Back Up And Running

Hello All, We apologize for the long delay with our continuing Blog. We were experiencing technical difficulties, but thanks to tech. support of our son Quentin, we are back on line.



I thought that we would start off with a little Mexican color. In fact Mexico is all about color. It is actually winter here but definitely one of the most colorful winters that you could ever imagine. And of coarse Butterflies migrate to Mexico from all over the US and even Canada, so we are blessed with a lot of them.



One of our main objectives of this trip was to get some dental work done for Barbara. We can't afford to have dental work done at home so we wait for our southern winter migrations.
Barb says that her Dentist is one of the best she has ever worked with. Cleaning, one and half hour in the chair, $18. This included a thorough examination with explanations and recommendations. Result, one root canal and one crown, for a total of 8 visits for a total of $270. So if you don't have insurance, for the price of dental work at home, you can fly to Mexico, have a great vacation and get your Dental work done.




These Giant White Pelecans are a real pleasure. We love setting at the Board Walk and watch as they skim the water with their nine and a half foot wingspan. These guys migrate to as far north as Canada. We watched giant squadrens of them as they left to go North, when we were here last year, very impresive.




The atmosphere and aroma at this "Open Pit Fire Cooking" The breeze would circulate with whiff's of wonderful sweet smoke of misquete, with an awsome aroma of BBQing meats. This guy was preparing sausage, quail, pork, beef, rabbit, and chickens. This little family run business just out side of town, is only open on Sundays. Four of us shared a platter for four. It was delicious, The bill including two rounds of drinks came to $27. What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This is as close to the Holler that we have ever seen.



This is one of those compelling shots that I just had to get. I asked this little girl for permission to take her Photo and she replyed with a shy nod of ok. I later showed her the shot and she was very fascinated by it. She stared intensely at it for at least a minuet and I would love to know what here thoughts were. Precious



This wonderfully presented wreath of bread is a typical Christmas Tradition. It is eaten at a family gathering, imbedded in the bread is a little plastic baby representing the birth of the baby Jesus. The person who gets the little baby in their slice of bread is responsible for the next family party.



I am constantly fascinated by these colorful boats. Working on setting up a Sunset Cruse. Where by, we will get 8 people to go in together, take cocktail, and snacks and a little music and have the boat just go out in the lake and drift into the sunset while we enjoy. These boaters are traditionalist and sunset cruses are something new and they are not quite into it. I need a good translator, oh well, one day.



Barb and I have always enjoyed the typical Mariachis. The only thing you can do when they are playing is to shut up and listen cause it is just too loud to talk. We found this pair of "talented twin trumpeters, tipping Tequila between toots," to be very entertaining.



I am going to attempt to capture a great Sun Set Shot. This is not easy but this is my best to date. Please be warned that more sun set shots will be coming.



Our morning walks include this lake side board walk, which is frequented with many long legged birds. The Eagerts are quite skidish but this one was cooperating for a photo.



Some times you see and interesting dog and wonder what kind of dog is this. Well there is no question here. This is obviously a Irish Setter. When ever we walk up or down the main drag, there he is setting there, calmly looking up the street and down the street. The most mellow dog that I have ever met.



I mentioned that we are into Sunsets, well, we're also into Sunrises. We walk the lake side park almost every morning and the sights are amazing. Like with the sunsets, this will not be the last sun rise that you will see.



Another Fisherman, what can I say.




What an inspiring shot for a painting.



We have mentioned before how crime free this Lake side community is. We feel that it is due in part to the ample police presence.. The boys in white, are the special Tourist Police, they ride bicycles and can be seen every where. As true Civil Servants, they are quick to return a friendly greeting and offer directions or help.



Quest of Affordable Retirement





Having celebrated Thanksgiving a week early so that our children could celebrate Thanksgiving with their respective in-laws, we chose to fly on Thanksgiving day to avoid long lines and crowded terminals. Rochester Airport looked disserted and there was only a hand full of people on our flight. Ah Yes, life is good and thus we started our "Quest of Affordable Retirement"

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A view from our new apartment ,Mirador, overlooking our neighbors ¨Mirador
or roof top patio. These Mirdors provide a great views, fresh breezes and
relaxing space.

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This is a street's eye view of our apartment, we are on the third floor . Our landlord, Chris, wants me to build him a Wood fired brick oven on the very point of the building, and plans on opening a restaurant. Her you go, Pollywogg South. This modest completely furnished apartment is $360 a month and includes, utilities, cable TV, High Speed wireless connection, daily garbage pick up, one, half day a week Maid service, Wonderful views of Mountains and Lake, Great neighbors, and easy walking distance to everything. This crime free, perfect climate town is certainly a slice of heaven.

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This $3 bowl of Sopa del Mar or Sea Food Soup is all that you can hold. Add a couple of smooth shots of well aged Tequila and we are ready for a Siesta.

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Sorry, but no room for this tempting dessert, just looking at it is a rewarding treat.

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our neighbors to the West. These dome shaped roof structures provide light and ventilation. Very attractive both inside and out.

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To the South is the lake, mountains and a beautiful lake side park. Notice
the clouds, very rare this time of the year.

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Across the street to the East is this comforting shot of the local Red Cross. Ya never know when you may need a quick ride some where. Mexico is famous for it's modern hospitals, affordable, excellent, medical care and very proud of it's well trained Red Cross, emergency response Teams.

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Another quick lunch and we are on our way to another adventure.

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A stroll out on the local pier affords wonderful views of the Town, lake and surrounding mountains.

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A view from the light house at the end of the pier.

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The many, ever present fountains provide relaxing comfort. Something
lacking in our busy lives at home.

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The destination of today's adventure, Mascara Island. During the 16 and 1700 This Island was a Spanish Fort and Prison. It is very significant in Mexico's history, for it is here where a small band of Natives took over the fort and held it for four years. At which point the King of Spain granted them amnesty for their bravery.


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We visited this Island Fortress Ruins last year and appreciated the
various state of despair. However we were delighted to see that the
Government has decreed this Island as a National Heritage and has allocated
a lot of money to restore it. There are over a hundred craftsman working
here on this five year restoration project.












There are several Catholic Churches in town. This is the closest one, which we attend. There are four masses on Sunday, all a full house and daily masses which are also full. Perhaps this could hold the secret of the low crime rate.



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We will conclude this posting with dinner on the veranda overlooking the
lake. Stay tuned to our next posting which will include a trip to the beach
at Puerto Matazalan.

Thats all for now.