Social weekend

Bev and Mick (missing from pic because he was slaving over a hot barbeque - great pork tenderloin, buddy!) invited me on Friday night to dinner at their lovely condo, with friends both from England (Mick - yes, ANOTHER ONE) and Pamela, and M & M from Chelem, who have also invested in this lovely building, and so become neighbours as well as new friends.




The living room is very spacious and there are 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and no less than 3 decks.


Saturday night was a double header. The final concert in the square, supposed to be on Friday night, which is a major fundraiser for the community, was preemted by a bishop, who rolled into town, did a service in the square and even put on a free dinner for the locals. So the concert was rescheduled to Saturday night and was an all out 4 hour extravaganza of entertainment.







Also on Saturday nights, of course is Cooker John's blues, accompanied this night by John Stewart, a hot sax player named Danny, Randy on bass, and a great keyboardist whose name I didn't get. The place was packed, as usual and it was an awesome couple of hours of music after I closed the bookstore.

cats and kids

Little Chi'ik is right back to his old (young!!) self, but he still has that cute little purple butt, left over from the antiseptic.



Because dog Botas has now monopolized the front yard, the back yard is now the cat feeding zone. Bowl up on the wall, where Mama Chaplin, Papa, baby Negro and one of the Twins have discovered the food.



The Town Square was a busy place this morning, as the little ones were rehearsing for their dance performance tonight.

Little Chi'ik's surgery day!

Today is the day Chi'ik gets neutered by the good Dr. Jorge.
Try getting a cat into a box who really doesn't want to be there, past a dog who just KNOWS there is a cat in that box......we gave it up and used a beach bag until we got to the car. Then his little head popped out and he was actually very cool in the car - didn't mind the engine or the short drive of a few blocks at all.



At Dr. Jorge's, I took him in at 10:30 am and came back at 5:30 pm to pick him up. It was a rainy, long day, missing my little buddy and wondering how he was doing.

"Mama, he hurt me down there......!" Poor little muffin was very woozy, had a purple but from the antiseptic, and staggered around the house following me everywhere. So I cancelled my plans to go listen to music and meet friends for green beer, and just cuddled up with the baby.




This is where he spent the whole night, mostly sleeping. He had not had any food or water since midnight, so he did stagger over to his bowl and his litter box on occasion, but basically was asleep on my chest all evening and night. He goes back to Dr. Jorge to get his first shots, and then 2 weeks later for the next set, when he will get his certificate that will allow him to be under my seat on Alaska Air on his way to Canada on April 30!

More music!

Mondays are my Fridays, so like to go find some music and have a glass of wine to celebrate. This Monday I went to Posada Amor where this charming local gentleman was singing and playing.







I am sorry I have forgotten his name, but when I see him again I will write it down for sure. He has an amazing voice!!!!





Little Chi'ik has decided my vegetable basket is the perfect place for a nap!

Bonito Juarez Day!

March 15 was a special day in Mexico - a day to celebrate Benito Juarez, one of the leaders of Mexico who was instrumental in defeating the French and leading the revolution in Mexico.



Parades are the order of the day when there is something to celebrate in Mexico, and this parade went right by the bookstore, complete with a brass band (well, ok, 4 guys with trumpets, but it sounded like a full band!).




The whole procession ended in the church for mass and then poured back onto the streets for another turn around the square.




This was the littlest member of the parade, dressed in his finest! Viva Mexico!!!!!

Canada Bound!

Little Chi'ik kitten (also known as Latte) came to us in mid December as a wee 4 week old kitten. Needless to say, he quickly became a house kitten, and all the other wild cats continued to be fed outside.

Here is his first pic, a skinny little guy in front of this pillow.









This is little Chi'ik today - a healthy, happy 4 months old and he has just learned that his Moms have booked him a flight on Alaska Air to come home with them to Canada!


Here is the 4 week old again, in the lawn chair.


We had thought maybe if we got him strong and healthy (and neutered - that happens on Wed.) we would be able to put him back on the street and he would be able to fend for himself until we came back.


Yah, that was before we absolutely fell in love with him......!





And here is the 4 month old, learning English so he will fit in with his step sisters in Parksville. Of course, his sisters will have some adjusting to do, but they are both loving, gentle girls (well, seniors), ah, yes, we do have some big 'splaining to do....!!!

John Stewart music

A fabulous crowd gathered at David Lau's (yes, we DO go there a lot! Valorie serves up the best margaritas, the food is good and the music is always hot)! Canadian John Stewart was playing last night, doing lots of golden oldies and some blues.





John is from Ontario and has played with many well known bands during his career. Now he and his wife live on a boat here at the marina for the winter, and we are glad he shares his music with the town.





Yubecca, Miki and Sharon grooving to the tunes.