Update on Life

Spring is bringing rain to Roca Azul, unusual but welcome.  The roads are dusty and it is nice to see nature watering the many flowering plants and trees without draining the main cistern.

We have been enjoying our quiet routines.  Ivan is up to 45 minutes of swimming in the thermal pool.  I am busy with my online course (which is more demanding that I expected).  However I am enjoying being a student again after all these years and having the time to focus on the course called “Lifespan”.  I really like my online teacher and find taking a course this way “works” so well for me.

We expect two guests on Tuesday, Richard and Carol.  They are my sister's friends and have been spending winters exploring Mexico for about the last 3  years.  We look forward to showing them this area.

I also have three ESL Mexican students that come 2 X a week.  So there is a nice balance between teaching and learning.  My students are lovelyJ and connect me to Jocotepec and the reality of their live's here.

On a sad note,  Marianne Wall, my beloved friend (and Step Mother – if you are allowed to have one after 19?) died two days ago.   Although she had a long life (she was 94) she will be sadly missed by many.  

This news has taken me on a sad but special trip down memory lane. Once again reminded to communicate our love and appreciation to the many people we have shared a branch of life’s journey with. I was so glad I was able to talk on the phone with Marianne a week ago.

Marianne was not only a partner that offered my Father joy and laughter in his later years, but a unique and festive presence in all our lives.  (the people lucky enough to know her)

I send love to Ron and Jaqui and all of Marianne’s family and please know I am with you during this sad time.

TRIP TO OACAXA

Ivan initiated a wish he has to go see Panchita in Oacaxa.  He thought about this visit each year but it is far from Joco with the need to stop in Mexico City.

This year his yearning to see the place his Uncle Leon set up as a camp many many years ago was paramount. So we we did our research on the best (cheapest) way to get there.

Chelite, my student, is a travel agent and helped us find a flight online that leaves Feb. 29 (with a connecting flight in Mexico City) and returns to Guadalajara March 7. We are both excited about seeing Oaxaca and connecting Ivan to one more place in the world that has personal meaning.

Irme, Panchita’s daughter, is thrilled Ivan is coming as she never met him, but her entire family was closely connected to his Uncle and Mother and both Joanna and Carrie spent time there many moons ago.  Carrie was telling us about her memories of the place and can’t wait to see some pictures and hear our stories.

Hope everyone is well and that this milder winter will present an earlier spring.

Greetings

Evi and Ivan