The never ending journey!!!..

Friday 17th February 2012…..an amazing young man!!

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Nanaimo worker selected as the best Wal-Mart employee in Canada

Store greeter plans to walk again after baseball accident left him in a wheelchair

By Robert Barron, Daily News February 17, 2012

Tim Kerfoot of Nanaimo said he was shocked when he was chosen as the best Wal-Mart employee in Canada.

Kerfoot, who has been wheelchair bound since he had an accident while playing baseball 11 years ago, has been working as a greeter at Nanaimo's Wal-Mart for the past two years. He received his award at a ceremony in Toronto.

Ken Baird, Nanaimo store manager, said Kerfoot was chosen the best employee out of approximately 82,000 workers in more than 300 stores across the nation. He said it's the first time a Wal-Mart employee from Vancouver Island has won the annual honour.

"Tim is just a great person who has made a deep impression on his co-workers and the store's customers in his time here," Baird said.

"He's also deeply involved in the community and regularly volunteers at the New Hope homeless centre in downtown Nanaimo. We're so pleased that Tim has won this award."

Kerfoot, who also won the Shining Star Employee of the Year Award at Nanaimo's Wal-Mart last month, said it's been "quite the roller-coaster ride" since he learned he was not only nominated for Wal-Mart's top employee award in Canada, but was one of the 13 finalists who were flown to Toronto for the awards ceremony last week.

"I guess one of the main rea-sons why I won the award is because I really love people and I make sure I greet everyone who comes in to Wal-Mart with a smile and a hello," he said.

"I'm often the first person customers see when they come in the store and the last person they see on the way out and I see it as a huge responsibility to connect with them."

Kerfoot has come a long way since an unfortunate fall in a recreational baseball game in 2001 left him in a coma for many months.

He said when he came out of the coma, his speech was slurred, his memory was foggy and he ended up in a wheelchair.

Kerfoot said that he had symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis, but he was never diagnosed. "It's been a long road to recovery since then, but I've learned a lot about myself and those around me that I consider to be invaluable lessons," he said.

"I've made a lot of progress, but I still have a ways to go. I firmly believe that it's the hard times, not the easy times, that people go through that builds character, and I like to think that my experiences have made me a better person."

Kerfoot said, apart from his goal to walk again and climb Mount Benson, he hopes to continue his education and eventually either become a journalist or write and publish poetry books.

"The sky's the limit," he said

Thanks to my friend Bonny for sending this to me……In my other life years ago I worked at the high school this young man went to and strangely enough when I was home last summer I went into the Wal-Mart where he worked and I did not really remember him but when I walked in he said Hi Les…and he could tell that I did not really know him but I said Hi. He turned to me and laughed and said you don’t remember me but I remember you from Dover bay school and then he said too funny I am the one with the brain injury but I remember you!!!! I shook his hand and said he was truly a great guy.

So really happy to see him honored in this way!!!!

feel good story of the week!!

Friday 17th February 2012….Fond farewells!!!!!!

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Wouldn’t you know it my last day and guess who decides to make an appearance and stay all day……..SOL!!!!!!! The sun!!!!

This was my wake up sight this morning!!

As I had already put the scooter back on Ramona ready for the trip Carolyn came to pick me up for tennis as the courts here in the park were still wet…so we went out to her club and Loren was playing with us and we picked up a fourth player and had a great 2 hours of sunny tennis..this was a bonus for me because I did not think I would get another game in before I left!!!

Carolyn then dropped me off in time for a quick shower and sandwich and then out to another Canadian Casa Hogar meeting and as it happened the meeting was right next door to Carolyn's casa so after the meeting she picked me up again and off we went to CH for the girls…..they were all ready for us and away we went for the afternoon.

I had decided that this was going to be “Spoil the girls day”….so we went to the market where I wanted to buy flowers for Ms.Josefina, where the girls go to English class. I asked Carolyn if she would take the girls into the market and gave her 100 pesos each for the girls to buy what ever they wanted and away they went……..5 hours later, just kidding, I went looking for them and there were the girls both decked out in these amazing high backed white sneakers!!!! I know they cost a lot more than the 200 pesos..so thanks so much Carolyn.

These are not the shoes the girls got but check out the boots!!!

We then all came back to Ramona and the girls got straight on the bed and ready to watch their movie!!!

All they ever want for lunch is noodles!!!

We then had treats and a drink and after the movie Paola started dancing!!!

I am so happy to report that Paola was just a bundle of joy and smiles from ear to ear….we had our serious talk and our goodbyes yesterday so this was just a fun time and it was a joyous time they were so well behaved and really had Carolyn and I in stitches with their antics!!!

Soon it was time to take the girls to their English Class and Ms.Josefina loved her flowers and we said goodbye to the girls big hugs and no tears. They both know that I shall be back in September to stay and whilst Sara is still here for a few more weeks she will see the girls and then Carolyn is going to visit with them too so the girls will not forget me!!!

I was just so happy to have my last day to remember them for what they were today…JUST HAPPY LITTLE KIDS!!!!!! It has been a difficult time for them this winter but no one can take away the great time we all had today!!

Carolyn and I then came back to Ramona for a final visit and she has been really good to me so thanks for all the tennis and your friendship…you are a doll!!

I then went for a walk to Sara's casa and had a great visit with her and said goodbye she is staying till March 18th.

So now back in Ramona getting everything ready for my journey tomorrow……it has been yet another wonderful winter in SMA and I thank everyone here for the way they have treated me…I enjoy the lifestyle, the tennis, the poker, the social activities….of course Casa Hogar and the girls,,,everything and I look forward to my return in September and then staying here.

So I hit the road tomorrow………..

I go from the right hand pin to the left….stay tuned!!

Thursday16th February 2012…...whoosh!!!!

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That is how today went by for me…..

Of course it was still a bit cool and gloomy this morning as I headed down town to a local hotel where the Canadian Consul for Mexico was giving a talk on the role of the embassy…it was quite an informative meeting and about 200 people were in attendance!!

I didn’t really learn anything pertinent to my move here except that I should register with the Embassy on my arrival here in September.

From this meeting I went to an appointment with a Canadian tax consultant….this was a great meeting and the consultation opened my mind to a few different options that I have and will have to investigate further when I am back in Canada!!

Then from this meeting to Café Monet to meet a friend who had some issues he wanted to talk to me about and I enjoyed the meeting and hope the little advice I gave was OK!!!

Next stop was out to Linda and Guy’s casa so say goodbye to these two wonderful people. I have just about forgiven them for not going an their usual winter trip to Tucson and I live in their Casa..with cable, with Vonage phone and all the other lovely amenities.

Linda and Guy you have been my very good friends for nearly ten years now and I love you both for your friendship, help and always having my best interests at heart…I shall miss you but September will soon be here and my Sunday nights will be spoken for with supper and watching Heartland on TV!!!! Thanks for baby sitting Ramona!!!!! Stay healthy both of you!!!!

Now it is time to go to Casa Hogar as I had asked Robin to meet with me and Paola and for Robin to translate whilst I spoke to Paola!!!

I will not divulge the text of the conversation because it is very personal but I will tell you that I said everything I wanted to tell her….we had a big hug and tears were shed by us all but she knows she is loved unconditionally. Then sweet Daniela came and through Robin I told the girls that I was leaving on Saturday but returning in September and to stay here which brought smiles to their faces!!!

I get to take them out tomorrow afternoon for the last time so I look forward to that and Carolyn is going to come with me!!

Now back at Ramona it was supper, got cleaned up now making sure my final preparations are done for my departure on Saturday morning!!!!

Did I mention huge thunderstorm and showers as I write!!!

Wednesday 15th February 2012…last poker day!!

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Not raining but not sunny either…this morning Karen asked me to help with starting her car and taking it for a spin as it had sat for two months so I went over and the car started right out and I took advantage of a drive by taking a couple of boxes of my stuff to leave at Linda and Guy’s house I figured there is no point in taking some of my stuff back and then bringing it back in September so it was kind of them to let me store it there.

So thanks Karen that worked out great for me too!!

Back in time for lunch and then to my last poker game, what a shame I am on a roll won another 120 pesos!!!

Got cleaned up and went and picked up Sara we had been invited to Penina and Isaiah, one of my tennis buddies, for supper.

They are renting a beautiful home and it was a lovely evening great food and conversation..thanks.

Now 10pm and I am listening to the Canucks hockey game on the computer!!!

Tuesday 14th February 2012…….Just a glimpse!!!

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of sun this morning!!!!

So I took advantage and opened all the outside compartments and cleaned and sorted them out….did some sorting of cupboards inside it really is so funny because the inside of Ramona is quite spacious and I have plenty of cupboard space but it seems that I sort them and re-arrange every few months…..it is outside storage that is lacking!!

This afternoon I went up to the Mirador (lookout) and released a balloon in memory of my Mum this is five years in a row I have come here are done this!!

As I mentioned in my previous post I celebrate the life my Mum and my Dad had… they were married 52 years and had a really great life together!!

I then did some grocery shopping and then went up to CH to see my girls. When I arrived they were having comida (lunch) and I noticed one little girl her name is Anista she and her older sister arrived at CH about 10 days…poor little Anista was just balling such big sobs…..so sad to see so I just went and sat next to her and just gently rubbed her back for about 10 minutes..she did stop crying but looked so sad..I don’t know what was wrong with her but then the Madre came and talked to her!!

Bless her you have no idea what things may have happened to her in her short and sweet life!!!!

Daniela was all smiles as usual but again Paola would not hug me or look at me. After they finished their lunch I asked for permission to take them to the roof of the Chapel and I tried in my best Spanglish to explain to them that today was the day 17 years ago when my Mum died and I wanted them to release a balloon in her honor!!

See that Paola can smile!!!!

They released the balloons and then Paola came to me and asked about my Dad if he was alive?? So touching… then she reached around and put her arms around me and said “I love you”. I had to find a box of Kleenex!!!!! What a beautiful loving gesture especially on this day for me!!!!!

Came back to Ramona and got cleaned up and went over to Sara's Casita Dennis…I named it after her beau!!!

She cooked a lovely meal…no can of soup this time…after supper Sara taught me how to use my I touch….and she also gave me a Valentine package with a message from the girls..so how lovely is that?

So ends a day that brings me to tears of joy and tears of sadness almost in the same breath!!!

Tuesday 14th February 2012….Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

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I am so fortunate to have so many incredible, beautiful and special ladies in my life….it seems all my really special friends have been of the female persuasion from small girls to Great Grannies…So on this very special day I would like to publicly acknowledge you all…..I feel blessed to have our paths cross and know that in my own way I love you all and thank you so much for being there for me!!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

This is also the day in 1995 when the most lovely woman ever passed away…….My MUM was an icon and a truly finer, kinder and wonderful woman could mot be found.

Always there for her family the bond we shared even though for the adult part of my life I was thousands of miles away, was a bond of true love and admiration…..thanks MUM for all you ever did for me…I think of you often and remember the great times we shared. Today I celebrate your life and know that I still love you and wish you could have taken that one drive in Ramona!!!!!

My first day as a Police officer 1967!!

Bermuda early seventies!!!

No wonder I am in touch with my feminine side….Mum has me in a DRESS!!!!!

Monday 13th February 2012…….Major plans!!!

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First of all so far at 6pm we have a rain free day!!!! No sun but I will take a day without rain even though the forecast for the week is not good!!

As most of my regular readers know I have been coming to San Miguel for the last 5 Winters and it is a beautiful place and my favorite… of course having the girls here is also a big bonus…so with much thought and analysis I have decided to make it my home base!!

I know Heather at my Bank home in Nanaimo is aware of my plans and is trying to confiscate my passport…but this is a huge step for me and one I embrace and look forward to. There are many plans to make and research to do but I went to a Lawyer this afternoon to see what the process is to moving here full time and it really is very simple and all I will need to do before I leave Canada is obtain from my bank a statement showing that I have a monthly income of the equivalent of 15000 pesos per month about $1300 dollars.

When I come back in the Fall and I shall rent an apartment I can apply for a FM3 it is an easy process and with the FM3 I am able to come and go from Mexico is often as I need..it is renewable every year and of course I am not allowed nor do I want to work here!!

So the tentative plan is after Europe drive Ramona down here in September, rent an apartment, which will be really easy, find a good covered place for Ramona and enjoy life…I will have an even bigger impact with my girls, always can take Ramona to the beach when I feel the urge, will be playing lots of sports …it is so exciting for me and I wanted to share the news with you all!!!

Off now to the girl’s English class and then a movie… tea and maybe I could find a nice piece of vanilla cake in my fridge!!!

Sunday 12th February 2012 ..I have no idea what to put for a heading!!!

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It rained all night but I had a great first night sleep back in Ramona..of course our regular tennis morning was cancelled and I doubt I shall be able to play again before I leave on Saturday as it is raning and more rain in the weekly upcoming forecast!!!! Enough about the weather…I did get wet again going back to Casita Doris and making sure every thing was done and then I took a taxi to pick up Sara and we went up to Casa Hogar for the Valentine Party.

All the girls looked so pretty most of them wearing red, the hall was beautifully decorated and a friend Carol had brought some great cards and stickers for the girls to make cards and they were all so busy and quiet. Sara brought a huge box of beads and between making cards and beads the girls played for over two hours and of course not one cry, scream of fight occurred!!!

Enjoy the photos!!!

Sara, Anna and Carmelita!!

The bead table!!

My Daniela!!

Carol had arranged for pizzas and drinks and a lovely Valentine Cake….I was planning to play games with the girls and had a few games ready to go but the girls were so enjoying the beads and cards there was no time for games….after the food one of the Madres asked the girls to clean and it was a amazing with in 10 minutes they had everything done!!!

Then it was off to the dining room where we sat the girls down and they watched the Disney Video Happy Feet!!!

It was a lovely and special time for me to be there and it was great to see all the kids having fun!!

There is always a BUT….and it is to do with Paola…that poor little girl is so sad she spent most of the afternoon sitting by herself and she wanted really nothing to do with me I tried to sit and talk with her but I was not getting through to her!!

When I left she would not say goodbye or hug me..it broke my heart!!!

Outside I spoke to Robin and it appears her Mother was at CH yesterday telling her she is going to come home and Paola so wants to go but the Madres have told her that she needs to stay at CH till the end of this school semester and she needs to improve her attitude and manners at CH!!!

I need to sit down with Robin and talk more about this but it does appear that Paola will go home in the summer….I have always described her to my friends as fearless and fiery but I am afraid her spirit is broken and I only hope she is able to recover and get stronger and no matter where she goes I fully intend if possible to play a role in her life..sorry for such a forlorn tale!!!

This evening I went up to Linda and Guy’s for a lovely meal and Linda and I watched our favorite show and now 9pm back in Ramona and settled in for the night!!!

Saturday 11th February 2012..well the sun returned and very hot and lovely here today!!!

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None of the above is true….. more like this

or this

Enjoyed a live soccer game from England this morning!!

Took a cab over to Linda and Guy’s and drove Ramona to the RV park it was sort of neat to be behind the wheel again, felt good.

No problem getting into the park and all set up then walked back in the rain to Casita Doris and did the final cleaning and getting it ready for Emily’s arrival tomorrow!!

Then went back to Ramona and spent all afternoon getting the inside of Ramona all fixed up.

This is the reason I have not played tennis in ages!!!

Sara invited me for supper and she cooked a lovely can of Campbell's Mushroom soup!!!!

Now I am back at Casita Doris downstairs in the TV room and intend to watch two live hockey games then drive over to Ramona for my first sleep in her in two months!

Thanks Robin for sending me this photo of Paola taken today!!

Friday 10th February 2012…Guess what???? Yes another rainy day!!

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Now this is getting tiresome but I bet some of you rotten readers out there are thinking serves him right for all those sunny skies comments I used to make…if I find out who you are you just know there is a blog ban in your future!!!!

So in between showers this morning I rode up to Linda and Guy’s Casa and borrowed their van came back to Casita Doris and loaded just about all my stuff up and took it back and put it in Ramona…I then spent a couple of hours getting things sorted inside Ramona in preparation for moving her back to the RV park tomorrow morning…so tonight will be my last night in Casita Doris I have really enjoyed my two months stay here very lovely… thanks so much Karen and Gregg for your kind hospitality just sorry you were not around to have some company!!

So tonight it is Hecho’s again and the great music… I had invited Sara and Linda and Guy but sad to say Linda and Guy said no at the last minute because of the weather Guy has to be so careful not to get chilled so I fully understand and hopefully they can make it next week..so Sara and I went and it is the first time that Sara has heard the music and she really enjoyed them…the quartet are really incredible musicians…BUT where was my Country fried steak???? They ran out tonight so I had to settle for fish but it was also a great meal!!

It has been wet and damp most of the day and I found out that the usual Saturday morning tennis is cancelled…so I shall miss that!!
So let’s see what tomorrow brings..fingers crossed for sun…blessings Les

Thursday 9th February 2012…the big Valentine Party!!!

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Ok enough of these cold somber skies to wake up to!!!!!!

Today is the day of the big swanky Valentine party being held at the very luxurious Hotel Matilda and the proceeds are going to Casa Hogar so it was a busy day starting off at 9am and me meeting Robin and the hotel staff and going over all the details which because of the nature of the way it is in Mexico changes daily…but we seemed to sort out most of the issues.

I then came home for a couple of hours and started to pack up some of my things ready for me to vacate Casita Doris and get Ramona back to the RV park on Saturday.

At 3pm back to the Hotel Matilda for a final run through of the evenings activities and this is when I found out that only four girls from Casa Hogar would be in attendance…..I cannot tell you why because I really don’t know I was hoping my girls would be there but it was not to be.

Anyway we got everything ready and the dining room looked really lovely!!!

This was taken just before the sun went down and the heavens opened and the rain poured down!!

The group of entertainers were called Gravity works and they were amazing!!!

The evening was a wonderful success and Robin must get all the credit…the food looked and smelled wonderful, the entertainment and the raffle prizes were well received…I was asked as Canadian Director to give a speech and work the room…well most of you know that I am very shy and reserved and don’t do well in situations like this but I bit the bullet and did my best!!!!! Relax remember it is my blog and I can write whatever I want it doesn’t have to be true!!!

Did I mention that the table of 5 single women were fighting over me at the end of the evening all wanting to take me home!!!!!!…take note CP!!!!!!

The four girls from Casa Hogar were a hit and I made sure they were part of the evening and they were a huge credit to CH….it was a wonderful evening and the guests although only 24 and not the 60 we had hoped for all said they had the best time in a long time.

Jorge the official CH photographer was there and I am sure in the next couple of days he will forward more great photos to me to post here…..

Another special day!!

Wednesday 8th February 2012….I want another massage!!!

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Actually woke up to sun and after a slow and easy breakfast went to play tennis at 11am it was a good game and the sun shone the whole time!!!

Straight from tennis to poker and I am on a roll I won 220 pesos!!!!!

When I came out at 4pm and it was getting cloudy and dark and before long the rain and thunderstorms started.

I was going to go to the girl’s English class but too wet.

The grey skies taken from the “sun” roof!!!

So it is wet and cold so what do I do??

Of course go downstairs and watch two live hockey games!!!!!!!

PURA VIDA!!!

Tuesday 7th February 2012……another one for the memory banks!!!

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Well what is happening with this weather? Gloomy and overcast again!!! Must not complain….

So quite a busy day started out with meeting a fellow Canadian tennis player at a local café so he could talk to me about the Mexican and Canadian laws regarding immigration and medical coverage….thanks Mike I enjoyed and learned a lot!!!

Carolyn and I had scheduled a singles tennis game but this time at our regular courts so she could not bribe the ball ball to call my shots out but due to the rain the courts were unfit so we had tea together and a good long chat.

I then went to Casa Hogar to see my girls they were all busy having lunch check out the lovely photos…the little kids are just so wonderful when ever I walk in they all get up and come for a hug and a kiss..makes me feel like a million dollars!!

This is Daniela in the middle all the girls had just had showers and all their hair was damp and just hanging they all looked cute!!!

Paola!!

Bernice Lupita (Daniela’s sister) Paola

This is one of my special photos of Paola!!!

I talked to Robin again about Paola and it seems the main issue is that her Mother is telling her that she is going to bring her home to be with her brothers and family and apparently Paola desperately wants to go and live at home….I have my own views on this which I will keep to myself but it seems it is now day to day what happens to her because her Mother can at any time take her home…..no wonder she is so torn….so all I can do till I go is see her as often as I can and re assure her of my love and caring and continued help for her!!!

Next on my agenda was the massage that Linda had won the gift certificate for me back in January…..it was a 50 minute massage at a value of 1200 pesos about 100 dollars at the Rosewood Hotel the 5 star luxury hotel!!

When I made the appointment they told me I could come 45 minutes early and use the steam/sauna room and asked if I wanted a male or female masseur….no prize for guessing whom I chose!!!

Well what can I say it was the height of luxury..first I was escorted to this fancy locker room where I was given a locker, bathrobe and slippers….then escorted to the private shower that had not one not two but 8 shower heads….so I soaked in there for about 10 minutes and then went into the steam for for a few minutes, I have to be careful with this and my at time wonky heart beat…from there into the sauna for a few minutes then back into the shower.

Next I was escorted to the waiting room it was like a living room so tastefully decorated with an assortment of teas and waters and finger good…then my masseuse, a lovely lady called Launders came and placed a hot neck pillow around me…..then walked me to my private room and the electronic massage table where I got comfy face down and the first treatment was for me to inhale some lovey eucalyptus fragrance and then 50 minutes of the best massage I have ever had!!!!

The music and lights were soft and it was just a great time I really enjoyed the fun of it all and to be pampered like that was something I might like to get used to!!!!

Do I look content??

Afterwards my skin felt silky smooth and Linda thank you so much for buying the raffle ticket and winning and giving it to me!!!!

After supper I went over to see Sara and I got a manicure and whupped her at Backgammon!!

So a day to remember!!!!

Monday 6th February 2012….Big holiday!!!

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Mexico Constitution Day

Constitution day in Mexico and its importance.

Mexico's Constitution Day is a really big deal, another holiday that everyone shuts down the shop for. Mexico had battled Spain for their independence, and then had arguments among themselves on how they were going to run the country. In 1917, Santiago de Queretaro drafted the Constitution of the United States of Mexico, and this constitution is the one that is in use still today. The Mexican Constitution changed their form of government to reflect the social and political workings of the government today. Constitution Day in Mexico is celebrated with parades, festivals, and families getting together. Mexican pride is felt throughout the entire country, and often the president addresses the country on national television. February 5th is the day that the constitution was signed, and to celebrate, the sale of liquor is stopped from February 2nd until the midnight on the 5th. They do this because of Pancho Villa, the bandit that banded together an army of thousands to fight in the revolution. I assume that they wanted everyone to be sober for the time of the signing, as it was in those days, most everyone drank heavily and on a regular basis. Mexican constitution day and the banning of the sale of liquor is only really celebrated in the non tourist areas of Mexico, although all government offices close during this time.

The above was taken from a Mexico travel website!!

Also today a huge day in England!!!

The Diamond Jubilee takes place in 2012, marking 60 years of The Queen’s reign. The Queen came to the throne on 6th February 1952 (her Coronation took place on 2nd June 1953).

Buckingham Palace is responsible for coordinating the events of the Diamond Jubilee central weekend (2nd–5th June 2012), as well as for organizing The Queen’s programme in her Diamond Jubilee year. Details of The Queen’s programme will be announced in due course.

So a big holiday here in SMA and many tourists and Mexican travellers in the city and all the schools were closed.

I went up to Ramona this morning to get some things ready for when I move her back to the RV park on Friday.

I then had an appointment with Robin and decided to give her a farewell gift of flowers and just had to take a photo of this beautiful display arrangement at my favorite flower stall!!

Then in the same little market could not pass these up without a purchase!!

It was a good meeting with Robin and two other members about the new Canada Amistad agreement. After the meeting I stayed behind and Robin and I talked about Paola…all my close friends who know her say the same thing that is not the same fearless little girl of last year and I think Sara summed it up best when she said that something or someone has broken her spirit!!

Robin is going to check out with the Madres, and councilors and will keep me in the loop.

It just breaks my heart to her so low and her heart is heavy wish I could make it all go away!!

Late afternoon and a thunderous downpour again..it just rained so hard and Sara sent me these photos of the streets outside Casita Doris after the rain!!

I am now in the TV room downstairs and I often wonder about modern communication here I am watching the news on TV and the broadcast is from Vancouver Island and I am seeing news about happenings in Nanaimo…small world!!!

Sunday 5th February 2012….a no photo blog!!!!

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Sunday morning usual tennis and happy to report that I played much better than yesterday and also happy to report no ambulance necessary after last week’s little medical mishaps!!!

I spent the afternoon in the sun reading and snoozing and then I got busy in the kitchen as I had invited Sara for supper and I cooked a fairly simple but good meal of Bangers and mash, with fresh carrots, beans and mushrooms…….after supper Sara and I got into a long conversation about all sorts of things and I wasn’t really bothered that I didn’t watch the Super bowl…..not my sport.

Tonight it thundered and many lightening strikes and a huge down pour of rain…

So a short and sweet blog today!!!

Saturday 4th February 2012…at last the girls to La Gruta!!!

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Happy Birthday to my special buddy Larry…we have been friends for over 30 years and I celebrate those years have a great day with that gorgeous wife of yours!!!

Well I didn’t have a great sleep woke up early and couldn’t get back to sleep and my tired bones showed in my morning tennis when it was the worst game I have played in years….came home and got ready to take the girls to La Gruta…the hot pools!!!

I went and picked up Paola and Daniela and then we went and got Sara and off to the pools…..the girls love it there and they only come out of the water to eat!!!

They look so lovely in the new suits that Sara brought for them!!

Those are Paola’s feet!!

The girls really had a great time and I was so happy that I was able to take them at least once before I leave!!!

We took the bus back and that was an adventure…I walked to the bus with Paola and I am convinced as is Sara and Carolyn said the same thing on Thursday too..that Paola is still not right she seems so distant and so sad and her eyes are not filled with joy…..I think she has some serious issues and I am going to see Robin and talk with her and see what can be done.

Tonight was laundry night and I am now settled downstairs in the TV room watching a live hockey game!!

On a really personal note I want to thank all my special close and lovely friends…you all know who you are… the part you play in my life is so huge and I appreciate every one of you…blessings Les

Friday 3rd February 2012…..…that sun is still shining!!!

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A slow morning till 11am when I went to play tennis and as always a great time.. came home and read the local paper out on the sun deck before going to visit my friends Martha and Noe, who last year traveled all over Europe and went to many of the countries I intend to visit in the summer.

It was really nice to visit with them and see their beautiful home and I learned lots of little tips and places to go!!!

Back to Casita Doris for a quick bit to eat and then off to the English class for the girls…poor Daniela she looked so tired!!

Not a very clear photo..

Paola was more awake and check out her eye lashes!!!

I told the girls I would pick them up tomorrow as I have them all afternoon!!!

Borrowed this great quote from a fellow bloggers post!!!

How quickly the evenings get here…..This time next week I will be getting ready to move out of Casita Doris…I shall move Ramona back to the RV park next Saturday for a week…..

I wish you all a great and happy weekend!!!

Thursday 2nd February 2012……….welcome back sol!!!!!!

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A fairly easy day started out with a great breakfast of…yes you guessed it the Pearson world famous scrambled eggs and tea and a newspaper….then it was off to Linda and Guy’s for a little visit and to get some things out of Ramona…then back into town to do some chores and home by noon!!!

After an incredible loud thunderstorm during the night the sunny skies and the sun returned and I could not pass up the opportunity of a couple of hours outside!!

It was so nice to have the warmth of the sun on me after three days of cooler weather but it is only supposed to last till Sunday then next week…well I don’t want to talk about that!!!

Later on in the afternoon Carolyn came and picked me up and we went to Casa Hogar to meet with Robin.

I wanted to introduce them to each other as Carolyn is going to come and visit with the girls when I leave SMA later this month….so we set up a plan for Carolyn to visit with the girls first at CH and then when they are comfortable with each other to go out on little trips I am so happy about this as the girls will have some fun times and hopefully they may even talk about me!!!!

We then came back to Casita Doris for tea and after Carolyn left I went for a nice long walk, stopped in to check on Sara and make sure she was doing her Spanish homework!!!

This evening it is movie night….

Wednesday 1st February 2012………Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits!!!!

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My Mum always told me to say the above on the first day of the month and I always have and here from Wikipedia is the origin!!!

The exact origin of the superstition is unknown, though it has appeared in print at least as early as 1922:

“Why,” the man in the brown hat laughed at him, “I thought everybody knew ’Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.’ If you say ‘Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit’—three times, just like that—first thing in the morning on the first of the month, even before you say your prayers, you’ll get a present before the end of the month.”^[2]

However, some reports place its origins even earlier, into the 1800s. Today it has spread to most of the English-speaking countries of the world, although, like all folklore, determining its exact area of distribution is difficult. This superstition is related to the broader belief in the rabbit or hare being a "lucky" animal, as exhibited in the practice of carrying a rabbit's foot for luck. Some have also believed it represents jumping into the future and moving ahead with life and happiness.

Well it stayed dry enough for me to play tennis this morning and another good game and then straight to poker where I did really well enough to buy my sweet and sour pork dinner!!

Home for about an hour before I went to the girl’s English class…both Paola and Daniela were pretty tired tonight but still got hugs and a kiss!!

Later in the evening I went over to Sara’s place for a game of scrabble!!!

As you can see it was a very one sided game and modesty forbids me from saying which was my score!!!

Because and I know you should never start a sentence with because..but because it is my blog I can write whatever I wish…

even if at times I stretch the truth…..

or even if I downright come out and lie..

OK so Sara whupped me good…

there are you happy now!!!!

Tuesday 31st January 2012…OK enough bring back the sun!!!

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It rained quite hard for most of the night and I knew my 9am tennis would be cancelled but because I was with a different group and I was subbing in I had to go just to make sure so got ready and rode up there to find the courts unplayable so turned around and came home and relaxed for the morning read a current newspaper that Sara had given me and then started to read, study and do some computer work.

I did book my summer flight to England the other day as the flights were getting full so I leave Vancouver on 1st June and return 1st September but more about that trip another day.

At 1pm I went to pick up Sara and took her to the Tuesday market!!

The general consensus is if you cannot find what you are looking for in this market you do not need it!!!

You know I could not pass this store with out a purchase!!!

A big bag of fresh delicious berries for 20 pesos!!!

I invited Sara for supper she made a lovely salad and I BBQ’d nice turkey burgers!!

Sara just left and I am about to go downstairs and watch a live broadcast of the Canucks hockey game!!

So no sun and the rest of the week is not looking good but I am not complaining….that is a big fat lie…I AM!!!!

Monday 30th January 2012…definite pay back time!!!

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For all those blogs that I started by saying beautiful sunny blue skies and warm….today was for sure not warm, not sunny skies, not blue anywhere!!!

It rained quite hard most of the morning and then stopped but still gloomy and cold I have worn wooly socks, sweater and long pants all day!!!! End of rant!!!

Spent the morning reading and researching and worked on the computer and then in the afternoon met Sara and took her up to Casa Hogar to see the girls…it was a happy reunion!!!

The girls were in a good mood, funny and obviously happy to see us..OK OK to see Sara!!!

Paola got my camera again and this is my serious pose!!!!

We then went and got some groceries for Sara and now here I am in Casita Doris dressed for a Siberian Winter!!!!!

Sunday 29th January 2012…..Rain!!!!!!!! What is happening!!!!

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Well my busy day started off with tennis at 10am our usual mixed doubles and a bizarre incident happened this morning….I was in my usual position right at the net and I went after a shot and took a full swing and missed the ball completely and hit nothing but air but I felt like a snap on the back of my head like somebody just zapped me..it stopped me in my tracks and I went to my knees..Carolyn and Loren rushed over and I was a bit dazed, they sat me down and both took care with me with water….I told them that I did not hit myself with the racquet but just a strange thing…my vision, sight and speech were all OK and I told them I was fine and I was…but it was a bit of a shock!! I continued playing and about 10 minutes later Carolyn went for a shot stumbled and she was flat on her back…I returned the favor and rushed over but she was laughing she just lost her balance thank goodness!!! Perhaps next Sunday we will have the Ambulance in attendance!!!!

Carolyn came over after tennis for tea and a visit and after she left I went downstairs and watched 5 hours of incredible display of Mens tennis!!!

I think next week I shall have to post a similar photo of myself don’t you think????

Below is from the BBC

Magnificent Djokovic seals epic win

World number one Novak Djokovic has labelled his historic Australian Open win against close rival Rafael Nadal as the greatest moment of his career.

Djokovic outlasted 10-time Grand Slam winner Nadal to clinch an epic five-setter that went five hours 53 minutes.

"It was the longest Grand Slam final of all time. Just hearing that fact makes me cry," said the emotional Serbian.

"Wimbledon is right up there because it is the tournament I always wanted to win. But this comes out on top."

Defending champion Djokovic lifted the title for the third time after Sunday's 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 success against second seed Nadal.

We made history - Djokovic

It moved the 24-year-old alongside Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Mats Wilander as the only open era players to have achieved a hat-trick of successes.

"I am very proud to be a part of history," said Djokovic, "to be among the elite group of players who have won this trophy several times.

"I had lots of chances to finish the match in the fourth, but he came up with some incredible serves and incredible points.

"So he deserved to prolong the match in the fifth set, and then really both of us could have won the match.

"Even when I was 4-2 down I still pushed myself up to the limit.

"I'm sure any other colleague tennis player would say the same. We live for these matches.

"We're trying to dedicate all our life to this sport, to come to the situation where we play a six-hour match for a Grand Slam title."

Djokovic reached the Melbourne final after overcoming breathing and injury problems in his quarter-final victory over David Ferrer.

He also appeared to struggle physically during his semi-final defeat of Britain's Andy Murray, in a match which lasted four hours 50 minutes.

But he managed to outlast Nadal in an exhausting encounter before falling to the floor in celebration following his winning point.

"I overcame everything," said the Serb. "That's the most important thing for me. And to be able to mentally hang in there.

Nadal upbeat despite defeat

"It was obvious on the court for everybody who has watched the match that both of us, physically, took the last drop of energy that we had from our bodies.

"It was just the matter of maybe luck in some moments and a matter of wanting this more than maybe other players in the certain point. It's just an incredible effort."

Nadal, aiming for his second Australian Open title after beating Roger Federer in the 2009 final, said the epic encounter was one of the toughest matches of his career.

"We played a nice tennis match, it was a very good show and I enjoyed being a part of it," said the Spaniard.

"I wanted to win but I am happy with how I did."

When asked if he would watch a re-run of the match, Nadal joked: "No, it's too long. Just the highlights

Sara arrived around 5pm and it was good to see her it has been almost 8 months since I left the Island.

We walked over to her apartment which she really liked and got her settled in then we went to Hecho’s for dinner!!

She is enrolled in Spanish class which starts on Tuesday……now a quiet evening listening to the rain!!!!!!!!

Yes RAIN!!!!! It started about 5pm and a good storm the weather forecast is not good for the next few days but all the gardens and flowers do need some moisture!!!!

Saturday 28th January 2012…3 blogs in one day a record I think!!!

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Saturday morning tennis at 9am again a really good two hours!!

Home in time for lunch and a then shower and went to Casa Hogar to get the girls!!

Some of the girls eating Comida!!!

I had been given a last minute chance to take the girls to the Big Chili cook off event at the swanky Hotel Real de Minas…..

Happy to say that I could have Paola and Daniela and because little Lupita was not there we also brought along Susana…we took a taxi to the hotel and the girls had a wonderful afternoon….

We saw many friends there that the girls knew….It was such a sweet moment when I told the girls in the taxi that Linda and Guy would be there…Daniela asked me if Guy was OK and signaled with her fingers about his breathing tube…such caring kids!!!

We did see Linda and Guy and Martha and Noe and Karen and Rob and also Earline and Armstrong and also Carolyn was there!!

Armstrong.. Earline,, Carolyn

I like the above photo we all have great smiles!!!

This kid was good!!!

The girls loved the play area!!

It was a special treat to have the girls for the afternoon and to see so many of my friends…..I just feel so fortunate to have them in my life they make me feel proud, young, alive and very happy!!!!

Took them back to CH for 5.30pm and told the Madre how good they had been!!

I then went and did a bit of grocery shopping for Sara’s apartment she arrives about 6pm tomorrow!!!

Just a quiet night movie and tea and I treated myself to a small piece of strawberry cheese cake!!!

Saturday 28th January 2012…for for lovely Brother..I am in trouble now!!!!

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Tubbs has been prolific this season for Crawley

Matt Tubbs gave League Two Crawley a place in the FA Cup fifth round at the expense of Championship side Hull City.

Steve Evans's side were a non-league outfit when Manchester United knocked them out at Old Trafford last season.

At Hull, a confident second-half finish from Tubbs, his 18th of the season, was enough to put them in the draw again.

Crawley were well worth their win, with on-loan Sanchez Watt also hitting the woodwork against a much-changed Hull side.

But Crawley keeper Scott Shearer played his part, making key saves to ensure the League Two promotion chasers' progressed.

Despite Crawley's rapid rise, 45 places still separate these sides, but at times that was hard to credit given the way Hull toiled.

Tubbs was quick to serve notice of the danger he posed when he sent home keeper Vito Mannone scrambling early on, while Watt - like Mannone, a loan signing from Arsenal - always causing problems with his pace.

Tubbs then steered an overhead kick just over the bar after a lofted pass by Sergio Torres, while Tyrone Barnett beat Mannone on the by-line but drilled his attempted cross at the legs of Daniel East.

Just past the half-hour, Tubbs almost reached Barnett's cross in front of goal, but was foiled by Joe Dudgeon's superb interception.

Hull's first shot on target arrived in the 39th minute when Tom Cairney tested Shearer, with the Crawley keeper then doing well to save Robbie Brady's deflected effort.

DID YOU KNOW?

Continue reading the main story

Crawley were still playing in the Southern League - three tiers below the Football League - in 2004

The decisive goal came before just the hour when Torres sent Tubbs clear and the prolific striker kept his poise to squeeze the ball under Mannone.

The goal sparked an immediate reaction from Hull, with Richard Garcia almost equalising only for Shearer to scoop the ball off his goal-line.

The Crawley keeper had to ride his luck when he raced from his box to reach a through-ball and was beaten to it by Hull substitute Aaron Mclean, who clattered his attempted lob against the keeper.

To their credit, the visitors refused to sit on their lead and Watt brought a point-blank save out of Mannone, and from the resulting corner the same player somehow hit the outside of the post with the goal at his mercy.

Hull's last chance to salvage an equaliser fell to substitute Mark Cullen in injury time but his swinging shot was blocked in a crowded box.

Saturday 28th January 2012…..I want to tell you about a beautiful lady!!!

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I first met her when I was just a little kid growing up in Doncaster, England and I will confess right here and now I was sweet on her younger Sister!!!

For obvious reasons she became interested in my suave, debonair and handsome Brother( can you believe I just wrote that??)

At a tender young age they got married and started a life that has blossomed with love and happiness and now they are well into the forties in years married.

Three wonderful children one amazing Grand son later life is good for them……

Janet my amazing and special Sister in law it is your birthday today and I want the whole world to know that I love you, admire you and I salute you with Happy Birthday wishes!!!!!

As always life has thrown you curve balls but with your incredible attitude, devotion and love of family you have been the “Rock” for the Pearson family. As long as I live I shall never forget the way you were with my Dad after Mum passed away..it was not easy but you took care of him, treated him with love and respect and because in part to you his remaining 12 years were lived with grace and happiness.

Janet are the best and rank right up there with Mum!!!! You know what a compliment that is!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day…..to my readers do you think my Brother Malc is taking her out for dinner???? NO!!!!

Janet has decided because there is a family from Ghana who are in England visiting their son as he finishes college and he attends their Church…..so Janet has invited the five of them to dinner!!!

That tells you a little bit about this special lady!!

So I wanted to devout a separate blog just for you….I know when we are together I am a big tease and give you a hard time only in jest you KNOW that you are the greatest woman and my Brother has been a lucky man!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANET!!!!!!

Friday 27th January 2012…I must be nuts!!!

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In the Pearson household growing up with two soccer crazy kids and a husband my Mum must have had such a hard time and there was a song she used to sing…

“ you’re football crazy, you’re football mad and football is a taking away the little bit of sense you had”

Well I think that applies to me this week with tennis..staying up all hours but I finally got smart…I found out the games that start at 2.30am can be seen again in the afternoon!!!

So whilst I was playing tennis this morning I managed not to hear the score and when I had finished playing came home and watched this incredulous 5 hour epic battle!!

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Novak Djokovic overcome his breathing problems and fatigue to beat his old friend Andy Murray in an almost five-hour Australian Open semifinal Friday night and move into his third straight Grand Slam final.

Standing between Djokovic and a record shared by some of the greatest players of all time will be No. 2-ranked Rafael Nadal, a man he beat in six tournament finals in 2011.

Despite appearing tired and sore from the second set, the defending champion rallied to beat fourth-seeded Murray 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 7-5 in a rematch of the 2011 final at Melbourne Park.

After wasting a chance to serve out the match at 5-3 in the fifth and letting Murray back into the contest, Djokovic cashed in his first match point when the Scottish player missed a forehand after four hours 50 minutes.

"You have to find strength in those moments and energy, and that keeps you going," Djokovic said. "I think we both went through a physical crisis. You know, him at the fourth set, me all the way through the second and midway through the third. It was a very even match throughout, from the first to the last point."

Djokovic dropped onto his back, fully laid out on the court. He got up and shook hands with Murray, before jogging back out onto the court like a boxer, dropping to his knees and crossing himself.

It was already after 12:30 a.m. Saturday when he got up again and pumped his arms triumphantly.

"Andy deserves the credit to come back from 2-5 down. He was fighting. I was fighting," Djokovic said. "Not many words that can describe the feeling of the match.

"Evidently it was a physical match ... it was one of the best matches I played. Emotionally and mentally it was equally hard."

The question now is what do I do about the final again on at 2.00am Sunday morning!!!!

Spent a couple of hours this evening getting Sara’s apartment ready for her arrival late Sunday afternoon….

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Thursday 26th January 2012..well another first for me!!!!

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Staying up all night to watch this incredible tennis match!!! What a great tribute to the sport but did it have to start at 2.30am San Miguel time!!!

MELBOURNE, Australia - Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in an Australian Open semifinal on Thursday night, the longtime rivals playing with the intensity they normally display when they meet in Grand Slam finals.

Though the stars who have met in eight Grand Slam finals were on the same side of the draw for the first time at a major since 2005, they played as if the title were at stake.

This time, though, only Nadal will have the opportunity to win another championship — on Sunday night when the Spanish left-hander plays the winner of Friday's semifinal between defending champion Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

In doubles play, Toronto's Daniel Nestor and Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi lost their semifinal 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to India's Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic.

But a pair of Canadians advanced to the semifinals in junior play. Vancouver's Filip Peliwo defeated Joshua Ward-Hibbert of Britain, 6-3, 6-2 while second-seeded Eugenie Bouchard of Montreal downed Risa Ozaki of Japan 6-4, 6-3.

Nadal, who holds a 6-2 edge in Grand Slam finals against Federer, made the key service break in the ninth game of the fourth set, making an incredible cross-court forehand winner from well behind the baseline, then watching as Federer hit a backhand wide to give Nadal a 5-4 lead.

Serving for the match, Nadal moved two points away from the win when Federer sent a backhand long. He won on his second match point when Federer floated a forehand long.

At the end, Nadal smashed a ball up high in the stadium, almost clearing the roof. He then applauded along with the crowd when Federer walked off.

Two weeks ago, Nadal injured his right knee and wasn't sure he'd be able to start the tournament. Now, he can barely believe he's in the final.

"If you tell me that two Sundays ago, I really cannot imagine," Nadal said. "For me, it's a dream to be back in a final of the Australian Open."

The 25-year-old Spaniard won the 2009 Australian title but lost in the quarter-finals in his next two trips to Melbourne Park. Federer hasn't added to his record 16 Grand Slam titles since he won the 2010 Australian Open.

"I thought Rafa played well from start to finish," Federer said. "It was a tough match physically as well. I'm disappointed, but it's only the beginning of the season. I'm feeling all right, so it's OK."

When the often enthralling play was suspended for 10 minutes late in the second set for an Australian Day fireworks display, Federer seemed to be affected most. Nadal led 5-2 at the time, and Federer lost his serve in the next game to give the Spaniard the set. In all, the Swiss dropped 11 points in a row.

"It's tough, it's not helpful, that's for sure," Federer said of the break for the fireworks. "They told us before, so it was no surprise. But I knew it was a lot of points in a row that I lost."

The capacity, 15,000-strong crowd was evenly split in its support, with the names seeming to blur after the R in rival chants.

Each time somebody called out for Rafa, it was met by a response for Roger. The cheers were just as loud for Nadal's scrambling, sometimes astonishing, passing shots as for Federer's deft winners.

With the players on serve in the second set, Nadal went so far wide on a Federer return that he was near the side wall of the arena. Incredibly, he stretched wide and returned the ball crosscourt for a winner. That set up three break points and Nadal clinched the game to take a 4-2 lead in the second set.

Federer saved a set point in the 11th game of the third set that eventually forced a tiebreaker. But Federer made three unforced errors in the tiebreaker to give Nadal a 6-1 lead, and the Spaniard eventually clinched the set on his last opportunity of five set points.

"Please win the point, that's all," Nadal recalled when asked what he was telling himself. "I was very, very nervous at that moment. Losing four set points in a row is tough, especially when you play the toughest in history."

The above was taken from the TSN website.

So after getting a couple of hours sleep I myself was on the courts at 9am and I was not Nadal like…a little weary but still enjoyed the game…always do!!

I had a small problem with Bonita one of the rear indicator lights was broken away from the hinge and just hanging by the wire so I stopped at a motor cycle repair shop a few blocks away where this lovely young lady came to the rescue!!

Two minutes later she had glued and powdered the piece back together solid…..asked how much and she told me no charge... only in Mexico…I am sure she will enjoy the 50 pesos tip!!!

My friend Sara is arriving on Sunday for 2 months to do some Spanish language courses she asked me to find her an apartment and I did last week and today I took possession of the key it is a really nice one bedroom apartment, fully furnished and within a 5 minute walk of the school she will be attending and about a 7 minute walk to the Centro area.

It will be nice to see Sara again we keep in touch often and she is very happy and has a new man in her life….I am sure we will be doing things together and I bet she is anxious to see the girls!

I then went up to Casa Hogar to see the girls and I got Lupita, Daniela and Paola busy making signs to welcome Sara!!

I just love going to CH all the girls are so fun and they follow me around I feel like the pied piper…..and I am happy to report that yet again Paola seems really happy!!!

Tonight was another treat my friends Karen and Rob who I have known for a few years and we own similar Rv’s and I stayed with them for a few days in Nova Scotia this past summer invited me to Hecho's for supper….I did not need any prompting!!

The company was great and the music yet again awesome!!

Thanks Karen and Rob for my meal and it was great to catch up with your travels!!!

Cannot keep my eyes open this kid is out of here!!!!!

Wednesday 25th January 2012…..….a full day!!!

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Received these photos from Paula and Jerry!!!

Thanks great photos even better memories!!!!

This one was sent to me by my lovely tennis partner Carolyn….

Hard to believe that someone so pretty would resort to the dubious and distasteful tactics of bribing a ball boy to win a tennis match!!!!

So this morning at 11am it was tennis then straight to poker and as you can see quite a good day!!!

Home in time for tea before I dashed off to the girl’s English class!!

Paola has really good handwriting!!

Daniela working on the board!!

I sat next to Paola and she is so loving… at times she would just stare at me or put her hand on mine…..unconditional love cannot be beaten!!!!!!!

Tonight it is going to be a different plan I want to watch an epic live tennis game from Australia between Nadal and Federer…the problem??

It starts at 2.30am!!!!! So trying to get a little sleep and then set my alarm….who knows what I will be like for my own tennis game at 9am tomorrow!!!!

Tuesday 24th January 2012…..early start!!

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Carolyn and I decided we should try a singles game of tennis so at 8am she took me to her tennis club just outside of town I have played here before with her last year and it is a beautiful facility with a golf course and heated pool and about 6 clay courts….you even get a ball boy who keeps score but I think Carolyn had paid him off as he was calling a lots of my shots out!!!!!!! Modesty forbids me from telling you the score..I know what you are saying it never stopped me before!!!! Suffice it so say I really enjoyed the game and I do now have bragging rights!!!!!! It was a really good start to the day.

Home for a while then I went to the Rotary meeting Linda thought I would enjoy the guest speaker Dr.Maxwell!!

It was a very informative talk on medical costs and insurance in Mexico, really interesting!!

I then up and did some chores inside Ramona and then came home had supper and now going downstairs to watch some tennis live from Australia!!!

Blessings….

Monday 23rd January 2012….a really low key day!!!

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A day with no plans so I decided that no plans was a good plan!!!!

Easy breakfast and read another 3 month old newspaper and then did some serious sun worshipping, studying and reading and in between there was food and a snooze.

At 3pm felt so guilty got dressed and for a change walked to CH it is uphill and a good 20 minute hike. I was hoping to take the girls out but was not to be and finally a sort of schedule has been worked out a little late but I am not complaining…..as the girls need to improve their homework and school skills the Madres have decided that during the week is not a good time to take the girls out so I have been granted a full afternoon every other Sunday but of course I can visit CH anytime I wish ….so I am happy with this as I have only another few weeks before I leave so I shall see as much of them as I can….and I am sure if there is something special I want to take them too I will be allowed…..I love this photo of Paola and me!!!

Soon I was surrounded!!

That is Daniela in the blue!!!

It was a great morale booster for me to see them so happy !!!

I then walked the long way into the centre of town and walked down what I think is my favorite street in SMA!!

Arrived home around 6pm after a lengthy walk..time for a quick bite and then off to the girl’s English class!!

I really like Lois the teacher he is really great with the kids!!!!

Daniela is asking a question!!!

Outside the class I met Marie chey…she is a lovely girl and has resided at CH for over 9 years I went to her big 15th Birthday party two years and she left Casa Hogar last year..here she is with her 3 month old son!!

Tonight it is a quiet night I am doing some computer work and making some future plans in my head……..

Thanks for reading the blog!!!!

Sunday 22nd January 2012….another full day!!!

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This waking up to lovely sunny blue skies is getting a bit tedious!!!!

Started this morning with a great 2 hours of mixed doubles tennis and then Carolyn and I took a road trip into the country to see the second largest tree in Mexico….it is about 12 miles out of town near the dam and you drive on a cobbled road through this long tunnel

and then about a 3 mile drive to the little village of La Huerta where we parked and walked a little ways to the tree!!!

Just as impressive as the size of the tree is the roots that cascade all over the ground for a huge distance!!

It was a lovely afternoon!!!

I came back home and Tom downstairs invited me to watch one of the play off games of football and it was a nail biter right down to the final play!!!

Then off to Linda and Guy;s for another wonderful meal and evening and then back home!!!

This was sent by Paula of their last night in SMA!!!

Can you believe that January is almost done where does the time GO??

Saturday 21st January 2012…..Happy Birthday!!

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Ignacio Allende’s birthday is January 21st. Allende is a national hero of Mexico and many places and streets including San Miguel de Allende were named for him.

Allende was a captain of the Spanish Army in Mexico who came to sympathize with the Mexican independence movement. He attended the secret meetings organized by Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, where the possibility of an independent New Spain was discussed. He fought along with Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the first stage of the struggle, eventually succeeding him in leadership of the rebellion. Allende was captured by Spanish colonial authorities while he was in Chihuahua and executed for treason

The above was taken Wickapeia!!!

The tennis game was cancelled this morning as one of the players had to fly back to the States for a family bereavement… the rest was welcome for me!!!

Went to the local market and bought all this for 50 pesos about 4 dollars!!!

Into the crockpot for a meal when I get home.

I then went downtown for the big parade this is my 5th year seeing the parade and very happy to report that this parade featured far fewer Military shows of strength and lots more kids with drums…Right on!!!!

Enjoy the photos!!

I did ask for the girls today they would have loved the parade but they are for the whole weekend at Casa Hogar for a huge Seminary event so I won’t see them this weekend!!

What a huge contrast after the hustle and bustle and crowds of this morning I took the afternoon and went here!!

It is so serene and beautiful and I enjoyed walking all the trails and the sights it gave me time to stop for a while and think about my personal life and what is happening for me and what has happened in the 5 years since I retired. I thought about my family and with joy in my heart I know I shall be seeing them in just a few months. I thought about my Mum and Dad and how I miss them both and I hope they know that my life has been blessed and enriched because of their sacrifices for me!! I thought of all my friends old ones and new ones and how much I cherish their input into my life and their kindness to me. I thought about all the kids in my life from my family to Paola and Daniela and all the kids I worked with in soccer and reffing. As you can see it was an afternoon of reflection. I am just so happy to be able to live the life I do, for my health to do all these activities is a blessing. To have funds to be able to afford the life style is also a blessing. I am not sure what direction my life is going to take this year but I embrace what ever happens and as I say every morning when I get up “Bring it on”!!!

So please enjoy these shots!!!

My city view perch!!!

It really was a good afternoon I enjoyed the quiet spaces!!

Tonight was tea and the movie…Water for Elephants…a great show!!!!

Pura Vida!!!!

Friday 20th January 2012… for me a quiet day!!

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No photos on today’s blog!!

I had tennis at 11am and it was strange to go there and not see Paula and Jerry…had another good game and then I dashed home showered and changed and went to Casa Hogar for a 2pm meeting. I did have a quick visit with my girls and they both seem really happy and I hope this is the start of a fixed and happy time for Paola!!!!

It was a very long meeting with officials of Amistad Canada.

This is taken from their website!!

Improving the lives of people in need through

better health, education and social justice

In many parts of Latin America social services that Canadians take for granted are often unavailable or insufficiently supplied, especially to people who live in rural areas. AMISTAD CANADA, a fully registered charity under Canada's Income Tax Act, undertakes projects that contribute to filling these gaps.

Our work, which got underway last year, is in Mexico. Our projects are implemented in cooperation with Mexican NGOs that have proven track records in providing much needed social services. As of Winter 2011 we are working with two partners:

CASA (Centro Para los Adolescentes de San Miguel de Allende)

and

La Biblioteca de San Miguel de Allende

CASA Partnership has long history

CASA, founded in 1981, provides an extensive array of health, education and cultural programs for women and adolescents. More than two decades ago, a group of volunteers from Toronto, who called themselves Canadians for CASA, began raising funds to support CASA's activities. This informal group endured (for more detail, see Our History) and in 2009 it provided the foundation for Amistad Canada. CASA appropriately became our first NGO partner.

CASA operates the only accredited school of professional midwifery in Mexico and is actively involved in the enhancement of midwifery services and education. Amistad’s inaugural project is contributing to that enhancement by funding the position of a Clinical Coordinator, with responsibilities for organizing the work of midwifery students in a variety of clinical settings, including the re-introduction of midwifery services in hospitals.

This ground-breaking work is going on in two hospitals and a primary health-care clinic in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato State. In addition, as a result of CASA’s work with federal and state health authorities to enhance the role of midwifery in Mexico’s health system, and with the placement of CASA’s graduates throughout the country, Amistad Canada’s project will also have an impact on woman-centered birthing care elsewhere in Mexico.

For more details, see Our Projects.

To learn more about CASA, see Our Partners.

La Biblioteca now has a Canadian Education Project

Amistad Canada’s work with a second partner — La Biblioteca de San Miguel de Allende — began in February 2011.

Founded in the 1950s, La Biblioteca has long been an important centre of educational and cultural activities for the Mexican and international communities in San Miguel and the surrounding area.

In addition to normal library services, an important part of its work has been the provision of scholarships and free classes for young Mexican students. These programs allow many students to extend their formal education beyond what would otherwise be possible, with positive effects on their employment opportunities and on the quality of life for their families.

The Amistad/Biblioteca Canadian Education Project will now allow Canadian donors to support these youth education programs and receive Canadian tax receipts for their donations.

It was a really good meeting with a tour of the campus and a wonderful meal for us all provided by the Madres and the girls!!

The outcome was that Casa Hogar has been accepted as the third project here in SMA….so all you Canadians out there you can now donate to CH and receive a tax receipt..this is coming from me the Canadian Director of CH!!!!!

Didn’t get home till almost 7pm…supper and a shower and now a quiet night with a movie…..Blessings !!

Thursday 19th January 2012…safe travels Paula and Jerry!!!

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It would be remiss of me if I did not remind all those great friends and readers in the frozen north, Nanaimo 5 inches of snow and minus 7, that I am basking in glorious sunshine!!!!

Another good two hours of tennis and my knee and elbow are doing fine I ice then both and still wear the braces and so far no problems as I am still throwing down serves faster than a speeding bullet!!!!

I even had a couple of hours of sunbathing and reading this afternoon before I went to Casa Hogar to take my girls out for a visit. It has been so nice to be able to go there and take both Paola and Daniela out and again Paola was all over me!!

A couple of shots inside Casa Hogar!!

The girls waiting for the taxi!!

We walked and then got a taxi to the RV park to visit and say goodbye to Paula and Jerry who leave for the beach(lucky devils) tomorrow!!!!

I really want to tell you how wonderful Paula and Jerry have been with my girls they have spoiled them and loved them and shown them how kind people treat each other and I know that some of their kindness has rubbed off on Paola and Daniela.

They bought them each a beautiful sweatshirt for Valentines Day!!!

The girls are modeling their new sweaters!!

The girls love the camper and of course the cartoons on TV!!!

The girls said their fond goodbyes and we took a cab back to CH.

Paola does seem to be a lot happier this week and I hope it continues I am trying to see her every day!!!

I came back home changed and showered and met Paula and Jerry down town where we went to an open roof top restaurant for a lovely meal with the church as a back drop!!

I have so much enjoyed their company they are wonderful and kind folks…..please travel safe and I look forward to a beach reunion soon…blessings!!!

Wednesday 18th January 2012…..no rest for me!!!

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Started out this morning at 9.30am going up town to buy a few things and then to the RV park for my Paula haircut!!! She is a star and is great at cutting my hair even though I say so myself I think it looks great…I think I may have to carry a big stick!!!!!! If you don’t understand that…well I am sorry!!!!!!

Went straight to the tennis court for two hours of good tennis and from there to poker.

If I tell you I have no photo of my stack of chips you may surmise I lost today… but only 40 pesos…….from here straight to Linda and Guy’s casa with a birthday gift for a very special lady!!!

Happy Birthday Linda…thank you for being such an awesome and giving friend to me for over 10 years now!!!!

Back to Casita Doris for a well earned cup of tea and an hour of reading before I went to Ms.Josefina’s English class for the girls!!!

See Daniela peeking!!!

The teacher Lois is so good with the girls and he uses Rosetta Stone CD’s

My day was made complete when after class Paola and Daniela both came up to me and I told them I would see them tomorrow and they both asked about Paula and Jerry and then brought tears to my eyes…they both took turns to hug me and give me a kiss on the cheek and told me they loved me!!!!

A quiet night at home tea and a movie!!!

Tuesday 17th January 2012….as my Grandma used to sing “Count your blessings”

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Linda and Guy invited me to drive them and a couple of friends to the town of Celaya about one hour away where the Children’s Cancer clinic is located, we went there delivering blankets before Christmas.

This visit was to deliver a great sound system for the clinic that had been purchased by members of Rotary.

We went in one vehicle and again received a warm reception by the wonderful staff and the presentation was made!!

This is the sign on the clinic wall!!

Which I think translates to “the difference between a healthy boy and a boy with cancer, is YOU!!!”

The clinic was very busy

We got the sound system working and it did not take long for this little girl to show us her dance moves!!

One of the girls had just finished her treatment and she took a liking to me (why can I not have this effect on other women)

Her name is Belin and she is 3 years old!!!!

She is so lovely!!

She loved having her photo taken and then to look at the photo on the camera!!

What a humbling experience to be surrounded by such sick children and to see their smiles, their joy at such small gifts and to see the hope in the parent’s faces and the wonderful staff…like my Granny sang “Count your blessings name them one by one” I have so much to be grateful for and I try never to loose face of that!!!!

It was a great visit and I hope to come again before I leave SMA!!!

Back in town I went up to Casa Hogar to see the girls and got them to make Jerry a Birthday sign!!!

They look happy!!!! I have been told I can take them out again on Thursday so I am thrilled about that!

Tonight I joined Paula and Jerry to help celebrate Jerry’s Birthday..we went to Hecho's no music but great food …thanks for supper!!

Now back at Casita Doris listening to the Canucks hockey game on the radio…..and another one of those memory bank days!!!!

My Family back on the Bank in Nanaimo are all excited as they have a new addition to their family, BOOMER!!!!

I told them to name him Leslie… BUT what can I say!!! He looks cute looking forward to seeing him in the Spring!!!

Monday 16th January 2012…..F I N A L L Y !!!!!!!

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My computer guru lady came over at 10am this morning as I could not open a special file that I need, Joanna opened it in about 14.5 seconds!!!!

Then met Paula and Jerry downtown for coffee and juice. Whilst we were sitting this old guy came up to us asking if we wanted to buy some strawberries.

These were the nicest strawberries I think I have ever seen so big and juicy looking. I told him I would buy three bags, see the size of the bags the one on the chair on the left…..so I got the three bags and asked him how much and I nearly fell of my chair…….he wanted 200 pesos!!!!!!!! That is about 16 dollars!!! The same would sell in the local market for 30 pesos….I politely told him no thanks and he took the bags back and emptied the strawberries into his basket and away he went…..it was all so unreal!!!

The three of us then went to our meeting place for a trolley tour of the downtown and some local sights…..P & J had booked the tour and paid for me(thanks) and we had an English speaking guide!!

It was a 90 minute tour and although I did not see anything I had not seen before I did learn lots of history about the town….some of the sights!!

The green X is by the church that is close to the RV park!!

It was a really good time and the guide was excellent!!!

I left P & J down town and I came home and did some chores and then went to Casa Hogar because……

I WAS GIVEN PERMISSION TO TAKE OUT PAOLA!!!!!!!!!!!

When I got there she and Daniela were waiting for me and Paola was all smiles but first my little new friend Melanie had to give me a smooch!!!

I had a taxi waiting and off we went to Linda and Guy’s for a visit…do you think they were happy to be going out????

Linda and Guy so kindly had bought them both lovely watches for a Christmas gift!!!!

This little Paola who I am told is so badly behaved was so concerned over Guy and his breathing machine and oxygen mask!!!!

This is how Paola and I were most of the time!!

These two kids bring unconditional joy and love to my life….

Linda kindly drove us back to the RV park where Paula and Jerry were waiting for them but first some of the folks in the RV park who remembered them from years gone by wanted to say hello to them!!!

Don’t worry it is juice in those coke bottles!!!!!

P & J are so good with them and Paula had little girly stuff for them and Jerry gave them his old translator machine which they both loved and will enjoy.

They love the bed and the cartoons on the TV in P & J’s camper!!!!

Love this one good photography Paula!!!!

So two hot dogs each and an ice cream bar, carrot sticks and chips later it was time for me to take them to their English class!!

As you can see smiles all around!!!!!

Thanks Linda, Paula, Guy and Jerry for being so great and generous with the girls!!!!

Jerry and I walked the girls to class and met Louis their teacher and I asked him to tell the girls especially Paola that I was so thrilled to have her come out and how special she is and if she continues to make progress perhaps we can do more outings during the week and maybe the hot springs on Saturday.

Back at P & J’s camper there was a wonderful home cooked meal waiting for us and my kind of comfort food to boot!!!!

It was a very special day and I have the best friends…..Blessings to all

Sunday 15th January 2012 ….except for about 12 minutes a sunny Sunday!!!

2012-01-15T20:25:00.001-08:00

A beautiful morning and after a lovely breakfast and a read of a 4 month old newspaper I went and played tennis with Carolyn, Sydney and Lauren, our usual Sunday morning four some and it was really good tennis again we have a bit of a rivalry going….

I introduced Carolyn to my friends Paula and Jerry and we had a nice visit in the RV park.

I took the afternoon off and just went on the sun deck and sunbathed and read!!

I was invited to Linda and Guy’s for supper and just as I was ready to leave I went outside and could not believe it…the clouds were clear and blue the sun was brilliant and it was pouring down with rain!!!!

Had a lovely meal of turkey pot pie and a great visit..I do have such wonderful friends and I thank my lucky stars every day!!!

Forgot to post this photo from Hecho’s night out on Friday evening!!

Home in time to listen to a hockey game on the computer and now ready for a movie!!!!!

Saturday 14th January 2012…waterpark day!!

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I picked Paula and Jerry up at 9am in the car I had rented for the day and we went to a few stores to look at cameras because their camera has not been returned to the taxi office and then we went to Casa Hogar as today was the day I had arranged for 11 girls to go to the waterpark in Queretaro….as I thought some of the plans had changed and instead of taking the older girls 8 of the younger girls were coming along and so sad to say my Paola was not one of them…..it was heartbreaking to leave without her.

We did take Daniela and little Melanie who is 5 years old and sticks to me like glue….we had all brought little treats for the girls and Paula was awesome in the back seat entertaining and being entertained by them. It was only one hours drive and in convey we all arrived safe to find out the water park was closed but the rest of the park was open…sit back and enjoy some photos of the day!!!!

Daniela and little Melanie!!

At the park we added little Jamena to our group so the six of us went around together!!

Jamena!!

Jamena and Jerry!!

The grounds of the park are well kept, clean and interesting!!

Little Melanie is in there somewhere!!!

We took a train ride around this Island!!

Jerry said to the girls do you want candy floss!!!

I do not think Melanie enjoyed hers!!!

Daniela showing the correct way to eat noodles!!!!

Behind my back pack is Melanie!!

Then the highlight of the day for the girls and me too I guess!!! the boat ride!!!! I remember this from last year it is a ride where you cannot get anything but drenched so this time we were prepared we stripped the girls down to their bathing suits I was the designated adult and away we went not once, not twice but THREE times!!!!! The screams could be heard 40 miles away!!! That water was cold!!

Paula and Jerry were great at getting the kids dry and warm, me?? Well I had to fend for myself!!!

Soon it was 3pm and time to leave I had asked the Madres before we left if we could bring the girls back a little later because I wanted to take P & J to Wal-Mart and Costco to see if they could find a camera……the girls enjoyed the adventure into the huge stores and sorry to say P & J could not find the camera they wanted.

Paula had the girls with lip gloss, nail stickers and sparkles and by the time they got back to Casa Hogar they looked like a million dollars.

Paula and Jerry so thoughtful had brought a little bag of goodies and a note for Paola so when we got back I asked to see Paola and she was sad but smiling a little when we left and she enjoyed her small gifts.

What a day thanks to all my friends who took time out from their day and paid for the girls to have such a great time for me to have Melanie in my arms all day loving me was a tonic I needed!!!

Dropped P & J of at the RV park dropped the car off and now downstairs watching a live football game……..a priceless day!!!

Friday 13th January 2012…Just tell me

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if you get tired of reading my blogs when they start with another great game of tennis in the sun to start my morning!!!

I then took the afternoon off and relaxed and at 6.30pm met Linda, Paula, Guy and Jerry at my favorite restaurant Hecho's where we were treated to a wonderful meal and music that would sell out any concert hall anywhere in the world!!!!

It was a great treat for me to have my friends there and the music was so captivating we all stayed through the two sets….a lovely way to spend and evening!!!

Thursday 12th January 2012…a busy day!!

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I played tennis this morning at 9am for a couple of hours with a different group I was filling in for someone and it was good tennis!!

Then Paula and Jerry and I went to a really nice restaurant and we all had the same thing for lunch a very favorite Mexican dish…wait for it…….Chicken Pot Pie!!!!!

It was very tasty and was nice to catch up with my friends….from there we took a cab to Casa Hogar…it was a great visit and do you think the girls took to Jerry??

Check out their eyes and their smiles!!!!!!

This is the beautiful chapel above the common room, very pretty!!

My friends did get to meet Paola and Daniela and I must say Paola was in a great mood being very funny and she took the photo below!!

I look so BOSSY here!!!!!

I love this one of Paola and Paula..could be twins!!!!!

It was a fantastic visit and glad Paula and Jerry could meet my girls and the rest of the girls too.

We then took a cab down town and walked around the center when Paula realized that she was missing her camera…we re-traced our steps but she thinks she left in in the taxi so we tried to find a taxi office but there is not one but they did go to the radio station and it will be put out on the radio for two days…..so sorry for them!!

I then went and got some things out of Ramona and came home…..tonight I went downstairs and watched a live hockey game….so ends another great day and if only the camera shows up…..

Wednesday 11th January 2012….Paula and Jerry arrive!!!

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I went to the tennis courts at 10am this morning and tied up the signs that the girls made yesterday for Paula and Jerry’s arrival in the afternoon!!!

Also a little treat for them!!

11am it was 2 hours of tennis and then straight to poker where for two hours I never won a hand but came on strong at the end to win 60 pesos.

Back to the RV park and a lovely sight to P & J waiting for me……they are such lovely and special friends and it was great to catch up with them…we sat for a couple of hours….now supper and a shower and a movie!!

Tuesday 10th January 2012….another pretty easy day!!

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Again not much on the agenda today so I went up to Linda and Guy’s and did some cleaning to Ramona…did a few chores for Guy and then came back to Casita Doris and spent a couple of hours studying and reading and sorting some papers out….3pm I went to Casa Hogar as I needed my girls to make some signs!!!

Here they are busy as beavers!!!

Daniela is a budding actress I think!!!

The finished product turned out well … the signs are for my friends who arrive in SMA tomorrow!!!

I had a long talk with the Director of Operations at Casa Hogar about Paola…apparently Paola’s brothers have been taken out of the home they were in and are living back with the Mother…..the story on her is that she is very poor and works in a restaurant till 2am in the morning but recently has changed jobs and I think she is wanting to have Paola back home and the indication is that Paola wants to go….so hence the acting out and her bad behavior at Casa Hogar……I have told them that I am prepared to come to CH every day and spend one hour a day one on one with Paola talking with her about relationships, parents, respect, good and bad options and also offered to take her out every day to meet my friends and to see what life can be like…she is always so well behaved with me…..so I have let that with them and the Madres of course have the last word so will wait and see what happens.

I went downtown late evening and snapped these shots!!

Just a quiet evening watching a movie…Blessings Les

Monday 9th January 2012..a really easy day!!!

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For a change I had no morning tennis game so it was a morning of a leisurely breakfast, reading a newspaper, doing some computer work and household chores.

I then went into the local market to buy a beautiful metal Christmas tree that my good friend Joy wanted me to get to her..

I will deliver it to her on the coast later on in the Winter!!

Then my lounger was calling my name and I finished off my book and had a great lunch.

4pm and it was time for an afternoon game of tennis which again was really a good game!!!

I know many, well some, well perhaps none of my readers want to know……. but I am going to tell you anyway..how good am I at this game!!!

Well they say one photograph speaks a thousand words!!!!

The winning shot!!

can you believe that HAIR!!!!!!!

The trophy!!!

Bermuda 1970 – 1980 Police singles Champion 5 times…doubles Champion 5 times!!!!!!!

I rest my case…it is funny when we get on the courts now I have never seen so many knee braces, elbow braces…but we still can hit a pretty mean ball at times…..

Tommy who is staying in the main house downstairs invited me tonight to watch the big College football game and it was a good one….

Pura Vida!!!

Sunday 8th January 2012…….tennis, friendships and girls!!!

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Sunny morning and at 10am mixed doubles with Carolyn and two other friends, great tennis, competitive and had some fun in the sun.

I had invited Carolyn back to Casita Doris for her to sample the very now world renown Pearson’s scrambled eggs and I do believe I have another person converted!!!

Carolyn brought her dog, Nicky , with her and she had the great idea of going to CH and letting the girls play with the dog…what a treat it was…enjoy their happy faces!!!

The girls had just finished their showers and were all getting their hair fixed!!

Daniela playing with Nicky!!

Again Paola was given lots of hugs she seemed really happy today!!!

It was a special treat just to sit with the girls and watch them play with the dog and see their smiles!!!!

Tonight I was invited to Linda and Guy’s for dinner and as always it was a great meal even if the fries came late!!!!!!!!!! private joke!!!

Linda and I then watched a movie and now home and it is already 11.30pm

Another great day!!

Saturday 7th January 2012 …..the GIRL is back!!!!!

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Before I start on my day here is a photo I received today from the gift distribution in the Campo on Thursday!!

Then this one from yesterday!!

So my morning started with 2 hours of great tennis at 9am…the sun was shining and the games very competitive!!!

Came home and read the local newspaper and declared it was time for R & R!!!

So got some food put my computer outside and sunbathed and listened to the Canucks hockey game for a couple of hours!!

At 3.30pm I had an appointment downtown to meet a gentleman who was going to introduce me into a mentoring program at the boys home where Paola’s Brothers used to be before they were taken out and put back home with their mother BUT the man I was supposed to meet didn’t show!!!

As I was coming home I passed this bar and decided I could not pass up this photo

Back home time to get cleaned up and to go to a local hotel for this show!!

As the proceeds form the concert was going to Casa Hogar all the girls came and I was there waiting for them!!

Imagine my joy when I saw this young lady get off the bus!!!!

I had not seen Paola since Christmas Day so it was a lovely reunion!!!

Here are all the girls!!!

Now for some really important news!!!!!! I had a date for the concert!!!!!

Melanie is a really special person and we got along so well….she spent a lot of time holding my hand, sitting on my lap and smiling!!!!!

Isn’t she gorgeous!!!

I made sure I sat next to Paola and Melanie stayed with me for the whole concert she is 5 years old and beautiful…Paola got lots of attention and it was sure good to have her back and I hope she can settle down and get her little life going in the right direction!!!

The concert was really good and the star of the show was very talented!!!

I could not quite capture the show with the church in the background but it was really quite special seeing the church and then the almost full moon!!!

The girls behaved so well a couple of the younger ones fell asleep but they were a credit to Casa Hogar!!!!

A great show!!!

Came home and watched some TV and did some computer work…..another perfect day!!!

Friday 6th January 2012………a really great day!!

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This is taken from a National geographic article which I read in a doctor’s office about 8 years ago!!!

In Central Mexico, time and place are fluid, and history runs into the present, and the present is always straining into the afterlife so that nothing is only what it seems. For example, at dawn on January 5, the day before Epiphany, on a dusty rancho in El Rodeo just east of the city of Guanajuato, roosters are insulting one another and shouting for the sun to come up, and a handful of cowboys on fresh horses are dressed as if for church, in white cowboy hats, shirts with faux-pearl buttons, and boots that still bear a literal resemblance to the animal from which they were made: snake, lizard, alligator. There is an edge of cavalry about the way the cowboys spin their leather-and-silver-clad mounts in the orange-blue dust, but next to them is a skin-and-bones mare whose foal was recently killed and eaten by the dogs. She hangs her head beside the cactus to which she is tied, absorbed in the constant, anonymous scrabble for life that is everywhere here, and there is nothing of cavalry in her. The air is scented with cooking smoke and drying laundry.

It's as if everything may happen (the mare may revolt, the cowboys may burst into prayer, miracles may ensue), or nothing will happen at all (the mare will take one breath after another, the cowboys will dismount and make for their construction jobs, the roosters will find a dusty nest and fall asleep). In the end, because this is central Mexico, something entirely other happens. Like rocks being tumbled under a great river, the road that leads from here to Guanajuato begins to clatter, and out of the dawn, thousands of cowboys on a mix of mounts from eager stallions to a black-and-white-spotted donkey appear. With less flourish than you would think, the cowboys from El Rodeo jog out of the rancho onto the road and join the procession.

Christ the King—or a 65-foot-tall depiction of him —stands on top of Cubilete mountain in the state of Guanajuato, thousands of feet up cobbled switchbacks from the high plateau, which is nonetheless called el bajío, the lowland. It is to this statue's feet that three or four thousand cowboys are riding, just as the three wise men are supposed to have ridden to the manger in Bethlehem on this day roughly 2,000 years ago. It is said that this statue of Cristo Rey is most famous for his expressive hands, the way they are held out from his sides, as if the son of God were about to quell a riot.

Pilgrimages to Cristo Rey, to Our Lady of Guadalupe, to depictions of saints elsewhere in the country, are common in Mexico. But seldom is there such a massive cabalgata —a horseback gathering —of faith; it swells by hundreds of riders each year, a word-of-mouth event of magnificent proportions. "It's no one important who rides," one cowboy says, "but it is all of us who have the Lord in our hearts no matter where in the world we go." It is true the riders include construction workers from Chicago, rig workers from Texas, gardeners from Guanajuato, laborers from San Miguel de Allende, farmers from Jalisco. "We are el pueblo," the cowboy says.

So this was the destination today and this would be my fourth trip!!!

Carolyn came and picked me up and we went over to Earlene and Armstrong’s home and they came with us……the day was cloudy but the sun was peaking through!!

It is about a one hours drive to the base of the road that leads up the mountain to the Statue!!!

We stopped and looked inside this church and it really is very beautiful!!

I knew from previous years that there are many children and families that are begging on the side of the road up to the top and Earlene and Armstrong had bought two huge bags of oranges and I brought a huge bag of candy and by the time we had reached the place where we parked we had nothing left……I think almost all of the kids replied with a smile and a Gracias when we handed out an orange another very humbling experience!!!

I was getting a little bit worried because so far we had seen very few cowboys but my fears were put aside when we reached the chapel!!!

Who is this Dudess???

Carolyn fits right in!!!!

Just sit back and enjoy these photos and try to imagine being the only Non Mexicans amongst a crowd of probably over 5000 cowboys!!!! Everyone was so friendly!!!

Earlene and Armstrong decided to stay around where the horses were and Carolyn and I took the trek to the Statue!!

This is said to be the geographical center of Mexico and the shrine here is stunning!!!! As you can see lots of folks approach the Shrine on their knees!!!

Carolyn and I both felt a sense of magic and wonderment by just watching the scenes here!!!

The view from the Statue looking down at thousands of cowboys!!!

We had a tail gate party lunch and then made are way back to SMA…I think we all agreed it was such a special time and one that is so hard to describe it is almost one of those you have to be there event!!!

After we dropped Earlene and Armstrong off Carolyn suggested that we go to Casa Hogar and see if Paola had returned…..this was Carolyn’s first time to CH and she loved it…the girls came running up to her and just wanted to hug her…..Paola was not there and they told me she was now due to return tomorrow afternoon.

We stayed for a while and I was “forced” into a game of baseball!!!

The girls were so much fun and it was another great visit!!!

Carolyn dropped me back at home and it was such a great day and to be able to spend it with special friends and visit CH a bonus!!!!

Thursday 5th January 2012……I am back!!!

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Last night after talking to some close friends, some lovely e mails….I feel like my self again that sure was a day yesterday but I guess it proves I am human after all!!! Thanks to everyone for their concern!!!!

So today and tomorrow is Three Kings Day here and huge celebrations and today was the delivery day of all the presents we wrapped on Monday!!

So at 8.20am I was ringing Carolyn's door bell as she had so kindly offered to lend me her SUV for the day and away I went to help load up nearly 500 gifts and then met a small group of people and in convey we headed out into the rural areas to three schools.

At the first school the children and their Mum’s were eagerly awaiting out arrival.

Smiles and big eyes were the order of the day!!!

The children lined up so gracefully and waited in line for their turn to visit with the Three Kings!!!

Hard to get a photo without a perro(dog) in it!!!!

You remember that I was elected a Team Leader well what can I say..look how everyone is organized!!!!!

The next school was about 30 minutes away

Jorge the official photographer for Casa Hogar was also here and I know he will send me more photos later!!!

We visited another school and it was just a humbling wonderful and incredible day seeing nearly 500 children receive a gift and I can honestly say in all the time we were there I heard no screams, no cries, no “I don’t like this toy”!!!!!

All I saw were smiles and almost every kid said Gracias!!!!! They lined up and waited and when they got their gift usually went back to their Mum’s before opening except the bigger boys who got soccer balls and they could not wait to get them into action!!!!

Congratulations to Sharon and John this was a huge task you took on and I was happy to be a small part of the joyful occasion!!!

I didn’t return Carolyn’s car till gone 4pm I did have to take it to the car wash because of all the dust from the back roads…thank so muchs for the car!!!!

I then went up to Casa Hogar to visit the girls…Paola is still with her Mother but I think due to return tomorrow…I just played some silly games with Daniela and Lupita and a couple of the other girls…..these girls are so good to me and almost always bring tears to my eyes.

As we were playing a game one of the girls fell and scrapped her knee..we stopped playing and two of the other girls went into the bath room and came out with tissue in water to put on the hurt girl’s leg…so compassionate and I am talking girls 5 and 6 years old!!!!!

It was a very special day!!!

This evening I spent some time getting some food and drinks packed for a big adventure tomorrow……..you will have to read the blog tomorrow to find out where!!!!

Wednesday 4th January 2012…where did this come from!!!

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I don’t very often share my feelings here but today I woke up sad, blue and very lonely!!!

I have so many happenings in my life to be so joyful about…so this was a surprise and it has lasted all day so now I am going for a long walk…I promise Les will be back tomorrow!!!

Tuesday 3rd January 2012…a trip to Queretaro!!

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Today was a return trip for Guy’s Doctors appointment and we left around 10.15am…it is an easy drive and his follow up tests to his eye surgery was positive!!

We then shopped at Wal-Mart and Costco before arriving home around 5pm.

Tonight was a really easy night just did some studying, reading and watched an exciting Junior hockey game in which Canada just could not get past the great Russian team!!!

What an interesting place this is and full of fascinating people..I only found out from Carolyn a couple of days ago that one of my tennis partners, Sandy, was an author. Carolyn had read his book and asked me to get another book from him for her friend…so I met Sandy and got a copy of his book and we chatted a while what an interesting man!!!

I now am going to claim a percentage of his sales for my advertising!!!!

So another day done and tomorrow is the start of a hectic three days…stay tuned!!!

Monday 2nd January 2012…still not use to writing 2012!!!!

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A rare event a morning with no plans so I just relaxed had a nice breakfast, read a newspaper, doesn’t matter it was three months old still enjoy tea and the paper, take after my Dad!!!

Saw this balloon from my sun deck

Did some Spanish studying, some computer work and just enjoyed the quiet time!!!

At 1pm I went to a local hotel where I met Sharon and John, a lovely Canadian couple from Vancouver…I have known them a few years and they do so much for the community here in SMA…today it was the wrapping of over 850 gifts that had been collected and were for the kids in the outlying Campo’s!!!

About 35 people showed up to help wrap and wait for it……..you remember a few weeks ago I was appointed the Canadian Director for Casa Hogar, well today I was made a Team leader for the gift distribution…..so lets have some respect OK?????

We were split up into teams and our team is responsible for 237 gifts for one school, so we wrapped the gifts and sorted them into boys and girls and ages and got them all ready for the Thursday delivery. It was a long job but so rewarding!!!!

I then met Carolyn for tea and we had a good visit and she is a sweetheart and is going to lend me her SUV for the delivery of the gifts on Thursday!!!!

I then went for a walk downtown and took these few shots

After supper I went downstairs into the TV room and watched two great soccer games pre-recorded earlier today in England!!!!

Another great day!!!!

Sunday 1st January 2012…..day of rest!!

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After tennis this morning I came home and due to the fact that this week is really busy that today would be a good day of rest…so after lunch got out my book and onto the lounger on the sun deck and read, ate and slept!!!!

Around 5pm decided to walk into El Centro some photos along the way!!!

The local Cantina!!

beautiful arrangements of dried flowers!!!

I just love this ladies face!!!

Decided to treat myself to some flowers!!!

All these for 70 pesos!!!!

Hope you had a great first day and they all are that way Blessings …..

Sunday 1st January 2012……this and that!!!

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My day again started with tennis at 11am with Carolyn and Shawn and a new good friend Sandy…it was a great way to start the New year…..Sandy is a seasoned traveller and I am going to miss him he leaves on Tuesday for 2 months.

Well I said I would write about 2011 and it is difficult to know where to begin!!!

I arrived back in Nanaimo in April after a memorable winter in Mexico and crossed another item off my list went I visited the Copper Canyon the high light of that trip was zip lining down 7 stations into the canyon…you have not experienced a rush until you are strapped onto a line thousands of feet above the canyon floor and travelling at speeds of 50mph.

My family in Nanaimo are awesome, Heather, Kirby and the boys always make me feel so welcome and to have that as my home with the views, the ocean is truly a blessings for which I am so grateful.

Middle of June it was time to make the journey East…my first time to the Mritime Provinces of Canada..the people I met the sights I saw will always stay with me…too many to mention but I managed to cross more things of my list….seeing the big cities of the East coast of the States was amazing but the real highlight of that was my first cruise and my first return to Bermuda in 31 years……I spent 10 years on the Island and it was a big part of my life and it was wonderful to see all the places where I played, fought, worked, even the yard where I got married!!!!

Seeing the foliage change in the Easter states was wonderful and a journey I shall always remember..to be back in San Miguel in November felt like me coming home.

My girls are the most important thing in my life and to see them growing, yes mis behaving, is a joy in itself…when ever I walk into Csa Hogar I am surrounded by little tykes just wanting to be with me…..

Yes 2011 was a wonderful celebration of life and I have so much to be thankful…first my family in England…I don’t see them very often but they are paramount in my mind I love them all and glad we keep in touch by Skype and blog!!!

I have so many wonderful special people in my life I will not mention them by name but you know who you are…..some I see often, some I see not too much and some I don’t see almost at all…it doesn’t matter to me…YOU are a part of my life and always will be and I love you for it!!!!

My health…I could not do 85 % of what I do with a body that although it is getting older and slower it keeps me very active and takes me everywhere I need to go.

I also want to mention Inga who was important in putting me in touch with my Financial Captain BILL!!!!!!

With Bill at the helm of my ship I am able to continue the life I do with a good income every month…..…..thanks to my readers for sharing the journey!!!

This new year I have the feeling will be somewhat special I just have the feeling that it is going to be an awakening and a year of joy and happiness….I wake up every day and say bring it on!!!!!

So thanks for many e mails words of encouragement..

I wish you all joy, peace, great health and love!!!!

Blessings Les

Sunday 1st January 2012…well here it is…bring it on!!!!

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Wishing my family, my wonderful and special friends and all my valuable readers a fantastic healthy and happy 2012 and may all your dreams come true….Blessings Les

Saturday 31st December 2011…well here it is the last day of the year!!!

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For me it was 2 hours of wonderful tennis this morning, the sun was shining and the game very competitive….I really enjoyed it.

It was time to dash home get a quick sandwich and pack up and go to Casa Hogar for 11.30am to get Daniela and Suzy for our outing at the hot springs.

We walked from CH about 10 minutes to the central bus station

It was 8 pesos each for the bus ride

and about 15 minutes later we were there!!!

It really is a nice place with about 6 different hot springs

For three hours the girls and I played in the water

They only came out of the water once…

4pm and we had to leave and did the same journey in reverse and back at CH by 4.45pm…..the girls were so well behaved and they had a ball as I did too…I spent a long time just watching them!!!

I then went over to Linda and Guy and we had a wonderful steak dinner, fabulous dessert and a perfect way to end the year.

I was back at Casita Doris by 9mp in time to go watch the live Canucks hockey game!!!

I will write later about my feelings about 2011!!!

Wish you all a safe and happy New Years eve!!!!

Friday 30th December 2011…for me an easy day!!!

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This guy normally watches me as I prepare breakfast every morning!!!!

10am and 2 hours of tennis followed by going up to Casa Hogar to pick up and return the cooler that the Tamales were delivered in on Christmas Day…one little girl always willing to help!!!

Check out the beautiful mural!!!

From there is was quite a ride to deliver it and quite an act to get it on Bonita, don’t ask how I did it!!!

Then it was Casita Doris for laundry, cleaning and sunbathing and reading……I cooked myself a really nice chicken dinner and now showered and ready for some TV….the good news is that I am allowed to take Daniela and Suzy out to the hot springs for the afternoon tomorrow!!!!

Thursday 29th December 2011….a great day!!

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Started out with tennis at 9am with Lauren 2 hours of singles which was really good…..back home at Casita Doris and time for lunch and an hour of reading out on the sun roof.

Sara is coming to SMA end of January for a couple of months and she has asked me to look for an apartment for her so I went to look at one this afternoon and it was lovely so she will have to decide if she wants me to reserve it for her it is close to the Centro which is what she wanted her school is close by.

3pm I was at Casa Hogar and for the first time able to take the girls out sadly for me Paola is with her Mother for a week so Daniela got to pick a friend and she choose Suzy, who is a lovely girl the same age as Daniela.

It was just a great feeling to walk out with them and know I had them for a while on my own…we walked a while and then took a taxi I had intended to take them to the park but they told me they missed lunch and were hungry so change of plans we came back to Casita Doris….I asked them what they wanted but I knew the answer before they even said they wanted

They love these!!

So I bought them next door at the little store and we sat around and they ate!!!

I don’t know who dressed Daniela this morning!!!!

They were so much fun, they are inquisitive and funny..after lunch it was time for them to feed the fish and water the plants!!!!

Then it was time to play games which we did then they went on my sun deck and came back looking like this!!!!!!!

After tennis this morning I put my gear outside to dry off…don’t they look so funny????

We then walked back a ways then got a taxi back to CH…when I have them I make sure they always say thanks to the taxi driver and he was amazed and just smiled…..I told the Madres that the girls had been really good and I hope to take then to the hot springs on Saturday!!

Here are some photos that my good friend and resident CH photographer Jorge took at the show on Tuesday!!!

Do you think Melanie was happy to see me??

The girls arriving and some of my lovely chaperones, Josolin, Carolyn and John and Sharon!!!

This photo depicts what I really like about this country and culture…..we were after the show waiting for the bus to come and little Melanie told me she needed to go to the bathroom….I picked her up and there was an open air small family restaurant across the street and I thought I better get Carolyn to do this so here I am passing Melanie off and Carolyn and her go across the street…when they came back Carolyn told me that when she went it and asked to use the washroom the lady behind the counter picked Melanie up and took her in the back to the washroom….they asked Carolyn what was happening and she told them about the girls and where we had been so when Melanie came out the lady handed her a huge bag of candy for all the girls…gotta love Mexico!!!!!!

These girls and all the happenings at Casa Hogar make me feel so humble and every little thing you do for them is returned ten fold over with smiles and kindness!!!!

Today is the special birthday for my only Uncle…….Bram I wish you many more Happy Birthday’s………my Dad would be proud to know that you are still so active and healthy and happy love both you and Auntie Rita!!!!

Time for tea, cookies and a movie!!!!!

Wednesday 28th December 2011…I am going to be an Uncle!!!!

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My wonderful family on the Bank back in Nanaimo have informed me that I am going to be an Uncle…Skipper was born about 6 weeks ago and he will be coming home next week!!!!!

He is a Portuguese water dog!!! Congratulations!!!!

Tennis this morning was a good time and I enjoyed poker and as you can tell by the stack of chips I won!!!!

Home by 4pm and sunbathed and read till the sun went down…Chinese take out for dinner and now heading to the TV room for a hockey game.

The good news is that I am allowed to take the girls out tomorrow the bad news is that Paola will not be coming and again I do not know at this stage why but will try to find out…but I am happy that I can take Daniela out and I have asked for a friend to come with us and I asked for Suzanna and she is going to come for a couple of hours tomorrow afternoon!!!

Wish you all a great evening!!!

Tuesday 27th December 2011….for me an easy day!!!

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Today is the day of the big show for the girls so I wanted to rest up a little…so after breakfast I drove up to the big Tuesday market…this is a huge event held, you guessed it every Tuesday, but with Christmas holidays it was much busier than normal!!!

It is one of those markets that if you cannot find it here you don’t need it!!!

I did of course make a purchase here!!!!

I then went to Linda and Guy’s and decided to give my motorized girls a shampoo!!!

From here I am almost ashamed to admit but…..I went back to Casita Doris and watched two, yes two, live soccer games from England!!!!

Time to get cleaned up and went to Carolyn’s casa and we drove together down town to the big Theater and soon after all my lovely and special chaperones arrived and then the girls and Madres arrived for the show!!!

I had gone to the box office this morning and asked because we were bringing so many girls could we have the front 4 rows reserved and we did so it was lovely we all sat together and the smiles on the faces of the girls, the huge bulging eyes at the clowns was a joy to behold!!!! Sadly my photos did not turn out too well but Jorge our loyal photographer was there and as soon as I get photos from him I will post them!!!

Thanks to all my lovely and special chaperones you made it a great evening for the girls!!!!

Blessings!!!!

Monday 26th December 2011.….a road trip!!!

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I have these great friends Norma and Croft who live about 90 minutes away from me on Vancouver Island but we always see more of each other in Mexico!!

Norma and Croft are in their RV staying in Queretaro and this morning I went to visit them!!

I left home at 9.15am and walked the five minutes to the bus station bought my one way ticket for 55 pesos and I was at the bus station in QTO about 90 minutes later the bus was full and I did have a seat until a lady with a baby got on and no other man got up to offer her the seat so I did and finished up standing the whole way!!!

Outside the bus station I got a taxi and 10 minutes and 35 pesos later I was at the hotel where Norma and Croft are parked for a couple of weeks!!!!

It is really a high class hotel which allows RV's to park, the grounds are lovely they have use of all facilities with showers, bathrooms and a gym for 250 pesos per night!!

We had a great visit, Norma put on a delicious lunch and then Croft and I spent about an hour in the pool and the rest of the afternoon catching up…I left about 4.30pm and did the same journey in reverse and was back at Casita Doris by 6.45pm…total cost 180 pesos about 14 dollars…it was a wonderful day and Norma and Croft lovely to see you and I wish you safe and happy journey as you travel further south!!!

Supper, shower and now going to watch a hockey game…..another “boring” day!!!!

Sunday 25th December 2011…. Merry Christmas!!!

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So great to wake up to lovely sunshine and clear skies and know it is the day of the big party…I was at Casa Hogar at 10.15am and started to get things ready the Madres and the girls had decorated the hall and it looked lovely…….I had some wonderful helpers today and thank you so much for giving up your time and embracing the spirit of Santa Julia….thanks Josilin, Karen, Megan, Karen,Rick, Vincent, Jorge, Patrick and of course Robin….also thanks to Paulina for incredible tamales, to Patrick and Franck for the delicious cup cakes and to Javier for the fabulous soup!!!!

I also want to thank my friends, Allison, June, Annie and Gord from Nanaimo who paid for the food and supplies…. know you made the girls and Madres very happy!!!

The party was a huge success and everyone had a special and lovely time….there is lots of food left over for the next couple of days and I cannot think of a better way to spend some time at this special time of the year……enjoy the photos!!!

My girls!!

One of the main reasons for me doing the party this way was for no one to be working…there were a few dishes that needed to be cleaned and with out any asking whatsoever these two great young ladies went into the kitchen and washed and cleaned the kitchen!!!!

Thanks to all my lovely helpers the girls and Madres had a wonderful time with great food and company!!!!

Around 4pm I left Casa Hogar and went to Linda and Guy and we had a lovely Christmas dinner with a difference….we had lamb and it was very good….we then watched a great Christmas movie and now 10pm here I am back at Casita Doris thinking how lucky I am to have special friends, two fabulous girls and many more great kids in my life ..thanks to all!!!!

Sunday 25th December 2011…..if you know a little Spanish you will enjoy this!!!!!

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Mexican Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through la casa,

Not a creature was stirring, I wondered, que pasa?

I was hanging the stockings with mucho cuidado,

In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado,

To bring all the children, both buenos y malos,

A nice batch of dulces and other regalos.

My brothers and I went to sleep in our camas,

Some in long underwear, and some in piyamas.

When out in the yard there arose such a grito,

That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito.

I ran to the window and looked afuera.

And who in the world do you think quien era?

St. Nick in a sleigh and a big sombrero

Came dashing along like a little bombero.

And pulling his sleigh instead of venados,

Were eight little burros, approaching volados.

I watched as they came, and this fat little hombre

Was shouting and whistling, and calling by nombre:

Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuca, ay Beto!

Ay Chata, ay Chopo, Maruca y Nieto!

Then standing erect, with his hands on his pecho,

He flew to the top of our very own techo.

With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,

He struggled to squeeze down our old chimenea.

Then huffing and puffing, a little cansado,

He picked up a bag that looked muy pesado.

He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos.

Then chuckling aloud, seeming very contento,

He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento.

And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad:

Merry Christmas a todos ... feliz navidad!

Thanks to Robin for sending me this!!!

Sunday 25th December 2011………Merry Christmas!!!

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I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a wonderful happy and safe and loving Holiday season!!!!

Saturday 24th December 2011……….Taws the night before Christmas!!!!

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. The quotes below are taken from my friend Sandy’s Blog!!!

Written by Regina BRETT, 90-years-old.

This is something we should all read at least once a week!

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most requested column I’ve ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once
more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Change the way you think.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends and family will.
Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument.
Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone.
It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults… it’s their life now!

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others.
You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.
But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don’t save it for a special occasion.
Today is special.

22. Just because you believe you are right, doesn’t mean you are.
Keep an open mind.

23. Be eccentric now.
Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything.
Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don’t audit life.
Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative… dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day.
Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time.
You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

Great mantra for life!!!!

Small world……last winter here in SMA I met two fellow Canadian RVer’s Ruth and Kevin and they put me in touch with the Couch surfers website which I have used about a dozen times now with great results…anyway when I was travelling through Nova Scotia this summer Kevin e mailed a couple they had couch surfed with, Paula and Jerry …..Kevin follows my blog and he told Paula and Jerry that I was in their area and they may want to contact me and meet me….so out of the blue I get an e mail from Paula and Jerry inviting me stay at their home…..I am so glad they e mailed me and I took them up on their kind offer and I finished up staying about 6 nights in their beautiful home and we all became close and good friends.

They are leaving Nova Scotia in 5 days and travelling in their camper/pick up truck and will be here in SMA around 11th January and I am excited to see them…Paula sent me these two photos to show me what I am missing!!!

Paula and Jerry’s family!!

After giving it no thought whatsoever I am sticking to the sun!!!!

So 9am and two hours of really good tennis…I enjoy all my tennis games of course with Carolyn as my partner but the Saturday morning men’s doubles is just great tennis which I love!!!

After tennis Sandy, my partner, treated me to a juice and we exchanged lots of travel stories…Sandy has travelled to many of the places that are on my bucket list!!!

Came home and showered and then did some shopping for the party tomorrow…I think I have everything done and hoping that it will be a great time for everyone.

I then went into the main square

Always such interesting sights and lots of people!!!

The manger scene with live animals is in the main Jardin!!!

Check out this door!!!!

Managed to get a couple of hours of sunbathing and reading in late afternoon….tonight it will be a nice supper and relax watching TV…….blessings to all!!

Friday 23rd December 2011…the calm before the storm!!!

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Tomorrow is the start of a busy 5 days so it was nice to relax and have some down time today.

I did play tennis this morning and happy to report that the knee and elbow are doing great I wear the braces and do the ice and cream treatment and so far so good.

I went and had a quick visit with Linda and Guy and they are also having a slow day after their big party last night…Linda kindly gave me some Christmas plates and napkins that I can use at the party at CH on the 25th so I dropped them off at Casa Hogar…..saw my girls and we had a little visit. Again they we both busy doing their chores!!!

Tonight it is TV and feet up night!!!

When I left England in 1970 My Mum, bless her, packed me up some Pearson traditional goodies to take on the plane!!

Then every time I returned to England to visit Mum always made the same goodies for me year after year after year.

When she passed away in 1995 my lovely sister in law, Janet,

Seen here three years ago in Bernal, Mexico, continued the tradition so every time I go home there is always waiting for me a plate of WINGIES!!!!!

So what are wingies you may be asking…….

These are wingies and my rotten, sense of humorless and quite not in my good books Brother sent me the above photo by e mail today to remind me of what I am missing……what do you think? Should I ban him from the blog???? Make him pay a subscription?? Or should I be full of the festive spirit and forgive him???

Thursday 22nd December 2011……..Party time!!!

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Today is the day of Linda and Guy’s famous egg nog party so preparations have to be made and I was at their casa by 9.30am when we drove and then took a taxi into Centro where Linda was having her hair done and Guy and I were picking up some cases of wine.

In the main square some workmen were erecting this huge Piñata!!!

The store for the liquor is very close to where the hairdressers shop was so I thought I would check on Linda!!!!

I hope by the time next Christmas arrives that I am forgiven!!!!!!

Guy and I then stopped for some ice and water and everything was delivered and set up and as you will see later their casa looks wonderful!!!

I then went up to Casa Hogar I wanted to check in and see how Paola was doing and so happy to report report the Paola we all know and love was back!!! We have no idea what goes on through their minds with all that has happened in the last couple of weeks for her, being grounded…..falling down and then seeing her two brothers on Sunday at the home for boys…just a lot for her little mind…anyway today she was happy and smiles and I played with the girls for a while

I then took Daniela and Paola aside and had some fun made them close their eyes…

and then gave them each sun glasses!!!

I told them to keep the glasses safe and if after Christmas if they have been good girls and helped and did their work and respected everyone at CH I am sure we can go out driving and to the hot springs…I think this little bribery may work!!!

It was a great visit!!!!

Came home and got myself all dolled up for the party and went over to Carolyn’s and together we went to pick up a friend of Linda’s who was coming to the party….. enjoy the photos it was a great party so much fun and laughter and wonderful friends!!!!

See Linda the end result is beautiful!!!

Guy is on the right!!

Carolyn in the pink!!

Just a great end to a great day!!!!!!!

Wednesday 21st December 2011….Happy Solstice!!!

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Tennis this morning at 10am and from there back home quick shower and change and off to poker for 1pm….you will notice no photo this week of a stack of chips…surmise what you want from that???

Then it was down town and to the theater box office for the big theater where a magic and acrobat Christmas show is taking place and I have arranged for all the girls from Casa Hogar to go so now looking for a few chaperones if you are in SMA and interested the show is at 5pm, on Tuesday 27th December!!

I sat in the main Jardin for a while this evening…I really enjoy seeing all the activity around and of course the main church is beautiful any time of day!!

I then went to a local restaurant where some of the girls were singing Christmas songs!!!

They looked so smart and they performed really well!!! Daniela is front row at the right and Paola front row 2nd from left!!

The girls did really well and I was very proud to be there.

I have noticed the last three times I have seen Paola that she has been distant and not her usual self with me and I asked Robin if the three of us could talk about if anything was going on for her….Paola said that she was just sad and with what has happened to her in the last little while not surprising…I asked Robin to tell her that I loved her and would always be there for her and it was a teary moment when Paola hugged me and told me she loved me!!!!

A quiet night watching TV and I think I may be able to find a nice piece of cake in the freezer…blessings to all!

Tuesday 20th December 2011…..what a day!!!

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Which started for me by meeting Linda and a group of volunteers from their Church..the purpose of the meeting was to deliver this truck load of 165 blankets

to the Cancer clinic in the nearby town of Celaya!!

Linda is the brains behind this huge endeavor and we set off in two vehicles for the one hour drive!!

At the clinic which is funded only by donations we were met by the great staff

and then walked across the street to the main clinic!!

It was truly a humbling sight to see so many young kids suffering from this terrible disease…but the staff are wonderful and we were all warmly accepted!!!!

The facility is ultra modern and the blankets were for the kids that come from all over the State for treatment that live mainly in Campos…so the blankets on the cold nights will be so useful…..truly a great morning!!!

Back in SMA I went to Casa Hogar to see the girls and to check on preparations for the party on Sunday…I only saw the girls for a minute as they were both busy doing their chores…something I do not want to interrupt!!!

Did sneak in this photo of the head Madre!!!

Back home to Casita Doris for a quick shower and change and off to meet Linda and Guy and get a ride with them as they had invited me to their Rotary Christmas party at the funky and lovely Tacos Don Felix…a beautiful restaurant behind one of those famous SMA doors!!!

It was a special evening with great food, wonderful company and followed by an evening of Karaoke!!!

So a great day!!!!

Stay tuned for a very busy Wednesday!!

Monday 19th December 2011…more Posada photos!!!

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Thanks to George the fantastic Casa Hogar photographer…

Paola on the right!!

Lupita!!

Monday 19th December 2011….back in production!!

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Without Internet for three days and how do you survive???

Just a quick catch up and then back to normal…..my new computer arrived and I took it to my guru for data change…Friday night for dinner was lovely…the company perfect and the music was so great!!

Saturday morning was the tennis doubles that I really enjoy…very competitive a great way to start my day…then in the afternoon to take in a rodeo…in all honesty it was not too great an affair!!

Saturday evening was the girl’s Posada!!!

Cultural Observance: Mexican Christmas tradition celebrating the Nine Days of La Posada (The Lodging) from 16 December to Christmas Eve. The yearly tradition commemorates the journey of Mary, Joseph, and the unborn Jesus as they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem looking for lodging. On each of the nine evenings, town members and choristers carry torches, banners, or paintings of The Holy Family as they walk from home to home seeking shelter. At a pre-selected house, the door opens to all with an invitation for refreshments, caroling and dancing, and scriptural readings. The celebration re-enacts the ancient journey and symbolizes the welcome of Jesus into the home and one’s heart.

It was a wonderful evening and all the girls looked lovely and I feel I must mention again…the event went on for three hours and towards the end it was a bit cool….no fights, no crying just love and smiles from everyone!!!

Daniela at the front left!!

Daniela again…my photos of Paola who looked beautiful sorry to say did not come out!!!!

At Casita Doris life is good it is 4 minute walk to this bright and lively market!!!

I bought small quantities of veggies and had a great supper!!

Karen and Gregg are away and have allowed me use of the TV room so over the weekend took advantage with a live soccer game from England

and also just a couple of hockey games!!!

Not sure which came first the tree or the house?

This is another entrance to my place

Yesterday after another great morning of tennis and then went to the main Jardin for a Christmas concert!!

Look at their faces!!!!!!

Robin sent me this photo from Casa Hogar a couple of days ago!!

So this morning my new computer was delivered along with instructions and some show and tell and happy to say it works really well and everything is fine!!!

So there I think we are all caught up to date.

The organization of the Christmas Party is coming along really well and it will just be a very busy week……..blessings to all Les

Monday 19th December 2011…test!!

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Test!!

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10am tennis was the first order of today and as always enjoyed the two hours....it is such a great way to start a day playing in the sun.

After tennis I stopped at the shipping office and happy to see my new computer had arrived..thanks Gail and Larry!!!!

I then had a free afternoon which I spent mainly on the sun deck with my book, some snacks and watching the humming birds.....I haven't had a relaxing time like that since I arrived in SMA!!!

I then went and met with Joana who is going to put all my files and data on to the new computer I will get it back on Monday when she will sit with me and go over the computer and the workings.

Tonight I took my lovely tennis partner Carolyn out for dinner to my favourite restaurant Hecho's in Mexico...the food there is really great and of course I had my usual country fried steak..I know keep all the comments to yourselves!!!! The main highlight apart from the company was the music...4 local musicians with the leader playing the violin....awesome is the only word to describe how they play together...it was really a great night out!!!

I am back using Gregg's computer so hoping this comes through.

By choice I have a crazy busy weekend coming up...hope yours is wonderful too!!!

Thursday 15th December 2011……had a little spare time today!!!

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Almost solved the mossie problem and Gregg has loaned me an electric light zapper so hope that will work tonight…still I had a good sleep and relaxed over breakfast and reading the newspaper on the sun deck…..then of to L & G and I took their two propane tanks to get them filled it is a plant about 5 miles out of town!!

Back at Casita Doris I had time for 2 hours of sun bathing and reading and lunch and then off to Casa Hogar for a meeting with Robin….what a surprise when I got there these two lovely girls presented me with a beautifully decorated plate on which the Madres had baked fresh Bunuelos!!!!

The meeting with Robin went well and she explained in detail the problems and issues surrounding Paola and Daniela and I do understand and agree with the Madres but hopefully after the holidays things will get back to normal and that I will be able to take the girls out!!! We also discussed the Christmas Party that I have volunteered to host and organize….as I was leaving one of the girls came up to me and gave me this note!!!

So even though Paola is in trouble she takes the time to write me this note!!!!!

I came back home where I re filled the Hummingbird feeders I have seen lots of them drinking but not quick enough yet to get a photo!!

I went downstairs and said good bye to Karen and Gregg they leave tomorrow morning and shared my treats!!!

Did a lot of this today!!!

Was invited to friends late afternoon to see their beautiful non traditional casa and a visit…it was a really nice time!!!

From the roof!!!!

A house across the street interesting how they put styro foam on the roof!!

Had a great visit and back home for supper and the usual movie and tea and Bunuelos with my tea!!!!