Lovely Fiesta at Casa Tehedora Last Night

In The Studio With JP

Casa Tejedora (Studio  — Upper /right)

Sally

Louise

Victoria and Pam

Heather

Elaine and Kissaih

Chayo made a superb pozole for a group sitting at seven tables on the lawn facing the porch which had been turned into a stage. Three good musicians and one charming young girl singing provided the entertainment. Just as everyone sat down a slim little sliver of a moon appeared above the house in the darkening sky. I really don't know how it could have been more perfect.

The group had worked steadily through the afternoon and seemed completely ready to party with the locals who had been invited. Most of them were old friends for me, and Art showed up with the group from Rancho Primavera. So I was a very happy camper.

Some of my housemates were so jazzed that they talked 'til midnight. — Telling their life stories to each other I hear. It all sounded very jovial.

That afternoon I took pictures of the group at work in the studio which I'll try to insert in this post. I've been having considerable problems with publishing my posts. I had to remove a picture of green parrots that I really wanted to share in an attempt to make the last one work. I'll try to slip it in another time.

At about 4:00 this afternoon many of us are leaving for Puerto Vallarta to take part in the "Art Walk."
That's always fun and some of us know one of the painters so I'm looking forward to it.

If you know someone in this group, this is your chance to see them at work.

All's Well at Casa Tejedora

In El Tuito Plaza

El Tuito Plaza

Jenny Enjoying The Wait For Lunch 

We break for lunch at 1:00 when we walk to a marvelous little restaurant across from the Plaza in El Tuito. It's about a ten minute walk which gives us a nice little stretch. What is most wonderful about this retreat is that everything is new and yet everything is familiar. Memories of being with the same people with all the same familiar sites of this little town touch a warm spot in your heart. The food at Mario's is always a delight. So far; Chili rellenos and chicken mole. Fish fillet today, I hear. His seasonings are rich and full of nuance. The atmosphere is delightful — eating at a long table in the shade of a space facing a charming courtyard.  Birds with their cages open sing to us throughout the meal.

The weavings in the studio are progressing at a surprisingly rapid pace. Such fun to see. This is the first time I have been here with a plan to not weave but spend all my time designing. I'm learning to draw all my favorite local birds and hope next week to combine the birds with favorite Zapotec shapes. We'll see.

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.

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