The Rains Have Begun!

The rainy season is now upon us.  Torrential downpours yesterday and again today!  With the dried out soil and crispy mountains, the rains are a welcome treat.  The weather has been hot since we have been here and now that the rains have begun, the tempurature has dropped to a comfortable level.  June was extremely hot - it took a little getting us to coming from the cool temperatures back home in May.
Nevertheless, we have adjusted and so have the hounds.  Lots and Lots of shedding going on around here as the dogs rid themselves of all the undercoats! 
We`ve been busy with projects in our yard.  Had an arborist here to prune and trim all the large mature trees that had been without attention for years and we`re taking over our yard.  A 60 foot palm tree in the back required the guy to climb to the top (with ropes of course) and remove all the dead palms that had accumulated over the years.  Three truckloads of debris was removed!  It was most intersting watching how it was done. 
Well, now for the latest news.............before I tell you, I know you will think that we have now completely lost our minds...........but here goes.
Our Mexican neighbour, an elderly lady named Rosa stopped in to introduce herself a few weeks ago.  Last Saturday she returned and was visibly upset.  She explained that her sister had taken ill and that she was required to go to Guadaljara 3 times a week and assist her sick sister.  Rosa owns a little one year old black cocker spaniel and was upset to have to find the little girl a new home since she was now not in a position to keep her.  She asked us if we would consider taking her and giving her a home here.  Well, you guessed it...............Her name is Bella (was Princess but we changed it!)
and she is a great little girl and is getting along with the rest of the pack just great.  That is it, no more dogs - -  even if a stray one shows up at our gate with hundred dollar bills attached to it`s collar!
The other news is that we have just purchased a Mexican car - a older model Nissan Maxima that is by all standards a beater!  Mechanically sound but lots of scratches and dents!  Perfect for driving around town where the streets are mostly cobblestone and quite narrow.  I have yet to drive since we have been here since the Van is too big for my comfort level.  Now that we have this little beater - I must push myself to get out alone and brave the crazy Mexican drivers!  Red lights and stop signs are really just suggestions to these folks - they are aggressive drivers and think nothing of passing on a hilly mountain road with a solid line!  Another thing that is interesting............our friends told us to be very careful when approaching a pedistrian crossing.  Pedistrians DO NOT have the right away in Mexico.  Alot of gringos when they first arrive here will stop to let the people cross and find  themselves rear ended in no time. 
A very different culture here, we are loving every minute of it!
Here`s Bella with Newman.