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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)