Where to start

Yes we finally arrived in Mexico. Well actually on the 21st of March .   I have just been to dang busy to blog.  Ah the warmth at last.  As soon as we landed in Cancun we headed to pick up our rental car then off  to Telcel to get my phone activated.  We then dropped off some luggage at the house and spent the night in Cancun.  We were not up for a night drive to Merida.
Bright and not so early the next morning (2 hour time difference) we headed out to Merida about 10 AM took the Cota (toll) roads, it is about a 3 hour drive.  I had previously booked our hotel having stayed there once before.  Hotel Caribe.  Fantastic location one block from the town center and easy walking distance all around the city.  Great price for the hotel something like 45.00 a night.  Nothing fancy but clean, nice courtyard and the pool was right outside our door.

 Spent all day Sunday in Merida they close the streets around the center and have craft fair and lots of food to choose from.  I bought a beautiful painting of a pair of parrots and this awesome bedspread all hand made.

We stayed 5 nights n Merida

 and did various day trips here is a photo of Progresso, Cheburn ,Chelem.  Located on the Gulf of Mexico, very laid back little towns about 45 minute car ride from Merida

 

Next day was Celestun - took a boat ride to see the Flamingos.  Was so awesome to see them in their natural habitat.

Next day a day trip to Sisal -  honestly not much there and it was windy so we made a short day of that trip.

 

On to Valladidlod - Stayed again at a very nice hotel right on the main square El Mason del Marques was about $65.00 per night and included breakfast.  What a clean nice little city.  Stayed a couple nights here and visited a Cenote the church a chocolate factory

Last Stop was Isla Holbox - quaint little island - still all sand streets and nothing much to do but relax and enjoy the time off

Of course I just had to stop at the fantastic nursery's on the way home for plants -- YAY

Made it back to Isla just in time to celebrate my mother in-laws 80th birthday with all her children.  But that is another post.

One more sleep

We have been in New Orleans for the past few day, was finally able to spend some tourist time here.  Spent many a meetings here but had very little time for the fun stuff.

We took a day and went on a Plantation Tour it was cold and windy that day but got some great photos

Then we spent a day in the garden district lovely homes here are a few of my favorites

Food was awesome - nothing like a Louisiana Boil YUMMO

We leave bright and early tomorrow for Cancun.  Plans are made to meet with my lawyer to start my immigration papers, go to Telcel and get my phone activated.  Then on to Merida.

Life is good especially when you have enough time to enjoy it.

Almost ready

Seems like it has been a long time coming but we leave Saturday Morning.

First stop is New Orleans.  I have a few days of work to do there so we decided to leave a few days early and enjoy some vacation time in the Big Easy.

Hotels are all set up for the next couple weeks so I cant hardly wait.  Seems like it has been a long time but it gave us a chance to take care of all those loose ends.

 Like trimming back 4 large trees and hauling all the branches to the recycle place.  I told Bruce my second job is a logger now. I was so sore for a couple days but now it is feeling much better.  It has been needed for at least 10 years so really glad to have it done.

Were packed taking 2 extra bags but that happens when you find things here to take with you and of course to be gone for a few months I am sure we took too many clothes.  Oh well.

We will arrive in Cancun on the 21st YAY but have rented a car and are going to take a vacation in the Yucatan until 4-1 when our home will be free of guests.  We will visit Merida Progresso Sisal Valladolid and Isla Holbox.

Bruce's family will be coming down on April 6th so we can celebrate his Mom's 80th birthday.

I am so ready -- lets go.
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Short road trip

Enough of the snow and cold in Sunriver

So of course we head to  the coast.  Drove over to Depot Bay and wandered down the coast.  Very sunny and nice to just take your time and stop whenever you want.

Literately was able walk right up to these awesome guys.

Meeting Our Hawaiian Friends in SunRiver.

Jess & Doreen came over to do some snowboarding.   Mt Bachelor has 170+ inch base so if the wind calms down they should have an great time.  Today was very windy  but calmed this evening so here is hoping thy have a beautiful day skiing tomorrow.  It just started snowing lightly here at the house, I love when the snow quiets down the world. 

Cleaned the hot tub and refilled it, doing a few more loose ends here so we will be ready to leave for Mexico

Had some sad news a friend who lived on Isla passed away today, was not expected but she battled MS for many years.  Seems like lately our friends are dying so much I guess this is natural since were all getting older.

I am on count down mode just 31 days

Hip Hip Hooray

I have my Mexican visa approved. Things are coming together.  They have added a page to my passport and I have 6 months to enter Mexico and then 30 days to to present it at the IMN in Cancun.

This experience starting in US and finishing has been much easier than when I did this in Cancun.  The lady at the Portland Consulate has been amazing and beyond helpful.

I have made my travel plans and we should arrive in Cancun on 3-21.  Depending on who I get to go with me to present the documents it will be Monday the 23rd or 30th.

Since my house is rented I have rented a car made some travel plans in the Yucatan for the 10 days that it is rented.  We will be traveling to Merida, Valladolid, & Holbox and enjoy some touristy stuff.

So far I am totally enjoying working from home with reduced hours.  With all the travel I been doing just having the  freedom has been wonderful.

On the not so happy front I did my taxes and man o man I owe a small fortune.  But  I guess that is the price of living in the gold Ole USA.

Oh so close but not today

Returned from Hawaii and got my email to come to the Mexican Consulate for my interview and fingerprints for my permanent residency..  YAY.  Was scheduled for 11 am Friday.  Was not to happen because right around Cottage Grove we hit snow and got a email postponing until Monday..  Was sad as Saturday it was Travis birthday and this would be the only one I have ever missed.  Can't believe what an awesome person he has become.  Of course I love him to heaven and back a million times.

In the mean time the snow was a beautiful diversion in Lake Oswego, thanks to our awesome gracious friends Dick & Julie we had a cozy beautiful place to wait the storm out. They are calling this the worst in many many years.




Wish me luck on Monday.  Maybe the will be open if not Wednesday

 Diversion