I celebrated by going to Salem, Massachusetts! Nothing to do with Cinco de Mayo or the Kentucky Derby. My cousin and her roommate both turn(ed) 60 this year, so they decided to split the difference between their two birth dates and celebrate today.

On the way home I stopped for take-out at a locally-owned Mexican restaurant which I go to about four times a year and always on Cinco de Mayo. It was started by a Navy veteran who had been stationed in Texas and often made trips across the border where he made friends and learned to cook Mexican food. A heavy smoker, he passed away a few years ago from a variety of lung problems: asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. One of the cooks took over the business and last year renamed it and minimized the menu. (Originally it had been mostly Mexican foods, then later the original owner added barbecue and Tex-Mex items. The new owner returned to Mexican foods only.) As I pulled into the parking lot today, I thought it was strangely, though not completely, empty for Cinco de Mayo when it is usually packed at any hour on this date. Then I saw the realtor's sign on the door. Yup. Closed. Out of business.

And I haven't heard who won the Kentucky Derby.