Well, sorry to be so skeptical, but I want to test this one more time.  Let me know if you can get on it. Today, after morning prayers, yoga, and green smoothie, I have 45 minutes of swimming at a nearby pool. Not cheap, and not big, but better than nothing and a good counter-exercise to the constant up and down walking.  Tolk with you soon, I hope.

Hi. Just testing to see if this will post.  It's been giving me fits.  we shall see. If it does, I'll continue with our stories of life in Mexico. If not, I have another blog I maybe can use.  Stay tuned.

Folks in the Neighborhood

This is a city of roughly 500,000 people and the state capital. Nevertheless it seems most folks know each other, at least in our neighborhood.  They often stop to chat on the street or in doorways or out the open front windows.  We're now on friendly terms with the owners of the little general store half block up the hill. They are quick to help with answers to questions, offers of a ride in their big red pickup, a cup of coffee from her home village and more.  The lady who runs the internet cafe around the corner which we used for 2 or 3 weeks before getting it in the apartment. She is a devout lady who keeps us informed of all the churchly activities going on in town.  We stop in to chat or greet her on the way to or from mass.

Then there is Juan Carlos, the juice guy, a few steps down our street. He's actually climbed the huge mountains around here several times.  Delicious fresh OJ every day! And Maria, runs the bakery that bakes marvelous bread with wood burning ovens.  Irresistible (the bread). And the tortilla ladies who get our 1/4 kilo of silky soft tortillas ready when they see Dick coming. And who also held on to his lovely wood cane he left there, until he came by the next day.  The parish priest who is happy to have D. deacon for him anytime.  The 85 yr old priest at the small chapel we attend twice a week. Also happy to have a deacon help out.  As of now, since the bishop just finished ordaining the last of the transitory deacons to the priesthood, Dick is the entire college of deacons in the diocese, all by himself.  And the ONLY permanent deacon too. At least until they finish the on going study on the subject, going on 3 years here now.  The elderly father of the owner of this apt. building, who loves to talk and actually sticks his foot in our door to the street to keep talking.  Interesting stories.  Great grandmother came from Lebanon. The pharmacy ladies who wave cheerfully each time we walk by going to or from church. The lady who sells 4 course dinners out of her front room for $4 US. (40 pesos)

And actually almost every soul we see answers our unfailing cheery greeting with a friendly greeting and the usual bemused look we have gotten for years, every time we live in Mexico. Soon I'll have to tell you more about the tireless entrepreneurial spirit that drives almost everyone in this country, and is evident on every block of every street. Amazing!

More soon. Stay tuned.