(Lyrics to Cat's in the Cradle) My son turned ten just the other day, He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play, Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok", And he walked away but his smile never dimmed, And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah Today is my birthday (cumpleaños), and I am feeling pretty darn blessed to be sitting by the ocean with my family enjoying the sounds of the waves roll in. Yet at the same time, not feeling as good as I should due to the flu that came on last night. Read on at your risk to hear how this all ends. Lord have mercy. Saturday - Sábado So let's go ... read more

"If life is like a rat race, I choose to be the cat". ~ Whoopi-ty-aye-oh, Rockin' to and fro, back in the saddle again. Our second home beckoned and we gleefully answered the call and arrived back in Playa yesterday. I know I mention this all the time, but it really is like old home week coming back here; always welcomed and greeted with big hugs from the condo staff and the many other people we've gotten to know here. They are always so happy to see us (Who wouldn't be happy to see us right? :) I was here in April for a bit of work, and brought along my sister Cindy and friends Martha & Linda. While here I also wanted to work on a personal writing project I have on the go which ... read more

"Look closely. The beautiful may be small."~ This trip we've really had a chance to stop and smell the roses. Or in this case a chance to stop and stare at the bodacious African red tulip tree which let me tell you is in a category all of its own. Rich bold red color and large scooped-shape blossoms, which makes you stop in your tracks and admire its beauty. There's no doubt that when traveling with kids/family, you are much more inclined to be distracted and caught up with their well-being and needs. But this trip we've been free as the breeze to do as we please. Which is explore, and take the time to sight-see extensively at a leisurely pace. No trying to please everyone over day trips, and then being mule-packs to get from ... read more

"Let's find a beautiful place to get lost"... ~ I sort of feel like I've been blind-folded, then spun around, and then put before my computer to write a blog & try and remember what we did and when. Sitting outside on the terrace on Domingo (Sunday) having a coffee, and watching the sunrise at 7:30 a.m. almost on the dot. A little sliver of apricot was hiding behind a cloud, and it was over quick. When the cloud moved there was the sun's round face in all her glory smiling at me. I'm trying to type up the blog in some timeline, so between pictures and pretending that I'm having a chat with mom on the phone (which makes it easier to put it in some format) I hope it all comes together. (My Mom ... read more

"The quieter you become, the more you can hear". Ssshh...what is that sound? I can barely identify it because I don't hear it very often. It's the sound of silence...Ahhhhh. The sigh heard around the world. Most of you can relate to waking up on vacation on the first day, in a new place & having no darn idea where the heck you are! (And I'm not referring to the dance with a bottle of Tequila the night before when you were young & foolish & waking up in a ditch...) I'm talking that first morning on holidays when you wake up in unfamiliar surroundings and have to give your head a shake and adjust your eyes to realize, oh we're in Mexico! When I woke yesterday morning it was to the very distinctive sound of ... read more