Dengue Inspection

Today we had a Dengue inspection to make sure our yards were not full of water collectors where mosquitoes lay eggs. This was not the usual young kids with bags of mosquito poison to dump in every receptacle including the well ... but just an inspection. I don't gather junk around the house like some in the neighborhood so I WON a certificate that we are Dengue free. Now I just hope the mosquitoes can read.

Melaque, Costalegre, Jalisco, Mexico

Banamex 7.5 peso charges

I've seen the "warnings" come and go on various ATM machines for over 6 months ... but yesterday was the first time I had to choose ACCEPT the extra charges to continue. Other banks have had these charges for several years. 70 cents is not much but is per withdrawal so makes sense to withdraw the max.

It hasn't been processed thru my bank yet so don't know how/if the fee will show. Probably just as a larger withdrawal than $5000 pesos

Independence Day - September 16th

On September 16th, 1810, Father Hidalgo started the Revolution that was to lead to Mexico's independence from Spain. He rang the church bells and called on the people to take up arms.

On the night of the 15th, the President comes out on the balcony of the National Palace and rings the same bell that Father Hidalgo rang in his church in Dolores. Then the President repeats some of Hidalgo's words, starting with: "Mexicans, Long Live Mexico!" (¡Mexicanos, que Viva México!).

Flag vendors are everywhere, the plaza, walking the streets and in front of Sorianas. Independence day is the 16th but at midnight of the 15th 'El Grito' will be given from the second floor of the Melaque municipio building facing the plaza.

Both days the stores are not allowed to sell liquor so you'd better stock up for any home celebrations or just go out.

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Ok, so my warning about liquor sales was totally wrong as there was open liquor sales both days. I've since heard that even election day there is no restricted sales. Now if I can remember who told me the first tale ???

Home Made Tamales

Just find yourself a huge sack of fresh corn and a large family and go to work, and everyone did including the three year old. The smaller ears just get shucked and husks thrown away. The husks from the larger ones are cut evenly across the bottom and later stuffed with the ground corn mix.

The corn is cut off the cob and them put in a grinder or blender. A blender was used this time since they couldn't find a grinder. Mix with milk, butter, sugar and a little cinnamon and start stuffing the husks.

They should have had a larger cook pot for as many tamales as they made because the ones on top were not quite done and water had to be added a couple of times so the steamer didn't go dry. Still made a great evening feast !!

Whole family working - more in the wings

Strip the kernals

Stuff the husks

Get them hot out of the pot

Tamales in Melaque, Costalegre, Mexico