BIRDS AND BEER

It was over 100 degrees when we left RB yesterday, Aug. 6. Dave and Meg were celebrating their third wedding anniversary today. Last weekend we went up to Orange and celebrated with them. Good food and cocktails and great conversation. Now we were traveling south to Mesa Otay. It has been several weeks since we last saw Maria.

She had called the night before, wondering about the status of her braces. They are not ready yet.

“When are you and Magie coming to visit me? It has been a long time.” Tomorrow, Maria, we will see you late afternoon, 4:00 p.m. She was surprised and laughed with pleasure. With several delays with the braces, we wanted to see and reassure her that no one had forgotten her. I loaded the car with more clothes to sell and Marge got out some ground beef, chiles, and a bag of fresh-picked figs. The a.c. earned its keep on this trip south.

While waiting for a stoplight just inside Mexico, I saw a boy about 10 years old. He was selling newspapers. I asked him the cost. He answered whatever I wished to give him. I gave him $.50, about 4 pesos. He was delighted. Do you live in Mesa Otay? “No, I live in El Florido.” This is near the Carter Project, a long trip for him. “I take the jitney to La Mesa, and then a bus to Otay.” We were amazed. What a distance he goes to make a few pesos! I have mentioned before how everyone here works, does something. Work ethic.

Marge and I joked on the trip down about what Maria would talk about first. “ It is very hot. As I entered her room, she was sitting on her bed. It was like a kiln in there. “Hola, David, I have been waiting for you. It is very hot today.” Enough said. She and the 58

boys did not look as wilted as I. All three looked as if they had just stepped out of the shower. After hugs all around I suggested we sit outside near Dona Emilia’s wall. Uncle John’s chairs came out and we collapsed near a sliver of approaching shade. A late afternoon breeze was stirring. We were going to be fairly comfortable during our chatting.

No sooner had we sat than the boys came out with Tecate beer and potato chips. What a great treat. The cold beer tasted wonderful on a day such as this.” I prepared for your visit and asked a neighbor to buy the beer. “Her boys are too young yet. The boys were yearning for the chips, but their mother told them they were for us. When Marge insisted that we share, Maria relented. A simple bag of chips is a huge treat for these two. Before our bottles were half-empty, Javier was out with the rest of the six-pack. No, no, wait, we will share one bottle. It was very hot and I have a long drive back. “ Many Americans drink and drive, is that not so?” Yes, but how did she know that? Television and one very observant lady. “Take the beer to your house if you will not drink it here. “ No, I answered, keep it in the refrigerator for our next visit. My Spanish broke down at that point and Maria thought I meant, keep it for your next visit. “You and Magie are my only visitors.” It was a sad statement and I did not comment. I produced a special treat for the boys, a dinosaur egg that grows when placed in water. The boys were completely enchanted by this toy. I explained that the shell will begin to crack tomorrow and the dinosaur will begin to grow. When it reaches full growth remove the water and it will shrink. I expect they will ‘have great fun with this $3 gimmick. Meg told me about them so I bought them when we visited them in Orange.

“David, you and Magie arrived late today,” Marge explained that I worked most of the day. “ Yes, you must in order to buy your food. I also must work to have food for my boys.”

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As the conversation continued, Maria asked Manuel to bring out Jose Luis and his two friends. The cages came out but were used only for climbing. They played and climbed all over their cages. You understand I am referring to the parakeets. I just do not understand those birds. Perhaps they do not know that they can fly. Maria says they like their house and will not leave. Cat, the cat was at the entrance to the room. Just standing staring into the empty room, as if thinking,” now I can look for mice without all those people around.”

We were enjoying our visit. It has been several weeks since our last trip. We have not forgotten you, Maria. I am sorry about the delay with your braces. Americans can be impatient and demanding.” Please do not worry about me.” Marge will call Felix until we get a definite date to bring them down to you. Felix must come also to fit and make final adjustments.” You and Magie worry too much about me.” One need only sees the condition of her braces to understand our concern. They are literally breaking apart at every point. We cannot fault Felix; he has been busy setting up another office in El Centro. He will not fail Maria.

Maria, would you please write, “yes I will write thank you notes again, to whom?” Claire, the girl who gave you the $20, and Marie and the rest of the youth group. “I will have them on your next visit. David, I now have $320 for a lot. “She is amazing. That is $40 more since our last trip to her house. We congratulated her again on her great efforts. Dona Emilia came out and visited with us also. While the ladies were busy, Manuel and I measured Maria’s lot. 80 feet by 26 feet. This will determine the size of Maria’s house. Probably 20 feet wide by 40 feet in length. After that Manuel and I went over to a nearby public phone and tested out our new system to call RB. He made the call through Sprint and it worked well; no answer. Dona Emilia was telling Marge through Maria that the brick wall was her work. She built that wall herself when she was younger. 60

Then whispered to me, “I am now 76 years old.” I mentioned earlier that she also built her house; the whole house, by herself! These ladies are such strong role models for their determination and accomplishments. The birds were busy eating reddish seeds out of an apple size fruit. I tasted them, not bad, but all those seeds. Not worth the effort. What are they called? My friend? “Granada. “I thought I knew but checked my dictionary; pomegranate. Marge said, no wonder Americans use them for decorations. They will be sweeter by the Christmas season.

It was late and we had to leave. Marge and Maria hugged for a long time. What did Maria say? “ I love you, Magie.” We love you very much, Maria.

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