Yesterday I wrote about some scorpions who visited me yesterday, and died for their trouble.
I want to clarify some details re scorpions. Or at least my understanding of scorpions.
Most important It is very very very rare to see a scorpion in Chacala in November, December, January February March April May or early June.
They are most likely to enter homes or rooms during the rainy season. Late June thru mid-October. Because they want to be dry.
Scorpions like to be in warm, dry and dark areas.
They are nocturnal, but will be active is something disturbs them during the day.
Last year in the State of Nayarit 65,ooo people reported scorpions bites. That means they went somewhere for medical treatment. Mostly people don't seek medical treatment, so the number of people each year must be astronomical. And only six deaths were reported. Four infants and two elderly people. In case you wondered, "Elderly" is defined as anyone older that you are.
My experience is that if you see a scorpion before you touch it you will recognize the shape of the tail from some deep hidden place in your brain, and instinctively move away.
The general strategy for dealing with scorpions is to always look before you put your hand, feet, or butt or head any place. Particularly into piles of clothing, a stack of laundry, some sweater than has been lying around for awhile, or bedding (warm, dark, and dry). Shake out your shoes and clothing. Inspect your towel before using it.
Aside from the new house I lived in four summers ago, I don't see many scorpions in a year. One last year. And it's been a year since I saw any until yesterday.
It's unlikely you be bitten, but it's always good to check you bed sheets, etc.
The bites are painful. If you get bitten and have trouble breathing, you could be in trouble and you need to get medical care right away. Probably anyone in Chacala would help you get care under that circumstance. Benadryl is the first line of treatment, and they don't sell it in Mexico, so bringing some is a good idea.
There is a "first-provider" of medical care in Chacala, named Chapina, She lives between Trini's and the playground. She has the epi-pens for emergency care, provided by the state. You can also buy them at pharmacies. People who are allergic to bees and wasps are enjoyed to carry an epi-pen with them. Apparently the bite are somewhat related.
Scorpions are called Alacrones in Mexico. They are endemic in Mexico, so going somewhere else in Mexico won't help you avoid them.
Most important It is very very very rare to see a scorpion in Chacala in November, December, January February March April May or early June.
If you have other information please write and share it with me. Thank good I am not an expert on Scorpion bites.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Chacala's Big Night
Last night was the big annual Dance in Chacala. There are other dances in Chacala, like the Disco Dance a few days ago. And the Disco during Semana Santa. And for Quinceneria and wedding fiestas, and other fiestas too. But this was the town's dance, the last event of the Saint Rafael (patron saint of Chacala) celebration.
It took place on the primary school basketball/volleyball/flag salute/graduation ceremonies, etc playground. You can see the nearly built basketball hoop posts in the background. Hand built by Chacala residents.
I had to so some errands late yesterday afternoon, so I got a chance to watch the set-up.
Local guys, including Leo, owner of Koko-Bongo's restaurant, were gathering white plastic tables and chairs from around town, and playing out the "nightclub" style decor. Some of the tables were on-loan from the beer and Coke distributors.
There were some sidewalk superintendents, watching the band unload and set up.
When I was walking from the paved road, via the footpath, over to the schoolyard I found three band guys with a ladder, in search of a 220V connection to hook onto. Onto the power poles themselves. Not someone's outlet.
The band had two large moving van type trucks. and some smaller rigs. The band's bus arrived with the 25 musicians arrived about dark.
It's amazing how popular a person can be when they are walking around with a camera. All the guys wanted to pose for photos. I guess they were tired of working.
The band had an amazing amount of equipment. For sounds and lights. the set-up was a big job. Apparently they had been at it most of the day.
There were tons of speakers. It was easy to tell when the dance started and ended. You could hear the sound all over town.
Polo's Taco Stand was setting up near the entrance to the schoolyard. Berta, the true boss behind the outfit, was setting things right. They normally have the Taco stand under a palapa across the beach toad from Chico's. It's a great option for a quick delicious taco at an affordable price. Clean and sanitary, with attention to refrigeration and sanitation. 
I went back to the dance about 9:3pm. In the past the admission was free or 20pesos, (1.80us).
Last night it was 50 pesos. $4.50us. I had walked over with 10 pesos in my pocket, for a Coke. So I ended up hanging around the outside of the playground with my friends. Hanging on the chain link fence and watching the crowning of this year's Chacala Princess. I hate that but it's fun to watch. I finally decided to fork over the (borrowed) 50 pesos when someone told me the committee needed to pay for the band with the admission fee.
I liked the band. Lots of different music. Loud (you couldn't have a conversation) but not terrible. Lots of people were dancing. By about 11 pm, the basketball court was full of dancers. All ages were dancing. Couples of all arrangements. Groups of women, groups of girls, mixed groups of teens. Babies in their Daddy's arms. Any kid that could walk was out there giving it a swirl. Many babies were sleeping under the tables, in little nests of blankets. Or dancing in the a family member's arms.
The moon was so full and bright I didn't need a flashlight when I walked home about midnight. What a nice night. I love watching people dance. There are always some couples out there that I didn't know were couples. Some pretty surprising hook-ups out there.
Well, I really love the atmosphere at these events. People are dressed to the nine's in ball gowns and sports jackets, or wearing shorts and tee's. Or whatever. There were about a dozen grinogs at the dance. Mostly tourists staying at local rentals. Or friends and families of locals.
No one is screaming at their kids or each other. Everyone is having fun, hanging out with friends, admiring the dancing and observing the teens. It was a nice night. I wasn't going to go because 9:30pm is generally past my bedtime. But I am glad I did. No night time photos thought.I don't seem to have the knack of using a flashing. Maybe next year.
The second year I went to this particular event, there was a huge ruckus a the end of the dance. I had left with some friends before the fight started. Apparently it was the Las Varas young men looking for a fight, and they got one. I doubt if that happened this year. For one thing, the police were on hand and not planning on leaving. But I don't know for sure how the party ended. I do know what time though: 2:30am. Because that's when the music ended.
It took place on the primary school basketball/volleyball/flag salute/graduation ceremonies, etc playground. You can see the nearly built basketball hoop posts in the background. Hand built by Chacala residents.I had to so some errands late yesterday afternoon, so I got a chance to watch the set-up.
Local guys, including Leo, owner of Koko-Bongo's restaurant, were gathering white plastic tables and chairs from around town, and playing out the "nightclub" style decor. Some of the tables were on-loan from the beer and Coke distributors.There were some sidewalk superintendents, watching the band unload and set up.
When I was walking from the paved road, via the footpath, over to the schoolyard I found three band guys with a ladder, in search of a 220V connection to hook onto. Onto the power poles themselves. Not someone's outlet.The band had two large moving van type trucks. and some smaller rigs. The band's bus arrived with the 25 musicians arrived about dark.
It's amazing how popular a person can be when they are walking around with a camera. All the guys wanted to pose for photos. I guess they were tired of working.
The band had an amazing amount of equipment. For sounds and lights. the set-up was a big job. Apparently they had been at it most of the day.
There were tons of speakers. It was easy to tell when the dance started and ended. You could hear the sound all over town.
Polo's Taco Stand was setting up near the entrance to the schoolyard. Berta, the true boss behind the outfit, was setting things right. They normally have the Taco stand under a palapa across the beach toad from Chico's. It's a great option for a quick delicious taco at an affordable price. Clean and sanitary, with attention to refrigeration and sanitation. 
I went back to the dance about 9:3pm. In the past the admission was free or 20pesos, (1.80us).Last night it was 50 pesos. $4.50us. I had walked over with 10 pesos in my pocket, for a Coke. So I ended up hanging around the outside of the playground with my friends. Hanging on the chain link fence and watching the crowning of this year's Chacala Princess. I hate that but it's fun to watch. I finally decided to fork over the (borrowed) 50 pesos when someone told me the committee needed to pay for the band with the admission fee.
I liked the band. Lots of different music. Loud (you couldn't have a conversation) but not terrible. Lots of people were dancing. By about 11 pm, the basketball court was full of dancers. All ages were dancing. Couples of all arrangements. Groups of women, groups of girls, mixed groups of teens. Babies in their Daddy's arms. Any kid that could walk was out there giving it a swirl. Many babies were sleeping under the tables, in little nests of blankets. Or dancing in the a family member's arms.
The moon was so full and bright I didn't need a flashlight when I walked home about midnight. What a nice night. I love watching people dance. There are always some couples out there that I didn't know were couples. Some pretty surprising hook-ups out there.Well, I really love the atmosphere at these events. People are dressed to the nine's in ball gowns and sports jackets, or wearing shorts and tee's. Or whatever. There were about a dozen grinogs at the dance. Mostly tourists staying at local rentals. Or friends and families of locals.
No one is screaming at their kids or each other. Everyone is having fun, hanging out with friends, admiring the dancing and observing the teens. It was a nice night. I wasn't going to go because 9:30pm is generally past my bedtime. But I am glad I did. No night time photos thought.I don't seem to have the knack of using a flashing. Maybe next year.
The second year I went to this particular event, there was a huge ruckus a the end of the dance. I had left with some friends before the fight started. Apparently it was the Las Varas young men looking for a fight, and they got one. I doubt if that happened this year. For one thing, the police were on hand and not planning on leaving. But I don't know for sure how the party ended. I do know what time though: 2:30am. Because that's when the music ended.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Normal Life in Chacala
Back to ordinary old life in Chacala. No more son to enjoy. At least for awhile. The weather turned back to it's normal gorgeous self today. Sunny, nice little breeze, low humidity. This is the last day of celebration for Chacala's Saint day. I am not very involved this year. But I know I will go over to the dance tonight, just to see what's going on.
I am very busy with rearranging furniture, removing the borrowed bed, putting things away, and generally getting back to normal.
I think my room feels pretty much ordinary again. Here's the view out my worktable window, and another of my bed corner. 
I am very afraid of scorpions. Very afraid. My first summer in Chacala I housesat a brand new gringo house here. No one had really lived in it before. And it sat at the edge of the "jungle". I killed 41 scorpions there that first summer. I was very reluctant to spray, but I finally had the spray guy come. It worked, so the last month of my six month stay was scorpion free. I was till on the scorpion-alert all the time thought.
The homeowner didn't believe that only the professional scorpion spray would work. So before he left for the next summer, he sprayed with some homeowner spray. The first rain there were three scorpions in the house the next morning. So I called the spray guy. It worked. I hate those sprays. But scorpions really scare me.
This afternoon I was untying the little rope that holds the patio sunshade back, so I could block the sun. I didn't have my reading glasses on. The rope was yellow, and there was something sort of brownish sitting on the knot. As I reached up to flick it off, in fell off the knot. And down into my dishpan, full of water. It looked sort of odd, so I put my glasses. It was a 2.5 inch scorpion. He swam around for awhile, and finally seems to have drowned.
A few nights ago, when I went down to the beach to swim, there were a few other people with the same idea. Tropical-whatever Kiko was still sending wave Chacala some waves, so the surf was kind of jumbley.
There's a converted restaurant/rental unit/conference center/jet-ski garage next to the beach. This night their loudspeaker system was going full-blast. Making sure everyone could here the Evangelical message loud and clear.
I went swimming quickly, to avoid the "message", and got to watch the sun go down. 
I am very busy with rearranging furniture, removing the borrowed bed, putting things away, and generally getting back to normal.
I think my room feels pretty much ordinary again. Here's the view out my worktable window, and another of my bed corner. 
I am very afraid of scorpions. Very afraid. My first summer in Chacala I housesat a brand new gringo house here. No one had really lived in it before. And it sat at the edge of the "jungle". I killed 41 scorpions there that first summer. I was very reluctant to spray, but I finally had the spray guy come. It worked, so the last month of my six month stay was scorpion free. I was till on the scorpion-alert all the time thought.The homeowner didn't believe that only the professional scorpion spray would work. So before he left for the next summer, he sprayed with some homeowner spray. The first rain there were three scorpions in the house the next morning. So I called the spray guy. It worked. I hate those sprays. But scorpions really scare me.
This afternoon I was untying the little rope that holds the patio sunshade back, so I could block the sun. I didn't have my reading glasses on. The rope was yellow, and there was something sort of brownish sitting on the knot. As I reached up to flick it off, in fell off the knot. And down into my dishpan, full of water. It looked sort of odd, so I put my glasses. It was a 2.5 inch scorpion. He swam around for awhile, and finally seems to have drowned.A few nights ago, when I went down to the beach to swim, there were a few other people with the same idea. Tropical-whatever Kiko was still sending wave Chacala some waves, so the surf was kind of jumbley.
There's a converted restaurant/rental unit/conference center/jet-ski garage next to the beach. This night their loudspeaker system was going full-blast. Making sure everyone could here the Evangelical message loud and clear.
I went swimming quickly, to avoid the "message", and got to watch the sun go down. 
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Celebrating in Chacala
I have hardly left home since my son arrived here in Chacala. We have been visiting, talking, cooking, and hanging out. Erik has been improving my electrical outlets and doing other projects. And showing me how to do a bunch of stuff on my Mac. And on the internet. And downloading updates, and doing other things on the computer that I don't understand. All is good. We have been out to eat a few times, and to the tienda a couple times of day. And I have done some rental stuff everyday.
I have barely participated in the San Rafael events this year. Partly because I don't like walking around at night. That's a new twist that I don't care for. I think it's dangerous. But apparently it´s the only time the Priest can participate every night. All the people walking thru the night with candles looks nice...... but I guess it's just not for me. And this is the first year since I came to Chacala that there have been other gringos participating.
Which makes me think of what has happened to events like Day of the Dead ceremonies Patzcuaro, in Morelia. 10's of thousands of people crowding into a religious event. As observers. I have a hard time with the idea of observers at religious events.
I don't actually see that in the future for Chacala, but you never know. Partly because besides the town's Saint's Day being mainly religious, it's also a town reunion day, and celebration of Chacala. The was a disco the other night, with a dance contest. Which Gustavo won, I hear.There's a mini-carnival parked in front of the church this year. I think that's new for San Rafael celebration too. But I have only been here for four San Rafael days. Maybe they used to walk in the dark in the past, and have carnival rides. Who knows? Not me.
Kiko, the latest Tropical Storm passed us but. It's been sunny and beautiful all morning. A perfect day. It's the last full day of my son's visit. I will be lonesome for him after he leaves. I know I was last year.
I have barely participated in the San Rafael events this year. Partly because I don't like walking around at night. That's a new twist that I don't care for. I think it's dangerous. But apparently it´s the only time the Priest can participate every night. All the people walking thru the night with candles looks nice...... but I guess it's just not for me. And this is the first year since I came to Chacala that there have been other gringos participating.Which makes me think of what has happened to events like Day of the Dead ceremonies Patzcuaro, in Morelia. 10's of thousands of people crowding into a religious event. As observers. I have a hard time with the idea of observers at religious events.
I don't actually see that in the future for Chacala, but you never know. Partly because besides the town's Saint's Day being mainly religious, it's also a town reunion day, and celebration of Chacala. The was a disco the other night, with a dance contest. Which Gustavo won, I hear.There's a mini-carnival parked in front of the church this year. I think that's new for San Rafael celebration too. But I have only been here for four San Rafael days. Maybe they used to walk in the dark in the past, and have carnival rides. Who knows? Not me.Kiko, the latest Tropical Storm passed us but. It's been sunny and beautiful all morning. A perfect day. It's the last full day of my son's visit. I will be lonesome for him after he leaves. I know I was last year.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Rainy Afternoon in Chacala re Gringolandia
I just ran into a blog by an ex-pat living near Guanajuato, I think. It's called "The Plain Truth About Living in Mexico." It's not what you might think. His blog is on My Space, which I think is a huge mistake, ( very confusing). But the posts are very very interesting. We share similar views on at least two topics.
One is the impact of Gringolandia's, and the people who live in them, on Mexico towns. "Gringolandia" is name given to closed (usually with security gates) developments for wealthy people. Often, in Mexico, they are created specifically for gringos. Apparently as safe havens where they can pretend like they still live in the U.S. or Canada.
It's a little different in the Chacala. The lots and homes in development at the north edge of town have mostly been bought by wealthy Mexicans. Lately some gringos have been buying in there. It's funny. Three times I have heard a gringo/a realtor or realtor wanna-be, who is trying to sell lots or homes in that development, mislead their customers about who lives in the development. I assume they are trying to avoid telling their potential customers that most of the owners are wealthy Mexicans. People who are unlikely to want to socialize with gringos.
This mini-carnival arrived in Chacala a few days ago.
It's parked in the street across from the church.
But I suggest anyone who is interested in this topic read this guy's blog.
This writer also discusses an issue he sees as a primary difference between gringo and Mexican cultures. He says that one of the things that is really different in Mexico is that people generally don't give themselves, or have cultural permission, to display their anger and rage and rudeness publicly.
Looking back, after 5 years in Mexico, he remembers (and sees on U.S. news) that rage is displayed and exhibited everywhere and often in the U.S.. And rudeness.
Rude behavior about normal people (excluding politicians, criminals, law enforcement personnel and the military) seems to be very, very unusual in Mexico. Except by tourists. I agree with him about that. Actually, I think there is rudeness, but it's kind of subtle (for non-Spanish speakers), and not very obvious, especially if you are too busy getting want you want to pay attention to body language, etc. 
The author, Doug Bower, didn't express his opinion on how the this cultural permission to freely express my rudeness, anger, rage, and aggression anywhere, any time plays out in personalities of Mexican-Americans coming to Mexico. I am thinking about people who have Mexican families but spent time in the US growing up or as young adults.
This guy runs a dart game. You get one dart for 10 pesos.
Anyway, I hope I haven't misrepresented his ideas. Here's a link. Take a look. And here's the link. I hope it works.
The Plain Truth About Living in Mexico
http://blog.myspace.com/Mexicanliving
One is the impact of Gringolandia's, and the people who live in them, on Mexico towns. "Gringolandia" is name given to closed (usually with security gates) developments for wealthy people. Often, in Mexico, they are created specifically for gringos. Apparently as safe havens where they can pretend like they still live in the U.S. or Canada.It's a little different in the Chacala. The lots and homes in development at the north edge of town have mostly been bought by wealthy Mexicans. Lately some gringos have been buying in there. It's funny. Three times I have heard a gringo/a realtor or realtor wanna-be, who is trying to sell lots or homes in that development, mislead their customers about who lives in the development. I assume they are trying to avoid telling their potential customers that most of the owners are wealthy Mexicans. People who are unlikely to want to socialize with gringos.
This mini-carnival arrived in Chacala a few days ago.It's parked in the street across from the church.
This writer also discusses an issue he sees as a primary difference between gringo and Mexican cultures. He says that one of the things that is really different in Mexico is that people generally don't give themselves, or have cultural permission, to display their anger and rage and rudeness publicly.
Looking back, after 5 years in Mexico, he remembers (and sees on U.S. news) that rage is displayed and exhibited everywhere and often in the U.S.. And rudeness.
The author, Doug Bower, didn't express his opinion on how the this cultural permission to freely express my rudeness, anger, rage, and aggression anywhere, any time plays out in personalities of Mexican-Americans coming to Mexico. I am thinking about people who have Mexican families but spent time in the US growing up or as young adults.
This guy runs a dart game. You get one dart for 10 pesos.The prizes are "food": pop, cookies, etc.
I think I know how it plays out with some of these people when they arrive or come (back) to Mexico after living in the US. I have seen it here. Rages, temper tantrums, aggressive threats, and violence. They have adopted gringo cultural values, I guess.
Anyway, I hope I haven't misrepresented his ideas. Here's a link. Take a look. And here's the link. I hope it works.
The Plain Truth About Living in Mexico
http://blog.myspace.com/Mexicanliving
Sunday, October 21, 2007
"The Customer is (not) Always Right" In Mexico
My son just showed me a another Blog I really like. At least I really like the two posts I just read. It's called "Violent Acres". Erik thinks the weird title might be a play on the old TV show "Greenacres". Which neither of us ever saw, but have a mental image of.
Part of a post, from this blog, from last October is offered here for your perusal.
(http://violentacres.com/archives/59/two-phrases-that-destroyed-american-culture)
"The phrase ‘The Customer is Always Right’ is the single worst philosophy that has ever been adopted by American culture. It gave an entire generation of people the green light to be as impolite, unreasonable, and demanding as their little hearts desired because they were always going to be considered right. It destroyed the entire concept of courtesy and rendered manners obsolete. People began to treat their peers in the service industry like incompetent morons, lacking in feelings or human dignity, who deserved to be browbeaten and abused for no other reason than they had the audacity to run out of a particular brand of coffee. Furthermore, instead of suffering negative repercussions for their appallingly disrespectful behavior, they are awarded with free coupons and plenty of ass kissing. In reality, they should be shunned and humiliated for behaving like such self absorbed little children. "
I especially liked this post because I think it partially explains why many gringos have trouble in stores and restaurants in Mexico. And with service workers and skilled craftsman. They somehow think because they are paying (?) they can be as demanding and rude as they please. And the worker or whoever has to please them, to do whatever it is they want them to do.
My experience is that, thank god, Mexicans don't play by that rule. It's not part of their culture, thank God. They won't be directly rude to you, or say "sorry, no" when you are demanding whatever it is. But if they don't can't to don't want to provide whatever it is you want (next day delivery, a certain color, a meal as they are closing, or whatever), generally you are not going to get it. They will tell you that you will, wanting to be polite and respectful (whether you deserve it or not). But you won't get it whatever it was you were insisting you had to have. Unless they feel like it.
They may have other priorities. Like family, health, an enjoyable lifestyle. And probably other values I am not capable of recognizing because I am a gringa. Not much is important enough to throw a big fit over. There's always tomorrow. Tomorrow is often soon enough.
I suspect the behavior that results from the "customer is always right" attitude is similar to the "Listen to me, I come from a superior culture" attitude that many gringos visiting or staying in Mexico exude. From their pores.
Right. Like people from the U.S., Canada, and Britain has something to be proud of. Like colonial and imperialistic attitudes toward anyone who doesn't look just like you and your mommy and daddy. Polluting the world, with bombs for dessert.
Anyway, I love finding writers who agree with me/or make me think. It's been a good day.
Part of a post, from this blog, from last October is offered here for your perusal.
(http://violentacres.com/archives/59/two-phrases-that-destroyed-american-culture)
"The phrase ‘The Customer is Always Right’ is the single worst philosophy that has ever been adopted by American culture. It gave an entire generation of people the green light to be as impolite, unreasonable, and demanding as their little hearts desired because they were always going to be considered right. It destroyed the entire concept of courtesy and rendered manners obsolete. People began to treat their peers in the service industry like incompetent morons, lacking in feelings or human dignity, who deserved to be browbeaten and abused for no other reason than they had the audacity to run out of a particular brand of coffee. Furthermore, instead of suffering negative repercussions for their appallingly disrespectful behavior, they are awarded with free coupons and plenty of ass kissing. In reality, they should be shunned and humiliated for behaving like such self absorbed little children. "
I especially liked this post because I think it partially explains why many gringos have trouble in stores and restaurants in Mexico. And with service workers and skilled craftsman. They somehow think because they are paying (?) they can be as demanding and rude as they please. And the worker or whoever has to please them, to do whatever it is they want them to do.
My experience is that, thank god, Mexicans don't play by that rule. It's not part of their culture, thank God. They won't be directly rude to you, or say "sorry, no" when you are demanding whatever it is. But if they don't can't to don't want to provide whatever it is you want (next day delivery, a certain color, a meal as they are closing, or whatever), generally you are not going to get it. They will tell you that you will, wanting to be polite and respectful (whether you deserve it or not). But you won't get it whatever it was you were insisting you had to have. Unless they feel like it.
They may have other priorities. Like family, health, an enjoyable lifestyle. And probably other values I am not capable of recognizing because I am a gringa. Not much is important enough to throw a big fit over. There's always tomorrow. Tomorrow is often soon enough.
I suspect the behavior that results from the "customer is always right" attitude is similar to the "Listen to me, I come from a superior culture" attitude that many gringos visiting or staying in Mexico exude. From their pores.
Right. Like people from the U.S., Canada, and Britain has something to be proud of. Like colonial and imperialistic attitudes toward anyone who doesn't look just like you and your mommy and daddy. Polluting the world, with bombs for dessert.
Anyway, I love finding writers who agree with me/or make me think. It's been a good day.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Waiting for Kiko, in Chacala
Chacala weather seems to be moving away from hot/humid, to slightly less hot/slightly less humid weather. With an overlay of the threat of Tropical Storm Kiko, which is heading north, but hopefully a little to west of us. Possibly toward Baja.
Of course, you never know with tropical storms. You can tell there's a storm somewhere out there because the surf is heavier, and the waves are rolling in much closer together. I don't think I would have noticed that storm-sign if an old (almost as old as me) surfer told me about signs of storms out at sea.
It's Saturday in Chacala, so there were bands playing most of the afternoon. One band had the worst horn player (or maybe it was the horn) I have ever heard. Not many tourists from nearby cities around today. Not many visitors when the weather is like this.
It's been overcast all day, except for a few hours in the afternoon. Kind of dreary, but with a good breeze. We didn't bring the fan out on the patio today. Didn't need to.
My son, Erik, finished grounding two outlets this afternoon. I like knowing that if I don't get a chance to unplug the fridge and electronic stuff before a lightning storm, the surge suppressors might actually work. Or when the power surges on it's own. I am going to start loooking for a UPS unit to protect by electronic stuff. Now that I have a grounded outlet, it will actually work.
We are almost done with the projects we had on our list. The last bigger project was to run the new, outdoor, phone line Erik brought down. But I can do it myself in a few days. I just need a phone line crimper tool.
I hope we just relax all day tomorrow. It's been fun to just hang around reading and talking and eating. The work is fun too, but.... He leaves on Tuesday. I will really miss his company.d
Of course, you never know with tropical storms. You can tell there's a storm somewhere out there because the surf is heavier, and the waves are rolling in much closer together. I don't think I would have noticed that storm-sign if an old (almost as old as me) surfer told me about signs of storms out at sea.
It's Saturday in Chacala, so there were bands playing most of the afternoon. One band had the worst horn player (or maybe it was the horn) I have ever heard. Not many tourists from nearby cities around today. Not many visitors when the weather is like this.
It's been overcast all day, except for a few hours in the afternoon. Kind of dreary, but with a good breeze. We didn't bring the fan out on the patio today. Didn't need to.My son, Erik, finished grounding two outlets this afternoon. I like knowing that if I don't get a chance to unplug the fridge and electronic stuff before a lightning storm, the surge suppressors might actually work. Or when the power surges on it's own. I am going to start loooking for a UPS unit to protect by electronic stuff. Now that I have a grounded outlet, it will actually work.
We are almost done with the projects we had on our list. The last bigger project was to run the new, outdoor, phone line Erik brought down. But I can do it myself in a few days. I just need a phone line crimper tool.
I hope we just relax all day tomorrow. It's been fun to just hang around reading and talking and eating. The work is fun too, but.... He leaves on Tuesday. I will really miss his company.d
More Entrepreneur's of Chacala
Most Chacala residents have a number of income-producing projects going on.
Some have a part or full-time job working for someone else in their home or business. Or selling fruit juices to tourists on the weekend. Or doing a little property management. Or gardening for people in the development. Or babysitting, or a little construction. A little fishing, a little mechancing, or welding. Or whatever. Or a little waitressing. Or.......
Augustine keeps pretty busy. He and his wife, Ana, have two nice large rentals above their home. And Augustine cleans and filetes fish for Chico's Restaurant every morning.
And weaves custom-ordered, very fine, fish nets the rest of the day
And this plastic vendor is technically not from Chacala. He's from Las Varas, but he drives to Chacala about three times a week to peddle his wares.
Some have a part or full-time job working for someone else in their home or business. Or selling fruit juices to tourists on the weekend. Or doing a little property management. Or gardening for people in the development. Or babysitting, or a little construction. A little fishing, a little mechancing, or welding. Or whatever. Or a little waitressing. Or.......
Augustine keeps pretty busy. He and his wife, Ana, have two nice large rentals above their home. And Augustine cleans and filetes fish for Chico's Restaurant every morning.
And weaves custom-ordered, very fine, fish nets the rest of the day
And this plastic vendor is technically not from Chacala. He's from Las Varas, but he drives to Chacala about three times a week to peddle his wares.
Entrepreneur's of Chacala - Part 1
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Chacala. 
These young girls, for example, are already developing their driving skills. Perhaps with dreams of being the first woman-owned taxi company in the state of Nayarit.
And Blanca tends the fire at her Mom's restaurant.
Blanca and Dona Lupe live in a covered space behind the restaurant. And are available 24/7 for a sit-down meal. Or a take-out of tamales or posole, ordered ahead of time.
These young girls, for example, are already developing their driving skills. Perhaps with dreams of being the first woman-owned taxi company in the state of Nayarit.
And Blanca tends the fire at her Mom's restaurant.
Blanca and Dona Lupe live in a covered space behind the restaurant. And are available 24/7 for a sit-down meal. Or a take-out of tamales or posole, ordered ahead of time.
Fauna of Chacala
Gracie, my little grey cat, is the best hunter in Chacala. At least a frog or baby iguana or a gecko arrives on the patio every morning. It's absolutely disgusting. But she's so proud, I can't get mad at here.
Gracie is about to be de-bugged. My son brought some de-flea stuff down. With directions in English, which I really appreciate. I am still nervous about following medical instructions in Spanish, as translated by me.
Gracie had been banned from coming inside for weeks, and is not happy about this state of affairs. So in few days, all should be well. I would never have imagined myself as someone who would put poison on a cat, but things change, I guess.
The little girl who lives down the street is now very mobile. She had definitely mastered walking. She's very adventurous, and her kitten tries to keep out of her way. Not always successfully.
This cute little part-Siamese kitten (God knows where the Siamese part came from) is a real hunter. Always prowling, and usually being hunted by her little owner.
Pets are big around Chacala.
The current collectivo driver has solved the problem of the loneliness of the short-distance van driver. He just brings his favorite Parito to work. He is perched on the drivers shoulder for 12-14 hours a day.
A kind of nasty little guy. Always watching for something to peck. But he's willing to step onto your finger, if you will tolerate the ritual finger peck first. 
The bird is amazing. We are driving along at 40 or 50mph. The bird is perched on the driver's shoulders, on the window side. He watches the scenery and the traffic. And never gets blown away.
Gracie is about to be de-bugged. My son brought some de-flea stuff down. With directions in English, which I really appreciate. I am still nervous about following medical instructions in Spanish, as translated by me.
Gracie had been banned from coming inside for weeks, and is not happy about this state of affairs. So in few days, all should be well. I would never have imagined myself as someone who would put poison on a cat, but things change, I guess.The little girl who lives down the street is now very mobile. She had definitely mastered walking. She's very adventurous, and her kitten tries to keep out of her way. Not always successfully.
This cute little part-Siamese kitten (God knows where the Siamese part came from) is a real hunter. Always prowling, and usually being hunted by her little owner.
Pets are big around Chacala.The current collectivo driver has solved the problem of the loneliness of the short-distance van driver. He just brings his favorite Parito to work. He is perched on the drivers shoulder for 12-14 hours a day.
A kind of nasty little guy. Always watching for something to peck. But he's willing to step onto your finger, if you will tolerate the ritual finger peck first. 
The bird is amazing. We are driving along at 40 or 50mph. The bird is perched on the driver's shoulders, on the window side. He watches the scenery and the traffic. And never gets blown away.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)