Out of touch...

I have been so out of touch. Between allergies, snow storms, and a couple of quick jaunts to west Texas I have completely neglected Toes. So, first things first...Toes, I apologize for neglecting you. I've missed you and promise to do better. Forgive me please!

This will be a hodge-podge of info so hang on!

We saw our oldest nephew a couple of weeks ago and I learned he did the most thoughtful thing for me as a Christmas gift. He purchased www.mytoesareclaustrophobic.com for me. So now, rather than folks having to enter the whole blogspot address (www.mytoesareclaustrophobic.blogspot.com) they can simply (simply?!) enter www.mytoesareclaustrophobic.com and will be auto-directed to the longer address without having to type it in. Wasn't that sweet and thoughtful? I thought so too. Thank you Cody!

My quest for the perfect Mexican Chilaquiles recipe continues. To date I have only found the time to prepare one recipe and although it was tasty it was NOT up to the standard I have set for what will someday be my "house" chilaquiles recipe. The search continues.

I mentioned a couple of recent trips to west Texas. The first trip afforded me the opportunity to spend time with our precious Cate, her Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Bryan. The second allowed me to spend some much needed time with my wonderful parents. Both warmed my heart and reminded me of what a very lucky and blessed girl I am.

Have you seen the movie Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal? If not, I highly recommend it. Both the movie and its theme song (The Weary Kind written by Ryan Bingham) are beautiful and moving. As I am a lover of words I will share a few of Mr. Bingham's with you.

...and this ain't no place for the weary kind
...and this ain't no place to lose your mind
...and this ain't no place to fall behind
...pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try

Quest...

One of the greatest things about visiting Mexico is experiencing the comida (food!).  Wonderful meats, soups and sauces filled with lively flavors that are hard to forget.  

One of my very favorite items is Mexican chilaquiles.  If you're not familiar with this lucious dish it is corn tortillas cut in strips, fried and then simmered in a spicy tomato sauce and served with eggs, shredded chicken, beans, cheese or a combination thereof.  From what I understand in order to create the perfect chilaquiles one must have stale tortillas, moist and spicy pollo (chicken) and authentic Mexican crema.  However, don't let anyone fool you - this dish is really all about the sauce.

And so, once again, I'm on a quest.  The quest my friends is to locate the recipe and then prepare the perfect Mexican chilaquile.

Let' ¡cocinero de s!

My Heart Strings Sing...

In my mind's eye I awake...

the door is open and the morning Playa air caresses my skin.

Before me lies white sand...

and multiple hues of beautiful Caribbean waters.

The sound of the sea rocks me as I slowly greet the day.

In reality, 

I can no longer see it...

hear it...

or feel it.

My heart strings tug as I accept that another Playa adventure is behind us.

My heart strings sing knowing another lies ahead.