Uaymitun 2016 – The Ducksoup Blogs

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #9 “Final Days!”

Welcome to our 9th and final Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

It’s hard to believe that our winter in Uaymitun has come to an end! It truly went by very quickly!

In this final blog of the winter, we’ll catch up on a few loose ends, highlight another hacienda ruin and show another visit to a live show in Merida!

I was great to have Alison and Monica visit with George & Val, cuz it meant we could see them too!

The Progreso Team! — The Progreso Team visiting from down the beach…

... and relaxing with a Mayan Kiss (Kahlua and Xtabentun)! — … and relaxing with a Mayan Kiss (Kahlua and Xtabentun)!

A brief interlude of random pictures from the last few weeks…

A Mexican SmartCar! :-) — A Mexican SmartCar! 🙂

Had lunch at the Hyatt Merida with Mat & Terri!

Mmmmm! Marquesitas on the Malecon in Progreso! — Mmmmm! Nutella Marquesitas on the Malecon in Progreso!

Miguel trimming the palms! — Miguel trimming the trees!

Elaine cuddling a baby Boston Terrier at Yucatan Vacations office in Progreso!

Elaine & Val getting massages! Doug & George too, but mercifully no pics!

One last lunch at PF Chang's at Altabrisa Mall! — One last lunch at PF Chang’s at Altabrisa Mall!

Just to be clear, life in Uaymitun is totally relaxing with no hint of competition other than Hand & Foot and who could place the most coconuts on our fence!

Driving home from Merida one day, Mat asked if we’d ever visited the little town of San Ignacio? While we’d driven by the road sign countless times, we’d never slowed down and turned off… until that day!

San Ignacio village hall on the grounds of the ruined hacienda of the same name.

Once the chapel, now the local church. — Once the hacienda chapel, now the local church.

A number of views of the ruins of the henequen processing buildings

Trees have taken over much of the original hacienda

We were fortunate to be able to get some tickets to a night of music at the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras in Merida the other night. The Merida Big Band and La Decada put on a great show called “Jóvenes Recuerdos” or “Memories from our Youth”!

Had a great meal before the show at La Tratto with a Cappuchino!

As always, the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras was... — As always, the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras was…

Val, George & yours truly! I need practice on my selfies!

La Decada and the Merida Big Band in performance!

An after show Cappucino Maya at La Cafe Habana on 59th!

Our last morning at the beach house was a beautiful day! We saw dolphins too!

We said our goodbyes to Miguel and Maria and left for Merida!

We spent our last night at the Luz en Yucatan in Centro Merida, as did George and Val!

George & Val on their patio from our patio!

We had a special last dinner at Rosas & Xocolate Hotel and Spa which a great restaurant too!

... and Elaine & I! Cheers! — … and Elaine & I! Cheers!

Tuesday, March 15th… leaving another wonderful winter in Uaymitun but heading back for warm welcome with family and friends!

WestJet... direct flights between Toronto - Merida! — WestJet… direct flights between Toronto – Merida!

Dinner at Moxie's with Kerry, Sharon, Elaine, Kristy and I! — Dinner at Moxie’s with Kerry, Sharon, Elaine, Kristy and I!

Another Viral News Flash!

It pains us all, at least as far as Pam, Elaine, Dave and I are concerned, to report that apparently Ray and Gerry won another game of Hand and Foot! Rumours abound that there was some subterfuge and indirection on the final play that allowed them to snatch another victory! Curses!

Late breaking news!

In the final Hand & Foot match of the season… Ray was NOT on the winning team! Rod & Elaine won handily, but not because Pam & Ray had already left for home!

That’s it for our 9th and final blog of Winter 2016! We hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into life in the Yucatan!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #8 “Culture in the Yucatan!”

Welcome to our 8th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

This weeks blog is going to highlight the wide variety of cultural experiences available in the area!

Last Thursday evening, after another wonderful dinner at La Tratto in Santa Lucia Park, we stayed on to enjoy an evening of entertainment in the square.

Every Thursday night, the SERENATA YUCATECA is provided free of charge to all who come! A translation from their website describes this weekly event that’s been ongoing for over 50 years:

“The ultimate expression of Yucatecan culture is par excellence the YUCATECA SERENADE who at 50 years has allowed us to show the world the great artistic creations of our land with a touch of folklore, trova, poetry and feeling. In this scenario we found countless stars that list them would be like trying to count what we see in the sky.”

Every evening opens with... — Every evening opens with…

... a celebration of local dancing! — … a celebration of local dancing!

Following a gentleman shareing Yucatecan folklore, there was a great local guitar quartet!

On Saturday night, it was a different kind of culture… an evening of dinner and music at FACES in Progreso!

Jim and Elke's Place! — Jim and Elke’s Place FACES! [an old picture as the road is now paved!]

Enjoyable dinner! — Enjoyable dinner with Mat & Terri!

Great rock 'n roll music from Los Twangs! — Great rock ‘n roll music from Los Twangs!

Paradigmas, with Jim & Elke's daughter featured! — Paradigmas, with Jim & Elke’s daughter featured!

A night of good music and dancing! Elaine and Terri enjoying Shania!

On Sunday, we attended the OSY (Orquesta Sinfonica de Yucatan) at the Teatro Peon Contreras in Centro Merida! Conducted by Juan Carlos Lomonaco, it featured:

Obertura Festival Académico / Johannes Brahms
Doble concierto para violín y violonchelo / Johannes Brahms
Concierto para orquesta, Sz. 116 / Béla Bartók

Terrific seats on the Tercer Nivel (3rd balcony)

We had a great time... — We had a great time…

... with Bob & Pat and Pam & Ray! — … with Bob & Pat and Pam & Ray!

In addition to these types of cultural enjoyment, the architecture of the Historic District in Centro Merida is a joy unto itself! I’m including a few pictures of interesting doorways, homes and vistas from our walk from Pat & Bob’s house to the theatre and back!

Looking south past the theatre to the Plaza Grande! — Looking south on Calle 60 past the theatre to the Plaza Grande!

Calle 60 Hotel Casa del Balam (Dave Richie's fav!) — Calle 60 Hotel Casa del Balam (Dave Richie’s fav!)

Amaro restaurant on Calle 59! Great food too!

Viral News Flash

Sketchy reports, from Ray, are filtering in that a new ~~World~~ ~~Mexican~~ ~~Yucatan~~ Uaymitun record for the highest score in the card game Hand & Foot was achieved by Ray and Gerry last night! 11,320!

That’s it for our 8th blog of Winter 2016… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #7 “Time with Family and Friends!”

Welcome to our 7th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

This blog is less about places we’ve been and sites we’ve seen and more about spending quality time with Family and Friends!

For the casual reader, based upon the many pictures included, it may seem that all we do is dine and enjoy beverages! Nay! Nay!

It just happens that we take pictures when we dine and enjoy beverages!

Terri’s sister Roseanne came for a week’s visit, so they dropped over!

Betty, Bob, Val, George, Roseanne, Terri and Elaine enjoying beverages away from the wind!

Val needed help in finding her way home that night!

We thought about going back to Technotel for Valentine’s Day (El Día del Amor) but the menu wasn’t as good as New Year’s! So we went to Tony Roma’s in Merida. While the ambiance wasn’t totally romantic, the ribs were good!

Elaine, Terri, Mat, George & Val — Elaine, Terri, Mat, George, Val and George’s friend from Germany, Siegfried!

Terri's friend Lynn, Roseanne, Bob (enjoying his ribs) and Betty! — Terri’s friend Lynn, Roseanne, Bob (enjoying his ribs) and Betty!

We did take Bob & Betty into Merida for a bit of a tour, with the highlight being a carriage ride on the Paseo de Montejo!

In the Kissing Chairs in Santa Lucia Park!

We paid a visit to the Luz en Yucatan so they could see our favourite small hotel!

At the Governor's Palace! — At the Governor’s Palace!

Heading out on the tour of Centro Merida!

Stopping for pictures at... — Stopping for pictures at…

... the Monumento a la Patria! — … the Monumento a la Patria!

Had a great dinner at La Tratto in Santa Lucia Park!

A few other memories of Bob & Betty’s stay with us!

Betty getting her hair done by Gaby in Chixculub!

A Yucatecan dinner of Sopa de Lima, Panuchos and Salbutes... — A Yucatecan dinner of Sopa de Lima, Panuchos and Salbutes…

... prepared by Panchita, daughter Mayra and a friend! — … prepared by Panchita, daughter Mayra and a friend!

Dinner out at PF Chang's in Merida! — Dinner out at PF Chang’s in Merida!

Breakfast on the patio on one of the few days without Norte winds!

Bob & Betty enjoying a massage on the patio!

Betty catching some rays at Mat & Terri's house! — Betty catching some rays at Mat & Terri’s house!

This was certainly the season for jigsaw puzzles (rompecabezas)!

... and three! — … and then three! Bob is the puzzle master!

On our last day, we went for lunch at the Tarraya in Telchac Puerto!

Great view! Great food! Yummy Pollo Maya!

All good things must come to an end… but we truly enjoyed Bob & Betty’s visit with us in Uaymitun!

Last picture at the beach in front of Sharon's palm tree! — Last picture at the beach in front of Sharon’s palm tree…

... and about to board Westjet flight back to the ice and snow! — … and about to board Westjet flight back to the ice and snow!

That’s it for our 7th blog of Winter 2016… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #6 “Hacienda Sotuta de Peon!”

Welcome to our 6th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

To start off this blog, here’s a few highlights of the week!

After the El Norte blew in, Betty needed some warmth!

Our valedor, Miguel, brought Bob some Coco Frio (fresh coconut juice)! — Our valedor, Miguel, brought Bob some fresh Coco Frio and some ripe coconut!

Another trip to the Picuda in Telchac Puerto!

A grand entrance with her sunhat! — A grand entrance with Betty’s favourite sunhat!

Having Elaine's Mushroom Cracker Dip and waiting for Super Bowl! — Having Elaine’s Mushroom Cracker Dip and Chocolate Monkeys waiting for Super Bowl!

First trip to Henequene's in Progreso required a photo with the Frog! — First trip to Henequene’s in Progreso requires a photo with the Frog!

Watching the skaters at the rink in the Liverpool Mall, Merida!

Yesterday, we took a day trip with Bob & Betty to visit Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, near Tecoh!

Our last visit here was in 2014, when we went with Doug and Janine MacDonald. As I blogged then…

…the Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, built in the late 1800`s in Tecoh, Yucatán.

Sotuta de Peón, Live Hacienda, is the restoration project of a landmark located in the heart of the ancient henequén zone in the Yucatan state, and gives a true glimpse of what was once a fully operational Henequen Hacienda in the grand style and tradition of this period.

Since then, they have added more upscale hotel accommodations and a new Reception area and parking. Here are some of the highlights of our trip!

The Reception area at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon! — The new Reception area at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon!

Our guide explaining the significance of the Ceiba tree behind him. — Our guide explaining the significance of the Ceiba (Kapok) tree behind him.

The balcony on the western exposure of the Hacienda

A view down the centre of the Hacienda's rooms! — A view down the centre of the Hacienda’s rooms!

Our guide demonstrating our the henequen fibres are combed before use.

... the machine room! — … the machine room!

The extracted henequen fibres drying in the sun.

Sour oranges growing overhead! Great in margarita’s!

Beautiful blossoms overhead! — Gorgeous blossoms overhead!

Betty & Bob with a mature henequen plant.

A couple of the vacation casitas at the Hacienda!

The 3rd donkey tram following us around the guest pool area!

A glimpse of the extensive henequen plantation rows.

We stopped along the way to visit Sr Antonio... — We stopped along the way to visit Sr Antonio…

... who has worked at the Hacienda since 1949! — … who has worked at the Hacienda since 1949!

At the end of the line is the entrance to the cenote!

Our photos are hard pressed to show the beauty of the cenote!

Very proud of Betty who joined me for a swim!

Our favourite donkey pulled us back to the restaurant!

I’ll leave you with a picture we were able to grab one night as we drove back to our winter home from a day in Merida!

Sunset over the salt marshes near Chicxulub!

That’s it for our 6th blog of Winter 2016… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #5 “A Slice of Life in Uaymitun!”

Welcome to our 5th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

A bit shorter blog this week, but hopefully gives a glimpse of everyday life here in Uaymitun!

It’s a real treat to be able to spend a couple of months each winter with sister Val and her husband George just down the beach!

After a great BBQ dinner, Val made me eat Tofu pudding!

Val, George and friend Afie ready to watch a movie... so they say! — Val, George and friend Afie ready to watch a movie… so they say!

When the weather turns a bit nasty, we head inland away from the winds!

El Norte heading our way? No problem! Head to the Mall!

While someone was shopping at the City Centre Mall, I was not!

Had a late lunch at Tony Roma's in Merida! Love the iguana! — Had a late lunch at Tony Roma’s in Merida! Love the iguana… on the wall, not on the menu!

When we need a change, we’ll head out to one of our favourite restaurants!

At Elio al Mare in Progeso... — At Elio al Mare in Progeso…

... wishing Elaine's sister, Sharon, a Happy Birthday! — … wishing Elaine’s sister, Sharon, a Happy Birthday!

Meanwhile, we interrupt this blog to warn people not to wade in the salt marshes!

Come on in the water's fine! — Come on in! The water’s fine!

The past few days, the weather has turned quite hot again and has allowed us to enjoy sunsets on the beach once more!

L-R: Elaine, Terri, Val, Mat, Paul and George! — L/R: Elaine, Terri, Val, Mat, Paul and George!

And, yes, George is a two-handed drinker! — And, yes, George is an ambidextrous drinker!

Time for the requisite... — Time for the requisite…

... sunset shots from the beach! — … sunset shots from the beach!

Elaine prepared a delicious Italian feast!

On Tuesday, Elaine’s Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty flew in for a 3 week visit on the new Toronto to Merida Westjet flight!

They're here! They're here! — They’re here! They’re here!

The usual Dos XX pic at the airport! — The usual DOS XX pic at the airport!

On the beach at sunset again! Val, Betty, Bob, me and George!

Local fisherman's boat down the beach! — Local fisherman’s boat down the beach!

And to conclude this week’s blog… they’re baaaaaack!

Marilyn Merlot and Ralph Rottengrape off to another Murder Mystery!

That’s it for our 5th blog of Winter 2016… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #4 “Chicxulub!”

Welcome to our 4th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

With a few miscellaneous pictures thrown in, the blog is going to focus on our nearby town of Chicxulub!

While inspecting the roof had a great view!

Pam and Ray heading to a Murder Mystery!

A beach house at dusk near Mat & Terri's house. — A beach house at dusk near Mat & Terri’s house.

The Bridge to Nowhere (Before-Mar 2015)! — The Bridge to Nowhere “before” (Mar 2015)…

Apart from it being our closest and favourite little town, Chicxulub is famous for a major event in Earth’s history!

The Chicxulub crater is an impact crater buried underneath the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Its center is located near the town of Chicxulub, after which the crater is named. The date of the Chicxulub impactor, which created it, coincides precisely with the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary (K–Pg boundary). The crater is more than 180 kilometers (110 miles) in diameter and 20 km (12 mi) in depth, making the feature the third of the largest confirmed impact structures on Earth; the impacting bolide that formed the crater was at least 10 km (6 mi) in diameter. So long dinosaurs!

Gravity anomaly map of the Chicxulub impact structure

The coastline is shown as a white line. A striking series of concentric features reveals the location of the crater. White dots represent water-filled sinkholes (solution-collapse features common in the limestone rocks of the region) called cenotes after the Maya word dzonot. A dramatic ring of cenotes is associated with the largest peripheral gravity-gradient feature. The origin of the cenote ring remains uncertain, although the link to the underlying buried crater seems clear.

But our view of Chicxulub is quite different!

Yucatan Hwy 27 at the turn to Chicxulub — Yucatan Hwy #27 at the turn to Chicxulub.

The road into town has salt ponds on both sides.

We take our laundry to the Lavendaria Caremi!

One of the 'loncheria' on the town square! — One of the several ‘Loncheria’ across the street on the town square!

The basketball court in the square got a new cover last year!

From the basketball court looking back at the centre of the square!

One of the several small stores around the square. — One of the small stores (tienda) around the square.

Calle 20 which leads from the square to the pier was finally paved! — Calle 20 which leads from the square to the pier was finally paved last year!

Willys, small grocery stores is on the left side of the street. — Willys, a small grocery store, is on the left side of the street.

The Bamboo Beach, on the right, got a new coat of paint, but is still closed.

Calle 17, where the Casa del Faro restaurant is, was also paved! — Calle 17, where the Casa del Faro restaurant is, on the left, was also paved!

The last El Norte storm has piled up the seaweed by the pier!

I'm glad they are cormorants and not vultures! — I’m glad they are cormorants and not buzzards!

View of the town! — View back to the square!

Gaby the hairdresser / barber works here, but it was to early today! — Gaby the hairdresser / barber works here, but it was too early for her to be open today!

Calle 18 has one of the nicer houses downtown... — Calle 18 has one of the nicer houses downtown…

... and the local dentist! — … and the local dentist!

A fairly new butcher (carneria) is on the corner!

Looking back down Calle 19 towards the square — On my way back home, looking back down Calle 19 towards the squarel

Across the street is our favourite beverage vendor! — Across the street is our favourite beverage vendor; not quite open at 10AM!

And on the other corner, where we get our drinking water!

There are several small restaurants on the road out of town.

Hotel los Caracoles; formerly in the Hilton chain!

A few minutes further down this road it joins up with Yucatan Hwy #27, the Coast Road, which takes us back to Uaymitun!

That’s it for our 4th blog of Winter 2016… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #3 “Day trips and stuff!”

Welcome to our 3rd Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

We’re finally settling into some daily routines!

Morning coffee on the patio enjoying our wonderful view!

Watching the twice weekly Carnival cruise ships heading to Progreso!

Haircuts at Gaby's in Chicxulub! — Haircuts at Gaby’s in Chicxulub!

Watching our neighbour Ray in the kayak!

The occasional local fishermen with their nets!

Stopping at the Flamingo Viewing Station on my morning walk! — Stopping at the Uaymitun Flamingo Viewing Station on my morning walk!

Capturing the morning view over the salt marsh!

We also visited Telchac Puerto and the new restaurant Club Nautica Terraya a couple of times. Great food and reasonable prices. One of these visits included a short day trip past Telchac Puerto to San Crisanto and then heading inland to Sinache, Telchac Pueblo, Dzemul and back home. Saw some interesting sights and sites!

An Ibis looking for fish in the pond at the restaurant.

Flamingos right at the road between... — Flamingos right at the road between…

... San Crisanto and Sinache. — … San Crisanto and Sinache.

It's a single lane paved road with pull-outs to pass oncoming traffic. — It’s a single lane paved road with pull-outs to pass oncoming traffic.

We stopped along the way at ?? — We stopped along the way at Quinta Campeon…

... which is someone's home in the wilds... — … which is someone’s home in the wilds…

... whose entrance... — … whose entrance…

... has decorated rocks... — … has decorated trees…

... and rocks! Definitely worth seeing! — … and rocks! Definitely worth seeing!

The 20 minute drive down the road was fun to do, especially when you arrive somewhat unexpectedly in the beautiful town square of Sinache!

The nave of the church... — The nave of the church…

... and the view back to the doors! — … and the view back to the doors!

What a great day trip! That evening, we sat out on our front entrance with cappuccinos!

And if anyone back home is worried about us, when we have an urge to see some snow…

... we just give it a shake! — … we just give it a shake!

That’s it for our 3rd blog of Winter 2016… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #2 “Early days!”

Welcome to our 2nd Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

The first week or two is always busy with getting supplies, checking out the changes in the house and basically nesting! 🙂

Trips to Costco, Chedraui, Walmart and others kept us busy.

One thing that is never hard getting used to is our house! Here’s a couple of night views!

Our driveway leading out to the main road.

The skies, the surroundings and the wildlife can provide some beautiful sights.

Evening view looking towards the Progreso pier

American White Pelicans nest as far north as Great Slave Lake but winter here

Cormorants perched on a tower on the Telchac Puerto pier

... and of course flamingos! — … and of course flamingos!

Our beach changes day by day dependent upon the vagaries of the winds and tides.

... on a bad seaweed day — … on a bad seaweed day…

... on a good seaweed day! — … on a good seaweed day!

A few days ago, we were invited down to Dave & Diane’s house to participate in some Croc wrangling!

... it's as big as Anna! — … it’s as big as Anna!

January 8th was our 44th wedding anniversary and we celebrated in style at Hacienda Xcanatun near Merida.

Enjoying a fabulous meal with George & Val!

Just the other day, we went for a short outing up to Telchac Puerto for lunch with George & Val.

3 Garlic Shrimp + 1 Eggs & Jam at the Picunha

After our walk on the pier, we went looking for a new restaurant in Telchac Puerto called Club Nautica Terraya. We just had some beverages, but the menu looks promising!

The girls meet a new friend and his parrot!

On the way back to our house, we just had to stop to take in a couple of new additions to the local signage!

Don't ask, cuz we don't know — Don’t ask, cuz we don’t know

Celebrated with Dirty Mother's all around (kahlua, tequilla, ice & cream) — Celebrated with Dirty Mother’s all around (kahlua, tequilla, ice & cream)

On our last trip to Costo, it was pretty quiet, so we took in the latest tourist site!

When they were building the new Costco in Merida, part of the parking lot kept sinking. With a bit of investigation, they found a cenote and have preserved it!

That’s it for our 2nd blog on Winter 2016… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #1 “Glad to be back!!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2016 Blog!

It has been a difficult year, with the untimely passing of our brother-in-law, Rick, and Elaine’s dad this fall. We are looking forward to a time of rest and recuperation this winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

Once again, even though the weather had been very gentle and mild for weeks, our journey appeared to be in peril!

The dire forecast of ice and snow! — The dire forecast of freezing rain, ice and snow!

However, our fears were unfounded and the morning brought warmer weather in Toronto and our flight was basically on time.

We ran into Tom MacAskill in the departure lounge!

A short 4 hours later, we arrived in Merida, with NO stop in Houston, and walked out into a warm and humid day!

After catching a cab downtown, we spent a night at our favourite small hotel, Luz en Yucatan, and a great dinner at La Tratto in Santa Lucia park!

Pool view from the Patron room in the Luz en Yucatan…

... and a relaxing beverage! — … and a relaxing beverage!

The next day we got our rental car and headed out to Chicxulub to spend a few days with Mat & Terri!

Enjoying a dip in Mat & Terri's pool! — Enjoying a dip in Mat & Terri’s pool!

A treat to see a horse walking the beach!

We dropped in to see Val & George at their house, Paraiso!

One of the Carnival cruise ships was visiting Progreso

Before we knew it, New Year’s Eve was upon us! We joined Mat & Terri and George & Val for a truly memorable evening at the Technotel near San Bruno! The food, the drinks, the entertainment and the venue were top notch… a good time was had by all!

Waiting for our fabulous multi-course meal

Elaine was given the Mariachi sombrero at our table!

Several "Hope Lights" were set off from the beach! — Several “Hope Lights” were set off from the beach!

We got a call from our owners to say that we could get into our beach house on Saturday afternoon! While being very appreciative of Mat & Terri’s hospitality, it was great to be home!

On Sunday, our former valedor, Panchita, and her family came out to visit next door where her son Alex still acts as valedor. It was great to see her and the family again, especially the new baby!

Elaine, Jecsaim and Mayra — Elaine, Jecsaim and Fatima

The weather has been great so far, with only one day where an el Norte made it cool, windy and wet.

A windy day, but still nice! — A windy day, but still nice…

Enjoying our veggies by the pool! — … enjoying our veggies by the pool…

... and a fabulous sunset! — … and a fabulous sunset!

That’s it for our first blog… stay tuned!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine