Different Canadian friends have said that after returning north in the summer, people ask them how was their holiday. The people don't often realize that although we live in a wonderful beach resort area we are not on vacation. We are living life and for at least half the year or more, this is home. This means we make our beds, do our laundry, cook our food, go to the grocery store, etc. This is our life, albeit, Life in the Slow Lane. Due to this I will today write about two contrasting events of the last week. One is frivolous and highly enjoyable. The other is a serious event that affected many of our friends.
First is our weekly meeting of Hermandad de Frijoles Y Cerveza, (Brotherhood of Beans and Beer) This is a group of men that meet every Wednesday at a bar that is a step down from a dive. This group has been meeting there since 1960. Although sexist, as only men are welcome to attend, it is also very democratic. All social classes, political opinions, and modes of dress are acceptable. There are millionaires up from their golf course side villas at El Cid and old 60's hippies living on minimal Social Security along with we assorted middle income types. All mix well and enjoy each other's company. Last week I took my brother Steve and neighbor Brian. As we sat down the barman started bringing liter bottles of Tecate beer and kept them coming as long as people were drinking. A little later the bean soup came, wonderful soup with great sausage in it. Around 40 men were seated. Across from me was John from Minnesota, Ken and Rich from British Columbia, Brother Steve from Iowa, another John from Lynnwood, Washington, Mike from Winnipeg, and later John from Arizona came in. Some are quiet and just enjoy observing, others are involved in several conversations at once. This went on for two hours until 1:30 PM when this time is officially over. The cost is 50 pesos a person, about $4. During the course of this meeting there was no agenda, no problems were solved, lots of beer was consumed, and none of us understood the issues of the day better or had a better understanding of our spouses. In other words, a typical guys time out. After 1:30, John from Minnesota, John from Arizona, Mike from Winnipeg, and my neighbor Brian from Calgary and myself did an after meeting at the Ancor Bar. This place is out of the 1920's where you can buy a drink and eat free to your heart's content. Before our beer arrived, four platters were placed on our table, one had five small, whole fish, another was a large plate of peel and eat shrimp, another had fish civiche, another had salsa. There were also loads of chips and tortillas. This was all gratis, no charge. We stayed for about another hour and then headed our separate ways. Again, nothing of redeeming social value was accomplished, but all left with light hearts and smiles on their faces.
The memorial service was this Sunday, November 14th. It was in the late afternoon on the jetty in back of the Las Flores Resort. It was near sunset and the waves were crashing around the jetty. There were about 30 people lined up on both sides of the jetty and Brenda, three of her friends and I walked through them to the end of the jetty. There was a table with pictures of Wayne and Brenda on the jetty. I said a short talk on Wayne's life, then there was a symbolic exchanging of rings and vows with their friends standing in for Wayne. Two of Brenda's friends said poems, then I said a short prayer, Brenda dumped a small vial of Wayne's ashes into the water. Symbolically as she was pouring his ashes in a rogue wave splashed against the rocks and doused Brenda. After this all were invited all to the south pool area where tables were set up to spend a time of sharing memories. Our friends Robert and Diane provided music and a microphone.
Monday the 15th there was a continuation of the memorial. Fifteen of us went out on a friend's boat and when we arrived off the Olas Altas we all toasted Wayne, lifted drinks to him, then the rest of his ashes were scattered in the water. At this time Brenda cried out, then after said this final act took a weight off of her and she was again at peace. I led all in the Lord's prayer and asked the Lord to accept his spirit.
Today my brother's wife Linda arrives from Iowa and he will spend the next three weeks trying to convince her that Mazatlan is the place they wish to live. Also we have enjoyed more time on Stone Island and also spent an afternoon watching motorized paragliding. We will add pictures of these events as well. Until next time!
