Felize Navidad

Yes, Merry Christmas from Joel, Janice & Ollie here in sunny & warm Mazatlan. We've had a very relaxing time here and it's been a near perfect trip. We are navigating our way around; either by foot, two bus choices, open air pulmenia, or regular taxi's. We have gotten a lot of walking and for Joel, running in. Our favorite has been on the beach. We are in an area where there is not many vendors which makes it more enjoyable. I prefer not to do my shopping with vendors although I've been known to do it once in awhile. There are two separate buses. They also take you to different places so you really need to know the area you are going to as it is hand painted on the front of their windows. One is air conditioned and is 80 pesoes and the other one is I believe 60 pesoes and not air conditioned but the windows are wide open so you get "fresh" air. Next is the pulmenia. They are similar to a golf cart, but are motorized by gas and go faster of course, they also have room for 4-5 people. This is my favorite, but it cost about 50 pesoes to get to the Golden Zone. You know what taxi's are like, but they are smaller cars then what we are use to in the North West where we are familiar with.

Last Thursday night Joel and I were invited to a couple's condo in the Golden Zone. It was on the 17th floor and had a spectacular view. From their balcony we saw both Jupiter and Venus. They were so bright and clear. I don't believe I've ever seen them before with the naked eye.

Sunday night we had our first wine tasting at our home. We had some different wines from all over including Mexico of course. Since most of are only here for 4 - 6 months, we are going to meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. We've had around 50 people express interest in being a part of this group although only a fraction came for the first tasting.

Joanne, our daughter, her boyfriend and her son were to be here last Friday, however they were snowed in, in Spokane. The next possible flight out is tomorrow on Christmas day. So providing all goes well, we'll see them Christmas afternoon. Joel leaves on Sunday. This is not a day I'm looking forward to, but we will both be okay and new this day is coming. We'll have a few days with Ralph, Joanne and Kenny before he leaves. (Grandpa is looking forward to swimming in the ocean with Kenny and boogie boarding.)

Tonight Joel and I had dinner out at Pancho's. We've been here before and it has never been a disappointment. We have always been pleased with the food here and very seldom do you here about Montezuma revenge. I had it the first time I came here back in the early 90's and that one time was enough. It took 3 full days out of my vacation.

Ollie is not eating quite as much down here. Maybe it is too warm? Don't know, but he loves his walks, had a bath today, is has been great to have with us here. It's been a little boring with him as he is doing just fine and no major problems to report.

We'd like to both wish you & your family a very Merry Christmas.

Joel, Janice & Ollie