Yes ,it will be a week come Sunday since my last entry, and what a week it has been!
I have been recovering from a head and chest cold, most of the week, and now Kate has taken over from me, and will have to spend the next two or three days resting. She was fine yesterday and attended her line dancing class, which she does twice a week, I had met her afterwards for a cappuchino and then we did a little shopping. I attended my Robert Burns supper today(Friday) and performed a toast to the lassies, which I had been requested to do, I was a little nervous, but managed to draw a few laughs, I was told it went well, and some said it was the best ever, but I think they were trying to make me feel good. It was about a 10 minute toast, and I tried to do it without notes, but I fumbled a couple of times.
We don't have any plans for the week end, I made a big pot of homemade chicken soup, so we will live on soup and sandwiches for the next few days!
The maids come again tomorrow, they were just here yesterday, you would think we were a couple of piglets! But we are not clearing out of their way this time, they will have to work around us.
Till next time, adios
Jack
Friday, January 25, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The morning after the night before.
It really is the morning after another night of debauchery!!!
We showed up at our friends house and were surprised to meet another couple,originally from Halifax,who now live here full time. It turned out that this couple used to be my next door neighbors when my ex and I lived in Dartmouth, they are Duncan and Mary Kiely and used to own and operate the "Country Stove Store" on Windmill Rd.
There really is a lot of Canadians who have moved here permanently,but I am surprised by the amount of Nova Scotians that are living here. Will the last person to leave please turn out the lights!
Jack.
We showed up at our friends house and were surprised to meet another couple,originally from Halifax,who now live here full time. It turned out that this couple used to be my next door neighbors when my ex and I lived in Dartmouth, they are Duncan and Mary Kiely and used to own and operate the "Country Stove Store" on Windmill Rd.
There really is a lot of Canadians who have moved here permanently,but I am surprised by the amount of Nova Scotians that are living here. Will the last person to leave please turn out the lights!
Jack.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Another Week Gone!
Before I know it I will be back in Halifax complaining about the cold!
As Kate mentioned, I am working on a "Toast to the Lassies" which I was asked to do for a Burns supper on the 25th. of Jan. I am trying to inject some humour (english spelling) into my toast without hurting feelings.
Yes,we were out dining on Wed.night with our four men friends at a new restaurant on the corner of our street, the owner of this restaurant hails from Alberta originally, and whose father was from Scotland, the owner,Mike,loves to practice his Scottish on me, he sits at our table and he and I go through our repertoire of Scottish songs and sayings and no we don't get a standing ovation, in fact it may lose him some customers.
Getting back to the evening with our gents, they arrived at our house at 6pm. where we started with a round of drinks and polished off a large dish of gaucamole made by Kate, we eventually made it over to the restaurant where we had a variety of dishes, plus copious amounts of red and white wines. It's a good thing we only had to walk home from the corner!
Two of the boys had to go home as they had tennis games in the morning, and the other two decided to come into the house and polish off more wine...we got to bed late!
The following day ,Thurs, we met with our N.S. friends,Gary and Kathy and walked up to the movie theatres and saw an excellent movie called "Love in the time of cholera" ,the cost to get into the theatre is only two dollars, we will be going more often!
We finished that day off by coming back to our house for a drink and snacks and going out for dinner to the Tango resaurant. We have to cut back on this "drinking"before it becomes a habit.
Tonight, Saturday we have been invited up to another couples house for a drink before going out for dinner, this couple is also from Halifax and have been living here permanently for ten years,
We have been to their house before and it is like something out of Hollywood, neither Kate or I have witnessed such opulence. They want to introduce us to another couple who moved here permanently from Bedford, and whom kate thinks she knows the lady from her air Canada days.
So that's another story to be continued !
As Kate mentioned, I am working on a "Toast to the Lassies" which I was asked to do for a Burns supper on the 25th. of Jan. I am trying to inject some humour (english spelling) into my toast without hurting feelings.
Yes,we were out dining on Wed.night with our four men friends at a new restaurant on the corner of our street, the owner of this restaurant hails from Alberta originally, and whose father was from Scotland, the owner,Mike,loves to practice his Scottish on me, he sits at our table and he and I go through our repertoire of Scottish songs and sayings and no we don't get a standing ovation, in fact it may lose him some customers.
Getting back to the evening with our gents, they arrived at our house at 6pm. where we started with a round of drinks and polished off a large dish of gaucamole made by Kate, we eventually made it over to the restaurant where we had a variety of dishes, plus copious amounts of red and white wines. It's a good thing we only had to walk home from the corner!
Two of the boys had to go home as they had tennis games in the morning, and the other two decided to come into the house and polish off more wine...we got to bed late!
The following day ,Thurs, we met with our N.S. friends,Gary and Kathy and walked up to the movie theatres and saw an excellent movie called "Love in the time of cholera" ,the cost to get into the theatre is only two dollars, we will be going more often!
We finished that day off by coming back to our house for a drink and snacks and going out for dinner to the Tango resaurant. We have to cut back on this "drinking"before it becomes a habit.
Tonight, Saturday we have been invited up to another couples house for a drink before going out for dinner, this couple is also from Halifax and have been living here permanently for ten years,
We have been to their house before and it is like something out of Hollywood, neither Kate or I have witnessed such opulence. They want to introduce us to another couple who moved here permanently from Bedford, and whom kate thinks she knows the lady from her air Canada days.
So that's another story to be continued !
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Social Butterflies !!
Our social life here in Mexico is really quite busy. Everyday there seems to be a commitment or another reason to enjoy each others company. On Sundays we go to "The Society" for something called "Open Circle"....it is always interesting and this weeks speaker was a poet. Haiku poet. (Not so simple) This is a Japanese style with rules, of course. It must only be three lines. Five syllables in the first line. Seven in the second. As if this is not difficult enough this guy made each one funny!! He was very entertaining. An ex-pat who lives here permanently and writes for the local paper as well as publishing his short stories. He provided a laugh-a-minute and we did enjoy him. After this we ran into friends (This is a small town and you always meet someone you know) and invited them to come along to the Nueva Posada for brunch. This elegant dining room overlooks magnificent gardens and the lake and serves a wonderful brunch for about $6.00 Cdn. Then Sandra and Walter (a couple in their eighties, from Toronto) dragged us along to meet more folks from Nova Scotia. This place is crawling with 'em! Anyway, this lovely couple Kay and Paul Fraser from Kentville were basking in the sun when we arrived. We all sought the shade of the porch and stayed for hours chatting. (This is how the day runs away from you here.) We got home just in time for the cocktail hour which we had on the terrace. Life is tough here......
Yesterday it was time to have Darleen and David Pike, also from N.S. in a weird sort of way. She was born in Winnipeg, moved to Victoria when she was young. David's father was a Newfoundlander who was in Scotland during the war and married a Scottish lassie. When he was about seventeen Dad moved the family back to Nfld. David was not impressed with a small fishing village there and left for the west coast sometime later. There he met and married Darleen..how they came to be in N.S. I'm not sure but their best friend lives right above us at the Martello! Small world isn't it? Anyway, they have been very kind to us here and so we took them out for dinner after nibbles and drinks here. I even had a glass of red wine and NO migraine!!!
Today, we are out with Cathy and Gary for an early dinner followed by a Cuban concert. Hoping to see some Argentine Tango too. We really miss dancing. That is the one thing we don't have much off here....or we just don't know where to go!
Tomorrow....more entertaining. The two Bobs and the agent, Daymen (who found us the guest house ) and his partner John will come here for drinks etc. before dinner and then we will take all of them to our favorite new restaurant "Mis Amigos". I know this all sounds expensive but really it's not. You can have dinner out with wine and coffee for under $15.00 a head. Our kitchen is very ill equipped and quite small so Jack cannot do much cooking. Really, by the time you buy all the food it is just as economical to go out!! This will be a shock when we get home!!
I've been "gardening" most of the day. We have a tiny-teeny front garden which is a jungle! Needed to thin out and top up the pots with new topsoil. Then the downstairs patio plants were looking a bit sick so I gave them a trim, good watering and some top soil added. I hope they respond by growing like crazy now! The bamboo is about 20feet climbing to the second floor.....yes this is in a pot too! Gardening here is fun because everything grows so well. It's tropical. We have a huge palm tree out front. I've planted red,pink geraniums for some colour. The coleous is about four feet growing in small pots. Quite amazing really but the climate is so temperate.
We have a "severe winter storm" today. Some cloud. A little wind. Still warm.....about 25C but usually everyday it is sunny from about seven in the morning until sunset at about six thirty. I think this "steadiness" of the barometer is why my migraines have cleared up.
OK so I think this is enough for one day. It was Jack's turn but he is busy working on a "Toast to the lassies" for a Bobby Burns Day dinner on the 25th. There will be about 300 people there so he wants to be amusing.....you know Jack!
We are counting the days now until our dear friends Maggie and Brian (Muise) arrive from Halifax. Fourteen more sleeps!
Yesterday it was time to have Darleen and David Pike, also from N.S. in a weird sort of way. She was born in Winnipeg, moved to Victoria when she was young. David's father was a Newfoundlander who was in Scotland during the war and married a Scottish lassie. When he was about seventeen Dad moved the family back to Nfld. David was not impressed with a small fishing village there and left for the west coast sometime later. There he met and married Darleen..how they came to be in N.S. I'm not sure but their best friend lives right above us at the Martello! Small world isn't it? Anyway, they have been very kind to us here and so we took them out for dinner after nibbles and drinks here. I even had a glass of red wine and NO migraine!!!
Today, we are out with Cathy and Gary for an early dinner followed by a Cuban concert. Hoping to see some Argentine Tango too. We really miss dancing. That is the one thing we don't have much off here....or we just don't know where to go!
Tomorrow....more entertaining. The two Bobs and the agent, Daymen (who found us the guest house ) and his partner John will come here for drinks etc. before dinner and then we will take all of them to our favorite new restaurant "Mis Amigos". I know this all sounds expensive but really it's not. You can have dinner out with wine and coffee for under $15.00 a head. Our kitchen is very ill equipped and quite small so Jack cannot do much cooking. Really, by the time you buy all the food it is just as economical to go out!! This will be a shock when we get home!!
I've been "gardening" most of the day. We have a tiny-teeny front garden which is a jungle! Needed to thin out and top up the pots with new topsoil. Then the downstairs patio plants were looking a bit sick so I gave them a trim, good watering and some top soil added. I hope they respond by growing like crazy now! The bamboo is about 20feet climbing to the second floor.....yes this is in a pot too! Gardening here is fun because everything grows so well. It's tropical. We have a huge palm tree out front. I've planted red,pink geraniums for some colour. The coleous is about four feet growing in small pots. Quite amazing really but the climate is so temperate.
We have a "severe winter storm" today. Some cloud. A little wind. Still warm.....about 25C but usually everyday it is sunny from about seven in the morning until sunset at about six thirty. I think this "steadiness" of the barometer is why my migraines have cleared up.
OK so I think this is enough for one day. It was Jack's turn but he is busy working on a "Toast to the lassies" for a Bobby Burns Day dinner on the 25th. There will be about 300 people there so he wants to be amusing.....you know Jack!
We are counting the days now until our dear friends Maggie and Brian (Muise) arrive from Halifax. Fourteen more sleeps!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Climb Every Mountain.....
Yesterday we went higher into the mountains. We are already pretty high up but we climbed (by car) to 7,300 ft. to see a Swiss Village with the very un-Swiss name of Mazamitla. This very charming town is high in the pine-clad mountains, It has cobblestone streets (I'm finding them less charming) adobe walls, wooden balconies, old carved doorways and red tiled roofs. This is a very old town.....dating back to the 12th. century. As in every town we sought out the "town plaza" ...square where everyone conregates. This plaza had beautiful wooden balconies surrounding the buildings. Of course there is always a church. This one was interesting because while it's interior was very simple the exterior was Norwegian in style. Appropiate for the mountains I guess.
We had a very tasty , home cooked Mexican meal. However, we did not try their claim-to-fame, a drink called "pajarete"- a powerful combination of milk, "aquardiente" (firewater!) brown sugar and chocolate! We did need to navigate the road down the mountain so we settled for beer with lunch.
The road down offered outstanding views of the lake. We tried to identify Ajijic and Chapala from that side of the lake but weren't sure at all that we had! On the side of the road there were meadows full of black-eyed Susans. A blaze of colour making the drive more enjoyable. As we got lower and lower the landscape changed to agriculture and we saw miles and miles of crops. Corn for sure but tomatoes, beans and greens. All of which we buy daily and consume with little or no transportation. No wonder everything tastes so fresh!
The only irrating part of the drive were the speed-bumps (sleeping Policemen) on he highway every few kilometers or so. Tis the only way to slow down the cowboys in the pickup trucks we figure.
So it was a great little trip and we are grateful our Nova Scotia pals, Cathy and Gary asked us to go along. We are now on our way over to their place to have a game of bridge and dinner at a little Italian restaurant they have discovered. Life is good in Mexico.
We had a very tasty , home cooked Mexican meal. However, we did not try their claim-to-fame, a drink called "pajarete"- a powerful combination of milk, "aquardiente" (firewater!) brown sugar and chocolate! We did need to navigate the road down the mountain so we settled for beer with lunch.
The road down offered outstanding views of the lake. We tried to identify Ajijic and Chapala from that side of the lake but weren't sure at all that we had! On the side of the road there were meadows full of black-eyed Susans. A blaze of colour making the drive more enjoyable. As we got lower and lower the landscape changed to agriculture and we saw miles and miles of crops. Corn for sure but tomatoes, beans and greens. All of which we buy daily and consume with little or no transportation. No wonder everything tastes so fresh!
The only irrating part of the drive were the speed-bumps (sleeping Policemen) on he highway every few kilometers or so. Tis the only way to slow down the cowboys in the pickup trucks we figure.
So it was a great little trip and we are grateful our Nova Scotia pals, Cathy and Gary asked us to go along. We are now on our way over to their place to have a game of bridge and dinner at a little Italian restaurant they have discovered. Life is good in Mexico.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Three Kings Day
Yesterday was old Christmas Day (as my Granny called it) Here in Mexico it is an exciting day for the children, as this is the day they recieve their gifts....not Christmas morning. So there were parades galore and adults dressed up as the 3 kings showering the children with candy as they stood in the back of a pick up truck, music blaring! We were up on the second story terrace, playing bridge, but we and waved to the passing procession and they threw candy to us too! What fun. It is the delightful unexpected things like this that makes Mexico feel like a new day every day! These people "live in the moment" and we do too!
Last evening as Jack told you, we went up to the main plaza to an outdoor restaurant for dinner. I ove going to the plaza on Sundays as it is always filled with Mexican families enjoying one another. They have these eggs.....I don't know what they are made of....but the custom seems to be to break these eggs over the children's heads and a shower of confetti falls over the children! They love it. Everyone laughs and hugs and life goes on. Such joy in simple things. How unspoiled these people are. It is refreshing to see.
Well, those are my impressions of "Three Kings Day". I wonder what will happen tomorrow?....
Kate
Last evening as Jack told you, we went up to the main plaza to an outdoor restaurant for dinner. I ove going to the plaza on Sundays as it is always filled with Mexican families enjoying one another. They have these eggs.....I don't know what they are made of....but the custom seems to be to break these eggs over the children's heads and a shower of confetti falls over the children! They love it. Everyone laughs and hugs and life goes on. Such joy in simple things. How unspoiled these people are. It is refreshing to see.
Well, those are my impressions of "Three Kings Day". I wonder what will happen tomorrow?....
Kate
love this weather!
Hi from Jack,
We decided we needed a vacation ,we saw an ad in the local paper about a trip to the beach, you have to understand that we are miles away from the beaches,we are in a Mexican village which is 5000 ft. above sea level,the reason why we have perfect weather. so we booked a trip which leaves on Feb.11th. called Valentines day at the beach, for 4 nights, 5 days, we leave here by luxury bus and believe me they are luxurious! It is an all inclusive, all meals and drinks plus daily entertainment and nightly shows all for the price of $279.00We had another interesting day yesterday with our new found couple from Nova Scotia,we met in the morning at the weekly open circle ,after the meeting where we listened to the guest speaker giving a talk and advice on health issues. We then set off to a new restaurant which just opened last week, half a block from our house,and had a nice brunch under open skies. We then had a little walk along the lake front and watched the Mexican families picnicking along the shore. Gary and Cathy,our friends,had not seen our place so we invited them in for an afternoon drink and a chat to get to know them better. I asked them if they played bridge ,which they didn't,but both said they would like to learn, so I proceeded to get a deck of cards and give them their first lesson, after about an hour we had our first game, they loved it ! so now we also have bridge partners. After cards and beer and wine we thought we would walk up to the square and have supper at one of our favorite restaurants, which we did ,and parted company about 9pm.
All that since 10am. Truly a great day all round.
Jack
We decided we needed a vacation ,we saw an ad in the local paper about a trip to the beach, you have to understand that we are miles away from the beaches,we are in a Mexican village which is 5000 ft. above sea level,the reason why we have perfect weather. so we booked a trip which leaves on Feb.11th. called Valentines day at the beach, for 4 nights, 5 days, we leave here by luxury bus and believe me they are luxurious! It is an all inclusive, all meals and drinks plus daily entertainment and nightly shows all for the price of $279.00We had another interesting day yesterday with our new found couple from Nova Scotia,we met in the morning at the weekly open circle ,after the meeting where we listened to the guest speaker giving a talk and advice on health issues. We then set off to a new restaurant which just opened last week, half a block from our house,and had a nice brunch under open skies. We then had a little walk along the lake front and watched the Mexican families picnicking along the shore. Gary and Cathy,our friends,had not seen our place so we invited them in for an afternoon drink and a chat to get to know them better. I asked them if they played bridge ,which they didn't,but both said they would like to learn, so I proceeded to get a deck of cards and give them their first lesson, after about an hour we had our first game, they loved it ! so now we also have bridge partners. After cards and beer and wine we thought we would walk up to the square and have supper at one of our favorite restaurants, which we did ,and parted company about 9pm.
All that since 10am. Truly a great day all round.
Jack
Friday, January 4, 2008
Warming Up.....
It's currently 22C which is comfortable but tonight the low is 1C . Now THAT'S cold for here. Funny. Everyone is complaining about the "severe" winter weather. Can you believe it? However, we don't have heat in the house so it is pretty cold in the evening.
We went to the rental office this morning and complained about the cold. Told them it was in our contract that the house had a gas fireplace. We were told by the owner it would be installed by our arrival. It was not. Then he went away for a "week" to San Francisco . That was way before Xmas. He is still not back. We were then told by the rental agency they had an e-mail from him saying the installation would be "after Xmas.". Well, it is after Xmas. and it is after the New Year so we decided to put a little pressure on this morning. Jack was VERY good. Said we would be looking for another rental. So they called the gas company and they promised they would come at 4 o'clock on Monday ..... or Tuesday. This is as good as a commitment that you get from Mexicans. We'll see.
I am feeling much better today. Love drugs. (antibiotics). We walked up to a new area scouting places (if we come back next year) found a huge house with a swimming pool that is in our budget. Maybe a little to isolated, but certainly quieter. Did I tell you about this "quiet" Mexican village?? With the rosters crowing at all hours of the day AND night, the dogs barking, the firecrackers and fireworks whenever there is a festival, which seems to be every week. Well this morning we experienced a new noise. There , right over our back wall, was a bloody horse sounding very distressed. Rightly so because we were distressed! Wonder if it is a visitor or a permanent fixture. Oh gawd......
After our sojourn we found a delightfl, local, WARM restaurant for our comida.....lunch. We sat in the sun and were toasty while the barman corrected our Spanish, told us the local gossip and complained about the cold weather! We were the only customers. This bottered me at first.....like what is wrong with this place? Our fears were groundless as I had a big grilled piece of salmon that was fresh and cooked to perfection. Jack had a Thia dish and loved it. He called the barman (we are not sure if he was the cook too as we saw him watering the garden while we waited for our meal) over and asked how his dish was made. Fish sauce, he said was the surprise ingredient! Yuck. But it was so good. They have live music every night and dancing! We asked if it was ball room and he said, "Only on Romantic nights." Then he sang a few bars of "besame mucho ". I think we got the message. And this is how we communicate! Really. It's fun.
So this is another day in the life and times of Kate and Jack in Mexico.
By the way we are on "Skype" if anyone wants to talk to us. Our "skype name" is kateandjack2
Adios mis amigos and amigas (female)
Kate
We went to the rental office this morning and complained about the cold. Told them it was in our contract that the house had a gas fireplace. We were told by the owner it would be installed by our arrival. It was not. Then he went away for a "week" to San Francisco . That was way before Xmas. He is still not back. We were then told by the rental agency they had an e-mail from him saying the installation would be "after Xmas.". Well, it is after Xmas. and it is after the New Year so we decided to put a little pressure on this morning. Jack was VERY good. Said we would be looking for another rental. So they called the gas company and they promised they would come at 4 o'clock on Monday ..... or Tuesday. This is as good as a commitment that you get from Mexicans. We'll see.
I am feeling much better today. Love drugs. (antibiotics). We walked up to a new area scouting places (if we come back next year) found a huge house with a swimming pool that is in our budget. Maybe a little to isolated, but certainly quieter. Did I tell you about this "quiet" Mexican village?? With the rosters crowing at all hours of the day AND night, the dogs barking, the firecrackers and fireworks whenever there is a festival, which seems to be every week. Well this morning we experienced a new noise. There , right over our back wall, was a bloody horse sounding very distressed. Rightly so because we were distressed! Wonder if it is a visitor or a permanent fixture. Oh gawd......
After our sojourn we found a delightfl, local, WARM restaurant for our comida.....lunch. We sat in the sun and were toasty while the barman corrected our Spanish, told us the local gossip and complained about the cold weather! We were the only customers. This bottered me at first.....like what is wrong with this place? Our fears were groundless as I had a big grilled piece of salmon that was fresh and cooked to perfection. Jack had a Thia dish and loved it. He called the barman (we are not sure if he was the cook too as we saw him watering the garden while we waited for our meal) over and asked how his dish was made. Fish sauce, he said was the surprise ingredient! Yuck. But it was so good. They have live music every night and dancing! We asked if it was ball room and he said, "Only on Romantic nights." Then he sang a few bars of "besame mucho ". I think we got the message. And this is how we communicate! Really. It's fun.
So this is another day in the life and times of Kate and Jack in Mexico.
By the way we are on "Skype" if anyone wants to talk to us. Our "skype name" is kateandjack2
Adios mis amigos and amigas (female)
Kate
Thursday, January 3, 2008
COLD,COLD, Coldess Day on Record
03January 2008.
Well take comfort my dear friends in the north. Winter has come to sunny Mexico too. OK, not as severe as you are having but still it is the coldest day on record here in Ajijic. This morning when we awoke it was in the low 40'sF. Now that may not seem cold to you but here the houses have no heat and no air conditioning. Not needed we are told. Well, today we could have used some heat. Although it was sunny as usual there was an easterly wind and that too is rare here. So it seemed colder than ever. Poor us huh?? Apparently this "cold snap"lasts for three days and if this is as bad as it gets we will be laughing! Plus we still have our electric blanket to snuggle under. And Jack made a big pot of beef broth to warm the cockels of our hearts. Life is good. We had planned on going dancing tonight but have decided to stay home and read some of the great books we received as Xmas gifts. Jack has already read "Half Broken Things" by Morag Joss which Scott and Tanya gave him and now I have stared it. I just know it will be a good read. Scott and Tanya gave me , "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky which Jack now has commandeered! So we are set for a pleasant evening. Our TV is very poor, both the reception and the programing so we are grateful to have a few good books to read.
I was at the doctors this morning as I have had a sore throat now for several days. Seems I have an ear infection. Imagine at my age!! Anyway, the doctor let Jack have a look as it is only in one ear. More information than I think he needs about me!! Anyway, not to be mercenary, but the visit cost $15.00Cad. and the drugs $50.00 Johnson Insurance will love this! For $2,300.00 in insurance premiums this year we have truly wasted money. Who knew??
While I took advantage of my "illness" and had a nap Jack went off to the market. He bought a huge papaya, several large onions,carrots, green beans and bananas. All for $2.00!! The butcher supplied him with several large meaty bones for soup which set him back $1.50! So the cost of living is quite low here and because food is cheap the restaurants are too. This is a good thing Martha.....
OK, so I think I have babbled enough for one day.
Let's hope tomorrow is warmer for all of us.
Kate
Well take comfort my dear friends in the north. Winter has come to sunny Mexico too. OK, not as severe as you are having but still it is the coldest day on record here in Ajijic. This morning when we awoke it was in the low 40'sF. Now that may not seem cold to you but here the houses have no heat and no air conditioning. Not needed we are told. Well, today we could have used some heat. Although it was sunny as usual there was an easterly wind and that too is rare here. So it seemed colder than ever. Poor us huh?? Apparently this "cold snap"lasts for three days and if this is as bad as it gets we will be laughing! Plus we still have our electric blanket to snuggle under. And Jack made a big pot of beef broth to warm the cockels of our hearts. Life is good. We had planned on going dancing tonight but have decided to stay home and read some of the great books we received as Xmas gifts. Jack has already read "Half Broken Things" by Morag Joss which Scott and Tanya gave him and now I have stared it. I just know it will be a good read. Scott and Tanya gave me , "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky which Jack now has commandeered! So we are set for a pleasant evening. Our TV is very poor, both the reception and the programing so we are grateful to have a few good books to read.
I was at the doctors this morning as I have had a sore throat now for several days. Seems I have an ear infection. Imagine at my age!! Anyway, the doctor let Jack have a look as it is only in one ear. More information than I think he needs about me!! Anyway, not to be mercenary, but the visit cost $15.00Cad. and the drugs $50.00 Johnson Insurance will love this! For $2,300.00 in insurance premiums this year we have truly wasted money. Who knew??
While I took advantage of my "illness" and had a nap Jack went off to the market. He bought a huge papaya, several large onions,carrots, green beans and bananas. All for $2.00!! The butcher supplied him with several large meaty bones for soup which set him back $1.50! So the cost of living is quite low here and because food is cheap the restaurants are too. This is a good thing Martha.....
OK, so I think I have babbled enough for one day.
Let's hope tomorrow is warmer for all of us.
Kate
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
The start of another new year.
Well, Kate and I (Jack) saw out the old year with two new friends who we had just met the previous day. We didn't plan on going out to celebrate, maybe watch a movie and get to bed early,but as Kate previously said,these friends had booked us in for dinner and celebrations at a local restaurant. The idea was to go to their house first, to view their house ,have a drink and walk along to the restaurant. The couple, Gary and Cathy,came here for the first time last year and within two weeks bought a house, with the inside and outside space it looked to be the size of a football field! so after the viewing we sat and drank a bottle of wine between us and then headed along for dinner.
The restaurant had two levels for dining and dancing and was not overly crowded,we were on the main level and there was approximately 10 tables on the floor, each floor had its own entertainers for music and dancing, Kate and I actually managed to do some dancing!
Before we knew it, midnight came around and champagne was poured all round,this after the four of us having drunk another 3 bottles of wine between us. Outside on the street the management provided a display of fireworks which was quite spectacular, but all good things must come to an end ,so we took our leave and sauntered off home. It was a beautiful warm evening and along the street the locals were doing their own celebrations, they were sitting along the sidewalks with their families and friends, some of them had little bonfires going and were cooking up things to eat. and as we walked past we would call out to them in our broken Spanish
"Prospero Ano Nuevado" All in all it was a good end to the old year ,and hopefully a good start for the new year........Kate is in bed recuperating !!!
The restaurant had two levels for dining and dancing and was not overly crowded,we were on the main level and there was approximately 10 tables on the floor, each floor had its own entertainers for music and dancing, Kate and I actually managed to do some dancing!
Before we knew it, midnight came around and champagne was poured all round,this after the four of us having drunk another 3 bottles of wine between us. Outside on the street the management provided a display of fireworks which was quite spectacular, but all good things must come to an end ,so we took our leave and sauntered off home. It was a beautiful warm evening and along the street the locals were doing their own celebrations, they were sitting along the sidewalks with their families and friends, some of them had little bonfires going and were cooking up things to eat. and as we walked past we would call out to them in our broken Spanish
"Prospero Ano Nuevado" All in all it was a good end to the old year ,and hopefully a good start for the new year........Kate is in bed recuperating !!!
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