The hurricane that didn't happen

And we're so glad it didn't! Larry and I stashed patio furniture cushions, strapped down hammocks, collapsed umbrellas and evaluated which potted plants might prove lethal if left on walls or tables. In Puerto Vallarta, windows at the Liverpool center were either boarded up or taped with big crosses. Sandbags were strategically placed across doors and drives. If we know anything in Mexico these days, it's how to respond publically to a crisis.



But it was officially beautiful yesterday with the remnants of what turned out to be a benign tropical storm swirling through the sky. There was enough rain over the last few days that the river behind our house broke through the sand bar which builds up across its mouth each year during the dry season. The green waters have escaped and we now have a tide-sensitive estuary. The egrets have returned, and the setting sun which broke through the lead belly cloud cover for a few brief glorious moments before sliding below the horizon gilded their white breasts as they veered up and over our heads. Sort of breathtaking.



There's still quite a gringo contingent in the Jaltemba Bay area, and those that are left are using the quiet time to throw themselves into creative efforts. Lin is building another suite in her bed and breakfast while a local artist is covering her walls with murals. Roberto and Ann are painting, painting, painting, except when Roberto is cooking, cooking, cooking. Eddie is showing up like clockwork at Xaltemba, as if it were an office job, coming up with new restaurant concepts for next year. Dennis is putting his talents as a former baker for Sara Lee to good use -- we love to have him show up early in the morning with fresh bread or sweet rolls. Chuck is in the home stretch on the house he's building on Sol Nuevo -- it gets fancier and fancier with every new design concept Wendy comes up with. And I have more and more pages to print out and punch. My loose leaf binder manuscript is growing at a slightly faster pace than the six two foot high Italian Cypress I planted last month in hopes that they will shade our pool by next summer.



So saludos to our friends up north. Hope you'll have as much to show for your summer time as we here in Virgin Territory.