Us

Our 24th Anniversary

Sitting on Terraza at Friends enjoying a nice meal!




 

HERE IN THIS HOUSE

IN THIS HOUSE

 

(author unknown)

 

 

Here in this house...

 

I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs "out there".

I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.

I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.

I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.

I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's coolness, and be allowed to smell all that

can reach my nose.

My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

 

Here in this house...

 

There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.

I will be talked to and even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the

words.

I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many.

My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!

 

Here in this house...

 

I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.

I will never be used to improve people's images of themselves.

I will be loved because of who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be.

I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity.

I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.

If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.

 

Here in this house...

 

I can trust the arms that hold, hands that touch...

knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.

If I am ill, I will be doctored.

If scared, I will be calmed.

If sad, I will be cheered.

No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of

value.

I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, or too unruly, or not cute

enough.

My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.

I will learn that my humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.

 

Here in this house...

 

I will belong.

I will be home.

A Little More Info ....................

According to Kristina Morgan of Focus on Mexico, “Of all the places in Mexico I have been, none can quite compare with Lake Chapala. There’s something about this place that just seems…magical and, as corny as it sounds, that’s the word I hear people use to describe Lake Chapala time and again. Lake Chapala gets into your heart and becomes home. It’s like stepping back 50-70 years here regarding the simpler lifestyle, culture and values. When I’m here I feel like I can be me, like I can breathe a little more freely and be the person I want to be and this is a sentiment expressed by most everyone who has ever been here or lives here”.

Lake Chapala used to be just a retirement community but in the last 10 years that’s changed and a lot of younger families and entrepreneurs are moving there for the obvious business opportunities and lower cost of living.

The Lake Chapala community is comprised of a string of villages, mostly on the north shore, with Ajijic being the crown jewel of the area in terms of artisans, charm and amenities. Horses clopping down the road, vendors selling fresh fruit, women weaving, live music everywhere from classical to salsa and teenagers helping their grandmothers are common sights. There’s a happy hum of activity there.

The most compelling reasons are listed below.

Pros

The Climate: The weather, of course, is a huge draw. National Geographic touts Lake Chapala as the 2nd best climate in the world. The Lake is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and is a mile high so there is very little humidity. The distance inland is still close to the ocean but far enough away to not have to worry about storms and hurricanes off the coast. We have all the same flora as Hawaii as well as the same vegetation in arid states like Colorado—pines and palms—growing equally well, side by side!

The most-developed expat/English infrastructure in Mexico: You may feel like you’ve stepped back in time, but there’s still a lot to do here, from golfing, to boating, to organized group activities including a community theater in English, two American Legion posts, the Lake Chapala Society, churches in English in every denomination, concerts and events (the Bolshoi Ballet even came to Ajijic!), live entertainment, world class restaurants that will impress even the most seasoned palate and much more!

Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area is the largest expat community anywhere outside the U.S. and Canada. I figure 20,000 expats can’t be wrong but as Latin World says, “Despite being home to one of the heaviest concentrations of North Americans in Mexico, Lake Chapala doesn’t feel quite as Americanized as other retirement enclaves in Mexico.” I believe that is due to the fact that this isn’t a resort area catering to tourists, but rather a place to adopt a new way of life and be a part of a community.

There are also many real opportunities to get involved and make a difference through any of the numerous charities here if you want to volunteer your time. The rewards are greater than any paycheck.

Affordable, top-notch medical care is available: The University of Guadalajara, less than 1 hour away, boasts an excellent medical school. In fact, many U.S. doctors are educated there! There are excellent facilities, doctors, specialists and medical staff in Mexico and a major benefit is that they are readily available (no long waiting periods). Many of the doctors even speak English and often have taken some training in the United States or abroad. The doctors here have such a gift for listening carefully to you and not making you feel as if they don’t have time to spend with you. They even make house calls! There are two clinics here as well.

Proximity/Accessibility: Guadalajara, airport, coast: One of the reasons we chose Lake Chapala is its easy access to other places of interest in Mexico. Ideally located about 40 minutes from Guadalajara (Mexico’s 2nd largest city), 25 minutes from Guadalajara’s international airport, and as close as 3 hours to the pacific coast and a 12 hour drive to back to the U.S. so it is easy to trade the frigid winters and the wilting heat of summers north of the border for paradise. We wanted to know that they can get back home quickly if we need to so being so close to the airport makes being home in a few hours possible. It is interesting to note that travel is part of the culture in this area, for Mexicans and retirees alike and the low surcharge at the airport in Guadalajara makes flying more affordable.

Low cost of living: I didn’t move to Mexico to spend a lot of money! It has been said that Lake Chapala is the place to be if you want a bargain and all the amenities you’re used to from back home.

Home prices are still low here. I know people who have looked into different retirement destinations all over Mexico and say they have found the best deals here. We also have an MLS, which almost nowhere else in Mexico has so it is easier find the right home for you. On the coast, you must purchase property through a bank trust but because we are inland you are allowed to own property outright through a direct deed.

We pay our maid about $35 USD a week for 15 hours of work. I never could have had a maid for 15 hours a week while we lived in Colorado. The average cost for a single person to live very well is $1800 a month but I know many people doing it on significantly less than that. We can have a steak dinner for $12.00, with wine and there are fresh organic foods and a weekly farmers market available as well. Labor is very inexpensive here, too so if you are interested in custom work or art, etc it’s easily within reach.

All of this adds up to a lifestyle there is no way I could afford to duplicate in the U.S. and that it would be hard to give up.

This is a real community: To me, this is the most compelling reason to come here. People come to Lake Chapala for the weather and lower cost of living and end up staying because of the people. Lake Chapala still has a small-town feel to it. It seems like everyone knows everyone and the people, both Mexican and expats, are very friendly and look out for each other. This area also has the largest singles population owing to the sense of safety and community here. It is said that people are nicer here than they were back home. The Mexicans are still very warm and welcoming, largely due to the fact that most of the transplants are very cognizant that we are guests in their country and we try to be as gracious and considerate as our Mexican friends are. There is still an old-world, genteel flavor here. Mexicans embrace family, customs and tradition and tend to dote on their children and cherish their elderly. The people who come here are frequently in awe of the close ties in our community and how quickly they are welcomed and accepted. I haven’t seen anything like this anywhere else in the world, not even in other places in Mexico.

A safe and secure environment: Despite a rather negative media representation which focuses on drug related violence, Mexico is actually a top choice when it comes to safety. The conflicts which make the headlines are mostly limited to the U.S. border area; the majority of the country is virtually unaffected, and news of these unfortunate events is as distant to these areas as it is to the U.S., and in some cases, even more so. “In Lake Chapala violent crime is almost unheard of,” points out Shawn Gaffney. “In Lake Chapala, the citizens walk the streets at any time of day or night safely and confidently.” Statistics back this feeling of comfort; in most parts of Mexico, violent crime is significantly lower than in large U.S. cities.

Stunning beauty: Lake Chapala has breathtaking sunsets over the lake, and majestic mountain views. Flowers are prolific and seem saturated in bold color. There are charming cobbled streets with stone walls and fuchsia bougainvillea draped like petticoats over the tops. The best way to give you a picture is that people say it looks like Hawaii. The vivid color here is whimsical and artistic, with many murals all over the area, including some that are painted on houses and businesses. There are at least 3 waterfalls in the area and thermal springs that will transport you with their relaxing and curative properties. Sun-drenched terra cotta tiles, mesmerizing vistas and tropical foliage make it feel like you’re on permanent vacation—but without the heat, humidity, tourists, hurricanes or expense.

Solid investment: When you’re considering a place to retire, no one wants to flush their money into an area where they would have a hard time getting it back out if they ever needed to. This area is at a steady growth rate with promise of more future growth. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck now while knowing your money will grow here.

Slower pace of life: We can learn so much from the people here about what is truly important in life. For those who are seeking to simplify their lives, Lake Chapala should be on your short-list. This isn’t a “time is money” culture. Mexicans work to live while many of us have lived to work. In general, the people here have their priorities straight. It’s all about how you treat people and recognizing that each day is a gift to be lived fully and graciously.

Cons

Altitude: At a mile high, some people who have respiratory illnesses may find this is a little too high in altitude for them. However, some people report feeling far better here and being able to sleep better than they ever could. The elevation is also a major reason we have such a temperate climate and why the area isn’t prone to natural disasters.

Language: If you move to Mexico you’re going to have to learn at least a little of the Spanish language to get by. Some people find this daunting and intimidating. The good news is that compared to anywhere else in Mexico, English is spoken to one degree or another by most people.

Small villages: If you’re looking for a big city feel then Lake Chapala isn’t for you. Think quaint fishing villages with an old world feel and modern amenities and you’ll have the idea. However, village life has its benefits in safety and community and if you need a break from the tranquility and want to head to the big city then Guadalajara is just up the road.

Noise levels: This can be said about any area in Mexico but I still think it needs to be said. Village life is noisy with live music, church bells tolling at all hours, roosters who crow all day and night, fireworks, parades and processions, parties and cars driving by announcing everything from their wares to who has a fresh catch of fish down at the pier. On Mother’s Day, some lucky moms are woken before dawn with mariachi bands serenading them outside their window. If this would drive you crazy, then be sure to look for homes on the outskirts of the villages or in a planned development, or gated community. Thankfully, there are a lot of places to choose from to escape the noise.

Not a Business Mecca: For those young and agressive, they will be disappointed because the Lake Chapala area is NOT a mecca for business. Business gets done but for the most part, retiree’s are slower more set in their ways and thus are not seeking big opportunities so trying to sell them something using a carrot for the future can be frustrating and will land you in the “con man” category real quick.

It is not the ocean: Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest lake at 77 miles long and 13 miles across but if your heart is set on a daily routine of drinking a margarita on the beach with endless waves stretching out to the horizon then this isn’t for you. While this is the largest lake in Mexico and the conquistadores thought this was the ocean when they first arrived here, it is still a lake – a beautiful lake.

In short, Lake Chapala is a one in a million place with everything it offers. Of course, one size doesn’t fit all but if you’re looking for a paradise with a low cost of living, an established English infrastructure and activities, modern amenities, near-perfect climate and a friendly and safe community, come visit Lake Chapala and see if this might be for you. Retiring in Mexico couldn’t be better.

Just Had to Post this..................

 

 

Crazy Hats.................

We had decided to have our second annual New Years Day get together here but opted to postpone it as Ty & Jess were going to be here visiting. We set a new date for late January. People are so busy over the holidays anyways. We racked our brains trying to think of a way we could make our party something different and fun. After much thought, we decided on a "Crazy Hat Party."

A few months back we headed out to our local ice-cream shop for a couple cones. When we approached the outside bench in front of the shop, there was sitting a large ladies wallet - stuffed full of money, credit cards, id, healthcare cards etc. There was not a sole around................... Tucked the wallet into our jeans.............

After finishing our cones, got into the car and proceeded to look in the wallet for info on the owner.
We could not find a phone number but did find an address. So, out of the glove box comes the map of Chapala and we locate the house. Turns out the wallet belongs to a young Mexican lady who had been out shopping with her little girl earlier that day. They had stopped in for a ice cream cone and somehow the wallet  ended up on that bench. The young lady was sooo grateful to have it returned to her. When we arrived at her home, her mother was there and told us Claudia was out frantically retracing her stops in hopes of locating her wallet.  We waited for Claudia to arrive home  - she began to cry seeing her wallet in my hand.  With big hugs and kisses she told me she was a fashion designer and she insisted that she make me a beautiful party dress no charge. I refused telling her it was my pleasure to have returned her wallet to her. She kept calling me insisting she do something for us to repay the favour. Here in Mexico, this is a big part of the culture and I came to find out that I was actually insulting her by not taking her up on her offer.

So, once we had decided on the theme for our party, I called Claudia and asked her if she would make us a couple of crazy hats. She was delighted!  The party was a hit and all 30 came sporting their creative inventions.
Will need to come up with another good idea for next years event!

The Weather Here is Always Beautiful - Honestly!!

Happy New Year Everyone!

We had our Son Tyler and his girl Jess come to visit over the holidays this year. We looked forward to their arrival for so long. Their trip began in Toronto with a flight cancellation. They were to be here only one week.

Ty & Jess finally arrived in Guadalajara at midnight the following day - so they already lost a day of their visit. Waking up their first morning here we were greeted by thick black clouds and pouring rain. The temperature, which is usually in the mid 70's this time of year hit a record low. Daytime highs of just barely 50 degrees! These pounding rains accompanied by strong cold winds continued day and night for the next 3 days! It was awful. Being Canadian cottagers, we settled in and played alot of cards, sometimes by candlelight and proceeded to catch up on our lives and shared alot of good laughs.. We sure were glad that we had purchased a propane heater and firing that up along with the fireplace keep the dampness at bay. The kids were great sports and we decided to venture out in the weather none the less.

The last 2 days of their visit the sun came out and we were able to show them around the area. Come the day of their departure early that morning the power once again went off and Greg scrambled around here at daybreak hooking up the generator. Another moment of "sure glad we bought that".

We kept saying ......................THE WEATHER HERE IS USUALLY BEAUTIFUL ALL YEAR LONG...............HONESTLY!

 

  We are not entirely sure they believed us.

ROMPOPE MEXICAN EGG NOG

Rompope originated in Puebla, Mexico in the 1600′s at the Convento de Santa Clara. The nuns prepared Rompope to welcome guests to the convent. The nuns appealed to the Mother Superior and soon began making Rompope daily. With the rising popularity the nuns began to bottle the Rompope to raise money for the convent. The love for Rompope quickly spread throughout Mexico with each region creating new variations. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, pine nuts, almonds or cinnamon.
Here is the original recipe, I am going to make a batch up for Christmas Eve!  We hope you enjoy it!

 

 

ROMPOPE MEXICAN EGGNOG

 

Ingredients

• 1 quart milk
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of baking soda
• 1 (3inch) piece canela
• 8 egg yolks
• ½ cup dark rum or brandy
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine milk, sugar, baking soda, and canela in a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Decrease the heat and cook for 30 minutes at a soft boil; it will reduce to about 3 cups. In a heatproof bowl, whisk the eggs yolks lightly by hand and slowly pour in 1 cup of the hot milk mixture, whisking continuously.
3. Return the mixture to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring often until the mixture has thickened slightly and resembles the consistency of half- and- half, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and immediately pour into a bowl placed in an ice bath to chill.
5. Discard the canela and gently whisk in the rum and vanilla.
6. Chill completely before serving.

 

 

Christmas Poinsettia's

I wait all year long for the Poinsettia trees to come out into bloom here in Mexico.  They are absolutely beautiful.  I wanted to share with you a little history of the Poinsettia ..............

The ancient Aztecs (the Mexican Indians) prized the Poinsettia as a symbol of purity. Centuries later, Mexico's early Christians adopted the Poinsettia as their prized Christmas Eve flower. The Mexican Poinsettias are usually bright red. They are used in most Christmas decorations, because of their bright red color and because of them blooming mostly during the Christmas holiday season. For some, these star-shaped flowers symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. The Christmas Poinsettia flowers have become a symbol of Christmas and are used as festive decorations. The markets are full of these delightful Christmas time flowers.

An old Mexican legend explains how Poinsettias became associated with Christmas.

 Apparently, a child who could not afford a gift to offer to Christ on Christmas Eve, picked some weeds from the side of a road. The child was told that a humble gift when given with love would be acceptable in God's eyes. When they were brought inside the church, the weeds bloomed into red and green flowers that the congregation felt that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle!

 

Truly Magnificant and can be seen all over the landscape here at this time of year.  We have several in our yard, although not quite this big!!

KIDS WILL BE KIDS!

The other day Greg and I decided to visit one of our favourite little outdoor restaurants for lunch.  This place is called Lety's and makes the most delicious fish dishes you can imagine.  We go there fairly often when we feel like a tasty fish meal.  Pascado con coco con salsa mango is our favourite!  (fish with coconut and mango salsa)
We finish our lunch full and happy and venture out to the parking lot to our car.  Beside this restaurant adjacent to the parking lot is a farmers field full of livestock.  As we approached our car we see two baby goats on the hood of our car!!  They were very young and jumping from the hood up onto the roof and back down again.  Greg, in his usual comic fashion hollers........."hey, you kids, get off my car!"
The two little ones jumped off the hood and up into the large tree and back into the farmers field.
We laughed and were once again reminded that we're not in Kansas anymore! 
Viva Mexico!

Christmas in Chapala Mexico!

Twas the night before Christmas, not far from a beach
I'm afraid a white Christmas is out of my reach.
No snow, no sleigh bells, no Santa's reindeer,
The sounds of our Mexican Village is all that I hear.

I miss mistletoe and I miss the holly
Strung lights on my cactus, isn't as jolly
What I would give for an eggnog right now
Tequila's just not as festive somehow.

Now don't get me wrong, I love living here
But I get a bit homesick at this time of year
When the kids were young, I'd be up until three,
Wrapping their gifts to put under the tree.

They're all grown up now with lives of their own
Instead of their hugs, it a call on the phone
Hey Mom, how are you?  How's Christmas down there
They tell me they love me, I know that they care.

It's enough I suppose and I'm glad that they're well
Maybe next year they'll visit, that'd  be swell
But tonight it's just hubby and me
And 6 dogs -  the reason we don't have a tree!

The hour is late and it's past time for bed
The margarita  I've sipped has gone to my head
So I take my love's hand and step out for some air
And gaze at the stars hoping Santa's up there.

He isn't of course, as I've known all along,
And that cheery white Christmas is only a song,
But I hold my love's hand and give him a kiss
And know that it doesn't get better than this.

We live in a tropical heaven on earth
Enjoying good friends, well aware of their worth
Well that's it for my tropical rhyme,
After all, it is almost Christmas time!

 

Merry Christmas to All

 

xoxo

Time Out

After a year and a half, we decided it was time for a little road trip!   Thursday, we leave beautiful Lake Chapala and head over to the west coast of Mexico.  Only a 4 hour drive from our home where we will stay for the next 8 days!  La Manzanilla..............we have rented a little spot right on the ocean.  We're looking forward to checking out a little of this beautiful country we call home!

La Manzanilla, Costa Alegre

La Costa Alegre is the crown of the Central Pacific Coast of Mexico, and La Manzanilla is one of its jewels.

La Costa Alegre is indeed the "Happy Coast." In fact, it is Mexico's quintessential coastline. From Barra de Navidad to Playa Quemaro, dense tropical deciduous forest covers rolling hills; white sand beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove lagoons encircle a succession of bays which are home to thousands of species of plants, animals, and birds: general flora—1120 species, nearly half of which are endemic to Mexico; general fauna—422 vertebrates including 90 endemic species to Mexico, 40 of which are birds.  La Manzanilla, our base, lies in a protected corner of Tenacatita Bay, the second biggest in Mexico.  La Manzanilla’s mangrove ecosystem is home to the largest population of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) living in contact with humans along the coast of Jalisco. Though undergoing development at a rapid rate, The Costa Alegre is still a relatively wild, stunning, and unspoiled place.

Day of the Dead

Today is The Day of  the Dead once again here in Mexico.  The pics below will give you an idea of the alters that are created by each family in honor of their passed loved ones.
This is a very important day for Mexican families.  This evening Greg and I will be going into our local village (Chapala) to walk the town residential streets and view the beautiful alters created out of love by the Mexican families.  There will be mariachi bands playing, many vendors along the way selling goodies.  A parade thru town then dancing in the plaza (town square) follows.

Although this custom seems a bit creepy to us northerners - death is celebrated here in Mexico and is not feared but rather celebrated!

Altars in Chapala for the Day of the Dead

Emma

Three months ago a beautiful soul entered our lives.  She was a Bearded Collie which is similar to a Sheepdog.  We named her "Emma."  
Emma was found near death lying in some tall reeds down by the lake.  After a month of rehab at our local vets office, the dog then required a home environment so she could fully recover. Our vet asked us if we might help.  Nobody knew how old she was - it was apparent she was older, most likely around 10 years old.  We brought Emma here to recoup and it didn't take long (three days) for us to decide we would keep her.  She was the most loving, placid dog and seemed to be thriving.  Her coat was beginning to grow in again, she was happy. 
 Last week Emma was diagnosed with liver disease.  We proceeded with surgery and much medicine in an attempt to save her life.  It was not successful and yesterday we had to say good-bye to Emma.

She left this planet knowing that she was loved (for the first time in her life)  and died here at home on our veranda on her favourite blanket.  

  

Friendship

A  friend of ours here has been having allot of back pain and it was decided that he required extensive surgery to correct the problem.  He went to a first class hospital in Guadalajara and the surgery was preformed which included a spinal fusion complete with rods, screws and much hardware!  
There are a group of us that have formed close friendships.  One couple stepped us and took their 2 dogs for the week, another couple took the 3rd dog.  Yet another drove them into Guadalajara  to the hospital and are picking him up and bringing him home.  The forth couple are preparing meals for the arrival home.  Yet another couple has researched hospice care and have all the details set up in the event it will be required.  We have all arranged for the Red Cross to be standing waiting for the return complete with stretcher, chair or whatever else is required in order to get our friend back into the house safely and comfortably. 
We feel so very fortunate to have such a circle of caring friends who do whatever it takes to look out for each other.  It really is heartwarming to know that in time of need,  you have caring, loyal people who will come to your aid.
Friends, just imagine what you would do if you didn't have any?  As we age, friends become so very important - Greg and I are blessed with so many good ones! 
We are of the lucky ones!
A toast to all our dear friends, old friends, lifelong friends and new friends!
Be a good friend is today's message!