No Shopping For Me Today

In Mexico, today is just another day, not the kick-off of the Christmas shopping season. There are signs of Christmas, though, as trees, Nativity scenes, and decorations are appearing. Our first reminder was a huge poinsettia plant growing in a park near our apartment. Holiday decorations sure look different in the sunshine!

For our Thanksgiving dinner we joined about 250 others (mostly Americanos or expatriates) for delicious hors d'ouevres, meal, and entertainment at The Casa, a facility dedicated to helping

young Mexican girls pursue their education. A local chef, who teaches culinary classes, was the head cook, and the meal was fantastic: Sweet potato soup with rosemary croutons, smoked turkey breast in mole sauce, mashed potatoes with carmelized onions, vegetables, and for dessert a delicious apple crisp, with nuts, caramel sauce, and whipped cream! Does it seem that all our blog postings are descriptions of our meals? It was so interesting to visit with others, many of whom came for

vacation at some point and never left!

The other evening we had a dinner that included vegetables that looked like potatoes, but we learned they were a type of cactus. Love trying new tastes.

Later today we will attend a concert of Gypsy Guitar music. There is always so much going on here--you could attend a concert or more each day, and the tickets are quite reasonable.

We have just a few days left, and are actually looking forward to returning home. A month was just the right amount of time for us. We miss our

family, friends, home, and routine. But not the cold weather! We are really spoiled by the warm weather.

The Arts and Crafts fair continues this week, and there are some interesting and beautiful creations.

Will close for now, as we have an appointment to

take a young 9 year old friend to ice cream.

There is no school today. I gather it is a work day for teachers. Juan is a fourth grader, and we made his acquaintance a couple weeks ago at Starbucks, where his mother works. The photo at left is of the courtyard at Starbucks.