It's Cold

The weather has turned cool. Temperatures dropped from 27 or 28C to 19 or 20C, with clouds and a hint of showers.

We were going to an evening concert a few nights ago when the temperatures started to go down, hence the long pants and jacket. The crazy Saskatchewanians we met prior to the show didn't seem to notice the cool weather. The two in white are our neighbours and were the bearers of the Christmas shrimp cocktail.

The concert was put on to support the orphans of Guaymas with raffle prizes being donated by local businesses. I was the lucky winner of an evening out to one of the many restaurants in San Carlos. The tables did fill up - this picture was taken early in the evening.

Christmas Eve

What a setting for conversation and spending time with friends! Forty of us from Parque Tecalai had cocktails and our Christmas Eve meal at the hotel across the street. From this location we could watch the dolphins and later, the lighted boat parade.

People away from home find unique ways to celebrate the holiday in San Carlos. Along with the boats, there were bonfires on the beach with wiener roasts and plenty of fireworks. Regardless of the location of the celebration, I'm sure everyone had a great time!

Saskatchewan Delivery

How's that for a shrimp cocktail?

We were pleasantly surprised when friends {who just happen to be from Jackfish Lake, Saskatchewan} brought us two shrimp cocktails and a bottle of wine yesterday afternoon. Merry Christmas Mexico style!

Chasing the TV Repairman

In early November our two year old TV quit working due to what we think was a power surge. We bought a new one but decided to get this one fixed and take it to Eatonia for the basement - a 32 inch Aquos Sharp should be a great TV for there.

We advertised on the San Carlos forum and got an immediate response from a repairman in Guaymas. He came to the house and took the TV back to his shop. That would be Clue # 1! He was back the next week and explained the problem and said he needed 1200 pesos for the main board, but he didn't have enough money to order it. Clue # 2! We gave him the money with the promise of our TV being fixed in one week.

It is fixed but we don't have it yet. We have been unable to find the guy. We have his phone number and name but whenever we call, his wife says the TV is repaired and we should call after supper. When we call later they do not answer the phone or if they do, we can't seem to get the address from them. Clue # 3!

We have been getting our Mexican friends to call as we don't speak good enough Spanish to communicate on the phone. We have called so many times the wife finally got angry and told us not to call again. Clue # 4!

Now who are the dummies here? We gave a complete stranger a 32 inch flat screen TV, 1200 pesos and we don't know his shop's address.

I'm sure he repaired our TV and then turned around and sold it for a good profit.

Stay tuned for last chapter in this saga!

A Day in the Life of Maggie

The weather has been spectacular since we arrived and on the very hottest days Maggie needs the beach (or at least she thinks she does). The beach is just across the street from our house, but by the time we got there yesterday, all Maggie could do was lay in the waves and say "thank you".


Before we left home the vet told us that 41 kilos was too heavy for Maggie so we put her on a diet. Doesn't she look slim and trim? I hope she reaches her goal soon as she is always hungry and searching for food.


She was so happy to be off the leash!


But... by the time we got home she was worn out. She loves to rest on the top step of the circular stairway by the house and enjoy the sun. I think she is telling us not to proceed with planned renovations to the stairs. They may be gone soon!

Where Are My Skates?

I like their zamboni!



The school children and the Canadians have been waiting for this day! The local government of Guaymas installed an outdoor skating rink so the people of Guaymas could experience the thrill of skating. They even had the Mexican national skating champion booked for a performance.

Alas, the ice melted!

We went yesterday to see the rink and were as disappointed as the kids. We understand that the portable ice plant failed and couldn't keep up with the 28C weather. They hope to get things up and running next week, but I have my doubts. For a country that has been experiencing extremely high electrical rates, this seems a little extravagant.

We are going again next week and if the ice is in [and if they have skates] I am going to give it a try.

Puppy Heaven

Yesterday the temperatures rose to 30C and that called for the beach. Maggie had her beach run and then it was our turn to experience a warm Mexican Sunday.

The Soggy Peso beach is an unique area as the temperatures can drop drastically when the wind is blowing. Kite boarders love this, but casual visitors are often forced to wear a hoodie or sweatshirt. I know, suck it up!



As we were sipping a beer and visiting with friends, a family of puppies arrived and were soon the centre of attention. The four pups were rescued from the toll booth on the highway and are thriving in their new home. Would Maggie appreciate a sister?

Market Day

On Wednesday we rode the bus to Guaymas to experience the weekly market. This is not the usual tourist market that Mexican resort destinations have set up to entertain the visitors, this one is for the locals. Prices are lower and the selection is much better than places like Ley's or Walmart.


Like all the other times we have been here, Fred gravitates toward the used tools. He has learned well from his sister Anne - he researches before he buys! No money changed hands on this day.


If you want honey, you can buy direct from the wagon - hive and all!

This market is set up just off the main street in Guaymas and it runs for blocks. All the stalls are temporary so they can be set up and removed easily. By Thursday morning there was no evidence of the vendors.

Mexicans love loud music and the market is no exception. Radios and stereos were everywhere and the noise adds to the excitement of market day - for locals and visitors!