Thursday is Rotary day

Thursday, January 8, 2009

It is so nice waking up in a quiet place. All I hear are the chirping birds.
This is a safe place to walk and I know where to go. Ramiro is still in bed when I leave.
As I open the door and the cows on the other side of the fence greet me quietly. Curious to know who their new neighbours are.
We're in the country. This land, can not be sold to anyone other than to the indigenous.
As I walk by my next door neighbours, I see goats, pigs, chicken, cows and horses.
A bit further down the road is another farm/coffee shop.
In the yard the cleared a spot, put a few posts in the ground with a roof over it and a few wooden shelves. This is where the other farmers stop for coffee in the morning.

I jump to the side of the narrow road every now and then as I hear the rattling of an approaching truck or car. Everyone waves. I wave back.
I really enjoy my walk this early in the morning. The air is much warmer than I remember it to be last March at this time of the day. I did not even need my sweater.

I notice some new homes being build. There are people with money out here, who enjoy the view of the volcano and build right on top of the hill for a good view.

When I return, I have my shower and breakfast and am just tidying up the RV when Joe walk in to pick up Ramiro. They are going to check out some of the PA buildings that need work and see what supplies are needed for when the volunteers arrive.
I drive over to the Hacienda and set up my computer. I am able to sit outside amongst the flowers and the birds. What a treat. I have an excellent internet connection from the office Wifi and Skype Fred and Annemieke who have been trying to contact us several times. I see on their videocam that they are wearing warm sweaters. Yes, I know guys it's cold op north. But there are places a lot colder.
This is a report I received from Alaska:

JUNEAU, Alaska - Ted Johnson planned on using a set of logs to a build a
cabin in Alaska's interior. Instead he'll burn some of them to stay warm.

Extreme temperatures - in Johnson's case about 60 below zero - call for
extreme measures in a statewide cold snap so frigid that temperatures have
grounded planes, disabled cars, frozen water pipes and even canceled several
championship cross country ski races.
-------
We are so fortunate to sit in a warm climate.

I hear the church bells ringing It’s high noon. Then the fireworks start. What’s going on here. Why, in the middle of the day

Here in Cofradia, Christmas start on the 25th and end on the 12th of January when the Virgin of Guadaloupe is being honoured. That’s almost three weeks. That’s too much partying for me. The square is blocked off for the Fair, and every night there is music. We’ll have to check it out, but not tonight.

We invite Joe to have lunch with us and Later I return to the Hacienda for more computer time.

The view on the way home is so nice. I just can't stop taking pictures.

We’re going with Ted and Susan to a Rotary meeting in Colima.
Joe invites us for a sandwich at his place and some friends drop in. Richard, who is originally from California and Magdalena from Mexico. They have a house in Comala.
I learn that Richard, due to intestinal problems is following the same diet as I do, no bread and limited starches and sugars. I learned a lot more and it was nice to hear that I am not the only one.

Ted and Susan arrive and we have another glass of wine. We leave for Colima for the Rotary meeting at 8:45 pm. The meeting is suppose to start at 9:00 pm, but that’s when everyone starts walking in. They all bring their own bottle and a snack, peanuts or chips. Tonight the wives of Rotarians are invited as well.
Everyone is greeted, hugged and kissed and New Years wishes exchanged. We see familiar faces from last year and meet a lot of new, wonderful people, including a couple from Aquacalientes who are here for a wedding. We exchange e-mails and phone numbers. They want us to visit as we drive through the area. Sure, we’ll park the RV right in front of your house.
By 10: 00 pm The Chairman starts the meeting and we stand for the march of the flag.
All Rotarians introduce themselves and the guests are welcomed in a lot of words. Affer a while I losse my concentration and don;t bother trying to understand everything.
Tonight is a historic moment. The first two woman are inducted into the club.
We exchange club banners, and I am asked to explain the meaning of the details on my club banners. Gee, no preparation. It’s too late to think, I do it in English and Ted translate.

At 11:00 pm dinner is served. Lasagna and salad. I skip the lasagna but enjoy the salad.
For dessert everyone walks up to the front to cut a piece of the large cake ring, which is a tradition in many Spanish speaking countries, in honour of the Three Kings on January sixth.
If you are one of the people who will find the little plastic angel in your cake, you will need to provide the Tamales and Atole, a Corn based drink, flavoured in various ways, including chocolate.

It’s well after midnight before we return to Cofradia. I am going to sleep in tomorrow.