I did have a fantastic Thanksgiving. I enjoyed spending time with my friends, Tom and Laura, in Doctor Arroyo, Nueva Leon, Mexico. It was a week but it really flew by and just wasn't enough, though for me that's usually the case with any vacation I take (Grin!).
I flew down to McAllen, Texas on Saturday the 22nd and that afternoon we rode motorcyles around the area for about 3 hours or so. I rode behind Laura and it was different being able to see ahead of me - as she pointed out... her shoulders aren't as broad as Daniel's! We stopped in a few places and actually found a really nice small wildlife sanctuary. We also stopped along the road and picked a few grapefruit which were delicious - ruby reds, which are the ones I like the best. It was dusk going on dark when we got home and we were ready for dinner.
Sunday morning we packed up our suitcases and Tom packed up the Suburban and we headed south of the border. We also had Marvin with us, he had been hired by Dayspring to go down and do some IT/networking work in Dr. Arroyo and would be there all week as well, he had come in on the same flight from Houston with me on Saturday. We stopped in General Bravo for lunch - tacos. They are different though than what we know as tacos, they are not necessarily hard shells and taco is more of a general term in Mexico.
YUMMY! I put the onions on and used the lime juice... it was delicious. Later in the meal I even tried a slice of avocado and realized that I like it. The rest of the drive was uneventful, lots of scenery changes the further we went as we got closer to the mountains. They were beautiful.
We arrived in Dr. Arroyo after dark and stopped by the grocery store on the way to the house.
We unloaded a few things, took care of the fountain that had sprung in the bathroom, had dinner, and then took Marvin up the hill to where he would be staying. When we got back we were tired and it was bedtime.
Most of the week, Tom spent working with Marvin on the IT stuff. Laura and I did our thing and kept in touch with them for most meals and such. Monday we spent some time in the bookstore that they own and we went to the pulga which is the weekly market in the plaza just around the corner from the store. Lunch was enchiladas which again were different from what they are here, but muy bien! Monday night was an ESL class and a birthday celebration for one of the youth they know well, Tavo. He turned 17 and we got to try Tres Leches which is a traditional cake and it was delicious.
Tuesday we went to the mission house down the street (they have a Vonage phone there) and did some online stuff and then while Laura was taking care of some business with her cell phone I spent the time journaling, which is very relaxing for me. Tuesday night was another ESL class and then back to the house for dinner when we were done.
Wednesday, Tom made arrangements for Marcus to help Marvin so that the three of us could go to El Salto. I had been looking forward to this for some time, but even what they told me couldn't compare to actually being there and seeing it. It's a park about an hour and a half from Dr. Arroyo and it is full of cascading waterfalls... I've never seen so many cascades one after another in such a small area in any other place I've been... it was amazing!
We had a picnic lunch and then explored. One of the trails led 1000 meters up to the source of the falls and stream. We went up, but didn't go all the way, I really wanted to and I tried, but it was just too much and I wasn't in shape to do it. I thoroughly enjoyed all we saw though.
When we got back down to the level we started on, we followed it downstream for awhile and saw even more! The Spanish moss in the trees with the sunlight streaming through was beautiful too. We spent time just enjoying being out in God's creation. 
The roar from the water was constant, and loud but soothing, not deafening. Only twice during our time there did we see another family of people, so we basically had the place to ourselves. This is definitely on my list of places to which I would go back. Given the time, I'd have enjoyed choosing a comfy spot and reading a book or drawing a picture.
Wednesday night when we got home, we started preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. We baked the pumpkin cake and the pecan pie (Tom's favorite), and mixed up the rolls. Thursday morning we put the turkey in. Then began on the other things, cleaning house, setting the table, the fruit salad, the corn casserole, the sweet potatoes, the gravy, the rolls... Marcus and Vero brought cheesecake and mashed potatoes and all the rest of the guests. We weren't quite ready when they arrived so we got out the games and played until it was time to eat.
After lunch, Marvin and Tom and Marcus went off to continue the IT projects. We did some singing with Tavo playing his guitar and Lalo, Laura and I playing here and there on the keyboard. It was neat to sing some in Spanish and some in English... a very enjoyable afternoon, but I was sorry that Tom had to miss it, I know he was looking forward to it.
Friday morning we loaded up the car and headed north. Part way out, we stopped and Marvin switched cars and rode with Marcus who was going out to the rancho where Vero is from to drop her off before heading out himself. I rode up front after that and did better. We stopped at the pollo place for lunch and I also tried a Gloria which was really yummy. Similar to our caramels, but much softer and not near as sticky. I did a load of laundry when we got to the guesthouse and went to bed at a decent time.
Saturday mornig we rode motorcycles again, this time out to South Padre Island and back before I had to catch my flight. This time I rode behind Tom and was back to peeking around a shoulder ;o) but saw plenty. It was about a 5.5 hour trip with time out to have lunch at Chili's in Port Isabel before returning. I had a blast and enjoyed every minute out it! These are the bikes - Tom's on the left and Laura's on the right.
So that should catch you up on my life. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are preparing for a blessed Christmas season with friends and/or family. I'm heading back south to South Padre Island for the week with Mom and Dad. I'd love to hear from you!
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