.... GOODBYE, MAY ....
May seems to last a while around here, beginning with 9 days of Festival of Guadalupe, then Mother's Day, Student Day, Teacher Day, ( Day of the Child on the 30th of April ).
It's also the month of First Communion and Confirmation,
with 50 kids participating. The Church is standing room only at most large events, and that day was no exception.
Many people waiting outside for the Entrance and Exit.
Food and refreshments are sold in the front, but every family
has a fiesta planned for the afternoon, either at home or on the beach. The kids get an impressive gift of a small, white
bible, a candle, and prayer book, etc.
May is also my Dad's Birthday,'s, (90 years ), my Mom's anniversary,( 19 years ), my 1st wedding anniversary, ( 28 years ),
not to mention the numerous other birthdays, baptisims, and anniversaries celebrated around town.
The Village also marked the passing of one of her pioneers,
bidding farewell to Dona Beta, the mother of 9? or 12? children, many who still reside within a stones throw of each other.
The Mother of Pollo Bollo Jaime, famous for BBQ.
No way for me to be sure how many grandchildren she had, but I would be safe to say, at least one in every grade at Secondary.
Nine days mourning, as is the tradition.
Church bells ringing this Monday morning, at 6:30 am.
Somewhat unusual. Be sure to ask in the Village today ...
One of the things about all these special occasions, is the relatives and friends who arrive to share in the celebration.
People from Yelapa, who now live elsewhere, are SO HAPPY to be back home, and their kids are in heaven,barefoot and soaking wet.
People really take the time together, reminding us we don't know
when, or if, there will be a next time !
And people who are newly arrived ...?
They have never seen anything like it !!
Then, after all this, Dia de la Marina, June 1st.
( my 2nd wedding anniversary, 15 years )
Fun .... lots of fun. More shade this year, thanks YC, and every year there are new friends to see.
It isn't for everyone, that is for sure ... the music is blasting,
the kids are screaming, the brass band is playng, there's one bathroom, the ice melts, the sun is unforgiving ... people can and do get hurt, but a great time is usually had by the majority.
I didn't get in the water this year, it was too cold !! Serious !
It has warmed up some, but even this morning, the weather is a little chilly and stormy for Yelapa June. Serious!
We need rain. So dry. So brittle and dusty. Not many mosquitoes
bothering me, flies either. No crabs, though I saw 2 the other day, trapped in the shower ...
It has to rain, it must rain, before I leave for my Vacation !!
7 days from now !!!
It's " full tilt boogie" till then. I'll be gone 7 weeks !!
From Vancouver, to Winnipeg, to Lake of the Woods, to Great Lake Superior, to Ottawa, to Sydney, Nova Scotia.
There's a lot to do to prepare for a trip like this ...
not the least being a few more fiestas, ...
to send me on my way ...
I will be able to post in July, as long as I can get my phone working.
I wish you all safe travels, as the adventure of life continues ....
