MeXscape

I have been really curious about piloncillo, but also really intimidated by the large, brown cones. The sugar I have bought all of my life has come as fine, pure white granules. Or sometimes soft brown in a bag. I had no idea what to do with a hard brick of sugar. But, finally, my curiosity got the best of me and I brought a few cones home.

I was out at a client's site a few days ago, taking pictures of the property for a website I am constructing. I came home, plugged the camera into my computer, and started to download the images. I saw a couple of pictures go by that I didn't remember taking. I called out to my beloved and asked if he had taken some pictures. He said no at first, then came over to see and confirmed that yes, indeed, he did take the pictures. I thought he had just caught the dogs being cute, but as he explained to me what I was seeing, I started to tear up a little.

Seriously?!? That was all I could say. (Yes, I watch too much Grey's Anatomy.) Actually, I did have another choice phrase that was oft repeated, but I would never embarrass myself by putting it here, in writing, for the whole world to see. I like to pretend I don't use that kind of language. So what caused my verbal eloquence? I was stung by a bee - again. Seriously.

I just received a request from the friends of Philip Pain to help get the word out about his urgent need for typeO- blood donation. Philip is in Sharp Hospital, here in Mazatlan, in critical need of surgery, but there is no O- blood available for transfusion during the surgery. Here is the message from Philip's friends and family:

It's Christmas Eve day and everyone is rushing around town trying to get the last few things they need for tonight's celebration and finish their Christmas gift list. Tempers are frayed. More cars are honking than usual. If you are going to venture anywhere near the Piño Suarez mercado, you need football shoulder pads. But what's going on now is nothing compared to what tonight will be like.