Sunday, January 21, 2018

Still coughing and sneezing our way through the days...I am definitely improving while John's recovery is a bit behind mine. With help from Doug, I made cabbage rolls for Monday night's dinner with five guests and the four of us around the table. Roasted veggies and a Moroccan aubergine dish were served along with the cabbage rolls. There were no complaints so I think that the meal was tasty! Doug also baked an apple torte for dessert.

We made enough cabbage rolls for Wednesday's dinner too because Rich & Harvey were arriving late that afternoon so dinner was pre made...just needed heating while we share "welcome" cocktails!

I am tackling the fifth painting today...with many unnecessary interruptions...just a hesitancy about colours and textures and...general avoidance! Sharing the studio with an artist who carries on without a moment of hesitation is sometimes daunting!

On Friday, after meeting with our No Trump Zone group. we wandered toward the Malecon and were pleased to see that the seating area near Saturday's market has been decorated with mosaic tiling.

Friday, January 12th

Oops!... missed a few days thanks to a head and throat cold! Yuck! On the bright side of leading quiet days...I have finished two paintings and currently absorbed in the third of a new series.

This morning we met with our "No Trump Zone" group again.

Of course the discussions were full of Trump's "shithole" comment. 

This man continues to demand top billing on daily news despite his despicable behaviour.

Most of our group still managed to smile for the camera!

Later that night we walked through town for the Artwalk Shuffle...

...and stopped to view several of John's paintings at Contempo Galeria.

Both of us are struggling with the cold bug now...so...still quiet days.

Our tree reflecting the colours of tonight's sunset.

Tuesday, January 9th

Another bus ride into town this morning for John's visit with his Cardiologist...

...and I couldn't resist capturing these images.

Monday, January 8th

This afternoon we hopped on the bus into town again for John's training session at the gym.

I relaxed with an iced coffee at the Mercado, 

a quiet retreat from the busyness of Puerto Vallarta's streets.

When I take the time to sit and look around...

I see the beauty in colour and form and shadows.

Sunday, January 7th

A quiet painting day...

...followed by a stunning sunset!

Saturday, January 6th

Yesterday morning we had a reunion with the "No Trump Zone" group at Dee's. It was a mini celebration of the new publication "Fire and Fury" which our group hopes will add fuel to the demise of President Trump.

 There are new t-shirts available in PV that carry the following message 

"elect a clown - expect a circus"...and piñatas in various sizes.

Shelly left us yesterday...heading back to Gibsons and the cold!

Today was the first painting day...canvases prepped, brushes waiting.

Tonight we attended a "PINK" party at Jan and Bill's condo overlooking Banderas Bay.

I was one of four women...the other 50 attendees were men in pink!!

January 4th

Yesterday we bundled ourselves into the car and drove into PV 

for a 5pm show in the Red Room featuring Diana Villamonte. 

She was amazing! What a voice!!!

She sang her way through tributes to Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, 

Shirley Bassey, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Etta James and many more.

In February she will entertain us with Tina Turner songs at the Red Room.

January 3rd

More shopping today after visiting a Dermatologist for full body scans. She was very thorough and it was interesting to see body spots on the screen while she gave an analysis of what we were seeing. It was an expensive visit to a medical specialist...700 pesos (leads than $50)!

John had his first training session at the gym with Tito 

while Shelly and I toured the multiple booths that were set up along the Malecon. 

The "pop and beer can tab purses" were set up on a table 

so we had a chat with the creator of these wonderful bags. 

(my apologies for the tilted horizon)

Newly discovered art!

Some of the daily news choices!

January 2nd

It was a long day of shopping yesterday followed by a delicious dinner prepared by an experienced chef in his rented condo overlooking Banderas Bay. Whew!...tortilla soup, pulled pork burritos, salad and rice...all made from locally grown products. The flavours were outstanding!

John, Doug, Michel, John, Shelly, Raymond, Andre

This morning Shelly and I embarked on a search for tiny Mexican sandals for a newborn gift and along the way she spotted unusually crafted bags...loom woven with the end strands of yarn braided and fashioned into handles...quite beautiful!

Mattie playing hide n' seek!

Happy New Years

Yesterday Shelly and I walked into the small town of Mismaloya, watched the horses being fed, the children playing with their Christmas gifts and sniffed the rich aroma of roasting chicken.

A reminder of the past

From the town we walked down to the beach 

where carloads of Mexicans were arriving to share music and food.

Last night we were invited to Tom and Connie's

for a New Year's eve celebration.

In true Mexican tradition we filled the vehicle to overflowing (8)

with Geri sitting on the console...her head poking through the sunroof

for her backwards trip up the bumpy cobblestoned streets!

The food was delicious!...

...and a gorgeous display of fireworks lined Banderas Bay.

Happy New Years everyone!