Happy Birthday to our beloved Puerto Vallarta yesterday; I hope everyone enjoyed the festivities. My sister has flown back to her kitties, Mexican dog rescue, Tona, her adored garden, and crappy weather. I am missing her.
Patrice's balance improved after her three sessions with Stan Wagner's Neurofeedback, and she plans to do more when she returns to Vallarta in the fall. We hoped her neuropathy would improve as it did with me, but perhaps she needs more treatments. It is such an exciting field that can absolutely do no harm.
We had a lovely lunch at Whiskey Kitchen - We are so happy that owner Gina Hendrix's mac 'n cheese is, once again, so close to our house in Centro. It had become a happy habit at Incanto. Whiskey Kitchen must have some of the lowest drink prices in the city, so go and check out its new digs.
To continue Rob Burton's 80th birthday celebrations, we - Rob, Jan Dorland, Patrice, and I went to Abbraccio for dinner out on the patio. It has become an endearing tradition for the four of us. We almost always end up talking about growing up in Canada; three-quarters of us live quite differently now, warmer to be sure - Patrice arrived home to 5 degrees Celsius!
Our final trip to the tianguis in Coapinole was primarily for baby clothes. There are mothers in Alberta finding it difficult to clothe their newborns, so Patrice is always on the lookout for baby clothes to take back and give away. We found some truly adorable pieces and had a lot of fun finding them.
We went back to Il Pesce last week for fettuccini with mushrooms in truffle oil with ShowMePV (the old Vallarta Calendar) developers Kevin Feltner and Rob Dornan. There is nothing better than sharing great food with great friends.
Patrice won again at Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic Bingo over at Nacho Daddy. There are only two more chances to play next month before Nacho Daddy closes for summer vacations. Check ShowMePV.com for details.
We walked up to Casa Cupula for the Second Annual Duckathon and joined a bunch of people gathered around that resort's Pool Club, buying little rubber duckies from a couple of gorgeous boys. The entertainment, produced by Chris Lopez, included stars from Coco and The Palm Cabarets. This fundraiser for the Gay+ Community Center will help them continue providing so much to our city, not just medical support. They offer ballroom dance classes, teach English, and more—our thanks to President Matt Karimi for the invitation.
Patrice wanted to hear Angeloo sing one last time before her vacation was over, so we carefully walked down the steep hill from Casa Cupula and went to La Catrina Cantina to catch the back half of Angel's Wednesday night show. My sister is a huge fan of Dimash, as is Angel, so we were delighted to hear his near-perfect renditions of songs like Diva Dance, Sos, and Stranger.
Last Friday, my friend Deborah Cole surprised us (as she is wont to do!) with yet another spectacular event: Ludo, at Vidanta World in Nuevo Nayarit. This Cirque du Soleil extravaganza had me smiling, laughing out loud, and weeping at the sheer beauty that unfolded throughout the night. I cannot describe what we saw in mere words. That somebody actually thought this show through from start to finish, then found people - acrobats - actually capable of performing these feats is mind-blowing to me. And then built an entire building and its surrounding grounds that echoed that concept. Ludo ranks among the most remarkably creative productions I have ever witnessed. The adventure starts once you leave your car and begin walking through the exuberant, lush pathways to the theatre. Every step is part of the production. Just go. Just. Go.
I was so pleased that Patrice got to see Vallarta from an entirely different perspective, overlooking the city from Rick and Monica Miller's penthouse terrace. Miller Time unfolded with wonderful food at their last pop-up party, with Diego Guerrero entertaining. As it was her last night in town, she was able to say proper goodbyes with hugs until she returns in October.
I caught up with Sharon Gerber Scherer at La Catrina Cantina to see Richard Carnegie's drag debut - (s)he was perfect! I stuck around with Georgia Darehshori for part of the World Karaoke auditions.
Tomorrow - Tuesday, remember to go and pick up free scrap hardwood at Hyden Custom Furniture. If you are paying for wood for your pizza ovens, I have one question: why? Sacha Cantor has so many leftover pieces of exquisite hardwoods that will go to the landfill if you don't pick them up! It's free, beautiful fuel. Help save the planet.
Go and see Ricardo Mazcal on the Isla Cuale for 20% off Lemon Balm tincture this week. It'll help you sleep better and think more clearly.
Anyone interested in reading past articles I have written can go to marciablondin.com - thanks to ShowMePV (the Vallarta Calendar reimagined) for compiling From Here.
