Alot of Bull!

Each day here is an adventure!  Last evening was no exception.  We live in a rural little area and as we gazed out from our verhandah we noticed something large - very large wandering outside of our gate.
After a careful look, we were astonished to realize that it was a BULL!!   Down the street he came stopping at trees along the way to graze.  He stopped at our place and took a big bite out of one of our trees..............we certainly  weren't going out there  to  tell him to move on.............. we later had our gardener re shape the tree, trying to disquise the huge chunk that was missing!
And then there is the local peacock who resides somewhere around here.  For weeks now we kept hearing this shrill scream and didn't have any idea what was making that noise.  It sounded more like a wounded cat - a high shreek that sounded like "help me".....  We were mistified as to what it could be.
A neighbour informed us it was a peacock. 
Bulls, peacocks, roosters, chickens, donkeys and horses  ...............they're all happy here  in this little corner of paradise!

Alll is Well with Wookie!!

We are relieved!  Our vet decided to remove the mass from Wookie's side.  It was a non cancerous tumor and Wookie is now at home and recovering nicely.  A few stitches and numerous antibiotic shots for the remainder of the week and he should be good as new!
It's Canada Day today and we have hung our Canadian Flag and are preparing a celebration day here.
Seems strange to be celebrating our Country's birthday here in Chapala instead of at the cottage in Ontario.
I will send post Canada Day pics soon!
Happy Canada Day.

Greg & Lori

Prayers Needed!

Just before we left Canada we noticed a golf ball size lump on our golden retriever Wookie's left side.  We consulted with our vet in Rockwood and he advised us to "just go to Mexico and deal with it there"as Wookie required an international health certificate stating he was in excellent health.
Since we have been here, the lump has grown - we have consulted with two different vets here who have both come highly recommended to us by friends.  After the first consultation, vet #1 told us that he was pretty sure it was a form of cancer and that surgery should be done to remove the mass.  We decided on a second opinion.  Vet #2 also was certain that it was a form of cancer, however he has suggested a different approach.  He administered a mega shot of anti-inflamatory and a mega shot of anti-biotics.  Wookie goes back in on Monday afternoon for a biopsy of the tissue.  He will be put under for this proceedure.  Once the results are back from the lab, we will then know have to decide on how to proceed.  Chemo will be an option if the cancer (either mast cell tumor or lymphoma) has not spread to other organs. We will do whatever is best for Wookie.
To say I write this with a heavy heart is an understatment.  Both Greg and I are terribly upset but we are both trying to keep positive until the test results are presented. 
Apparently, both these types of cancer are common in Golden Retrievers and tend to show up around 7 years of age.  Wookie will be 7 in September.
Please say a little prayer for our "best pal" - our "job dog" (his nickname)
Will keep you all posted...........

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.

Immigration Day Today

Well, it's been 5 weeks since we left Canada.  We are quickly settling into life here in Chapala.  Today we went down to the immigration office and completed the process in order to obtain our resident visas.  These are called "no immigrato" which means we are permant residents of Mexico but not immigrants?  We must renew these each year and must provide immigration with a copy of our bank statements showing we have adequate money deposited each month into our account in order to live here.  For two people the amount required by Mexican law is about $1200 per month. 
We've been busy doing small projects around the casa.  Had a water purification system installed so we now have purified water throughout the house.   We have installed a generator which will allow us to have power throughout the house when the power goes out.  We also had to install a voltage regulator for the house as the electricity currents here are always changing and surging.  Don't want to fry our electronic items - they are super expensive to purchase here.
We ventured into Guadaljara yesterday with friends of ours and made a bee line to Costco!  Yes, we even have a Costco here  - about 40 minutes away.  It was refereshing to see all the usual goodies Costco is known for and we felt that we were back in Canada.   Our pantry and freezer are now stocked up.  Yeah!
The local markets (mercado's) here are wonderful with a large assortments of fresh veggies and fruit.
A full bag of produce (and I mean full!) cost us less than $4.  I think we will appreciate it even more come February of next year. 
We are loving our new home here in Mexico and are planning on doing a few day trips soon.
Will report more about the adventures later.
Hasta Luego (see ya later!)
The Blanco's!
xoxo

Casa Blanco

Casa Blanco - a few pics of the outside grounds

We're Here and Settled In!

Well, it's been a week since we arrived to our place in Chapala.  A whilwind to say the least.  The long 6 day drive was easier than we anticipated.........the four hounds were like having goldfish in the car - not a peep out of them the entire drive.  Our days on the road were uneventful, stopping every few hours at rest stops for a little break.  At one rest stop just outside of Arkansaw, we locked the keys in the van with three of the hounds in it!  After a call to roadside assistance and a short 20 minute delay, we were back on our way.  The drive thru Missouri was clearly a flood zone!  Rivers where streets use to be.  It was really quite amazing to see.  We crossed through Texas in one day and arrived in Laredo without a problem.  We crossed the border into Mexico at first daylight the next morning and you very quickly realized that "you weren't in Kansas anymore!"  2 minutes after crossing we were greeted by military uniformed men complete with black face masks and holding large rifles.  It was intimidating to say the least.  We then drove 6 hours to our mid way point - Matahula Mexico - we had reservations at a really nice little spot.  We decided to take the next day off the road and stayed an extra night there.  It was a basic accomodations but with a great fenced in area for the dogs to run.  We enjoyed the day using the pool and enjoying the hiking trails around the property.  Just what we needed after 5 solid days.  Left the next morning and continued the adventure through Mexico headed for our final destination.  The toll highways in Mexico are excellent, well marked and easy to travel.  The scenery was incredible, mountains, plains, huge cactus were abundant the entire route.  We pulled into our driveway here around 3pm that day and let the hounds out of the van without leashes for the first time in a week!  Needless to say they went tearing around the property and good ol" Mallie, twisted her ankle.  She spent that evening and the best part of the next day hobbling around and laying with ice packs. 
The dogs love this place.  Lots of room to run and they are enjoying sleeping on the verhandah outside our bedroom at night.  It's simply perfect.
We've accomplished alot this past week - installed a water purification system for the house, unpacked all our boxes, placed furniture, hung pictures, got our internet set up, hooked up our satalite dish for TV, met with a few neighbours, hung draperies, on and on it goes.
Tonight as I type this post, we are finally set up and are really starting to feel like we are at home here.  Driving vs. Flying really makes you realize just how far from Canada you are. 
The weather is pure heaven.  Hot days (85-90 degrees), sunny, a lovely breeze, no humidity!  Nights are cool and perfect for sleeping with just a light sheet.  The rainy season will begin in a couple of weeks and bring with it thunderstorms and rain throughout the night.  Days will remain sunny for the most part but a little cooler.  Average temps once the rains begin drop 10-15 degrees immediately.
As we sit on our verhandah this evening sipping our nice cool margaritas we continue to pinch ourselves that we were fortunate enough to find this little piece of paradise.
More to follow ..............
Adios Amigos
G&L
xo