December 16 2013

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Los Barriles.  Roger has put up a lot of lights all around the perimeter of our roof line, our Mexican Christmas tree is lit and is wearing a quilted tree skirt, and a double wedding ring Christmas hanging is decorating our tv set.  I confess the western Washington Christmas color of the quilts look a little out of place, but they are reminders of other places and spaces!  After a good 6 weeks of work, I think we are pretty well settled in here.  During the first week or so of December I painted our first wall mural.  I've included photos of the process.  What a surprise when I realized my tree branch went off into "no where"... which had to be fixed of course.  The days have cooled off some though the afternoons usually warm up.  The winds are brisk for the most part now and the kiters are loving it.  We've had lunch out on the beach a few times, hunkered down side of the wind just to watch the sail boards and kiters out there having a ball.  We had Thanksgiving dinner here in the park, quite a delicious affair. AND of course the big news that evening for us, TelCel finally hooked up our home phone and internet!  Last Sunday we participated in the park cookie exchange, my very first.  I am still 'learning' how to use the gas oven on our fine stove; friends gave us two large tiles to put in the bottom of the stove, which helps even out the heat and hold a more steady temperature.  Christmas eve day there is a fun gift exchange here and then Christmas day is a big potluck with park folks bringing side dishes etc.  We have really been blessed this year and we know it.  Roger and I hope wherever you are, you are experiencing the joys of Christmas, the friendship and good health we all give thanks for.  Happy trails...