JRB Jazz Band, Springfield, Missouri

Slow and easy day. Slept late, did a couple loads of laundry. Hung the more delicate clothing on rack in back yard. Sat around the patio enjoying a cup of tea and a humorous book "Aunt Pig of Puglia". Realized that the flowering bushes and plants in our yard needed a watering, but I was not strong enough to turn on the two faucets for the garden watering systems. Ann was successful and she turned them on all the way. That was great until we realized that we had our laundry drying out there. We made a dash for that section of the yard and got soaked for our efforts. We laughed so hard as we stood there dripping. It was a joy to laugh in such a hearty way.

After drying off, and giving the gardens their soaking, we wandered about town for a couple hours. Seems as though each time we walk down Independencia, we discover galleries and shops that we have not visited before. How is this possible? Today's discovery was Galeria Carlos Albert at No 159. with its display of whimsical animals mostly made of paper mache. The woman working there stuck up a friendly conversation with us. She said that customers can walk into the shop with frowns on their faces but, cannot help walking out with a grin. This is so true. The art delights one's spirit. Two more times this day, we met up with our new friend...at Waldos (the ten peso s tore) and at the evening concert. Each day our group of acquaintances in town expands.

Quesedilla and a Cerveza Rusa (beer with ice and lime juice) for supper at La Unica across the street.

Yesterday, Bob and Jim, our Tapatio Bus Tour friends humbly told us that they were in Tlaquepaque on a cultural exchange program "Peace through People". Tlaquepaque is a sister city to their home city - Springfield, Missouri. They and their partner, Richard, play in a rock/jazz trio. Tonight, we joined a large crowd of local people in Jardin Hidalgo for the concert. Much to our astonishment, they were outstanding...and I do not even like that kind of music. They were great instrumentalists as well as singers.

Looking back at yesterday, what if we had known of and boarded the 11:30 am Tapatio Bus? We would not have met Bob and Jim plus our Harley acquaintances. I still believe that what is meant to be will be.

I understand that back home in Thornton, NH, much of the town including my condo has been without power for a couple of days and power might not be restored until Tuesday. I should still have heat as I have propane heat and temps are in the thirties. My biggest problem will be a freezer chock full of frozen food.