Sunday 18 th December 2022…last one for the year!!

 Well that was some final soccer game to finish this years World Cup and again I totally disagree that a team sport like soccer should be settled on penalty kicks there is always going to be a hero and then some poor guy who has to live the rest of his life knowing he missed a chance for his team and country!!

The town is very busy now gearing up for the holiday season and the streets are very decorative I enjoyed walking around this afternoon with Frida, she is such a lovely dog.

Tomorrow is the day we lost our dear Andy one year ago, he is missed and often talked about and in our thoughts and prayers!!

My regular readers know that I am not a huge fan of Christmas and the new year and I have decided to take a break from the blog till 1 st  January ……my next blog will bring in 2023 and in time to update you all on the Three Kings toy drive.

I wish you all a very safe and happy holidays, best wishes…..

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Saturday 17 th December 2022…a nice read!!!

 I like this

An old man meets a young man who asks:

“Do you remember me?”

And the old man says no. Then the young man tells him he was his student, And the teacher asks:

“What do you do, what do you do in life?”

The young man answers:

“Well, I became a teacher.”

“ah, how good, like me?” Asks the old man.

“Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.”

The old man, curious, asks the young man at what time he decided to become a teacher. And the young man tells him the following story:

“One day, a friend of mine, also a student, came in with a nice new watch, and I decided I wanted it.

I stole it, I took it out of his pocket.

Shortly after, my friend noticed the his watch was missing and immediately complained to our teacher, who was you.

Then you addressed the class saying, ‘This student's watch was stolen during classes today. Whoever stole it, please return it.’

I didn't give it back because I didn't want to.

You closed the door and told us all to stand up and form a circle.

You were going to search our pockets one by one until the watch was found.

However, you told us to close our eyes, because you would only look for his watch if we all had our eyes closed.

We did as instructed.

You went from pocket to pocket, and when you went through my pocket, you found the watch and took it. You kept searching everyone's pockets, and when you were done you said ‘open your eyes. We have the watch.’

You didn't tell on me and you never mentioned the episode. You never said who stole the watch either. That day you saved my dignity forever. It was the most shameful day of my life.

But this is also the day I decided not to become a thief, a bad person, etc. You never said anything, nor did you even scold me or take me aside to give me a moral lesson.

I received your message clearly.

Thanks to you, I understood what a real educator needs to do.

Do you remember this episode, professor?

The old professor answered, ‘Yes, I remember the situation with the stolen watch, which I was looking for in everyone’s pocket. I didn't remember you, because I also closed my eyes while looking.’

This is the essence of teaching:

If to correct you must humiliate; you don't know how to teach.”

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!!

Friday 16 th December 2022…a special day!!

 Today was Food hamper delivery day….

Lynn, Reyes and myself went out this afternoon to deliver some food hampers to some families that Iive in town…..

For me this was one of the most humbling and thought provoking times in the two years we have been doing this project.

One of the families has a beautiful young daughter who is just over a year old and she was born with many medical issues and spent the majority of her young life in hospital but thankfully is home for Christmas, this is the first time we have met Dulce and it was a very moving experience for us all!!!

Another of the homes we visited was to the family, Mum and her two young daughters who were involved in that tragic bus accident a few weeks ago…..sadly the Mum is completely bed ridden but thankfully the two girls were not seriously hurt and they were happy to have a new book…..

I love the look on the little boys face looking up at his older brother…..

I do want to say huge thanks to all the many people who donate to us which enables us to take some small joy out to the less fortunate families….I am aware that other people are helping both these families but if you would like to help on this holiday season please contact me at

mexicokid77@yahoo.com

Best wishes stay safe and happy for the holidays..

Yashi Kochi!!

Thursday 15 th December 2022…the story behind…

 I think an interesting read….

A curious U.S. ambassador and the American family who patented poinsettia varieties are behind the holiday ubiquity of a plant that originated in Mexico.

Why it matters: The poinsettia, which blooms for only a couple of weeks in November and December, is one of the best-selling flowers worldwide. It’s especially popular in the U.S, where the market was worth an estimated $153 million in 2020.

• But because most poinsettia varieties are patented in the U.S. and have international protections, Mexican farmers have been forced to pay breeder's rights fees to grow and sell them.

The backstory: Aztecs in the 14th century called the plant cuetlaxóchitl, which roughly means "leathered flower" in Náhuatl.

• They used it for warrior rituals and dyes, and the latex sap to treat wounds and help break a fever.
• Other Mesoamerican civilizations had different names. The Maya, for example, called it k'alul wits, which roughly translates to "fire flower."

It wasn't until the first Spanish settlers arrived in Mexico in the 16th century that the plant was specifically linked to the Christmas season.

• Colonizers used what they eventually called "flor de nochebuena," or Christmas Eve flower, to decorate nativity scenes to mark Christmas and attract people to the faith.

In 1825, four years after Mexico became an independent nation, diplomat Joel Robert Poinsett — who counted botany among his hobbies — was appointed as the first U.S. ambassador to the country.

• Admiring the plant during Christmas, Poinsett sent samples to friends, beforethe U.S. had phytosanitary regulations.
• Eventually, a sample from Poinsett made its way to a Philadelphia Botanic Garden, which debuted the plant in the U.S. at an 1829 flower show. It then spread throughout the country and across Europe under the name poinsettia.

Among the poinsettia's early propagators were the Ecke family, who patented it after the 1930 Plant Patent Act was passed. The family made the plant smaller, before mass-marketing it as a "California Christmas flower."

• The Ecke family's patent is one of many for poinsettia varieties that remains in place today. Those varieties also have global protections through the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
• Mexican growers also cannot sell their poinsettias to the U.S. as full plants, just as cuttings, because of regulations related to soil.

What to watch: The patents affect most varieties of the plant, but Mexican botanists and farmers are working to register other varieties that won't be subject to the fees.

• So far, they've registered seven varieties with the Mexican regulator — the first step in obtaining international protections.

Between the lines: For years, Mexicans used the word poinsettismo, referring to Poinsett, to describe actions perceived as American meddling ahead of the Mexican-American War.

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Wednesday 14 th December 2022..ENGLISH class!!

 This  morning I had a knee massage and it feels so much better I am happy to report.

Won again at poker only 100 pesos but still a win!!!!♣️♠️♦️♥️

On my walk with Frida this afternoon I saw this horse again…..a lady rides her bare back all over town and when she goes into a res like she did today she just ties up the horse, sure is beautiful and was friendly towards Frida!!!

Tonight was my last English class of the year..it has gone by very fast and I am super proud of all my students……One of my students, Angela, has a birthday on Sat and I ordered a birthday cake for her….I was struggling to know what to put on the cake and then had a brainwave…every Wednesday in class I ask them to tell about what pay forward they have done since the last class and it seems Angela goes to the bank machine often for her work and she is always being asked to help someone figure out how to use the machine..hence the ATM on her cake🤣🤣🤣

Sadly Angela was not in class tonight but we are saving the cake for tomorrow when the school has a small party and Angela will be there!!!

So France won their soccer game today and now they will face Argentina in the final on Sunday!!

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Tuesday 13 th December 2022…easy blog!!

 Lovely sunny day…

Two hours of tennis this morning knee felt good…..

Watched Argentina make the final of the World Cup…..

Walked Frida….

Went to a small party for the teachers at the English school…

Watching a good new show with tea and home made Banana cake, thanks Paula….

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Monday 12 th December 2022…a very special day in Mexico!!

 

St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin is known for receiving the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Born in 1474 in Cuautlitlán, Mexico (near present-day Mexico City), he was one of the Chichimeca people. Around 1524, he was baptized by Friar Peter da Gand, an early Franciscan missionary. 

Juan Diego’s Vision

On December 9, 1531, Mary appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill while he was on his way to Mass. She asked him to approach the bishop and request that a shrine be built to her there, where she would bless those who called upon her. However, when Juan Diego requested this of the bishop, the bishop demanded proof of the vision

Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel

The Miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Juan Diego returned to the hill, where roses were blooming, though it was almost winter. He picked some of the flowers and brought them in his cloak to the bishop. When he opened his cloak, the flowers fell out and an image of the Blessed Mother was imprinted on it. The Bishop then gave his blessing, and a chapel was built on the hill.

Juan Diego’s cloak was placed in the chapel, and he lived in a small dwelling near the chapel for the rest of his life, serving as its caretaker, greeting pilgrims, and spending time in prayer and devotion. In 1548, he passed away and was buried in the chapel.

The Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe

On May 6, 1990, Juan Diego was canonized by Pope John Paul II at the Basilica of Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico City. The cloak imprinted with the miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary received by Juan Diego is still preserved there today. With native features and dress, Mary is portrayed with the moon at her feet, her mantle covered with stars, and an angel supports her. She is also pregnant, as demonstrated by the black girdle around her waist; a picture of how Christ’s gospel is born among the people of the New World.

This image is also depicted in the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupein the Basilica. Here, Mary is surrounded by the people of the North, Central, and South Americas, carrying lighted candles in procession. The walls of the chapel are curved to imitate the experience of the apparition

The Significance of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe

Juan Diego is significant because he was one of the first indigenous people in the New World to embrace Catholicism. As Pope John Paul II said at Juan Diego’s canonization: 

In accepting the Christian message without forgoing his indigenous identity, Juan Diego discovered the profound truth of the new humanity, in which all are called to be children of God. Thus he facilitated the fruitful meeting of two worlds and became the catalyst for the new Mexican identity, closely united to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose mestizo face expresses her spiritual motherhood which embraces all Mexicans. This is why the witness of his life must continue to be the inspiration for the building up of the Mexican nation, encouraging brotherhood among all its children and ever helping to reconcile Mexico with its origins, values and traditions.

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel at the Basilica is inscribed with the following prayer, requesting the intercession of the Blessed Mother under her title as the Patroness of Latin America:

Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful Mother of Holiness, teach me your ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my prayer offered with deepfelt confidence to beg this favor…. O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to you under the glorious Aztec title of “Guadalupe” the virgin who crushed the serpent. Queen of Martyrs, whose Immaculate heart was pierced by seven wounds of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns thrown across my pathway. Queen of Apostles aid me to win souls for the Sacred Heart of my Savior. I plead this through the merits of your merciful Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Sunday 11 December 2022…Frida!!!

 I did not walk FRIDA all last week because of my knee but I did take her out this afternoon she was so excited to see me and we had a great walk we had a lot to catch up on yes I talk to her all the time…she is such a great happy and special dog!!!!

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!!

Saturday 10th December 2022…close but not to be!!

 England manager Gareth Southgate and his players nursed a familiar sense of missed opportunity as that elusive major tournament triumph escaped them once more. 

Watching the post-match scene at the Al Bayt Stadium brought flashbacks - to the World Cup semi-final defeat against Croatia in Moscow in 2018, to the European Championship final loss to Italy at Wembley 16 months ago.

Amid the pain of their latest defeat, Southgate offered consolation to devastated England players who inspired hope, only to see potential glory wrenched from their grasp. 

A 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to holders France, here in Qatar, was a brutal outcome. England's display deserved at least to drag the game into extra time. 

Perhaps this is why it felt different, even more painful, for England this time. A genuine opportunity to win this World Cup had opened up for Southgate's team, an emerging blend of youth and experience.

Stay safe and healthy!!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Friday 9 th december 2022…soccer day

 Well it is not all that I did today but I did sit and watch two very entertaining soccer games in the knock out stages of the World Cup…..Both matches went to extra time and then the dreaded penalty shootout……I have never agreed with this format to decide a game….soccer is a team sport and always after the penalty shootout there is one player who is a hero and one who must for the rest of his life know he missed and let his team, country and fans down……

Both games were enjoyable to watch…..Big game  for England mañana!!

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Thursday 8 th December 2022….a lovely day even though I did not play tennis!!!

 So many kind and generous people donate to my two projects, the food hampers and the Three Kings toy drive and this morning I went and picked up some donated items including a huge box full of Christmas decorations from a lovely couple living in town.

The timing could not have been better!!!!

There is a small kindergarten school out by the Pressa dam that I have been paying their monthly Internet bill for the last two years so the children have access to wifi for their school studies and the amazing Principal of the school, Marie, wrote me and invited me out to the school because the children wanted to thank me…

So after I picked up the donated items I went and picked up my visiting friends Paula, a retired kindergarten teacher and Jerry and we all drove out to the school.

The children were all sat at their desks with huge smiles and sparkly eyes and when we walked in they all began to sing in English a thank you song…let me tell you it was tear jerking, humbling and an experience I shall not forget!!!

We then handed out the very recently donated Christmas items and placed them on every desk the kids were thrilled!!!

We said our goodbyes and the children know we are going out to the school again on January 3 rd to deliver the Three Kings gifts!!

What a blessed day!!!

There is still time to donate to either the food hamper program or the Three Kings Toy drive just contact me at

mexicokid77@yahoo.com

I also have a Pay pal account at that email address 

Thanks stay safe and healthy….Les Pearson

Yashi Kochi!!

Wednesday 7 th December 2022…. Knee really good!!!

 What a difference 24 hours can make my knee feels so much better this morning and the swelling is going down…I have rested most of the day and enjoyed catching up on some paper work for three kings and some other planning….I did move around a lot and then sat and iced the knee and I am still going to stay away from hiking, tennis and training till Monday!!

Just a simple pleasure this afternoon…I went down to a small natural store in a Mexican neighborhood to buy some laundry soap and where I parked the scooter this man and his dog were busking….he was playing the  The Prayer, which is one of my favorite tunes and he was very talented and I loved the pose of his dog..there was a bench close by and I passed a lovely ten minutes listening to him…..🎼🎻

I invited Paula and Jerry to my class tonight and it was such fun for everyone the students were excited to hear different accents and ask so many questions, really a lovely time.

Afterwards we walked into the festive Jardin!!

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Tuesday 6 th december 2022…a little setback!!

 I had a little medical set back which started on Sunday and it is with my knee which incidentally it is two years ago I had my surgery…..

I am pretty sure all the sitting and walking I did in Mexico City especially the sitting caused my knee to flare up……

On Monday morning I knew I was in trouble and my knee was starting to flare up I cancelled my yoga class and called my surgeon and made an appointment to see him this afternoon….

I also cancelled my tennis this morning as my knee had really got swollen and it kept locking on me….

I went to his office and was taken in right away he remembered me and smiled when he saw the sight of my knee…..he explained what he was doing and he drained a lot of fluid from my knee and then gave me a steroid shot….told me to ice for the next two  days and to take it easy for the rest of the week and if there was no improvement to come back and see him on Saturday.

So the cost for my visit was 1200 pesos…..I know for sure in Canada, England and the States there would be no way where I could call a surgeon one day have an appointment the next day get treated

 and changed what I was charged!!

So I have cancelled all my tennis, walking Frida, hiking, training until Sunday which will give me a nice break and a chance to catch up on lots of things but I also shall still go on short walks..

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!

Monday 5 th December 2022…a lovely thing to do!!

 El Aguinaldo, the Christmas bonus, is a benefit to which workers are entitled to receive annually, a benefit provided as support from the employer to the worker for holiday expenses we all experience in December. 

There are different versions of the origin of the word aguinaldo. The two most common are from “eguinad,” the term which the Celts called the end-of-the-year gift, but the word is also considered to be derived from the Latin expression “noc in anno,” which means “in this year.” Although there are also many ancient cultures where gifts were given due to the belief that the best omens to start the year were attracted with generous gifts.

In Mexico, “the bonus” was born in 1970 with the passage of the Federal Labor Law. In Article 87 as it mentions, “Workers will have the right to an annual bonus that must be paid before December 20 equivalent to fifteen days of salary, at least.” 

Even workers who have not worked the full year are entitled to receive the amount proportional to what they worked. Even if they only work half days, the formula contemplates each day worked as a full day of labor.

The formula to calculate the correct amount for the bonus is as follows: 

• Divide the bonus days to which the employee is entitled (15) by the days of the year (365). 

• Multiply the result by the employee’s days worked during the calendar year. 

• Multiply this result by the worker’s daily salary. 

• The result is the Christmas bonus. 

Example: José, a gardener, worked 200 days in 2020 and has a daily salary of 300 pesos. 

José’s employer, Mr. Santiago, wants to calculate his bonus, so he performs the following calculation: 

15 vacation days divided by 365 calendar days equals 0.04109 units.

0.04109 units multiplied by 200 days equals 8.218 units.

8.218 units multiplied by 300 pesos equals 2,465.40.

Therefore, Mr. Santiago will give José the amount of 2,465.40 pesos as a bonus. Many people have asked if this increases by the number of years an employee has worked. The answer is that in a labor relationship without a contract stipulation for additional days, 15 days complies with the law.

However, while you are not allowed to give less, it is fine if you choose to give more.

Lilly will get hers next Monday!!!

Stay safe and healthy!!

Yashi Kochi!!