Experiments with Camera Lens

I am trying out a different lens, the wide angle lens I got at the end of last summer. This picture looks good with no noticeable distortion. Why am I trying out my lenses? Well, I wanted to see if I would rather use the wide angle lens or the telephoto lens. As well, I wanted to try out the new mini tripod with the weight of the lenses on the camera. Success! The camera was stable, not the case with the thin mini tripods I got earlier. Good thing the last one rusted out in Mexico.

I've almost come to a standstill with the basement bathroom while waiting for electrical and plumbing. I will be able to put up a few panels of drywall where there won't be any interference for the work remaining. Every little bit counts. This evening we are watching Calgary and Chicago on TV - yes, we have television again. So far after one period, Calgary is down by three goals. It doesn't look good.

SoFoBoMo Project

Well, this is what the format for my photo book project will look like. I will begin working on this book when we get back from Tasha's. I have 31 days to do the complete book which must contain a minimum of 35 photos. I then must save the project as a PDF and upload it to the project site at SoFoBoMo. Of course I will also put it on the ISSUU site as well as it will then be officially published with copywrite safety built in.

Today Mom and I will be off for another golf game, likely our last game for a while as the weather turns terrible for the next week. I don't mind in the least as I will then find it easier to focus on the basement. Tomorrow I will finish framing in the walls (well, straightening out the wall is more what is really going on). Friday it is off to S'toon to buy materials and go the the CATS performance. Saturday I will either work on bathroom electrical or the flooring. The plumbing will have to wait for either Monday or Tuesday evening. Once that is done, it is wall finishing so that the plumbing fixtures can be hooked up to make the new bathroom useable. By the time this is all done, it will be golfing season for real. Woohoo!

Men's Night on the Golf Course

Mom is getting her haircut today (photo tomorrow - maybe) in Rosetown. She tells me it is going to be short - very short. Oh well, whatever makes her happy is fine by me. Today's photo was from last week when I joined the boys in trying to burn with magnifying glasses. No fires were started and we didn't have to call the fire department. It was a good way to occupy time while the boys had a few down moments when activity wasn't scheduled.

Today I go golfing with the men in hopes of winning a bit of money. Well, not really, but it would be nice. I am going with my regular crew for the most part. The basement is coming along well. When we go to the city on Friday, I will be buying the flooring, lighting and other things to help finish it off. I ordered the drywall and last bits of wood needed to finish building walls. With any luck, the bathroom will be done by mid-May. More news later ...

Spring Crocus

Spring and golf. They make a good pairing on some days. Yesterday was one of those rare days that saw the two together as they should be. Yes, there are still a few crocuses out to serve as proof that it is spring. And of course, a photo of mom on the last hole of the Sask Landing course, at the end of our first full round of golf for 2009.

Needless to say, golf took up most of the day as it meant a bit of visiting at the course with friends following the game. There was no time leftover for slipping down to the basement to pound a few nails. I did, however, continue the work of culling photos from the massive digital collection and burning the results on DVDs. Once this is done, it will be time to start scanning old photos (before the year 2002) so that all of our prized photos will be digitized for safekeeping, our heritage for you and the grandchildren. So many memories captured on film. So many stories. Truly, this is a work of love for both Mom and I.

Today, it is again beautiful with the promise of more such weather for tomorrow. Who knows, we might be golfing three days in a row.

Life is back to normal - finally!

Well, the first day of work in the basement has gone well with the hole in the floor now filled with new cement. It took a bit more than eight bags of cement (all you add is water variety) to do the job. Now it has to sit and cure for a while. So while it dries, I will be working on building a wall and a half so that I can get it ready for a bit of work running wires and pipes. So, building walls is today's task. In between spurts of work in the basement, I am busy with cleaning up photos on the computer, burning DVDs for backup purposes. This will speed up virus scans on our laptops as well as giving more storage space which I really don't need as there aren't a lot of programs I want to add to the collection.

We had Sweets over for supper last night and listened to more stories of their grandchildren and their children. Obviously we didn't go golfing yesterday - we enjoyed a few flakes of snow instead. Golf isn't in the picture for today either because of strong winds (and the need to do a bit more work in the basement). I'm not sure about Sunday yet - it depends on the weather.

Harlem Globetrotters

This is Sweat Pea up in the air. The evening was well spent at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon with Devon and Hunter as part of our birthday presents to the two boys. Before the game we took the boys to do some shopping at Toys R Us and at Home Depot (so that I could check out flooring and lighting for the new bathroom downstairs) with a final stop at Golf Town so that we could all try out swinging some clubs that we had no intention of buying. Like I said, a good time spent in Saskatoon.

This morning it is making a feeble attempt at snowing with a few flakes falling here and there. We don't expect very much moisture from the clouds, but it is better than nothing. Of course that means it is quite cool and suggests that today will not be one for sun tanning. Today Noelle and the boys will be going home and I will become better focused on basement work activity. We won't be going golfing until the weekend because of cold weather. Ah, so sad. Oh well, them's the breaks.

Home-made Science Experiments

Well, the boys have been busy searching the Internet for various kitchen science experiments to do thanks to prodding from Grandma. Good time spent in the search and then deciding what could they actually do given what we have here in our house and garage.

Hunter settled on making a hard-boiled egg go into a bottle due to a vacuum created by heat. Devon decided on a project to show how water convection kept a balloon cool enough to resist being burned by a flame. Both experiments were a success, and will be repeated when all are here for the Canada Day weekend.

Almost all of the lego pieces have been used on creations so far. Hopefully it will be finished by tomorrow morning before the boys leave for home. I will take a photo of the finished results and post it here. This afternoon we are heading to Saskatoon for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Dustin is probably waking up from his surgery this morning as I write this. I hope all went well and that it is all back to normal very soon.

Easter 2009

It's early morning and Collin and Noelle have just headed out for home leaving Devon and Hunter with us. Noelle will return on Tuesday and likely she will take the boys home on Thursday. Yesterday was our Easter meal together. In the morning we all took turns trying to start a fire using a magnifying glass and other ancient ways - without success. In the afternoon it was time for swimming and building with Lego blocks. Of course, there were games of Old Maid, Golf, Tee Wars and such to help fill in the almost quiet times. Bedtime came up and there wasn't a single person protesting. It was a good, full day. On a sad note, Ottawa lost to Toronto in their final game of the year. Hockey season is officially over at our house. Like the Senators, we switch to golf season at this point.

In a while, I will be going out with clue cards and treasures for the traditional Easter Morning Treasure Hunt so that the boys get to have some Easter fun. Yesterday evening they got to decorate eggs. Even Collin got into the act. Some family traditions are likely to endure when they get good participation even as children approach the teenage years. The one tradition that is missing is having all the grandchildren together for the treasure hunt. Maybe next year.

It's still staying above zero as far as the weather is concerned. We got a brief shower late yesterday and it looks as though more might be on the way during the next week - April showers ... With any luck, we might even be able to get the boys on the golf course as it opened up on Friday. Today's agenda is still undetermined. If it gets sunny and warm there might be some golf. If not, the pool is open in the afternoon. More later.

Easter Saturday

Well, this makes post number 125. I guess this is the real thing, something that I am actually sticking to rather than just playing with and dumping for something new. Today's photo is of Hunter who is down visiting with the family. Devon was still sleeping at the time I took the photo. I am posting this from the old HP laptop as my newer Vaio is having wireless issues that I will get Lawrence to cope with later. This machine is definitely slower, one of the reasons I got the newer Sony Vaio.

It's a sunny day and we are planning a few outdoor activities as well as an afternoon swim at the local pool. Ham and scalloped potatoes for supper, our Easter meal as Noelle and Collin will return to Provost very early tomorrow for Collin's work. Noelle will return after a few days to spend more time with us. We did get to talk with Tasha and family for a bit this morning, a good online visit.

Been doing some thinking about the photo project and have decided that one of the options is a book with "tunnel vision" photos, those photos with a circle surrounded by black which look as if one is looking through a telescope (or microscope). If this is the way I go, it will likely be matched with poetry, possibly haikus, to fit the photo. Oh well, I likely will change my mind a gazillion times before I actually get started sometime in May.

Home Again

We are finally at home again. The flight wasn't too bad. It helps when one isn't flying for more than a day. We got into Calgary just as the sun was setting over the Rockies. We got to spend a bit of time visiting with Dustin and Robyn before going to bed, enough time so that they could tell us the news - they are going to be parents. WooHoo! This is awesome news! I guess that means that the job we did as parents was good enough that all of our children decided to take a shot at doing the same job themselves.

After spending a couple of days with Robyn and Dustin, we drove home on Wednesday and were surprised by how good our house smelled when we entered. The sewer gas smell, the old musty smells were all gone. I guess it was a combination of replacing the sewer gas stack and fixing up the basement walls that have led to such a good result. On the down side, there is a lot of cleanup work for us to do. Oh well, resting isn't all that it is cracked up to be anyway.

Today we are making sure that the upstairs is ready for Noelle, Collin and the boys who will be coming tomorrow. Living room, dining room, entryway and kitchen are done. Next is Noelle's room and the computer room. We will leave the basement until after the boys have returned to Provost so that we can enjoy our time with them better.

It's good to be home.

Dawn is Breaking, It's Early Morn ...

Dawn is breaking on the Yucatan coast looking towards the east. You can just see the lighs on the left horizon, pier lights on the pier that goes out for about six kilometres into the Gulf of Mexico. It has to be a long pier in order to get out far enough for the large cruise ships and the ocean-going vessels. Any closer and they hit sand as the sea is very shallow.

I was up and took this picture and writing up this post before 6:00AM. Excited to go home is the best reason I can come up with. It is going to be a long day and I know that I will be beat by the time I can go to sleep at Dustin and Robyn's. We went to bed late last night as we wanted to go for a midnight swim in the sea. Strange how we leave this kind of activity for our last night.

Well, from now on, any stories of Mexico will be told face-to-face as it is time to begin telling about our stories from Canada once again.

Easter Week - La Semana Santa

Today is the start of the two weeks of holidays for students here in Mexico. Because of the religious events of Thursday, Friday and Sunday, this is called the holy week, la Semana Santa. This means as many people as possible will be packing their families off to the beach houses for the duration. As a result, a number of these little concession stands are now set up with Coke out dueling Pepsi for the prime locations along the beach road. No one is parked right onthe beach. I guess we picked the right time to leave as it is supposed to be fourteen days of loud music, late nights and parties on the beach with no regard to whose villa is between the sea and the parties. The beach belongs to the people. Tough if you are old and don't want people to mess up the sand directly in front of your villa.

It's kind of sad knowing that there is only one day left. But, I know we are both READY to head home. In a way, it would have been great if we could have left yesterday. I've been looking at the weather forecast for home and it seems as though the weatherman has been told we are returning so we can expect temperatures rising to the low to mid teens when we get to Elrose. Here, another day of 37C with sun, sand and sea.

Even the Sun is Pink

Mom took this picture yesterday as sunset was approaching. She was hoping to get a photo of a bird flying past the setting sun. No bird, but the sun turned pink for her. Appropriate.

In less than 48 hours we will be on the plane headed to Calgary. We have already done a first round practice of packing bags so that we could see what space remains before Mom heads to the city with Kathy for a final bit of shopping. No use heading back with half-empty backpacks.

Today the weather is cooler, a relief from the toaster oven weather we have been having. Today it is more like a slow cooker kind of weather with temperatures in the low thirties and a cooling breeze off the sea. There are even occasional clouds to make the day that much more pleasant. It's a good way to bring our Mexican sojourn to a close.

On-line eBooks

Well, the deed is done. If you look on the left-hand side, you will see a small version of this picture. If you click on that picture you will be taken to an on-line version of my latest book. This is all part of my getting ready to create a 35 photo book as part of a challenge before the end of June. When the challenge is done, I will post that book here as well. This is neat stuff.

Through a Looking Glass

I went out for what could have been my last walk through the swamplands in order to take photos using my telephoto lens which is an extra I bought for the camera. I wanted to get a series of photos which basically look as though one is looking through a telescope. This is what I was hoping for. It will fit into a photo project that I am working on at this time, a small photo book that will become an eBook. With any luck, I will finish this short book within a week.

Today is supposed to be our hottest day of the winter/spring with temperatures going up to 39C. That is hot! About 102F. I am sure that we might make it in to the water more than our usual three times a day, today. We might even have to spend some of the time indoors to avoid becoming a barbequed by the sun.

Only three more sleeps in Mexico until we head for Canada and home.

Love Birds

On our morning walk we saw this pair of pelican resting on posts just sitting under the high water. So far, this is the highest water levels we have yet experienced on our morning walks. In some spots the beach had completely disappeared forcing us to walk in the water - I know, no hardship since we walk wearing our bathing suits. Still, it is interesting watching how the shoreline is constantly changing.

Spear Fishing in Chuburna

A few days ago, while walking along the beach, I noticed a boat full of men were hugging the coast dipping in and out of the little bays made by the posts which try to protect the shore from erosion (they don't work but that is a different story). I saw them stop and then the men jumped out and set out two sets of nets. As I came closer, I noticed this guy using a spear gun to catch fish. It was neat watching as he was successful in catching the trapped fish.

Yesterday, Mom helped Kathy measure and mark out windows and electrical outlets as Kathy's work crew is supposed to start working on the renovations to her new (for her) beachside villa. We also said goodbye to a few new friends from Maine. Now we have places to stay when we travel to the East coast. We enjoyed a good time with Carol, Pam, Nichol and Damon, including time spent snorkelling.

Today we are back to hot and sunny weather, something that is supposed to last until our plane leaves at noon on Sunday. Who knows, we might be glad to get back to 0C for daytime highs in Elrose. At least then I will feel like working in the basement.

Sens won yesterday, Elliott's first NHL shutout. I still doubt that the team will make the playoffs as it depends on too many teams having a crappy last ten games with Ottawa winning all of its games. I'm sure Toronto will do its best to make sure that doesn't happen for Ottawa's final game of the regular season being played against the Leafs.

Sunday Stroll

On our walk this morning we met this older lady who was selling sweets that were wrapped up in leaves. We bought some with the idea of passing them out as we walked down the streets of the village. As you can see, Mom is almost dark enough to pass as a Mexican. Not!

Today wasn't as hot as it has been for the past number of days. Tomorrow it goes back into the upper 30s to finish off our stay here. We will be cooking with the highest temperatures to come during the next six days.

One Shell Not Making the Trip Home

We've decided that we will leave a few shells in Mexico, not all of them will be making their way to Canada in our luggage. I decided to leave this shell just where I found it this morning. Well, it's another hot one here. We reached 37 by 12:30PM. This afternoon, it is windy so we have only gone swimming twice so far. Likely we will go once more in the late afternoon. Other than that, there is nothing new to report. I think we are both now just waiting for the next eight days to end as we are ready to go home. While waiting, we will continue to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

March Sunset

Yesterday's sunset just steps away from our beach-side deck. Temperatures went up to around 35C and it appears as though we will be having hot weather until we leave for home. Now that we are close to leaving we are both anxious to be home, seeing you guys and getting busy with our house projects while waiting for the weather to warm up for the next golf season. Yet, I know that once we leave we will miss the warmth, the sun, the sand and the sea as we are getting used to swimming at least once or twice a day in front of our villa. No, the Elrose pool wont replace the sea.

We continue our daily walks, sometimes in slightly different locations in hopes of seeing something new. I think we have walked everything for miles and miles around here. Nothing new left to discover within walking distance of at least 5 miles in all directions from the villa. As for plans of what we are going to do today - same old, same old. And, that is good.

Yesterday's Flamingos

Wow! Mom was over to a nearby set of friends who mentioned that they had spotted flamingos in the swamps not too far from our place, in the swamps a little further east that we usually go. It seems that this has been where many of the passing flocks have all been heading. Mom and I took off in the late afternoon to see if we could find a path through to them. And this is what we saw! It actually took our breath away.

Ottawa lost their game last night against a strong team. Not bad really.

Seashells, seashells

What you are seeing is Mom's collection of seashells that she has gathered over the time we have been here in Mexico. It was quite impressive to see them all arranged on the coffee table. Believe it or not, there were more still on the beach deck, shells that didn't make the cut for consideration for the long journey back to Canada.

Today is a mirror of yesterday with no new adventures, no new stories, no changes. Again, it is all sun, sea and sand.

Great Blue Heron

This is one beautiful heron that we saw when we went to Celestun to see and photograph the flamingos. Well, it is a beautiful day here with the temperature currently sitting at 32C. We did end up going in for our daily swim in the sea. I think we are being spoilt and won't know what to do when we are back in Elrose where the only water we will be in for months with be either the shower or the bathtub.

I have managed to get in a bit of reading of a book called Razor's Edge by Lisanne Norman. I think Noelle and Lawrence would like this book. It is quite different. But a bit too fantasy and science fiction for the rest.

The plans for the afternoon are to read, rest and wait for it to cool off before we take our early evening walk. I know, same old - same old. Nothing to write home about. But then again, someone has to have a boring life.

Two Weeks Left of Chuburna

Another photo from the caves, one that Mom took of me. It looks as though I am praying to the god of the underworld, though I'm not really into praying to anything as you well know. Oh well, it is a good idea for a photograph and one of those rare photos of me as well. It's also one of the rare times while in Mexico that I ended up wearing my watch, something I only do when we travel or when I go to Spanish lessons. Any other time, knowing the time is not all that important. I just love it!

Yes, this is the second post for today. After a good morning walk and a swim, I needed to get out of the noisy wind and into a quiet space so I thought it was a good time to post another photo and write up another post before I get into some other writing stuff.

Well, back to the rest of my day here in Chuburna, Mexico - only two weeks left!

Thursday's Flamingos

I just had to post this picture from our trip to Celestun on Thursday. I like the effect of having the picture within a circle. I do have "close" photos of the birds from our time spent in Celestun that you will get to see later. I would have to say that though we got way closer to the flamingos, the rest of the experience was significantly below that of our time at Rio Lagartos. At Celestun it was more expensive for less time and there were hardly any birds available to photograph. If we saw six different birds, even at distance, we were lucky. There was a boat drive through a mangrove swamp which was short but nicer than the one we did at San Crisanto with Roger and Suzanne. Yet, it was good enough because of the opportunity to get a LOT closer to the flamingos.

Ottawa did it again, win against the Islanders. It seems they have one of the best win-loss records in the NHL since getting a new coach, Comrie and Campoli. It's unlikely that they could get into the playoffs even if they continued this level of play to the end of the season though. Next year country.

Yesterday's morning walk took us more than three hours as we headed out passed our usual turn around point to follow an old dirt and stone road up to the point where it was destroyed by a hurricane. It was interesting to see the road and the destruction. I did get a few photos on the walk of a few interesting views, birds and the bridge. If I don't take a more compelling photo today, tomorrow morning I will post one of these photos.

Yesterday morning's dawn was overcast. Since people we knew were heading to Dzibilchaltun for the opportunity to experience the vernal equinox with the sun coming through the opening of the Seven Dolls Temple, it was a bust. We were told that the park openned its gates at 4:00 AM to let in all the people who wanted to be there for the experience. We chose not to go because of crowds. Man we were smart.

Grutas Calcehtok

On Wednesday morning we drove south west in order to check out the underground caves called Las Grutas Calcehtok. Of course it wasn't easy to get many photos, even using the flash as the underground chambers were so huge. Still, I did manage some decent photos which I will post at the Saskatchewan Gypsies site.

Yesterday we ended up just plain relaxing - well, not doing too much other than working on e-mail issues which appear now to be solved. Eudora was causing Mom all kinds of grief and me just some grief. So much for working with "beta" proramming. The rest of the afternoon was spent reading or just doing stuff around the villa. It was way too windy for swimming in the sea.

Today? Well, more of the usual except for swimming as it is still windy and the sea is quite rough even in the early morning, a time when we can usually expect the sea to be calm. Of course, there is a hockey game tonight, so that is on my agenda. What else? It is to be discovered.

Dzibilchaltun

Well, we are back from our three days of touring in the southern part of this state. Wow! I have to admit that there is so much to see, so much to learn - all good if you like history, archeology, nature and people. In this picture we are standing in front of the sun god at the Seven Dolls Temple in Dzibilchaltun. This is a neat temple that is all about the sun and the seasons. When a person stands at a distance, at the sundial obelisk, on the first day of spring at sunrise, the sun's rays will shine perfectly through the opening at the centre. At the times of the summer and winter solstices, the sun shines through opposite sets of windows. The ancient Mayan's knowledge of astronomy is amazing.

We had a good guide for our tour at Dzibilchaltun, a young woman called Guadalupe. She had a lot to tell us and didn't rush us through the various structures. We also got to go swimming in a neat cenote. We were able to dive in the deep end, 130+ feet deep. Mom also went in the shallow end to get her photo taken among the lilypads and their flowers. We ended up staying in the site for quite a while. By the end of our stay we were tired, a pleasant tired.

The Laguna

Wow! What an incredible day for sun, sand and sea! Today's temperatures went upwards to a summerlike 33C. Today's photo was taken just before sunset on our late afternoon walk, when the temperature cooled down with the stronger afternoon breeze to a refreshing 27C. We made it to the back end of the village which is only about 100 metres from the salt water estuary which is called the laguna which stretches all the way to Progreso, about 20 kilometres away. Saw a few birds but didn't have them sit still long enough for photos.

Well, now that it is evening we have got most of our stuff organized for tomorrow's expedition to a place called Dzibilchaltun. This is a major Mayan ruins site with the provincial Mayan musuem as well as a nature walk and a cenote for swimming. Needless to say, we are quite excited to be making this small day trip. Tomorrow I hope to post a photo while listening to Ottawa playing the Sabres. We will then drive off again on Wednesday to visit two different cave structures. Thursay we plan on going to Celestun to photograph flamingos and other birds as well as the area.

Tropical Hummingbird

Today is as about as perfect as it is possible to get. Sunny and calm and very warm (32C). We went for a morning walk along the beach and found it to be a busy place. Mexican families were out and taking advantage of the weather and a long week-end. Here there is a holiday for the vernal equinox (first day of spring). Of course that day is next Saturday, but since that day is already a weekend day, the government decided to move it up to this Monday so that everyone can get a long weekend.

We went swimming twice today. The last time we were able to swim to a heavy musical beat, techno as loud as you could ever want. The two villas next to ours are packed with people: parents, grandparents, young people in love, children, babies. I swear that there are at least sixty people packed into the houses, porches and beach fronts of these two villas which are rentals. And, this scene is being repeated up and down the beach. This is Mexico's version of the Spring Festival.

Same old, same old

During our little trip to see flamingos not too far from here, we ended up on a bird tower looking at a flock of the birds in the distance. I decided to use the telephoto lens to see what was possible and settled for this picture. The black edges are actually the sides of the lens before the telephoto is fully extended. I like the effect it has, a great frame for the birds. Photos with the lens extended were not that good due to distance and movement of the birds which left a blur.

This morning it is calm, calmer than normal. Last night was calm as well. We sat out on the deck until around midnight enjoying the moonlight on the still water while we slowly drank a glass of wine. Some things about life are just plain "good".

Today, the plans are quite simple: sun, sand, sea and perhaps a little siesta for Mom while I listen to the Senators play this afternoon. I know, it sounds boring. But, someone has to do this. I guess we will have to suffer boredom while you guys have the exciting and busy lives of young people.

Corn flakes anyone?

Mom and her seagulls are a regular early afternoon entertainment show. We bought a Mexican brand of cornflakes, ate them once and decided that the cereal was for the birds - literally! So now, every day or every second day, Mom feeds a few seagulls that seem to have claimed our beach as their territory. Woe betide any seagull that tries to snap up a few of the flakes. It means and instant chase and threats of some ungodly type of torture I am sure.

Yesterday's trip to see flamingos was almost a bust as the flamingos were so far away that it was basically worthless in terms of a photo exercise. But then again, it was a good outing from the villa and I did get a few different kind of photos using the telephoto lens. We got back in time to let me catch a few periods of the Bruins beating up on the Senators. Okay, so the final two periods were basically Ottawa outscoring Boston but there was too much of a head start given in the first period. Auld was the weak link yesterday. I think it will be his last season in Ottawa with Elliott getting to be back up to LeClaire next season.

We got in our regular morning hike up the beach followed by another swim in the sea, a long swim now that it is starting to feel warmer here. I imagine that for the last three weeks it will be almost hot most of the time. The time is slipping away quickly.

Hummingbird

This beautiful little hummingbird sat so still for us while I took photos. Her nest is on the tip of a tall cactus that sits in a pot on a terrace along the beach road not too far from where we are. As we walked further along the road, we saw another hummingbird and nest that was built on a dip of an electrical cord. Spring is coming. The birds are busy moving and nesting.

Ottawa played again last night with another win. This seems to be becoming a regular habit - a little late as far as a playoff run is concerned, but still good news. Yesterday I went in for yet another lesson in Spanish. Other than that, it was a quiet day. Oh, I also booked our car for our small trip to visit two different caves and a number of Mayan ruins as well as another flamingo reserve. We will be exploring the south and west of the Yucatan on this trip. Of course, that means I will eventually put up a few more posts at Saskatchewan Gypsies. I guess I should post there before then as I have enough interesting photos to add. Maybe that's a project for later today or tomorrow.

We are heading to visit a new colony of flamingos just east of Progreso this afternoon with Kathy. Likely, this is where the flamingos that have been flying past our villa have been going. I'll post tomorrow with info and a photo.

Make Work Projects

Well, for what it is worth, this is the 100th post that I have made on this site. I wonder how many more are yet to come? When we went out for our walk this morning along the beach we came across this group and a few others who were busy cleaning up the beach getting ready for the Easter Holidays that are coming. They are cleaning up the beach area that is reached from the various streets in the village, not the whole beach. Cleaning up the weeds seems a pointless task at this time as the piles will return long before Easter holidays get here. Oh well, it's good to see the men working.

We managed to get a swim in while the waves weren't too big, though just barely. With all the wind and the waves, the water feels colder and it has lost its clearness. Later in the afternoon while Mom went to buy chicken and a few other necessities such as peanut butter, another string of flamingos, hundreds of birds, came past the villa just over the water, a bit closer than the last batch. Of course I took more photos before returning to reading Gorky Park and planning our next small excursion through the Yucatan.

Flamingo Migration

We were treated to a rare site this morning, thousands of flamigos ended up flying in front of our villa. Too bad that they were so far out from the shore. Any closer and my photos would have even been better. I even got a few video clips using the extra telephoto lens. This photo is now my desktop background picture.

Sunny and warm meant that we got out for our beach walk followed by a good swim in the sea. Now that it is afternoon, the wind has again picked up and there are whitecaps on the water making swimming less pleasant. No problem as the afternoon is a good time to do some reading and to do some writing here. As for plans for the rest of our Sunday? There are none, just continued rest and relaxation.

Last night Ottawa won against Buffalo 6-3. It's nice having a decent team again.

A Lull Before the Wind

As you can see, it is a beautiful sunny morning here in Chuburna. Our long walk this morning took us way passed the old ruins to the west of the village. By the time we decided to turn around, we were in the middle of nowhere with sand and scrub to our left and sea to the right. We only turned back as it was time to cook the other side of our bodies.

Yesterday we spent a good part of the day in Progreso as I had a Spanish class and we were looking at various places to stay should we decide that we want to return to this part of the world next winter. We also went out to lunch with a couple we met at one of the rentals. In the end, it was a day well spent away from the constant noise of wind and waves.

Now that we are back from our walk, the wind has again picked up and the sea is a mess of whitecaps. We still are able to go out into the sunshine because it is warm. If we want to escape the wind, we go behind the house where we have a wall as well as the villa to protect us from the wind while allowing the sunshine to continue to pour in. No complaints here.

Ottawa beat Edmonton with Elliott in net and plays again tonight against the Buffalo Sabres. Ottawa is now in danger of making it out of the Tavares Cup sweepstakes. A few more wins will have the team miss the boat for number one draft pick in June. Calgary remains solidly in third place in the western conference even with a loss their last game. I think you can guess what I will be doing tonight.

Dancing in the sand

Looks like spring is in the air here in Chuburna. There was no doubt that this guy was courting this gal with the hopes of getting lucky. It was interesting watching the dance movements that this cool dude was putting on display for this petite little lady.

Another windy day with winds at 35 to 40 kph. No walking the beach or going swimming when the waves are high. Not only that, the temps are staying a bit cool. No complaints though as we are still in shorts and enjoying coffee and breakfast out-of-doors and reading in the sunshine in the late afternoon.

Mom went to Merida with Kathy again and picked up some new earphones for me along with a few groceries and some wine. Tonight it is a hockey game with the Oilers visiting Ottawa. So, you know what I am up to this evening.

Hockey Trade Deadline

Another day and another photo of Mom and flowers. It's interesting just how many different flowers we are coming upon during our long walks. Of course today we went on our long morning walk as usual, again along the beach road rather that the beach itself as it is too cool and windy along the water's edge. Staying in the sheltered areas, the sunshine is warm.

This afternoon I went to Progreso for another lesson in Spanish. Today it was about health terms and expressions. I can now say I have a headache, toothache, stomachache, sore hip, sore throat, I have a cold, I have the flu and a few other goodies. Too bad I am always so healthy, I won't get to use many of these things at all.

Hockey trade deadline passed with Ottawa getting a new goalie, Pascal LeClaire for Antoine Vermette, and shipping Gerber off to Toronto off waivers. I see that Calgary picked up two very good players to help them chase down the Stanley Cup. Go Flames, Go! Yep, you heard it here now that Ottawa won't be contesting the Cup this year.

Senators versus Flames

On our walk this morning we were walking back, passing through the village when we came upon this wall with a window that looked like a store front. Behind the wall is a yard, no store. Interesting.

It's nicer out today than it was yesterday. We have sun, some wind and warmer temperatures after a cool night when the temperature dipped to only 12 C. I know that isn't a cold temperature, but it is cold for here where there is no heat in the homes. With wind, it feels much cooler. Enough about the weather.

Today we are doing very little. Of course we walked for a few hours this morning after only having a short walk due to the heavy winds and rain yesterday. I finished another book and Mom is busy reading another book as well. I can't believe how many books she has read already in only two months in Mexico.

Another Senators game tonight. This time, it is against Dustin's Calgary Flames. Ottawa is playing better so it should be a decent game to listen to on Internet radio. Go Sens Go!

Small town politics

Wow! We haven't seen waves this big since we've been here. The wind is howling like crazy and the temperature has dropped quite a bit and the skies are dark. This morning we had quite a downpour. I feel sorry for anyone who chose this week as their week for sunny Mexico. In spite of the weather, we are still going for our long daily walk.

Yesterday on our walk into the village we came upon this scene on one of the streets. We thought it must be relatively important with one young woman there with her camcorder. The man with the red shirt in the picture is the town mayor. He is trying to deal with the concerns that some women have regarding the village's recycling venture. Some are trying to have it shut down and some are adamant about it staying open. Small town politics at its best. It doesn't matter where one goes, life is basically similar with similar daily concerns.

Deck Furniture

On our walk this morning which we took with Kathy, we saw this wrought iron set which some local people are giving to Kathy for her new home. They need a lot of work but they are going to be worth it. Of course, Mom wants a set just like them. Good thing that we only have our backpacks to take stuff home.

It has been a beautiful day again with warmth and sunshine. We ended up with two walks in the morning followed by time spent in the sea to cool off before a late lunch. We both got new e-mail programs, the latest version of Eudora. Mom lost her address book and all her e-mail because the Incredimail program decided to reinstall itself and thought it was new on the computer. Oh well, now the Incredimail headaches will go away.

We went out late in the afternoon for cervezas and botanas at a local outdoor restaurant with the couple from BC. Then, it was time to head back to the villa for the Senators hockey game. We lost in overtime to Toronto. Sigh, not a good year for hockey.

Sunset over the sea

It's been another very good day here in Mexico. This morning we left home earlier than usual so that we could check out a few possible rentals for next winter in the town of Progreso. And, while Mom was checking out the last place, I went to my Spanish class. When that was done, we had lunch with one of the ladies who lives in our village beach area who was also in town for the afternoon.

We got home at a decent hour and were able to enjoy a swim in the sea before heading out with Kathy to open up the beach house she became owner of today. Of course that meant photos and wine and lots of excited planning talk. While there, the sun was beginning to set which gave an opportunity for this photo, a view we can't get from our beach villa as we are set deeper into a cove of sorts.

Now, with supper done, it is time for relaxing and doing my Internet stuff such as this blog. Hope your day was good as well.

Little Blue Heron

On our walk today, we came across this Little Blue Heron adding to the list of birds we have seen and photographed here in Mexico. As you might notice, I am writing this during the Senators game against the Sharks. So far no one has scored.

Today was a good warm and sunny day with two long walks as well as coffee and lunch on the deck. We got into the water for a few minutes even though it was quite windy and the water was very choppy by the time we finished our morning walk. This afternoon I had Spanish homework to take care of for tomorrow's lesson. I have to admit that I am enjoying these lessons. Other than that, there is nothing new in our life.

Mercado Lucas de Galvez in Mérida

While we were wandering around Merida, we checked out a place called Mercado Lucas de Galvez, a big market area in the old part of the city. The place covered at least two city blocks, some of it open air, some covered and some of it in a multi-level building. It reminded us of the markets in China and India with tiny shops all over the place. It was nothing to see at least a dozen shoe shops all side by side, many of them covered floor to ceiling with flip flops.

Well, Mom had an interesting day yesterday while I read, studied, walked and relaxed here in Chuburna. As I mentioned yesterday, she went to Progreso early in the morning with Kathy with the idea of watching a parade at 10 then going shopping. Well, the parade didn't happen until 1:30 so they had a lot of time to kill. Then when the parade time finally arrived, it was over almost as soon as it started. Mom and Kathy were still laughing about it when they pulled into the yard late in the afternoon.

Well, this morning the wind has gentled to a pleasant breeze and the waves are small. And of course, there is warm sunshine. Breakfast on the deck was a pleasant experience not having to worry about the wind blowing sand into our breakfast goodies and coffee. The long range forecast tells us that we have heat, sun and wind at least for the next five days.

On the agenda for today is a beach walk, relaxing, a bit more study then it will be my turn to go to Progreso for my Spanish lesson. I now go twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays.

A final note, Ottawa Senators are playing decently again and have traded a player and a draft pick for two others players from the Islanders. I imagine that there will be a fair number of other trades to take place during the next week as the trading deadline is March 4th. Until the next time, enjoy!

Following the rules

This picture of Mom was taken in the Museum of Anthropology in Mérida. I have a bit of a story to tell about our visit to this Mayan museum. First, Mom is beside an original Mayan artifact of a jaguar, one of the important figures in the Mayan world. Of course, no one is supposed to touch these items in the museum. But, so much for rules. When she decided to pose beside yet another Mayan carving, the museum security arrived and told her not to touch the artifacts. Soon, beside yet another piece, she again has the security arrive to warn her. Oh well, no problem as we did get at least this one with her.

Today is the last day of the pre-lent carnival time in Mexico. Mom and her friend Kathy went into Progreso early in order to watch the Mardi Gras parade there as well as buy some groceries. It is "girls' time out together" for them. They said I could go along, but considering how much fun shopping is and having already watched three carnival parades, I passed to that I could spent some quality time with myself. I expect them back here early this afternoon, so the rest of the day will become rather normal in a good way. Now, back to my Spanish studies.

Back from Mérida

In the photo, Mom is on the balcony of our hostel looking out over the square in Mérida. We stayed in the Zocalo Hostel found on the southern side of the main city square while in the city for part of the Carnaval. I was standing on the corner in order to get close up photos of the Children's Parade (desfile de ninos). About halfway through the parade, I went to join Mom on the balcony as the crowd was getting to much to handle as I stood there.

Well, we made it back home yesterday afternoon in time to have lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet after all the city noise. We had a good time in the city, better than I originally expected for being in a city. That said, it was time to go home and renew our internal batteries. Last night we were over a our neighbour, Kathy's for a glass of wine, some chocolate cake flan mixture that Mom and Kathy cooked up as well as some deviled eggs that Mom had made earlier in the afternoon. Kathy had a few other neighbours over as well, a couple who is leaving to return to the States, and another couple who is going to stay in the first couple's home here across the road from us.

Today it is all about wind, wind and more wind. While Mom and I were out for our morning walk, we ended up getting soaked as the sky became dark and then decided it was time for a downpour, a rare event here. This afternoon, quiet time, time for me to finally get at updating this blog for you. Talk to you again later.

Is it a flying fish

What a surprise this morning when we were sitting having our coffee on the beachfront patio. I saw something moving on the edge of the surf, first on the sand and then in the shallow edges. At first I thought it might be a good sized crab, then I thought it might be a wounded fish. We decided to go closer and this is what we saw. It looked like a fish with fans on each side - perhaps a flying fish. I looked on the Internet trying to find out what kind of fish it was without success. I guess it will stay a mystery.


I was back in Progreso this afternoon for my second one-on-one Spanish lesson. My head was certainly full after the lesson as my teacher is pushing as fast he can trying to see where we have to start slowing down. Of course, vocabulary is slowest to develop for me. The grammar is quickly being absorbed. Next lesson is next week Wednesday.

Bracelet and earrings

Well, Sunday was a day of rest for us. We didn't go for our usual long morning walk, nor did we do a long late afternoon walk either. It was a day for swimming and relaxing in the shade for the most part. That being said, both of us ended up getting too much sun and were a bit extra pink come the evening.

A local couple who often visit with Kathy, came again to her place in order to show Mom their work. He makes shell jewelry, some beautiful work. Of course, we had to buy a bracelet. And of course, he had to throw in a pair of earrings to finish the deal.

After all was done, we sat around and visited, mostly in Spanish, learning about caves worth visiting, the upcoming celebrations for carnival in Progreso, spring festival and a religious celebration in Chuburna, a bit about families. It was an evening well spent.