Happy Easter ... and more

Easter is upon us ... the beach is lined with tents, canopies and ice coolers. The music is playing, the women are dancing, the kids are running wild in the surf .  Not the kind of Easter Holiday I grew up with, but then again, it could still snow where I come from !

There are 4 grand yachts in the bay, plus a few mini ones, sailboats, pleasure boats, banana
boats, sea-doos, inner tubes, para sailing, and a water skier, behind a water taxi , no less.
The breeze is full of kids laughing and carrying on.  Isabels beach has been packed each day, and the tide has been so high, there isn't a lot of beach to play on, but that makes no difference!  How many people can you fit on a rock ?!

The Mexican people know how to relax, and it revolves around family and food.  There is never a shortage of either around here.  A curious eye gets you an invitation to try the ceviche, or tamalas, or some kind of agua fresca I've never heard of before.  They take such pride and such pleasure to share, it really warms your heart.

Pollo Bollo was jammed packed last night, with so much talk and laughter.  So many family members make it home for this holiday, tables are pushed together, and no one seems to care how long it will take for Jaimie's ribs to reach the table.  There are dogs running around,( not allowed, but good luck keeping them out ) babies are passed back and forth to admire,
hands shaken and hugs given, backs slapped, and yes, more laughter.

I noticed early on, that there are just not the crying babies and infants here, as I was used to seeing up north. Somehow, it seems, the babies in Yelapa are just born happy.  I suppose there are many other reasons you don't hear the whining child down here, perhaps because there are so many distractions for them and so much freedom. The sea and the river at their front door, or maybe it's just something in the air ??

Everything will quiet down now, although the holiday lasts another week.  Life will return to normal, or as normal as it gets for me here.  I hope I will still have a visitor or two .

The bathroom has a lovely new roof.  It smells like a barn in there still, and we have to spray for the little bugs that will be trying to make their home in there.  The roofers knocked off the vent out of the toilet, and when we put it back together, it seems to have solved our septic problem, at least temporarily.  Perhaps that pipe was clogged the whole time ?
Thank you to whoever came up with the retractable snake idea !  Worked for me !

A new toilet is still in order.  That involves breaking out the cement seal on the old one, and replacing it with what we know to be called a flange.  So many of the Yelapa toilets were cemented in to the floor.  There wasn't much alternative years ago, ( this house was built in
1972 ), so the quickest, easiest, cheapest way to get the shitter working was to make some cement !!!

The workers didn't do to much damage to the plants in the yard, and around the bathroom.
Bad, but not that bad.  Nothing like what we lived through doing the main house roof.
You can be as careful as you want, but they have to haul the palm fronds up 46 steps, and
they are long, and wide and full of sand.  Then they have to be piled up, in some kind of order, to be handed up to the man on top.  There were 300 palm fronds.  They took up a lot of room, but everything survived, just a little on the crooked side right now.
I'll post the photos on my " Complete Profile " or Facebook.

Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, I could not make a long distance phone call
today. I have 3 microphones to plug into my computer for my Skype, and NONE of them
work.  I do not have the proper international phone card, and they don't sell them here.
There are draw backs to being so isolated.

Instead I kept busy cleaning the casita, as our guest has returned to Montreal.
There is full morning sun up there, and a great place for a future vegetable/herb garden.

My final Spanish lesson tomorrow, and we will go out for lunch, again.  I went out with 3 woman friends last Wednesday ( so many interesting woman here ) to Shambala, and finally had the Mole.  Everything was delicious.  We had a good time.  I'll go back and try the 
baked potato !! What a good idea....

For now, it's time to go for a swim.  The water has been crystal clear, and I'm told it is warm,
( more than usual )  ... so until next week ...

Sleep tight , don't let the bed bugs bite, and , ...... watch out for April Fools !!

xo

k


  

Full moon shadows

The Church Bells began ringing yesterday afternoon.  People gathered in the Town Square.
"Jesus " was helped onto his donkey, and the Procession began. I didn't follow this year, but I have in years past, and it's a very serious affair, with many many people.  I'm sure there will be many pictures posted on Facebook, and maybe even Utube this year !!
Pollo Bollo stayed open this year, and we got there ahead of the rush ... much excitement, especially with " Jesus " in the room !! This is just the beginning. 

Stay away from PV this week, if you can.  It's one of the busiest times there.
Seems everyone heads to the Coast for their vacations, and who can blame them ...

There are big changes to the Immigration Laws here.  I don't have to renew my status as
Resident until October, but it's important to find out now, what the changes mean, especially if you have a car here, with USA plates, as we do.  If we go ahead and become Permanent
Residents, we will have to put Mexican Plates on the car, which is fine, except we have yet
to discover how much that will cost.  For people with a newer car, it will be very expensive, and some have chosen to drive out of the Country, and leave their car in the North.

If you chose to become Permanent, which I would like to do, ( they say it's good for life ?! )
you will NOT be able to drive a Forgien Plated car into the Country, ever again ??
That's an issue, because I know I would like to drive in again.  There are still belongings of mine in Reno, and in Vancouver that I would like to have here. 

There are ways around it, but it would involve having a friend drive with me.  Someone who
is just visiting, and receives 180 days Visa at the border, can drive their car across, but it
must be returned to the border, before the visa expires.  I think I could manoeuvre that, but
hard to know, for sure, at this point.  I like the idea of not having to renew every year.

The new Government here is making a lot of changes.  The crack down makes sense as there are many, many cars here with expired USA or Canadian Plates.  Nationals drive them
down, or buy them here from tourists, the " ex-pats " or visitors who don't want to drive back.  No more of that.

They have also changed the financial requirements, significantly, but if you already have an
FM3, and transfer to the new status, you don't have to meet the new rules.  We should be ok, but there are many people who won't qualify, and they will have to stick to the 180 day
visa.

I have already tried to do some research on the new rules, but it is going to take some time to get to the right source.  I thought the Canadian Consulate may point me in the right
direction, or the Car Insurance Company we have dealt with in Nogales. So far I've come up short.  There is an office of Motor Vehicles in PV, where we have tried before to get info.
with little success.  Craig will try there again today, since he's had to go in to see the dentist.

Many people are getting packed up and heading North again. I have a farewell lunch with
my Spanish teacher today.  Soon, all will be quiet again, and I'll have the little beach all to
myself, or at least with people I know. 

Water has been an issue already.  The black tank was half full only, and not filling up over night as it should.  Our man was on the job right away, and the tank is full now, but we are now on " Water Watch ".  There are only 5 houses on our water line, and each one is full of
people right now, for the next 10 - 14 days.  Once everyone goes home, the water issues will
dissipate, somewhat, until the river starts drying up ... it may not rain here for 3 months, and that could become an issue. 

We emptied the old cement tank a few months ago.  We kept that as reserve, and for watering the yard, but it was so old, and leaking, and there's no need for it anymore, since
we can purchase another black tank to sit on top.  It's really important to have that back-up,
so after the new roof, and after the new septic/toilet, we will have another tank hooked up.

SJ had some fish for Lily the other day, and since C. was away, he cleaned it for me, at his
small bodega at the bottom of my stairs.  He taught me how to take the meat off the skin , once it was cleaned, a couple of years ago, but he insists I can learn to clean it too.
I've had my doubts, and I really didn't want to learn how to do it, ( I can barely watch him do it ! ) but after this last time watching him, I agreed that this summer, I will learn !
  
Since I like to think of myself as somewhat of a Pioneer, like my ancestors were, I better
learn a trick or to about real survival. Learn to clean a fish is basic I suppose.
Perhaps I should also learn how to bait a hook.  I can't do that either !

I worked at Mimi's most of the week and have the Library much more organized.
The first " sections " that came together were " Cowboys , Indians and Native History "
which I named for LCV  ( it's very impressive, I think, ) and the Auto/Biography's, of which
there are less than a dozen.  I collected an old folding chair off the pathway, cleaned it up, and used it to hold a box of books. 

We are still a long way off, but Mimi and I share a vision, and are excited about the possibilities.  We know about hard work ( her more than me ) and commitment, and
survival.  We know anything is possible, if you really put your mind to it.

And that goes for us all ...

The sky is as clear as can be, and the moon will be, already is, spectacular.  I introduced two
adorable children to the Rabbit that appears on the moon's face here. 
They were mesmerized.

It's the little things that get us closer to where we want to be, don't you think ?

Enjoy ...

Love and Gratitude ..

k

Spring Forward

Hola .... A quiet week in Yelapa.  Everyone must be resting up for Easter Week.  It's a big
deal down here, and I love it too. 

It also means winter is coming to an end, and the Locals really know how to celebrate
and enjoy each other.  It's always a kick to run into someone who has come home
for the Holidays from the United States, or Canada.  They are so , so happy. It's quite a feeling.

I dressed up as best as I could for St. Patrick's Day.  I wore my Grandfather's Fedora, 
cat- like sunglasses, and lots of pins, including a Poppy and an Eskimo Pin that I got from my
Dad.  Turned out I did look a little like a Leprechaun !! I plan to wear it out to Pollo  Bollo
tonight ... Como No ??  I dressed up for the Russells especially. I joined the send off party
as they returned to B.C. today, but will be back soon enough.

Tomorrow is a Holiday as well. Benito Jaurez's Birthday, so no Library. I'll meet with my Spanish teacher for my lesson, and then on to help Mimi in her Lending Library. There are
still lots of books around, thank goodness.  Not everyone has moved on to a Kindle, at least not yet !

A friend had an art show at El Hardin on Tuesday and a good time was had by all.  That's the first house I stayed at in Yelapa, and I love being there.  I'm going to help another friend
organize a clothing show there this week.  She brings beautiful clothes from India every
year, and not everyone can make the walk up to her house, so she agreed to bring some
things down for the " Point People ". I brought my teacher up there last week, and we both
bought something.  I didn't bring much money with me, but that didn't seem to stop me
from spending it.....I'll never get to India, and even if I did, I would never be able to find
the kinds of things she does, she has over 20 years of experience there, and it shows.

There will be a Fiesta at the " Casino " ( our version of a Town Hall ) on Wednesday, the
Kindergarten Kids will perform, and then another performance by the Secondary School
on Thursday.  There will be Tamales and Tacos for sale, which will benefit each school.

The bathroom roof will be replaced at the end of this month.  The palm fronds will be cut
just before the full moon, then laid to dry for a day, and then dragged down the hill by horses
and donkeys.  First the guys will come and take off the old roof, and haul it down the hill towards the back of the property, then come back the next day to install the new palapa.
I will take pictures.  It's a tiny little room, so it won't take more than 2 days, I hope.

After that's done, the new toilet will be installed.  Now that's something to look forward to !

The ocean is still cool, and the wind is still strong, but the sun has intensified somewhat, to
give us the feeling that winter is almost over here.  We have yet to turn our clocks forward,
but when we do in another week, or so summer should be right right around the corner !

The stores are full of sweet oranges, great for juicing, grand pineapples lined up in a row, and pyramids of small, golden mangoes. I don't know where everything comes from, but they
sure taste good.  Even the carrots taste better down here !!

There was another wedding this week, and I got to see the bridal party load themselves on the ponga, for a boat ride to the beach !!!  No one fell in, thankfully the ocean was very calm
but it still was quite a sight, all the women in their gowns.  They took too it well and I heard
the whole thing was a big success.  

Happy Easter everyone ... there won't be any chocolate bunny for me this year, but that's ok ... I'll just eat another mango !!  and hang on tight to my Sombrero, there will be bells ringing and music playing for the next 2 weeks ...

until next week ... take care of yourselves, and do unto others ... is there any other way ??

Happy Spring ...

k     

Great Big Sea

New moon tomorrow, and the sea is big, and rough, and loud and constant.  Yes ...you could say she's angry, but I prefer to think of her as cleansing, and renewing her energy.  A few days ago it was as calm as a Jackfish Lake, but not today .

I always, always, have a moment of gratitude that I, or my loved ones, are not on one
of those boats and water taxis.  Watching this evening, the " ponga " rounding the point, out of the bay, disappeared with each wave, and then emerged again, at the top.  

Not fun. Dangerous, in fact.  I, thankfully do not have a horror story of a boat ride, and I hope it stays that way.  Lots of people do though, and i think Pam's, dating 17 years back takes the cake !!

The thing to do in this house, i think, now that I live here full time, is build in a wind block,
of sorts.  I could build a wall I suppose, but that's not what living in a Palapa is all about, it
really does have to remain open.  The thatched roof is held up by old trees, about 24 inches
round, nothing is level, and nothing is square.  If you want walls, don't live in a Palapa !

I would only need it this time of year.  In the summer i need the breeze, and i hang curtains
on a clothesline that goes the length of the house, to block out the sun.

I do have a blind I roll down in front of my dining table, and one across from the bed, but neither are big enough, and are beginning to fall apart, so it's time to use my imagination
and come up with something .... Another project for next year.

Dolphins close inside the bay this morning.  Right under my house.  First you see one or two,
then 4 or 6, then 20, 30 ....what a life .

Mimi's has been slow.  SO many restataunts in town, and just not enough people.  We will
never give up though.  We will find are own little niche, and do what no one else does ... we just don't what that is yet, exactly, something to do with books, and community space ...
All we have to do , is do it, but both of us have been busy, and preoccupied.  

Tomorrow is my second time volunteering at the new school library, thanks A. , and I've asked my spanish teacher to come along.  How smart is that?  Grade 3 is a piece of cake,
grade six, like a tough steak.  Each group comes for a half hour, so we should get through it without much incident, god willing.  Ailene had to go North for a few weeks, so we are on our own, and for sure we will do her proud.

I still haven't tried the Molle Sauce at Shambala Restaurant.In fact i've never even been there once, so I'm looking forward to that Wed. and Ramona's this Thursday for some people who are first timers ... That's how it goes for me around here.  I don't go out for weeks and then 6 times in 10 days ... depends who is coming and going .  

I had 3 dear woman friends over for dinner on Friday.  So much laughter and sharing. 
Really special.  I don't miss Canada half as much down here, as I did when i was in USA.
I had only 2 or 4 friends there; here i am rich with woman who have become dear to me.
Oh and there's a couple of men too. 

The sea continues with her bellowing.  There is less fury, but maybe that's only because it's dark and I can't see out there anymore.  In any case, I will be rocked and rolled to sleep
tonight.  

Time to light the candles, get the flashlight ready (just in case), curl up and watch a movie.
Only I'll have to turn it up loud !!


Until next week ....Que te vaya bien ....

xxo 

Welcome to Yelapa .... 1999 ...

I was told on the boat, ask for Bobby Jones, then for sure I'd find my way ... oh ..

and shower like I'm being watched, on any given day !  So I make my way along the path,

only I speak French, not Spanish ... little children save they day, when they take my bags,

and vanish.   I catch up, eventually, outside a rustic, bamboo gate, curious to see inside,

none of us could wait.  Nunu there to greet me, made it feel like I was home, they way she

barked and wagged her tail, like she was my own.


Alahandro came to build a wall, in my shower with a view, but i still have a pretty vista

when I'm visiting the loo.  Bobby started doing tricks, ( while Phillipo held him up )

Yelapa Angel grew her wings, and said she had enough.  Karina called to keep it down, her

guests were trying to sleep, while Little Dawn and Moses, gathered up the feast of wood

to burn at full moons rise, where once I saw my mother face, in Santiago's eyes.


Pizza at the Baracuda, music near and far, dancing at the Yacht Club, with Elana at the bar.

Movie Night at April's, she'll feed you dinner too, Yoga in the morning, to feed the rest of you

Masquerade on Valentines, Croquet the season through, baseball if CacaVaca says he has

a Bimbo Crew.  Mimi's is live music, every Friday Night, she's just as sweet as honey, and

the jam , is outa sight ...

Little Creatures

A wild week in Yelapa, weather wise.  The ocean was big and frothy for the full moon.

It was nice and clear ( and cold ) and I got to see the Energizer Bunny,  up close.  There is

no " Man in the moon " down here , he's changed into a rabbit !.

The coldest nite , ever , last night.  Extra blankets on the bed today, and an extra blind as a

wind break.  That;s what get's at you , living outdoors, .... the wind.  Coming off the ocean at

it can be pretty nippy.  Reminds me of Lake Superior, but not really. 

The temperature still climbs to close to 80 degrees f. by afternoon,  which would/has never

happened where I come from !  I have to spend extra time sweeping leaves out of the house,

and carry away the dead Palm Fronds that fall from the Palm Trees. 


In the process of getting my extra, heavy blankets out of the bin in the  bodega, I had an ant

encounter.  There is no way around it, no matter how tight I pack things up, if anything

sits for too long, guaranteed there will be ants , or termites, making a home.  

It all amounts to " Yelapa Time ".  Hard to be on a schedule when you never know what , or

who you will encounter !


I'm excited to go to the Secondary School tomorrow and start volunteering in the new

Library.  A&B from California put it together, ( tons of work organizing the delivery of

books , she's a retired librarian) and hopefully, Monday's will be my time slot.  Kids can come

check out books, with their class, from 12 - 1 pm every day.  It's very exciting, and I'm sure,

eventually it will really catch on.  I'm happy to be involved. 


I will re -schedule my spanish with Deb, it's really important to take advantage of her, since

she is so open to help, and is here for only one more month.


I'll make it short and sweet this week.  Keeping real busy, and happy down here.  It could

snow for all I care .... 


I'll still have the ocean to look at, to rock me to sleep.  There is blue sky, and fresh air.

 I have good friends here, and family and friends on Skype ... what more could I want ...but..

a pair of Uggs !!

I love getting bundled up in my robe in the mornings, but flip flops were not made for

socks !! 

As long as we know the sun will come out, eventually, we will all do ok ..


Lily, my feline companion, is batting a mouse around the house .... it's time to go ...


until next week ... eat lots of carrots , it's good for your eyes !!


su amiga

kelley