Casa Update 23

Friends,

Well, it has been more than a month and I am finally getting around to updating everyone. August and the first half of September was hot and humid with us spending a lot of time inside reading or going to the pool. Keeping out of the direct sun is a must. We had rain twice with the skies looking and sounding ominous many many times. All of the thunder storms bypassed us. Tropical storm Julio dumped a huge amount of rain north of us. Highway 5 was washed out in many places between the Military Checkpoint and La Ventana. The highway was closed for almost one day while repairs were made. We awoke early one morning to the crash of thunder nearby. We spent the next hour watching the most spectacular lightning show we have ever seen. It was all around us and almost continuous for a half hour. We ended up with 3/4 inch that morning.

We have a monthly event down on the beach called the Full Moon Mixer. We have gone to two so far. The activities staff provided the hot dogs or tacos or tostadas and we provide the rest. Lots of fun with a area for casino games. Problem with the full moon is it is also low tide. But anyway that is a different discussion. On this past mixer, I got a nice glass of sauvignon blanc as a bribe since we were the only ones that brought a corkscrew. The pictures are from the August mixer.

We spent four days on the Pacific coast celebrating our 29th anniversary. We were in Rosarito Beach for two days staying at a house one block from the ocean and in sight of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Weather was beautiful and cool. Lots of good food, shopping and sightseeing. Then we were off to Ensenada for another two days. Stayed at a very cute resort called Punta Morro. Look it up on the internet. Had dinner in the hotel overlooking the Pacific. Actually, the restaurant is on peers and we were over the ocean looking down at the breakers. Food was excellent. We found another restaurant next door. Website sounded interesting and we tried it. The building was definitely two star. But once inside, one entire wall was plastered with awards. Definitely a five star meal!! Smoked Marlin Quesadillas anyone? On our last day we went to La Bufadora. We saw two whales migrating south. Look it up! Traveled thru the Valle De Trinidad on the way back to San Felipe.

We had another thunderstorm the other night. They got 8/10 inch of rain in town but we got a light show, wind and just enough rain to mess up cars. Back to the carwash this week.

We will be moving back into the house at the end of the month. Ed and Sandy will be back October 1st and we have to be out. Don't look forward to packing up but it will be good to be back home.

Friday we were invited to a couple's renewal of vows service at a local Catholic Church (we snuck Communion). After, there was a catered reception at their casa. Almost 70 people were there for a sit down dinner in the back yard. They hired two of our (ranch) activities staff to act as MC and DJ. We all had a great time.

Tonight is "Dive in Movie Night" at the pool. First one of these that we have gone to. Vincent and Chuey are hosting it with their 20 foot projector system (they do all of the Directv/Dish/Hughes installs and are probably pimping for business).

I have figured out the dress code for down here. Casual is tee-shirt (logoed), shorts and sandals. For smart casual, all you do is tuck in your tee-shirt and upgrade your sandals. For formal occasions, just trade in your tee-shirt for a Hawaiian shirt.

When we get back to our casa, I will have more time without TV. Maybe that will encourage me to send out the update more often.

For now,

Larry and Regina

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/LarEWill50/Casa16?authkey=Gv1sRgCOe5iMCA057KkAE&feat=directlink