June 2, 1972 Fri.
Dear Diary:
Well I slept in a bit. David played golf. Becky & I walked to Mrs. Coverstones house but she was busy so we came back. Good exercise! Started to pack. We went to the country Club. Becky & I went swimming while David took tennis lessons. He joined us later. We had fun. Nothing special. I talked to Simmon. Watched T.V. David brought friends over & they watched T.V. Renzo, El Gitano with us. Dad wants me to havea Quince año party. Have to think about it.
BYE!!
Note: I think it is fun that David’s friends wanted to watch the telenovela with us. A gypsy (Renzo) is falsely accused of murder, sent to the island of the condemned, and left for dead. The young Adriana, an aristocrat, is heartbroken as they were in love. It was very exciting.
A Quinceñera party is like a sweet sixteen party on steroids. It was a big deal and I wasn’t sure I wanted one.
June 3, 1972 Sat.
Dear Diary:
Mrs. Coverstone came over & gave a birthday present, a real pretty blue & silver necklace. We went to her house to look a chester-drawers & then, Mr. Coverston & Mrs. Coverstone came over for drinks. We kids & Simmon went to the movies to see “Renzo, El Gitano” Pretty good. Mrs. Metz drove us home & gave me a present, Joya perfume. Simmon then came to our home & borrowed some books. Walked her home & got some mangoes. Mom & Dad at Hoars. Watched T.V.
BYE!
Note: I still have the beautiful necklace that Mrs. Coverston gave me. The Joya perfume is no longer made. Joya translates to jewel made by Myrugia in Spain. I would love to wear and smell it again.
Mrs. Metz was Simone’s mother and it was fun to see the movie of the telenovela (soap opera) we were watching. The Metzs had a big mango tree in their yard.
On a side note, we didn’t have apples in Nicaragua. Mom learned to make apple pies using green mangos instead. They were delicious!
June 4, 1972 Sun.
Dear Diary:
I got my presents today. I got a book of the life of Norman Rockwell, a pair of flower gold earrings from Siriman, a ring, a hair barret made from horn of a cow or ox. David & Becky are going to give me theirs in U.S.A. We went to church & super. We went to eat at Los Ranchos to celebrate my birthday. Mom made a cake. Hope to see Missy tomorrow. Washed & rolled my hair. Wish me a good trip.
BYE!!!
Note: I loved Norman Rockwell especially after meeting him in person on our trip to Spain in my March 25th entry.
My gold flower earrings were from Suriname and I love that they are big enough to cover the small scar on my right ear.
Los Ranchos was my favorite restaurant. I always ordered the churrasco with chimichurri sauce. Chimichurri sauce was made with parsley, olive oil and garlic. Amazingly delicious.
Our plan was to see Missy on our layover in Miami. She was there visiting her sister Kathy Sue.
😀
That necklace is pretty and well preserved! Were the movies subtitled in English? I remember going to see Alien while I was in Guatemala, but don't recall if there were Spanish subtitles. I also remember watching a telenovela when I rented a room in a shop owner's home. I have no idea the name of it, but it was interesting to listen to it and try to follow along.
Susie did you have your qinceañera? Very cool that Henry wanted you to have one! We were invited to have one at Nejapa but Dad did not allow. Good thing, it was too much of a big deal! Really nice neckless from Mom - Kathie Coverston - I used to love to wear her jewelry to parties in Managua.
Would give a lot to go to Los Ranchos for bistek con chimichurri... wonder if there is still one in Managua. Miami had a Los Ranchos and I hope it is still there.. What a treasure your diary is - thanks so much for sharing it! Tootsie
Never knew you’d met Norman Rockwell. How cool! We loved his photographs and I gave my dad a book about him, too.
It’s great that you kept this diary. I have no clue as to what I got for my 15th. I wish I did.
Tracy S.
It was fun to hear about your birthday.
You made a real effort keeping up with your special gifts. It wouldn’t be easy moving around like you did growing up.
MJ