We´re Back in Paradise

Hola…Once again the return to the PNW in late July was over and it was time to go home.  When we arrived in Seattle/Lynnwood on July 23^rd it seemed that it would be eons before time to return would arrive.  However, between Dolores and I getting our annual and bi-annual physical checkups/retuning, visiting with family and friends, and doing the social scene, it was suddenly time to head back to Puerto Vallarta on November 3^rd.  The weather had already turned (36 degrees F) at 4:00AM the morning of departure to the airport via our scheduled pickup by Shuttle Express.  The flight to PV, with a short time to walk around the San Francisco Airport, was uneventful except for a jarring landing in PV which had everyone gasping and buzzing.  Dolores asked the “driver” if a cow was on the runway and we left him smiling with his thumbs up and a promise to use that excuse in the future.   Customs allowed us through with a green light and raised eyebrow without a stop and we were transferred to the taxi and small truck area.

Our trip from the airport to our south end condo, accompanied by 8 pieces of luggage each 49.5 pounds, was by van with no one else aboard since we  took up all the space in the luggage compartment.  Our local niño’s were waiting to deliver our baggage into the condo which our maid had opened, cleaned, and aired out.  Weather was at its best and has remained perfect since our arrival!  The daytime highs are in the mid 80´s (F) and nighttime in the low 60´s.

We and approximately 100 other persons celebrated Thanksgiving with a trip to the mountains at Hacienda Jalisco hosted by Pam Thompson and her son Joey. The day was complete with deep-pit roasted turkey, all the trimmings, Mariachi´s, home made pumkin and lemon pies, and our own libations.  As we approach the holiday season, our plans include a roamantic Christmas dinner with friends; a toasting to the New Year with wonderful acquaintances; and watching football on New Year’s Day.  Yes, TeleCable has finally caught up with 89 regular plus 51 digital channels.  And after 3 years of putting up with marginal reception-to-no reception on many channels, many visits by TeleCable technicians, we finally have perfect clarity on all channels.  The problem (discovered by our “pool guy” and jack-of-all-trades) was a cross-threaded splitter.  Go figure!

Essence of Cuisine Cooking Classes start with two scheduled for December, a slow but welcome delay for the 2012 Season. 

This has been a wonderful beginning to the new season.  The weather is at its best and happiness seems to surround us! 

Feliz Navidad y un Feliz Año Nuevo a todos!