Thank you for your comments about the new landscaping in the back of our house. Leslie and I are really enjoying the bright colors. If you saw the video, you may remember there’s also an herb garden. We’ve finished the green leaf lettuce Enrique planted there, and we’ve enjoyed several great zucchinis! It’s really nice to have fresh parsley, thyme and rosemary. And I love making pico de gallo (known as Salsa Méxicana here) with fresh cilantro and limes from our own tree.
But we both noticed that the front of the house had very few plants and was, frankly, boring. Then one day, Leslie went up the street to visit our Méxican neighbors, Norberto and Monica. She liked what she saw along the driveway leading up to their house and asked who did the plantings. Norberto, one of the most helpful people I know, arranged for their gardener, Francisco, to take a look at our front garden space. Francisco speaks very little English, so Norberto translated for us and we explained what we wanted done.
We were a little surprised when we came home the next afternoon and found Francisco had already started working on the soil! We didn’t expect such a quick response. Normally, things take time here in México! But he got to work and got the job done in just a few days. Here’s a video:
We’ve heard lots of compliments from neighbors who walk past the house on their morning constitutional or walking their dogs. In time, of course, everything will grow and fill in so that you won’t see the dirt. Again, lots of color but some different kinds of flowers. We’re very pleased with how it turned out.
What’s the next project? Stay tuned!
Here’s an amazing photo. On the morning of Aug. 9, Leslie and I were enjoying a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper on our iPads when I looked up and saw a water spout over the lake! These are rare but they do happen. This one apparently lasted about half an hour, but I just caught the end of it. I was able to get a couple of photos from our terraza before it faded away.
It’s called a culebra in Spanish, and they can move onto land. If that happens it becomes a tromba, which can do a lot of damage. The local paper noted that in 1973, a tromba hit the east end of the lake’s north shore, killing 32 people and destroying many homes. Glad this one stayed over water!
Life is gradually getting back to normal here in Ajijic. Mask-wearing is mandatory only in health care settings and on public transportation. It’s optional everywhere else, and many people choose not to wear a mask. But we have two neighbors who recently tested positive for COVID, so we remain vigilant. We hope to be traveling again soon. One of our neighbors is suggesting a trip to Aguascalientes to visit a few wineries! And we definitely plan to be on the beach for Leslie’s birthday in October!
More to come. Until then — hasta luego!
Ex-pats in Mexico 