Tuesday, January 17, 2012

day zero


Every trip comes to an end.


Even trips that last weeks longer than originally scheduled.


And that is the case with this journey north.  I originally planned to stay just long enough to pick up a couple of books for a friend and my China visa.  I had both of them before Christmas.


But I decided to spend more time with family and friends.  And to hunt out some good food.  The relationships were great.  The food?  Not so much.  Even though the scales say otherwise.


Tomorrow I will be on an airplane headed back to Manzanillo.  But, before I go, there is the inevitable packing.


Usually, that takes me no more than 15 minutes.  Today it is taking a bit longer.  Simply because I acquired a few more items than I planned to take back to Mexico.


The biggest purchase was my Z series Sony notebook.  The notebook is small.  But its sheet battery, docking station, and two power adapters take up a lot of space.  And they should present great targets for the TSA people in Portland.  I can feel performance art in the offing.


I am also taking back some warm clothes for my Copper Canyon and Red China trips.  Clothes that will have absolutely no utility in Melaque.


Then there are the usual arrays of printer cartridges, pudding packages, shampoo, spice drops, and assorted dry goods that I either cannot buy in Manzanillo -- or that are expensive.


This afternoon some people stopped by the house to take a look at it -- as a potential purchase.  Here’s hoping.


Now I just need to wait until 2:30 tomorrow morning when I climb aboard the shuttle to Portland -- and I will be back in Melaque in the afternoon.


Ready to start my next two trips.
 

22 comments:

Tafreeburn said...

hi steve,

that picture made me think of the song by peter, paul and mary. you know the one-i'm leaving on a jet plane.

i'm sure your family and friends enjoyed having you around the extra time.

when we go to the states in july we will bring 2 suitcases packed with food and other items we  can't get here, or if we can, they are outrageously expensive.

take care my friend and have a safe trip home. can't wait to hear about your trip to china and the copper canyon.

teresa in nagoya

Steve Cotton said...

I am certain there will be tales to tell.

Irene said...

Time spent with family and friends is time well spent.  That sounds kind of cliche-y but my creative writing skills are on vacation.  Happy trails.  I look forward to pictures of Copper Canyon.

Steve Cotton said...

And, on the whole, they were well spent.  I just wish I had time to spend more.

Dan in NC said...

'Scuse me dude.. y'all is single, y'all is retired. Y'all have a place in Mexico and in Portland.. What part of "footloose and fancy free" don't you understand? Schedules do not really apply -unless you YOU wish them to! Schedules are, in your situation, very flexible (but potentially costly to change!). Do what you have to do, but make sure it is what YOU want to do! Life is too short NOT to eat cake when you have the chance! Enjoy!
Cheers!
Dan In NC
(where schedules here are firmly etched in Jello)

Mcotton said...

Have a smooth trip.  We will be looking forward to seeing you again.  In the meantime, we will follow you and your exploits thru your writings, thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.

Steve Cotton said...

My father told me when I was young to not do anything unless I wanted to do it.  It is one of his instructions I have taken to heart.

Steve Cotton said...

And that is a big reason I write.

Stephanie said...

Wishing you a safe journey.  Our time spent together with you and Colette was to brief, but very enjoyable.  I look forward to seeing you again and for a longer visit on your next trip to Oregon.  In the meantime, I too, will be following your blog and look forward to all the new adventures.

LeslieLimon said...

Buen viaje, Señor.  Looking forward to your tales about China and the copper canyon. :)  

Steve Cotton said...

And I now weigh 15 pounds more.

Steve Cotton said...

And I look forward to see both places.

John Calypso said...

Actually that is a John Denver tune - but indeed P-P and Mary did a terrific rendition. Just saying....

Oh and have a safe trip amigo!

Felipe Zapata said...

Pudding packages?!

Tafreeburn said...

john denver was one of my favorites. too bad he died so young.

Paty said...

Don't worry, Steve, I understand pudding even if Senor Tall and Lean doesn't.  We can get no fat, no sugar pudding here but it's about $5US a box as opposed to $1US in the States.  And if I'm going to splurge, I want to do it "carefree".

Paty

Steve Cotton said...

Safe it was.  I am now sitting on my warm and humid living room.

Steve Cotton said...

Safe it was.  I am now sitting on my warm and humid living room.

Steve Cotton said...

Can't get it here -- and it is great comfort food from time to time.

Steve Cotton said...

I bring the "through caution to the wind" variety.  If I am having dessert, I don't want sawdust.

Don Cuevas said...

Pudding, home made:  water, powdered milk, cornstarch, sugar, flavor (or cocoa.) 

Hecho.

Saludos,Don Cuevas 

Steve Cotton said...

My luck with homemade pudding in the past has not been good.  Maybe I should give it another shot.  I was tempted when I used my last box before the rip to Oregon.