PROGRESS - Maybe
It was bound to happen, we just did not when. Puerto Vallarta became too expensive and development moved outwards. The first phase, many years ago, was Nuevo Vallarta. Now it is Bucerias's turn. We are firmly in the exurbs of PV. Multi-floored condos and apartments are going up left and right; there will be many hundred new units. Most of them are just big, bland, white boxes with minor variations. A wonderful exception is at the corner where the Grimaldi's are erecting a very stylish edifice with only twelve deluxe condos. But we are ensconced nicely in our small compound, serene - except for construction noise - and private. Our slice of paradise.
The trip here was mostly uneventful except for gate changes in DFW. The planes were packed, a bit surprising considering it was just the end of October. We arrived without much hubbub and were essentially set up in a week; we have the move down to a science. We miss our fruit man who has not yet made an appearance. The Wednesday market has started and we have seen several friends there.
We are being COVID cautious although a relatively low incidence is reported. It is somewhat worse for the state, Nayarit, as a whole, probably due to the capital Tepic. The new Omicron variant will be of concern. We just missed getting our boosters when we left and probably will obtain them when we return. Fortunately most activities here are outside, even dining, which make it much easier to contend with the viral challenges.
We left shortly after Rebecca had another endoscopy - uneventful this time - to assess her cancer situation. She is still cancer free and the doctor said it was okay for her to go six months until the next exam. However, she is still struggling with the effects of her second stroke in July which were worse than we initially thought - read below. Progress towards 'normal' has been slow and uneven. She keeps pushing ahead. But she is back in the saddle again.
Our latest newsletter:
Alas !! Romance is gone from Bucerias. The government has torn down the kissing bridge in the name of urban renewal or some such thing. Where will lovers woo while watching the sun set over the bay? Life goes on.
I am involved in a perpetual battle with the local mosquitoes and other evil insects. (What mosquitoes? -dt) They say that Albert Schweitzer had such reverence for life that he would not swat mosquitoes. In my opinion he was either a saint or crazy, probably both. In fact most saints are probably both. In any case the local insects ignore Dan and devour me. He claims it is the garlic in his Italian blood. I imagine that vampires don't like him either.
Many of you have inquired about my health after the second stroke. (In July -dt) Well so, so. My eye sight on the right side continues to have strange colors and patterns in it and also I often have double vision. When I close my left eye these things improve some.
After the stroke I felt totally exhausted. I was so tired it was a great effort just to get out of bed. Getting dressed was a major effort. I heard Dan telling someone I was a bit tired. Wrong!! Walking across the room was almost more than I could manage. I am feeling quite a bit stronger now. (Still weak and lacking stamina -dt)
I can walk down to Karen's with Brenda now and sit and watch the waves and/or the sunset while drinking a lemonada. In fact I was watching the waves the other day when a guy with a horse stopped to ask if I would like a ride. (Actually the horse guy remembered Mrs.T from a couple years ago. -dt) Well of course I would. After I was assisted in mounting by several helpful and enthusiastic Mexicans I went for a nice ride on the beach. The horse's name was Speedy Gonzales! Actually he should have been called Slow Gonzales but he was a very nice horse.
I arranged for the horse to visit our condo every Thursday at ten and I go for long rides down the mostly dried up river bed toward the mountains; I ride with two Mexicans on other horses. One keeps an eye on Speedy and me, and what the other guy's function is I haven't figured out. (Probably owns Speedy. -dt) When I ride up the river I see scores of butterflies of different kinds. One of my favorites is the great southern white butterfly, very large with blue around the edges.
The river bank is like a jungle of plants and wildflowers. (We do live in the tropics. -dt) Most of them are familiar and are often sold in nurseries. One time I saw a man digging up plants by the river bank and putting them in pots, to sell I presume. In other places I saw a man pumping water from the river with a small pump up the bank to irrigate his fields I suppose. At any rate, I greatly enjoy my ambles about the countryside on Speedy. With the butterflies I think of Emerson, "Tell them, dear, if eyes were made for seeing, then Beauty is its own excuse for being." (From The Rhodora about rhododendron -dt)
Dan, who is very protective of me (Yes. -dt), says I am not strong enough yet to go scuba diving, one of my great joys. I almost believe he triumphs (?? -dt) in denying me this. I am not sure I agree, but he yells (Just speaking forcefully -dt) at me and I give in. (I do wish she was able -dt)
The one thing that I have not recovered as well as I would like is my mind. The thing I miss most is my use of words. Sometimes I want to say something and I cannot find the words. I know there are words but I cannot find them. At night I lie in bed and cry for my lost words. The tears flow inside my CPAP mask which makes little whistling sounds. Then Dan pokes me annoyed because he thinks I need to adjust my mask. I hold my breath, unwilling to explain, - if I could find the words. So life is difficult. (Indeed. -dt)
My wreath was getting a little worn so Judy and I went shopping and at the second store, after much deliberation, I chose a wreath of pine boughs (Or at least imitation ones. -dt) lightly frosted with snow and garnished with red berries. I added a shiny red satin bow and it is a seasonal decoration for our front door.
I bought a dark brown lion to add to our nascimento (creche). I have embraced the Mexican custom of adding lots of extraneous animals which is Biblically and historically inaccurate but charming if a bit silly. Judy (Dr. Puzzle -dt), who is a talented and enthusiastic decorator, helped me with my little tree, Dan helping with numerous suggestions. We had fun. It is much more enjoyable than doing it by myself. Judy likes decorating so much she has three Christmas trees, a tiny one in Bucerias and two full-sized at her home in Canada. I really admire her enthusiasm.
Here are a few photos to amplify the story: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXbFVcp
A bit of housekeeping. We try our best to get each issue of our irregularly published newsletter out to each of you, about three hundred folks now. Pardon us if we should miss you. You are invited to peruse the 'blog' for anything you may have missed. And please, let us know if you are about to change your email; we hate losing you. (Thank you JS.) And feel free to share with anyone who is interested; they can always subscribe as well.
Best wishes for the holidays. Stay safe and healthy.
Dan and Rebecca
www.casa-de-terrible.blogspot.com
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