My New Floor Standing Water Dispenser ✨A Birthday Gift to Myself!

 No More Manual Pumping from a Ciel Garafon!

Slide the Water Bottle into the Floor Standing Dispenser

My manual garrafón (5-gallon water bottle) pump broke the first time I tried to use it after vacation. It must have dried out inside, and when I pulled the knob to suck up water, the whole pump came apart into two pieces! Jon no longer lives with me, so I had to figure out how to fix it... No, that wasn't going to happen. I threw that pump away! I had to find a place to buy a new one.

The Manual Water Pump in a Garafon of Ciel Water

I Have a Sensitive Stomach, So I Only Drink Ciel Water

When I searched online for a new water bottle pump, El Tío Sam’s came up as a potential source. I have one of their stores in our neighborhood, so I walked over to see what kind of pump they had. Since they didn’t stock any manual pumps, the kind saleswoman showed me two models of floor-standing water dispensers. The floor models were marked down significantly for clearance. I didn’t need a fancy one with an ice maker, but the Mabe that dispensed hot, cold, and room-temperature water caught my attention.

My Birthday Gift to Myself!

I told the salesperson that I can not lift a garrafón. She showed me how to simply open the door at floor level, slide the water bottle in, close the door, and push a button to dispense water straight into a glass. The price was a little over 5,000 MXN (about $300 US), a lot more than I had intended to spend. But it's almost my birthday, I rationalized. And I’m now a senior, living alone, with arthritis to boot, so I need a few helpful devices.

I asked how soon they could deliver it. When the associate said it would come to my home in just two days, I was sold! No more manual pumping from a Ciel garrafón!

The El Tio Sam delivery men were not allowed to help with how to use the water dispenser. And, the instruction manual was only in Spanish. Yes, I can read a little Spanish, but not enough to grasp the fine points of this contraption! 

Why Wouldn't It Pump Water?

ChatGPT to the rescue! Thank you to my daughter, Michelle, for telling me about ChatGPT. It walked me through every step. Except one—how to get water to come out when I pushed a button!

Then I remembered reading that many pumps won’t work on a screw-top bottle. That’s why we had always used Jon’s handy-dandy circular metal clamp ring with the manual pump—to create a seal! I installed the clamp around the plastic cap adapter, tightening the screw to seal the adapter to the neck of the garrafón.

The Circular Metal Camp Ring Tightened the Adapter

I pushed the water bottle back in, closed the door, and pushed the middle dispensing button. Out came room temperature water into my glass!

Video of My Success with Dispensing Water!

The cooling unit was working to provide cold water—I could hear it. But the hot water dispenser wasn’t working. ChatGPT described a child protection device for the hot water button on this Mabe model. I told ChatGPT that mine did not have that. It told me to send a photo of my unit! I uploaded an image, and it immediately explained how to use the two-button hot water dispensing feature. AI is amazing! My water dispenser is pretty cool, too!

My Other Birthday Treat—Dinner at Barcelona Tapas

Terry L Turrell, Author

BLUE WATER Part 4: Days 31 through 40💦 Traveling Alone #100daysofblue

 100 Days of Blue Continues

New Memories of Traveling Alone

Searching for Blue Mind from Blue Water

The blue mind effect is a mildly meditative state, a feeling of peace associated with water. Water can produce physical and mental health benefits by being near, in, under, or on it, especially if it’s blue water.

100 Days of Blue is a campaign inspired by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, encouraging people to spend time near, in, on, or under water for its positive impact on well-being. To carry on his legacy, many people are posting one blue water photo or video a day for 100 days, often with the hashtag #100daysofblue. I have included ten of my Blue Water photos here, covering Days 31 through 40 of the 100 Days of Blue.

Day 31 of Blue: Sunset Behind the 

Rooftop Pool as the Rain Approaches 

So many soothing shades of blue at sunset. Even the gray-blue above was soothing and provided a dose of Blue Mind.

Day 32 of Blue: No Wine in the Fridge!

Thank goodness, I have an upstairs source with a beautiful sunset view. It's so much prettier than my camera can capture. The blue water of the pool, illuminated by the lights, is stunning against the gray-blue ocean as the sun sets. Now the thunder, lightning, and rain have started. There's a rainbow 🌈!

Video: Enjoying the Rainstorm

In Puerto Vallarta 

I should be packing, but this was more enjoyable. ⛈️ Enjoy my video above.

My Vacation Begins

Day 33 of Blue Water 

A Little Dose of Blue Mind, the Blue Water Effect 

From a Walk On South Miami Beach 

Day 34 of Blue Water 

Piraeus, Greece June 28, 2025

I walked to this highly rated beach in Piraeus, Greece. Google Maps said it was only 1.1 miles. I must have taken a wrong turn and gone around this pretty marina instead of bypassing it. How was I to know?! Those street signs are all Greek to me. And Maps wasn't working on my phone without Wi-Fi.

After 7000 steps (over three miles) in 94-degree heat, up and down hills, I couldn't find a single open pub or cafe to cool off and enjoy the view. I wasn't going down to that beach because I knew I was in no condition to climb back up.

My Uber app wasn't working, and there wasn't a taxi to be found. Heat exhaustion was now a concern, so I ducked into a deli that was closing and asked if they could call a taxi for me.

The three men shook their heads and said it would be difficult because taxis are all busy during tourist season. While I enjoyed the air conditioning and a chair, one man spent ten minutes outside flagging taxis. When he was finally successful, I thanked him and tried to give him a tip, but he shook his head and let me know how much the taxi ride should cost — 10 euros. And that's exactly what the nice taxi driver charged me. No Blue Mind from viewing the ocean, but I met some friendly Greek people who spoke enough English to help me.

Day 35 of Blue: From the Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship

Departing the Piraeus Port in Greece June 29, 2025

Day 36 of Blue: Sailing through the Dardanelle Strait

Message from Virgin Voyages: Don’t Miss the Dardanelles!

Day 37 of Blue Water: Istanbul from the Cruise Ship

Day 38 of Blue Water from My Balcony Hammock

 Resting After All That Walking in Istanbul July 2, 2025

Day 39 of Blue Water While Cruising

Getting a Dose of Vitamin Sea July 3, 2025

Day 40 of Blue The Joy of Floating

A Beach Club in Kusadasi, Turkey July 4, 2025

After two days of cultural tours, I spent the last day in Turkey relaxing at a beach club. It was a very hot day, so cooling off in the ocean was a refreshing experience.

The Kusadasi city sign and the fort on the island were the view I saw when I opened the curtains that morning. I never sensed the ship docking as I slept.

Then, I watched a third large cruise ship coming in. The view from the captain's cam on the room's TV is always interesting. I watched hundreds of tourists streaming off the ship for early cultural tours. Virgin Voyages is extremely organized, maintaining a calm atmosphere. I appreciate that as I search for healing here in the Mediterranean. I hadn't planned to do this cruise alone.💙

Please see more of my Blue Water photos at these links:

Part 1: Days 1 through 10 of Blue at 100 Days of Blue Begins: Where I Find My Blue Mind.

Part 2: 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 🌊🌊 (Part 2: Days 11 to 20) 

Part 3: Part 3: Days 21 through 30 💦💦💦 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞

I started posting photos on May 26, 2025, and will update them daily, más o menos, for 100 days. Check back occasionally to see more Blue photos.

Have you read my novels? If so, the terms "Blue Mind" and "Blue Water Effect" will be familiar. These medical fiction books revolve around various mental illnesses and the quest for diagnosis and treatment. I recommend starting with Just Another Manic Moment: A Novel (In Sickness and In Health #1).

The value of living near blue water is a significant aspect of my stories and my life. My goal is to pass this knowledge to others.

Enjoy the adventure!

Terry

Terry L Turrell, Author 

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 (Part 3-Days 21 through 30)💦💦💦 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞

 What is Blue Mind?

Happy Memories with Jon Continue

Day 21 of 100 Blue Water Photos

Blue Mind from being IN THE WATER!

Jon and Terry Snorkeling at Marietas Islands 2019

I’ve included the term Blue Mind in many of my books. I often refer to it as the Blue Water Effect. Dr. Wallace J Nichols, a marine biologist, popularized the phrase with his book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. It is peace. It is the feeling of calmness and relaxation that comes from being in or near the water, and it has a positive impact on our mental health.

Day 22 of 100 Blue Water Photos: 

Terry in Sayulita ON THE WATER

Stand Up Paddleboarding in April 2015

Day 23 of 100 Blue Water Photos for Blue Mind 

2018-06-18 Isla de Pajaros (Bird Island), Mazatlan

Day 24 of 100 Blue Water Photos: Puerto Vallarta

Between One Storm and Hurricane Erick. Photo June 17, 2025.💙

Day 25 of Blue photos: The Caribbean Sea Near Isla Mujeres

 I had a Peaceful Time Alone in a Super Panga While Others Snorkeled

This is one of my favorites of the 100 Blue Photos, so far. I've been saving it, literally dreaming about it. It brings back childhood memories of times spent with family in our boat. The rocking sensation, the warmth (usually), and all the sports my parents introduced us to. Waterskiing, fishing, crabbing, swimming, driving the boat, and jumping up on the seats so the crabs couldn't 🦀 pinch us. And sleeping under the bow was so soothing. I had Blue Water experiences 💙 often in my childhood. I appreciate my parents for giving me that.

Day 26 of Blue-La Penita Beach and Jaltemba Bay

After Sunset January 13, 2025

Day 27 of 100 Blue Water Photos

The Blue Pacific Ocean

Viewed from Don Pedro’s Restaurant, Sayulita, June 20, 2020

Day 28 of Blue: Susan Creek Falls, Oregon 

Soothing View and Sounds

August 29, 2016

Day 29 of Blue: Blue Water Reflecting the Blue Sky, April 7, 2016💙

Puerto Vallarta Malecon Dancers with the Blue Pacific Ocean Behind

Day 30 of Blue: The Wake of a Virgin Voyages

Cruise Ship in the Caribbean 2023--Looks Inviting

Check back every few days to see more calming Blue photos. Blue Mind is a state of positive mental health. I look for opportunities every day. 

Please see Part 1, Days 1 through 10 of Blue at 100 Days of Blue Begins: Where I Find My Blue Mind.

Take a Look at My Books About Life and Travel in Mexico

In The Right Margin of my Blog. 👉👉🏽 

Terry L Turrell, Author

See My Amazon Author Page HERE

𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬💦💦𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 (Part 2-Days 11 through 20)

 And What Is Blue Mind?

More Memories of Happy Times with Jon

Day 11 of Blue: Getting Ready to Snorkel in the Caribbean Sea

From Our First Visit to Isla Mujeres (Island ofWomen), Quintana Roo

Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. It is peace. It is the feeling of calmness and relaxation that comes from being in or near the water, and it has a positive impact on our mental health. Dr. Wallace J Nichols, a marine biologist, popularized the phrase with his book Blue Mind.

There are so many variations of blue. The blue-green of the Caribbean Sea is quite different from the blue of the Pacific Ocean, yet both are calming.

“Red Mind is a term coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, and it refers to the state of anxiety, over-stimulation, and over-connectivity that is often associated with modern life. It's the opposite of Blue Mind, which is the state of mild meditation and tranquility that is induced by being in or near water.”

Day 12 of Blue: A Blue-Gray June Day at Daiquiri Dick's

In Old Town Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Even on a Blue-Gray Day, the Pacific Ocean’s

Motion and Sound are Soothing (Video Above)

Day 13 of Blue: A Calming Breakfast View from

The Wake Restaurant on the Stern of a Virgin Cruise Ship

Day 14 of Blue: A Restful Seating Area Near 

La Palapa Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta

Day 15 of 100 Blue Photos: Terry Paddleboarding

That's me paddleboarding on my knees in 2019 during a Marietas Island cruise. I might have had a margarita and couldn't stand up at that moment.😅But I was still getting a dose of Blue Mind. See more of our Marietas Island cruise photos HERE.

Day 16 of 100 Blue Photos: Waiting to Board the Super-Panga

To go Snorkeling from Isla Mujeres in the Caribbean Sea

Day 17 of 100 Blue Photos: Santa Maria del Oro Lake

The Blue Mind experience was especially pleasant while we kayaked with Bella, our dachshund, in 2017. I'm enjoying reminiscing about my old blog posts, which feature places I've been with Jon.

Day 18 of 100 Blue Water Photos:

Our View From La Ramada Restaurant

On Stone Island, Mazatlan in April 2024. We were having lunch

With friends, Ernie and Alexis. A wonderful memory.

Day 19 of Blue Water Photos: March 6, 2018

Sayulita Ocean View from a Friend’s Home

Day 20 of 100 Blue Water Photos

Parasail on Los Muertos Beach, January 31, 2025

Have you gazed at the gorgeous blue ocean from up high while parasailing? It is surreal. And peaceful. I've done it once in Cabo San Lucas and another time in Mazatlan. One of these blue-sky days, I'll do it in Puerto Vallarta.💦

Check back every few days to see more calming Blue photos. Blue Mind is a state of positive mental health. I look for opportunities every day. 

Please see Part 1, Days 1 through 10 of Blue at 100 Days of Blue Begins: Where I Find My Blue Mind.

Terry L Turrell, Author

See My Books on My Amazon Author Page

Life in Mexico: Never a Dull Moment

Healthy Living in Mexico #4

Cover Photo by Terry L Turrell

𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 🌊🌊 Days 1 through 10

 What is Blue Mind?

Memories of Happy Times with Jon

Day 1: On a Sailboat in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta

I’ve included the term Blue Mind in many of my books. I often refer to it as the Blue Water Effect. Dr. Wallace J Nichols, a marine biologist, popularized the phrase with his book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. It is peace. It is the feeling of calmness and relaxation that comes from being in or near the water, and it has a positive impact on our mental health.

Watching the Pelicans and Masked Boobies

The ocean is a common source of Blue Mind for me and Jon. That is one of the main reasons we moved to Sayulita, Nayarit, ten years ago and now live in Puerto Vallarta. We look for ways to reach Blue Mind from the Pacific Ocean where we live, and other seas when we travel.

Day 2: Our Walk to Breakfast in the Romantic Zone

Day 3: Exploring Isla Mujeres in the Caribbean Sea

La Tregueña Sculpture on the Malecón 

Day 4: Celebrating 30 Years of Marriage on a

Virgin Voyages Caribbean Sea Cruise Two Years Ago

Day 5: Walking on Lo de Marcos Beach Before Sunset

Day 6: Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea

Day 7: A Blue Infinity Pool Overlooking the Puerto Vallarta Bay

From My Blog 14 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT CONDO LIVING (Part 2)

Day 8-North Beach on Isla Mujeres- Caribbean Sea

See More of Our Visit Three Years Ago HERE

When I'm having a Red Mind day and can't get to the beach for a few hours, I look for a Blue photo I've taken. Today, this one calms my mind. The memory brings me a feeling of tranquility. 

Day 9 of 100 Blue Photos

A View of Playa Los Muertos and the Muelle (Pier)

See More in My Article About Time With Family on the Beach:

𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯: 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 "𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬𝟮" 

Day 10 of Blue: My Olukai walking Shoes Arrived

From the U.S. and They Fit!

I'm so excited about my walking shoes, I don't even care that I had to pay an extra 489 peso importation charge for FedEx to get them through Aduana (customs) and wait weeks for shipping. They don't involve water yet, but soon!

See more of my Blue photos at 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱  (Part 2: Days 11 to 20).

I started posting photos on May 26, 2025, and will update them daily, más o menos, for 100 days. Check back occasionally to see more Blue photos.

Maybe This is Why I Love to Wear Blue!

Terry L Turrell, Author

Thank you for reading 📚 my books and blog articles. I would love to get a few reviews on Just Another Manic Moment: A Novel during May, Mental Health Awareness month. See the book cover in the right margin👉. Click the cover to download it on Amazon, free with KindleUnlimited.

View my Amazon Author Page HERE.