We were at a picnic/cookout this past weekend, in a beautiful park, for no other reason than to get together, and, enjoy the family’s company during this difficult time.
We were in the southwest portion of Mexico City; about as close to the next state as is possible, having a wonderful day.
The sun was shining, through heavy rain-filled clouds, however. When it was out from under, is was about sixty five degrees Fahrenheit, eighteen degrees Celsius. When it was cloud covered, the temperature dropped about five degrees; easily.
Despite a light sweater, I was, at times, quite chilled. I opened the trunk of the car, and sat on the ledge, soaking up the few rays of sunshine available to me. Then, as I could no longer pretend to be warm, on went the fleece vest, and the windbreaker jacket. Finally, I had to admit, the sparse sunshine was not enough. In fact, I was downright cold.
The fire had been started, potato chips eaten, sodas drank. Then ….
We waited, patiently, for whatever would be served for dinner. It appeared, very pleasantly, we would be eating pork, and longaniza; my two favorite types of meat. And, there was plenty of each to be had.
Here, much unlike up North, there are almost no “sides”; no potato salads, no baked beans, no coleslaws, no macaroni salads; nothin, that is, to take up the very empty space in your stomach that is being reserved for the “all you could possibly eat” tacos. Yum.
Of course, someone had to cook all of this endless meat; two of Jesús’s cousins, Iris, and Isabel, plus his sister, Ana, were the cooks, for the most part. Others “helped”, but the meat, spring onions, cactus, and tortillas, were all prepped, and, cooked by “the girls”. And, the most inhospitable place it was.
This is what they had to contend with, all the while they were cooking.
While we waited, an enterprising young man, selling two types of cheese from Oaxaca, and a paste of blackberries frequently eaten together, made his daily quota; thanks, totally, to el Señor Ivan. Cheese, and paste, for all.
Not all of us sat around, relaxing, basking in the sunshine. The younger family members made there way to the other side of the park, to shoot paint balls at each other. Let me tell you what; those little buggers are hard, and hurt when not shot to explode on the helmet, or padded vest. Here is a photo of the warriors elite.
During the day, between the spurts of sunshine, it grew colder, windier, and darker. We got no rain until about two minutes outside the park. After that, torrents for the next twenty minutes or so.
Still, we laughed, watched the little ones run around, and, best of all, relaxed. What a glorious day.
Please, stay happy, stay healthy, stay safe. Wash your hands, cover your mouth, and protect your loved ones; as we are.