So--I've been thinking all day about what I will post, ---so I will do what I do my best--there's so much to say. First off- This neighborhood is killing me. I saw some little kid throwing kitties down a hill yesterday, freaked out and starting screaming- He was also throwing rocks at them---I was on the the phone with Ken (blew his ear off, I'm sure),so I got dressed, called the PV Animal Shelter,and we flew down the hill in the van. We did not find any kitties anywhere. Nothing-- I've been watching ever since. So tomorrow is a day off. Nice---I hate talking on the phone more and more. I'd like to go down to the beach, hang out with our books, and eat some fresh shrimp--as they catch it early morning. I've noticed that my hair is much softer with this water, and I feel cleaner. It doesn't have a smell or film like the water from Cuyutlan. Sometimes the water coming out the tap smelled so gross--like sewer water. Not here. Also,we are about 10 degrees cooler all around--night time is chilly- daytime is nice and not hot yet. Cooking is a real pleasure. I like cooking not only because I have more space-but also because it is nice and cool.--Let's see what summer brings. I miss my buddies. I miss my drives to Almeria on the Paradiso road, cranking my radio up, listening to Shakira or Enrique Iglesias. I miss all the wonderful,beautiful locals that I've met. I miss that good feeling that I had driving through town--it was like my world was real,real nice...and all was good and safe-- That's huge for me. The feeling of calm... Before I left, I went to the Church and talked to Ambrosia. I was told that she was the lady to talk to about securing my Holy Water. She went behind the altar at the church with an empty Coke Light bottle and returned with a full bottle. I gave 50 pesos to the church (to her) and left very happy. I sprinkled the holy water all over this house before we moved in all our stuff. I have done this same ritual for almost 20 years now--this is nothing new. It's important to me-it makes me feel safe. I think my sadness in leaving is not for my friends, but I feel so, so sad for the babies I left behind. I spoke to Juanita tonight, who told me that all our dogs were doing great. I miss my Ratzo most of all. I've cried many tears wanting her back with me. I'm being selfish, I know. I'm just so sad... Probably better news tomorrow--

At Home

Finally arrived the 31st-- All went super well except for our refrigerator sustained some dings. A little paint can cover those up, Bob says... We were non-stop unpacking, and actually were done two days later. I blitzed it out. Now--just final touches and accessories--all that happy slappy crap. Will be taking photos and relating impressions of our new home which is DEFINATELY DIFFERENT from the beach. Total Mexican neighborhood.--We really see life from our perch on top of this little mountain in Las Penas- (that's the name of our colonia). Much more later-touching base

later-m