On the Waterfront, Parguera-Style

My vacation was going beautifully.  In Parguera I had an opportunity to visit Nancy and James, Snow Birds who flip-flop between their Lake Tahoe home and this Caseta, which James built decades ago.  My timing was perfect, for I was invited to stay a few days, since they were also on the island last March.

Here they are: one of the few couples I know who are still together and still LIKE one another.  Back in the day, Nancy always got a kick out of (the Captain and my) arrival at their home via dinghy (from Ruff Life) - never had trouble with a parking space at their enormous dock, above.  It was a terrific launch pad from which they went kayaking and wind-surfing, plus it extended the party area.

I was always happy to visit, for like at Gayle's, you never knew who you'd meet. Friends from their various interests would congregate, and fun, lively and intelligent conversations ensued.  These photos might bring a few tears to Nan's eyes, for Hurricane Maria, I think it was, took out the dock.  Since then they've been competing with the rest of the island for reliable contractors.  Puerto Rico, you'll recall, was left in a real mess. 

Note the little yellow basket sitting on the table, above, which she'd fill with crackers.  Nancy was one of my first customers, and would pick up pieces over the years so now has quite a collection.  I almost fainted the first time I watched her take this carved 'Lemon Ivy' basket to the sink, wash it out and set it on the dishdrain with everything else.  I knew higueras were durable but I didn't know how much.  Proof is in the pudding as they say, for here is the gourd basket 22 years later.

My friends love entertaining and Nancy is a fabulous cook, whipping up Thanksgiving dinner for twelve on a dime.  Here she is, cooking turkey-something.  They're both very healthy eaters, so I make it a point to bring my own staples when visiting them in Nevada:  Vienna Sausages, Sourdough bread, instant coffee and Skippy PB, to name a few.  They've given up on me but she keeps offering, bless her heart.

Last I heard they did find someone and work is progressing on the dock, so hopefully they'll have their backyard back soon.  At least they still have their back deck, which I made the most of: sitting back, watching the water-world go by, contemplating my past, present and future.

"Sure, you can jump in the water, but it might be tough getting out."

No thanks, I'm not as limber as I used to be, plus I don't feel like swimming with those fish or stepping in that mud.  Looks like a Piling Graveyard at the moment, but you can't beat the view.

James is an early riser, too, so no matter where I visit, we invariably drink coffee and chit-chat about all kinds of things until Nancy appears.  James is the founder of the non-profit orchestra Toccata, here's a nice synopsis which is much more articulate than I can be.

It's only a day-trip from Oregon to Tahoe, so we didn't need to re-acquaint ourselves in Parguera.  While I wandered around town they did their 'thing', which is bike riding to the extreme, IMHO.  James is a champion triathalete who competes around the world and trains vigorously, in all sorts of weather.

Then

Nancy used to compete herself, but now is happy to root for her hubby.  She still rides with him, but on her electric model.  They're both in terrific shape, of course.  I can't stand to exercise and feel like a cow whenever I visit, but honestly, I don't see the attraction.

Now

When we first met in 1999, they tried convincing me to join one of the Community Walks they were organizing, but I had to explain:

"When I went on a 5K Walk for the Cure in Hawaii (where it was flat as could be), the only one behind me at the finish line was a woman in a wheelchair."

By this time, Nancy's like a sister.  She's been a rock throughout the years since the Captain went his separate way, and often had more faith in my ability to bounce back than I did.  I only hope I've been at least a fraction of a friend-in-kind, I can be difficult.  I've been very fortunate with my friends, for I've already learned, twice, how often friends of 'couples' disappear when you become single, it's a common occurrence.

While James went for his ride, she and I went for a short walk to the end of their road. here's a nice view of the countryside, gives you an idea.  We talked about the possibility of me moving back to the island, something not out of the question but not in the near future.  We'll see what happens, and whether I think I can handle the heat long-term.

Miguel and Nellie came to lunch when they picked me up after a couple days.  Nancy introduced us to something called Sous Vide, a style of cooking food in a vacuum-sealed bag in a pot of water, kept at a steady temperature by a fancy wand heating element.  It became popular in the early 2000s (I've missed so much); and we all agreed the chicken breasts were the most tender we'd ever tasted.  The way I cook for myself, I'd never use it, but I can see the attraction to this.

I was, of course, happy to see my friends getting along so well and wished I could spend more time, but as Mom always reminded,

"Houseguests, like fish, stink after three days."

Next up:  Good Works - Expats in Puerto Rico

Read Reconnecting with Puerto Rico from the beginning.