Free range chickens and other things

Back home in Ithaca, the folks make a big deal about "free range chickens". The eggs are supposed to be superior to store eggs--and they are. The yolks are bigger and brighter, the shells are stronger and the whites are not runny. Well, as far as I can tell, there is nothing but free range chickens in Mexico. Everywhere you look, even in the center of town, there are chickens living the high life while looking for bugs and other yummy stuff to eat. I bet the eggs are just delish.

While standing on the patio and enjoying the view of the lake, a large "bird" flew by. It was right at dusk. Taking a second look to identify the bird gave me quite a shock. It was the biggest bat I have ever seen in my life. It is a fruit bat. VERY BIG wing span. I wondered about the fruit part but haven't asked.

Another interesting fact is that all the trees and water in Mexico are owned by the government. You can not cut down a tree, even if it is in your own yard, without a permit from the government. Don't mess with the water either. Rasberries are in season from September to June. And they are big too. Maybe that is why the fruit bats are so big.

Today Leigh gave me some rocks. A large piece of obsidian from the flow from the Tequela volcano that is currently dormant but is very near by. And you thought tequela was a drink! We also saw mescal plants from which the alcoholic drink, mescal, is made. Speaking of alcohol, we are enjoying one or two margaritas a night-the free range kind with oranges from the yard.

Today Rick and Leigh took us up the mountain to a little town named Mazamitla. It is way up and has little cabins that are rented out on weekends to families from Guadalajara. It is a Mexican vacation area. The temperature was 63 degrees in town. The town had little wooden balconies as well as wood decor in many places. This is because it is high enough to have many pine trees. I made my first financial transaction by paying for chocolate (hot) for the four of us. I was pleased to be able to sort out the money values and make an appropriate tip. We stopped at a gas station and they pumped the gas! I like that. You are supposed to tip the person that pumps the gas 1 or two pesos. The person that washes the windows also gets the same tip. Leigh tipped the little old man that washed our windows 2 pesos. She is very sensitive to the needs of others. If you buy something in a store, the person that places your purchase in a bag also gets a peso (about 10 cents).

Rick and Leigh have decided to drive us to the coast and do some sight-seeing along the way. Isn't that just amazing? We are leaving tomorrow, and the first stop will be the city of Colima. Colima has an active volcano that erupts about every one hundred years. The last time was in 1908. You know what I am thinking. Rick and Leigh are very much fun to be with. Many laughs about the family and Rick, Steve and the rest of the cousins as kids. Stephen has really had a great time revisiting his childhood and family.

One last thing. I am learning to use my new Canon XTi. It is really fun. I also figured out how to move photos from the camera to the computer and doctor them some. So far, I have not figured out how to upload the photos to the blog spot. Well, I do have to leave some new things for tomorrow. Love to you all, Meema