Caray, Caray!

RGV Chick: Happy 4th of July from the Alamo City!

Hoping to see the BIGLY anvil with Vanessa's name on it.
 

MIRADA

Happy 4th of July, everybody!

Steve, poor Vanesa is already struggling under a big anvil, she's married to Big Ed.

andy
 

"MIRADA":

Andy: What about that crazy, whacky Blonde girl at the hospital ?
 

MIRADA #74 THE USUAL NONSENSE PLUS AN EARTHQUAKE

Introduction: Lots of weird nonsense going on today including a 15-minute hiatus to discuss an earthquake in California. Evidently not caused by Luis and Susana's rambunctious couplings, nor by her tantrum at learning she needs to move out of her lover's house. Otherwise, musical chairs with various folks coupling, thinking about coupling, or worried about their current coupling. And is Damiana truly jealous? Hard to know since she looks permanently pissed off-- all day, every day.

So here's what I got from the parts I saw. We open with Beto and Erick talking about the fiesta tonight. He's excited about hooking up with Yola. Beto is just happy that Marina has decided to let don Luis get to know his grandson.

And Toribio is worriedly consulting with Marina about the new medication he's supposed to take. Evidently it's fiendishly expensive. She assures him that if he needs it, some how they will manage to get it for him. (What's our Lucreepy up to?)

Prudencia and don Luis are having a cozy chat in his office while Susana lurks in a stairwell listening in. He's a little chagrined that his grandson will be baptized in a tacky neighborhood, but she pooh-poohs that, and assures him she will put together a very nice baptismal party. And the sly old fox double checks that Marina has been too busy with work to register the baby and gallantly offers help from his lawyer. Our innocent Pru falls for it; and no doubt so will Marina. Dun-de-dun-dun.

Exit Prudencia, enter Susana, boiling mad and frothing over. That Marina, she's just letting you see the baby so she can juice out a lot of money from you-- and then move back in as well. Not so, muses Luis, so far she hasn't asked me for a dime.

Our innocent little Marina is walking home with Toribio, who spots the evil doc lurking and knows a bad guy when he sees one. He chases him off. Marina though refuses to believe there was anything wrong.

What's up when the crazy guy is more perceptive than any of the other characters in the story?

Oh well. Prudencia and Angustias are discussing Luis' seeming change of heart. Angy's not buying it. Pru however thinks it's a good sign. Alright, maybe. What I know for sure, sez Angy, is that Susana is constantly conspiring and working against your daughter. If you want your marital relationship to improve and for Marina and Luis to get closer, you need to oust Chucha from the house. That woman will never forgive Marina for ruining the engagement between Vanessa and Beto.

Chucha's still hard at work making inroads with Luis. Let's be really naughty tonight and make mad, passionate love while Prudencia is in the house, she suggests. Luis ain't havin' it. The house is Prudencia's; it's sacred, he opines.

Boy! does this guy know how to compartmentalize!

Back in Honolulu, the honeymoon continues to sour. Vanessa appears to be sick to her stomach, even though the doctor on call told her she was fine. Big Ed thinks nookie is the best medicine and tries to jump her wee bones. Instead she dashes for the bathroom to vomit again. No nookie? Okay, call room service for a bottle of tequila.
It's shaping up to be a another long, miserable evening in paradise.

Nearly fiesta time back in the vecindad. It's decided that Damiana should stay home and help Margarito babysit Rafa. And Baldomero leaves for the party, after complimenting Doña Chole on how pretty she looks tonight.

Pissy look from Damiana. But it's her usual look. So who knows?
 

MIRADA #74 THE USUAL NONSENSE PLUS AN EARTHQUAKE

PART 2

Time out for pictures of cans and bottles spilled from shelves and the news that this is the biggest earthquake since 1994. But no injuries reported.

We see Lucreepy sneaking back into her office with a bottle of pills hidden in a trash bag. Okay. It's official. This girl is Bad News. Still not sure what her game plan is, but it's not peace and love.

Evidently while the earth was rumbling in California, somebody (Prudencia?) has told Susana it's time for her to find new digs. She's boo-hooing and playing it for all it's worth with Luis. But he calmly tells her he thinks it's wise for her to vamoose. She can live in their Love Shack (Yes, Doris! Check that off your Bingo Card!)Redecorate it if she likes! No way! That's a rendezvous place. Not a decent place to live! Alright, get yourself a better place [más a tu altura}. But I don't like having my two women live in the same house. Feel like I'm losing control. The Cathedral one way, the Chapel the other. (I imagine lawfully wedded Prudencia has the title of Cathedral. God, this guy cracks me up!) Susana is still caterwauling that he just wants to get rid of her. Lower your voice! A marriage has it's highs and lows, but you're an oasis in the desert.

Don't know if this sweet talk mollifies her, but for the moment she shuts up.

It's decidedly cheerier in the neighborhood bar, but then we already know--Poor folks are fun-loving and happy. Rich folk are scheming and miserable. Remember that for the final exam.

Anita has finally gotten her courage up to tell Lino she has liked him from the first moment she saw him. Wanted him to be her novio in fact. He looks stunned. She looks nervous. Then he smiles and says "Great! Let's be novios!" Claps, laughter, smiles and lots of dancing from the happy assembled.

Marina observes that it's wonderful Lino is opening himself up to Love again. Doc Bazán looks at her tenderly and asks, What about you Marina? Demurely lowered eyes. No answer.

Oh well, it was worth a shot.
 

MIRADA #74 THE USUAL NONSENSE PLUS AN EARTHQUAKE

Part 3

Susana, all huffy and dignified, has come in to see Pru and Luis and to announce that it's time for her to look for her own place. Pru smiles benignly and assures her to take all the time she needs. Luis blusters that this is her home and this is her family, but....

I dunno..will they ever get free of this leech?

Next day, Baldo and Chole are having a little convo outside the Sardine House. His plan was to get Dam and Marg together alone so they could come clean with each other about their true feelings. But Chole noticed that Dam seemed really jealous about Baldy's interest in her toolbelt and all the dancing they did together. Could it be that she was wrong and Dam really loves Baldy? He doesn't believe it. But who knows?

And now we're getting a glimpse of Lucrecia's plan. Marina is asking Bazán (please call me Ricardo!)if there's a cheaper pharmacy where they can find the medication Toribio needs. Even pooling all their cash, the Amoeba Clan can't come up with enough money. Meanwhile, Lucreepy is quizzing Erick on why--if the data shows there's one vial of the needed medication left-- it's not there. Someone must have taken it! protests Erick. Maybe your records are just disorganized, insinuates Lucrecia. If somebody sneaked in to steal it, the cameras would show that, right? You DO have cameras don't you? Erick looks muddled. Nothing new for him but still....ugh.

Beto, who seems to lurk about as much as Doc Mask, overhears Marina calling to ask about cheaper medication. He wants to explain why he and Erick showed up at the bar last night but she's not interested. So he then puts his big foot squarely in it, and he tells her he's glad she's giving HER child a chance to know his grandfather.

MY child, Marina replies bitterly. Yes. MY child.

Ay yi yi, you dolt! If you'd just said "OUR CHILD" this story might well have headed to a quickie Happy Ending.

Tune in tomorrow to see more of Lucreepy's machinations and maybe, with a little luck, watching Susana pack her bags (or make a servant pack them no doubt.)
 

MIRADA

Thank you for your recap, JudyB!

What is that medication that has gone missing from the pharmacy? I tried to google it and no luck.

It would have been fun to see Pru give Chu the boot, but the earthquake is big news. What a relief that it was not a major devastating one and nobody was injured.

Vane wanted to eat the adventurous food while Edson stuck with hamburgers and known items. And who is barfing? Who is not? Lesson learned. Eat the safe food. ;-)

” What's up when the crazy guy is more perceptive than any of the other characters in the story?” Exactly! Toribio can see beyond the hair, toothpick legs, and platform spiked heels.

” . . . but then we already know--Poor folks are fun-loving and happy. Rich folk are scheming and miserable. Remember that for the final exam.”
That’s what the telenovelas preach, but I know some awfully miserable poor folks, too.

Is the missing medication the one that Lucreepy had in the 30-gallon black trash bag? (I think she needed a bigger bag)

Because she transferred that bottle of pills to her hand bag, my CrockPot Theory™ is that she will drug Beto enough to make him think they had sex, then poof! she will be “pregnant’ (FAKE OF COURSE) in order to trap him. (plz note my theories have a 1% success rate)

QTH? Only in telenovelaland will Lino & Ana become … novios … before they’ve even had the first date. Gaaaaahhh….. massive eye roll. Please.
 

Ah hah! Another theory on the purloined bottle of drugs! Interesting Doris. Thou dost have a Machiavellian mind, methinks. But anyway, fine with me. I've finally come 'round to Andy's point of view. Beto is a jerk and Marina would be better off with someone else. Even the perpetually over-lubed Ricardo. So if Lucreepy wants to trick Beto into matrimony, full speed ahead!

Now go check Love Shack off your Bingo card.
 

Thanks, Judy, I will gleefully check off Love Shack. Won't help much, but it's something. 😜
 

MIRADA

JudyB, thank you for this excellent recap. A shame the episode was interrupted by news of the earthquake, but such is life and at least it seems no one was seriously injured.

"Poor folks are fun-loving and happy. Rich folk are scheming and miserable. Remember that for the final exam.” Ooh, ooh, I just love TQ hints!


Here I have been giving Rapunzel the benefit of the doubt and she goes low. I think she wants to frame Marina for the theft of the drug.

Ay, poor Marina! Crazy Doc Mask is dogging her day and night, Don Louse is planning I don't know what, Beto is a huge disappointment, and now Rapunzel sees her as competition and wants her tossed out of the game. She was asking about the camera. Has Marina been to the pharmacy supply before? If not, she probably went while we were on earthquake break.

Poor Vanesa has a bad stomach problem. Lots of reasons that might be so: a super long flight, strange surroundings, exotic food, an abusive husband, the realization that she has made the biggest mistake of her mistake ridden life...

But I'm still sore at Lino, he didn't have to tell her she had no option left but to go through with the wedding. I like Lino, but I'm disappointed in him.

andy
 

MIRADA

Yes Andy, Lino was pretty darn harsh with Vanessa. And moved on very quickly with Anita. Is he in the same Hopeless Dolt category with Beto? If so, how are we going to get Vanessa out of this mess? No matter how snotty she's been, living in bondage to an enraged, crude alcoholic....well, I don't wish that on anybody.

And of course there's one more reason she might be throwing up. Pregnancy. But on the second day of the honeymoon?...nah. Guess we'll have to wait on tenterhooks to find the real reason. Although living with Big Ed would certainly make anybody nauseous.
 

MIRADA

I thought about Vane sick from pregnancy, but the dismissed it. She hasn't slept with anyone (that we know of) until her wedding night, and that would be too soon for symptoms. Surely she is using birth control.

Captcha has a thing for fire hydrants this summer. 🙄
 

FLOR
Ep 58: Part 1 “A Child in Peril”

Teo and Flor have told Diego that his mother will not be returning soon. When Diego insists on knowing why, Teo explains that Elsa got into some problems with the US cops and she can’t return right now. Diego knows that if his mother had problems with the cops, then she must be in jail…but he knows that she is a good person. Teo and Flor assure him that things will turn out well and his mother will return, but Diego wants his mommy and he wants to go home. When he runs upstairs crying, Val chides Flor for insisting on telling Diego about Elsa.

Val goes to Chile and tells Chile that Teo told Diego about Elsa and Diego is upset. Val suggests that this is Chile’s opportunity to get close to Diego. As others watch Chile talking to what seems himself, they think he must be going bonkers.

Aure talks to Octi. Aure doesn’t know what to do anymore; sometimes he feels like leaving town, but he is there for his daughter. Octi understands perfectly because he is feeling the same way; he is about to make a decision, but he doesn’t know if it is good or bad, and he doesn’t want to continue like this.

Val is upstairs with Diego when Teo and Flor come to talk to Diego. Teo tells Diego that he can count on them; they will take care of him. While his mother’s problems are resolved, he and Flor will take care of him and this will be his house. Teo knows that Diego misses his mother very much and they hope that she will return soon, but in the meantime, Diego can count on him and Flor. Val asks Flor to tell Diego that he can count on him and Chile too, but Flor remains quiet. When Diego cries that he wants to talk to his mother, Teo tells him that he is planning to go to where his mother is to try to help her. Diego pleads with Teo to take him too, but Teo explains that he can’t because Diego has no passport. When Flor suggests that Diego make a video so that he can tell his mother whatever he wants, Diego asks that Xochitl help him. Flor agrees to take him with Xochitl.

Gris goes to see Lalo. After her talk with Mariana, Gris accepts that the decision should be made by both of them. Gris still worries about her parents being disappointed. Lalo suggests that they go talk to her parents, but Gris still worries what her parents will say…and she worries about how she will be able to take care of the baby.

A man approaches Jovita to return some bread to her; his boss doesn’t want it because people are talking badly about her and all the bad things she has done.

Diego is with Xochitl making his video when he suddenly stops. He doesn’t want to talk to his mother through a video; so he is going to go look for her whether Teo and Flor like it or not. After Xochitl warns him that it could be dangerous and wonders how he will pay his way, Diego reminds her that she ran away too and asks if she can lend him some money.

Tito and Lola are outside talking when Jovita approaches and starts berating Lola whom she has known has been in town hiding like a scared animal. Lola reminds her that she gave her her back and closed all doors in her face. After Lola walks off, Jovita starts in on Tito since he was in a bad influence on Lola. Tito points out that the only one turning Lola against Jovita is her.

Teo is saying goodbye to Flor and calls her the love of his life. Val mocks him for being so corny, but when Flor tells Teo that Val would probably be very grateful for all that he is doing, Val concedes a “Thank you.”

Nestor catches up to Tere and tells her that she had better get her idea of divorcing him out of her head. She also had better give up her hopes of being a modern business woman. Tere manages to get away from him, but Nestor insists that she will be his wife for the rest of her life…and then asks what she will be making for dinner. After he leaves, Vicente sees Tere upset and crying so he gives her a consoling hug.

 

FLOR
Ep 58: Part 2 “A Child in Peril”

Val goes looking for Diego and can’t find him. When he goes into Xochitl’s room, he sees her sending Diego a message wishing him a safe trip. Val immediately goes to Flor and tells her that Diego is gone…he went looking for his mother.

Rose and Ati are talking at the town gazebo. Rose assumes that Ati will be staying in town because of Mariana, but Ati shares that he has nothing going on with Mariana (anymore); so as soon as he finishes his work at the church, he will be leaving. Rose was hoping he would stay as the town photographer. Ati jokes about it and puts his arm around Rose as they laugh…putting a big smile on Rose.

Flor, Chile, and Marga question Xochitl who doesn’t want to say anything because she promised Diego. When Flor points out that Diego’s life could be in danger, Xochitl reconsiders talking.

Paris is working on Aure while Aure is actually trying to work. Paris wants Aure back since his marriage is over. Meanwhile, Mariana enters the casino looking for Aure. As she approaches the dressing room where Aure is, she overhears Paris trying to convince Aure to resume their relationship. She also overhears Aure turning Paris down; he tells her that it still hurts him not to be with Mariana…but he has to respect her and whatever life she wants; Aure only wants a friendship with Paris. Aure goes out and sees Mariana. He apologizes for his previous behavior when he saw her with Ati. Just then, Flor calls Mariana to tell her that Diego ran away and they need help in looking for him.

While Chile goes looking for Diego in town, Flor calls Teo and tells him to be on the look out for Diego because he went to find his mother. Teo will look for him and call the police. Val pops into Teo’s vehicle as Teo takes off.

Vicente goes with Tere to see Oscar. Tere worries about what Nestor might do to her; so Oscar advises that if Nestor threatened her, she needs to report him. Vicente assures her that she can count on their support.

Teo drives up to a village and sees a group of people standing over a small body. When he stops, he sees Diego lying on the ground…Diego was run over by someone. Teo immediately goes into doctor mode and asks for belts to immobilize Diego. When he asks about an ambulance a man tells him that the nearest town is 30 minutes away. Val tries to hold Diego’s head but his hands pass right through. Once Teo is on his way to the hospital with Diego, he calls Flor and tells her to go to the hospital and tell them to prepare for his arrival.

Lalo and Gris go talk to her parents. When they tell them that they are in love and that Gris is pregnant, the father becomes very upset and tells her to take back what she has just said (huh?). When the father tells Lalo to get out of his house, Gris tries to defend Lalo; so the father runs them both off.

Teo arrives at the hospital and takes Diego into the operating room. Flor is already there and sees Val who is very distraught. Flor goes to Val who cries wondering why this is happening; he was there while Diego lay on the ground and he couldn’t do anything…he has never felt so useless. Val wanted to hug Diego and tell him that he was going to be fine, but he couldn’t. Val sobs that he wants Diego to be happy…to be happy with Flor.

Marga is trying to assure Xochitl that Diego will be fine, but she is having more success with Xochitl than with Chile who is in a panic.

In the operating room, Diego flatlines. While Teo uses the paddles, Val is pacing back and forth frantically asking Carlota for help; he finally vanishes not wanting to see his son die.

Lalo and Gris are at Mariana’s house when Lola comes by. She wants to apologize for how she treated them. Lola acknowledges that she was very jealous of Gris; she regrets having hurt them and she misses them as friends. Gris forgives her and gives her a hug.
 

FLOR
Ep 58: Part 3 “A Child in Peril”

Val shows up with Chile who (not thinking as usual) tells Val that if Diego dies, he will be with Val. Val cries that he wants Diego to live a full, happy life. He wants Diego to travel and be the best at everything. Val is very anguished and would prefer to have Teo be Diego’s father rather than see Diego where he (Val) is. Chile reminds Val that he didn’t want Diego near Teo, but Val realizes that he will never be the father that Diego needs…he is just a ghost and can’t take care of him. Chile’s voice shakes as he tells Val not to cry…he has always known Val to be valiant and fearless. Val reiterates that he is a ghost…despite the fact the Chile can hear him and Flor can see and hear him; he is still a damned ghost. Val cries as he remarks that whatever he does, he can’t change reality…he no longer exists. Chile wishes he could give Val a hug…and wonders if they are no longer angry with Teo.

Gris tells Lola about her parent’s reaction. Lola doesn’t understand why the family is the first to turn their backs on them, but Lalo reminds them that they all have each other and they will form their own family as friends.

Rose tells Tere that Ati is leaving town. She was dumb to think that there was anything between him and Mariana; she should never have given up on him. Tere advises her to tell Ati how she feels; this is the time since she has become such a great woman. Tere then tells Rose that she is getting a divorce. She was afraid at first, but now she feels like an eagle, free and stronger than ever. Rose agrees…she needs to bring out all the passion she has inside.

Chile goes to talk to Flor at the hospital. He feels very bad for Val who has been through so much—Val died before his time, had to accept that he is a ghost, watched Flor marry Teo and now is watching his son getting along so well with Teo. Flor then sees Teo come out of the operating room and asks how Diego is. Val appears as Teo explains that Diego’s arm is broken and he received a hard blow to his head. Flor asks if Diego will survive and Val asks if Diego’s life is in danger…and we won’t know the response until tomorrow (sigh).

 

Thanks JudyB.

"Pissy look from damiana. Its her usaul look so who knows". That made me laugh out loud JudyB. I Can't tell rather dami is pissed off or not either, cuz she look like that all the time. If looks could kill chole would be dead now. If she smiles it don't last long,she goes back to lookin Like
"You mess with me I will kill you".Lol

Did vanny and lino have relations at
One point?Thats enough time for her to
Be preggers? Maybe that's lino's bun.
Now y'all know how the tn/soap world works with the oops, theres a baby in
The Makin plot. Well she is displaying
Signs of morning sickness. Either that
Or she is sick of hubby already. I'll
Go with that one.

Dirty gramps try to steal the grandbab
From mom. Mari better take what angsty
Said to heart.

Stupid beto.
Evil lucrimanil(she don't deserve the
Correct spelling).

Ok more tomorrow. Thank you JudyB.
 

MIRADA

My apologies for not commenting more on your fabulously snarktastic recaps, JudyB. This week has been exceptionally busy and I miss responding to everyone's comments which are so entertaining and full of insight...but rest assured that I am reading them.

I do, however, want to give my thoughts on Lucriminal. When she first went to talk to Eric at his new office, she asked how he was coming along with accessing all the info. He told her he had just about everything, he just needed to come up with a new password. Unfortunately, the idiot added that the password would be something easy for him to remember...like his birthday. Next scene--Lucriminal is at her laptop and has accessed HR records with employee info...she highlighted Eric's BIRTHDAY. JudyB, you're description of Lucriminal's plan was spot on...me thinks Marina is being set up too!!

Oh...and Don Louse just earned a change of name -> Don Luicifer. I don't care if he is Rafa's grandfather; he does not deserve to even be called that and most certainly should not be allowed near the baby.
 

MIRADA

Hey Ms. Nina, I see we agree on the inscrutable Damiana. I would expect a more beneficent expression on the face of a "healer", but she always appears to be Totally Annoyed. Find the actor's approach to the role bizarre. As for don Luis, guess Rgv Chick is right...he's "Don Lucifer" from now on. Diabolical. But then he often says that the devil is about to appear. And He has.

Rgv Chick,, thanks for checking in an analyzing Lucriminal's strategy. And ironically, Erick complimented her on the maturity she was showing, so seemingly relaxed about Marina and Beto continuing to see each other daily in the hospital. NOT! Seems a rather complicated way to try and get rid of her rival, but Ms. Fatal Attraction evidently likes intrigue.

Any plots involving stealing babies, legally or illegally, gives me hives but it looks like that's where this is going at the moment. Yikes!

As for Vanessa, no I don't seriously think she's preggers. As far as we know, there was no "congress" other than steamy kisses between her and Lino. Oh well, endless possibilities for speculation, nonetheless. At least it keeps us off the streets!
 

MIRADA

Overactive imagination at work this morning, before caffeine. Caray.

It is looking like Lucifer (good one!) is going to secretly have himself listed on Rafa's birth certificate, maybe Pru too, as parents and the big reveal will happen at the baptism. Then he could claim the custody rights maybe?, that Marina has, take Rafa away and raise the baby at his home and invite Marina to live there too.

If Rafa was a girl, he wouldn't give her a second thought. Misogynist City. If Marina had twins, one of each, Lu would take the boy, leave the girl, and say, " what's your problem? You still have the girl left to raise. I have my new heir, with my blood in his veins!" while holding out the underside of his wrists. At this point, Marina could go all Laura Croft Tomb Raider on him. Ayyy. I need coffee and breakfast. Hangry much? LOL
 

MIRADA

Yes, Doris, EAT! DRINK! Tranquillizate! It's amazing, isn'it, how we can get worked up over these stories. Nutso. So settle down, enjoy your coffee and by 3 pm we'll be ready for more outrage...together in our Virtual Family Room.
 

MIRADA

I recorded the 2 AM showing to see what we missed. Not much, it seems. The gang all have a fun time at the bar, Anita blows out the candles on a birthday cake but they keep reigniting while Lino sings her a song :-)

But the big thing is that Erick exits the bodega de medicamentos and locks the door using the keypad, and as soon as he leaves somebody dressed in surgical scrubs, gown, mask, cap, and even gloves, comes along with a clip board and what could be a folded plastic bag, tries a code or several on the keypad.

Prude, after Angustias suggests it would help a lot of things, invites Chucha to find another place to live. Beto arrives at the bar and sees Doc Ricky and Marina dancing. No happy face. Yola scolds both Beto and Erick and refuses to have a drink or dance with Erick.

Mystery person in full surgical dress manages to open the electronic lock and enters the drugs storeroom, all this captured by video camera.

Then we're back. Doc Rapunzel in a lab coat and carrying a black plastic bag enters her office and pulls out a bottle of some medicine...

andy
 

MIRADA

Thank you Andy!!!💗💗💗. You are brilliant to remember this repeats at 2 am! Thank you for filling in the big hole left by the Calif. earthquake.

Did it look like Yola scolded Eric for coming with Beto?

I've had brekkie and tea, and feeling much better toward the telenovela crazies. 🥰 LOL Looking forward to today's episode. Must See TV.
 

MIRADA

Thanks, Doris, but absolutely no brilliance involved   :-)

I used to have to do this quite a lot when I started watching TNs by myself in 2017, beginning with Mi Adorable Maldición. That was a terrible year for hurricanes and the program was often preempted for updates on hurricane destruction or recovery or paper towel tossing. After a while I stopped watching during the day and just recorded the 2 AM showing and watched it when convenient. After that I found Caray and TNs started making a lot more sense. Well, as much sense as TNs provide...

Erick was at the bar with Yola and the gang when Beto arrived "on his own" as he explained to feisty Yola. She was having none of it, Beto was poison to her and she didn't want to talk to either one of them, and told Erick no drink with her, no dancing with her.

andy
 

MIRADA

Thank you, Andy, for filling in the hole regarding Yola/Beto. If she thinks she is going to keep seeing Erick, the girl is delusional that he would dump his BFF for her. Well, this is likely a plot propeller, so it is what it is. Maybe it will be enough to make Erasmo look better and better. (Erasmo is a really nice guy, good looking, stable job, kind, etc.)
Beanie hat time.
 

FLOR

Diana and JudyB, thanks for commenting on Flor on the previous page. I'm just now catching up and wanted to highlight some of your comments.

Diana, "Misguided loyalty, but touching nevertheless." Perfect for Chile! Val has done some very mean and selfish things, including using Chile, to get his way. There was more evidence of it yesterday when he asked Val. "So we're not angry at Teo anymore, are we?" A friend to the end...Val should count his lucky stars because Chile sure is shining.

JudyB, "the character I like most is the one played by Roberto Blandón. He looked terrific yesterday in his wig and dress. Quite convincing." I must say that I am impressed with Roberto Blandon in this TN. I've only seen him in a few other TNs, but, I must say, this is his best role ever.

Thank you both for sticking to this TN. Only one more week to go!!
 

FLOR


Rgv Chick...I can sooo sympathize with your "only one more week to go" comment. You have been carrying an Olympian load. Just doing one TN 5 days a week (for just a while) I'm finding challenging. So how you do three is beyond me.

I've seen Roberto Blandón in a number of shows, as a villain and as a good guy. He's excellent either way. A real pro.
 

MIRADA

Andy, thanks so much for you due diligence, recording and watching the show at 2 am. You're a doll. Love how this Patio works together to keep our "facts" straight on this crazy story. Takes a lot of great minds for this one. Also loved your paper towel throwing quip. Ahem.

Not long before our show comes round again. Back to my chores.
 

FLOR

Have only seen a few minutes of this one today, but it looked to me like Valentin was softening a bit, watching how Flor and Teo worked together to reassure Diego. But evidently the little guy is still planning something crazy. Uh-oh! More drama.
 

MIRADA

JudyB, ""Pissy look from Damiana. Its her usual look so who knows"." PERFECT!! The woman is Queen of the ice queens! What Baldo and Mago see in her is beyond me. One of my least favorite characters. Another one in close standing is PRu with her forever smile and very rose-colored glasses. I know she has it in her to be feisty, but most of the time she just takes everything in stride with a "Don't worry, be happy" attitude. I always want to shake her.

Doris, "If Rafa was a girl, he wouldn't give her a second thought. Misogynist City. If Marina had twins, one of each, Lu would take the boy, leave the girl, and say, " what's your problem? You still have the girl left to raise. I have my new heir, with my blood in his veins!" while holding out the underside of his wrists." You've got the man pegged...just hateful despite his occasional charming moments.

Nina, "Well she is displaying
Signs of morning sickness. Either that
Or she is sick of hubby already. I'll
Go with that one." I'll go with the latter one too. Now what are Vanessa's options? Live with the abuse? Get a divorce or an annulment." Till death do they part?

Andy, you sly little fella...there is a recapper in you just waiting to come out :-) I was going to watch the 2 am recording, but you saved me the time and trouble. Thanks!
 

FLOR

Rgv Chick, I was home and was actually able to watch this yesterday.

Honestly? The episode was riveting but your recap surpassed it.

“Paris is working on Aure while Aure is actually trying to work” was one of my favorite lines of many.

“Val shows up with Chile who (not thinking as usual) tells Val that if Diego dies, he will be with Val. Val cries that he wants Diego to live a full, happy life. He wants Diego to travel and be the best at everything. Val is very anguished and would prefer to have Teo be Diego’s father rather than see Diego where he (Val) is. Chile reminds Val that he didn’t want Diego near Teo, but Val realizes that he will never be the father that Diego needs…he is just a ghost” was marvelous and needed to be repeated in its entirety.

Beyond sad that it took little Diego’s life hanging in the balance to make Val see the light (so to speak). He does want the best for his son and has let his pettiness about Teo go (hopefully). Seeing Deigo broken in the road was a very difficult scene to watch.

Likewise, while Tere has courage, it is best that she move carefully. Domestic violence abusers are cagey and are sadly one step ahead of their victims. We want her alive and happy, not another statistic.

Will Rose find love? I could care less. That said, I have always liked Mariana and hope that she ends up happy – if it is with Aure, then so be it.

It was wonderful to “see” the characters in action but even that pales to your exciting, lovingly crafted summaries.

Thank you Rgv Chick!

Diana


 

MIRADA
My oh my, what have our characters wrought. I'm back and all caught up now. You guys have been having so much fun on Mirada's air-cooled patio by the Limpid Pool that I'm speechless. Thank you for all the recaps and comments. They have been terrific and entertaining.

I would say that NONE of the characters are faultless or flawless, not even Saintly Marina. But you have to admit, she stands by her principles, regardless of her inner desires. If she stopped to think about what JudyB has counseled, "Poor folks are fun-loving and happy. Rich folk are scheming and miserable," she would choose the former and be done with it. (I agree that the opposite is true IRL**, but it happens regularly in telenovelas.) Regrettably, she has a nice, rich (we think) mother who has embraced her and showered her with love and stuff. The ricos and pobres in this story are constantly being pushed together, like tectonic plates, shaking things off shelves and bumping into each other.

The outliers (from whence come the aftershocks) are ZackAss, Doc Limp, Sudoodoo, and Lucriminal. Poor Eric adds nothing. But WAIT, he will be found culpable of something that will impact our group of pobres in the near future, we all agree. BTW, amoeba is such a perfect description of our clutch of pobres. They always seem to move in tandem, collectively, with one or two pushing the boundaries a bit, but returning to the blob.

**On my trip, one of the gardens we visited in Scotland belonged to the young Lady Skye, Countess of Hopetoun who greeted us in blue jeans, a checkered blue and white shirt, garden jacket and tennies and showed us around her garden personally, answering questions and giving advice. She was an enthusiastic and down-to-earth lady, mother of 4 nearly grown children and in a happy marriage.
 

MIRADA

“rambunctious couplings”, “various folks coupling, thinking about coupling, or worried about their current coupling” was just inspired Judy.

“boiling mad and frothing over” – loved it. You always use words one wants to incorporate into every day conversation “frothing” but lacks the opportunity to do so.

“Amoeba Clan” and “Sardine House” just made me smile.

Can’t make heads or tails out of this story but so enjoy all your sage, snarky comments!

Diana

 

MIRADA

Anita - Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Welcome back home.
 

Thanks Anita and Diana. Always wonderful to hear from you.
 

MIRADA #75 MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO'S THE MOST WICKED OF THEM ALL?

Part 1

Anybody ready to vote? Is it don Luis for his nefarious intent to make Rafael his and Prudencia's child; or Lucrecia, with her insidious plan to have Marina accused of robbery and dismissed from the hospital? Tough choice. We could argue that Luis is motivated by the desire to provide for his grandchild financially, whereas Lucrecia is strictly on task to get Marina out of the picture. And seems to take a sinister delight in appearing humble and caring [corazón de pollo] while twisting various knives. But I'll enjoy hearing you all weigh in.

We'll start off with diabolical but charming don Luis. He's cheerily bribing his lawyer (how many zeros do you want to add to your fee?) to finagle things so Marina loses custody and he and Pru become the legal parents of Rafael. Lawyer reminds him it's both criminal and risky. Nah, assures Luis. After all, she's just learning to read and write. It should be easy to switch around the signatures so that she (Marina) is listed a witness and Pru and I are the parents. Lawyer is still hesitant. This could turn out very badly. But not for years! protests Luis. And by the time the truth comes to light, I will have already gained the affection of the little guy.

We leave this sinister scene to listen in on Yola and Margarito's conversation. She's pushing him to make a move on Damiana. And Marg has noticed that Baldo seems to be sweet on Doña Toolbelt now. Yola adds, Why not be novios with Dam like you were in your youth>

Aha. This is new info. We knew Dam like him, but never realized that they were novios once upon a time. At least I didn't. Phone rings. Beto wants them to come to the hospital to discuss the results of the tests. This can't be good, muses Marg. And it isn't. He has hemochromatosis. Although I have a friend with this and all she has to do is submit to bloodletting on a regular basis. This is the normal treatment. However Telenovela Medicine decrees that the level of iron in Marg's blood is so high, he will have to have some kind of surgery. He's worried about having to stay in the city for a longer time when he has so much work on the ranch. Beto offers to intercede with him and Luis, but Marg insists he needs to confront this directly himself.

Now Beto (and Erick) are off to stare at the video of a hooded person sneaking into the pharmacy storehouse. Erick is sure it's a woman. And wants to run down who, what and where on his own. He begs the security guy to put off telling Dad (Director Muñoz) as a favor [paro de cuates} to him. Y'know...before Pops fires me and takes me out of the will. Security guy agrees.

Meanwhile, we catch a glimpse of Big Ed and Wee Vanessa limping home from the honeymoon. Hilde with her eternal hair rollers and slug of tequila (love this lady!) is miffed that all that money for the trip went to waste. And for just a little tummy ache! Ed's even more miffed because his lovely wife is as cold as a popsicle freezer (his words) and he hasn't been getting anything but aggro from her. Mom counsels that they'll work it out somehow. Big hug from son. Gosh, Dad was lucky to have a wife like you, Mom. Vane has dashed off to the bedroom to (ostensibly) be sick again, but when Ed arrives (the place looks like the set from Boogie Nights) she's long gone. Lots of angry phone calls, yelling and WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU? ensue. Ah, young love.

 

MIRADA #75 MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO'S THE MOST WICKED OF THEM ALL?

Part 2

And treachery is a-foot at the hospital. Lucrecia first tentatively casts suspicion on Marina with Beto. Because Erick is very honest. (Irresponsible. And actually rather dishonest. But whatever). And then ups the ante by going to her dad. Explains that she doesn't want to get directly involved. It would look bad. But out of the kindness of her heart she's treating a penniless friend of Marina's and prescribed an expensive medication for him. Medication which is now missing from the storehouse. And possibly Marina felt obliged to...well...you know. Doting Dad steps in and promises to talk to Muñoz himself. No need for anybody to know the idea came from Dear Daughter.

And follow up he does. First confronting Armando (the security guy) and then going directly to Muñoz with the news of the theft and advising that it could hurt the reputation of the hospital if this gets out. Oh boy.

More marital counseling at the House of Boogie Nights. Mom Hilde is advising Big Ed to make the Rules Clear. Then Vane will have a shot at becoming the kind of wife that makes him happy. Doubt that that's in the offing. Vane has fled to the big house where she finds Hortensia (who's at first excited that Vane might be pregnant) and then, thank goodness Angustias. Who cuddles and counsels her, although seemed to be saying much the same as Hilde. Marriage has ups and downs. It takes a while to get the hang of it.Not the same as being engaged. Do your best etc. But Vane makes it clear that Big Ed is a dreadful, gross, crude naco (well he was before marriage too, sweet Vane) and she only married him to save her Mom from financial ruin.

What! Your Dad left you lots of money!!!-- No he didn't. He left us lots of debts and we didn't know how to manage paying them off. I didn't learn about it until we were at the ranch. -- So your Mom's desire for you to marry Beto was strictly for dinero.-- Yes!

Well, Ed loves you. I hope that you can eventually find a little happiness with him. No way! He has no breeding, no class.

And just at that moment, Hortensia arrives to let them know Lino is waiting with some documents to sign. Vanessa seizes the moment and asks Lino to give her a ride home. Lino refuses. But she persuades him. However he insists that she sit in the back, rather than beside him. Puts an end to all conversationafter she complains about the honeymoon [no me saque platica] and addresses her coldly as Señora Whatever (I've forgotten Big Ed's last name) Okay. No fast solution there, Vane.
 

MIRADA #75 MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO'S THE MOST WICKED OF THEM ALL?

Part 3

Well, give Angustias credit, she's right in there sniffing Susana's clothes, shaking the dust off 'em and getting ready to pack her right out of the house. Chucha is outraged. How dare you enter my room without my authorization!? And I bet you're the one who got Prude to ask me to leave!

Angy minces no words. It's clear to me you're in this house to make off with Prudencia's husband and all the Ocaranza money. Impassioned denials. They duke it out verbally for a bit and I start to worry that Chucha is going to kill our feisty little bantam rooster, but Angy cuts her a deal. I won't say anything to Luis about what I know(the money grubbing) as long as you leave this house TODAY.

Will Chooch slink off, her tail between her legs? And will Erick? He's on the hot seat now. Called into Dad's office (Don't call me Dad. I'm your BOSS!) Not only did you screw up your job, you hid the situation from me!

Erick scrambles to explain. And admits he wanted an easy code to remember so he used his birthday. And maybe, just maybe, one of the nurses wanted to get back at him by stealing the medicine. --And why would they do that? Because you've dated each and every one of them!? queries his angry...er...boss. Well, Muñoz decides not to fire Erick just yet. First he's going to get to the bottom of this.

And guess who's ready to help? Sweet little Lucrecia who creeps in like Lady Bountiful, full of good deeds to the poor, but maybe, just maybe, Marina felt obliged to steal the needed medication for her penniless friend. Muñoz agrees that it's certainly possible.
 

MIRADA #75 MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO'S THE MOST WICKED OF THEM ALL?

Part 4

Chooch has rebounded from her Angy convo and is on the phone with Ed, demanding to know why they came back from the honeymoon so early. Ask your daughter! he snaps. We spent a lot of money for nothing.

Vane arrives, Ed grabs her roughly, hurting her arm and starts schooling her on how Married Life is going to be from hereon in. First of all, since we're back, I'm going to work tomorrow. Have a meeting. Where I want to show you off as my gorgeous new wifey. Respect me! I'm your husband.

But I'm sick! So, we'll have the family doc check you out. And what's more, we're newlyweds. So I'm expecting a little action tonight.

Yep, Ed's expecting action and Hilde is expecting lots of strong, healthy grandchildren. So she counsels Vane to take lots of vitamins and sweeten Ed's disposition with loads of kisses, hugs and all the rest. Anyone taking bets on whether that will happen?

Meanwhile, Marina has been called into Muñoz' office and is passionately declaring her honesty. He's not convinced. All the evidence points to her.

Vanessa and Marina aren't the only ones getting bad news. Beto is explaining to Marg that he has a dangerous excess of iron in his blood that will require surgery. And that's why he's had all the pain in his joints...excess iron. Then Beto learns that Marina is being suspected of theft and jumps to her defense. He's not going to let anyone doubt her and storms in to Munoz' office to defend her reputation. And what's more, she couldn't have been there when the theft happened because she was in a bar with Dr. Bazán. No, they're not dating...they were with a group. Erick and I were there too. Cara de impactada de Munoz, but he's still not convinced.

Well, it wouldn't be an episode without some Universal Solvent Tea would it? When Ricardo learns Marina is being accused, he asks Rita to make her some tea and counsels calming down. Is this a Tea Product Placement?

Lucreepy sneaks in to Munoz, to gently cast more shade on Marina, while appearing to be reluctant to believe such a thing. Then goes out and reassures Marina to not worry at all about ALL THE TERRIBLE RUMORS that are now circulating about her in the hospital. Have to admire the strategy of this gal. She's all over the place.

The episode ends with some moderate antler-bashing between Beto and Ricardo. Why are you jumping into this/ She doesn't want anything to do with you! Butt out. etc.

Beto bounces back and asks Muñoz if he's going to apologize to Marina for accusing her. We'll see who needs to apologize to whom when this investigation is over, mutters Muñoz.

So take your pick, guys. Who's the worst? Luis? Lucrecia? Big Ed? Lino? They all had their crappy little moments in this one. But which one was the worst? Jump in and opine.


 

MIRADA

Thank you for your recap, Judy, and the perfect title!

My favorite line: ” Lots of angry phone calls, yelling and WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU? ensue. Ah, young love.” You had be truly laughing out loud with the snark in that one.

If I was boxed into a corner and had to vote, I would vote for Don Louse. LuCriminal is far more dangerous, possibly criminally sociopathic. The Louse is just a narcissist.

Well Lucreepy just moved over into Lucriminal. She is so framing Marina for that theft. She does not care that Erick will suffer the collateral damage.

Will Muñoz ever stop to think --- "how does LuCriminal know about this?"

Kudos to Beto for going to Erick’s dad and giving Marina an alibi.
What will he have to say about Marina and Bazan? Better not be much, given that Beto and LuCriminal are dating, too.

Thank you for the info on Margo’s diagnosis. It was beyond me to grasp what they said. I knew someone with hemochromatosis and it was so bad, she got a stem cell transplant. It helped for a while, then she disappeared out of our lives, and she ultimately died but I don’t know if it was from that or something else. I hope Margo’s won’t be as serious.

If Marina was any sharper, she would know the whole hospital was not gossiping about her as the suspect in the Rx theft. But the dear girl is still quite naïve about stuff like that. Besides, Marina knows she is in a telenovela and has to suffer some more. Bless her heart.

Vane has gotten in way over her head with the Big Rigs family. Grow up, girl, and get out of there, and do not expect Lino to come rescue you on a white horse. You got yourself into this, now get yourself out of it.

Erick is dumber than a box of rocks. ‘nuff said.

Lino did nothing wrong, IMO. He is detached, sure isn't cutting Vane any slack, and just doing his job. I'm still sitting at his table on the patio, for now. I might be alone, but there you have it.
 

Good analysis Doris. I agree, Lino did nothing wrong. And he's trying his best to protect his broken heart by keeping his distance.

You're not sitting alone at his table. I'll join you anytime! Just put lots of ice in my drink. Still have a lingering sore throat from that cold a month ago.
 

MIRADA

Oh wait, I read Judy"s question wrong. Voting for The Worst . . . LuCriminal!!!
I misunderstood and thought voting for least bad of that lot. Ack. I need supper. Soon. Low blood sugar. 🤪
 

MIRADA

Hey, I knew what you meant Doris. And love the "Big Rig Family" by the way. Now get some food in ya!
 

MIRADA

JudyB, thank you very much for this excellent and richly detailed recap. I have to consider a bit before I vote for the worst of the lot, but I'm leaning towards Lucriminal. No more "Rapunzel" for her!

Thanks for explaining how Angsty counseled Vanesa, I didn't understand parts of it such as, "Well, Ed loves you. I hope that you can eventually find a little happiness with him. No way! He has no breeding, no class." That really stumped me. If Big Ed really did love her then it might be possible to make the situation OK. But she's really just a trophy wife who should produce good, healthy kids for him and Hilda and the business. Plus she's hot, so he won't have to go cruise The Street With No Traffic (and those ladies might charge extra for bruises).

Thank you, too, for "Lady Bountiful". It was a new one for me.

OK, for now, and I may change my vote, but for now, worst to least: Lucriminal, Louse, Big Ed, Beto, Erick, Lino. (Doc Mask I'll place later.)

andy
 

MIRADA

Thanks Andy. And I agree with you that Angsty's advice made no sense. Especially since she was so against the marriage in the first place. She even said" Freedom and happiness are priceless." So I was expecting her next words to be: "Get out of that ill-fated marriage now!" But instead, comes the bromide, "I hope you'll be able to find a little happiness in your marriage." Fat chance.

And alas, if Popsicle Freezer action continues, Big Ed may indeed be cruising the Street With No Traffic. Vanessa is hot. But not hot for him.

Like your thoroughgoing vetting of Bad News candidates. So where would you place Susana Chooch in that list?
 

MIRADA

JudyB, I completely forgot about Susana Chooch the Mooch!

Wow, not easy to place them all. But here goes, subject to revision yet again:

1. Don Louse is louse #1. He broke up Beto and Marina because of his own prejudices, kidnapped her and delivered her to Doc Mask. He has been nasty to our Marina multiple times; he is canoodling and more with his wife's former bff; he dismissed Margo in a fit of pique, and gave him just one day to clear out, he treats most people, especially employees, as serfs; he is now planning to steal Marina's baby. I'm sure there is more, but I think this is enough   :-)

2. Doc Mask, held poor Marina captive and drove a stake through the heart of her romance with Beto; he is now stalking her; his red shoes.
He's a louse for taking advantage of Ramona's feelings for him. He gets a little slack because he is crazy as a loon and his psychiatrist is Doc Rapunzel Lucriminal.

3. Doc Rapunzel Lucriminal probably has a few screws loose herself, but is shrewd and mean. She is willing to sacrifice sweet Marina to get her out of the way and not crossing paths with Beto. But I think she just wants to get Marina fired, not sent to jail. In her defense, she's a psychiatrist which means there is a good chance she's a bit nutty now, even if she wasn't before.

4. Suchucha, evil mother of poor Vanesa, and willing to sell her daughter to the highest bidder, even if he's a naco. She's not higher on the list because poor Vanesa let her mother get away with it. Incidentally, I still think Chucha was enjoying those scenes where she was slapping our poor Vanesa around. So if she winds up having to work she should consider being a dominatrix (upscale, of course; no Street With No Traffic types need apply for services).

5. Big Ed: those chains and poor Vanesa's bruises. Naco!

6. Beto: "I love you, Marina, but how do I know that's my kid, you slut!" Oh, I so hope he doesn't wind up with Marina; maybe he deserves Lucreepy.

7. Erick: not evil, just a waste of resources.

8. Lino: definitely not evil, but he let poor Vanesa marry the naco. Yeah, poor Vanesa is a grown woman, allegedly, but I have always thought of her as a cute high school junior, not yet ready to make decisions for herself, maybe because of a lifetime of being manipulated by her mother. She reached out to him several times in the last week or two. Now it's finished, she married the naco and he has his new squeeze, Anita. I'm hoping, but it's hard to see a happy ending for poor Vanesa. And Lino bears some of the responsibility.

andy
 

"MIRADA":

Andy: My Bold Predictions:

1.) Marina will likely get fired from the hospital.

2.) LuCreepy will get away with it anyway because she's wealthy, etc.,

3.) The Latino OJ Simpson will keep beating Vanessa 24/7. I'm fearing a deadly ending for Vanessa down the road.

4.) Don Jackass will steal Marina's baby & have more people killed.

5.) Prudencia needs to grow damn backbone & put a stop to the evilness.

6.) Erick is a waste of time.

7.) Suzy needs an anvil BIGLY.

8.) Munoz is an idiot for conspiring to fire Marina.

9.) Creepy Doc needs to be placed in mental institution.

10.) Beto needs to man up!

11.) Lino needs to move on.

12.) Hopefully Marina's friends will help out.

 

MIRADA

Wow Andy. That made for a fascinating read. And your "red shoes" quip made me laugh. It made me reflect on my own "Unenforceable Rules" for how humans should behave.

All humans have a Giver and a Taker, and in the best of circumstances, these two are balanced. The Taker is self-protective and doesn't love anybody; the Giver is endlessly loving, kind and generous. But the "taker" isn't bad per se. Ir protects the "giver" from being completely used and abused by the rest of the world.

Naturally in these stories the Giver and Taker tendencies are all out of whack.

I would say in Luis and Susana the Taker is 99% in charge. And for me, it's all the more disturbing in Susana because I expect mothers to be nurturing and protective. Clearly Mothers come in all kinds of packages and many of them are neither nurturing nor kind. But I still stubbornly expect them to be. Cultural conditioning no doubt.

So Chucha is at the top of my list. Her willingness to prostitute her daughter to a crude, basically unknown fellow outrages me. But yes, Vane did go along with it. Was her Giver at fault?...wanting to rescue her Mom from financial ruin? If so, her Taker needs to step in and get her out of this mess.

Strangely enough, I still have hopes that Erick is going to man up, leave the medical field and get a regular job using his glad-handing skills and do it faithfully. He's totally useless right now. But his life's not over yet. We shall see.


 

MIRADA

Good morning Steve. I see you are inspired to weigh in on these characters also. The CarayCaray family room is lively this morning!
 

MIRADA

Erick has time to man up and grow up. He is subconsciously shooting himself in the foot because he hates being a doctor and wants out. Viewerville knows this. He might do well as a pharmaceuticals sales rep, with his medical background and nice looks. (His only other known skill is macking on the ladies.)
Just get him out of practicing medicine, please, before he kills a patient by negligence.
Erick is a cautionary tale of parents who determine their child's career path and then force it on the child.
 

MIRADA

Great suggestion Doris! Pharmaceutical sales rep is perfect for Erick..and not just medical background and nice looks...he has that "hail fellow, well met" vibe going that's essential in being a good salesman. Spot on, lady!
 

MIRADA

I'm quietly reflective today so will simply say I loved your Giver and a Taker Judy. "The Taker is self-protective and doesn't love anybody; the Giver is endlessly loving, kind and generous. But the "taker" isn't bad per se. Ir protects the "giver" from being completely used and abused by the rest of the world".

Food for thought.

So happy you are all having fun here.

Diana
 

MIRADA

Thanks Diana. That concept comes from a marriage therapy book. I've read lots of those!

This is indeed a very fun Patio. Like the Reina Patio, it's small. But lively. And a very cozy virtual family room.

But your presence always makes it sweeter and kinder.
 

MIRADA

Steve, you have an interesting list. I like #12 best, I am hoping Marina's friends help her out and I think they will.

andy
 

MIRADA

JudyB, I'm another one who very much likes your Giver/Taker analysis of people. Interesting that this should come from a marriage therapy book. I suspect the book had a fairly realistic view of marriage.


Doris, I don't think Erick is a truly bad guy, but the net effect is much the same. You're right that he could easily kill someone through negligence, and dead is dead, and with him the old idea that some strong treatment would kill you or cure you is just too real. Beto at least once had to revise a dosage for him.

I have heard nurses talk of double checking residents' prescriptions to make sure they didn't put a decimal point in the wrong place. And the ER is down one experienced nurse already. She asked for a job with Doc Ricky because she doesn't want to be there and be blamed when he kills somebody. Scary.

Erick is definitely a cautionary tale.


Diana! Nice to see you here!

andy
 

FLOR
Ep 59: Part 1 Ye Have Little Faith, Val and Chile!

Teo tells Flor that Diego is strong and stable. They won’t know anything until Diego’s swelling goes down; they must have faith. Val thanks Teo. Flor calls Mariana to give her an update; so Mariana relays the info to Marga. Meanwhile, Aure is in Xochitl’s room assuring her that Diego will be fine; as he tells her that she should still pray for him, Mariana listens at the door comforted to know that Aure is being the father he should be.

At the hospital, Teo watches Diego as Val wonders if Diego is improving. Teo sits beside Diego and Val listens as Teo tells Diego that he needs to be strong...strong like his father. Val smiles proudly.

Alone with Mariana, Aure apologizes again for his behavior when he saw her with Ati. He knows he must respect her decision and if she wants a relationship with Ati, he won’t be upset. He just asks that she think of Xochitl since she has started to wet her bed again…and maybe they could even end up being friends. Mariana agrees.

At the hospital, Val watches Diego and sees him move his fingers, Val gets excited and wants Teo to wake up so he causes a tablet to fall. After Teo checks on Diego, he calls Flor and tells her that he will be spending the night there so that, if Diego wakes up, he will see someone he knows. Val admits that Teo is a good person.

Flor tells Mariana that Teo is acting like a real father to Diego. When Mariana asks how Val is taking it, Flor confides that Val has brought it down quite a bit; he seems to be thinking more reasonably, but he is having a hard time seeing Diego in his condition.

As they walk outside, Mariana tells Flor about her conversation with Aure who seems to be a different person now. Flor has also seen the change in Aure, but she wonders why Mariana didn’t tell him that she is no longer seeing Ati…could it be that she really wants to be with Ati? Mariana denies wanting to be with Ati; she has made her decision to focus on her daughter and herself.

At the casino, Sami goes in to tell Octi her idea about changing the wardrobe, but when she sees Octi being so serious and packing his things, he tells her that he is leaving. Sami tells Octi that he doesn’t need to leave, but Octi feels that things are not working out…and it won’t be long before she finds someone else and he won’t be able to stand it. When she wonders what she can do to make him stay, Octi shakes his head and tells her that he can’t do anything.

At the hospital, Mariana and Flor listen as Teo tells them that there has been no change…any movement Diego makes is simply a reflex. As they talk, Diego wakes up and asks For to call his mother; he wants to see her. Later, Mariana is out in the hall when Rosa Terán from child protective services asks for Diego; she has an order from the judge since they received a report that Diego is in the hospital. Inside Diego’s room, Diego continues to ask for his mother, so Flor explains that his mother still has her own problems to resolve…he should pray to his guardian angel to help his mother. They all hold hands, including Val who puts his hand on top, and pray.

Aure talks to Elpi about a meeting Elpi was called to regarding he request to leave the priesthood. Elpi explains that the process is not that easy since everything has to be approved by the archbishop.

At the hospital, Val thanks Flor and she nudges him to thank Teo too. After Flor enters Diego’s room, Mariana enters closely followed by Rosa T who asks if they are in charge of the child.

 

FLOR
Ep 59: Part 2 Ye Have Little Faith, Val and Chile!

Ati is buying a treat when Aure approaches and apologizes for his previous behavior. Diego accepts his apology and adds that he and Mariana are not seeing each other. Meanwhile, Rose is at the church planning on destroying a painting, but when she takes down the painting, she falls, knocking herself out. She dreams of Ati proposing to her, but then Nestor and his partner come and arrest her for destroying the painting and for being such a bad person. As she cries out to them, Ati wakes her up. When he asks what she was doing with a spatula, she quickly lies and tells him that she was there to clean the pews since people tend to put their gum under them.

Flor and Teo (and Val) are in the hospital hallway as Rosa T explains that her office was informed that Diego’s mother was detained; and since Diego has no other close relatives, he will be under the custody of the agency she represents. When Rosa tells them that she will have to take him, Flor argues that Elsa left Diego under their care, but Rosa explains that that is not sufficient. Flor then asks Rosa to allow her to tell Diego since he trusts her…so that Diego won’t be so traumatized. Chile has arrived and Val tells him that the lady wants to take Diego to an orphanage…they need to do something.

Gris calls an adoption agency to ask for information.

After Flor talks to Diego, Diego cries that he wants to stay with them until his mother returns. Teo calms him down and explains the process, but he and Flor are going to do everything possible so that they won’t take him from them. Diego cries that he doesn’t want to go as Teo hugs and kisses him trying to calm him down. Teo then leaves to go talk to his father. Val complains about Teo getting involved since Val will take care of his own son. Flor gives him a look of annoyance.

Chile is with Marga at her house. She notes that he is very pensive and asks what is wrong. Chile wants to ask her a question, but he needs her to respond with the truth, only the truth and nothing but the truth—with a beard or without a beard? Marga has never seen him without a beard; so Chile asks her another question, but he needs her to respond with the truth, only the truth and nothing but the truth—until when will she love him? “From here to Canada and back,” she responds. Chile is satisfied, but he wants her to show him how much she loves him.

Flor gives Mariana an update. Mariana wonders how Elsa will react when she finds out; she will be desperate. Flor comments on how Val is taking it badly too since his son is going to end up in an orphanage just like he did. Rosa approaches and tells Flor that everything is ready; they can enter to say their good-byes. Meanwhile, Teo is talking to Oscar who explains that the state is fulfilling its obligations, but Teo and Flor can request temporary custody…they would be like his parents and make decisions regarding Diego. Teo looks somber; it won’t be an easy decision. He had always dreamed of having a family, but he never imagined being a father to Val’s son. Oscar points out that Teo has already become very close to Diego; he wonders why Teo would have a problem with getting custody. When Teo responds that getting custody of Diego is different than raising his own family, Oscar realizes that Teo is jealous of Val—he thinks that Val will always be present through Diego. Teo denies being jealous; he just thinks of all he had to go through to have all that he has with Flor now.. and it seems that Val is always present in one way or another…it’s an odd feeling. Oscar advises him that that feeling can bring out the worst in him…he is a good man and he shouldn’t allow Val, who isn’t there, to control his feelings. Teo needs to make decision; Oscar can ask the municipal judge to facilitate the process and issue a injunction to keep them from taking Diego. Teo asks for a moment to think about it.
 

FLOR
Ep 59: Part 3 Ye Have Little Faith, Val and Chile!

Rose is home when Ati comes over to talk…about her. He knows she is a good person and she did a fantastic job with the fashion show; he just wants to know why she would want to destroy his work at he church. Rose panics and is afraid Ati will turn her in, but he assures her he won’t…he is just curious; so Rose admits that she doesn’t want him to leave.

Chile and Marga are at the hospital. Marga worries about taking Diego from there; they could be put in jail for kidnapping. Chile assures her that they won’t be caught since a friend will help them. After Marga refuses to help him, Chile pulls at her heart strings and tells her that he just doesn’t want Diego to end up in an orphanage like he did, but Marga is not convinced. After he walks away, Flor sees Marga. Val meets up with Chile who assures him that Marga won’t turn them in. Back with Flor, Rosa T approaches and tells Flor that she will need to say goodbye to Diego on her own; she can’t wait any longer. Just then, Teo and Oscar arrive and tell Flor that Diego will not be taken away. Meanwhile, Val walks beside Chile who is dressed in scrubs and pushing a cart. Val instructs Chile to make sure to tell Diego that they are just playing a game. Chile enters and takes off his mask; he tells Diego that he works there and asks Diego if he wants to go for a ride…but Diego will need to change clothes. After Diego sees Chile talking to himself (and Val), Chile explains that he is schizo and is talking to his guardian angel.

Aure is sitting outside with Xochitl. When he tells her that he is going to be a professional, she advises that he will have to study very much. Xochitl notices that Aure is preoccupied, so she tells him not to worry since her mother is no longer seeing Ati…Aure can even try to get her to fall in love with him again.

At the hospital, Rosa T looks over the injunction as Teo explains to Flor that they will be getting temporary custody of Diego. Marga is watching and smiling, but when she turns around, she sees Chile pushing the hospital cart. Suddenly the hospital alarm goes off and a man is yelling to shut the doors because a child is missing.

Gris goes to see Lalo who is now working as a waiter. After he proudly asks her what she would like to order, Gris tells him that she knows that everything he is doing is for the baby…but she has been thinking and looking into another option…giving the baby up for adoption. Lalo is muy impactado…and not in a good way.

Marga arrives home and Aure tells her that Diego is missing. Marga already knows since she was just at the hospital. After Aure leaves, Marga calls Chile and desperately asks him to answer and if he has talked to Teo; Chile, however, doesn’t answer. Meanwhile, Chile and Val are out in the town with Diego leaning weakly against a wall and wondering why there are there if Chile said that they were only going to take a ride in the hospital. Chile lies and tells him that he got special permission…and it was his father’s idea; his father is looking out for him from where he is. Val gets summoned by Flor who asks him where Diego is. Val tells her that he didn’t take Diego, but Flor knows it wasn’t actually him…it was Chile; and she knows because Marga confessed to Teo.
 

MIRADA

Ay, Caray! I'm totally blown away and MUY impressed with the discussion today. I'll comment later, though...another hectic day :-/

Thank you JudyB! You are an excellent story teller!
 

FLOR

"Ye Have Little Faith, Val and Chile" - perfect Rgv Chick.

I am struck by the emotional growth exhibited by Teo and the childish, churlish backsliding by Val.

"Oscar realizes that Teo is jealous of Val—he thinks that Val will always be present through Diego" summarizes the situation. And to have your new wife's husband omnipresent (if only Teo knew how much so), is understandably discouraging. It is hard to come in second. But he has acted only with kindness toward Diego.

"Val complains about Teo getting involved since Val will take care of his own son". Really Val? You can't even hold your son - Teo saved his life and still you begrudge him the fact he is doing more for him than you ever could.

"Chile has arrived and Val tells him that the lady wants to take Diego to an orphanage…they need to do something". The panic that Diego would end up in an orphanage is indeed depressing to both Chile and Val but they need to collect their thoughts and really think this through. Diego needs to be with Teo and Flor.

I hope they haven't messed things up so that the situation isn't salvageable.

I'm sure Lalo is shocked at Gris' announcement. Too bad her parents acted so badly. Women can do it all. It's nice if we were reminded of and supported in that regard.

Val needs to grow up before he passes away...

Another home run RgvChick - thank you for your continued dedication and level of excellence.

Diana
 

MIRADA
Great recap, The Snark Queen strikes again. Thank you SQ JudyB--and just home from vacation, too. I'm in awe.

The lists are perfect--we'll be happy if any of the Takers reach the edge and are pushed over accordingly. (I think LuCriminal and Doc LimpMask hold the "edge" over the rest of our Takers)

I never heard of that analysis before, Takers and Givers. I always heard that the world is divided into two types of people: those who are Communists and those who aren't....(which dates me) and the many variations on the theme, but this one hones it right down to the bare bones.

Here are some others, gleaned from Google. The world is divided into two types:
...those who divide people into two types, and those who don't. (Attributed to Robert Benchley and a lot of others.)
...those who love to talk, and those who hate to listen - James Thorpe (although these could be the very same people)
...those who walk into a room and say, ‘There you are!’ and those who say, ‘Here I am!’ – Abigail Van Buren
...People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded. – Mark Twain
(This one is for my daughter)...There are three kinds of people in the world: Those who know math and those who don’t.
Last but not least ...There are two kinds of statistics: the kind you look up, and the kind you make up. – Rex Stout
 

MIRADA
Before I forget, lest we forget--LuCriminal took that one bottle of pills from the black trash bag (surely it was THE bottle of medicine prescribed to Toribio) and put it in her purse. She is no doubt waiting for an opportunity to slip it into Marina's purse. I'm waiting for that--either she's successful and no numbers of folks coming to Marina's defense will save her, or she's not and instead she's the one caught with the bottle. I can only hope.

And what of Marina's alibi? Is Munoz smart enough to compare the time of the break-in with Marina at the bar with everyone before announcing case solved? Hmm. He could fall into that last category of Dividing the World.

After witnessing Marina's sensitivity to gossip and rumor (which probably runs rampant in her town--remember the allegations that she had something going on for years with Doc Limp), it could be that she just quits to avoid the feeling of being judged. Then where will the Patio be with all our speculations.
 

MIRADA

Welcome back Anita. It's great to have you with us again. Ugh, I hate to think of Lucriminal getting away with this scheme. Poor Marina is such a lamb among the wolves. You've given me something else to worry about this weekend--will the vial of medicine make its way into our li'l gal's purse? Ugh.{it's just a story, just a story}

A bit off topic, but if anybody likes to read, in addition to polishing their Spanish with telenovelas, I have started the book El Murmullo de las Abejas and am finding it quite charming. Reading Colombian authors, or Spanish ones, can be daunting, but this is written by a Mexican and I'm finding it pretty easy going, even though the story has lots of magical realism, something we're not quite as used to in American/English novels.

I keep trying to find ways to keep this aging brain sharp so I know that I have to read in addition to my TV time, and this is quite a pleasant, intriguing book so far.
 

Hi patio people. Im late to the party.
Had a busy exhausting week. Happy 4th
Of July weekend patio.

I've enjoyed the recap. I've got 2 days to catchup with as far as watchin
Goes. But when I do I'll know what to expect.

Already I'm hating, yes hating what a
Sneaky SOB Donny is. I dont care about his charm, what he is planning to do to marina makes him no better than the
Freak in The mask and red shoes. To steal a child from the mother cuz he's
Obsessed with Havin a little Donny to
Screw up like he is and like he did to
Beto is just disgusting to me. He is not cute when he is hurting his child.
Marina is still I not good enough for him.
But her child is just because of his gender. How sick is that?

And doc bushybrow lucreepy lucriminal
Repunzel: she's the worst kind of snake(notice I went pass sneak & went right to SNAKE?)I DON'T like beto but he deserves better than that heffa. She went to a lot of trouble to set up
Our little daffodil. Marina has it comin from both sides. They should do a timejump a let marina get some cool smarts so nothin gets past her. I hate
What that poor excuse of a father is doing now. It's like he hates women if
They can't give him what he wants. So
What The hell did pru see in him any way? Im getting more pissed the more I
Talk about him. There is something that's simular to this on "The Bold and the Beautiful", but one tragedy at a time.

As for who I think is the worst jerks
In this soga. For me there's two in the lead. Da lousey & the masked freak
. I could put lucriminal with them but
Shes just workin from jealousy. I know
Her plot will fizzle. She just dumb.

Vane is gonna get out of her quagmire.
I just hope there's no blood spillage.
Mr ed is kinda cookcoo. Like a fox. He
Got that from moma coocoo. What is it
With these men and their domineering
Sperm attitude "You woman, me man,want
Offspring". Really? I'm not against men wanting kids, but we can do more than that.Lol.

Thank you JudyB. Loves your story tellin technical prowess. Y'all had me crackin up with these comments. Keep
Them comin ladies and gentlemen.
 

MIRADA

Sitting in cell phone waiting lot at airport, waiting for hubby’s plane to disembark. So catching up here is a good way to pass the time and listening to Lady Antebellum in my car. 😊

Anita - I like your theory of LuCriminal putting the pill bottle into Marina’s bag. It’s perfect. Our heroina is not done suffering until, what, three days before El Gran Fin, right? LOL
 

Nina—Loved your reference to Marina as our little daffodil, graceful, just blowing in the wind—whichever way it blows. Just hope her stalk is strong enough for the coming storm (which we’ve just been warned about here and I can hear the thunder).

And JudyB—The lamb among the wolves. It’s not that she can’t see them. She just can’t believe they are all so wicked. Who will take the first bite, DonDonnyDo or the Ex-Rapunzel?
 

Love that the Patio is still rockin' into the evening.

Ms. Nina, good to see you back. We were wondering where you were. Love it that you can get worked up and in a snit just THINKING about what these wicked folks are up to. You'll be even more upset when you watch the episodes. Except that Hilde is totally funny.

Ah Doris, Lady Antebellum. Freestyle is one of my favorites of theirs. Hope your Hub has arrived safely, and that you're out of the cellphone lot and on your way home by now.

Anita, we've had thunder and storms off and on for days. It's often been hard to know if it was thunder or fireworks. Very muggy too. A perfect excuse to put off yardwork.

Well, off for a walk in the park before hitting the shower. Early start tomorrow. Saludos a todos.
 

OT on the Patio

Hubby landed safely and is home. His flight out of Pittsburgh was delayed 50 minutes due to storms. The entire plane load of luggage sat in the tarmac during the storm and got soaked.

His golf bag and golf travel bag are sopping wet. Golf shoes inside bag are soaked. Golf towels were literally, I kid you not, dripping water all over the floor 😳 when he took his bag out of the travel cover. Clothes inside his suitcase are wet. I am not exaggerating. 😛 I told him that a hard shell suitcase is definitely on my birthday gift wish list because that would be a disaster if it happened at the start of a trip.

Back in February down in FLL, I could see our luggage from our cabin, sitting in a pile on the dock , waiting to be loaded on to our cruise ship as the trip began, thanking God it was not raining. That day, I started to consider hard shell luggage. After this, I'm a convert. Yikes.


 

MIRADA

Anita, another one: The world is divided into 10 types: those who understand binary, and those who don't.

Nina, "...Our little daffodil." I love it!

andy
 

MIRADA

Ah, I see we're having fun with our "the world is divided into..." Such a great Patio!

Doris, I've often wondered why people choose hard-shelled luggage since I assume it's heavier, and of course more unyielding to overpacking. But now I understand! Fortunately, no rainstorms hit our luggage in this last family vacation. My wee grandson is the only one with a hard-shell suitcase because his car seat/airplane seat hooks on to it so they can pull him around airports. Although most of the time he prefers to run renegade or else ride on his daddy's shoulders.

 

Andy - There is a third group of people like me who had to google 'what IS binary." LOL
 

Good Sunday to Everyone!

MIRADA

I must say that I am still amused by yesterday's discussion. I was going to make my own list of "The Worst" along with my reasoning, but Andy, you did such a good job that I could just copy and paste your list...with a few revisions--

I would put Chooch the Mooch right after Don Luis-cifer. Both are undeserving of being a human being much less a parent. Anyone who harms/abuses their child is definitely at the top of "my worst" list. I would also add Zackass to the list...probably put him right under Chooch since he set up Mago to fall--or possibly be killed but his plan didn't go as well as planned. Don MaskGoneLimp and Lucriminal are bad, but as of now, they haven't physically hurt anyone...but they would be subject to change depending on their future schemes.

JudyB, "Givers and Takers" what a wonderful notion. I am not surprised that you would bring up such a thought-proving idea and topic for discussion...I'm very impressed!

Doris, I like your idea of pharmaceutical rep for Erick, but I think I would like to see him completely out of the medical field. Has he ever expressed an interest in anything? I do remember that he told Yola that he was a very good cook., but that could have been a pick up line (shoulder shrug).

Anita, welcome back; you were truly missed! THe bottle of pills in Marina's possession--quite possible, but if Munoz isn't leery about that since Marina has an airtight alibi, he is an idiot..or just looking for a fallguy(gal).

OT-Doris, how horrible about your hubby's soaked belongings, but at least he arrived safely. Week before last, we had an unbelievable downpour and there was lots of flooding in the area. Fortunately, the water receded at my place within hours, but the amount of mosquitos is horrendous; my goats didn't even want to go out to graze! That's why I've been so busy--yardwork and mowing the grazing field (in addition to all my other daily chores) to try to get rid of the mosquitos.

Have a wonderful Sunday!



 

FLOR

Diana, "I am struck by the emotional growth exhibited by Teo and the childish, churlish backsliding by Val." It really baffles me how Flor fell in love with two complete opposites, but then I wonder--I have no doubt that Flor is in love with Val, but is she really in love with Teo or does she just love him? There is quite a distinction IMO.
 

"MIRADA":

RGV Chick: It's likely Marina will get fired!
 

FLOR

Rgv Chick, Yes, I agree Flor loved Val. I think she is starting to love Teo, perhaps not in the fiery, passionate sense but...Teo can't quite win her over because Val is still here, although not in the flesh :)

So, this is winding up! Seems to be time...

Diana