Original oil paintings, 2013

A day in the life of retirement

Who ever said that retirement would be boring; this week I've canned 15 quarts of tomatoes, that my 87 yr old mother and 66 yr old sister grew, and there was so many that tomorrow I'll freeze another 1o lbs. I also made over 30 jars of cherry chutneys from bing cherries that my friend, Gustavo, gave me.  This was after eating and giving away as many as I could; then from the box or 2 of apricots I bought, I made a couple dozen jars of apricot jelly, and a couple dozen of apricot, jalapeno, red pepper spread, which is great with cheese and crackers. Then today, sis, Von and I (don't know how I managed so much without her help) added oak trim to the posts at the top of the stairs that the finish carpenter forgot to do 6 years ago.  vonnie is an awesome carpenter and they look better than most wood workers would do! Now I just need to stain and clear coat them and that project will be done.  Then, we repaired the new murphy bed that had to be taken apart when I had water damage....more about that later.....All this, cleaning the kitchen after a week of cooking and canning...dinner for company last night....Oh yeah, must water the pots outside the front door 2 times a day as they aren't on the auto. system that's everywhere else.....Larry always said be careful what I plant, as it all has to be taken care of, and now I really know that.
The grapes (most of them) look awesome and I should have table grapes in next few days to share with friends and family.  We should be making Syrah wine in a couple of months.  It's still very hot, low 90's all this week.
Last week I participated in the local Art Show in Chelan; it's a small show, but very enjoyable; just wish I could find more time to paint and figure out how to market the paintings.

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Mexican views in December

Where in the world is gwen: 10-10-10

Back in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, after traveling to the beach by Bus. Buses are very different than in USA. Very luxurious, big windows, seats like first class on an airplane. We first went to mazatlan, where we stayed in the luxury hotel 'Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay' which I own a timeshare, Lovely time, laying by the pool, drinking Margaritas, enjoying the company of 2 good friends, then Carol had to return to Washington and the cold, and Michele and I went on to Puerto Vallarta, where we stayed in a 50 year hotel right in the village; ate tacos, fish, walked the Malachon every day and mingled with other tourists and the natives. A local bus off to a little beach town, Sayulita, surfers, and very local with few tourists, was a hi-lite.
Now back to Ajijic, where I'll spend the winter. I've been able to paint with my new friend, Victor, nearly every day. Learning lots of new things and have created a couple of lovely paintings, and now working on some mexican kids, which is fun. Yesterday (New Years) we walked the village, and happened onto a parade put on by one of the local communities. So colorful and charming, and everything (lots of trucks decorated) is done by hand; one of the most interesting and fun are the young men, with lots of face paint, fake boobs, and butts,all wearing blond long wigs, dressed to the nines like women, dancing down the street together. They are having such fun, it is contagious. A lot like a Mardi Gras parade, with less fanfare; but everyone comes out to watch. The new apartment we just moved into has huge windows, view of lake, grounds covered with vegetation, including banana trees, orange trees, lime trees, palm trees, many more, turkeys and chickens running around. Very charming, and I'm learning the roosters crow all day. Well off for a walk to see what's going on in the village today.

Getting Settled in Mexico

Hello my friends and family, things are starting to settle in and I'm feeling more at home than the first week. 
This is Revolution Week here; a religious ceremony, dating back to the 1400's with festivities and parades every day or night.  We took in the parade on Saturday, tried to find the one last night, but missed it and spent the night at the Plaza, which is like a little town square, with a big gazebo in the center, little shops all around, big cathederal at one end.
Sunday, was church with friends, then on to an open air restaurant to have b b qued lamb, which was the best I've ever had, and they do it only on Sundays, then to the airport in Guadalajara to pick up Joni & Carl; michele drove and I directed.  It's a big city, but airport on our end of town and easy to find. Then Michelle and I went back to the plaza for another festiviy, it was just michele and I; we were of the few gringos, but wonderful mexican families all around, taking in the festivities; a little like a county fair but all in one block; they even brought in all the carnival rides for the little kids.  It was a lot of fun;
today I went back to work on my Poppy picture; I thought I'd finish, but Victor had to leave because someone died, so I got it to the final touches and will finish it on Saturday then will send a picture.  Lunch out with girlfriends, and tonight we're all going back to the plaza to see another parade, then dinner on the pier of the lake, as it's nearly a full moon and should be awesome. (this part reminds me of New orleans).  In the mid 80'e each day, so loving that.
Michele and I rented a darling house today, right in the village where we wanted to be. We'll both stay where we're out for another month then move in on Jan 1, or maybe a week sooner.
Not to worry, anyone, it's a big estate with 3-4 houses on it with all these lush gardens, and the landlord lives in one, his sister in the other (she's a realtor) one is an art studio; and it's gated, so very safe.
Wednesday night, going to a Tango show at the local theatre, having thanksgiving in restaurant with friends; otherwise would have to do the cooking; then to a special art opening on Friday evening after playing Mah-jong in the daytime.

10-10-10

What interesting numbers; these are supposed to be the perfect numbers, so is this the perfect day?  Maybe; it's overcast, I've been up since 5:15, watched it get daylite and see the low clouds resting on the mountains that I look straight out my windows to see.  They seem darker and bluer than the normal green I see; the grapes are turning yellow and brown, the last color I'll see before they start dropping their leaves; I'm going to pick all the green tomatoes and figure out to use them, put the yard art away, and get ready to travel in a few days; Jennifer and kids left at 6:30; she has a long day of work; I so admire the energy and tenacity; and remember the days I did the same thing, but glad those days are behind me now.