritz jr’s local chiropractor for a treatment that was unique compared to chiropractic experiences in the States – it helped relieve much of his discomfort very quickly!  He’s going back on Monday for another session. I may accompany him and spend some time with his wife who is a naturopath studying to be an MD.  Sounds inspiring!

In honor of Fritz sr’s 67^th birthday celebration, we enjoyed an evening meal of baked  fish purchased on our recent outing to Ensenada, spaghetti squash smothered with homemade sauce and goat feta, roasted Brussels sprouts, and fresh pineapple.

After dinner the Birthday Boy opened gifts I’d mailed before our visit: a couple of books and movies, and sheet music for several songs composed by a new favorite piano artist, Ralph Zurmuhle.

Fritz sr. successfully blew out 11 candles borrowed from a neighbor living in the other half of the duplex, and we all savored a moist, flavorful, gluten-free applesauce spice cake (thanks Google, for saving the day with a delicious new recipe) topped with gooey cinnamon apples!

 

It was an evening of yummy food, great company, and abundant gratitude for the life of our well-loved husband, dad, and grampa who has far outlived statistical predictions.  Glory to God!