Home Is A Beautiful Place

Stellers Jay with Band tail friend

                                                                Home is not just for me

This was a joyful trip driving to Moscow, Idaho with Jean Pierre and Yael. We indulged in as many out of the way side trips as possible given our schedule constraints. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Separating from them after our visit to Sarah Swett and her husband Dan was something my psyche took full notice of as I spent my first day driving away from that sweet university town with all the friendly people and weaverly friends.

But the leaving was necessary because I am hosting the Kumihimo Festival 2014 in my studio in just two weeks.

I'd like to return to some of the details along the way in a few days, but want now to make sure that everyone knows I am home and happy to be so. I arrived yesterday afternoon, just in time to attend a stunning jazz concert in Mendocino featuring John Gilmore and Friends.  Paul McCanlace played with them and I purchased one of his CDs. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing it this morning as I sat by my kitchen window and watched the Oregon Junko at my feeder just a few feet from the window.

As I said, I'm so happy I was able to follow JP and Yael to Moscow. But I'm also thrilled to return safely to my clearing in the forest. Those of us who love where we live are fortunate beyond words. I am one of those people and I give a huge thanks to those gods and godesses who ushered me back from Idaho through such amazing country and helped me to arrive here in time for good music and all in one piece. Come back for a bit more later this evening.

Turning Around Today

This will be just a little intro message with something to follow this evening. I'll be leaving Moscow this morning after going out to a favorite haunt of Sarah's this morning with Sarah, her husband, Dan, JP and Yael. Then the Larochettes will play tennis with someone they met at yesterday's book presentation and I will start my journey back toward Portland.

Moscow is a charming university town of about 20,000 people. Quite an oasis after the arid country you go through to get here. I talked with a woman yesterday who moved away, tried the outer world and now has happily moved back. So it's one of those kinds of places.

I'll try to buy a new flash card reader so I can progress with getting the pics off of my cameras. Then, hopefully, some photos for this blog.  Finally!

I'm off to take Bobby for a short walk before our breakfast, then on the road. Have a good day all. Talk later.

Wow! I just turned off my personal hot spot after sending a message to Larkin and now returned to the open blog with no wifi. I'm learning something new every day. A friend of Sarah's helped me a bit with the iphone yesterday at JP and Yael's presentation. Really appreciated that. I'm discovering many ways to save battery and still get something done.

The Larochettes are on their way to Banff and Lake Louise and I'm less than two hours from Portland. I had such a good time seeing Sarah and meeting Dan. Hated to leave Moscow. I felt totally comfortable there and wouldn't mind returning some day.

The drive from Moscow to Lewiston was surprisingly beautiful. The hills coming out of Moscow are voluptuous. The turning of the soil by huge ag machines creates gorgeous patterns along with the striking color changes between different sections of  tilled land. I could hardly take my eyes off of some of the rolling and turning lines. Every color of golden beige and brown to almost black and then suddenly an emerald green section, sometimes dotted with perfectly groomed black faced sheep. Too delicious!

So I had a great ride to the mighty rivers. where the Snake and the Columbia create an inland harbor. I stopped at a grand vista spot overlooking the river and Lewiston and Clarkston.  Didn't dare take that scenic way down because of all the warnings. So I drove back up to the newer main highway and made the descent mostly in second gear. Quite a drop. No less than five "out of control" truck turnoffs. I was happy to reach the bottom safely and loved seeing the whole scene at the bottom.

I ate a late lunch in Clarkston at a wonderfully old fashioned drug store with a cafe and soda fountain at the back. I had a cup of delicious tortilla soup (mostly beans) and a very nice spinach salad with bacon and water chestnuts and a sliced boiled egg on top.  My waitress asked where I was headed. ( I'm obviously not one of her many known regulars). By  the time I was leaving I had received at least three fond farewells and learned where the staplers, restroom and cashier were located. All that from my new friend, Janet. And, I was treated to the overhearing of at least three separate conversations among the locals. I relish that. Somehow it gives me a huge dose of what a place is really all about. When I returned to the Rialta I walked Bobby and ate a couple of Sarah's yummy little plums and was on my way.    

Now we'll see if I can quickly rev up that phone hot spot one more time and connect this post to the server.  Hope it works. Love to all.

Arrived in Moscow, Idaho Safely

It's been quite a journey getting here but I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Eastern Washington is as dry and devoid of trees as western Washington is the absolute opposite. What a contrast. I am still thinking of Sherman Alexi's descriptions and I definitely see many exceptions to the rule as well as nuance and beauty of a very special sort. But there are some pretty dry regions along the way to this inviting little place that was our chosen destination.

In a town not far from Pullman we stopped for a quick rest and I walked Bobby to the edge of a cliff overlooking a river only to have the biggest Great Blue Heron I've ever seen fly off down the river. That reminds me so much of the Heron we used to see as we paddled up the Noyo river. It would fly off just as we came around the bend and wait for us to reach the next one. It was almost like a game.
I've seen other birds including some Robbins, but I'm not good enough to know whether the flocks of black birds I've seen are Starlings or Ravens. They look like Ravins and not as plump as crows. Maybe someday I'll get it right. But it's fun to check out what I do see. I'll have a little more time to stop and watch or photograph the birds on my way home. I've been told by Sarah Swett that there is a very nice alternate route I can take to return to northern Oregon where I hope to have a short visit with Larkin and Elena if their schedules permit.

Last night we stayed in a campground near Vantage right above the mighty Columbia river. The wind there lasted all night, breaking sturdy branches of trees just above us. I told JP and Yael that we can have winds as strong or stronger at Echo. That was a huge surprise to them. So I guess it is possible to go to Echo and Desolation and not ever witness the kind of winds we all know to be frequent enough visitors to that area.  Timing is everything, eh?

Moscow is an inviting town with  very cozy neighborhoods. Quite individual houses with  somewhat of a feeling like Berkeley. It is a university town, so maybe there is a connection between college towns and individual architecture.

We arrived at Sarah Swett's home in the late afternoon after several false approaches. Sarah's husband, Dan made a delicious dinner for us, including bread he had just baked. There's something very special about men who cook at home. I know many of the best chefs in the world are men but husbands who cook for their wive's guests get a special gold star from me.

I'll try to get photos posted very soon. I'm sure I can take the time to get caught up on the way home.
Hoping everything is good with all of you. All's well here.  JP and Yael do their presentation tomorrow and will probably head for Bamff and Lake Louise the next day.  I'll head the other way and return to the coast within the next week probably.  Hugs to all,   Jackie

The Trip Is Going Well

View of Mt. St. Helens on the way to Seattle (Long way round)

Classroom in Damascus Textile Arts

Damascus Center

The Damascus Textile Center

Dear Ones,  I've been at remote locations or out of wifi range for the last few days. Sorry not to have reported in. The Larochette book presentations have been going very well and I've encountered wonderful old friends at almost every site. Saw Dora Green and Mary Zicafoose in Seattle yesterday as well as other friends. Lolli, Michael Rhode says he'll come up and help us with the fine points on the Bexel Crangrook loom.

I haven't been posting during the trip yet. Too far off the grid so far each night. And there have been long days of driving so it just hasn't happened. But I have been hand writing a short journal each day to keep track of the essentials. I'll try to transfer that to the blog as soon as possible.

We left Seattle late yesterday afternoon and camped out in a remote forest along a deeply rutted road with some of the worst potholes I've ever crossed with the poor Rialta. I'm sure it was cussing at me during that one. We made our way safely out of there this morning and returned to Highway 90 in Washington. We're headed for Moscow, Idaho now. Currently stopped and a sparse and very windy location just off of 90. I think that tomorrow we'll break off of this highway and join Highway 26 which ends up near Pullman. Moscow is really just on the other side of the Washington — Idaho border. Eastern Washington is quite like I thought it would be from the descriptions I've read. Went right through the Winachee (sp) area and thought of the various descriptions of that region by Sherman Alexi. His words seemed to be full of truth.

Where we are staying tonight is sparse and very windy. A few trees become an important part of the scene. Bobby was free to run yesterday evening because it was so remote. This afternoon I've let him have a few little runs. He's really very good about returning with my call. Good little traveler.

The book tour is going very well. Lots of books sold and lots of old friendships rekindled. We had a gorgeous lunch with Kathy and Danny in Trinidad and then stayed in  a no service part of Patrick's Point campground. Took a lovely hike along the cliffs. Sea was wild and exciting.

This wifi connection is from my phone hot spot. But the service it connects to is the slowest I've ever experienced. It took me five minutes to download one email. So I'll bring this to a close with a promise to attempt getting some pictures posted soon. I suspect I'll be able to catch up in the Moscow area.  Just want all to know that we're having fun exploring along the way and in fact had a fantastic view of the south side of Mount St. Helens Saturday as we wound our LONG way from Damascus, Oregon to Seattle.

Love to all,   Jackie

I've been away from this blog for so long I've forgotten the setting particulars. You'll have to bear with me as I ease into it again.  Ease into I feel I must. And really want to. One of the big things that has stood in my way for so long has to do with huge setbacks in my camera situation. As of today, I think I have made great strides toward fixing all that. For the sake of upping the quality of the photos I place in the PTArts newsletter, I have brought my big old Canon back to life — I hope. For the last year I have depended on a series of those light weight but easy to drop or lose little pocket cameras. Dropped the first Nikon off onto a tile floor at a restaurant in Oaxaca. Bought a backup substitute. It won't work now and doesn't tell me why. That might be about all you need or want to know. So I am now equipped with a new little refurbed Nikon for easy carrying and, as I said, I have resurrected my trusty old (and larger) Canon. So at least for a while there's no excuse other than finding the time. Wish me luck.

Much water under the bridge since last we talked. Pacific Textile Arts (PTArts) has made great strides in the last year. We used the grant money from the Mendocino Community Foundation to build the wonderful arbor over our courtyard and laid a fine concrete slab over the whole courtyard space. Just recently, Greg Tregoning installed four  tall vertical windows in the storage building which is going to become our new tapestry studio by sometime next year.

We've been conducting classes in the new classsroom and that has been more than exciting. It's like a dream come true. Check out our wesite for more news of what is going on there.  pacifictextilearts.org 
Mylife has been going well though there are never enough days in the week or hours in the day. I feel happy to tell you though that I still am a great believer in stopping to smell the roses. I try seriously to pace myself each day. To me, that is a key formula for living a good life. My friend Art has lured me into the world of bird watching. I used to joke about "those guys" but here I am. I have placed a hummingbird feeder on my back porch and a wild bird seed feeder on my porch rail nearby. Both feeders are only a few feet from me as I gaze out the window while sitting at my kitchen table. It's actually mezmerizing. Ii've been learning so much. A month ago I saw my first grossbeaks eating from a hanging little cage filled with sunflower seeds. Then the Steller's Jays began coming to the wild seed feeder that has four places to stand. The last few days I've been watching the interesting relationship between the very gentle looking Mourning Doves and the Jays. When the doves first arrived I was sure the Jays would route them out in no time. Much to my surprise, the Jays bow to the wishes of the doves. Still can't believe it, but it happens over and over again.  I can't see any "Hold fast" gesture on the part of the doves. Their very presence seems to have an effect on the Jays who will stamp their feet and wait behind the doves until they've had their fill. Who knew?

Since I've written we've had tow remarkable festivals in Mendocino. The Film Festival was well attended and much appreciated. I was away for part of it but went as soon as I returned.  The second festival was the very exciting Mendocino Music Festival which began with a four day concentration devoted to Bach. Susan Waterfall did a fantastic job composing that part of the event. Lectures, beer introductions and musical concerts made the four days fly by. After that we went to an opera dress rehearsal, several great jazz performances, a big band concert and finished with a rousing Delta Blues concert.The slick program for this festival was almost a half in thick. This festival has come a long way over the last few years. Think about coming up for it next year. You won't be sorry. Google Mendocino Music Festival sometime during the fall or winter.

Over and over through the empty blog period I've had moments when I've wanted to share wondrous sights or moments with all of you. I guess I've just reached the point where I MUST get back to writing. Can't imaging anyone even looks to see if I'm here for quite some time. So I may be writing to the wind for a while. That's OK. It's time for me to get back to it and see where it goes.

Yelapa was heaven!

Green Parrots on the huge Green Bamboo at the Oasis in Yelapa

I waited two days before I could post this. So I'm at Pascal's at Marina Bay for mid-day brunch and some wifi catch-up. Our trip from Vallarta was smooth and uneventful. Just the way we like it. We're joining Chuck, Steve, Susan and Mira for dinner at Italian Colors and hoping Mike and Jenny can join us. Still don't know if Mike is playing tonight. It's Susan and Steve's anniversary today, so hope we can all be together. Had a good check-in talk with Kathy this morning. Sounds like Larkin is a joy for Mary to have living with her while he's back at San Jose State. I can only imagine what a joy that must be.

Here's the entry I started when the wifi wasn't working at #5 in Yelapa when I wanted to say goodbye and announce that we were about to leave:

Here it is already. Monday, the 10th. Art says it's the first day of the rest of your life. Actually, it's the day before we leave beautiful, magical Yelapa. For some reason, we seemed to think Wednesday was  our day of departure, so we're in a momentary state of shock and surprise. But that won't last long. We've had a gorgeous stay here as well as wonderful time in Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta and El Tuito before this, so we truly can't complain. And since we feel we're returning from one paradise to another………. So be it.

Yesterday we met my Santa Fe friend, Lynn at the top of the trail to the cascade in the village. We waited long, but had a delicious brunch with her while listening to the sounds of the waterfall landing on all the facets of rock behind the falls. Saw a few birds on the way home in the village. Particularly some hawks and vultures of interest. This morning the bird book lying on the breakfast table seemed to attract all sorts of people. One man from Victoria BC sent his mother to our table because she has a growing interest in birds. We had a delightful visit with her and Art did his best to convince her to join  a serious bird group when she returns to Canada.

The wifi here has chosen today to be missing for the first time in our stay. Of course I came back to our porch and set up the computer just outside the door on a little night stand so that I could do a blog entry and watch for two friends as they para-sailed down. Sighting the flyers worked out, but blog entry will have to wait 'til who knows when. And just as I wrote that, one of the flyers arrived at our door front.  You know me, always feeling like esp is everywhere or just around the corner.

The bottom line is that birding here in Yelapa has been lovely. I took a very long swim in the pool late this afternoon, met people who were lovely. We had dinner and conversations with Luke, other regulars and some new friends. That also was lovely. Need i say more. I hate to leave but leave we must and it will be great to see  our own coast and all that it means to us in a very short while. 

The wifi icon says it's on but the dialogue box says it's not. Let's hope I can publish this after we get through the system at the Vallarta airport. In the meantime it will be preserved on my desktop in Text  Edit. Time will tell. —  JW

Happiness is a round house

Many good subjects along the river trail, but these top the list

The cheerful and peaceful atmosphere of the Oasis Restaurant

Happy to be at the Larochette's,  out of the airplane and the hustle and bustle of Vallarta 

Art enjoying the "fish of the day" at the Oasis restaurant

There is something about living in a round space that affects my spirits every time I experience it. I once helped run a textile program at Arcosanti called Haystack at Arcosanti. During my one month stint I lived in two round spaces as well as on the roof of the library where I could see lightning storms hundreds of miles away. That experience is etched in my memory bank and I realize that it's part of the reason I keep asking for number five at Hotel Lagunita in Yelapa. I think I need a yurt in my yard so I can recreate that feeling at will. It really does something for me that I can't quite put my finger on, but which is as real as anything I know. Kathy, you'll be pleased to know that #5 (The round #5) has had a complete sprucing up. The woven windows and wall sections have all been redone and there is a new front door. A brand new toilet and regrouting or cement brushing is in evidence throughout the room. Might not overwhelm you if you were here for the first time, but quite a spiffy re-do if you've been coming to the same room  for years.

Art and I stayed with Jean Pierre and Yael for two nights before coming to Yelapa. Time whizzed by with a breakfast at Mario's on the Plaza and a fantastic lunch conjured up by Yael for us, Pat, Bonny and Carlos. What a joy to see those lovely old friends and have a long and relaxed and conversation rich, late lunch with them. The day's plan included lunch on the porch at the Larochette's followed by a short rest, and before we knew it, Pat was calling to tell us that the birds were out in full force at Rancho Primavera. We rushed out there and saw incredible birds at the main house and then drove to the adobe overlooking the pond where we saw a ton of birds. My expectation was that we'd show Art the exciting event I had grown used to in previous years. At about 6:00 or a little later all the Cattle Egrits, some Cormerants, a few ducks and a Heron or two would always come swooping in on the pond and the Egrits would fight over that night's place to roost in one of two trees overlooking the  inlet of a small stream  which enters the pond at the eastern end. Well, time moves on and the routine seems to have changed completely. No big Egrit battle for limbs and branches but just about every other possible thrill more than made up for it. We saw a troop of Ibis, at least eight Black bellied whistling ducks, Nightherons, Egrits, Cormerants, a Ring Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher and more.  A Magpie Jay, Night Herons, a Military McGaw and others whose names escape me at the moment blessed us with their presence while we were at Pat's house. All in all an amazing bird experience for me. We were joined at Pat's and at the adobe by a visiting birder and tour leader from Bend, Oregon.

We arrived in Yelapa yesterday mid-day and settled into #5 after it was finally vacated and cleaned. This morning I took Art for a walk up the main river trail to the foot bridge where Art insisted that we  go up river for just a little while even though we have a walk planned for there tomorrow.  When we finally turned around and went toward the village, we began seeing birds everywhere.  On the way in, we heard a sound we first thought was from a construction site, but I finally decided it was coming from a stand of giant bamboo-like stalks. We looked up and, Wow! It turned out to be a Pale billed Woodpecker who was working overtime and making a huge racket. When we reached the village dock and sat down to observe the carnival of shore birds in the harbor, we saw different gulls, pelicans, Terns, huge winged Frigate birds and much more. We stopped for an orange juice on the way back to the Oasis Restaurant where we planned to have dinner, and when I looked up in a tree overhanging the stream that comes down from the village waterfall,  I saw three birds that looked and acted a little like chickens, the way they were walking along a high, horizontal branch. Art thought for  barely a moment and said they might be an unusual bird with a name I also can't remember but which I will insert when I feel I can disturb the authority, who is working at trying to maneuver his way around his new IPad. We reached the Oasis and saw at least thirty Black Vultures and a troop of Ibis marching along a sand bar next to the river. Before we left, the waiter told us there were more of the chicken like bird whose name escapes me and then a huge flock of green parots flew into the tree in front of the restaurant. We watched them, inthralled at their chatter and movement, when, all of a sudden they flew off in a marvelous, spiraling movement in unison and were gone. What a great way to finish our first day in Yelapa. More to come, I'm sure. 

On the move again

Jackie and Art at "Arabia Cafe" shortly before we moved on to P.V.

I'm hoping to back up and fill in the gaps when we get to Yelapa in a couple of days. We've had wonderful birding trips to Llano Grande with a local guide who grew up there as well as a trip with "Diego" to Teotitlan, also to a mountain trout farm, "Casa", the great  museum in San Augustin, Etla and many other wonderful bird oriented activities. I took Art to Archie's Wok Friday night. Delicious, creative dinner as usual. No real time for writing.

We're in Puerto Vallarta and preparing to take a bus up to El Tuito after visiting the Botanical Gardens half way up the hill. We walked to the island where the river splits and saw all kinds of birds as well as at least five iguanas in the trees along the way. I may find time to write from JP's but if not, I promise to do so when we get to Yelapa. I'm looking forward to the quiet of that lovely getaway. All's well and we're both healthy. Much love to all,   Jackie

Pacific Textile Emergency with Ravens — Can you help?

Several days ago I received several emails from Elaine T. regarding the roofs at Pacific Textile Arts. We have a serious problem with ravens pecking holes in our roofs. I'm passing the following email along to the outer world in the event that someone out there will know the answer to our dilema. If you have any knowledge that will help us, please respond, OK? Many thanks. — Jackie

Email from Elaine Todd:

I'm sad to relay this information, Dave from Lifetime Roofing came to PTA while I was attending the spinninggathering this morning. The results of the classroom 

is the seam is pulling apart (Henry's patch job isn't working) and there are at least 200 holes from the ravens, and this could have been there when we bought the
modular. To replace the roof we are looking at about 

$4800. I asked him to clear the gutters on the librarybuilding and there aren't any. There is a dip in the center of the roof where the water pools, the drain 

that we see from below is roofed over so no water willfall into our water catchment system. This roof also 

needs to be re-roofed but it needs to be built up so the water will run off the roof. This is upsetting that this wasn't detected before we spent the money on catching water from that roof. There is samples on the 

desk in the office and literature Dave left with
us. He said he could give us a deal if we do both roofs at one time. Dave will put together an estimate for us listing the buildings separately. Nancy keeps 

saying that we should have been informed and what recourse do we have from Fort Bragg Electric for not doingthe job correctly! When I asked about the raven 

problem he suggested a sensor with a sprinkler system
that will chase the ravens away when they land.
So this is a brief description of our roof problems. 

I'm sorry to have to report all this. Please share 

your responses for all board members to discuss this 

matter. Thank you.

Poor Little Neglected Blog

About to make my big decision

My first meal at the market

I have to laugh thinking of all I've missed in these last years

Endless things to drink

The lady from Tlacalula

The ever smiling painter

The kids are endlessly watchable — Painter in background

Hustle and bustle when you step outside ICO grounds

These pics all from ICO — More to come of the park later this evening

ICO campus walkway

My latest classroom

Coffee shop terrace — My last year's maestra, Ita in purple

Entry to ICO

I've been trying to show Art all the wonders of Oaxaca since his arrival and the unfortunate side of that is the obvious neglect of some writing I actually enjoy doing very much. But we all know that at times like this — Something's gotta give. 

I meant to connect with you all the day I finished my classes at ICO (Instituto Cultural Oaxaca). It was a wonderful, and I think productive, four weeks that I spent there this year. I value it for many reasons and from all sides. I meet people, I progress in my Spanish (no matter what), I get to see and buy some of Manuel's creative stainless steel earrings, I get the exercise and stimulus of walking through Llano Park twice each day, etc., etc. It was fun, enlightening — stressful. So, by the last day, I was ready, exhilarated and full of plans for the next few days before Arthur was expected. He's here now and we're having a great time exploring Oaxaca and environs. 

As I left the ICO grounds I was thoroughly ready to celebrate. I walked the two blocks to the park, crossed over  and smelled all the incredible aromas of the Friday Market at Llano, I made a split second decision to celebrate by breaking a rule I have followed for at least five years. Up to that moment I had made it a policy to never eat at kiosks or outdoor food venders. I've had awfully good luck at never getting sick here and I credit that rule for a portion of my good fortune. But there I was, standing in front of the food stall from the Pueblo of Tlacalula which specializes in barbecued lamb and goat. It smelled heavenly and I sat down on a bench next to three middle aged women who smiled and welcomed me.  I looked at what they were eating and then asked the man who came to serve me what the options were. He showed me a folder with enticing pictures of food from which I chose a mixed bowl of barego, chev and a course polenta like starch. It came along with fresh, hot tortillas and I pulled out a complimentary, undersized can of Squirt I had been offered as I crossed into the crowd at the edge of the venders.  The food was tasty and  a bit intriguing because there were a couple of items I didn't quite recognize. One looked like lumps of black beans glued together and the other was a vegetable I didn't seem familiar with. I ate down through the lovely meat to about an inch from the bottom of the corn mixture. I still couldn't figure out the bean thing so I was a little shy about it and decided that I wouldn't stretch my luck. I was satisfied, had broken a long standing, self imposed rule and was still feeling fine. 

I wandered through about ten booths, still amazed that I had broken my rule. I did my usual watching of the little people driving their rented miniature cars around one of the fountains and then settled in on a bench not too far from the south end of the park. Pretty near to where I had settled was a painter with easel and brush in hand, working at his trade with a magnificent smile on his face. His female partner was almost dozing on the border cement between the lawn, plantings and walkway. People sometimes spoke to him and he seemed to reply cheerfully or stopped to show them some of his work. Then, back to the little easel and never abandoning the smile. How lovely to see someone who is so obviously happy with what he has chosen to do. Just thinking about that, plus watching a series of parents and grandparents walking along and dealing with a total spectrum of tiny people (sometimes tyrants) in a very patient and good humored manner, left me with a constant smile on my face. I kept thinking I should walk on home, but the scene was so captivating and I was feeling so happy, that I stayed on until almost 4:00 in the afternoon. I walked home full of endorphins and the feeling of joy at being here and witnessing so much simple evidence of man's humanity.

Two Spanish Classes to Go!

Color and warmth abound

You can't beat this for color

The views at the Zocala are endlessly fascinating

What an athlete this one is

This girl had talent

Now I hear that this is a dove — That's more like it — Maybe an Inca Dove

This day looking up was so fascinating I ended with a really sore neck

Sometimes I sit and watch the birds even though I can't identify them

Always fun to sit and watch the dogs

Catching a band practice on the way home

A distant view through the park

The wonderful couple I buy sliced fruit and vegetables 

from on my way home from class

Los Danzantes filled with happy people

Pat Parsons enjoying her comida and 

spying what was yet to come

Jim Parsons finishing his after meal coffee drink

 and giving me a long list of books to read

Today's tuna curry comida at Los Danzantes

One month of Spanish class five times a week has been a stretch, a pleasure, a huge learning experience and oh, so much more. But I am ready to relax a bit before moving on to the Jalisco coast. Art arrives here Monday late in the evening and friends keep telling me they have found new places to look for birds. So there will be a whole different focus and no doubt a new learning curve for me. However, I intend to stay relaxed about my lack of skills at recognizing birds, either perched, in field, on water or in flight. They are all interesting to me and certainly beautiful. That will have to suffice while I build my skills, and I'm expecting to be tolerated by my birding friends, including Art. I can't get too serious about my lack of bird knowledge yet because every time I think I have one labeled, Jim informs me that my choice isn't quite right, and kindly explains why. I have to go back to the drawing board. Like the beginning of trying to learn a new language, it's necessary to spend some time in Kindergarten. That's just where I am at the moment.

We'll undoubtedly be covering some of the same territory that I do now, walking through Llanno Park to the Institute for class each day. I'd like to show Art all the places that I'm used to seeing every day in my routine and I will always treasure those minutes and hours spent in the embrace of Llano Park. I never tire of seeing similar scenes there. They are all like variations on a theme. Tomorrow is Friday market day which begins for me by walking right through the breakfast crowd eating the most gorgeous food at long relish covered tables with the mixed smell of salsa, sausage, eggs cooking and every wonderful thing you can imagine. I'm usually in a hurry to move on and make it to class in time. So therein lies one of the big differences between this last month and the pleasures of lingering to enjoy and savor all without rushing that I intend to experience and share. 

One thing that has become a prominent routine is to attend the "Comida" at Los Danzantes Restaurant on Calle Alcala at least once a week. It is one of the most relaxing, enjoyable eating experiences I can conceive of. I love just being in that creatively appointed space. And I find the many surprises associated with the food and its presentation a continually nourishing affair. The staff  is endlessly good natured, easy going and yet highly professional. Along with exquisitely creative cuisine, what more can one ask?

Mike, thanks for checking in. There have been a few days where wifi has been less than intermittent and I have also been preoccupied with Spanish class homework and several other necessary uses of my time. Please know that I'm fine and my cold symptoms are completely gone. I miss you all at the same time while I'm basking in my southern Latin Paradise. Oaxaca is a constantly enjoyable, educational, stimulating and generally satisfying place to be for a month or two. We had our first rain last night since I've been here. It began just as I, along with two friends, walked home from a movie that was shown in the beautiful old Opera/ Ballet/ Theater some blocks away from Hotel Las Mariposas. First a few drops as we walked, and then, as soon as we were tucked into our safe hotel grounds, a more and more vigorous rainstorm developed. I actually heard a few distant thunder claps. I left my door open to allow the fresh, clean air to make its way into my room. It was delicious. And in the morning, all rain was halted and the garden greenery looked shiny and clean and smelled heavenly.