New House on the Block

Getting a house built in Mexico is often more of a challenge than at home, but the end result can be very rewarding. Watching these men start from the ground up and following it through to completion is interesting and fascinating. They are masters of brick work.



Today John and Linda opened their new house to their neighbours - beautiful. It makes me envious of a new -build!

It feels like our weather has turned the corner and we are out of the "winter" months and into "summer" - much like Saskatchewan


The long walk home!!

Mexican Party

Mexicans love their music, the louder the better! Parties are often held at the Athletic Club just behind our Parque and for the three winters we have lived in this house we have had to try and sleep through some pretty loud parties.

Last night there was another party at the Athletic Club - but this time I was invited! Our Zumba/Latino instructor is leaving for a ten month sailing trip and the Club wanted to give her a farewell party. And party they did!





We visited and did a few Zumba routines. The hardest part of the evening was trying to recognize people in their party clothes, out of their shorts and headbands. Where are my heels?

Please excuse the blurry pictures!!!

Mexican Friends

Our housekeeper sometimes brings her daughter when school has been cancelled and Tuesday was one of those days. Paola loves to come here so she can play with Maggie and ride a bike while her mom works. Maggie and Paola spent hours together playing ball and going for walks. Just like a typical Golden Retriever, Maggie carries her own lease and leads the way.


She doesn't have a bike at home so it is a novelty for Paola to go for a ride. She is learning fast and has mastered the art of riding without hands!

I was at the golf course so Fred played the gracious host and nuked a pretty good lunch for the three of them. There went our leftover supper!



It was a good day all around - 18 holes of golf, house cleaned, Maggie tired and an enjoyable visit with Chuyita and Paola.

Market

Eight of us were up early to head to Empalme for the Sunday Market. Some of us needed fruit, others vegetables and others wanted clothes.

My personal mission was to buy a huge supply of vegetables but I came home empty-handed in that department. The good news....I bought some clothes and a picture! It's hard to turn down a good deal.

The roasted sugar pecans seemed to be the hit of the day.

Day of Golf

This morning eight Canucks headed for the golf course and a great time was had by all. We didn't golf like the pros do, but we did okay and had fun doing it. No sightings of horses, cows or snakes - only a few dogs!

The weather was perfect for the game and for our lunch after. The golf course kitchen is famous[around here] for their fish and chips and today didn't disappoint.

Great Day

The temperatures were hovering around 27C, I played 18 holes of golf, dropped Maggie off for a sleep-over, went out for an early dinner of coconut shrimp and now, at 6:29, am watching TV in my pjs.....just doesn't get any better!

Walk on the Beach

We took a 25 minute bike ride to the beach by the Pilar Condos outside of San Carlos. The beach is quiet and peaceful with very few people about. The dolphins often play in the water by the condos but today they were elsewhere.

We don't often ride out here - usually Fred walks Maggie along this beach giving her freedom to get her exercise.

Friends

Maggie has another friend who lives two doors down from our house. Our dog has always had a fear of jumping over fences but not anymore. We are unable to leave her alone outside because she now escapes whenever she wants to see Knightly.

She not only goes for a dog visit, but Maggie walks straight into the neighbour's house to eat Knightly's food and steal his toys.

Dog retraining is now in order! How can we get that fear of jumping fences back?

Great Weather for Kiteboarding

A few days ago the weather was perfect for an afternoon of kiteboarding - watching, not participating! The only physical activity we took part in was to strengthen our "cerveza arm". And that took repeated reps!

Golfing

Pretty good form for someone who hasn't golfed in 9 months! And, he beat me!!

The course isn't in the best of shape but they are working on getting water to the greens and fairways. I can see small improvements every week.

Hangover Breakfast

Fred and I didn't have any special plans for New Year's Eve so we volunteered to spend a couple of hours working at the bar for Tecalai's Dine and Dance. The Committee had hired local Mexicans to be behind the bar, but they are unable to handle the club's cash so we took that upon ourselves.

Imagine our confusion when we were introduced to the four workers - Luis, Luis, Luis and Luis Manuel! All the Luises worked hard and kept the bar hopping!

People often need a pick-me-up after a night of dancing and celebration so Fred and I hosted a "Hangover Breakfast" for 25 of our neighbours at 9:00 am. It was a huge success and many left here full and ready for an early morning nap. The camera remained hidden this morning!!

The first day in 2012 was hot and sunny which meant "the beach"!

Happy New Year to all!