Grandma In The Southland

Green Parrots In Bamboo Near River Trail

Snowy Egrets With One Grackle

Little Tri-colored Heron 

Black Vultures on The River

Art Talking to Neireda; Kathy and Elena, Neireda Says Hello

Visitors to the Bay

What an Amazing Find at The Top of an Old Palm — A Laughing Falcon

My Favorite Little Guy On The River Trail — Look at Those Ears

Someone Should Write a Book About Bathrooms In Yelapa

Lagunitas Has The Most Creative I've Ever Seen — Each is Absolutely Unique

The View From This Year's Room

A Yelapa Taxi

Yes, first and foremost, I want to let the nietos know that Grandma is fine and having a great time in Mexico. Of course, my children and loyal or hopeful blog following friends are included in this greeting.

Yelapa was bursting with birds which pleased both Art and me. He actually added some new life birds to his list and I managed to learn to recognize more birds than heretofore. We had breakfast up the river near the walking bridge two different mornings. As we sat there, the first Egrits began to gather. Then, along came black Necked Stilts and a handsome White Ibis. The trees were bustling with black and yellow Caciques which kept flitting across the river from dense trees on the other side and back to a papaya tree just down river from the restaurant terrace. Soon we identified a Tropical King Bird which is a patient watcher for knats and other insects. Eventually there were two of them sitting on some high bamboo spires. They would flit off for a short period and then return to the same perch or very near to it. Cormorants and then Willits and Herons completed the morning's watch. Oh, I mustn't forget the huge whord of Black Vultures who took over the river spot for a few minutes. The Herons were terribly exciting because there was a Little Blue Heron, a Tricolored Heron, A Green Heron and later on the trail, four Yellow Eyed Night Herons.

Our five days in Yelapa were filled with explorations and relaxation. Dinners on the beach by candle light were just what the doctor ordered. Walking the trails along the Tuito River brought back many happy memories of being there with Kathy. It's a magical place. And, of course, it's over before the time seems right. Getting on and then off the boat at Yelapa and Puerto Vallarta is always a tricky moment and I'm happy when it goes well. Back in Vallarta along the beach front and eating a late lunch while watching the world walk by is a special experience. The weather was fantastic and we were all in one piece. What more can one ask for.

We're all leaving for a walk to the plaza in El Tuito for lunch at Patio de Mario. So, back with more after lunch.  — Lunch was delicious and full of surprises. The minute I walked into the columned area next to the courtyard in front of our usual group table, I spied Art's smiling face as he sat at a table with other birders. They were eating "Swiss enchiladas" that looked very inviting. He seemed happy as could be about the birding they had been involved in during the morning in some hills just north of the Rancho Primavera where he is staying. We had a short visit and introductions before the food began being delivered to my table. So I was off to have chicken mole that was a perfect balance of piquante and mild.

We're all back at our work tables now and I'm determined to get this blog under way after all the promises to do so.

We're now at Casa Tejedora, Jean Pierre and Yaels' home during the winter. The group is made up of prior members of a group who have been coming here for tapestry weavers' retreat for over about 14 or 15 years. Many old friends including Pam Patrie from Oregon who is cooking wonderful meals for us  and weaving in her "spare" time. Breakfast is in the main room and dinner is out on the porch. All of us have been here before at least once so there is a warm, familiar feeling about it for everyone. My computer is functioning but almost out of charge. Better than Yelapa where wifi was not at its best this year and not working at all in our rooms. So I'm beginning in earnest now and hope to stay in touch throughout this stay and my time in Oaxaca during February. Back with some pics when there is more charge.