That time again...annual cardio tests, radioactive dye test, shots for us youngin's, and to pack more "stuff" to bring back. Is it too late to become a "Minimalist"?
Trying to stay abreast of every new restaurant opening is "trying". We decided to return to the established classics....like Los Quince Letras, which means 15 letters. Classic Oaxacan Cuisine.
We both chose the Dorado Fresh Fillet of Fish in a Corn Mole broth with Roasted Cauliflower...very good and what was the BEST FLAN I have ever ate!!!
The next day we were returning to our recent find Casa Celia that has a weekly limited menu that draws us back every Wednesday. We passed another newbie but they hadn't officially opened yet...we put it on the calendar.
Celia didn't disappoint. I had Croquettes Pollo Rustic, Carol had a Shrimp Potato Salad that was great.
My Chowda was great as was our Apple Tarts that never got photographed in time.
A "drive by" visit to my neighborhood house of worship.
Saturday I invited Carol to my new apartment in Reforma and lunch at a local Seafood place close by. We both had a Seafood Cocktail and I had a Tilapia and Rice while she had an Octopus Ceviche Salad.
I got distracted by a torrential downpour and forgot to take photos except for the Octopus.
Returning to my Fiallo condo the next day I passed my neighbor who was asked to move away from the Toro Bar as he intimidated customers. He just liked to stand outside and listen to the music. Now he sits across the street on the sidewalk and listens. Homeless are in need everywhere.
TAPPING HIS HANDS TO THE BEAT
I passed one of many stands promoting up coming Mexican Independence Day and a passing tour bus before arriving at my condo where I noticed Hector was packing up nuts to be delivered.
Ah...Home Sweet Home...
I then realized I had no food for dinner tonight so took a quick run to the Zocalo for a glass of wine and a few photos while waiting for my Cubano Sandwich to go.
The next day, Carol and I returned to a place we discovered during one of our Happy Hour excursions. Don't even know the name but the view and the Hamburgs are excellent...also the best we have had in Oaxaca. You can get a Oaxacan, Mexican, or Classic...we took the classic. The photo doesn't do justice to what is between the bun.
Today we dropped off more "stuff" in Reforma then had a new restaurant near by that was interesting. 
I love the name Mosa'be. Not sure what it means but catchy.
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Elvis's Mansion?
On the way home we encountered one of Oaxaca's occasional Roadblock's . This one had something to do with not being paid.
Tonight we dine at the La Catedral Restaurant...a favorite of Tomas Wolfe before he passed away last year. We ate their at least once or twice a month. It will be my first return visit since he died. Carol and I are going for the iconic Chili Nogada a popular Mexican dish with the colors of the flag...Red White and Green.
THE POLICE BAND...INDEPENENCE DAY CELEBRATION
NOTE: LARRY "LUCKY" FANNING DIED
I met Larry Fanning at a House warming party at Johnny Johnson's home in Carefree Az in or around 1982. He made an instant 1st impression as a warm, friendly, happy, good person that stuck throughout our wonderful friendship until September 2022 when I received the news he passed away in his sleep. It was days before it really registered that Larry was no longer with us. It was a sad time. He will be missed by a legion of friends!
It was close to departure for my trip to Scottsdale so Carol and I had our traditional Grilled Salmon dinner at Tres Bistros...I managed to get a photo of the dessert and appetizer.
We did have breakfast the next day and bid our happy trails to you.
We passed a new Cafe to visit when I return, a traffic jam, and life in Oaxaca.
Arrived in Scottdale with Jeannie, my former neighbor welcoming me with a glass of wine and tales of Scottsdale Shadows since I left. The Sullivan's were moving since the power went out and they realized the matriarch would have a hard time evacuating the 5th floor with no elevator and walking issues. Prices are coming down as interest rates rise. We drove my car that my grandson, Roman, reconnected the battery and had ready to go, to Wok and Roll for dinner. Bless him.
The next day I had an early appointment with the urologist for PSA tests then on to my PCP for my Pneumonia and my flu shot. Then to Randys for a luncheon Chimichanga...with processed cheese and all.
Costco for Gas, Wine and Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese I highly recommend! Christmas tree anyone...oh it's only Sept 12th!
VA the next day for my 5th Covid Shot...Omicron. Anita, another neighbor that lived a block away in a beautiful home with a pool, had just returned from her summer in Oklahoma where she visits her son and family and stays at the home she grew up in. Her son runs the cattle ranch nearby.
I joined her at her home for Happy Hour while catching up on our summer. She spent three months in Europe with her granddaughter, traveling and visiting friends. She used to work in Brussels but has long since been retired.
Smoker at Little Miss BBQ where I met Roman for late lunch the next day. I wanted to see what he has been up to and thank him for helping me with the car. It was a nice visit.
I returned to Randy's for breakfast the following day. Then on to Dermatologist to check out an Venous
Ulcer on my ankle. He cleaned it and put acid on it to kill the bacteria then ordered me back in 6 weeks...no can do, but I did make a follow up appointment just before I leave to be safe.
Ulcer on my ankle. He cleaned it and put acid on it to kill the bacteria then ordered me back in 6 weeks...no can do, but I did make a follow up appointment just before I leave to be safe.
Carol was teasing me with photos of her lunch with Marsha. My food didn't look so good or healthy.
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Back to Wok and Roll for some Sushi and wine.
Restaurant week in Scottsdale so I decided to let Roman pick a place for us to dine, since it was his 41st Birthday...he was my first grandchild. We went to a Casino down the street and a very fancy SteakHouse where I had Salmon Oscar but dove in before the photo.
Doesn't look too appetizing but was excellent. Crab,Asparagus and Hollandaise on fresh Salmon
We had a nice time and a wonderful dinner. Roman ate the NY Strip Steak.
Next afternoon, Anita and I went out for Happy Hour at Mick's Brassiere and had some nice wine and snacks.
GOOD ENTERTAINMENT TOO
The next day Anita had Jeannie and I over for an nice Happy Hour at her house. Very lovely visit .
Carol sent the finished Mural. I took the the beginning
A HAPPY HOUR AT ROARING FORK..BIG FAVORITE
Back to Costco for Gas, Wine, and Hummus while more reminders of Christmas is coming.
Tuesday we took a "Train Ride" from Platform 18 at the Century Grand Lux. It is a complex of three bars with Platform 18 being a old Railroad Club Car from the 20's where you can watch the snow covered mountains and streams of Colorado pass by, while enjoying some of the best Cocktails in the US.
I had breakfast at Randy's the following day
I returned for a follow up visit at the Dermatologist then picked up my script at Walmart. He said my ulcer was improving.
Dr Jaffee, my urologist met me on Zoom and wants me to monitor my PSA and send results every 3 months while in Mexico. It it goes up..he will arrange another cancer test for my return. Cigna denied the last one.
I drove up to the Dubliner for a lunch of great Irish Stew and Soda Bread with a Cornbeef Slider.
Returning home early, I decided to see if the "Chief" was at his Happy Hour Hangout...he was, so we had a reunion. It had been a year and it was good to see him.
We will meet again tomorrow, my LAST day, for a farewell.
The floor installer at Jeannie's had ripped out the old carpet and prepped the floor for installation of a wooden plank floor.
I finished "The Bartender's Guide" by Ivan Doig and went to bed early but overslept by one hour. I will set the alarm for tomorrow.
I loaded the last suitcase in Jeannie's car and will close this blog and put away my computer. I meet Roman for a good bye Breakfast, then pick up more scripts, fill up the car and tire pressure and see you all in Oaxaca tomorrow!!!
