New pool and new computer

The rain has slowed down greatly. There has been only small amounts in the last 10 days and nothing for 5 days. As of yesterday, the lake level was only 25 mm (10 inches) from the high mark in 2008. Even without much more rain, the level will keep rising until near the end of September.

The new computer arrived on Wednesday. I needed to ‘migrate’ all the stuff from my old computer. I wasn’t able to get any of the direct wire connections to work and thus had to use the wireless network, which is slower. It took about 14 hours until about 6 a.m. to finish! The next morning I thought that it hadn’t worked because I couldn’t see many of the files. I spent about 4 frustrating hours. Then, I did a reboot and ‘Voila!’, everything was there. On Thursday night (as in the photos), we set the computer in the living room and watched a movie--the rationale for buying the new computer! It worked very well. We have only a few DVD movies that we brought down from Nova Scotia, but the Lake Chapala Society has a video library and lends movies. We’ll see what they have. Also, there are several sellers of videos in the tianguis and at the plaza in Ajijic. They are almost certainly bootleg copies and are pretty inexpensive, about 50 pesos or so each. They are illegal of course; I have heard that in Guadalajara from time to time (to appease the Americans I think), the police swoop down on sellers in street markets there and confiscate their videos. I haven’t heard of that happening here.


A couple of weeks ago, we bought a new little wading pool and this was the first time we used it with the girls. Fatima is helping me to pump it up. It is very nice and a big improvement on the old one. However, a week from tomorrow, the twins have a birthday coming. We were told that their good shoes had not returned with them. We went to a shoe store; it was a bit of a nightmare with 3 little girls running around, looking at and handling the shoes. Barbara wanted good, solid sandals, but they were too boring and besides only the boys’ sandals were really solid. The girls sandals were all flimsy. Finally, we saw some sneakers (Princess no less and with flashing lights) that were fairly solid. We finally got ones that fit for each of the 3 girls (Fatima too). When we got back to LIA late this afternoon and gave them to the girls to take in, we discovered that the box for Dariana had only one shoe. In the confusion of multiple shoe boxes, one shoe had been left out. We had to go back to the shoe store and get the missing shoe! This afternoon, we transferred recent photos and videos of the girls to the new computer with its big screen. They loved seeing themselves so clearly.

A big Imac

The rain seems to be coming less frequently and less quantity in the last week or so. Nevertheless, we are only about 12 mm (.5 inch) from equally the average annual rainfall and only about 62 mm (2.5 inches) of equaling the 2008 rainfall. The lake level is now only 30 cm. (12 inches) from the peak in 2008. At least one projection (based on the fact that the peak usually comes only near the end of September) is that this year’s peak could be about 1 meter higher than 2008. That will probably mean the park will be flooded again and even start up some of the streets into the town. More people who have intruded into the lake will be flooded.

I ordered my new computer (27 inch Imac) on Aug. 9. I ordered the big screen desktop so that we can watch movies on DVD. I went to the Apple Online Store to see if I could get the educational discount here. I could and that saved 2000 pesos (Can $170) making not much more than if I bought the same model in Halifax. I ordered through the Mexican online store, getting the basic model except I asked for the English language keyboard. I don’t know if that is why it took 11 days to ship it from the warehouse. I expected that the warehouse would be in Mexico, but it turns out that it is in Ontario, Calif. That is 60 or 70 miles east of Los Angeles. Thus, I don’t know why an English language keyboard should be a problem in the US; of course the other explanation is that they had sold out of that model and had to wait for more to arrive from the east where they are assembled. Apple doesn’t hold much inventory. The computer is being shipped with UPS and although picked up on Friday, did not go to Louisville, Kentucky until Sunday. It arrived in Mexico City early this morning, but so far no word of leaving Mexico City. It will probably be delivered either Thursday or Friday; that is longer than I expected. I have of course been checking the tracking several times a day.

Here is a small item about differences in Spanish. The previous Monday, I asked Letitia (Lety as she is called here apparently) when her children started school. It was yesterday on Monday. We would usually say “a week from today”. Also, we would say “2 weeks from today.” In Spanish, they say “8 days” or “15 days” thus counting the current day as well as the week or 2. I had seen this in the Spanish books, but had never encountered it before. When I looked blank, Lety went to the calendar and pointed out the date.

So many people we meet here have had interesting careers and lives. Jill, someone Sonia had met, falls into that category. She too is English but married a Canadian. After he completed a Ph.D. in agriculture, he was hired to work on an American company’s operation in Guatemala. After a year there, the company asked him (and the family of course) to go to Costa Rica to start and manage a new operation there; they lived for an additional 9 years, a total of 10 years in Central America. When that was closed, they were moved back to the company’s base in California where they lived for many years. She had a really bad patch when she lost her mother and learned in the same week that her ex-husband had also died. Then, 10 months later her daughter died in childbirth. A little over 2 years ago when she retired, she decided that her resources and income would go much farther in Mexico than in California and she is comfortable in a Spanish speaking environment. She has lost partial sight and has diabetes; nevertheless, she has come down here on her own. Although we thought that we were pretty daring to do what we did, others here leave us in the shade.

Settling back in

It has taken over a week, but things do seem to be getting back to normal. The twins etc. did arrive shortly after Barb talked to Alvia on Friday or Saturday. We went to LIA on Monday to deliver money we had received from sponsors. As soon as Dareli saw Barb, she ran full tilt and jumped into her arms. Other kids went to find Fatima and she too came running and jumped into my arms; there was no question that they were happy to see us. Saturday, August 14th, we resumed our usual schedule, taking 3 BBQd chickens etc. to the toddlers’ house. At the moment, there are only 11 little ones, plus Fatima and Yuliana’s older sister, Claudia, who apparently does not get on well with the new housemother who looks after the 6-11 year old girls where she used to stay. She is a good worker and helps out with the younger kids really well. The twins seem none the worse for wear, their mother, Silvia, is smiling and younger brother, Christopher, who often before seemed to be crying and very needy, was playing and in a very happy mood on Saturday.


We then went to Soriana, the supermarket, and bought a new little pool. The old one (we originally got it for Aiden when he was here 2 years ago) is getting a bit worse for wear. The new pool is probably not quite as wide in diameter, but has inflatable sides. We also bought an air pump, but when we got home, we found that the hose and nozzle was missing from the box (I returned it later and got a new complete one for next week). Thus, they had to use the old pool one more time. They seemed to enjoy it nonetheless as in the photo. Also, Barb had found a sun dress for each girl at Value Village in Toronto. After the swim, Barb put them in the new dresses. She wanted to take photos and told them to go to Wally. I was squatting down and the twins hit me so hard simultaneously, that I fell back into the coffee table and you can see me sprawled very awkwardly.

This is a very busy time for people at LIA. School starts here on August 23rd and all the kids have to be equipped with school uniforms, shoes, backpacks and a long, very specific list of school supplies. Last year was a nightmare because of the move from up on the mountain. As a result, with only 3 or 4 exceptions, all the kids were going to new schools, thus requiring new uniforms (each school has its own uniform). This year, some of the kids can get by with hand-me-downs from last year. Still, it is a big job sorting out what they have already and what must be purchased. In addition, for all kids beyond grade 4, there are school fees (rising for the higher grades). The godparents provide all the money for these expenses. Of course, this is also the case for all Mexican families with children. I asked Letitia about the start of school and she too lamented ruefully, “Mucho dinero.” She has 2 children about 10 and 7 years old.

In Mexico we live with an FM3 visa; this is a non-immigrant long term visa. It means that one is not supposed to work here, but live on income from elsewhere. It has previously been in a passport like little booklet and good for 5 years, although it had to be renewed each year. We always had to present it to be stamped every time we left or entered Mexico. We are just finishing the second year. However, the powers that be decided to change things. Everything is to be more computerized. The passport booklet is being replaced by a wallet card, like a driver’s license. This too will be presented on every entry or departure, but no stamping of the booklet. For us, it means doing everything again as we did for getting the FM3 originally. That means getting our passports photocopied (every page), 3 monthly bank statements to show that we have at least US $1500 monthly income, a telephone or electric statement showing an owned residence (renters have to get special statements from landlords), and new, different sized photos. The new system is supposed to be simpler for foreigners as you go online to fill out and print a form. Authorities have promised to open an office in Chapala, but that has been delayed (no one knows how long). As a result, one still has to go to Guadalajara (at least twice and maybe 3 times if you lack some document or other) if you do it on your own. Fortunately, we have Mago’s office in Chapala. She did our FM3 the first time and the renewal last year. On Friday, we went to her again as authorities like you to start the process at least 30 days before expiry (there are significant consequences if you go beyond the expiry date--Sept. 12th for us). Mago’s office does almost all the paper work. Then, they take us in to Guadalajara to get fingerprinted and sign the forms. Somehow, they are able to arrange that when we get there, we go directly to the window even in front of other people waiting. Anyway, when we hear about other people making multiple trips to Guadalajara, waiting in long lines etc., we know that the modest fees Mago charges are well worth it.

It is still raining (10 of 15 days in August). We have received 4.4 inches (average 7.1) so far. For 2010, we have 31.5 inches (average 33.5) with still 1.5 months in the rainy season. We should also exceed the 2008 total of 35.4 inches. Lake Chapala is rising rapidly and seems certain to exceed the maximum level reached in 2008. Even more people who had occupied land when the lake levels were low will be flooded out. It is hard to feel too much pity for people who have appropriated land that they were not entitled to. However, that has been happening ever since the Spaniards arrived in the early 16th C.

Our trip to Nova Scotia

Chronologically, this post should have been done earlier, but we are just getting settled in and getting rested from the trip to Canada. We had 2 weeks in White Point Beach cottages and had a good variety of visitors. We enjoyed good visits with the grandsons, Aiden and Blake. Tarra and Jeff came with the boys for 2 days/nights and then left the boys with us for 2 more nights. We had to go back to Halifax for various appointments for Barb for 1 day. We stayed that night with Matthew and Ange in Halifax while Jeff and Tarra returned to White Point to stay with the boys and we returned for 2 more days with all the family. Thus, virtually all the first week the boys were at White Point. They loved the swimming pool and playing on the beach; of course, they liked the bunnies although most of the latter were not too interested in the rabbit food; I expect it is because in the summer with so many other kids, they are too well fed. Aiden is trying to attract one with only limited success in the photo. However, later he was a bit more successful with another bunny.

In the photos, you can see Aiden with the train sweater that Barb had knitted. That one is actually for Blake as Barb had also knitted one with a backhoe for Aiden. The photo with Blake has him with one of the laughing monkeys that Barb found in Mexico City while we were waiting for 5 hours for our flight to Toronto. Until the batteries run down, I expect that Jeff and Tarra have been driven crazy.

On Saturday after one week, we had to move to a second cottage. That went well as we only had to move a short distance down the street.

Later that day, Emma and Sonya arrived from Middleton in the Annapolis Valley for lunch and a short afternoon visit; Matthew and Ange arrived the same afternoon to spend 2 nights over the weekend. Matt and Ange had both had busy times getting ready for the beginning of their vacations and we were all happy to spend a relaxing time talking, especially about their baby due in January. That, of course, is very exciting for us all. On Monday, we had to go to Halifax again for more appointments. That turned into an adventure. After 2 morning appointments, we had a break until another appointment at 3 p.m. in Dartmouth. To pass the time, we decided to go to Starbucks in the new outlet shopping centre at Dartmouth Crossing to get coffee and to go online. After doing her email, Barb handed the computer to me and said she wanted to drive to the other end of the area (it is very spread out) to one of the stores. Navigating to and in Dartmouth Crossing is not easy as it is very confusing. I was dubious, but she assured me that she would be back by 2:45. To make a long story short, in driving back, Barb took a wrong turn and got on an exit which took her out onto the freeway. She had a very difficult time getting back in and returning to Starbucks. In fact the little over half a kilometer distance took her almost 45 minutes. It ended up making us 30 minutes late for our 3 p.m. Fortunately, Jeff Schlew, an old friend of Barb’s, still fitted us in. However, we were both thoroughly frazzled. Fortunately, we had a quiet night when we returned to White Point.

The next day, Tuesday, our friends Kate and Jack arrived to spend a day and night with us. We enjoyed sharing our experiences since they left Mexico in April, but realized that it would only be 3 months until they returned to Ajijic. They are looking forward to that, although recently the weather in Halifax has been much better than when they first arrived back. On Thursday, Dawn and Gorden arrived to spend a night. In addition to the time and visit at White Point, we were invited to dinner at their newly finished, enlarged house on our way back from White Point at the end of our timeshare on Saturday. Back in Halifax we spent the next 4 nights at Wendy’s house. It worked well. On Sunday with us in the house to look after the dog and cat, Wendy and Greg were able to spend an entire day and night (their 40th wedding aniversary) on their boat in Chester; we saw many of our friends in the Brunch Club for Sunday brunch. In the afternoon, Jess and Dave came down from Shubenacadie for a visit. Dave has been invited to perform at a large folk music festival in Toronto in September. On Monday, we went to Chester to spend several hours with Wendy and Greg sailing around some islands near Chester. It was a perfect day with enough wind to allow us to sail--my first experience of sailing. The next day, we went a short distance farther to Mahone Bay to where Matthew and Ange were in their boat. We had another several hours sailing in perfect weather and Matt let me steer for a while. It was only as we were returning to shore to where our car was that it clouded over and later began to rain. That evening, our last in Nova Scotia, Greg and Wendy had most of their kids and grandkids to their place for hot dogs and hamburgs (the latter were among the best I've ever had and I had 2!).

As you can see, it was a very busy time, but we did get to see all the family and many of our friends in this relatively short 3 weeks.

Our beloved twins are returning!

Well, we got back home from Canada yesterday about 5 p.m. safe and sound. We flew from Halifax to Toronto on Wednesday and stayed with Barb's sister, Faye, for a night. Thus, we spread the trip each way over 2 different days. Faye and Keith picked us up and delivered us to the airport both times even though we were staying only a few hours. Faye and Keith were extraordinarily generous. We had planned to stay 2 nights on the trip to Nova Scotia, but the delay had shortened that. Apparently, we were very lucky on our return trip. We left Toronto at 7:40 a.m. Later that day, creditors in the US and Canada pushed Mexicana Airlines (with whom we were flying) into backruptcy and froze all assets there. If we had not gotten away, the plane may have been seized and we might have been stranded, at least temporarily. Flights were still operating in Mexico and our flight from Mexico City to Guadalajara left 30 minutes late but got there only a little behind time. We are sorry to learn of Mexicana's trouble as we were impressed (actually complimentary hot food) and cheaper than Air Canada. We were able to avoid going through the US and the insane security etc. Actually, it was different in another way. On the return, we were processed for immigration, but not for customs in Mexico City. Our checked luggage was marked as international and forwarded all the way from Toronto to Guadalajara. We then did the customs check in Guadalajara and Barb got the green light. Although we are very tired and will probably be a couple of days recovering, we are very glad to be home.

It is continuing to rain here. This morning between midnight and 7 a.m., there was another 0.3 inches but not lightning etc. (Stan, the house/dog sitter, said that there have been grand thunder storms); however, we did get sun from the late morning to mid afternoon and Barb was able to wash clothes and get them dried. It is very cloudy now in the evening and we shall probably get more rain tonight. It rained for 26 out of 31 days in July and so far has rained 4 out of 6 days in August. The yearly total is already well above the total rainfall for 2009 and the level of Lake Chapala is above the highest point last year. Although it is not a torrent, there has been a steady flow of water from Upper La Floresta down Paseo de la Pesca (our cross street) all day. There are warnings that some areas in the mountains are water logged and there could be mud slides etc. As we were coming in for a landing at Guadalajara airport, we did notice how green the mountains are; also, the plants and shrubs in Barb’s garden are growing like crazy.

This evening Barb called Alvia in Love in Action to say that we won’t be going to LIA tomorrow as we are too tired. However, she did ask about the Dareli and Dariana; it is very good news as Alvia says that they are expecting the family back next week on Monday or Tuesday. Barb has been so worried and upset that this is a great relief. We have become so attached to the girls and they to us that our imaginations tended to work overtime when we know how delicate their mother’s mental state is; we could not imagine how they would be safe. We can hardly wait to see them.