The vagabond years are over. Leslie and I are headed for our new home — Ajijic, Mexico. As the temperatures dropped here in Chicago’s western suburbs over the past few weeks, we have enjoyed seeing the beautiful fall colors. However, we didn’t expect to see snow flurries. It’s a sure sign we stayed in the Frozen North too long!
We’ve been in the U.S. since mid-July, and we’ve accomplished a lot. For example, Leslie has excellent vision now, thanks to Dr. Lafayette’s cataract surgery, and she was able to spend quality time with her two sisters and daughter Stephanie. The best thing about being here so long is that we were able to have great breakfasts, lunches and dinners, some at old “favorite” places, with our many friends in the western suburbs. And we can both hit the road with excellent haircuts! Thanks, Traci!
We also enjoyed worshipping with our friends at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, where Director of Music Dan Wagner has begun a monthly Evensong. If you like great choral music, you will love the Grace Evensong series. And we had a ball visiting The Morton Arboretum in Lisle to see the trolls. If you live in Chicagoland — or if you plan to visit here — you gotta go see the trolls! (See big photos below.) This terrific, slightly quirky, display of art will be at the Arboretum until the end of 2018 and possibly longer.
People who learn of our plans often ask, “When are you coming back?” We’ve been approved for Permanent Resident status in Mexico, so we don’t expect to come back! We may return to the U.S. for a two-week vacation next summer to see family and friends. We might also vacation in Europe. Realistically, though, we’ll remain at least one full year in Ajijic and evaluate after we’ve experienced all the seasons.
Many of you have asked if the blog will continue. Definitely, yes! And I hope you’ll continue to follow us. Leslie and I already have plans to join friends in Léon, Mexico, for an international hot-air balloon festival in mid-November, so we expect to have lots of things to tell you about during our first full year of non-vagabondness. (That may not be an actual word, but it’s really descriptive!) And, of course, all our friends have a standing invitation to visit us south of the border.
Now it’s goodbye to the U.S.A. Next post from Ajijic!
Hasta luego!
Ex-pats in Mexico 
Never good bye! Always see you soon! May your new home be filled with love and happiness for the next year or even longer if you decide to stay.
Looking forward to reading about the next chapter in your lives! Love you both. Xoxoxo
Zdenka
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Thank you, Z! Yes, we will definitely see you again. All our love to you and Christopher.
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Via con Dios!
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Thanks, Jerry! We haven’t seen you and Eileen in way too many years. Hope you can come down to visit sometime.
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I miss you already. I was misty all my way home after seeing you Saturday. Super misty writing now. I am so happy for you both and your grand adventure. I really hope to come visit someday.
I love you both! Safe travels and blessed new home.
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Awww! Thanks, Traci! We love you too, and we hope you and Chris can come for a visit. Maybe you could bring the boys, too! And our best to Gail. It was great to see her Saturday.
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God bless you both! I really admire your entire process and your final decision (eventhough I was rooting for France). You two are really lucky you have each other to share this brave,new adventure. What a great time to be saying goodbye to the USA. I hope to do the same soon. Take care.
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Thanks, Yolanda! The timing is serendipitous because we started planning this several years ago. But yes, we agree. Come down for a visit!
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Safe travels and we hope to catch up with you when we return to Ajijic. God Bless!!
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Thanks, guys! We both look forward to seeing you in Mexico!
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It was really good to see you both and glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. Safe Journeys until we meet again. See you on the Blog or occasionally on FB/Email :). Blessings JnJ
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Thank you, Joyce! You and Jack should consider coming down to visit us and see this beautiful country. Best of luck on your home in St. Louis.
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