Our Chapala Summer!

Summer is beautiful Lakeside.  The rains started a bit early this year and by mid-June everything was starting to green up nicely.  A good rainy season is much appreciated here as the water level in the lake has been very low for several years.

Cara, Me, Kathleen & Louracia

For the fourth of July weekend I went to San Miguel de Allende for a two night girls trip.  What a beautiful city!  Kathleen, always the adventurer, was the driver and she did a great job.  The trip was about 4 1/2 hours each way and we saw some beautiful parts of Mexico.  We stayed at a wonderful B&B that served some of the best Chiliquiles ever for breakfast.  Each room had a fireplace and the room Louracia and I shared had a beautiful view of the cathedral and each morning we'd watch hot air balloons drift over the city.  The town of SMA is shaped like a bowl with the main shopping

The Square in San Miguel

area at the bottom surrounded by hills.  We trekked down the street every day to shop, eat and sightsee.....and then back up the street each night to our hotel.  Well, at least Kathleen and Cara did.  Sometimes Louracia and I grabbed a cab!  We actually closed down the bars both nights....or actually I think we closed down two different bars in the same night.  But whatever, we had a great time.  On the way back, we went through Dolores Hidalgo to shop for pottery and briefly saw Guanajuato....which will definitely be out next trip!

Beautiful San Miguel

The beautiful breakfast table at our B&B

Shortly after I returned from SMA, Matt had a family emergency and needed to return to Kansas City.  He was very much missed here, but this is an easy town to be alone in.  The dogs and I kept up our daily routine and the only thing that really suffered in Matt's absence was his beautiful garden.

I do think Matt has finally finished with the murals in the garden.  Originally, he was going to paint one...but he enjoyed it so much now there are five.  It's been a great project for him and they look great!  We're very happy with our beautiful terrace!  Everything is growing so fast - this is the perfect climate for plants.  Not too hot, not too cold.

Our best surprise was that Ryan and Brandee came to see us.  They arrived last week for a six day visit and man did we pack in the activities!  We went to the markets here in Ajijic, Tequila (yes there is a pueblo named tequila...and they makes lots of tequila there), Guadalajara, Talaquepaque, Tequila Fest in Chapala and we had some incredible meals and lots of fun.  Ryan took most of the pics, and has promised to send them to me soon, but for now here's a pic of Ryan, Brandee and I tase testing the tequila at Herraderra distillery.

My one bit of sad news is that Buster, the pup I'm fostering that I talked about in last blog entry, had to have more surgery.  He had nerve damage in his right rear leg and it became apparent he would never be able to use it.  Vet said best to amputate.  Buster did pretty well with this surgery although he did have an infection but recovered quickly.  And yes, he's still staying with us.  Originally it was going to be a short foster for a week or two - now two months later he's still here.  But I'm taking him to the next adoption day and hopefully he'll charm someone like he has me.  He is a sweet heart and has so much spirit.  Hermann actually loves to play with him....and Herm never plays with anyone.  Lola, she'd rather he just leave her alone.