Caray, Caray!

Schedule for recapping this week:

Capitulo 65 – Anita Mon Dec 22
Capitulo 66 – Lila Tue Dec 23
No broadcast on Wed Dec 24
No Broadcast on Thu Dec 25
Capitulo 67 – Vivi Fri Dec 26

Schedule for recapping Week 15:

Capitulo 68 – Mon Dec 29 (Sara)
Capitulo 69 – Tue Dec 30 (Lila)
Capitulo 70 – Wed Dec 31 (pre-empted maybe?)
Capitulo 7? – Thu Jan 1 (maybe pre-empted)
Capitulo 7? – Fri Jan 2 (Vivi)

Will either Sara or Lila take Dec 31 if it's not pre-empted? Jan 1 Uni will probably broadcast the Rose Parade. It seems to me I watched it in Spanish one year.

 

Lila--I left the slang link on Week 13, last entry.
 

Thanks Anita! I always enjoy your little wrap-up and preview.

I can take the 31st.
 

Sara--Are you volunteering to recap on the 31st in addition to Mon Dec 29 or instead of?
 

In addition. I don't have any other recapping obligations on Wednesdays.
 

Heyo. Lurker here, got behind. Hope some other lurjkers will pipe up and reassure our growing band of recappers that their labors are appreciated.
Wow, Max may be about to have an inconvenient number of kids. Have Sal and Constanza clouded the waters on the paternity of any possible issue on her part?
This happiness is way too early. Sigh.
Wouldn't want to underwrite German's life insurance.
Chris in FL
 

Thanks, Anita! Love your set-ups! Primo!

Hey, Chris! you're not a lurker! Good to see you! Chris your questions about the stork are hilarious and pertinent. I was whispering loudly to Sal and Connie to get it on but alas, they have not as yet. I just cannot see them NOT having her be pregnant but I don't see this breaking the bond between Max and Amaya. If it happens Connie will just be a whining presence in their lives. So they'll have baby-daddy and baby-momma drama.

Whatever it is, just let them stay together and comfort each other every now and then with some good lovin' and I'll be happy!

Re whether Max and Amaya can hide that they've done the happy dance, I am sure Mauro will know but be unwavering in his support. One, because, well, it's his beloved Amaya and he wants nothing more than for Max to live his love out loud the way he and Florencia never could. Two, Max did NOT betray Connie, so the rumor is still a LIE.

What a week ahead: holiday time with family and friends and a great show with more good friends in cyberspace!!
 

Chris--Thank you for all your enthusiasm, but the additional recappers are on temporary, Christmas and New Year's week duty.

Uni is still saying no QA on Wed the 24th, but my DVR guide says yes. My hunch is to go with Uni. If there is a QA on the 24th, we can all watch it and share what we saw later on.
 

Chris- as much as I love TNs, I have to share your resigned sigh. The happiness is too early and something will have to happen to keep our love birds apart.

I worry about BOTH Amaya and Cons being pregnant with close enough due dates that the rumor mill will continue to assume that Max and Amaya always had something going on.

I just don't see Cons marrying Sal anytime soon.

Ooo. Or maybe she will and he'll think the child is his...

I'm so bad at predicting TNs. Why do I try? Lol.
 

This is a pre-recap special.

The possibility of upcoming, unexpected pregnancies for Amaya and Consta has begun to be discussed. For either or both, it will complicate their relationships with Max and Sal. I'm going to expand this theme, knowing it is necessary to get into some intimate details.

First, think of QA women as equal to US women. I'm not the first to believe that educated, middle class and above women in Mexico are on a par with U.S. when it comes to birth control.

So, here goes. Who is likely to be using some sort of birth control or other contraceptive protection?

Emma - Definitely. She's sexually active and not stupid, although maybe pre-menopausal.

Genoveva - Probably. She is sexually active, has one high school age child, so she's been careful for about 18 years. She doesn't plan on having another out-of-wedlock child.

Juliana - Definitely, until now. She and Franco had one child, who is now about 10 or 11. She has said she was never going to fall in love again, so maybe she will stop using BC.

Mariana - Probably. She said she had had a boyfriend who did her wrong. There were no unexpected pregnancies, so either she used BC or made sure her partner did. There is the possibility that she's never had sex.

Flavia - Definitely. You can bet on it. She wants to be careful. She has a career to think about. She's young, still experimenting and belongs to a fast crowd. If she isn't using BC on her own, she'd carry condoms in her great big purse. She might be a secret virgin. We'll have to wait and see. But she is in Engineering school, so she must know the mechanics of sex.

Carolina - Probably not. She's had a dry spell since she broke up with Ismael. For the occasional partner, she would probably make sure he used some protection. If she and Jorge get serious, I would expect her to get married and have three children (even though she said she wouldn't think that way with Jorge and take it slow). They will use protection until they decide together.

Amaya - Definitely. She probably uses some sort of permanent BC. She has one 10 year-old child and none since, although married and sexually active until maybe several months ago. Not having more children became important after she found Horacio cheating on her and all the times she tried to patch up her marriage and in the end stopped loving him. What about with Max, we ask? Obviously we didn't see, but there wasn't much of a time lapse between their kiss and when they ripped off their clothes. Who has time for diaphragms or condoms in that situation. If she isn't on permanent BC, then she was risking a lot with Horacio. He doesn't seem the type to want to use a condom.

Constanza - Maybe, maybe not. We should remember that between her and Max there was a difference of opinion over children. She told Nora she didn't want children and Nora reminded her Max did. Consta said she knew that but hadn't talked to Max about it yet. There's the Maybe. The Maybe Not is that Consta WAS getting ready to be married and that night at the hacienda, she might have already stopped if she were using BC or she and Max got carried away.

Of course, since this is a telenovela--a good one--all bets are off.

The recap will be up late.
 

Watching my recording now. Looks like Amaya just moved way ahead of German on her To Do Away With List. Yikes!
 

That's Lucrazy's list.
 

Re BC: I think Mariana is a virgin, I think Flavia could be a "secret virgin" as you say. It's funny but true after all your so well reasoned out presentation about the probable status of birth control use you say "Of course, since this is a telenovela--a good one--all bets are off." Ha!

Wouldn't it be refreshing if there wasn't a pregnancy?

Yes Vivi, poor Amaya is really in the crosshairs now!
 

Did Lucrecia brainwash Cesar as a child ?


 

Steve- She has certainly done an excellent job brainwashing him, because looking at how affectionate and proud Mauro was with Cesar in today's episode, he'd have to be crazy to think that Mauro doesn't love him as much as he loves his siblings. What more would he need to convince him of that. That boy aint right.
 

Steve--
It depends on what you mean by brainwashed.

Luce has never hidden her favoritism for Cesar. I think Max and Flavia have been aware of it all their lives. In that sense, she "molded" him in her image and likeness. Max takes after his father. Flavia has some Lucrecia-type spunk and aggressiveness in her, but so far has not gone over to any dark side.

Lucio is the damaged child. Lucrecia didn't exactly brainwash as much as threatened him with leaving him alone and everyone withdrawing their love from him if he so much as breathed a word of what he saw in her bedroom (with Omar).
 

Vivi--Since Cesar only recently learned he was NOT Mauro's bio-child, he's been reeling under his perceived insecurities, ones he's had even before the revelation.

I'm not exactly sure why Cesar would feel insecure, as you say, with Mauro's love and attention, but he has always felt the need to prove himself to get his father's attention and acceptance.
 

I really can't point to one thing that Mauro has done that would make him think he's not as loved as the others. In fact, I would say that Mauro lets him get away with too much- saying rude, sarcastic things all the time.
 

I don't think Mauro *has* done anything to make him feel unloved. It's how he has perceived that relationship to be. Luce is probably responsible for pushing and urging him on to pass as Mauro's only heir. It was sort of established at the beginning that Max was a kind of laid back, un-ambitious, n'er do well. Cesar was probably surprised that when Max did return to Mexico he brought with him some new ideas for coffee products.

Cesar didn't like that and immediately took steps to shoot Max down.

Mauro loves all his children unconditionally. He's probably noted that Cesar is too up-tight, no personal life, etc. etc., after their conversation. He's worried that it isn't normal. He wants Cesar to think about getting married, have a family....well, it's all in the recap.

Coming up right now.

 

Mon Dec 21 (Cap 65) – Part 1

Don Armando Manzanero serenades us again
For the wonderful description of the rooftop surprise Max had for Amaya, overlooking the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, read Lila’s lovely report at the end of Week 13. Don Armando (and Max) sing Quiero Amarte to an appreciative audience of one (or ten). Max and Amaya dance again and kiss again. They share champagne, declarations of love and more hugs and kisses.

The artist closes his folio
A pensive Mauro looks over his folio of art work of exclusive renditions of Florencia in pencil or Conté crayons (I just saw an exhibit of Georges Seurat, where he used Conté crayons to produce many of his studies in the 1880s--impressive). He closes the finished book and dedicates it to their love, which never had a conclusion. If they are never to see each other again, he hopes that love will be realized through their children, who also fell in love the first time they met each other.

It only takes one night
Max has taken Amaya to a room in the hotel where they share more champagne, more kisses, more passion. After the lovin’ they are wrapped up in terry cloth robes, Max’s arms wrapped around Amaya as they look out over the city at night. Max is looking forward to their trip to Chiapas. Amaya not so much. Val will be with her and they won’t have a chance to be alone together. Max is sure they’ll find a way. They have a couple of allies in Jorge and Caro. Then Max brings them back to reality—he’d like to do more than what Mauro is doing to clear her name in the WB scandal. Amaya replies that if there weren’t anything between them, she’d be fighting to clear her name, too, but in light of their relationship, she doesn’t care. People are going to talk anyway, speculating on when their relationship began. Vale is her only worry. If Vale believes them, all will be ok. Max promises he will take care of that. He thinks Amaya still has some doubts. She assures him she has none. Her love belongs to him and his belongs to her. Max says that’s why he wants to love her the rest of his life.

Mauro can just tell
Mauro knows Max didn’t spend the night at home. Max tells Mauro how he feels about Amaya. Everything they went through was worth it. They declared their love the night before. She loves him as much as he loves her. Mauro is ecstatic. Max cautions they both want to keep their relationship quiet for now, because of the Constanza situation and because of Vale. Mauro says to count on his discretion. Max then tells him about seeing Consta and Sal in Tuxtla together. Max says it pithed him off to see them (sacar de onda). Mauro can’t believe it. He tells Max it’s healthy to leave the past behind. Max says, look at that, coming from someone who can’t leave the past behind.

Mauro then confesses to Max he’d known about Amaya’s divorce, but hadn’t told him. He knows now it was a big mistake, but at the time it seemed correct. It was up to Max to choose the path he wanted to take, whether it was with Constanza or Amaya. Max reminds him he doesn’t like things to be kept from him and the next time (will there be one?) to let him know. Mauro wants him to be happy and if it’s with Amaya, all the better. He and Flo could never solidify (concretar) their love, so it would be so wonderful if Max and Amaya were able to. Max assures them they already are.

Max asks if he believes Florencia is still alive. Mauro’s emotions get the better of him. His eyes well up. He nods yes. He’s asked the private investigator they had contracted to keep looking. Manuel had been in charge, but with the way things are between them, he’s taking over managing it. Max wants to know what he would do if she is still alive and he sees her again. Mauro doesn’t know. He’s married to Max’s mother and things are going better now. He won’t deny it, he will always love her.
 

Mon Dec 22 - Part 2

Squeeeee!
Caro arrives at Amaya’s new house. They hug and Caro can’t wait for Amaya to tell her all about her night with Max. She wants breakfast and all the details. Amaya tells her she’s the happiest woman on the planet. Caro says it’s written all over her face.

Caro and Jorge, co-conspirators
The two have a chat about….last minute work arrangements…nah, about Max and Amaya, then work. They each knew about the lovebirds’ nidito (little nest) de amor last night. Ok, back to work topic. Caro is looking forward to coming to El Paraíso, she is aware what a great opportunity this is to work for such an important company and for her and Amaya to be in charge of this project. Jorge assures her she will love it at the finca. Then OT again, Caro tells Jorge they have an important mission while at El Paraíso—to keep anyone from finding out that Max and Amaya are together. Jorge thinks that will be great fun.

At the airport, Caro meets with the rest of the video crew and gives them their instructions, tickets, hotel information, etc. Amaya and Val arrive. They can’t wait to get to Chiapas.

Lucrecia speaks several truths (really?)
The remaining Montesinos have breakfast together in the garden. Flavia feels smug that she knew something was going on between Consta and Sal all along. César picks up the thread and lays it on Max about as thick as the jam Lucrecia is spreading on her bread, on how Consta deceived him (all the while making it sound like Max was duped). Max tries to stop him right there—he doesn’t believe either one of them betrayed him. The Consta-Sal thing didn’t happen until after the wedding was cancelled. Cece doesn’t drop it. Mauro looks from one son to the other and probably wonders how it is these two brothers cannot get along. (I detect some recognition in Mauro’s look he is very aware that Cece is baiting Max and trying to get him to rise to an argument.) Max actually feels that today, thanks to the outcome, he feels much better. Mauro interrupts this bro-fight. From now one, there will be no more regarding Constanza and when they happen to cross paths with Amaya, she is to be treated with respect. Lucrecia scoffs—respect must be earned. Cece, like a dog with a fresh bone, won’t let go—he’s sure when Manuel finds out what Consta did, surely he will sell his shares—oh, didn’t papa tell Max? If Manuel decides to sell, Cece’s first in line to buy them.

Lucrecia says of course it would be better for the shares to be in César’s hands. Not only that, she would like Manuel and Consta as far away from the family as possible and as far away from the company, too. Max is getting ready to go to Chiapas to arrange things for the harvest. Flavia is going to come along. She just needs to pack a bag. After all her Novio is the owner of El Deseo there. Lucrecia butts in, novio? That engagement is not going to last very long.¹ César wants to know if Max knew that Mauro had hired Amaya for making a commercial at the finca. Yes, Max says he knew. He’s convinced that he and Amaya will be able to work alongside each other like good work colleagues. Luce says that after what everyone has said about the two of them, it’s a terrible idea.² Mauro is sure it will all work out, there is nothing between them. Lucrecia tells Mauro he is so naïve.³

1. Luce is telling the truth, regrettably, for Flavia’s future happiness.
2. Luce is telling the truth, it is a bad idea.
3. Luce is telling the truth, but she doesn’t know Mauro knows everything there is between Max and Amaya.
 

Mon Dec 22 - Part 3

Lucrecia hits paydirt listening at open doors (or maybe it’s just dirt)
Max has called Juliana and in the course of the conversation, shares his secret with her. Yes, he ran into Consta and Sal in Tuxtla, but the Consta thing ended, all over, forgotten, all for the best. Suddenly Max is aware he left the door open and gets up to close it. He’s not fast enough. Luce has heard all she needs to hear, that Consta is free to live her life with Sal and he, Max, is free to live his love with Amaya. They have to keep it secret for now, but Max wanted her, papa and Jorge to know. Juli is thrilled for him. Max is over the moon in love with Amaya. She’ll keep his secret.

Lucrecia is incredulous. She heads for her room, vowing those two can not love each other, never. It like giving truth to the relationship Mauro had with Florencia. Mauro wins. Nobody is to find out about this—until the end.

Lucio’s secret is an eye-opener
As soon as Juliana gets Eloisa alone, she tells her half the Max story—about being free of Constanza and not feeling badly about it after seeing them together in Chiapas. Then she asks about Lucio’s secret. Between the two of them they deduce that it had something to do with Omar. Lucio saw him several times at the house and he was doing bad things, according to his recounting. Since Lucrecia had feelings for Omar that went beyond work, Juliana then posits that Lucio found them in bed together. Elo wonders how Luce could have been unfaithful to Mauro, right in their own house in front of their own children. Elo has no doubt that is the source of Lucio’s trauma and regression.

Mauro meets with the PI
Mauro explains that he wants the PI to start searching again for any trace of Florencia. The PI tries to tell him that he’s paying him for nothing, he’s been over and over any last traces and they don’t go anywhere. Mauro insists. He wants him to keep looking either until his dying breath or if he gets definitive proof that Florencia is not alive.

On the way out, Mauro runs into Manuel. Interesting confrontation. Yellow Power Tie meets Mousy Brown Tie And Suit. Mauro makes the overture. Forget about what their kids did and not let that destroy years of friendship. Manuel is not quite ready to concede by accusing Max of betraying Constanza first. Mauro doesn’t think that’s how it happened. He doesn’t think Consta betrayed Max, not Max Consta, but what is true is they were both thinking of others. It still bothers Manuel that after everything that happened, he would have the audacity to put Amaya and Carolina at the head of his newly-created publicity agency. Mauro is convinced Amaya had nothing to do with the break-up and yet Manuel got rid of her. Manuel knows the debt he has with Amaya and he wasn’t going to leave her jobless. He wants Manuel to think about their friendship and not to sell his shares in the company.

César is a micro-managing prick
Cece is making a nuisance out of himself. He now wants daily reports on the goings on at the ranch. Oh, and not just the management of the lands, but of what Max is up to and most especially what Amaya is up to. Chop, chop, he wants his orders followed to the letter. Héctor is annoyed. Chelo tells him to share this with Max. If Max learns about this later from someone else, Héctor will lose Max’s confidence. Max knows what his brother is like.
 

Mon Dec 22 - Part 4

The Montesinos plane is faster than Aero México
Max and Flavia arrive at the finca. They kid Flavia about her engagement to Uli for companionship and not for marriage and kids. Jorge is not sure about having kids. Max wants kids. And no more bad mouthing Constanza.

Ulises dines alone
Efraín arrives with the news of hiring a new teacher. Uli cares not. What he wants Efer to do now is to investigate Iván Fonseca. He wants to know absolutely everything, his past, old girlfriends, his weaknesses. He gets a phone call from Flavia. He’ll come to El P. She wants to be alone with him. He wants to show her family that he’s serious about her. He’ll see her in a bit. They’ll have time to be alone.

Mariana can’t hide her jealousy
Iván teases Mariana about Flavia. She doesn’t like the way she flirts with Iván. He tells Mariana, Flavia can flirt all she like, he only has eyes for Mariana. They hug, just as Iván sees Jorge and Max walking up to the coffee fields.

Mauro congratulates César for a job well done
Cece catches Mauro to tell him he sealed the deal with the Portuguese. Mauro couldn’t be happier. He’s proud of the way Cece is helping to grow the export part of the company. They walk back toward Mauro’s office. He tells Cece he’s asked Manuel not to sell his shares. Cece expresses his disbelief and disappointment (he really wanted those shares). He has to leave it alone for now since Mauro is determined. Then Cece finds out Mauro wants to have a big fiesta to launch the new “Despierta la Vida” campaign. Cece looks unconvinced. Mauro thinks he’s working too hard. He needs to get a life outside the office. Cesar insists work is his life. He’s not interested in having a family. In fact he’s revolted by the idea.

Uli’s arrogance, contempt and sneaky manipulation are on display
Uli arrives and conveniently runs into Mariana. After putting her in her place in regard to his position (he’s Señor Ulises now and she’s not to use the familiar “tu”). He thinks she missed her opportunity with him to better herself. She still has every intention of bettering herself. He doesn’t think pairing up with Iván will help her at all. With him, she retorts, she has everything she wants. Besides, she didn’t like the way he came on to her. Uli pretends surprise. What, she thinks he was interested in her? Think again. He only wanted to help her get ahead. He’d never be interested in someone like her. As she walks away from him, Uli thinks to himself he wants Mariana to hate him. It is better than her indifference. Once she hate him with her whole soul, it will cost her dearly for having scorned him.

Flavia arrives and wraps herself around him. He gives her a box with a necklace in it. All of this PDA is observed by Mariana and Uli sees Mariana watching. Inside, Mariana is clearly affected by what Uli said about her. He humiliated her by calling her mediocre, a lost soul and he would never have looked at her as a girlfriend. Hortensia cheers her up and tells her not to pay him any mind. He’s probably pithed Mariana didn’t take the job as the teacher at El Deseo nor fell for his charms.
 

Mon Dec 22 - Part 5

Amaya and Val get to Dolores’ place
Cipriano is irate that Amaya is dumping Val on her for babysitting. She tells him to get out and keep on with whatever it is this new business is he has. He tells her it will mean a great deal of money and when that happens, things around here are going to change. Dolores can’t wait for him to exit as she doubles over in pain.

When she and Amaya are alone, Dolores wonders if she’s thought about what people are going to say when they see her and Max working together after the accusation Constanza made? Amaya says they can say what they like, they are merely working together. Besides, what is really going to make everybody’s jaw drop is what is learned about Constanza and Salvador. She doesn’t see how Amaya can be so relaxed, as a matter of fact, it shows in her face that she’s happy. At least Dolores is relieved there’s nothing between her and Max. Amaya can’t contain herself. She wasn’t going to tell her, but she and Max love each other. There she has it. He came looking for her. They do have a relationship. No, Dolores insists she can’t. She agrees that Mauro will not harm her, but she’s afraid of what Lucrecia might do. Luce will never accept her as a fiancé for one of her sons, she’ll make Amaya’s life miserable and might even destroy her, the same way she did Amaya’s mother. Amaya wants to know what Lucrecia did to her mother.

Freeze frame on Amaya’s face
 

Post Script. Forgot the vocabulary.

Vocabulario
Onda – Wave or undulation
Sacar de onda (Mexican slang) – To ruin a moment, mood or buzz. To annoy, mildly anger or disappoint. To give bad vibes.
Esa mujer me saca de onda - That woman annoys me
Esta música me saca de onda - This music ruins the ambience for me
¡Ya me sacaste de onda! - Now you've pissed me off me!

BUT: (El/ella) es una buena onda - He's a good egg, good guy (or girl). Onda is fem., so the article and adjective have to agree even if the person is male.

Concretar – combine, unite, concrete (I like solidify better, myself—sounds like something solid.)
 

Absolutely fabulous, Anita. Well, the Max-Amaya secret hasn't remained a secret for even one episode. Half the cast knows! :) And I'm not sure they'll be able to hide their love glow when they're with each other.

Italy has been good for Eli and Juli. They were able to figure out what happened to Lucio pretty quickly. Now, what are they going to do about it?

What game is EBP playing with Mariana? As is she actually falling for his mind games? Focus on that guapote Ivan, and your studies, Mariana!
 

Thanks Anita! I got a laugh out of "Cesar is a micro-managing price."

There were so many lines about starting a family that I feel like someone is getting preggers.

I don't think it's Mariana. I honestly feel she's still pretty innocent. Yeah she had a man that done her wrong, but I don't think it went that far.

I'm thinking your assessment of Flavia is also correct. She's not innocent and probably uses BC.

Caro, Consta and Amaya are the best candidates. My money is on Cons or Amaya simply because it would continue the past and present parallels. But I think someone has said maybe that's exactly what they won't do because it's so obvious.
 

My dvr is still showing an episode far Wednesday. I will be home so if it does air I can recap it. Just let me know.
 

Thanks Anita! WONderful!

Good news that Cesar doesn't want to have a family. Let him be the last BAD SEED!

You know, if these adult "children" moved away from home, half the storylines in novelas couldn't happen. So much depends on purposeful and accidental eavesdropping. . .sheesh!

Max and Amaya could not keep such joy under wraps, no way! I just hope they're as good fighters as they are lovers!

Will Delores spill the beans on her suspicions about Lu provoking the Great Accidents and deaths of her parents? Whoa! One dastardly deed of Lu's has been unmasked and now this. We'll see where these lead!
 

Hmm. And how much are people willing to believe about Lu? I mean, the stuff Dolores suspects is pretty evil. I know people see her as cranky and prejudiced and obsessed with money and status, but are they willing to belive she's capable of murder?

I hope Dolores makes it through to the end of this! Oh TN gods please don't have Dolores confront Lu with her suspicions!
 

No, people wouldn't believe and I don't think these accusations are going to go public but in each instance the one who suspects -- Elo and Delores -- tell one trusted person. Important, trusted persons who, while they won't blow the whistle yet, may make an important adjustment or confirmation in their view of Lu and thus be on guard for further mischief-making or even danger coming from her.

Elo and Juliana will be better able to protect Lucio: Hopefully they'll find out the shrink is an actor. . .but it seems even too soon for that because once that is found out, it will start an avalanche of revelations. I think Juliana will keep this info on the DL until the right time but step up her protection of Lucio.

Amaya, if she learns what Delores suspects may not want to believe it because it's Max's mother. . .BUT this will confirm the bad vibes she got from Lu the first time she met her. If Delores tells, this could be the factor that threatens to separate or at least put a major strain on Max and Amaya's relationship. IF Delores tells Amaya will have to keep it on the down low and, for now, heed Delores warning to at least stay as far away from Lu as she possibly can.

Just thinking. Will the happy chaos of the harvest fiesta give Lu an opportunity to take a shot Amaya?
 

I think Lu is still thinking of setting up Emma. Did I hear that right? Vivi, Anita? Thoughts?
 

That was her last plan. It really doesn't make sense. I never understood how she was going to frame Emma when she has Emma's gun AND covered with her fingerprints from all the caressing she's done to it.

So yes, anyone else have recollections of the murder set-up plan?


 

Yes, her plan is/was to have Emma framed for shooting Amaya. But now that she knows that Amaya is an immediate danger (i.e. the love of Max's life) she may change plans.
 

Lila- I'm giggling at your line about all the fingerprints that must be on the gun after Lu has fondled it so much.
 

I thought I heard Lu saying she needed to step up that plan now that Max and Amaya were together.
 

Me too, Sara. I think knowing Max loves her may make her try to cover her tracks better but I don't think that love will deter her from trying to kill Amaya.

In regards to the "brainwashing" discussion yesterday, I think Lu has laid the genetic foundation for Cesar's state of being. Omar, of course made a contribution to nature but the "nurture" is all Lu's doing.

I don't think either Lu or Cesar really know how to love. Lu has this feeling of wanting to possess all of Mauro's material wealth, lands, the coffee empire, etc. and she wants this for HER son, Cesar. She never loved Mauro and claims to have loved Omar whom she put above everyone, even her children and certainly any notions of fidelity to Mauro. And on top of all of that, she murdered Omar!

And did you notice Cesar looked as if he was going to lose his lunch when Mauro suggested he marry and have a family? He also wants to possess ALL of the Montesino wealth and he wanted all of his father's paternal love. I think he deeply does grieve not being a real Montesinos but wants to console himself for now by having more shares than any of his sibs.

Funny, even though he's not a Montesinos he still does not seem to feel any affection for his sibs with whom he shares a Mother for goodness sake!

I truly hope Hector tells Max that Cesar is making him stalk and spy on him and Amaya. Do y'all think he will?
 

I meant, learning Max and Amaya are in love will make Lu speed up/change her plans for HOW she kills Amaya, not change her mind about killing Amaya. That's what she implied with the way she reacted after hearing Max speak to Juli.
 

The chaos of a festival would be a great opportunity.
 

Great to see so many interesting comments about upcoming foul play.

There was one scene I played several times and still could not understand Lucrecia-in the bedroom-looking at the mirror. I sort of faked that last sentence. I heard her say "final" so I worked it in. Forgive me.

I agree with all of you that Lucrecia has to step up her plans, but her plan is still to set Emma up. She wanted Amaya to be asked to go to Emma's place, but she's mad that Amaya is in Chiapas and probably won't return for a few days.

The gun won't have any fingerprints of hers on it. She's to wily. She would wipe it clean. What she should be concerned about is leaving a "guilty" witness alive. She should be very careful about turning on Emma, creating a she said/she said situation. Luce thinks she can hide behind her social position. Emma, we know, is scrappy, confrontational and won't give in easily.

 

Hmm. I guess Emma could get Amaya to the apartment and offer her a drink (pre drugged by Lu of course) they both pass out, Lu shoots, Emma comes to with a body on her floor and a gun in her hand.
 

Needless to say that was conjecture. I'm sure I'm wrong because I never make correct guesses!
 

Conjecture aside. It would be perfect. Luce has a set of keys for Emma's apartment. We know all kinds of drugs and poisons come in little brown bottles easily available everywhere. The aftermath is perfect. But, how do you guarantee what they will drink or even IF Amaya will have a drink with Emma. Emma wants to talk about Horacio, so Amaya will either not want to talk to her, not drink and leave. I'm hoping Amaya won't even go see her. It would be more logical to have lunch together in the Nescafe cafeteria or the lunch room on the corner. I'd be suspicious myself--I don't know Emma, so what's the need for a one-on-one at her apartment.

It all makes for wonderful speculation, which we so delight in.
 

Hi, Anita,

Excellent, fabulous, detailed, thorough, well-organized as always.
Thank you again.

Being a romantic, I mostly zero in on the beautiful people and ignore the ugly, destructive ones - like Uli; however, even though I despise his character, I think he is doing an admirable job with his role...although I skip most of it.

I remember him in a couple of other younger roles,and this is a distinct contrast.

Back to reality .... Although not mentioned on this page, I was not thrilled with Uli's being labeled a "beanpole." This is the actor's natural build, and he may be still growing. I didn't have time to mention it earlier. Having bean a "beanpole" myself for many years and being the mother of five "beanpoles," and now having some "beanpole" granddaughters, I see it as an inherent unawareness of the feelings of very tall, thin people and the hurtfulness that labels can cause without realizing it. And I thought that we didn't normally comment on an actor's physical characteristics. "Tall and lanky" does not bother me, but "beanpole" does....unless someone is just joking within ones own immediate family....as we are here. In truth, it is the actor's eyebrows that have fascinated me.

Anita, that was a thorough birth control discussion, but I am still of the simple mindset that Amaya is now pregnant and I am hoping that Connie will soon be in the same way. Yet, this time around, there will be some plot changes.

Now that Eloisa will find some comfort in knowing that her husband did not betray her, she may be reunited with him -- unless of course, he is killed first.

All of this leads me to believe that Florencia will be found alive. She will eventually be integrated into a normal life where she and Mauro will be given a chance to live their lives out together as grandparents.

Anita, thanks for the vocabulary and the link to the slang. Studying Spanish has become a passion for me; I find it fascinating.

Yes, it was most ironic that Mauro was advising Max to leave the past behind. I was glad to see that Max made an appropriate response.

Interesting about Mariana's response to Uli. Mind games, indeed.

Thanks again, Anita

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
ALL THE BEST TO ALL THE FAITHFUL
 

Lol Floridia! I guess I saw Uli's eyebrows so much in AC that I got used to them, but I used to find them distracting. He really is doing a great job with this role and I almost wonder if he will be cast as a villain for most of his career.

I don't know why, but I've always felt that German (that's Elo's ex, right?) was dying and that's why he's seeking her out. And by dying I mean disease, not death by Lu.

I am really hoping Flo is alive. It would make for some interesting scenes. The producer already seem pretty enamored of green screen scenes (and sorry to be critical, but the rooftop serenade was the worst.)
 

Floridia--
We will find another name for Ulises. Sadly, he is still evil and bearded. I do like Diego's interpretation of the character. He has a very expressive face.

Like Flavia he has times when he's good and times when he's bad. I will cheer him on when he brings down Cipriano, but will reserve an anvil with his name on it for what he's planning to do to Flavia, Mariana and Ivan.

We didn't mean to cause any offense to anyone, truly. This is coming from someone who is the complete opposite of bean poles, the human kind or the green bean kind (I grow bush beans, myself).
 

EBP=evil bearded prick
 

The things he said to Mariana were unforgivable.
 

P.S. Floridia--I like Tall and Lanky. Reminds me of someone very dear to me. Diego may be Lanky, but I fear he lacks in Tallness.
 

Hey, nice roll we're on here!

Hi, Floridia: I did the recap with the "evil beanpole" comment and you are right, this is exactly the spirit in which it is written: "unless someone is just joking within ones own immediate family....as we are here." It's hard though to not mention a character's physique at times in the descriptive flow of the re-telling. Bulging biceps are seen, I suppose, as a universally positive attribute so no one will mind if Max is described as having them and we all know the biceps belong to Christian de la Fuente. But I understand perfectly. I would bristle at someone describing Lucio as a "retard" (just an example, I know no one in our intimate and enlightened group would do so) because I have a son with a developmental disability. In that case it's a slight against the character, not the actor. I've been very open about this blog so if someone were to say such, it would feel deliberately hurtful.

Having gotten to "know" each other a little bit over these past few weeks and knowing none of us are aware of the physical traits or other qualities we and our loved ones possess, I think we can safely assume that no harm is implied in such attributions. I certainly didn't mean any!

:D Lila
 

Anita & All,

I know that no one was deliberately being disrepectful to those in the upper stratospheres.

I just learned a new word, "auxology," the study of height.

No time to go in depth. It's somewhat complicated.

The average female height in Mexico is 5 ft. one inch, and the average male is 5.5.75. Suffice to say that my family is off the
charts for almost every country.

Chat later ......
 

Lila,

Excellent response. I appreciate all the writing you do for us, and I understand completely that no slight was intended in any way or to any shape or form.

Keep on truckin,'


 

Cool, Floridia!

Re whether Florencia will return. I kinda want her to but it almost seems like it would be too perfect and a little corny. It feels like they're leaning toward her returning.

If she is I hope that they are able to pull off the whole doubles thing with class. In my all time favorite novela the male protagonists were identical twins portrayed by one talented actor. I thought it was done most excellently but maybe I'm a poor judge of that. For instance, Sara, I thought the roof top scene looked authentic! I didn't pick up it was green screen. Hee hee! I think I was looking too closely at Max and Amaya, which is okay too!
 

I noticed the green screen too, and found it distracting. I have never seen this producer use green screen before. In Amor Bravio, for example, the scenes in Chile were actually shot IN Chile (and CdlF got to be home for a while). I wonder if it's because Televisa just didn't put much money behind this tn for them to do some of these shoots on location.
 

There have been a ton of green screen scenes. I'm watching in HD so maybe I notice it more? It's distracting, but the rest of the show is so good that it doesn't detract from the overall quality.

I tell myself that they spent most of the money on the gorgeous embroidered clothing. ;)
 

Sara- Yes, I have noticed other green screen shots in this tn. I meant he's never used it before in his other tns. I'm also watching in HD. When Ivan, Mariana, Max and Jorge met up in the fields, that was totally green screen. The fields are not always green screen. Sometimes they are real, but not yesterday. The airport scenes are mostly green screen. But, I'm not really bugged by that. The rooftop scene was really the only annoying one because it looked so fake. I still enjoyed the romance though.
 

I knew what you meant ;)

It's interesting to me that some scenes are green screen and then there will be a similar one (like the fields) that aren't.
 

I guess sometimes it just doesn't work out to film all the scenes they want/need while they have the actors and crew in Chiapas, so they just have to film in D.F. using green screen.
 

Note to all,

No matter what, I think Don Mauro deserves a happy ending for all that he has endured. There will never be true justice.


One can only hope .......
 

Just finished watching today's episode and the avances said no episode until Friday. There's much to discuss though!
 

Sara--
Since there's no broadcast tomorrow, is it too much to ask for you to stand by for Wed Dec 31? You volunteered for Mon Dec 29. Since I don't think Uni will pre-empt an afternoon New Year's eve episode we might need a recap. It can be short.

I feel for the folks on Prime Time recapping. They get NO nights off, not even Christmas Eve or Christmas day. What is Uni thinking? Oh, they must be thinking everyone has a DVR.
 

No problem, Anita. I know a certain recapper here who is also recapping La Gata... I think she should feel free to just put up a discussion thread for that show. ;)
 

Hey Sara! Discussion thread on Christmas Day for La Gata sounds like a mighty fine idea! Thanks, amiga!

This episode will be up late: my Daughter is home from Seattle so there's a happy bustle around here. I WILL do it though and can't wait to discuss it with y'all!
 

doh, I mean recap, not episode!
 

Enjoy your visit with family, Lila!
 

For those who participated in the parent-child relationship between Cesar and Mauro, I found this description in one of Lila's first recaps (Thu Nov 7 of Week 7 & 8). Interesting, no?

"Mauro and Lucrecia discuss family dynamics, whether each treats Caesar and his "otros hijos" differently. Lucrecia declares that Caesar is the most self-assured, capable and intelligent of all her children! Mauro begs to differ: Lucrecia's overprotection of Caesar has turned him into an egocentric monster! Mauro doesn't have time to argue, he's off to have breakfast."

Lila--take your time with the recap. Whenever it appears will be fine. It will have to tide us over until Friday. Ditto--enjoy your time with your daughter.

This doesn't mean he loves his son any less, he's put out with her parenting skills.

This conversation takes place around the time Cesar finds out Omar is blackmailing his mom over "Elo's secret," but in reality it was to keep him from telling Mauro of their past relationship. She killed him.

 

Ooops, I forgot I had more to say, all I could see was the quote and forgot I had already written it out. Serves me right for getting distracted in the kitchen.
 

I think Lu realized that she's terrible at killing people and is trying something new with Emma.

Blow up Florencia- failure. David dies but he didn't count.
Drown Florencia and Amaya- at least partial failure.
Blow up Amaya- failure, and she almost got the son she likes killed.

Lu better hope that Emma is better at this, even though I don't get why Emma would care. Wasn't she opposed to the idea of Whor moving in with her? Why would she suddenly get all jealous?

I get that Lucio seeing a parent in bed at all much less with someone else would be horrifying, but enough to cause this much trauma? I love that Elo and Juliana are talking about this OUT LOUD instead of in silent voice overs, but this seems like a big jump in reasoning. And why can't we get any green screen shots of Venice? I wouldn't mind a little fakery there.

Kelly
 

Kelly--
You are mostly right about Lu. She did manage to off Omar without a hitch.

She's not planning to have Emma do the deed on Amaya. She just wants to have both of them in the same place at the same time, in a private location. She plans to kill Amaya with Emma's gun and pin it on Emma. Emma has already said some rather incriminating things, including getting Amaya out of her way. I think she said once in a table conversation with Luce that if Amaya got in her way (with Horacio), she'd kill her. But we know that's just a saying.

About Lucio. He was damaged at birth and has been in therapy ever since. What he saw did traumatize him and he regressed. He's been locked up in his own world ever since. Children like Lucio are ultra-sensitive to their surroundings.
 

Okay guys. Give me a few minutes. Don't post anything. Here comes the recap!
 

QA REVELATIONS! 12-23-14

Our first scene is poor Mariana repeating Uli’s cynical and manipulative put down of her: that she has settled for mediocrity by not working for him and choosing Ivan as her novio and giving up her dreams. Mariana processes it with Hortensia and makes a valuable realization: that Uli’s words made her feel the same way her father does. [Yes! You were just emotionally assaulted. Don’t forget it!]

Amaya is telling Delores that she and Max have declared their love for one another. Delores cautions her that Lu will never accept her relationship with Max and she must stay away from her at all costs. Delores is worried that Lu could destroy her the way she destroyed Amaya’s mother. Amaya asks what Lu did to her mother. Delores looks down but realizes it’s too late to retract her words. As far as Amaya knows and Don Mauro is also convinced Lu never knew of his love for Florencia. No, Lu always knew and will surely hate Amaya the way she hated Florencia. Delores wants Amaya to promise her that before she formalizes her relationship with Max that she tries to verify what really happened to her mother. Delores suggests hypnosis if necessary to try to retrieve the memory of who was chasing her and her mother when they crashed into the river.

Delores suggests she look into who provoked the plane explosion that killed her father. Amaya never knew this! Delores explains that she was just a little girl and couldn’t be burdened with such thoughts but she could talk to Mauro to relieve herself of doubts. It was his plane after all. Amaya looks as if her head and heart is reeling! Amaya says she will. Please do, Delores entreats, and when you are free from doubts about what you know what happened to your parents, make the decision that you want (about Max).

Surely feeling that she is in so far now she must go all the way Amaya asks if Delores thinks both “accidents” were provoked. Delores answers yes. Amaya asks if she thinks it could have been provoked by one of the Montesinos, by Max’s mother. Delores answers yes again, she was always jealous. Delores begs her again to be very careful and verify what happened before she makes a decision. Amaya expresses how brutal this information is and how hard it is for her to assimilate all of this. Delores tells the deflated Amaya she couldn’t keep quiet, she had to tell her and warn her. Delores loves her and doesn’t want anything bad to happen to her. Amaya embraces Delores who exits the kitchen and Amaya leans heavily against the counter.
Amaya’s mood is much lighter later as she and Vale share a fun an tender moment in the bedroom as Delores tidies Vale’s clothing and we have a Taco and Chocolate sighting!

Caro meets with her production team to discuss scheduling and logistics of the first shoot for the Nescafe commercial. She leaves a voice mail for Amaya that they will start filming in Tuxtla and leaves Jorge a message as well.

 

pt. 2

Hector sits, hat in hand and tells Max about Cesar’s request that he be informed of all of Max’s movements. Hector says that while Max was in Italy he wanted to know about everything that happened on the finca but now he wants that to continue and Hector doesn’t think it’s necessary. Max has no problem with Cesar being kept informed about the daily events of El P: they have nothing to hide. He appreciates Hector feeling uncomfortable being put in this position. Hector informs Max Cesar wants reports on Amaya as well. This gives Max some pause but he quickly recovers and tells Hector again, anything having to do with business he may relay to Cesar but nothing that is of a gossipy nature. Max makes sure Hector realizes that as a Partner, Owner of the ZE and Nescafe employee, she is to be treated with respect. Hector is in sincere and absolute agreement. Jorge bursts in to tell Max that the commercial shoots are going to begin in Tuxtla. Jorge and Max are off!

Across the globe in Venice Juliana, Eloisa, Lucio and Alan sit in the living room. Juliana has delighted Lucio with a gift of Franco’s books on painting. He and Alan busy themselves with these on the floor while Juliana and Eloisa strategize about how they can get to the bottom of Omar and Lu’s connection to Lucio’s regression. Eloisa thinks they need to enlist the help of “Dr. Olavarrieta”

As fate would have it the fake “Dr. Olavarrieta” awaits Mauro’s arrival. Lu chides him for his nervousness and tells him he’d better not let Mauro know he is intimidated and act like the eminent and renowned Dr. that he is. Mauro comes in. It is FD’s professional opinion that they should NOT seek another Dr. or therapy due to Lucio’s discomfort with him.

Back in Venice Alan and Lucio innocently shed some light on FD’s professionalism. Lucio says FD plays with his phone during therapy. Alan confirms this: he saw it himself and heard FD tell Lucio he could do whatever he wanted until their time was up. We hear the wheels turning as Juliana and Elo exchange stunned gazes.


FD spins psycho jargon about Lucio’s resistance being a defense mechanism against painful feelings he has repressed: Lucio must continue treatment as stopping it could provoke further regression and an even worse crisis than the one he had when he was eight years old. Lu inserts how intolerable HER suffering was as a mother to have to take her child to a psychiatric hospital. Without reproach Mauro adds that a parent’s suffering is no greater than that of the child.

In an act that does the QA patio peeps hearts good, Juliana and Eloisa act on the stunning bit of information they just heard. They look up Simon Olavarrieta and the very first hit is a death notice! Juliana checks again. Santo Dios! The REAL Dr. Simon Olavarrieta died of a stroke in Argentina a month ago! The guy coming to the house is not a Dr. or Argentinian!

 

pt. 3

At this moment FD recommends continuing with the “treatment.” Mauro is not convinced but says he and Lu trust FD and will be patient. Lu sits stony-faced in a throne-like wing backed chair, her arms folded across her chest. FD is sure any other specialist would tell them the same. [Ballistic doesn’t even describe Mauro’s reaction when he finds out this is all a cynical, self-serving and abusive ruse.]

Juliana and Elo put two and two together in this malevolent math equation. Lucio’s “broken heart” was provoked by Lu and Omar doing “bad things” which he witnessed. They recall this supposed eminent psychiatrist came highly recommended by Lu. They will verify whether Lu knows he’s a fake and intentionally contracted him before they reveal anything of what they suspect! [YES!]

Gone is the Amaya that was walking on sunshine not twenty four hours ago. She cries as she drives painfully ruminating on Delores suspicions about Lu’s connection to her parents’ deaths. At this moment Flavia and an oddly amicable Uli talk to Jorge and Max about the fiestas in Tuxla. It will be his first time! Max excuses himself for a call. It’s Amaya. She relaxes somewhat to hear his voice. They will see each other in Tuxla. They flirt.

Lu undertakes the next dastardly deed of the day. She calls Emma to make sure she’s on track with the plan to invite Amaya to her lair. Oh, Emma can’t wait! She and Whor are back together and more than ever she wants to get things straight with that woman! Emma shares that Amaya is filming a commercial at Lu’s finca and wishes the rumors about Max and Amaya being lovers were true: then she wouldn’t have to worry about Whoracio. Lu’s hackles raise: It’s not true and there’s no way she’s going to let that upstart get involved with her family! Emma backs down and apologizes.

Amaya and Caro confirm with the production team everything is ready for the first shoot. Amaya is smiling though seems subdued. Caro notices and asks Amaya what’s up. Amaya only has time to share that her Nina does not approve of her relationship with Max and had some other very serious things to say. They’ll talk later. Max greets Amaya with a big, dimpled smile and cheek kiss, Caro as well. Jorge gives Amaya quick but warm cheek peck but then lays a luscious lip lock on Caro. Max stares closely with an exaggerated surprise at the big beso and jokes about being jealous that they can express their love openly in the light of day. They decide to go for coffee and leave after watching a few minutes of the filming, Max and Amaya making an effort to stand apart.


 

pt. 4

Max and Amaya have relaxed as they enter the coffee shop, his arm holding her shoulder, hers at his waist. Amaya’s five minutes of peace and calm are ruptured as they immediately see Connie and Sal. Connie and Max look awkwardly surprised, Sal reeks of frustration and suppressed anger but Amaya holds her head up and meets Connie’s gaze with a “bring it” look.

Connie stands up and walks toward the group. [This will not be a word for word, time does not permit but I’ll try to get the gist] Connie says there being together is proof he was cheating on her with Amaya ever since he returned to Mexico. Amaya does not deny she had feelings for Max but she renounced them when she found out he was engaged even after she was divorced. Connie calls her a liar and Amaya says to the contrary Connie herself asked her to deny that she was divorced and to stay away from Max. BAM! Amaya scores and Connie looks with embarrassment at Max who weighs in: This is our truth and if you don’t like it, it’s your problem! Sal tries to get Connie to leave. She’s not done. Salvador loves her and will offer her something Max never gave her and will probably not give Amaya: fidelity. Connie storms out, followed by Sal. Outside she vents her outrage to Sal: those two love each other! Inside, Amaya deflates and folds into Max’s embrace. Later, after they are seated they process this ugly encounter. Connie’s the pot calling the kettle black and it’s nonsensical. Max says forget Connie, what’s important is that Amaya and Valeria be protected and that is his priority. Amaya thanks him, he takes her hand and gives her a screen shot-worthy look of love and admiration. [Ay! Que hombre tan bello!]

Yes, this love quadrangle is the talk of the finca. Flavia and Uli discuss it and neither would take kindly to be left in the lurch at the church or cheated on. He would make a woman who did that to him regret it for the rest of her life and she would “kill” him. She brings up Mariana, that she noted an interest in her. Uli asks if she thinks he would put his eyes on a “gata” like that when he has a hot, refined chick like her. He was just trying to help her family. Well, he’d better not even think about it while she’s away! Uli tells her she doesn’t have to threaten him for him to behave and proceeds to eat her face.

Elsewhere in El P on this fine morning Ivan carries on with excitement about the upcoming harvest and activities which he has missed while he was in University. Mariana, subdued and frowning is not listening, she recalls Uli’s hurtful, demeaning words. Ivan notices, she denies anything is amiss. She says she was just thinking how it bugs her that some people have to try to humiliate others to make themselves feel superior. Ivan asks if someone said something to her. Mariana convincingly blames her father. Ivan buys it and consoles and cheers her with a warm hug.

After the make out session Flavia takes Uli on a tour of some of the grounds and warehouses of El P. He is fairly salivating over the vastness of the Montesino coffee empire and how he wants an empire like it one day. No braggin’ just facts but her family is the number one business in Mexico and exports throughout the Americas and parts of Europe! Her family must be loaded! Is that important to him, she asks? No, SHE is what matters Uli says as he pulls her to his lying lips.

 

pt. 5

Meanwhile, Ivan, Hector, Mariana and Chelo talk about Flavia showing Uli around the house, into every room, the study and then the warehouses. They agree although they don’t like it, there’s nothing they can do. . .which reminds Ivan of Cesar’s stalking. Hector tells them he did talk to Max who took it very well but made it clear he is not to be spreading any gossip but everything else he can pass on to his brother with no problem. Mariana did not know Cesar is Max’s brother! Ivan remarks that Cesar is a pretentious control freak. Mariana is still surprised as Amaya thinks Cesar is cool, straight. Hector makes it clear that Cesar is NOT a good guy. Maybe he pretends to be with Amaya because she’s a partner and employee of Nescafe, but that’s it, no es ningun muy buena onda! [see Anita’s vocab from yesterday!]

Night has fallen in Tuxtla and filming has ended for the day. Max would love for them all to go out for dinner but Amaya begs off, she wants to rest. Jorge goes off with Caro. Max throws caution to the wind and gives Amaya a couple of quick smooches. The full moon eggs them on to kiss more deeply, with more longing and for Amaya, consolation and reassurance.

Max and Amaya bid each other good night. Today has been a difficult day for her. Yes, running into Connie was not agreeable. Amaya slips and refers to something else that wasn’t pleasant. Max asks her what she means, immediately concerned. Don’t pay attention to me she says, it’s nothing. He tells her not to worry, whatever problem they have they can work it out together. [Remember Max said he doesn’t like to have things kept from him.]

Amaya and Caro arrive at the hotel, Amaya talks to Vale on the phone happily reviewing the day and plans for her to see all the festivities and filming in the morning at El P. After she hangs up Amaya thought bubbles that she doesn’t want anything to separate her from Max. Nothing. She hopes that what Delores told her were only suspicions.

 

pt. 6

On this same night Cesar arrives with “the stuff” Lucrecia asked for. Within a padded manila mailer is a brown bottle with a clear liquid. He tells her it is just what she asked for, it contains mercury and is in the suspension she desired. Now he wants to know why she wanted it. BIG REVELATION TIME!! She wants to use it to keep Juliana sad, sleepy and depressed. It’s the same formula she used to keep (not your papa but) Mauro in his profound depression when Florencia and David died! Let’s just say I made sure his exogenous depression became endogenous. [Endogenous depression is said to be caused by genetic factors and is not necessarily linked to a major loss or life crisis. It is called “endo” because it comes from within.]

1. Lu caused Mauro’s extended and profound depression!
2. Cesar knows! How long did he know!?

The substance is undetectable, odorless and colorless and can be sprayed or sprinkled on anything that Juliana will come in contact with. She will start to become depressed and used in homeopathic doses the effects can last for months. The effect is so subtle and slow acting that by the time she is diagnosed with depression they will have had a good long time to manipulate her. They agree they’d better take advantage of this time and act fast. The depression will set in immediately. She was able to keep Mauro dopey, lethargic and torpid for close to four years. Lu notes the unvarnished admiration in her son’s eyes and glows when he calls her a genius. Lu is so glad Cesar has forgiven her for the (biological) father she gave him but the substitute father is just perfect for their plans! Cesar agrees, as long as no one finds out he’s not a Montesinos! They never will vows Lu. Never!

Cesar wonders when Juliana is coming back. Lu says soon and grins with glee that if the company gets Juliana a car, they can put their plan into effect right away! She quickly hides the envelope under her chair as Mauro enters the living room. Conversing on two different levels Mauro agrees with their suggestion that Juliana be given a car. Lu and Cesar try to talk him out of a driver but he insists he will talk to his security staff and they will appoint one. He asks Cesar to buy the car.

Let’s keep the devils together. Quick view to Whor drinking alone in the darkened apartment he once shared with Amaya and Lu. A text from Emma gushing how she can’t wait to see him tomorrow does not cheer but rather seems to frustrate him.

 

pt. 7

Max finally gets a chance to ask to know about what’s happening with Caro. Jorge smiles, he likes her, he likes her lot but, well, there’s something missing: that intensity, that passion that force that ignites a relationship like Max has with Amaya. Well, every relationship is different Max offers. Jorge agrees and says time will tell as to how things develop with Caro.

Juliana bids farewell to her friend and neighbor, Antonella. Lucio, Elo, and Alan enter the room with suitcases. Alan says good bye to Antonella as well. All packed up and getting ready to leave. All exit. Juliana and Alan hold each other and cry, looking around one last time before leaving their former home. They will miss Italy.

Caro and Amaya prepare to get some shut eye. Amaya notes that Jorge really likes Caro. Everyday she likes him more and more. Amaya is so happy to see her friend this way, ready to give love another try. Caro agrees with Amaya, life is better without Ismael, much better. [Hmmm, mentioning him by name makes me suspect a comeback. Oh well, let’s just go with the flow].

Jorge takes leave of Max who sifts through papers, a glass of wine in had. He thinks of Amaya and relives their kiss of today and wishes she was with him.

Amaya is thinking of Max as well and, as promised, tells Caro about Nina’s suspicions. Caro asks what will happen with Max if these turn out to be true. Caro counsels Amaya that neither she nor Max is responsible for what their parents did and just because his mother is bad doesn’t mean that he or the other members of his family are bad. Amaya agrees, this is just what she tells herself. She and Max have to go on with their lives because Nina could be wrong and she hopes she’s wrong. Amaya will continue her relationship with Max will not renounce him for a mere suspicion. Caro asks Amaya if she thinks she should you investigate to relieve even if just to relieve her Madrina of these suspicions. Caro offers to help her. For instance, she could ask Jorge if he knows about any Montesino family secrets. Amaya thinks this would not be a bad idea: she herself wants to be sure and wants nothing to stand in the way of her love for Max.

One last shot of the devil in bed massaging her neck and shoulders with a weird contraption: a stick with a ball on the end that we all wish had spikes. Lu wants Amaya to come back so she can get rid of her. She’s not going to let that hussy upset the stability she’s worked so hard to establish.

Lastly, Sal arrives home to find that, instead of being asleep in bed Connie has fixed dinner. The table is set and aglow with candles. Connie says this will be a dinner of no rancor or recriminations or blaming. It will be a dinner of thanks for opening her eyes in time and for loving her. He professes love again. They’re going to forget everything. He says she is the Connie he has missed. She affirms that the old Connie is back.

Sal and Connie remember many other such dinners they shared which ended in singing and dancing. They toast again for themselves. He stops her as she begins to clear the table. He doesn’t want to break this moment. They give each other the look. He kisses and starts to undress her. She’s into it and . . .it’s a wrap!

 

Good Morning my friends and may I wish everyone, whatever your traditions, the warmest and happiest of holidays with your friends and family!!

I welcome any corrections or additions, vocabulary and the wonderful color you all add to these discussions. I will be popping in and out with you all. It was a great episode with a major reveal. Let's have at it!
 

Lila--
This was terrific. And I was right here to enjoy it before I start cooking. Malevolent math! There you go again with one of your alliterative gems.

Thank you for explaining endogenous vs. exogenous depression. I thought it was all depression, unless it was clinical.

Ok, on to the sweet potatoes.

Hope everyone has a Feliz Noche Buena, Navidad and gets a Max kiss, even if only in a fantasy.
 

Hoo boy! One day I won't have to apologize for my typos and wobbly editing but this isn't that day!
:/

Hope y'all can make sense of it!
 

Thanks Anita and thank you for your well wishes for my family and I return them to thee! I know we'll all be back and forth between the patio and our families this busy holiday!
 

Fabulous recap! Never apologize for your recaps! Anything done from the heart is great! (I do the same thing though.)

Omg I just wanted Flavia to shut up.

So I Google mercury and depression and found a lot of articles about mercury containing amalgam dental fillings causing depression. Um. My mouth is full of that crap. *reminds self to call the dentist*

My next question- is there a specific reason they are targeting Juliana? It felt a little out of nowhere to me.
 

Llla, I am telling you that this recap is wonderful because I have complete faith in you. I just got a chance to come to the computer and merely glanced at it ever so fleetingly. Much later, I may get to read it. Part of my family will be arriving in minutes after a long drive, and I am preparing a late lunch. Gracias, amiga.

Amor y "Max" Besos a Todas (todos) hasta la próxima.




 

Hey girl, thanks Sara! They know Juliana is educated. Juliana had accepted Mauro's invitation to join Nescafe before Franco died. During a board meeting she described her studies well as her work experience in Italy. Lu and Cesar can NOT have that! As soon as Franco died, I mean right after the funeral Lu and Cesar were hoping she would stay depressed and out of it. They did more than hope, they openly discussed that they would take advantage of her natural sadness to manipulate and marginalize her. Lu decided to take it to the next level and give her the Mauro treatment.

I don't even have words for how perverted and evil those two are. Oh, the anvils, the anvils!
 

Thanks, Floridia! Please enjoy your family! We'll see you later!
 

Ah. OK. I assumed is was a case of she's too smart and independent so we must get rid of her.

Really miss having this to watch. Can't wait until Friday.
 

Me too, Sara! I even got my daughter (who is fluent in Spanish) to watch a few minutes of it. I know she doesn't have time to get hooked but it's fun! Back in the day she helped me understand La Fea and later before school got so busy we watched Destilando Amor together! Yaaay!
 

Lila- So sorry to be so late to the party. I just sat down to watch my recordings from yesterday and today, only to find that today my dvd recorded La Rosa de Guadalupe or some such. I guess that means there was no show today.

The recap was fabulous! I'm actually watching the episode as I write this and am so happy with all the revelations this episode, as well as the confrontation between Connie and Amaya. You go, Amaya!

Ulises is a rat bastard, but he's very good about helping Flavia walk around the hacienda in those ridiculous heels!

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope everyone gets some time off to enjoy their friends, family, or just to relax.
 

Thank you Vivi! Yes, the revelations were great! I love the good guys being smart, having and acting on suspicions, not being totally suckered and bullied by the bad guys. Mauro's blindness is painful but there are plenty of people who counter balance it. Now we know why Mauro was so down in the dumps for so long!

Thank you Vivi and you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your loved ones as well!
 

Sara--Popping in before I have to pop out (with my sweet potatoes in orange-bourbon sauce and freshly made bread).

There is another reason Luce & Cesar want to put Juliana to one side. She's the eldest, owns half of El Paraiso and has re-established her place in the firmament of Mauro's children. L & C don't want any competition for Cesar, who wants it all.

Cesar's strategy to keep Max out of the picture didn't work when Manuel, then Mauro took on his project. If they can keep Max busy in El Paraiso, and then ruin his crop, Cesar will be happy.

Lucrecia got Cesar to do everything in their power to keep Juliana in Italy and away from Mauro, but that didn't work either. So it's on to plan C--the little brown bottle.

Wouldn't it be funny if Mauro does get a driver for Juliana and they both become depressed? Not funny haha, but suspiciously odd. Maybe they'll blame it on leather interiors!


Vivi--apparently Uni got it right and Comcast didn't. Mine recorded Rosa, too.
Ok, signing off, again.
 

Anita- I just got a funny image of Juli and her driver crying in the car and passing each other tissues. :)
 

Anita, thank you for the deeper background on why Juliana is a target for Lu and Cesar! I hope that Juliana has developed a kind of 6th sense for Lu and Cesar-inspired eevil. She'll need it with these two.
 

Hello to all; I have returned after two really busy days. My family is still with me, but they are just lounging leisurely now with coffee while I remain in my office.

Lila, thank you for all the minute details, most of which I missed.

Hopefully, Hector will not succumb to Cesar's pressures to give up more personal info on Amaya.

Hopefully, Connie will not change her mind at the last second.

Thrilled to see that Juliana partly unmasked the phony psych --
gotta love the internet --
but will she be too groggy to delve deeper?

The Argentinian accent can be very distinct from that of Mexican, but I suppose a good actor could pull it off.

Glad that Amaya unmasked Connie's
game of words and stood up to her.

Thanks for filling me in on all of the details about Mauro's depression. Lulu was the root of it all.

The intrigue marches on.

Again, happy holidays and fun-filled days to one and all as much as possible.
 

Thanks Floridia, you are welcome! It's been a busy and lovely two days for me as well but I am glad QA is back today. YAAAAY! There are so many fascinating facets to keep up with. . .one reason I love it! See all of y'all later.



 

I just got home and haven't seen the show yet. I'll have the recap up by sometime tonight.
 

Vivi--
Just checking in. You don't need to hurry. It's Friday. We have to make it last until Monday afternoon!

(I haven't watched it yet, either.)

 

Oh good. I might chill tonight and recap in the morning then. Thanks, Anita. I feel like I've been recapping all week since I recap the 10pm show on Tues and Wed.
 

Floridia--
When I have to put up the front page for next week, I hope you don't mind, I'm going to borrow liberally from all your "Hopefully" phrases. It's a shame none of the characters listen to us.
 

Vivi--Do take it easy. I'm not watching LM, but I was a little bored this morning, with no Reina to occupy my time, so I read both of your very fine recaps. It's a pretty twisted story, isn't it?
 

Anita- Very twisted!
 

Hi Anita, Vivi and all. I agree Vivi, please don't rush for tonight. I've yet to watch the episode, too. In addition to family, friends, food and fun. I think we all deserve to chillax!

:D
 

Quiero Amarte- Friday 12/17/14: Part 1
Connie and Sal do the deed on the couch and in the bed. She seems to be having buyer’s remorse almost immediately after, but Sal can’t see past finally having his dreams of her being his “mujer” fulfilled. The next morning, he’s ready for round two, and she looks like she’s ready to use the “Honey, I have a headache” excuse. Sal is too wrapped up in himself to pick up on her discomfort.

Dolores, Mariana, and Val speak about the first day of the coffee harvest festivities. Dolores has been to them since she was a little girl, so has Mariana, but this is her first in El Paraiso. Cip comes in to harsh their mellow, and blames Mariana for him being jobless and missing the harvest for the first time. He goes off to the cantina to drink his pain away.

The next morning, Val and Mari bound up to Amaya, Max, Caro and Jorge in front of the house of El Paraiso. They are joined by Flavia, once again sporting ridiculously high heels. Val asks Caro and Jorge if they are novios, since she saw them kissing. Then she tells her favorite coach, Max, that she heard that his novia dumped him because she thought he and her mom were going out, but she (Val) knows that’s not true. Max and Amaya exchange pained looks as everyone else runs off towards the fields to the harvest. Max reassures Amaya that he will win Val over so that she accepts him into her family.

Ulises’ capataz tells him the workers are ready from him to open up the harvest festivities. It’s the local tradition and it’s what his uncle used to do. Uli doesn’t care about tradition or about the harvest festivities. He tells his capataz to do it himself and tell the workers to get to work. He then asks what he’s found out about Ivan. Nothing so far. Uli wants him to keep looking. If it turns out Ivan is a saint, he’ll just have to make something up.

The harvest festivities at El Paraiso get underway with a speech from Max. He thanks the land for bearing such a wonderful harvest, and thanks all the workers. He speaks about tradition and passing them down generation to generation, and invites Vale, the daughter and granddaughter of the owners of the land, to give the prayer at the altar of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Vale offers up flowers to the Virgin and makes the prayer, while Max and Amaya blow each other secret kisses. They continue to exchange secret whispers and happy smiles while they and everyone pick the first coffee berries of the season. Ivan and Mari also smile and kiss as the harvest, as Flavia eyes them with jealousy and asks if they are novios. Mari and Ivan happily answer that they are.

In Mexico City, in the Nescafe parking lot, Manuel stops Geno and tries to get her to come back to him. He can’t believe she would leave him when HE needs her most. She stays firm and tells him to think about her needs and the needs of THEIR son for a change. She walks off, leaving him speechless. Neither of them notice Cesar hiding behind a pillar and recoding it all with his cell phone. He heard it all!

 

Part 2:
Cesar multitasks. He selects the depression mobile they will purchase for Juliana. He calls his henchman and confirms that they have a new scapegoat for their fraud plot, since Cesar now has other plans for Horacio, and he asks his henchie to investigate Manuel, Geno, their relationship, and their son.

Manuel comes to see Mauro and makes him very happy when he says he has decided to not sell his Nescafe shares, and wants to remain friends with Mauro. He sees that Mauro is right and they shouldn’t let their kids’ problems affect their friendship. They hug it out.

Emma comes upon Geno crying in the break room, but learns from her that Amaya and Caro won’t be in the offices till next week. Emma then runs into Horacio and scolds him about not picking up her calls the evening before. He doesn’t give her the time of day. Emma then meets with Mauro, who personally charges her with depositing the LARGE sum of money that is part of 30 years of back rent owed to Amaya.

The first day of the harvest at El Paraiso has ended with an outdoor feast for all the workers. Max makes another speech thanking everyone, and they all get down to eating. Max and Amaya walk off a little ways, and Amaya tells Max that she intends to speak to his father when she gets back to D.F. about her father’s death—she’s just learned the explosion was provoked. Max confesses that he already knew this. Mauro told him that they investigated, but never found out who provoked the explosion. Max doesn’t think that all these years later that Amaya will be able to find any new clues. And just for full disclosure, he gives Amaya more shocking news. Her mother’s tomb is empty! They never found her mother’s body. Amaya looks like she’s going to fall over from the shock.

Amaya can’t believe that her Nina would have lied to her all these years about her mother. It was cruel! Max tries to explain that it would have been cruel to have a little kid hoping and waiting for something that would never happen—she was trying to protect Amaya. Amaya disagrees and believes that last thing that dies is hope. How does Max know about this? Max explains that Dolores told his dad recently and that Mauro has for years searched for Florencia too. Max thinks that Flor must certainly be dead. Amaya can understand that Dolores kept this from her when she was a kid, but why hasn’t she told her since she became an adult? Amaya is now determined to move heaven, earth, and sea, to find her mother—alive or dead!

Mauro tells Cesar that Manuel is not going to sell his shares. Cesar is not pleased and tells Mauro that Manuel might turn against them and try to sabotage the biz. Mauro doesn’t believe that will happen, and happily leaves to pick Juliana and company up from the airport. Cesar paces and tells himself he has to get his hands on Manuel’s shares, one way or another.

 

Part 3:
Sal takes Connie to the university in Tuxla, where she accepts the job Sal’s friend offered her. She will start the new job after she wraps up the conference she was helping to organize in D.F. in 15 days.

Lucrazy meets with her P.I. to get the info on German. She learns German only got back from Houston recently and has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Lu is happy that the tumor will do her dirty work for her, and wishes that he dies soon.

Amaya tells Max she has to go talk to her Nina right now! She’s in such an agitated state that Max offers to drive her, but she insists that she has be alone and has to speak to Nina alone. She tells Caro she’s leaving, as well as Mariana and Val. Mariana will bring Val home later. Everyone looks worried about Amaya, since they can see how agitated she is. Max tells Caro and Jorge the reason.

Mauro brings Juli, Elo, and the boys home from the airport. Lucio happily hugs his papa and tells him all about Venice, and the gondolas. They all want to know why he didn’t go to the harvest and make him promise they will all go next year. He also makes a promise to Lucio to take them back to Italy soon. Lucio and Alan run off to play futbol/soccer. Juli cautiously asks Mauro about meeting with the psychologist and what he said. Patience and continued therapy sessions. Juli and Elo exchange looks. Mauro then asks Juli to change her mind about moving into her own place, but she stands firm that she needs her own space. Mauro tells them how empty and lonely the house was and how much he missed them. He includes Elo amongst those he missed, and she blushes. Outside on the law, the boys play soccer and Lu calls over Lucio to interrogate him about whether he kept his mouth shut in Italy. Poor thing looks like he’s going to pee his pants, but says he was “good.”

Cip buys up the first coffee harvest from a bunch of growers who are impressed that he’s keeping his word about the buying price.

Amaya drives to and walks down to the spot in the river where her mother’s car went in. He has new flashbacks of Flor kicking the car window out, the two of them swimming out, and her mother calling to her as she clung to the side of the riverbank. Amaya is overwhelmed by this new memory which shows her that her mother DID indeed make it out of the car alive, and that she heard her calling to her. She begs God to help her remember more events from the day of the Great Accidents.

At Paraiso, everyone worries about Amaya because she’s not picking up the phone. Caro thinks she just needed time alone, and she and Mariana think it was right for Max to tell her the truth, as Amaya had to find out the truth sooner or later. Caro also thinks it’s right for Amaya to speak to Mauro about it, since she’s sure since Mauro loved Flor so much, he wouldn’t leave any stone unturned to find her. Flavia walks up just then and wants to know just who her father loved so much.

 

Part 4:
Amaya finally arrives at Dolores’ house. She gets right to the point and tells her Max told her. She can understand that Nina initially kept it from her to protect her, but why didn’t she tell her recently when Amaya started asking for information about her parents’ deaths? Dolores said she figured it was best to wait until anything came from Mauro’s investigation. But in truth, she believes Flor is dead. She made the decision to tell Amaya and everyone that Flor was dead after the authorities suspended the search. Dolores figured, it gave Amaya a place to go grieve her parents, and stopped the wagging tongues of everyone who was badmouthing Flor.

Horacio complains about his tiny new office, and Emma rubs salt into his wound by showing him how much Amaya is getting paid in back rent. Whor says now he knows why Amaya’s just tossing him aside. Emma continues to goad him by saying Amaya is powerful enough have him thrown out of Nescafe. He says no one can throw him out (not sure what makes him so confident). He’s determined to make Amaya’s life a living hell if she tries.

Lu tells Eloisa that German came looking for her at the house—surely because he knows she’s an easy mark. She warns Elo to stay away from him, otherwise she and Mauro will be forced to remove their support of her and reveal to all that she’s an ex-con.

Dolores tells Amaya that at the time Amaya didn’t remember anything from the day of the Great Accidents, and she thought it best to do what she could to makes sure Amaya had a happy and tranquil life. Amaya thanks her and hugs her as they both cry. But Amaya is tired of lies, half-truths, and new revelations, and even of the new memories coming from her own mind. Dolores is shocked to hear she is remembering things, and Amaya tells her about escaping the car with Flor and Flor calling out to her.

Elo tells Juli about Lu’s threat. Juli tells her to ignore her, and seek out German to speak to him. Lu doesn’t have to know. She advises Elo to go to the church to find German, since that was where he approached her last time, and he’s obviously following her.

Amaya continues to tell Dolores how the day Max saved her she had the sensation that her mother had indeed made it out of the car behind her, and now she has the certainty. She thinks the reason Flor hasn’t come back is because she can’t for some reason, or she might have lost her memory like Amya did. Dolores says this exactly the reason she never wanted to tell Amaya—because she would get her hopes up and let her imagination run away with her. Amaya is undeterred. She’s going to find her mother, and if she’s not alive, she will find her remains and bury them with her father’s. Dolores gives her blessing and hopes that when Amaya finds out the truth, she is able to forgive her. Amaya has nothing to forgive her for, but demands that it’s now time for the truth and nothing but the truth, no matter how painful it is. They share a tearful hug.

 

Ooops! That date should be 12/26/14.
 

Thank you Vivi! Wonderful, detailed recap for a great episode! The very first thing that stands out for me is why did Mauro trust Emma with making that deposit? Even though Juli and Max back up her story in the ticket fiasco, does he not trust Genoveva? Maybe it's not a big plot point but I thought that was weird. I guess she really did make the deposit but she is far from trustworthy! I guess that's one of Mauro's main problems: misplaced trust.

How much will Max & Co. tell Flavia about what she overheard? When she first met Amaya she seemed to regard her positively but I'm thinking they need to heavily edit what they say to her.

Aaaand, our Amaya is strong-willed, isn't she? When and how she learned was both good and bad but mostly good: she was right there at the finca and able to see Delores immediately. It was also good that she was able to go to the scene of the accident and trigger some valuable, though painful memories.

So Amaya is going to move heaven, earth and sea to find her Mother, dead or alive! Despite the suspicions about Lu that Delores shared with her and her insistence on being and going alone to Nina's today (which I understand), I hope she won't shut Max out. He looked so pained today!

Thank you, Vivi, for this great recap!
 

Vivi--Thanks for the most excellent recap. I need to take classes from you to learn how to shrink a six-parter down to three and not miss anything.

Loved the "depression model" car Cesar is ordering.

Now that Consta and Sal have done the deed, that will cloud the issue of who the bio-dad is if she immediately gets pregnant. I'm in the 'she's not going to get pregnant camp,' only because this tn is so well written. Consta was certainly a passive, unenthusiastic lover. This probably won't change. She'll probably become an expert in faking things. She will also begin to doubt her feeling for Sal. He's in for a big let down. Had to laugh at your 'round two.'

Can Emma and Horacio do anything funny with that check Mauro wrote? It apparently was a lot of money and he entrusted it to Emma for that very reason - big sum and his trust in Emma. Mauro won't necessarily know when the check clears and Amaya doesn't necessarily know how much the check is for. Ay de mi, do I really need to make up stuff and be second-guessing the writers? I guess my beanie is too tight right now.

For Amor Bravio fans, remember Alonso had that nervous habit of chewing his fingernails and Isadora constantly reminding him not to do that? It's interesting that Cesar has picked a nervous habit in QA. Picking up objects and rubbing them against his face/nose - the glass globe, pens, etc. Makes for extra creepiness. That and his pacing.

It was good Max told Amaya about the tomb. It wasn't too long after Mauro found out, so it isn't like he was deliberately keeping stuff from her. It's only in the last 2-3 days they've even become a couple and before that she kept telling him to stay away from her.

Juli and Elo are getting to be a couple of co-conspirators for GOOD!

Dolores/Nina is showing she's got some smarts. She did the wrong things for the right reasons. So glad Amaya didn't just chew her out and go sulk.

Uli is certainly getting off to a bad start with his workers. Wonder how many of them will either desert or sabotage the coffee.

No wonder coffee is so labor intensive. If you can only pick the cherry red beans, that makes it difficult if they ripen at different rates (sort of like strawberries or figs). If you have to go back and pick several times, no wonder the pisca is such a big deal and requires housing for the pickers.

This is what the National Coffee Association says about Mexican coffee:

"Though coffee in Mexico primarily comes from small coffee farms rather than large plantations, coffee farmers number over 100,000 and Mexico ranks as one of the largest coffee producing countries in the world.

"Most of the farms are located in the south of the country, primarily in the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas.

"A cup of Mexican coffee can offer a wonderful aroma and a depth of flavor, often with a pronounced sharpness. It is an excellent bean for dark roasts and is often used in blends."

If you want to read more about picking, etc. here is a link to the NCA page about it:

http://ncausa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=69
 

Lila--Geno doesn't work for Mauro anymore. She works strictly for Max. Emma hired a new secretary for Mauro, that's probably why. He hasn't known the new one long enough.
 

A word about NEXT WEEK'S schedule.

Uni just posted it. There will be NO QA on December 31--just an extra hour of Rosa de Guadalupe. However, there WILL be an episode broadcast on Thursday Jan. 1

Originally, Sara was standing by for the 31st.

Sara--can you do Monday AND Thursday? Lila was scheduled for Tuesday and Vivi for Friday.

The Prime Time novelas are pre-empted on Dec 31, but a full schedule returns for the 1st.
 

I can do Monday, but my husband and I will be out of town Thursday.
 

Anita, I could do a quickie for New Years Day -- or try.
 

That would be great, Lila. Let's just hope not much happens!

I'm going to try to keep up with the episodes while I'm gone, but I will volunteer to do Thu Jan 8 (Week 16), after I get back.
 

Thanks, Anita and Lila! I don't think Amaya will hold this against Max. She really did just need some alone time to sort her head out. And it was helpful because she had that flashback. Hasn't she mentioned before that she wants to see a doctor or hypnotist about helping to get her lost memories back? Maybe she should get on that right away. There are some valuable clues in her brain about the day if the Great Accidents, and leading up to it.
 

Yes she did, Vivi. She'll get a real Psychiatrist and wouldn't it be perfect if somehow that Dr. worked with Lucio and helped reveal that truth as well? Maybe a long shot but I was just stricken when she mentioned considering hypnosis that it had to mean something in the overall plot.
 

HOLA,

Just stopping by to tell you that I did not get a chance to see the entire episode from the other day.
Nor have I read any comments. One daughter left yesterday, and another is arriving this afternoon, so I am ringing out the old and preparing for the new. Also -- I have a friend with a broken hip in a convalescent pavilion nearby, and she has had problems with her phone, so I have been trying to help her with that
by going to her provider etc, etc.
to try to get it fixed. She enjoys playing games on her phone; she is not a reader. She looks to her phone for comfort. Being confined like that, she needs all the diversion she can get.

I did not want you to think I had abandoned ship. I can probably comment tonight after everyone else is asleep.

All I can say is that I believe that both Amaya and Connie are now in the "family way." I loved the festival and how adorable Max was with Val. She did a lovely job with her dedication speech.
Very delightful actress!
 

A todos - Un Prospero Año Nuevo! And to the telenovela gods, please bring us more stories like Quiero Amarte, cast, crew, writers, directors and producers.

I couldn't leave without posting next week's page. Please feel free to continue commenting on this past week there. Floridia, you always have something good to contribute.

See you all on the next Page.