Christmas Vacation is upon us, and funny as it may be ... I need one ! The transition from Low season to High, from Wet to Dry, Hot to Cold !! was like a Tornado, and I was swept up in the middle of it !! Migra was a part of all that too, but after the New Year, no more.
Patricia and I' were fingerprinted on Tuesday, and we'll have our new Residency Cards early in the New Year.
A great Fiesta on Friday, with Kinder Class and Mother's putting on a show. Tamales and that hot milky drink ?? for sale ...very good !! There was a full size manger, awaiting the Baby Jesus, but I was leaving just as Mary & Joseph arrived. We'd already been there over 2 hours; 3:00 o'clock means 4:30 around here.
At least I got there just after 4, instead of 2:45, like some other Gringos !!
No school, and no Casa check ins to tend to, until Boxing Day, and then off to Pam's Tea.
Christmas with the Russell's, which will include Hockey Night in Canada, even if it;s a repeat. Celebrating Ms. WR's Birthday tomorrow, on the beach, with Oysters I hope.
Quicinara on Saturday, Winter Solstice Party at Aprils too !
When is there time to go to shopping in Vallarta ? and the Sea is rough, the moon full and high. Instead of the man in the moon we have an Energizer Bunny !! and she is clear as the
nose on my face !
I am really looking forward to preparing for the School Year. I have my helpers lined up to help me with my props and materials. I think parts of The Globe and Mail will be a great
resource for teaching the more advanced kids. That's exciting !
There are so many resources these kids do without, but B&A at the Library are a great resource, and together we hope to improve the learning experience for these kids !!
When I was at Migra, one of these times, I met a man who ran a lunch program up and down our coast, Las Animas, Yelapa, Pizota, Chimo, every school once a week, and that was
15 years ago !! He had Corporate Sponsorship, from USA. What a guy !
Best Wishes Everyone, for a Safe and Happy Holiday .... Enjoy every moment !!
and I'll write again January 12th, the 2nd Sunday in January.
Love & Peace
kelley
Monday, December 16, 2013
Photos
The first act at the Yacht Club Friday Night.
Notice the Snowman in the corner, handmade from Dixie Cups,
and sold in the Auction.
A couple of Showmen in the group ...
Dylan, Mimi's #1 Grandchild, with friends, a sign of things to come ...
The Kinder kids Mom's were fantastic !
Yvonne and Yahara
Monday, December 9, 2013
Photos from the North
I want to show my support, and love for the North Country, God's Country as
Poppa used to tell me. It's cold, but magical, prestine, intense and beautiful.
Yelapa isn't the only Paradise in our Universe ...
Happy Snowshoeing
The Great Lake Superior
My Mother's ashes are here, as she requested
Trans-Canada Highway # 17 ... entering my home town ..
Merry, Merry, Everything
Hola ... and it's not too early to say ... Feliz Navidad ... Merry Christmas ... Happy Holidays !!
I have to buy new Garland for the front gate this year. I don't have a tree, as many people do, or very many other Decorations, besides the strings of coloured lights I have in the Palapa year round, but I confess I took a pair of red Reindeer Ears from my Dad's attic ! , and will wear them to some Fiesta's and at Mimi's , and Boxing Day ! Thanks Dad !
Off to MIGRA tomorrow with Patricia, to pay our dues and get fingerprinted for our Residency Card! So excited. The next step will be to pick it up, before Christmas , if we're lucky, and then Pop the Champagne ! Thanks Dad !
Lots of people ill with the Gripa, as usual when the weather changes. Very overcast and misty in the mornings, but the sun breaks through for the afternoon, kinda like Santa Cruz !
but not quite so cold ! My legs have cleared up, perhaps it was " only " a heat rash, from my
walks up river to he school. I learn a lot when this kinda thing happens, from all my Local friends giving me their diagnosis. Vapor, or vicks Vapor Rub as we know it is used a lot for
disinfectant, I guess, Rubbing Alcohol, just called , Alchol, and of course, lime, and the hot hot water trick ! I used Zinc ointment, imported from Canada. If/ when you come, bring your own small first aid kit with your favorite, go to remedy's, including Benodrill.
The Sea is calm and incredibly clear, and still not too cold for a swim. Lots of kayak's and people off on Fishing Charters .
Spending time at the school has been incredible. I have only met half the classes, so far but still have this week to make my way around. The holidays will be full of Lesson Planning
and finding more Resources. My friend P., who is teaching in China, told me about so many websites designed to help teachers, and I will join up, for only $ 30.00 usd a year.
My goal is to develop a curriculum that could be a long term Resource . Many kids from Secondaria have asked for lessons over the holidays, and I look forward to learning from them.
My regular student, Ana, is a huge help in the classroom, and we are continuing her lessons weekly as well. Last week I gave her a 2 page ad for Holt Renfrew ( famous fancy store )
and she is to explain the ad to me next week ! We are also reading Stuart Little, from the full suitcase of books a regular Canadian visitor donated ! Gracias. If anyone was thinking to bring donations, crayons, coloured pencils, notebooks, chalk, could all be put to good use.
A few photos of Mimi's; that's a reflection, from somewhere, in the first pic, not a flaming
decoration ! More photos to come, especially once I have a new camera.
Casa Delfin and Pepe are keeping me busy. People are inquiring and booking, almost every day. I hope Yelapa has a very successful season. There are so many things to do, and places to eat ! Gloria's has the Sports Bar/ Restaurant going strong, many football fans in town . I'll have to pay more attention to Hockey after the Holidays, and be ready to head down and catch the Leafs in the Play offs ... anything is possible ...
Next week will be my last post till January.
I'll take 3 weeks off and devote the time to lesson plans and tutoring.
Wish me luck ...
love, Kelley
I have to buy new Garland for the front gate this year. I don't have a tree, as many people do, or very many other Decorations, besides the strings of coloured lights I have in the Palapa year round, but I confess I took a pair of red Reindeer Ears from my Dad's attic ! , and will wear them to some Fiesta's and at Mimi's , and Boxing Day ! Thanks Dad !
Off to MIGRA tomorrow with Patricia, to pay our dues and get fingerprinted for our Residency Card! So excited. The next step will be to pick it up, before Christmas , if we're lucky, and then Pop the Champagne ! Thanks Dad !
Lots of people ill with the Gripa, as usual when the weather changes. Very overcast and misty in the mornings, but the sun breaks through for the afternoon, kinda like Santa Cruz !
but not quite so cold ! My legs have cleared up, perhaps it was " only " a heat rash, from my
walks up river to he school. I learn a lot when this kinda thing happens, from all my Local friends giving me their diagnosis. Vapor, or vicks Vapor Rub as we know it is used a lot for
disinfectant, I guess, Rubbing Alcohol, just called , Alchol, and of course, lime, and the hot hot water trick ! I used Zinc ointment, imported from Canada. If/ when you come, bring your own small first aid kit with your favorite, go to remedy's, including Benodrill.
The Sea is calm and incredibly clear, and still not too cold for a swim. Lots of kayak's and people off on Fishing Charters .
Spending time at the school has been incredible. I have only met half the classes, so far but still have this week to make my way around. The holidays will be full of Lesson Planning
and finding more Resources. My friend P., who is teaching in China, told me about so many websites designed to help teachers, and I will join up, for only $ 30.00 usd a year.
My goal is to develop a curriculum that could be a long term Resource . Many kids from Secondaria have asked for lessons over the holidays, and I look forward to learning from them.
My regular student, Ana, is a huge help in the classroom, and we are continuing her lessons weekly as well. Last week I gave her a 2 page ad for Holt Renfrew ( famous fancy store )
and she is to explain the ad to me next week ! We are also reading Stuart Little, from the full suitcase of books a regular Canadian visitor donated ! Gracias. If anyone was thinking to bring donations, crayons, coloured pencils, notebooks, chalk, could all be put to good use.
A few photos of Mimi's; that's a reflection, from somewhere, in the first pic, not a flaming
decoration ! More photos to come, especially once I have a new camera.
Casa Delfin and Pepe are keeping me busy. People are inquiring and booking, almost every day. I hope Yelapa has a very successful season. There are so many things to do, and places to eat ! Gloria's has the Sports Bar/ Restaurant going strong, many football fans in town . I'll have to pay more attention to Hockey after the Holidays, and be ready to head down and catch the Leafs in the Play offs ... anything is possible ...
Next week will be my last post till January.
I'll take 3 weeks off and devote the time to lesson plans and tutoring.
Wish me luck ...
love, Kelley
Sunday, December 8, 2013
photos
The view from the front entrance.
The Restaurant is through the stripped door.
View of the Restaurant, from the dishwashing/laundry area.
Mimi washing dishes .... on her 44 th Birthday !!
A mother to 4 , and a Grandmother to 4 more !
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Great Big Sea
Winter has arrived. There wasn't what you would think of as Fall, there was the day I put the extra blanket on the bed, and the day I unpacked the bedspread, and then, Winter.
Temperature will drop to 19 degrees tonight ! but don't forget I'm living outside !
Hood up on the Hoodie in the morning, but no Woolen Sarong , or Newfoundlander Socks , yet !
There really is only 2 seasons, wet and dry, and so live your life accordingly !!
The afternoon sun is still hot, although the sky is cloudy and the ocean is rough and full of debris, coming down from the river , mostly. Big big tides, with the new moon on Tuesday.
The ocean has something to say .....
I expect to go in to Immigration this week, and hope I will have a smooth trip. A feeling not unlike having to drive Highway 17 from Santa Cruz to San Jose, in the dark, and the fog ....
or Schreiber to Terrace Bay in a white out !! This is easier than that !
Another Science Experiment, on my legs this time. Different from Fungus, but in the same
family, more related to rash ... A tip I learnt last time; put the affected area under running water, as hot as you can stand .... it's the best cure I've come across for those little bumps.
Thanksgiving was a hit, as always. A huge feast, and I remembered my Tupperware this time. The Local Band is incredible. Top Notch, as we say in English Class !! The Lead Singer is remarkable, she'll knock your flip flops off !! I don't know how many places were serving Thanksgiving Dinner, but last year there were 7 !! Gloria's has been showing all the Sports Events, so i hope they keep it going and we'll all watch the Stanley Cup from there !
Mimis is going strong, although Friday Night Live has been slow. The Deli opens tomorrow, but I'll take a tip from George Frankle at Bridges, on Granville Island, and not advertise for a week or more. This will be alot different than cooking for 2, or 4 . The main thing I'm worried about is where we'll hang the hammock !!
If Yelapa has taught me anything, it's Poco a Poco.
I am expected at the School on Wednesday to begin teaching English ! Very Very Excited about that. Last week I was up to meet the Grade One class. Next week I hope to meet a few more classes , and begin to revise my lessons to meet their needs. Christmas Break comes in
2 weeks , and when we start again in January I will be prepared to be the next Yelapa ESL
Teacher. I am so pleased, and so grateful, since I've had so much help getting this far.
No reports on any great fishing lately, but a few Pargo. It doesn't matter though because
you can always have shrimp. or chicken or ribs, or Chile Rellenos, or Tostada Soup, or
Pazole, or Biria, or ... or ... left over Turkey ... Even in Yelapa...
We've come along way !
Buen Provencho !!
k
Temperature will drop to 19 degrees tonight ! but don't forget I'm living outside !
Hood up on the Hoodie in the morning, but no Woolen Sarong , or Newfoundlander Socks , yet !
There really is only 2 seasons, wet and dry, and so live your life accordingly !!
The afternoon sun is still hot, although the sky is cloudy and the ocean is rough and full of debris, coming down from the river , mostly. Big big tides, with the new moon on Tuesday.
The ocean has something to say .....
I expect to go in to Immigration this week, and hope I will have a smooth trip. A feeling not unlike having to drive Highway 17 from Santa Cruz to San Jose, in the dark, and the fog ....
or Schreiber to Terrace Bay in a white out !! This is easier than that !
Another Science Experiment, on my legs this time. Different from Fungus, but in the same
family, more related to rash ... A tip I learnt last time; put the affected area under running water, as hot as you can stand .... it's the best cure I've come across for those little bumps.
Thanksgiving was a hit, as always. A huge feast, and I remembered my Tupperware this time. The Local Band is incredible. Top Notch, as we say in English Class !! The Lead Singer is remarkable, she'll knock your flip flops off !! I don't know how many places were serving Thanksgiving Dinner, but last year there were 7 !! Gloria's has been showing all the Sports Events, so i hope they keep it going and we'll all watch the Stanley Cup from there !
Mimis is going strong, although Friday Night Live has been slow. The Deli opens tomorrow, but I'll take a tip from George Frankle at Bridges, on Granville Island, and not advertise for a week or more. This will be alot different than cooking for 2, or 4 . The main thing I'm worried about is where we'll hang the hammock !!
If Yelapa has taught me anything, it's Poco a Poco.
I am expected at the School on Wednesday to begin teaching English ! Very Very Excited about that. Last week I was up to meet the Grade One class. Next week I hope to meet a few more classes , and begin to revise my lessons to meet their needs. Christmas Break comes in
2 weeks , and when we start again in January I will be prepared to be the next Yelapa ESL
Teacher. I am so pleased, and so grateful, since I've had so much help getting this far.
No reports on any great fishing lately, but a few Pargo. It doesn't matter though because
you can always have shrimp. or chicken or ribs, or Chile Rellenos, or Tostada Soup, or
Pazole, or Biria, or ... or ... left over Turkey ... Even in Yelapa...
We've come along way !
Buen Provencho !!
k
Monday, November 25, 2013
Happy Happy Thanksgiving
What crazy weather we're having, and everyone seems to agree, no matter where they live !
I was chatting with my friend from grade school, who still lives in the North, she's thinking about coming down to visit, and I told her it was very pleasant 80 degrees, it was -23 where she was ... way too cold for so early in the year ... and they have already had a major blizzard ! It rained here, again, only 4 days ago, but I won't complain about the temperature here, even if it is over cast and grey again today.
Into PV but our papers weren't ready ?! and so we still have 2 more trips. I've been through this in the USA and it isn't straight forward dealing with Immigration anywhere. Luckily the Information woman at the front desk is a Saint, who speaks English. She really deserves a box of Tim Horton donuts, but since those aren't available here, I would love to bring her a
famous Yelapa Pie on the last visit.
The 8:30 am Taxi is running now, but it won't be till after American Thanksgiving that the
Tourist Season is in full swing. I must check on all the afternoon times leaving PV, as I have
guests arriving soon. I think there is a 5:30 and even a 6:30 from Boca, but they arrive after
dark, which I don't recommend for your first time, or you've been away for a while, or you are checking in to a rental. Coming home is one thing, but learning your way around a new place, in the dark, can leave yourself open for avoidable mishaps, like fumbling around for the light switch, losing your flashlight, missing a step, not checking the bed and pillows
properly, leaving your suitcase open or your valuables on the kitchen table over night, etc. etc.etc. A big part of the adventure is getting here, but you don't want to start with the biggest one first ! at least I wouldn't. I time my trips around the new and full moon as much as possible, especially in Jan/Feb/Mar. It's pretty obvious how the moon and the sea communicate around those times, and I prefer to watch from my house, rather than a boat.
And ALWAYS keep your hands and fingers in the boat, AWAY from the sides especially at
the pier, and don't be a show off ! Focus. When you walk around, Go Slow and Lift your Feet. Don't stick your hands, face, nose, feet etc., anywhere you can't see what's there,
remember to shake everything ... then you should be fine ! Sweeping the Casita and wiping the Kitchen counters, I killed 3 Scorpions within a few hours. I saw them way before they got close to me, because I was very very careful, and was going slow. That's one reason why Mexican Woman are seen, and depicted, sweeping everywhere and everything ... getting rid of those bad bugs. We have learnt with Sting Ray how important staying sedentary is after the Sting, keep the poison centralized as much as possible. Poor guy found out the hard way, but back on the trail the other day, so that's good news . Searching PV for the Anti Venom, to keep on hand.
...speaking of Fish ... the Vinny caught a fish so big the other day, it was hanging over both sides of the boat ... I'm not kidding ... A Needle Fish, Spear Fish, not sure, but big ... very big.
He cleaned it in the Bay because he probably needed to be tied up to something to get around it ? What a scene, him pulling into the bay with this giant prize, almost bigger than his boat. All the other boats come round to get a look, of course, and I watched through the binoculars, until it got too messy. I feel for the Fish sometimes, I really do, and I know I'm not alone, but I'm not going to stop eating them anytime soon. I haven't cleaned and gutted the one I said I would this summer, try again next summer, maybe after I do that, I won't eat them anymore ?
I had a converstion ! with Fast Eddy aka CrazyEnrique, on the path the other day. He was
a little anxious about something that had happened the night before, I have no idea what, but that reminded him of a story he began to tell me, and before he could deliver the ending he started laughing, uncontrolably, almost, although trying his best to get out the ending.
He laughed so hard it got me laughing and we were both in tears on the path. I was understanding 1/14 th of what he was saying, but it was something about the old days and
Primitvo ? finding out he had Cancer ? and killing himself with an emergency flare from one of the boats ? ... put it under his chin and blew his head off ? I must have missed something, because that doesn't sound very funny to me, but it had us in stitches !
Mix that with the Fish story and you have one special, crazy place !
I have the picture of Enrique in a nice frame ready to give to him, we shall see what his reaction is. He can't say Thank You Kelley; he doesn't know my name.
I have sad news from Canada, Rick Kennedy, a dear friend from Childhood died, at 54 yrs.
Cancer. It hasn't sunk in yet. That's 3 of my guy pals, dead in 2 years. I had a lovely lunch with Rick, and his wife and Fraser 2 years ago, both men on Chemo then, and both gone now. Rest in Peace you guys, and keep watching over me .... all my love always ...
tu amiga
kelley
I was chatting with my friend from grade school, who still lives in the North, she's thinking about coming down to visit, and I told her it was very pleasant 80 degrees, it was -23 where she was ... way too cold for so early in the year ... and they have already had a major blizzard ! It rained here, again, only 4 days ago, but I won't complain about the temperature here, even if it is over cast and grey again today.
Into PV but our papers weren't ready ?! and so we still have 2 more trips. I've been through this in the USA and it isn't straight forward dealing with Immigration anywhere. Luckily the Information woman at the front desk is a Saint, who speaks English. She really deserves a box of Tim Horton donuts, but since those aren't available here, I would love to bring her a
famous Yelapa Pie on the last visit.
The 8:30 am Taxi is running now, but it won't be till after American Thanksgiving that the
Tourist Season is in full swing. I must check on all the afternoon times leaving PV, as I have
guests arriving soon. I think there is a 5:30 and even a 6:30 from Boca, but they arrive after
dark, which I don't recommend for your first time, or you've been away for a while, or you are checking in to a rental. Coming home is one thing, but learning your way around a new place, in the dark, can leave yourself open for avoidable mishaps, like fumbling around for the light switch, losing your flashlight, missing a step, not checking the bed and pillows
properly, leaving your suitcase open or your valuables on the kitchen table over night, etc. etc.etc. A big part of the adventure is getting here, but you don't want to start with the biggest one first ! at least I wouldn't. I time my trips around the new and full moon as much as possible, especially in Jan/Feb/Mar. It's pretty obvious how the moon and the sea communicate around those times, and I prefer to watch from my house, rather than a boat.
And ALWAYS keep your hands and fingers in the boat, AWAY from the sides especially at
the pier, and don't be a show off ! Focus. When you walk around, Go Slow and Lift your Feet. Don't stick your hands, face, nose, feet etc., anywhere you can't see what's there,
remember to shake everything ... then you should be fine ! Sweeping the Casita and wiping the Kitchen counters, I killed 3 Scorpions within a few hours. I saw them way before they got close to me, because I was very very careful, and was going slow. That's one reason why Mexican Woman are seen, and depicted, sweeping everywhere and everything ... getting rid of those bad bugs. We have learnt with Sting Ray how important staying sedentary is after the Sting, keep the poison centralized as much as possible. Poor guy found out the hard way, but back on the trail the other day, so that's good news . Searching PV for the Anti Venom, to keep on hand.
...speaking of Fish ... the Vinny caught a fish so big the other day, it was hanging over both sides of the boat ... I'm not kidding ... A Needle Fish, Spear Fish, not sure, but big ... very big.
He cleaned it in the Bay because he probably needed to be tied up to something to get around it ? What a scene, him pulling into the bay with this giant prize, almost bigger than his boat. All the other boats come round to get a look, of course, and I watched through the binoculars, until it got too messy. I feel for the Fish sometimes, I really do, and I know I'm not alone, but I'm not going to stop eating them anytime soon. I haven't cleaned and gutted the one I said I would this summer, try again next summer, maybe after I do that, I won't eat them anymore ?
I had a converstion ! with Fast Eddy aka CrazyEnrique, on the path the other day. He was
a little anxious about something that had happened the night before, I have no idea what, but that reminded him of a story he began to tell me, and before he could deliver the ending he started laughing, uncontrolably, almost, although trying his best to get out the ending.
He laughed so hard it got me laughing and we were both in tears on the path. I was understanding 1/14 th of what he was saying, but it was something about the old days and
Primitvo ? finding out he had Cancer ? and killing himself with an emergency flare from one of the boats ? ... put it under his chin and blew his head off ? I must have missed something, because that doesn't sound very funny to me, but it had us in stitches !
Mix that with the Fish story and you have one special, crazy place !
I have the picture of Enrique in a nice frame ready to give to him, we shall see what his reaction is. He can't say Thank You Kelley; he doesn't know my name.
I have sad news from Canada, Rick Kennedy, a dear friend from Childhood died, at 54 yrs.
Cancer. It hasn't sunk in yet. That's 3 of my guy pals, dead in 2 years. I had a lovely lunch with Rick, and his wife and Fraser 2 years ago, both men on Chemo then, and both gone now. Rest in Peace you guys, and keep watching over me .... all my love always ...
tu amiga
kelley
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
rain rain rain
....If you are coming today, as a few of you are .... Be Prepared .... it poured almost all day Saturday, no power overnight until 2 pm. Slowed down the Croquet game, just a little, and
everything else too. Lots of tourists on the Beach, the Hotel is full, or close to it, but Saturday was not a day for the beach . The rest of us are Tired of the dirt and mud and brown water, not only in the ocean but our Water Tanks too ....!! It is so hard to complain because yesterday, Sunday, and today are stunning clear sky and blue sea, the perfect breeze at 7 am, 22 degrees .... please God let it stop raining for a few months ...This sounds funny but I'm not joking, I'll have to get lily a kitty litter box for those kinds of days, poor girl,
would you want to pee outside in a downpour in your fur coat ?
Pam & Jim arrived safely, although it was dark and drizzling, but there was a crew and a "Moto" waiting to deliver them up the hill. I'll have to wait a few days till she gets to the box with my Globe & Mails ...
Today is a National Holiday, and so is Wednesday, November 20th, Dia de Revolution ... the Parade on the beach, which is always so much fun...if it doesn't rain !! I hope I can get photos for you ...
Not a good week to be waiting on Immigration, but all in due time.
If you are on FB check out Casa Pepe, my new preoccupation of the moment, such a beautiful spot, one of the first palapas in Yelapa, home to Don Pepe, the Grandson of a Mexican President ... Diaz perhaps ?? I still am working with Casa Delfin, and expecting guests at both places this week ... and then hopefully the Season is in full swing ...
There will be the annual American Thanksgiving Feast at April's, which I am looking forward to. Music and sing along and poetry ... perhaps I should be prepared to read a couple of my Yelapa poems ??
Short and sweet this week. I posted a few photos, and trying to learn how to put together a
slide show, but I don't have a lot of spare time till these houses get organized and ready for business ... not to mention Mimis ... The first Friday she was ready to open, it was raining
hard, and most of her tables are outside so that wouldn't work, and still waiting on our musicians to arrive ... but ... all in due time ....
Wishing you all the best and safe travels ... see you all soon ...
k
everything else too. Lots of tourists on the Beach, the Hotel is full, or close to it, but Saturday was not a day for the beach . The rest of us are Tired of the dirt and mud and brown water, not only in the ocean but our Water Tanks too ....!! It is so hard to complain because yesterday, Sunday, and today are stunning clear sky and blue sea, the perfect breeze at 7 am, 22 degrees .... please God let it stop raining for a few months ...This sounds funny but I'm not joking, I'll have to get lily a kitty litter box for those kinds of days, poor girl,
would you want to pee outside in a downpour in your fur coat ?
Pam & Jim arrived safely, although it was dark and drizzling, but there was a crew and a "Moto" waiting to deliver them up the hill. I'll have to wait a few days till she gets to the box with my Globe & Mails ...
Today is a National Holiday, and so is Wednesday, November 20th, Dia de Revolution ... the Parade on the beach, which is always so much fun...if it doesn't rain !! I hope I can get photos for you ...
Not a good week to be waiting on Immigration, but all in due time.
If you are on FB check out Casa Pepe, my new preoccupation of the moment, such a beautiful spot, one of the first palapas in Yelapa, home to Don Pepe, the Grandson of a Mexican President ... Diaz perhaps ?? I still am working with Casa Delfin, and expecting guests at both places this week ... and then hopefully the Season is in full swing ...
There will be the annual American Thanksgiving Feast at April's, which I am looking forward to. Music and sing along and poetry ... perhaps I should be prepared to read a couple of my Yelapa poems ??
Short and sweet this week. I posted a few photos, and trying to learn how to put together a
slide show, but I don't have a lot of spare time till these houses get organized and ready for business ... not to mention Mimis ... The first Friday she was ready to open, it was raining
hard, and most of her tables are outside so that wouldn't work, and still waiting on our musicians to arrive ... but ... all in due time ....
Wishing you all the best and safe travels ... see you all soon ...
k
Thursday, November 14, 2013
photos
Bella Donna at Casa Blanca ... waiting for my own to grow
Monday, November 11, 2013
yelapa lesson # 17a
Lesson 17 a. Sub section 4, Ants, Section 5, Insects ....Do not fight an Army of Ants in your bare feet. You may have a giant can of poison, a power full water hose, and a broom, but there are millions of them, and it only takes one to make you dance in pain !!
That's how I spent the better part of an hour yesterday morning. I don't care how close they get to the house, as long as they stay on their side, which is outside. The line is pretty thin between in and out, but with perseverance, they can be trained. Don't they have a reputation as being very smart ? I am very happy to report no death or illness or Scorpion stings in the village this week, that I'm aware of. The day after Sing Ray's adventure, his
piggy back man was employed once again, to carry a visitor who had the same misfortune.
Hopefully he won't have any more of that business for a while. Crazy how someone can be here for a week or month can have the experience, and yet I know of a few who have been here for years and years and never got stung. You just never know, but still, be informed.
Mimi opened Friday Night !! Just a trail run, limited menu, but the bar up and running. That means I really have to get a move on ! My camera died, or at least is very very sick.
That means no photos of Mimis, or the Quincenara, but I may be able to retrieve them later.
I'm hoping it's the same problem the phone has, humidity, and if and when it ever dries out around here, the power may come back. I see the display feature on the phone slowly starting to return. The Queen of the Night, Alondra was beautiful in a rich, deep pink, and her Mom is a gorgeous blue. The Birria was delicious, I ate everything on my plate. I was
sitting with the little brother, and got a kick out of him showing me how to use my tortilla to soak up the sauce. There was a great slide show of Alohandra, as a child, and recent shots of her doing some pretty professional modelling stunts. I have to investigate the whole production of her Mom presenting a new pair of shoes, and helping her put them on, as she sat on her throne, the crown too, was presented on a velvet pillow. There was the Grande Finale which included the regular fire hazard, sparklers a little too close to the balloons, which sounded like firecrackers when they all started popping. Not really anything to worry about, since there's nothing that can catch on fire, all concrete and plastic, but don't stand too close ! The Cake was the highlight. After dinner they turned on the light, at the bottom of the thing, and a waterfall also came on ... how the hell it made it here in one piece, or 8 pieces, is beyond me. I was home by 10:00 ! My Casita is 95% ready. Yahoo ! I spent the day
up there yesterday, and heard a lot of noise in the jungle. It wasn't a dog, so I figured it was a Chacalaca bird or the like, but it was getting closer and closer and I looked out to see a giant Iguana, all brown and gold and green. So prehistoric. It's really something to see.
If you spot them in the tree you can get a good look with binoculars, but this one was moving fast up the hill, after he gave lily and I the stare down. Just shake you head and get on with your work ! The weather is getting better, low of 22 high of 33, party cloudy. Saturday was my first day back in the ocean, and actually could sit in the sun for 20 minutes or so.
Tuna is running again right now. They were jumping out of the water in front of my house the other day, and Pargo is on the menu for tonight. By the time I write my next blog half of you will already be here, isn't that exciting ! Really nice to have familiar friendly faces around. Silverio back in fine form and will be here today with his trusty machete, a never ending job, until December at least. A few of the banana tress are giving good bunches of fruit, but you have to watch them carefully, and cut them down and hang them safe before the bats get at them, that's another one of Silverio's jobs, and he takes it very seriously. Banana trees are great because the give off so many babies, and provide some privacy from the trail, are pretty to look at, and give food. Some Papaya tress growing, but I don't think the avocado made it, but I'm not giving up. The trees up river are loaded down with Avocados and I'd really like some of my own. First Immigration appointment went off like a bad dream, but it's over now, though it took me a couple of days to recover, and poor Patti just about expired from the whole ordeal. We got her papers stamped with only 15 minutes till closing, and now wait 10 days to return for fingerprints, and final payment. I will be having a celebration when it's all over, by American Thanksgiving I hope ! Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, when we wear our Poppies, and Veteran's Day in the USA. I don't suppose they have many War Dead to honour in Mexico, the Revolutionaries of course, but the concept of WW 1 and WW 2 probably doesn't weigh on them as it does us Northerner's.
My Grandfather was a WW 1 Vet, at the time of his death he had been the last surviving Vet
for miles around. He laid a wreath every year, and I was always so proud and happy to watch and participate in the Ceremony. At his funeral service, when The Last Post was played at the Cemetery, well a good thing Ck was there to catch me before I fell to the ground. What a man he was. A very very different world he grew up in, and I benefited
greatly from his influence ... William Edward Cavanaugh ... 1895 - 1984 .. Lest We Forget ..
Have a great week everyone. Be safe on the road, and Hasta Pronto ....
Skype ya later Hugo !
xx
That's how I spent the better part of an hour yesterday morning. I don't care how close they get to the house, as long as they stay on their side, which is outside. The line is pretty thin between in and out, but with perseverance, they can be trained. Don't they have a reputation as being very smart ? I am very happy to report no death or illness or Scorpion stings in the village this week, that I'm aware of. The day after Sing Ray's adventure, his
piggy back man was employed once again, to carry a visitor who had the same misfortune.
Hopefully he won't have any more of that business for a while. Crazy how someone can be here for a week or month can have the experience, and yet I know of a few who have been here for years and years and never got stung. You just never know, but still, be informed.
Mimi opened Friday Night !! Just a trail run, limited menu, but the bar up and running. That means I really have to get a move on ! My camera died, or at least is very very sick.
That means no photos of Mimis, or the Quincenara, but I may be able to retrieve them later.
I'm hoping it's the same problem the phone has, humidity, and if and when it ever dries out around here, the power may come back. I see the display feature on the phone slowly starting to return. The Queen of the Night, Alondra was beautiful in a rich, deep pink, and her Mom is a gorgeous blue. The Birria was delicious, I ate everything on my plate. I was
sitting with the little brother, and got a kick out of him showing me how to use my tortilla to soak up the sauce. There was a great slide show of Alohandra, as a child, and recent shots of her doing some pretty professional modelling stunts. I have to investigate the whole production of her Mom presenting a new pair of shoes, and helping her put them on, as she sat on her throne, the crown too, was presented on a velvet pillow. There was the Grande Finale which included the regular fire hazard, sparklers a little too close to the balloons, which sounded like firecrackers when they all started popping. Not really anything to worry about, since there's nothing that can catch on fire, all concrete and plastic, but don't stand too close ! The Cake was the highlight. After dinner they turned on the light, at the bottom of the thing, and a waterfall also came on ... how the hell it made it here in one piece, or 8 pieces, is beyond me. I was home by 10:00 ! My Casita is 95% ready. Yahoo ! I spent the day
up there yesterday, and heard a lot of noise in the jungle. It wasn't a dog, so I figured it was a Chacalaca bird or the like, but it was getting closer and closer and I looked out to see a giant Iguana, all brown and gold and green. So prehistoric. It's really something to see.
If you spot them in the tree you can get a good look with binoculars, but this one was moving fast up the hill, after he gave lily and I the stare down. Just shake you head and get on with your work ! The weather is getting better, low of 22 high of 33, party cloudy. Saturday was my first day back in the ocean, and actually could sit in the sun for 20 minutes or so.
Tuna is running again right now. They were jumping out of the water in front of my house the other day, and Pargo is on the menu for tonight. By the time I write my next blog half of you will already be here, isn't that exciting ! Really nice to have familiar friendly faces around. Silverio back in fine form and will be here today with his trusty machete, a never ending job, until December at least. A few of the banana tress are giving good bunches of fruit, but you have to watch them carefully, and cut them down and hang them safe before the bats get at them, that's another one of Silverio's jobs, and he takes it very seriously. Banana trees are great because the give off so many babies, and provide some privacy from the trail, are pretty to look at, and give food. Some Papaya tress growing, but I don't think the avocado made it, but I'm not giving up. The trees up river are loaded down with Avocados and I'd really like some of my own. First Immigration appointment went off like a bad dream, but it's over now, though it took me a couple of days to recover, and poor Patti just about expired from the whole ordeal. We got her papers stamped with only 15 minutes till closing, and now wait 10 days to return for fingerprints, and final payment. I will be having a celebration when it's all over, by American Thanksgiving I hope ! Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, when we wear our Poppies, and Veteran's Day in the USA. I don't suppose they have many War Dead to honour in Mexico, the Revolutionaries of course, but the concept of WW 1 and WW 2 probably doesn't weigh on them as it does us Northerner's.
My Grandfather was a WW 1 Vet, at the time of his death he had been the last surviving Vet
for miles around. He laid a wreath every year, and I was always so proud and happy to watch and participate in the Ceremony. At his funeral service, when The Last Post was played at the Cemetery, well a good thing Ck was there to catch me before I fell to the ground. What a man he was. A very very different world he grew up in, and I benefited
greatly from his influence ... William Edward Cavanaugh ... 1895 - 1984 .. Lest We Forget ..
Have a great week everyone. Be safe on the road, and Hasta Pronto ....
Skype ya later Hugo !
xx
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Shrimp Boat
The boats in the Bay last night were Tuna Boats
but there're about the same size as this one
there is a little orange helicopter on top
The
Sting Ray
Happy Halloween everybody ... I actually had trick or' treaters' ... 7 boys with Plastic Spider Moustaches !!? which they held onto their face ! There was one small Dracula. I made them all say trick or treat of course, and handed out a few packs of chocolate chip cookies and bag of peanuts. The kids dress up at school too, at least in Kinder. I dressed up once for the Valentine Masquerade Ball, the key piece being a wig, my pink satin lounge wear and basically all my jewelry, with John Lennon glasses. As I walked through town I was getting a lot of attention, and finally one of the woman told me I looked like the Mexican Version of something like our Fairy Godmother ...I forgot the name she said, but maybe Deb can help me find out, and we can find a picture. Danny's party at El Hardin Friday was pretty special, especially since Craig & Danny's Mom went to High School together. There was a Bonfire on the beach and fireworks Saturday Night with more of Danny's friends to Celebrate his life.
I believe the frog is gone for good. We put him in a bucket and took him out to the stream at Playa Isabel. Nothing would surprise me. Wanting to put my curtains up in the Casita, but still overcast and threat of a storm. Huge lightening way out over the bay, towards Punta Mita last night, but couldn't hear the thunder. Two Huge Tuna boats came into the bay, for protection I guess ... Lite up the whole place until they left at 2 am ... lucky for me I sleep like a baby and heard nothing. One of them back this afternoon ?? Lower humidity today but strong wind gusts. Large white clouds in a grey blue sky. The wind is blowing littlepieces of the roof off and they dance all across the floor.
Mimi didn't open Friday. Too much going on already and the weather is not cooperating.
We'll be ready when we're ready, but we are getting very close and very very excited !!
The time changed here last week. I figured it out, like most people, when we saw the taxi at 10:30 instead of 9:30 and the Cascada at 11:00 instead of 10:00 ... days do seem longer, but in bed earlier too. Preparing for Immigration Tuesday. It will take 3 trips in, but come out a Permanent Resident .. incredible . Lots of people with flu and sore throat. The Clinic didn't have the "standard " antibiotics my friend needed for her 10 month old and she had to make a trip to PV. ???? It can't be easy keeping up with the Inventory here. Curious now as to how it all comes together, and we do have an English Speaking Yelapa resident very active in supporting the Clinic. She has a lot of info ! They do have the Scorpion Anti Venom though, as we ( unfortunately ) found out at the Party Friday Night. Heading out the door to go home, Ray was stung on the foot. Spent the night at EH, most of Saturday at the Clinic,
Saturday night at a friends close to the Clinic, and has finally made it home. It all involved
a lot of coordination and chaos. Including boat rides, piggy back rides, and wheelbarrow rides. I've named this weeks blog in his honour ! New Moon today but I think we'll have to wait a little longer to see our star lite sky ... I think I better go batten down the hatches ...
ps Since RR's misadventure or as some say Yelapa Baptism, we didn't watch the Hockey Game, but he saved me some misery as my team lost 4 - 0 !
I believe the frog is gone for good. We put him in a bucket and took him out to the stream at Playa Isabel. Nothing would surprise me. Wanting to put my curtains up in the Casita, but still overcast and threat of a storm. Huge lightening way out over the bay, towards Punta Mita last night, but couldn't hear the thunder. Two Huge Tuna boats came into the bay, for protection I guess ... Lite up the whole place until they left at 2 am ... lucky for me I sleep like a baby and heard nothing. One of them back this afternoon ?? Lower humidity today but strong wind gusts. Large white clouds in a grey blue sky. The wind is blowing littlepieces of the roof off and they dance all across the floor.
Mimi didn't open Friday. Too much going on already and the weather is not cooperating.
We'll be ready when we're ready, but we are getting very close and very very excited !!
The time changed here last week. I figured it out, like most people, when we saw the taxi at 10:30 instead of 9:30 and the Cascada at 11:00 instead of 10:00 ... days do seem longer, but in bed earlier too. Preparing for Immigration Tuesday. It will take 3 trips in, but come out a Permanent Resident .. incredible . Lots of people with flu and sore throat. The Clinic didn't have the "standard " antibiotics my friend needed for her 10 month old and she had to make a trip to PV. ???? It can't be easy keeping up with the Inventory here. Curious now as to how it all comes together, and we do have an English Speaking Yelapa resident very active in supporting the Clinic. She has a lot of info ! They do have the Scorpion Anti Venom though, as we ( unfortunately ) found out at the Party Friday Night. Heading out the door to go home, Ray was stung on the foot. Spent the night at EH, most of Saturday at the Clinic,
Saturday night at a friends close to the Clinic, and has finally made it home. It all involved
a lot of coordination and chaos. Including boat rides, piggy back rides, and wheelbarrow rides. I've named this weeks blog in his honour ! New Moon today but I think we'll have to wait a little longer to see our star lite sky ... I think I better go batten down the hatches ...
ps Since RR's misadventure or as some say Yelapa Baptism, we didn't watch the Hockey Game, but he saved me some misery as my team lost 4 - 0 !
Monday, October 28, 2013
diaz de los muertos ...and
.... Happy Halloween ... April is planning a Day of the Dead Celebration this year ! She plans on making all the traditional foods and of course an Altar where everyone is encouraged to contribute ... that's the day " Peppermint Patti " and I have a date to go over our Immigration forms so I will definitely stop by. That's also the night Leafs v/s Canucks on Hockey Night in Canada, so I'll be heading up to watch with Yelapa's biggest Canucks fans ...
Go Leafs !! I can hear the Common Hawks, again in the early morning, a sign that the rain is behind us, I hope. It rained heavy in PV on Thursday night, but not a drop here. We had a
thunder and lightening show, but could still see some stars. Kind of unusual since Yelapa traditionally gets more rain. The humidity is less and less everyday.
The time has come for all our part timers to come home again, and there have been a few visitors stopping by to catch up on the news. Some tourists on the path too. I was down sweeping the caca yesterday and a couple walking by, .... " Do you live here ? " yes I do " You live here full time ? " yes I do " Wow, really ? " Yes, really .. and so it goes ... Paz had shown me where the wild cucumbers are growing along the fence at the bottom of the hill, and as I was picking some for my salad, more tourists came by, and joined in the fun ..." You really live here full time ?
What a kick to have Enrique stop by and sing some songs and play the guitar. He's been waiting all week. Poor guy doesn't have a guitar anymore, and he really needs one.
He says a friend from the States may be bringing one for him this year. I used to call him Crazy Enrique, as many people do, but I'm not going to call him that anymore, from now on he's Fast Eddy !! I had the weekend off from Mimi's, but back at it again today. Not too many musicians in town that I know of, to start up Friday night Live. Maybe we should get Fast Eddy to be the headliner this year ? I hope by next week I can include photos of the new and improved Mimi's Cafe & Bazaar.
Looking forward to the season, getting Permanent Status in Mexico in particular. The Annual Yacht Club Halloween Dance coming up, and that's the kick off really. We are missing a few friends who won't be back for another 3 weeks, but we shall do our best to carry on without them ... most everyone will be back for American Thanksgiving.
I see there is a new Restaurant at the top of Cardiac Hill calling itself the Tiki Bar ... sounds very interesting , and still have to get to Rays and try the Pizza ... and there's Tacos y Mas and ...
I hope everyone is doing fine up north. Many of you may even have snow on the ground by now ...a sign to pack your sarong and head to Yelapa ...
I'll be here ....
xx
k
Go Leafs !! I can hear the Common Hawks, again in the early morning, a sign that the rain is behind us, I hope. It rained heavy in PV on Thursday night, but not a drop here. We had a
thunder and lightening show, but could still see some stars. Kind of unusual since Yelapa traditionally gets more rain. The humidity is less and less everyday.
The time has come for all our part timers to come home again, and there have been a few visitors stopping by to catch up on the news. Some tourists on the path too. I was down sweeping the caca yesterday and a couple walking by, .... " Do you live here ? " yes I do " You live here full time ? " yes I do " Wow, really ? " Yes, really .. and so it goes ... Paz had shown me where the wild cucumbers are growing along the fence at the bottom of the hill, and as I was picking some for my salad, more tourists came by, and joined in the fun ..." You really live here full time ?
What a kick to have Enrique stop by and sing some songs and play the guitar. He's been waiting all week. Poor guy doesn't have a guitar anymore, and he really needs one.
He says a friend from the States may be bringing one for him this year. I used to call him Crazy Enrique, as many people do, but I'm not going to call him that anymore, from now on he's Fast Eddy !! I had the weekend off from Mimi's, but back at it again today. Not too many musicians in town that I know of, to start up Friday night Live. Maybe we should get Fast Eddy to be the headliner this year ? I hope by next week I can include photos of the new and improved Mimi's Cafe & Bazaar.
Looking forward to the season, getting Permanent Status in Mexico in particular. The Annual Yacht Club Halloween Dance coming up, and that's the kick off really. We are missing a few friends who won't be back for another 3 weeks, but we shall do our best to carry on without them ... most everyone will be back for American Thanksgiving.
I see there is a new Restaurant at the top of Cardiac Hill calling itself the Tiki Bar ... sounds very interesting , and still have to get to Rays and try the Pizza ... and there's Tacos y Mas and ...
I hope everyone is doing fine up north. Many of you may even have snow on the ground by now ...a sign to pack your sarong and head to Yelapa ...
I'll be here ....
xx
k
yelapa bonita song ... photo
Enrique has written many many songs, the most popular being the
Yelapa Bonita Song, unless he wrote one about you and then that would
be your favorite ... He wrote a couple of new ones over the summer and asked
if he could come by and try them out ... He played Yelapa Bonita as well, of cource,
and my personal favorite, the one about Rocky and the fish that got away ....
Samuel Enrique Lorenzo Garcia
Monday, October 21, 2013
keep on keepin
Hola ... Yesterday my blog disappeared ? but it's back today ?? is that just a Mexico glitch or
maybe an internal google problem ?? and why do they call it a blog when i think it should be a blurb ?? First things first ... little Jesus Felipe died in Guadalajara last week. So sad for the Mom & Dad, first baby and all. Poor little guy just couldn't make it once the tubes and such were taken out, and he'd been through so much already. They had the funeral here, but I couldn't go, too sad with the little box and so many people. Pollo Bollo was packed last night with everyone. The taxi was packed this morning too. Soon Yelapa will be back to full capacity, we hope. I admit I like having the Village " all to myself " but no business would survive if they depended on me, so it's exciting to think the rainy season is behind us, and old friends and new are booking their flights to join us in this little paradise.
Except paradise smells like something died in my front yard ! I guess that will be the first job tomorrow .... looking for that smell. I've had to do this once before and SJ is the expert sniffer outer ! ... doubt I'll include that in my next ESL lesson ?? I don't have much to say this week. I have been keeping my nose to the grindstone at Mimis Cafe & Bazaar. Paint and more paint. All the restaurants are busy cleaning chairs, varnishing, painting, pressure washing. Getting ready for the season. Tacos y mas to open on the 4th, I heard. Ray's is going strong at the old Casa Imagination. I haven't been yet, but will try the Pizza this weekend ! I unpacked my books from summer storage this week. All my favorites, Poetry and Writing Books, and Canadiana ! We always appreciate books, magazines and newspapers ... I still feel isolated when it comes to reading material !
Gotta get a move on !! Want to watch Downton Abbey tonight ! How isolated is that ? I could even get all the NHL games if I signed up , like the Russells do. They keep me well informed.
Maybe I'll sign up when the Leafs actually make it to the play offs ! Love to all and keep on keepin on !! xx k
maybe an internal google problem ?? and why do they call it a blog when i think it should be a blurb ?? First things first ... little Jesus Felipe died in Guadalajara last week. So sad for the Mom & Dad, first baby and all. Poor little guy just couldn't make it once the tubes and such were taken out, and he'd been through so much already. They had the funeral here, but I couldn't go, too sad with the little box and so many people. Pollo Bollo was packed last night with everyone. The taxi was packed this morning too. Soon Yelapa will be back to full capacity, we hope. I admit I like having the Village " all to myself " but no business would survive if they depended on me, so it's exciting to think the rainy season is behind us, and old friends and new are booking their flights to join us in this little paradise.
Except paradise smells like something died in my front yard ! I guess that will be the first job tomorrow .... looking for that smell. I've had to do this once before and SJ is the expert sniffer outer ! ... doubt I'll include that in my next ESL lesson ?? I don't have much to say this week. I have been keeping my nose to the grindstone at Mimis Cafe & Bazaar. Paint and more paint. All the restaurants are busy cleaning chairs, varnishing, painting, pressure washing. Getting ready for the season. Tacos y mas to open on the 4th, I heard. Ray's is going strong at the old Casa Imagination. I haven't been yet, but will try the Pizza this weekend ! I unpacked my books from summer storage this week. All my favorites, Poetry and Writing Books, and Canadiana ! We always appreciate books, magazines and newspapers ... I still feel isolated when it comes to reading material !
Gotta get a move on !! Want to watch Downton Abbey tonight ! How isolated is that ? I could even get all the NHL games if I signed up , like the Russells do. They keep me well informed.
Maybe I'll sign up when the Leafs actually make it to the play offs ! Love to all and keep on keepin on !! xx k
Monday, October 14, 2013
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!
.... a toad, a mouse and a squirrel decided to form an army dedicated to causing annoyance, irritation, and general foul play in and around their favorite palapa in yelapa ! Since the mouse was the smallest, she was designated corners, cupboards and drawers, the toad took on the inner perimeter of the house, leaving his heavy artillery in exact locations guaranteed to achieve the army's objective. Throwing a toad down a hill is not going to kill it, or make it go away, it's probably a fun ride and they can't get enough ! The squirrel is in command of the outer perimeter, primarily the front and sides of the house. He works the same hours as the local tradesman around here, 8 to 12 approx. and 2 to 5 ... does the same routine day after day, although there are a few twists added occasionally. He's an actor, and a comic, and seems to be having a grand time ! I've decided to use opposite tactics and just do as the cat, and ignore him ! The mouse has retreated so far, probably gone to get more recruits, and no more joy rides for the toad, I may have to take him to the ocean !
Maybe because it's drying out, just a little, that we have so much activity, although it rained
hard for an hour Saturday night. Part of the disturbance to the south of us. It's all very
interesting following the weather satellites, but the sight of so much purple haze headed right for you can sometimes be alarming. No different then Florida, or Kansas, or Colorado,
we all have to live with Mother Nature.
Maybe, just maybe, it's all over now, but still to early to tell. No one is willing to call it the end yet ... The Lagoon is still deep, Valentine working every day giving rides across ... actually pulling his little boat across ... I can see him sitting under his umbrella on the beach, waiting for passengers. The first time I took a lift, I didn't have change, so I gave him a silver ring I had on. I had found it somewhere, and it didn't suit me, I thought I would give it away, and so gave it to him. We're great friends now, as he is with so many, I wonder if he remembers the gringa who gave him the ring, 15 years ago ? His wife called this morning and we will do our Immigration together again this year, for the final time !! By the end of November we will all have Permanent Residency in Mexico !! P. has been living here for over 40 years. She was born the year before my Father ! It'll be a privilege to assist her in this very exciting process !!
The 9 days of prayers are over for our friend Alicia. On Sunday an Elder died, I never knew,
but was well known to many. She had been living on / about the beach all these years, she
was well into her 90's. On that same day, Alicia's grandchild was struck down by a large
branch that fell from a tree, a big tree ! She is in PV hospital. I believe her back is not broken, but the vertebra has been damaged. She will be 16 this year. She is a very strong young woman, we hope she will fully recover. Yelapa is such a close knit community, even
though there are fractions, and split families and history, as there is in all small towns, anywhere, people feel each others pain and there is much empathy for their neighbours, most of the time, it seems to me . I'm just a visitor and I don't speak the language well, but
the spirit of Yelapa is one of the main reasons people are drawn here, the connection and the way people get along ... Yelapa Time ? Vortex Power ?
I'm already late writing this, and SJ is up behind the house installing the second water tank,
so there won't ( ever ) be a water shortage in the ( near ) future. The rest of the day is garden work ... cut back everywhere ... it's a real jungle out there !!
HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING ... what I wouldn't do for a piece of pumpkin pie ...
xx
k
Maybe because it's drying out, just a little, that we have so much activity, although it rained
hard for an hour Saturday night. Part of the disturbance to the south of us. It's all very
interesting following the weather satellites, but the sight of so much purple haze headed right for you can sometimes be alarming. No different then Florida, or Kansas, or Colorado,
we all have to live with Mother Nature.
Maybe, just maybe, it's all over now, but still to early to tell. No one is willing to call it the end yet ... The Lagoon is still deep, Valentine working every day giving rides across ... actually pulling his little boat across ... I can see him sitting under his umbrella on the beach, waiting for passengers. The first time I took a lift, I didn't have change, so I gave him a silver ring I had on. I had found it somewhere, and it didn't suit me, I thought I would give it away, and so gave it to him. We're great friends now, as he is with so many, I wonder if he remembers the gringa who gave him the ring, 15 years ago ? His wife called this morning and we will do our Immigration together again this year, for the final time !! By the end of November we will all have Permanent Residency in Mexico !! P. has been living here for over 40 years. She was born the year before my Father ! It'll be a privilege to assist her in this very exciting process !!
The 9 days of prayers are over for our friend Alicia. On Sunday an Elder died, I never knew,
but was well known to many. She had been living on / about the beach all these years, she
was well into her 90's. On that same day, Alicia's grandchild was struck down by a large
branch that fell from a tree, a big tree ! She is in PV hospital. I believe her back is not broken, but the vertebra has been damaged. She will be 16 this year. She is a very strong young woman, we hope she will fully recover. Yelapa is such a close knit community, even
though there are fractions, and split families and history, as there is in all small towns, anywhere, people feel each others pain and there is much empathy for their neighbours, most of the time, it seems to me . I'm just a visitor and I don't speak the language well, but
the spirit of Yelapa is one of the main reasons people are drawn here, the connection and the way people get along ... Yelapa Time ? Vortex Power ?
I'm already late writing this, and SJ is up behind the house installing the second water tank,
so there won't ( ever ) be a water shortage in the ( near ) future. The rest of the day is garden work ... cut back everywhere ... it's a real jungle out there !!
HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING ... what I wouldn't do for a piece of pumpkin pie ...
xx
k
Sunday, October 6, 2013
poem : Night Vision
A little frisky poem ... but one of my favorites ... seems many of my girlfriends feel the same.
One morning, in Vancouver, I woke up, and this poem was in my head, or in my dreams, and
I just got up and wrote it down. That was 1999, and it remains the same as that morning.
night vision
in my wildest dreams I see
my man has turned to ice
while standing in the kitchen
with his hand around a knife
so I turn the oven heat on high
and open up the door
then pour him in a bottle
from a puddle on the floor
he'll stay inside a secret cupboard
high above my head
until he starts to miss me
and spills upon my bed
Rest in Peace Alicia
Alicia passed away last week in Guadalajara. Born and raised in Yelapa, around 63 years ago. Her Mother & Father were among the first 5 families to settle in Yelapa, and they raised a large family, Alicia being the youngest, and the first to leave this world. Alicia leaves 4 children and numerous grandchildren, who loved her deeply. She is free of pain, free of fear,
and her memory lives on.
With sad news comes happy news. The baby born so ill and rushed to Guad. hospital for surgery is thriving and will be making his first trip to Yelapa very very soon. I saw a photo of him and he has those fat baby cheeks his family has been praying for. I understand is name
will be Jesus. He was baptized at the hospital, since it appeared he would not survive, but the very next day he began to improve, was able to endure another operation, and is now ready to come home. Another miracle. His Dad is home now, attending to business and happily receiving pats on the back and greetings of congratulations. We share the sorrow, and we must certainly share in the joy.
I am in Puerto Vallarta tonight. What a beautiful Bay. Even with humidity at over 80 % !
In Yelapa I couldn't be there during the summer , without a fan, in PV, I couldn't do it without A/C ! Almost everywhere you look is construction, and every other place you look you see for sale signs. It's great to see people working, building and improving, (?) the city.
I just hope the people will come to buy and rent . The centerpiece of the new pier, the fountain of light , sort to speak, seems to have a serious malfunction. Now there is only a white strobe light, pulsating from the center pole. I'll have to get down there and see what's up with that !? Dentist appointment tomorrow. The Dentist is still coming to Yelapa twice a week, but I have a new Dentist here I really like. I love her office too. On Basillio Badillio
street, and she says her Father bought the land and built there 50 years ago. He wanted to get out of Old Town !! Which is now, 3 blocks away ! Very well kept up, love those terracotta tile roofs, feels so organic. What a great way to live.
Yelapa is a hub of activity too. A lot of construction. Everything changes all the time, right.
And with everything there are pros and cons. The people in this community are resourceful,
obviously, and have an eye to the future. I wouldn't be surprised to see more people moving here, as life becomes more unmanageable and unpredictable up north. More pros and cons...
I certainly get caught up with World Affairs when I get out of Yelapa. Just turn on the TV and WoW !!
From Sad, to Happy, to Exciting !! The School Library in Yelapa will be opening within the month. It is the commitment of our new friends, and Yelapa Residents, A&B, to improve the educational opportunities for the children of Yelapa. As a volunteer, I see the wonder in the eyes, when kids/people are presented with resources that so many of us take for granted.
It is inspiring, even if only 1 person in 5 . or 2 in 5 , or 3 in 5 , expand their world through reading. You must check out the website !! Biblioteca Yelapa.org ! Can you imagine. Two
people, with much help I know, but still, they made this happen. Imagine what we can
accomplish if we all pull together.
In the meantime .... turn up the TV ... it's time for the 2nd half of Sunday Night Football !!??
See you all soon ... and thanks for the books !!
xx
k
and her memory lives on.
With sad news comes happy news. The baby born so ill and rushed to Guad. hospital for surgery is thriving and will be making his first trip to Yelapa very very soon. I saw a photo of him and he has those fat baby cheeks his family has been praying for. I understand is name
will be Jesus. He was baptized at the hospital, since it appeared he would not survive, but the very next day he began to improve, was able to endure another operation, and is now ready to come home. Another miracle. His Dad is home now, attending to business and happily receiving pats on the back and greetings of congratulations. We share the sorrow, and we must certainly share in the joy.
I am in Puerto Vallarta tonight. What a beautiful Bay. Even with humidity at over 80 % !
In Yelapa I couldn't be there during the summer , without a fan, in PV, I couldn't do it without A/C ! Almost everywhere you look is construction, and every other place you look you see for sale signs. It's great to see people working, building and improving, (?) the city.
I just hope the people will come to buy and rent . The centerpiece of the new pier, the fountain of light , sort to speak, seems to have a serious malfunction. Now there is only a white strobe light, pulsating from the center pole. I'll have to get down there and see what's up with that !? Dentist appointment tomorrow. The Dentist is still coming to Yelapa twice a week, but I have a new Dentist here I really like. I love her office too. On Basillio Badillio
street, and she says her Father bought the land and built there 50 years ago. He wanted to get out of Old Town !! Which is now, 3 blocks away ! Very well kept up, love those terracotta tile roofs, feels so organic. What a great way to live.
Yelapa is a hub of activity too. A lot of construction. Everything changes all the time, right.
And with everything there are pros and cons. The people in this community are resourceful,
obviously, and have an eye to the future. I wouldn't be surprised to see more people moving here, as life becomes more unmanageable and unpredictable up north. More pros and cons...
I certainly get caught up with World Affairs when I get out of Yelapa. Just turn on the TV and WoW !!
From Sad, to Happy, to Exciting !! The School Library in Yelapa will be opening within the month. It is the commitment of our new friends, and Yelapa Residents, A&B, to improve the educational opportunities for the children of Yelapa. As a volunteer, I see the wonder in the eyes, when kids/people are presented with resources that so many of us take for granted.
It is inspiring, even if only 1 person in 5 . or 2 in 5 , or 3 in 5 , expand their world through reading. You must check out the website !! Biblioteca Yelapa.org ! Can you imagine. Two
people, with much help I know, but still, they made this happen. Imagine what we can
accomplish if we all pull together.
In the meantime .... turn up the TV ... it's time for the 2nd half of Sunday Night Football !!??
See you all soon ... and thanks for the books !!
xx
k
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Yakuit
Sorry it's a bad shot, but do you recognize this little bottle ... yah chol ... is how it's pronounced ...?
but Yakuit is how it's spelt ! A spanish alphabet lesson right there !
It's like yogurt, but with more water and sugar . Taste Great and Good for you too !!
They cost 6 pesos each, which is approx. .04 Canadian cents !
poem : Paradise
scorpions, spiders, mosquitoes, bats
gekos lizards, skunks, some rats
crickets singing, giant bees,
roosters sleeping in the trees,
land crabs, termites, scrawny cats,
donkeys, horses, and their craps,
badgers, squirrels and little weasels,
mice and ticks , large flying beetles
armadillos, lots of frogs
cows and bulls, and barking dogs
butterflies and fire flies
dragon flies and fleas
ants of all description
are everywhere they please
every night's a " Grande Polka "
then up with dawn to get to Boca
burning garbage, burning gas,
i sure hope i get back fast ...
gekos lizards, skunks, some rats
crickets singing, giant bees,
roosters sleeping in the trees,
land crabs, termites, scrawny cats,
donkeys, horses, and their craps,
badgers, squirrels and little weasels,
mice and ticks , large flying beetles
armadillos, lots of frogs
cows and bulls, and barking dogs
butterflies and fire flies
dragon flies and fleas
ants of all description
are everywhere they please
every night's a " Grande Polka "
then up with dawn to get to Boca
burning garbage, burning gas,
i sure hope i get back fast ...
what makes you laugh ...
I saw the sun come up this morning. First time for over 30 days, mas o menos ! Could that
possibly be a sign of better, drier days to come .... sooner than later ? We are all ready...
If it, ( it pertaining to everything; clothes, sheets, pillow, towels, books, furniture, roof, yard, ... etc.) has not, molded,disintegrated, been eaten, become infested, caved in, washed out, rusted, and etc. well it'll probably make through another season !
I didn't make out too bad this year. It seems to really hit a climax just at the first of the month, after a wet July and August, by September the dampness begins to permeate,
and there isn't much one can do, except buy a clothes dryer !!
I'm learning all the time. I thought since I was here I could leave the books out of plastic, and just do random checks, wrong. Everything back in plastic now, with my favorites long packed away in the bodega. An artist's paint brush works well to paint diesel in the cracks of a bookcase ! Don't let any material that is too damp get dirty, that's where the mold starts to set in ....
Another new adventure was Lily, the cat that lives here , trying to pee. Pouring driving rain, and she was in a state . I dragged a flower pot as close to the door as possible, drained as much mud and water out of it as I could, set up the big sun umbrella over it, and tossed her in ... it worked, but we both got soaked anyway ... me more than her ! One other particularly bad morning, dark as can be, and the boys and Silencio are out bailing the boats, and in comes Vallarta Adventures, business as usual, almost . We have been short on fish lately,
no fish at Pollo Bollo last week, first time I can remember, sometimes no ribs or chicken, but fish ?? The tuna is coming back, Mimi is making some for lunch today, and Julian gave Me little red snapper, ( no head please ) and it was scrumptious .... helped my stomach recover.
I also discovered a little magic drink ... the pronunciation is ... Yah - Cohl ... I don't know what's in it, but it began working right away, like an antacid. Drink one once a week say the
elders, they cost 6 pesos .... more plastic garbage, but worth it . I will post a picture of one, and many of you will recognize it. All's well at the river I believe, but you're wet to high thigh
to cross. There'll be people swimming today, the water is so warm, it's too funny.
I may have posted the following poem earlier on my blog, but i thought it deserves a repeat,
under the circumstances ....goodbye September ... hello gorgeous ...
very best regards one and all ...
k
possibly be a sign of better, drier days to come .... sooner than later ? We are all ready...
If it, ( it pertaining to everything; clothes, sheets, pillow, towels, books, furniture, roof, yard, ... etc.) has not, molded,disintegrated, been eaten, become infested, caved in, washed out, rusted, and etc. well it'll probably make through another season !
I didn't make out too bad this year. It seems to really hit a climax just at the first of the month, after a wet July and August, by September the dampness begins to permeate,
and there isn't much one can do, except buy a clothes dryer !!
I'm learning all the time. I thought since I was here I could leave the books out of plastic, and just do random checks, wrong. Everything back in plastic now, with my favorites long packed away in the bodega. An artist's paint brush works well to paint diesel in the cracks of a bookcase ! Don't let any material that is too damp get dirty, that's where the mold starts to set in ....
Another new adventure was Lily, the cat that lives here , trying to pee. Pouring driving rain, and she was in a state . I dragged a flower pot as close to the door as possible, drained as much mud and water out of it as I could, set up the big sun umbrella over it, and tossed her in ... it worked, but we both got soaked anyway ... me more than her ! One other particularly bad morning, dark as can be, and the boys and Silencio are out bailing the boats, and in comes Vallarta Adventures, business as usual, almost . We have been short on fish lately,
no fish at Pollo Bollo last week, first time I can remember, sometimes no ribs or chicken, but fish ?? The tuna is coming back, Mimi is making some for lunch today, and Julian gave Me little red snapper, ( no head please ) and it was scrumptious .... helped my stomach recover.
I also discovered a little magic drink ... the pronunciation is ... Yah - Cohl ... I don't know what's in it, but it began working right away, like an antacid. Drink one once a week say the
elders, they cost 6 pesos .... more plastic garbage, but worth it . I will post a picture of one, and many of you will recognize it. All's well at the river I believe, but you're wet to high thigh
to cross. There'll be people swimming today, the water is so warm, it's too funny.
I may have posted the following poem earlier on my blog, but i thought it deserves a repeat,
under the circumstances ....goodbye September ... hello gorgeous ...
very best regards one and all ...
k
Sunday, September 22, 2013
seven days to go ....
Short & sweet today ,I'm sick, but happy !? Came on in the middle of the night last night, and
it felt like Dengee, which I'm sure I had 2 years ago, but today I feel a little better, so it's
"just " a little stomach flu, thankfully. Should be back to close to " normal " tomorrow.
Maybe picked up a little something in the big city.
No power most of the day today, but coolish from all the rain we've had, so living without the fan wasn't too bad, but I was hot and cold all day anyway ! And no water, by which I mean the tank isn't filling, and it's down pretty low and my fix it man is in PV till Tuesday !
I was on the phone this morning with his son in law, but couldn't follow up with no power, and now it's too late. There will be enough if I'm careful ... which means no laundry... again !
Ahh September, I will be glad to see you go ...the heavy rain either dislodged the line or clogged the line, and I'm not the only one ...
Ocean is as brown as I've ever seen, there are paddle boarders and kayakers but even the kids aren't swimming ... so that tells you something. In PV the new rules of the new pier is no fishing, which is such a shame but I saw the other day the fisherman have got around that by fishing off the supports under the pier ... good for them !
Off to bed at 8;30 hope all of you are feeling fine and looking forward to cooler drier days ahead, not to mention a trip to Yelapa ...
We'll leave the light on for you ... if it's working !!
mas tarde
kelley
it felt like Dengee, which I'm sure I had 2 years ago, but today I feel a little better, so it's
"just " a little stomach flu, thankfully. Should be back to close to " normal " tomorrow.
Maybe picked up a little something in the big city.
No power most of the day today, but coolish from all the rain we've had, so living without the fan wasn't too bad, but I was hot and cold all day anyway ! And no water, by which I mean the tank isn't filling, and it's down pretty low and my fix it man is in PV till Tuesday !
I was on the phone this morning with his son in law, but couldn't follow up with no power, and now it's too late. There will be enough if I'm careful ... which means no laundry... again !
Ahh September, I will be glad to see you go ...the heavy rain either dislodged the line or clogged the line, and I'm not the only one ...
Ocean is as brown as I've ever seen, there are paddle boarders and kayakers but even the kids aren't swimming ... so that tells you something. In PV the new rules of the new pier is no fishing, which is such a shame but I saw the other day the fisherman have got around that by fishing off the supports under the pier ... good for them !
Off to bed at 8;30 hope all of you are feeling fine and looking forward to cooler drier days ahead, not to mention a trip to Yelapa ...
We'll leave the light on for you ... if it's working !!
mas tarde
kelley
Monday, September 16, 2013
photos ...not for the bug sensitve
Happy September 16th
Mexican Independence Day ... 1810 - 2013 .... !! Viva Mexico Viva !!
Unfortunately it is raining, the socked in Pacific Northwest kinda rain, so that will slow things down. The party is in Tuito, and there will be a few people who won't make it .... including me ! It isn't the first time this has happened in 213 years ....
We haven't lost power .... yet. No thunder bolts with this storm, so we may be safe ?
Friday brought a heavy storm. It felt like I was at a Led Zeppelin/ Metallica concert !
The light show didn't stop for over 2 hours, and the only accompaniment was the drum roll !
Power went off with the first note, at 11:00 pm , and stayed out till 3:00 pm Saturday.
One of Yelapa summer routines, unplugging and in plugging, fridge, phone, ifi, tv/stereo ....
I suppose this is the rain from Tropical Storm Manuel, dissipating just north/east of us. No unwelcome wind, just much needed rain.
We are all trying to put the tragedy of last week behind us. Things are not as I reported, but
the only information I have our rumours and hear say and Yelapa tall tales. I'm sure the
Tuito Police have their top investigators on the case ! and I will pass on any facts that may
be released .... but don't hold your breath !
On a happy note, the new born who has been in hospital in Guadalajara is doing much better
after 2 operations, and may be home at the end of this month.
It has been a quiet summer for parties, over all, no raves or etc. while I've been here. I missed the Kinder party Friday morning, the kids all dressed up like the heroes and heroines, ready to fight for Independence. I heard some took it very seriously, and much fun was had by all, and then lunch was served. Well done P. and helpers !
All this heavy rain keeps the bugs away, even Scorpions pretty much hide out, although
there is a scorpion whip ( large scorpion killer ) hanging around in the banos yesterday and today. Bats aren't flying through pooping the sofa, ( always in the same place, so I have to cover it up a night ! ) . The latest thing waiting for me in the morning are little peanuts,
not peanuts but exactly like those mixed peanuts with the skin still on ??? No clue as to what or how, but i think it's gone now ... a rather large skunk a few nights ago, digging yet again
under the patio, so close to my bed ! You can't tell what's going on until you shine the flashlight directly, and always most unpleasant to discover a skunk ! but she didn't spray
at all, just got annoyed and finally left. C. re enforced the skunk barrier the next day, shelves
from refrigerators long dead and buried, they work pretty good !
There is work being done at the old Casa Imagination. Don't know exactly but it will definitely be a restaurant again, that's exciting news. It looks like A&V from Shambala, so it
should be good, and great location, except for Gloria's Restaurant right next door. Hopefully
there will be very different menus, and enough business to go around this high season.
The 9:30 taxi just left. It is teaming rain. The rain gear is large black plastic bags with head and arms cut out, and bare feet. There are a few rain ponchos and slickers around, but mostly, less is more ! Only tourists on the boat, heading home with their luggage, also wrapped in black plastic bags. They will still be wet by the time they get wherever they're going. At least the ocean is as flat as a pancake ! My student called last night to cancel this week since she had a babysitting job at The Oasis, maybe people going to the parade in Tuito, or not ... in any case todays no day to go out anywhere, unless you have a plane to catch ! That means my paint job will have to wait one more day... that's life in the jungle !!
Instead I'll relax with the last 2 sections of my Globe & Mail, and soak in the moisture,
literally ...
love and peace to all .... !! Viva Mexico !!
k
Unfortunately it is raining, the socked in Pacific Northwest kinda rain, so that will slow things down. The party is in Tuito, and there will be a few people who won't make it .... including me ! It isn't the first time this has happened in 213 years ....
We haven't lost power .... yet. No thunder bolts with this storm, so we may be safe ?
Friday brought a heavy storm. It felt like I was at a Led Zeppelin/ Metallica concert !
The light show didn't stop for over 2 hours, and the only accompaniment was the drum roll !
Power went off with the first note, at 11:00 pm , and stayed out till 3:00 pm Saturday.
One of Yelapa summer routines, unplugging and in plugging, fridge, phone, ifi, tv/stereo ....
I suppose this is the rain from Tropical Storm Manuel, dissipating just north/east of us. No unwelcome wind, just much needed rain.
We are all trying to put the tragedy of last week behind us. Things are not as I reported, but
the only information I have our rumours and hear say and Yelapa tall tales. I'm sure the
Tuito Police have their top investigators on the case ! and I will pass on any facts that may
be released .... but don't hold your breath !
On a happy note, the new born who has been in hospital in Guadalajara is doing much better
after 2 operations, and may be home at the end of this month.
It has been a quiet summer for parties, over all, no raves or etc. while I've been here. I missed the Kinder party Friday morning, the kids all dressed up like the heroes and heroines, ready to fight for Independence. I heard some took it very seriously, and much fun was had by all, and then lunch was served. Well done P. and helpers !
All this heavy rain keeps the bugs away, even Scorpions pretty much hide out, although
there is a scorpion whip ( large scorpion killer ) hanging around in the banos yesterday and today. Bats aren't flying through pooping the sofa, ( always in the same place, so I have to cover it up a night ! ) . The latest thing waiting for me in the morning are little peanuts,
not peanuts but exactly like those mixed peanuts with the skin still on ??? No clue as to what or how, but i think it's gone now ... a rather large skunk a few nights ago, digging yet again
under the patio, so close to my bed ! You can't tell what's going on until you shine the flashlight directly, and always most unpleasant to discover a skunk ! but she didn't spray
at all, just got annoyed and finally left. C. re enforced the skunk barrier the next day, shelves
from refrigerators long dead and buried, they work pretty good !
There is work being done at the old Casa Imagination. Don't know exactly but it will definitely be a restaurant again, that's exciting news. It looks like A&V from Shambala, so it
should be good, and great location, except for Gloria's Restaurant right next door. Hopefully
there will be very different menus, and enough business to go around this high season.
The 9:30 taxi just left. It is teaming rain. The rain gear is large black plastic bags with head and arms cut out, and bare feet. There are a few rain ponchos and slickers around, but mostly, less is more ! Only tourists on the boat, heading home with their luggage, also wrapped in black plastic bags. They will still be wet by the time they get wherever they're going. At least the ocean is as flat as a pancake ! My student called last night to cancel this week since she had a babysitting job at The Oasis, maybe people going to the parade in Tuito, or not ... in any case todays no day to go out anywhere, unless you have a plane to catch ! That means my paint job will have to wait one more day... that's life in the jungle !!
Instead I'll relax with the last 2 sections of my Globe & Mail, and soak in the moisture,
literally ...
love and peace to all .... !! Viva Mexico !!
k
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