We just had a slight earthquake in El Centro – same third floor as the last one and it lasted about three seconds. The office chair I was sitting in was rocking back and forth. Wornout and Debbie Sundquist, El Dorado Solar residents, were at the Dogwood Mall at the same time I was, but we didn’t cross paths. I was going to stop for coffee yesterday morning, had I gotten up here earlier, but I didn’t make it. It’s very warm up here this early in the morning. It is supposed to reach 111 F by 3:00 p.m. We drove to Yuma yesterday afternoon because I wanted to go to the Chamber of Commerce, etc., but they wouldn’t accept my identification as an American, and turned me back. I’m kidding about that, but I did go to Yuma and when the freeway backed up to a slow crawl, I realized they were stopping each car as they entered downtown Yuma (after having already passed through one check). On the way back, on American soil, we were stopped twice and asked our nationality. I don’t know about anyone else and I’m not getting into any political debate on it, but remember the old movies where the gestapo asked for papers every time you moved and in Cuba, you are not allowed to go out of your “community” without papers which say you have permission. I guess what I’m trying to say is – are we turning into a police state on the highways, at the airports where you are radiated each time you pass through TSA’s security checks; subjected to sometimes very rude employees who seem to be on some power trip; we must have papers to cross into Canada and Mexico and meanwhile, Muhamad Ixnay is busy plotting our demise. Is Mexico are friend and neighbor or what? Or are all these “new” government employees (who are paid with taxpayers’ money) intended to stimulate the economy. All that said, I was so distraught, I went to the Paradise Casino (in the outskirts of old Yuma) and lost my shirt, so I’m applying for some aid to help me in my travels. Okay, enough political rambling. I have to get ready to go to the airport and fly to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. I’m posting this again because I love it so much and it reminds me of my home. Art by Iron Man Steve Sherrod.
MrRagtime is looking for a personal shopper. He provides the ice chests, the long list – you provide the car and pay for your gas and he pays you $150.00. Tom has a hard time walking so he needs the help and is willing to pay. So, if you’re going to El Centro (Costco and Vons) you can help a fellow neighbor and earn $150 at the same time. Please write to him at MrRagtime@aol.com. He is also looking for a roommate and you’ll have your own room and internet. Photo by Victor Rodriguez Ratliff
From my buddy Karen: “Hi Kat, I just wanted to ask about stamping your FM2. I have had a FM3 for 3 years and never stamped. Could you please let me know if I need to stamp; I go to US every month for Marie’s and Greg’s Dr. Appt.. ????????????? I get different opinions? Thank you, Karen Ferrell.” Let me clarify for Karen and anyone else. With an FM3 you are allowed to be out of the country without stamping your book. In the olden days (a couple of years ago) we were allowed to have our FM3′s stamped in case we didn’t make it back in time to renew. However, that rule has been changed. If you have an FM2, you are only allowed to be out of the country no more than 2 months at a time and it’s the FM2 holder’s responsibility to get the stamp at the border. So Karen, to answer your question, no, you do not have to get your FM3 stamped. Also, I gave photo credit for the graduation photos to you and I believe it was Karen Emery! Nice – kill two birds with one sentence. If you have plans to immigrate (like a green card in the United States) then you must stamp out or if you are applying for citizenship, you must also have your FM2 stamped. Photo by VRR.
Don’t forget about open mike nite at JollyMon on Wednesday night. You never know if someone from American Idol is going to be in the audience. Evidently the “fundraiser/memorial” for Mark Dilley is Friday behind the dog pound. You can ask anyone involved with Zapp for details. Not much else going on in San Felipe this week except beautiful weather and warm water. I miss my dogs and if anyone wants to help contribute to feeding the seven savages, feel free to do so. Isn’t he cute? Have a great Tuesday!
I surely enjoyed your article about your trip to Yuma and how many times you were stopped to prove you were an American citizen. I would love for you to write that same article to the San Diego Union Tribune and tell your experiences about the Arizona gestapo check points to their comments section of the paper. Great article – Roy
Hi Roy – As a matter of fact, I did write a letter to the Tribune in San Diego – mostly because they love us in Mexico so much! Thanks for writing and we’ll see if they publish my letter. Fat chance. K
Kat, just curios about how you get to Seattle? I am going in 2 weeks and normally go to San Diego and fly nonstop.
Logistically, it’s easier for me to fly out of Imperial International Airport (IMP), which is down past Costco on Imperial Boulevard. The problem is to get a reasonable fair, you fly to LAX, SFO and then to SEA-TAC. It’s a pain, but getting to San Diego and back is a bigger pain and the hotels are more expensive. You can leave your car at the airport in El Centro (Imperial) and it’s there when you get back.
On the other side of the coin. I’m in TJ trying to get my wife’s two sons visas. My wife has had her visa for three years now & has two American kids w/me. So someone please tell me how the US consulate can denied her two boys only 15 & 11 years old from accompanying they’re Mother, brother & sister from going to see grandma & grandpa.
Unfortunately Tim, it’s politics and it’s wrong. It makes me so angry I can’t even comment on it except “they might get on welfare or take an American’s job”. Oh wait, they’re kids.
please (please please) lose the Fox channel bs. If I wanted to listen to those bozos I would not be wishing I was in San Felipe instead of working in the States so I can afford to be there!
Right on dude!
Yep, when you are stopped in the states you are asked, when and if, you are stopped about your citizenship.
They don’t search your car for guns/ammo.
In Mexico only the bandido’s have guns.
The new law in Arizona does not go into effect until the end of July, so if you were stopped you were stopped by Federal employees not State employees. Also the Arizona law says you cannot be asked about your nationality unless you are already being investigated for a crime.
Actually Mike, the Federal Government is or has just filed a lawsuit against the State of Arizona – they were stopping everyone at the entrance to downtown Arizona. And your statement that you can’t be asked unless you are already being investigated is simply not true. If an officer of the law thinks you may be an illegal, they can and will stop and ask for your identification. I read the law. Thanks for writing.
What law did you read? Mike was correct- you have to be stopped for something else then they can ask for your identification
I know they have to be stopped for let’s say, a tail light out or DWM – driving while Mexican. I read the proposed legislation the State of Arizona passed and a Washington Post article on the suit against them by the Federal government. Really, I don’t want to get into a political debate and Andy’s post is right on. Thanks for writing and reading my Korner. Just a footnote – I lived in Phoenix and Scottsdale years ago, and every restaurant, hotel, car wash – you name it – there was a Mexican working there. So, let’s talk about happy things, like how warm the Sea of Cortez is right now!
Actually those were my photos at the graduation, no need to clarify. Thanks for the info on fm2 and fm3. I will be in Seattle 2 weeks starting July 26 to visit my lovely child Cherie, if you are there let me know, I will be at lake tapps, my US cell #7605955509
Karen – I fly back on July 24 … bummer!! I’m glad I got it right on the fotos. xoxo K