Yucatan Gringos

It has been one very busy week. . . ‘grandpa’ and I ‘entertained’ ourselves with the visit of two of our grandchildren. . . four year old Hannah, and seven year old Madeline, daughters of our oldest son and his wife, (Dr. of Dentistry) Todd and Susie Pennartz - while they grabbed a week long vacation in Cancun before the school year starts for the children. . . and, this last Saturday, the 18th, our daughter Rhonda also came home for a visit from her stay in the Netherlands. . .

During this time we received word that the papers were ready to sign on the small home we are purchasing in Chelem, something that we have been awaiting as an opportunity to make a trip down there and ’sample’ life on the beach for a few days by staying in this one bedroom ‘casa’ - even though that stay might very well be akin to camping out. . . . considering that it is unfurnished and we will have to pick up ‘items’ locally that are essential to this short stay. . . coffee pot, coffee, air mattresses or hammocks, sparse items of bathroom and kitchen essentials. . . notice coffee is of top importance. . . preferably ground fresh right before the brewing. . .

I have been anxious to find out if this ‘dream’ of life on the beach is what I am ‘hoping and visualizing’ - or not. . . We were also hoping that during this trip we will have the time to check out more things that we did not have time for on our first trip. . . But, due to the arrival of hurricane Dean, this trip will not be scheduled until we hear from our agent that all is well to ‘book the flight’. . . hopefully sometime within the next week, as word is now that the area we are buying in has had little effect from the storm. . .Posts on the Merida Insider describe rain and some swells in the ocean, wind a bit more than usual, but all utilities and such still functioning. . .

Hurricane Dean also created a bit of excitement for Todd and Susie, as it was initially headed straight for Cancun (where they were staying)- causing massive evacuation there and a ’scurry’ of tourists and locals to find ‘transportation’ out of there in a hurry. . . their return flight was scheduled for about 2:00 Monday afternoon - but late Sunday evening word was out that the airport was closing at 1:00. . . But, all went well, and after a very early arrival at the airport, and extra long lines at security, the planes kept flying well after the suggested closing time. . .

As for the week with the grandchildren, we had prepared ourselves in advance with the purchase of a 3′ by 12′ pool. . . I didn’t think coloring and drawing pictures would be quite enough to entertain them for the length of the stay, and the addition of the small pool was something that I (and Rhonda) could take advantage of also. . We had also stocked up on ice cream, sherbet, popsicles, kool-aid, snacks and quick foods. . .but still had to make a run to replenish the supply. . . The two little ‘hurricanes’ here in our home kept us quite busy and were still wound up way past our ‘expired’ energy of the day. . (what I wouldn’t give to have the energy of youth back). . . while hurricane Dean grew out in the ocean. .

Our daughter Rhonda is here for a bit over a month and will make the trip to Chelem with us, as hopefully our son Scott will also - his days of stay permitted by the time he can take away from his job. . . So today I make a quick post here while sheets wash and tumble in the dryer - and in a bit I must go gather the rest of the laundry that lay ignored this past week. . as well as the remnants of drawing and coloring and usual activity of just ‘partying with grandkids- for a week. . . and I must prepare for the impending trip to Chelem. . .

Signing off for today. . . .