Look what the cats brought home

One of these was ours but at this point I can't remember which. These suddenly started appearing at our doorstep a few months ago and has since stopped - probably because there are no more left in the neighborhood. They also brought home a bird a few days ago but I'm sure the dusters are much slower. Mystery never solved but I'm careful which of the neighbors I ask over.

Another day in Melaque - Costalegre

Quinceanera

This was my second Quinceanera and we got the invitation a few hours before the party. I don't know if that was an after thought or if they were still unsure they could capture the pig that was rumored to be running around the neighborhood early in the morning. The feast included many parts of pig and each way it's cooked has a different name.

A Quinceanera is the turning of age of a 15 year old girl and the celebration can be pretty elaborate - but this was simple. I had only met her parents so buying two blouses sized medium was not going to fit a large girl - I told them I'd help exchange later. The last Quinceanera the girl went to the dentist to get her 3 front teeth fixed.

The house was in the country beyond Jaluco and I was really surprised by the number of mosquitoes and 'no-see-ums'. The bugs finally chased us back to Melaque about sunset

Mexico arrests 6 caught with more than 52,000 sea turtle eggs

The Associated Press
Published: August 25, 2007

MEXICO CITY: Police arrested six people suspected of trying to illegally sell more than 52,000 sea turtle eggs in southern Mexico, authorities said Saturday.

The five men and one woman were caught Friday transporting the eggs in dozens of plastic bags in the southern town of San Pedro Huamelula, Mexico's Public Security Department said in a news release. The department did not release any further information.

Mexico is a major nesting area for several species of sea turtles, which are endangered and protected by law. Harvesting or selling their eggs is punishable by up to nine years in prison and fines.

Still, officials seize thousands of turtle eggs at markets each year in Mexico, where they are considered a delicacy.

Summer vacation almost over

Well this is the last week of summer vacation in Mexico and the beaches will get quiet again. It's been a pretty busy summer here in Melaque despite (or because of) the heat and humidity.

I got back from 3 weeks in Seattle not long ago and this weather has made me not want to do anything - including Blogging. Even before I left we had a month of overbearing weather - but no hurricanes yet. September is usually the worst month for bad weather so we'll see how global warming effects the west coast.

I walked the beach to Barra de Navidad the other day and that place is getting fancier by the month - and more expensive. Taking the local bus back is the best way to survive unless you make the walk in the morning. Only cost 4.5 pesos.

We have a friend building a shipping container home in Cuastecomate and that has been a very interesting project to watch develope. I've posted comments and some fotos on our Costalegre Message board - Container Living thread

My newest project is to build a ramada (palapa) off the back of our house for shade and rain protection. I got the wood (palm) framework from neighbors who just took down a palapa in favor of brick walls. Will have a couple of local guys do the palapa 'thatching'. Hope to put a brick patio underneath it and have a second outdoor area with privacy. Cool!

Remember US government surplus food in the '60's

Here is the Mexico version - altho you have to pay a little. This foto is of 2 allotments each at 20 pesos so total was 40. The distribution is pretty erratic and sometimes it's just milk or milk with cookies. We were able to get 2 this time because the program is winding down for summer vacation which starts in about 2 weeks.

What am I doing being a small part of this. Well, we have 5 kids with 4 below secondary and all kids are eligible "if they have the 20 pesos". Mari would not think of passing these offers up. 'Desarrollo Integral de la Familia' (DIF) of Jalisco is who provides these foods.