Thanksgiving Mexican Style - and a week of gratitude for all that is good

Yesterday was Thanksgiving for all of our American friends and family.  Normally, we wouldn't feel the need to celebrate again after all, it's really hard to imagine a full turkey dinner here,. However, when we found out Jimi Mamou was playing at the old Rick's Bar now called "Rafa's" and with our Victoria friends Sue and Paul wanting to join us, we headed off to experience a Thanksgiving dinner in Zihuatanejo. 

We entered to the familiar sound of Jimi at his keyboard, with some Ray Charles tunes that immediately put Gene into his full-on dancing mode...and dance and party we did.  It was 4 hours of the most fun Thanksgiving dinner I've ever had, turkey, all the trimmings and Judy's yummy chocolate fudge for dessert.  Not to mention, I wasn't responsible for any of the food or clean-up, and for that I am truly thankful!  

But this week has again reminded us of why we are so thankful to be here for our 3rd winter.  In September, we were worried, it almost wasn't going to happen as Gene was told he needed an operation on his thigh due to the fall he had here last winter...but after a lot of internet and soul searching, we decided to forego the surgery and head south as planned...and so far, this decision seems to be the right one.  We know that our family and friends back in Canada have been suffering through the worst weather in November . We are thankful that we are missing that onslaught of cold, and hope that everyone back home is safe and warm until the blast from the Arctic moves on.   

Gene and I are enjoying the opportunity to be outside, in the sun, and with the warm ocean breezes on our skin at any time of the day or night.  we are thankful that we have the health and the energy to enjoy this paradise.  Each year I regularly walk the 16 km. beach between Playa Larga and Barra de Potosi...and each time I do, I feel the magic of being in that open ocean air and feeling at one with the beauty and tranquility of the tropics.  Thanks Sue for joining me and that cerveza at the end....that is the best cerveza of the year!

We are thankful that there are people here who are making "paradise" even better. 

One of them is the founder of El Refugio de Potosi.  We have been to the beautiful wildlife refuge and eco-center near La Barra de Potosi several times, but each time there is something new to capture our minds and hearts...this time it came in the form of a golden baby porcupine named Lala.  She was one of the cutest creatures I've ever seen, and seems to be adjusting to life as a star in the foyer of the wildlife refuge. 

I could go on and on, but I think I'll save a blog about being thankful for our car for another time,...and just end this now, before I head off to yoga at Paty's (thank you for yoga on the waterfront in a fabulous environment with wonderful teachers).....namaste!