Cat's In the Cradle

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(Lyrics to Cat's in the Cradle)

My son turned ten just the other day, He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play,
Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok",
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed,
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah

Today is my birthday (cumpleaños), and I am feeling pretty darn blessed to be sitting by the ocean with my family enjoying the sounds of the waves roll in. Yet at the same time, not feeling as good as I should due to the flu that came on last night. Read on at your risk to hear how this all ends. Lord have mercy.

Saturday - Sábado

So let's go back a day or so. Sitting on the beach in Tulum, the beautiful coastal town south of Playa, watching Al & the girls frolic (you know how much I love that word) in the ocean, I was thinking how I wish I could stop time right then. What a perfect picture of kids playing with their dad. The joy and happiness on their faces was infectious and I couldn't help but smile hearing them whoop in the waves.

Ironically while sitting under a palm tree sipping a cold drink, Harry Chapin's song Cat's In the Cradle came on over the speaker. Dang, talk about going from laughter to tears. That song is a tear jerker & is a powerful reminder of the passing of time when you have children. I had been missing our oldest daughter Lara who couldn't make this trip with us due to her part-time job and just a mere year ago she'd have been with us.

So back to the Cat's in the Cradle which is all about trying to balance work, while raising children and sometimes not doing both equally well. It's a song about kids growing up, the regret we feel at times of having not spent enough time with them, and before you know it they are off juggling their own kids and lives. And then as adults, and then parents, they often won't have as much time for us anymore. Ahh the circle of life. And it's all gone in a blink of an eye. The song is a cautionary tale that this time is precious when you are raising a family, and it's important to treat time with respect because once gone, it's gone forever. (I promise and try not to neglect my parents or my children. I hope I never let you down).

Mom often says "I wish I had you kids (ahem grown adults) all back for a day when you were little". (Notice she said just for a day...any more than a day would do you in right mom?!) We were a rambunctious lot the five of us...(and some say we still are.)

One can be all melancholy and philosophical while sitting having a cold one in paradise until you get back to reality which is that even on vacation there's work. Trust me, there's no complaints in paradise, but still there is a lot of mechanics involved on a vacation. Like taking a day trip. Getting everyone up, breakfast in, getting packed, organized, then transportation, and afterward, where/what do we eat etc. It's just a balance of trying to accommodate everyone's needs and wants. I feel I was a Colonel in another life (and not Colonel Sanders if you catch my drift) once I became a mother. Holy crap batman. Making plans, organizing, hollering about sunblock, pick up your towels, rinse your dishes, what do you want to eat, etc. I could see myself running West Point! Drop now & give me 50 push ups right now. Sir- yes - sir and then salute Then you have moments where you think you will unravel because when you're a group, there's still plans to be made and someone (me) has to take the lead. Striking a happy medium is like wrestling with a pig in the mud. (Good luck with that.) Hence the famous quote, "Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it."

It's always worth the effort though, and so that's what we did on Saturday. With backpacks full of towels, sunblock, water, books, bathing suits, off we went to Tulum with Ava (11 years old) and Rory (14 years old) leaving grandma & grandpa to some relaxing time. It's under an hour from Playa del Carmen and of course, that seems like forever to kids. Although we took the speedy service of the colectivos (which are public run air-conditioned vans that travel the main highway 307 between Cancun & Tulum which is a cost-effective way for tourists & locals alike to get to and fro). In total for us all, it cost us maybe $10 CDN to get there. The driver will call out the main stops along the highway so it's easy to find where you are going if you're unfamiliar. It's well organized and their main depot is only a few blocks from our condo and the service is quite hospitable. I give this service 3 thumbs up!

Once there, to prolong their torment (after a long enough ride) we walked around a bit to show them the centro (older) part of Tulum and let me tell you it was hot. So hot people's cigarettes were lighting themselves - badda bing badda boom. Wanting to cool down for a bit, it warranted a cold beverage (for those who speak our language that would mean a 'margarita'). We stopped at this cool funky restaurant which offered us a break from the heat with fans overhead blowing our skin from sweaty warm to a nice cooled dry. We enjoyed a free game of pool while we sipped our refreshing drink. While we enjoyed our pool game, we could sense how anxious the kids were to get to the ocean and frankly they were bored. However knowing we usually make a pit stop, they had thought to bring along a book in their backpack to while away the time.

So we hopped a cab and headed the few kilometers towards the ocean going north, to a beautiful Thai/Mexican fusion restaurant I'd been to in April. We also had promised them lunch and smoothies. I remember it being pricey when I was there previously, but man oh man, the smoothies at this restaurant ended up being more costly than our drinks. Frankly, our kids need to start working or drinking alcohol to afford their smoothie habit. (hahaha) OK, don't call child services, we allowed no alcohol but Al & I did whisper to each other the cocktails are cheaper than the mocktails. I am now garnering a reputation for telling restaurants that smoothies for kids need to be cheaper than what we pay for a bucket of beer. I'm threatening not to buy any more smoothies due to the cost of them. (Grumble grumble).

This spectacular beautifully appointed spot sits atop a small cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the panoramic views are SO jaw-dropping that it brings tears to your eyes. The colors so tantalizing; a swirl of blues & greens ever-changing with the cresting of white waves. The waves rippling far out on the sea against a sky so blue it's astonishing & you almost don't know where sky begins and the ocean ends. Tulum is so very entrancing. Tulum and I are going steady. And the sand is so soft under your toes you think you are walking through baby powder. The beaches are wide and the waters crystal clear. When you're here you feel like you are in a commercial for a tropical destination except this is all produced by Mother Nature in all her glory. You are just a bit player in her movie...

All in all, we had a feast for both our stomach and our eyes. The food we had was exceptional; while it wasn't chicken fingers or French fries, the girls did really enjoy the chicken satay and chicken dumplings we ordered. (OMG what a burst of flavors!) The owner is Thai and had been a cooking personality out of San Francisco and grew up at the knee of her mother learning the distinct flavors of Thailand which she has fused somewhat with Mexican. Al & I could've spent the day lounging and eating there but onwards and upwards...

Playa is great, but Tulum is al cielo (heaven in Spanish) and our girls were almost speechless over how gorgeous it is. I've been there a number of times and whoever I bring with me has the exact same reaction. Holy &**^ this is spectacular. Tulum is a one of a kind in the sense of holding the title of the most picturesque spot for archaeological photos in the Riviera Maya. It boasts amazing views from some of the cliffs overlooking the ocean, especially around the Tulum Ruins. The beaches are to die for, and the northern part where we were for the day sees less traffic, and the beaches are wide and inviting.

Tulum is such an interesting place, a mix of new age, wealthy, chic, hip, with the most laid back feel. It is a bohemian tropical paradise attracting folks of all ages but the younger generation comes in droves. They all seem to be around 30, gorgeous, tanned and without a care in the world and it appears, a wallet full of pesos. The beach bars are all so vastly different, some playing reggae and one bar playing 'chamantic' which I took to be chill/romantic combined. You can enjoy a beach lounger, sprawl out in a bean bag chair, swing in a hammock or swing on a bar swing. We did it all.

I LOVE the old part of Tulum, the quaint charm, the rustic feel, the Mexican homemade wares out for sale, the laid back unhurried feel, the warm welcome you always get where the real Mexicans make a living. It is always an inviting and welcoming feeling. The restaurants are authentic, every dish made from their heart and in some cases a family recipe handed down generation after generation, and made with love. Their smiles are so big, and even if you don't buy a thing, they wish you a good day. And I have to say there are no big American businesses here overtaking the darn place like McDonalds or Burger King which is now the case in Playa. The old part of Tulum is much more affordable but there are no beaches, just the rusticness of a long ago town. However, once you get to the ocean, the prices of things go right up and the beach bars, hotels and restaurants are very high end. The two parts of Tulum are vastly different but both areas are worth seeing.

While lounging on these lovely beaches, I had brought along a local English newspaper left in our condo lobby which I always enjoy reading. One of the things I read that I found interesting is about a spot called Copper Canyon, in the north part of Mexico in the state of Chihuahua (yes named after those small breed dogs...I did not say yappy dogs did you notice?!) I'm sure owners of chihuahuas would not appreciate that.

I was surprised to read that the Copper Canyon is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, and boast the country's tallest waterfall. According to the article, 'The canyon is formed by 6 rivers that merge into the Rio Fuete and flows into the Gulf Of California, and with a more tropical climate at its base, palm and fig trees thrive. As you make your way up this mountainous terrain, the variety of flora will amaze you with the encounter of brushwood, alder and poplar, and pine, and over 200 species of oak prevailing above its 4,000 ft range and in the higher altitudes of 8,000 feet.' Apparently, you can take guided tours through the burnished copper green walls via bike, hiking, horseback or see it from a 418 km train ride starting in Chihuahua and ending in Topolobampo. It all sounds like a very cool tour, but not sure the girls would want to be on a train ride that long. Nonetheless, it sounds like a place I'd like to get to one day with Al. We are in an area that is SO rich in things to do and see. A world class tourist destination offering everyone something to their liking.

Tulum overall was a fantastic day for us all. We jumped the colectivo and were back home by 5:30. Right next to our condo is a small restaurant, and I asked them if they made smoothies. The next thing fresh strawberries & bananas were in a blender and the girls were handed these HUGE styrofoam cups filled to the brim & topped with maraschino cherries for a very small price. I was supermom for that moment & now we don't have to shell out a whole bunch of pesos for these bleeping smoothies.

My grumbling was gone, and for a second I'm sure I heard Cat's in the Cradle playing in my head...sniff sniff.

LA VIDA LOCA

We've been enjoying the hot gorgeous weather here everyday with the humidity being reasonable. I think it's been hotter back at home. Trips to the pool, to the ocean, lounging on the rooftop reading away the hours. Ray even got into the ocean yesterday with the girls. It was a priceless moment for them seeing their grandpa float around. I lounged on the oceanfront balcony not missing a minute of the action. The people-watching is amazing here, as the beaches are really busy. You see it all here; the good, the bad and then the 'what the hell did I just see?! The water has been so calm that everyone and their brother and long lost cousin were out and about. Snorkelers, paddle-boarders, para-sailers, jet skis, boats, you name it, it's out there. I can't recall when Playa was this busy in early July. Beach bars are overflowing and the sidewalk restaurants lining 5th avenue are teeming with people. Everyone has figured out that this is the place 'to beer'... 😉

CUMPLEAÑOS JULY 4TH
Today is my birthday (cumpleanos in Spanish). I have heard whispers I'm being whisked away to the spa for a pedicure. Lord knows I need one after the night I put in. Yes I am going back to the beginning of this blog where I said I had the flu. So last night, we enjoyed a nice dinner out, and I was in bed by 10 and felt totally zonked (beat from the feet up as I like to say). I'm not in bed that early ever but I attributed it to the combination of the heat, and dinner/drinks. I fell asleep reading my book, and woke with a start in the night. I wanted to listen to my 'calm music' on my phone, and tapped it and the phone lit up so bright in the dark I darn near blinded myself. Al stirred so I thought I burned out his eye balls too.

I figured I should get up & go into the en-suite bathroom and turn my phone on & adjust the brightness, and on the way in I stepped on one of the girls hair clips and was silently howling & limping around in pain. &^%%$$$. Al & I are convinced before we get a serious illness of any kind, we will be taken out by the girls hair accessories found lying about on the floor. (Maybe it's a payback for us yapping on about the cost of the smoothies business?)

Anyhow, I finally settle back into bed, and I hear what sounds like a rubber ball being bounced on the rooftop, but I determined that it was probably the a/c unit. Nonetheless, it was annoyingly distracting. I turned up my earphones to drown it out. (We are in a penthouse condo, so we checked the rooftop today & it's the patio table banging in the breeze).

I finally fall asleep around 5 am, and then I wake with a flash in my eye. Now if you recall in late 2014 I had my retina detach out of the blue with no real warning (yes I'm a rare case) and I've been told a flash in the eye at night could mean retina trouble again. Given I lost my eyesight temporarily till I got into surgery, I will not fool around this with stuff. So now I'm sitting up wondering if indeed the flash was from my eye or something else. As I survey the dark room, I note my laptop is on the floor with the blue/red lights flickering which was probably what that stupid flash was that bounced off the ceiling. Honestly, now I'm starting to feel a bit wired & paranoid.

I settle down again and then have a nightmare that I'm being chased (it was that stupid book I had started to read before bed) & then I am rescuing my dad from a fender bender. Dad is OK in my dream but he had a bad cut on his ear & I' wake Al calling out for band-aids to help cover his gash. Ahhhhhh! Can a girl get any rest on the eve of her birthday for the love of god?

So if Al was hoping to wake to see me looking all rested and refreshed on my birthday, that poor guy was severely out of luck. He woke me to wish me happy birthday and I swear I was a tired disheveled mess with glazed eyes, blankets all twisted up around me, with me half hanging out of the bed, and small beads of perspiration dotting my forehead. Perhaps I was still calling out for Bandaids for Dad? I must call dad and make sure his ear is OK...

So to the spa people, you have your hands full today with me if I get there...

Signing off on my birthday in a disheveled mess, (Oh coffee just arrived next to my bed & we'll be off for 'mimosas' on the beach...champagne & orange juice) See pics I just posted. (Things I hope are taking a turn for the better)...for now...stay tuned.

PS Birthdays are a time to reflect; to think back on the past year, and what you wish for, for the new year. I'm not too flashy with my hopes for the next year; I aim for good health, and good health for that of my family. Everything else we can deal with. And for those of you who grumble about getting older, get over yourself. Frankly, as the quote goes, 'Do not regret getting older, it is a privilege denied to many'. I'm going with the motto I'm like a fine wine, or a good scotch; I just get better with age. (Humor me folks).

Sal & the better looking (and rested) members of her family

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Comments

[Mom]

Sounds like you young folks are having a wonder full day! Keep it Up and stay safe and healthy! Love to all,? ????

[Playagal]

Cat's In the Cradle
Mom it would be much more fun with you with us! xoxoxo