Thanksgiving day-first step in US assimilation

For all of us who immigrated to the United States, just about everyone, Thanksgiving day is the primary and most unambiguous step in the  process of assimilation. Family, religious and cultural values resonate with us all. Most of us refer to it as, El Dia de Dar Gracias, a day to give thanks.

Like the majority of Americans, we are well aware that one day is not enough to give thanks for the blessings that we are fortunate to enjoy. However, it is a day to be together as family and friends and to express our goodwill to one another and to renew within ourselves an appreciation for our blessings. Again, this year, on this very special day, we gathered our family and friends to coordinate our dinner plans and menu.

Niko, our grandson, and I were in charge of  cooking the turkey  Here he is injecting our secret,
aromatic fusion made with herbs and spices. We also made an emulsion for basting our bird.

The left is a tray of our  juicy turkey prepared by yours truly with assistance from Niko.
  On the right two oven savory baked chickens prepared by our son little Dave. 

My wife used a recipe from her  great-grandmother who brought it to California on a covered wagon from Arizona in the late 1800. This savory delight is the first one to be devoured by everyone.

Niko, not wanting to be outdone, wanted to do more than baste the turkey. He was
 commissioned the task of making buttery mashed potatoes with cheese... they turned out great!

My brother-in-law Paul, to give gastronomic variety to our menu, went back to his southern roots and prepared his signature dishes: etoufée and gumbo... hello!

Our menu was completed with the usual trimmings of cranberry sauce, hot buttered rolls, wonderful pies and assortment libations. But most of all with the company of family and friends.

We are thankful for good health and friendship, and the teachings of our ancestors. Damos gracias for renewing our spirit and for recognizing that we have many good things because others before us have given us love and protection, care and knowledge. We give thanks...

A new sprinkler system saves me $$$

The muted flow of a calm Saturday morning finds me relaxing by the kitchen window, sipping my aromatic cup of coffee while reading the newspaper. Suddenly I notice a familiar man walking back and forth across my yard measuring distances and counting his steps. Instinctively, I walked outside and invited my compadre Jorge and his companion to come in and have a cup of coffee. "Not now. Thank you we have work to do!" he answered in an exacting manner. I momentarily realized that he was here to keep a commitment. He promised, some months back, to design a new sprinkler system for my yard. This morning he was focused on giving directions and precised tasks to Abelardo, his adjunct grounds keeper. Realizing that this would not be a customary visit but a compulsory day of physical effort, I briskly went inside to put away my coffee cup, put on my shoes and rejoin them outside to ascertain his vision for my lawn and gardens.
He meticulously measured the area and mathematically arrived at the number feet of PVC pipe I needed to purchase. He drew a diagram positioning the type and number of sprinklers to be used and their location in a plot plan. He gave me a list of elbows, reducers, risers, valves, tees, fittings, anti siphon valves, adhesive and the brains of the project a very expensive 12 station all weather timer. "Now I'm ready for breakfast and you are buying. Lets go", he urged. We, then, went to his favorite Mexican restaurant.  During breakfast, he outlined a daily schedule, allotting four days to complete the job.

This is the old leaky inadequate system that was being replaced. 
I will no longer have to turn sprinklers on manually, then forget to turn them off.

 I asked whether that would be enough time.  Jorge took pride in  reminding me, "¡Yo ya tengo cayo para esto!": I have a knack for this kind of job. He has completed systems for all of his numerous properties, as well as those belonging to his brothers, cousins and friends. Judging from his ease in approaching the task and the loyalty his helpers demonstrated, I could not disagree with his projections...epecially when he was doing this job gratis. After breakfast, we proceeded to his favorite home center and plumbing supply store where he ordered and I purchased everything on his list. "These are all the required materials, but we'll need  fertilizer and some other items", he added. I have to admit my wallet felt a little lighter after the purchases.

A few days later as I returned home after taking my dog for a brisk morning walk, I found Abelardo  laboriously occupied, trenching, measuring, cutting pipe and joining sprinkler heads.

At this point, the first four stations have been installed, along with their shut-off valves.

The plan called for trenching only for the amount of pipe which could be installed 
with sprinklers and re-filled  daily in order to avoid leaving open trenches overnight. 
This was a safety precaution for pedestrians or children.

Each line of brown grass is where station, pipes and sprinklers have been installed,
 and trenches filled.

The second and third day went by very smoothly. Jorge would show up to 

inspect the progress, give suggestions and partake in a few libations, most welcome

 in a hot summer day.With the front completed, Jorge continued onto the side lawn. 

After closing all the trenches, it was time to see the results

Front lawn: all sprinklers working correctly.

Side lawn: greening up rapidly.

Wisely Jorge planed for the giant planters to have their own drop irrigation because each one will be a different ecosystem with different watering needs. Each will be a station attached to the timer.

Jorge, connecting the timer to each station and

making critical adjustments to the drop water stations.

"El maestro", Jorge advised that I should use the drop water method to irrigate all the raised planters, this method saves $$ on our water bill by diminishing the flow of water. The photo below illustrates how it works.

A nipple and small hose is connected to the water line leading to the root of an
individual plant. This method improves watering and prevents evaporation.
The timer regulates how much water you want each plant to have.

My son David, was instrumental in helping me haul and spread two
 square yards of cactus soil, as we prepare to connect this raised
dessert planter to the watering system.

This is the last station to be hooked on... my desert Cactus garden.

Once integrated to the watering system, the planter is ready
 to accept some Arizona crushed rock in the very near future.

I had been planning to do this job for years, but it wasn't until my compadre Jorge showed up and ..."helped me get the lead out" and make my dream became a reality . The job went smoothly, the lawn is greener, the raised beds are blooming and I am saving $$ on my water bills. Thank you! Compadre!

Javier: Dozing off, somnolence or just meditating.

Over the years we bought him maps, provided clear directions, sent him reminders and phone calls until we realized that information only confuses him. Regardless, we accept him the way he is-- he has no notion of time or space. He gets lost even with the navigation system guiding him. Javier is late to every appointment or event, but he will arrive. Tense and absent minded, he thinks he is on time. Soon he becomes bored, disquiet, starts fidgeting and will cease taking part in conversations... he has fallen asleep. After so many years of friendship, we are well aware, that's just the way he rolls.

Taking into account that I have known Javier since our college days and worked together for most of our professional lives,  I was well aware of his hyperactivity, short attention and inquisitive mind. Which along with his supportive and caring attitude made him a good candidate to be my compadre. I also sponsored him into the Old Men's Anglers Society.

As it turned out Javier has become an excellent partner for Jorge aka, el perico (the parrot) yes, the one who never stops talking! As soon as they both get into the back seat of the suburban, they initiate a volley of ideas and topics back and forth. El perico doing most of the talking until, predictably, Javier falls asleep. Nevertheless Jorge just keeps on talking to himself... That is the brilliance in pairing them up. One is bla, bla, bla... and the other one is Z z z z z... Due to the frequency of his naps he was christened, el dormido. (the sleeper) .

 With Bob, sleeping at the airport in Loreto, Baja California,  waiting for the flight home
 after fishing dorados. Not even jet noise could keep him awake.

On the way to the Sierra Nevada, Javier as always catching his ZZZ ...

On a chilly spring morning in the Eastern Sierras above the town of Bishop, our newest apprentice was eager and enthusiastic. It was his first time attempting the fine art of fresh water fishing. From the onset, we were very impressed with his fishing equipment. His designers fishing poles and reels, a tackle box splendidly stocked, with the latest assortment of baits and popular scents His fishing lines all very neatly arranged by size, color and weight. We complimented  him for his choice of fishing poles and brand name equipment. It wasn't until our second trip when he confessed that his son was the one who stocks his tackle and purchases his gear. Bob said, "I knew it! no wonder he wasn't familiar with the tackle; he had no idea on how to use it". Nowadays Javier is very comfortable fishing or sleeping on the side of a lake.

Here he is, wide awake  at one of his favorite streams, fighting a rainbow trout.

Persistence is one virtue that Javier possesses. No matter how much he sleeps, he does want to catch his limit of fish. He starts slowly each morning wiping the sleep from his eyes, setting up his fishing pole and casting out into the water. It may take him awhile but he'll go strong for a while after a few fish he becomes unfocused and begins to loose interest. Soon he'll set up his chair and... it's siesta time.

When he is out cold, no one can wake him up. When asked, "were you asleep again"?
 His standard answer always is,  "I was just meditating". Right!

 Javi is an important member of the team, he is Javier's son and the one
 responsible for taking care of his daddy out in the Sierras. He ensures that his
dad has all the equipment in working order. Helps him find good fishing spots
 and teaches him to bait the hooks and most importantly bring the fish in.

Up in the Sierras, there are no signals that tell us to quit for the day. Rather it's the rhythm of the winds on the trees, the quietness on the water and our bodies that inform us it's time to head down the mountain. As we carefully make our way down the winding roads, el perico is yammering at full speed and volume "yakiry, yak ..." the one that got away, who caught the most and... "bla, bla, bla". The rest of the members have their earphones on, listening to their music.  Javier is in deep sleep. A few minutes later, I sensed a quietness in the suburban, when I looked back this is what I found.

Meditating or sleeping? Not even el perico's  unreserved loquacity could keep Javier awake. 

El Perico, on the other hand, takes time out, from his prolonged communication skills, 
to join Javier in a snooze.

At the end of the day, Javier and Javi  proudly show of their stringers, now they are of to the
cleaning station.

On the way down the mountain, it became clear to me that somnolence is contagious, el perico and el dormido are both dreaming of the one that got away. Yours truly continued, carefully, driving down the winding road. We pulled into a wonderful Italian restaurant. Ill have a glass of Merlot...tomorrow we'll attempt the walker river, while my friends continue with their siestas.

Jorge's pursuit for a hobby

By some measures Jorge is a proud Mexican, never forgetting his roots. Like his rustic rancho in Delicias-delights, in the northern state of Chihuahua Mexico. To this day you can still find him, at anytime,  in a pilgrimage to the eternal land of his ancestors. Now it is a modern city with the largest water dam in the state, best know for its agriculture and pecan fields. The apologia for his seasonal treks are his family members and the tempered beauty of  land he embraces and that summons him with vibrant memories of his youth and a longing to delve deeper into his culture. His closest friends appreciate that he wears el nopal en la frente with pride.

Because of the circumstances faced by many well-to-do Mexicanos during the Mexican revolution his ancestors were forced to be exiles in the U.S., settling in California. Here the Garcia's would make their mark. With a strong desire to succeed, many members of the Garcia clan have become highly successful and productive citizens of the United States.

My compadre Jorge waiting for his wife after Sunday church services.

I first met Jorge when we were young school administrators in Los Angeles.  We have become friends and compadres ever since. Over the years we have seen our children grow. Now that we have been retired for a number of years I noticed that he seemed bored. He tried golf: didn't like it. He tried tennis: it was too fast for him. He tried racket ball: I kept beating him. He started gambling becoming a regular at most of the Indian casinos in California and indulged in monthly trips to Vegas. He said he did "all right" but was soon back at work earning more money to gamble. One day we invited him to lunch and the first words out of his mouth were:
" Retirement depresses me ". He stated that his days have become predictable and routine. Finding himself getting out of bed later and later each morning. He had developed a habit of watching telenovelas, soap operas with such tear jerking titles as;  La hija del mariachi and Que bonito amor.  " I just love them, my favorite is..." he stops for a moment... and shouts, "You see why I need to join your fishing team. I need to be out with the guys !".

                                   
Since that realization he has been working hard with Bob, our expert angler, becoming more competent in the sport. On his first outing with the group to to the Eastern Sierra Nevada, he was in high spirits. Rushing out the car upon arrival at Intake II lake, he marvels at the tall pines. "Man I love it here" he shouted gazing at the green fluttering aspens surrounding the lake. Prancing towards the lake, he splashes the water, "It's cold! ", he shouts again. Bob finally settles him down and helps him with his fishing gear. " I love the scent of nature in the morning ", he blurts out, anxiously sitting down for a relaxing day of fishing.
Jorge allows himself to relax with full knowledge and awareness of the task. Only performance will help him release the total pressure. After repeated casts into the lake and losing a few fish, he continues to persevere. Being a baseball fan, he understands that stopping at third base adds nothing to the score of the game. "I've got to catch one," he murmurs as he religiously crosses himself asking assistance from the Almighty.

The best way to succeed in fishing is to act on the advice given by other anglers, like Bob and Nick, whom Jorge credits with helping him succeed. Here he is taking time to feed the ducks behind him. At the lower right hand of the picture you can see a couple of small rainbow trout on his line. "I love being in the outdoors" he cheers. "Even my high blood pressure has subsided! " I reminded him that he is also learning the virtue of patience.

By the third day of our trip, he was in heaven, the first one to bring in a couple of trouts and was more introspective about his surroundings; absorbing the terrain, spotting wildlife, viewing and  identifying birds. He instantly fell in love with the vastness of the forest, its clean blue skies... He was amazed at the intensity of white haired  waterfalls ". Invite me again next year", he shouted with excitement.
On the way back to the cabin, he confided that this was the best fishing vacation he ever had. "I remember when I was a little boy, my uncles would take me fishing in the water dam in Delicias, but I don't remember having as much fun as this".

With a week full of adventure with good friends, we head back home. Driving south on highway 395, we stopped for gas in the town of Bishop, better know as the mule capital of the world. The town is an excellent spot for resting and resupplying anglers, skiers and mountain climbers. After filling-up and adding ice to our cooler, Javier asked, "where's Jorge?" "I know exactly where he is" said Bob. To our dismay, we found him glued to a slot machine inside the Indian casino next to the gas station. I couldn't help wondering if gambling is a hobby or vice.

The Rainbow Trout Slayer

Though the address reads Yucaipa, it sits in the shadow of the San Bernardino mountains. The house is hidden away, a few yards down a dirt road driveway. It is hidden by neatly staked walls of fire wood, overgrown weeds, with a dilapidated orange fishing boat under the canopy of a large tree. This is where I found his nondescript house and a tool shack. It is the humble abode of an elderly sage whom I have know for countless years. As I enter the driveway, I spot him walking around his vegetable garden, wearing his usual baggy blue jeans. With his delicately grizzled face, he looks like any grumpy old fisherman hanging around the boat docks. However  I don't think many fisherman hanging around possess advanced degrees from California State University like him. Once you get to know Bob  you realize that he is grumpy but only sporadically.
When I mentioned to Bob that his place was not easy to find, he responded,  "The people that find me are the ones I want to find me". Upon entering his dimly lit home, I noticed the walls and corner were randomly decorated with piles of fishing rods of all lengths and colors. Tables and  floor were spotted with at least a hundred bait containers in a variety of colors and scents, reels and spools filled with fishing line, nets and hooks all reminiscent of an old village tackle shop.
No, Bob won't tell you how best to hook trout, he'll want you first to have a drink, preferably brandy with coke. I was advised to bring the appropriate libations with me, as a token of respect. He invited me to sit down outside in some debilitated, well used plastic chairs around his fire pit. Erratically laid stones encircle a hole which was dug into the ground, to burn the mounds of collected firewood. After a couple drinks, during which he feeds wood to build a warm fire, he exudes a certain energy, a joie de vivre, sharing his considerable fishing adventures over decades. These stories range in locales from California to Oregon and most of the Southwest. I query him about his predilection  for targeting rainbow trout. He explains, "I find them challenging, elusive and stubborn.  My biggest triumph is, when everyone else  is struggling to hook their first one, I've reached my limit for the day".
I mention  that I have often herd a strong mormorio in the fishing community, throughout the Eastern Sierras,  that he is known as the "rainbow trout slayer." 

Being a modest man, he seemed pleased with his moniker however, he considers that it is not deserved. "Other who are better anglers than me deserve the distinction". In this picture he said that he was measuring the vibrations of the mono-filament line, which indicate the trout's proximity to his bait. "If you are very quiet you can hear the trout communicating with each other". He said. Hum... are you sure Bob? I asked.

Robert is highly regarded for producing the largest trout catch during the fishing season in the Eastern Sierras as well as most rivers, lakes and streams. He attributes his success to his off-season preparation and some simple guidelines. The month before opening day, this seasoned angler can be found cleaning and lubricating his reels and poles as well as trying out new equipment and testing new leaders. "Preparation is the key", he whispers, "just like basketball players scouting the opposition and implementing new strategies". He scouts the lakes he will fish in. "Being attentive to the conditions and scouting their geography will yield more fish," he declares. During a trip to his favorite fish food restaurant in Irwindale CA, I asked him on the philosophy which has earned him the sobriquet "rainbow slayer," he muses,"well, remember Earvin Johnson? He became Earvin Magic Johnson because of his magic; he slayed his opponents". He attributed his success to hard work and practice.
Before departing, Robert shared with me the following points which he calls his magic in preparing for a successful fishing trip:

1. Lake conditions: Knowing the conditions can help you choose a more productive spot and avoid the
crowds that gather in certain spots. Trout congregate around large rocks and shady areas. They spawn and feed in the deeper areas of the lake. Bob likes to target the water line marking the edge of deep and shallow water. He also targets the shadows of large rock or tree trunks.
2. Fish with quality equipment, tackle and new quality line: He prefers 2 lb. and 4 lb. with either size 16 or 18 gold plated treble hooks. They must always be tied with strong knots. His pole preference is a light six footer a spin master spool with a smooth drag.
3. Always use the strongest knot possible: He's preference is the improved clinch knot with allows you to keep line strength at 94% . He loves the finesse of drop shot rigs with a sliding small swivel stop with 1/4 to 1/2 torpedo sinkers.
4. Keep your bait moving: Many rainbows are lost because many anglers cast their bait and park their pole and the bait goes to the bottom where fish do not feed. Success is achieved by smooth movement, and at times pumping action. Your rig must keep bait off the floor of the lake.

Bob prefers to use the split shot rig . Tie a 16 or 18 size hook to the end of the fishing line. Gently pinch the smallest split shot about 24' above the hook. You can slowly drift the split shot down a stream towards a trout waiting for a salmon egg. If you are at the lake, cast your line towards the deepest end and slowly retrieve your line. These methods have been very successful for him.
His advice to all anglers is to have confidence regardless of where you are; fishing is not a spectator sport. You just can't sit and read a book and expect the fish to jump on your lap. "You must work it! work it, just like working your mojo ".

It's Menudo Time

Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup made with tripe, beef stomach, hominy corn, onions chili pepper, garlic, cilantro and oregano. It is usually served  with tortillas. In the southwest the popularity of this dish in the Southwest surpasses that of Mexico. Restaurants sell it religiously on week-ends.
Menudo is traditionally served at important family reunions or other important social events. In our family, we serve it  for Christmas day brunch. In Spanish, the word menudo means small, even, thin pieces. Culinarily it refers to the small bite-sized pieces, into which the beef tripe is cut. Traditionally  the pata along with its tendons are cut and added to the cooking pot.

Menudo washed and cut into small peaces.

The bone marrow of la pata or hoof,  adds a delightful flavor to the menudo.

Tendons round out the  flavor and texture of the soup.

 As you probably gathered by now, this food was born out of necessity. Mostly eaten, in the old days, by the peasant population, while they labored in the fields. The well-to-do consumed the prime cuts of  animals. What was left over, the workers would take home to make menudo.

Preparing menudo can take five to six hours. Therefore, when I make it I know my home will be full of family and friends. Consequently, my preparation needs to be abundant. I use two separate pots one for the stomach the other for the feet and tendons, skimming the top of floating foam every few minutes until the broth is light and clear.

Once the the broth is clear you can begin adding your condiments:
 to each pot. Two medium size onions quartered, two heads of  peeled garlic,  one table spoon
 of dark pepper, one gallon of hominy corn and salt to taste.

After 2 to 3 hrs of boiling you have a decision to make, is it going to be red or white?

  for red, add red powdered chili  at this point. Or your guests can add their green

or red chili in their bowls.

Salsa preparation: onions, cilantro and chili. Limes are sliced  and place at the table,
along with dried oregano and diced cilantro.

For  menudo with  an extra kick you need these little red devils,
 crush a few and sprinkle them in your bowl. chile piquin.

mmm, mmm, good my brother-law giving his approval on the delicious result. Oh yes,
 chase it down with a fine Mexican beer.