First storm of the season ?

Well, the first that will directly affect us. Lots of storms and a few hurricanes but all well offshore. This has possibly the driest summer in the 10+ year I've been here. Hopefully this will dry out the surrounding farmland so more crops will be planted. We'll find out in the next few days.

From NOAA

Regardless of development, gusty winds and heavy rains causing flash floods and mud slides are expected in coastal portions of the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco and Nayarit this weekend into early next week. Interests in these areas and Baja California Sur should monitor the progress of this disturbance.

United States Embassy Mexico City
Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
Severe Weather in Mexico
September 3, 2016

The U.S. Embassy cautions U.S. citizens that severe weather is expected to bring gusty winds and very heavy rains to southwestern Mexico. Total rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches with isolated totals up to 15 inches are expected through the weekend into early next week over the southern Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco, and Nayarit. These rains could result in life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

The new pool

Just had to get one this year and they had this on sale at Coppel.   Normally $2500 pesos and was $2150 (200 dollars)  on an Internet special.   You can't buy them here in the winter and they are just showing up now.  Home Depot has them but only larger sizes and this is all I (my yard) can handle.  Later in the year they may be harder to find so why wait.   Kids are loving it already.

It's getting warmer and I feel summer coming.   The challenges will be the number of neighbor kids allowed and keeping it clean.   Chemicals, foot bath and running the filter pump after use.  Much easier, cheaper and less reponsibility than an in ground pool.   Now how to keep a small pool cool in the sun - a pool cover?

Intex pool from Coppel

Flowering Neem

Yesterday I thought I was smelling the Gardenia while watering the garden but it was 15 feet away and I was next to my largest Neem tree. Today the Neem blossoms really came out and gave them a good sniff. No doubt why the Neem is also called the Indian Lilac. Not real strong because the flowers are tiny but I hear in India where there are many trees the aroma is distinct at the beginning of summer. Another sure sign summer is here in Mexico.

Neem is not supposed to flower or fruit until 2-3 years old so it means this one sat in it's bucket before I planted it about a year and a half ago. Very interesting tree and I'll let you look it up. Will be interesting to watch how long the flowering goes on and how large the seeds become. Found two interesting videos below - an animation on 'natural insecticide' and one of my old favorites - CBC -The Nature of Things with David Suzuki

My Neem flowers

How to create a natural insecticide from Neem seeds (in English)

Miracle tree NEEM