Christmas

Last evening there was a Christmas parade and the fireworks have been going off for at least a week now.  There are many celebrations going on.  For several days before Christmas there is a small group that walks down the street playing simple instruments. They carry a statue of San Jose and Maria.  It is all prearranged. They stop at a couple of homes and are told there is no room. At the next home they are told they are welcome to stay.  The statues were left at the place I am living.  They had a short service and prayer and refreshments. The statues were moved to a different home the next evening.

Today I worked with "Mayan Families" helping to distribute food baskets.

Each basket weighed about 25 lbs. Many of the women carried the basket on their head.  They were also each given a whole chicken.

Last year this organization was able to distribute 3000 baskets to needy families.

Panajachel Princess

I was invited to attend a Thanksgiving event by the family I work with.  I asked if it was a   church service and he said no.  However it was a service not in a church.  Other than having to sit through 2 hrs. of Spanish choruses I liked the concept.  Almost all their family attended.  The elderly parents  were prayed over and the adult children gathered around them. It was a big family.  They then served lunch. The first thing the lady who shared my table did was spill her coke all down my pants!

Everyone was dressed up for the occasion.  Little Tomasita was beautiful in her Guatemalan clothes.  Her mom made and hand embroidered her blouse. I am sending  a close-up so you admire the work.

The handwork here is gorgeous and the colours are so vivid. The women also wear lacy blouses. The toddlers are especially cute when wearing the local costume.  They cinch their skirt on with an
embroidered sash. Although Western wear is becoming more popular, tradtional clothes are the norm.

Cute as a button

Walk-a-thon

Yesterday I went on the LIFE school walk-a-thon to raise money for tuition for the children. It was about a 2k walk to the Nature Reserve and then a 3k walk once there.  What a gorgeous setting!  We had to cross on many swinging bridges, only 6 people at a time.  The kids really enjoyed the monkeys swinging from the trees.

Nature Reserve

It was a beautiful day for a hike, but the bugs ate me up alive!

I hope they were able to raise a goodly amount for the children.








Last evening there was a celebration on the street.  It was "El dia de diablo".  It is the day to get rid of the devil.  There was music on the streets and people in wonderful costumes were dancing.  I had a hard time getting a good shot, but here is one of my better ones.

Of course, they are wearing masks.  There were Disney characters, Flintstones, spacemen, etc. I was impressed!

San Antonio

Yesterday 3 girlfriends and I took "the truck" to San Antonio.  The truck is a half ton with a bench on both sides of the box.  When the benches are full others have to stand.  It cost us 5Q each way which is about 67 cents.

On the truck

It was a gorgeous day for a ride.  The ladies were looking for pottery and there are 3 pottery places there. All pieces are hand painted.

San Antonio is a clean, quiet town.  Like all towns around the lake it is very hilly.  All 4 of us like to walk and had our exercise for the day.

San Antonio

These men, like so many, are carrying heavy sacks on their backs.  When you see the terrain you understand about the mudslides in the rainy season!

We had lunch at a restaurant by the lake.  I took photos of the fishermens boats.

They are pretty crude but get the job done! It is so picturesque here.

Teaching

This is the family I teach English to.  The mother's name is Tomasa and the father's name is Julio.  The little girl is Tomasita (little Tomasa) and the little boy is Julio.  It is tradition here to name the first girl after the mother and the first son after the father.  They are a great family and both have a good sense of humour.

I needed a new pair of capris and thought I would help the family by purchasing from them but they refused to take money from me and gave me the capris as a gift!  

There was a big race here last week end and it was good for the many businesses.  As Christmas approaches there are more events planned.  The family keeps me up on events.

The windy days are gone and the weather is beautiful. 

Thanksgiving

Yesterday I went to a Thanksgiving feast at Jonas and Nancy's. They are an American couple about my age.  They sold all and moved to Panajachel permanently. They had invited quite a few people and I met new people from all over the world.

I was visiting with a man with a German accent.  When I told him I was from Alberta he asked if I knew where Camrose was!  I was raised in Camrose.  His ex-wife is from there. Small world!

I went to look at a house to rent.  It was $400 a month and was about 2500 sq. ft.  It had 3 huge bedrooms and balconies all around the house.  It had a big courtyard with an avocado and orange tree and many flowers. It would be good with roommates, but too big for just me.

One day walking by the lake I saw this set up. I guess you could have your photo taken while sitting on the horses.

Tradition

Many people here, both men and women, dress in their traditional costumes. The women wear a wrap around skirt with an embroidered cumberbund.  Their blouse is either woven or embroidered.  The embroidery is very densely done with flowers.  The sellers sit at their stall all day doing handwork.

I took these photos from on high.

The Guatemalan's like bright colors and mix various patterns.  They will wear flowers and stripes.

I see this woman almost every day.  She is in her 80's I would guess.  In her little basket she has homemade items to sell.  It is very common for women to carry big bundles on their head.  I see little girls with smaller bundles.

This woman is carrying her baby in front with a sling.  Generally they carry the baby on their back and often have a big bundle on their head as well.

The handwork here is beautiful. I am having a hard time choosing gifts for family. Items are very reasonably priced when one considers the hours of work that went into them.

Insects

The insects here are very big. The other morning I spotted this spider on the stairs.

I guess he was dead as the ants were carrying him away.  I went online and could not find a spider like this one, except for a baby tarantula. I asked a local and that is what  he thought it was.  Apparently they are not aggressive, unless cornered.

There is a big black bee-like insect that hovers around my patio.  If he gets too close I go indoors until he is gone.  He is about an inch long.

The most hated insects are the no-see-ums. Most everyone has red bumps on their legs and they itch like crazy.

The days are getting hotter.  Yesterday I walked to the lake and had to have a nap after due to the heat.  It is summer here.  Guess that is why the kids have no school.

Little boys 12 and under sell cards on the streets.  They are hand embroidered and they say their mother made them.  They are out about 12 hrs. a day.  Sometimes they ask me for money, but I buy them a glass of juice instead or share my lunch with them.  It is hard sometimes to ignore them, but you cannot support the world.

B-B-Q

Last week I was invited to Chalet Tony for a gathering.  It was so beautiful.  Marion, the owner, has lived here for many years.  She is originally from Ontario.

Look at the size of this flower!

I don't know what the above flower will look like, but the bud is huge.

There are many, many foreigners here my age. Some have been here a long time and others after numerous visits retired here. I must say that it is not at all what I expected.

Streets

My Street

This is the street I live on.  It is very narrow but cars, trucks, tuk-tuks, motorcycles and people all use it. Sometimes I have to scrunch against the wall to let a vehicle pass by. (Remember if you click on the photo it will enlarge)

This is one of the many beautiful flowers of Guatemala. They are cheap to buy in the markets.

Pana and motorcycles

Yesterday I went for a boat tour around Lake Atitlan. We spent about an hour in each of four towns.  I would like to spend a day in each town.  The other towns were much hillier than Pana so my legs got a good work-out.  I was glad that I had brought my jacket as we passengers were sprayed pretty good while crossing.

Lake Atitlan

I went to the market in Chichicastenago.  The tour operator said to wait for the shuttle at the end of the lane and the shuttle would arrive at 7:50 a.m.  I waited for almost an hour and no show.  I was walking to the office when a motorcycle pulled up beside me and lo and behold it was the guy from the tour office. He seemed quite upset with me and said I should have waited for the shuttle.  I explained that I had waited almost an hour. He made a call from his cell and then told me to hop on behind him.  Who would have thought that my first ever motorcycle ride would be in PANAJACHEL!  He got a chuckle from that. Let me tell you it was some bumpy ride on these streets and he drove like a crazy person! Anyway, we met up with a shuttle at the service station and I was on my way.

Chichi Market

 The market in Chichi was HUGE....too big for me.  I could hardly get through the streets and the sellers were just too aggressive.  I met a woman from Chicago who, like me, escaped the crowds and we had coffee together and bought absolutely nothing.

La Palapa

Last evening I went to the LaPalapa pub down the street.  On Thursday evenings they play trivia.  Last night the topic was Guatemala.  We divided into teams and had to answer 6 different areas.  One of the areas was physical.  We had to wrap one of our team in a Guatemalan wrap skirt and then they had to carry a basket on their head while timed.  We came in last in all areas, but we had fun doing it.

 Today I went to the lake to get the price for a tour around the lake.  The fellow began at 400Q and went down to 350Q.  I  knew  that  was too much.  I went to a tour office and they charge 150Q.  You have to be careful not to get taken for a ride.  Tomorrow I will take the tour.

Ex-pats

There are many ex-pats here.  I have met people from all over the world and many have been here for over 10 years.  Today I went to a birthday party..this woman from Vancouver has been here 23 years.

Tuk-tuk

 

 

 Here I am by a tuk-tuk which is the taxi system here. It costs 10Q to go most anywhere here.  That is about $1.3O.  Today I was chastising myself for spending 100Q in a couple of days and then realized that is just over $13.....lol.

On Monday I begin teaching English to a fellow and his wife. They will be 1 hr. classes 3 days a week.  Wish me luck!

Evening in Pana

Yesterday I asked Carlos, my landlord, if it was safe to go out in the evening.  He said yes.  I went for a walk downtown.  The stores are open from 10-10.  Most of the stores are stalls that have to be packed up each night.  I heard music and it was 3 girls playing xylophones.  They were wonderful.

 Today I went to the same market and a man called Alo tried to sell me a llama jacket.  He started at 3000 quetzales and went down to 500. It was too big but was very nice. He had a hard time accepting "no".
 I am meeting people from all over the world, and a woman from Texas told me where some of the ex-pats meet in the evening so that is good.

 Brenda, she lives by Waxahachi.

That is a volcano in the distance.









,

Very hot

Buenos dias,

 This is Lake Atitlan. There are boats that take one across to other towns.

Today I met a little boy named Jesus.  He sells postcards that his mom makes.  He showed me where the post office is and where I could change my money. My brain does not want to convert.  It is 7.5 quetsals to the Amer. dollar.

I found the org. called Thirteen Threads and will go back Mon.

 Still have not mastered the tablet, so lots of errors I do not know how to correct so bear with me, please.

Guatemala

I made it here safely.  I arrived at the airport and took a shuttle to Antigua at 6 a.m. I was to make a connection to Panajachel, but the shuttle was full and I had to wait until 1p.m.,I toured Antigua. The 2nd shuttle was a lot of fun due to the other riders.  I took a tuk-tuk to find lodging. I found a hotel for $150/Mon. and that includes lunch.
The owners are very friendly and have twin girls...lol.

 Today I went to the lake.....beautiful! More tomorrow.

A New Look

As you can see, I have changed the look of my blog.

You are probably getting weary of harvest photos, but everywhere I go this is all around me.  And what beautiful harvest weather!  Unreal!

Big Sky Country

These babies turn on a dime!

Here they come!

Just about done!!!

From the time they began this quarter until done was about an hour.  When the combine was in the position of the final picture, a motorhome drove up and I suppose it was dinner time.  Off they moved to another field.

Full Tilt

We have had a gorgeous fall.  The equipment begins as soon as the frost laden grass thaws and dries.  Yes, we have had frost.  Not unusual at this time of year.

Where ever there is dust, you can think equipment on the fields.  Yesterday there were 4 combines in the field next to me.

Busy, busy lately with a lot of company.  Also, trying to decide what I should pack and what not to pack.  I have to consider that I want to bring some things back so need room for that.  Just about ready to begin filling bags. 

Golden Prairies of Alberta

Fall is deeply upon us.  The weather here has been fantastic, with hot sunny days.  Equipment is out in full force.

Wheat Fields

The fields are various shades of gold.

We saw the most beautiful sunset last night.  Hard to capture with my camera.

Sunset over the Prairie

The sky was various shades of purple.  It may have been from the dust in the air.

I noticed yesterday on my trip to Red Deer that there were many RV's on the road.  As long as the weather holds out, people will be out.  

Harvest

The farmers are out with their big equipment.  It has been a good year for them.  We had lots of moisture from a snowy winter, then a wet spring and July.  After that the sun came out and continued to shine.

Combining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is our neighbour out on his field.  The chaff last evening was blown everywhere and all things were covered in dust.  We became extremely itchy and had a hard time breathing.

The wind was blowing from the east today and this is the road in front of my parking space.

Eat Dust

Two John Deere combines just passed by.  I am happy for the farmers.  They should have a bumper crop this year.  I know they will be working around the clock on these fine days and nights. 

The growing season went by way too fast this year!  All too soon the frost will be upon us. 

At the end of October I am leaving for Guatemala.  A new adventure will begin!

Severe Weather

Last night we had a severe storm.  The sheet lightning lit up the sky.  The rain came down so hard it sounded like hail.  It just went on and on.

I was in my motorhome, of course.  I was frightened.  I wrapped myself up in blankets thinking at least if things went flying I would be somewhat protected.  I have heard people comment that a tornado sounded like a freight train.  That is what it sounded like from my perspective.  Apparently the sound was caused by the unending thunder.  My heart was pounding.  Finally I ran into Doug's house.  I couldn't take it anymore.  When it moved east I went home.

This has been a year of severe weather on the prairies.  If I never experience this kind of weather again, it will satisfy me!

Mushrooms

Today is the Calgary Stampede Parade so I am hoping they don't get rained on.  The Stampede grounds were under water 2 weeks ago and they worked hard to get everything ready.  The Saddledome had tiers of seats ruined and once the water was pumped out there was all the mud to deal with.  Some events had to be cancelled.  It is incredible that they are able to go ahead with plans.

I just returned from my walk.  I miss it most days due to the weather.  Either it is raining or the road is a mud hole.  This morning was gorgeous however.

Canola field

 I love the smell of canola.

I then walked about the acreage and took photos of the mushrooms.  They are incredible.

Fungi

I put my foot in the photo so you can get an idea of how large these fungi are.  This is most unusual for this area, which is usually pretty dry.  The climate is indeed changing.

Their is a new cat here on the acreage.  Three days ago I heard a car stop and start and voila! a new cat.  Hope he/she is a good mouser! 

Prairie Storms

We had another prairie storm this evening.  There was lots of lightening and thunder.

And, of course, after the storm, there was the rainbow.  I love rainbows!  And I love the fresh smell after the rain.  Not that we need more rain!  One can smell the mowed grass rotting in the evenings.  I won't even mention the mosquitoes!!!!

There were tornado warnings south east of us, but the warning was later rescinded. 

I wonder if you can see the yellow canola fields in the photo below?  The season is short and I am always amazed by how quickly the crops grow and blossom. 

There is a flock of pigeons that always land on the roof of the bigger shed.  When I go outside they always fly away, but you can see one just on the edge of the roof.  One day I will be quick enough to catch them in flight.

The prairies are beautiful in the spring, summer and fall months.  I guess winter has its own beauty and I would love the sparkle of the snow and the white landscape if it wasn't for the cold.

Enjoy the summer while you can!

Rainbows and Coyotes

Yesterday we had a rain storm.  We were coming home from Red Deer and could see the storm in the distance.  Fortunately, it was just ahead of us and we missed the heavy rain and perhaps hail.  I looked to the left and saw the most beautiful rainbow I had ever seen.  The colours were so vivid and there was a double bow. You can just barely see the higher bow in the photo.

 

Although I did not have my camera with me, I did have my cell phone.  See how dark the sky is above the rainbow?  We have had an inordinate amount of rain this spring.  Everything is lush and green, but every wet day brings us closer to winter with little sunshine.  Sometimes we have springs and summers like this and then we feel cheated!

Behind Doug's house is a copse of trees and in those trees is a coyote family.....three little ones.  The pups come out and play on the lane leading into the yard.

Coyote Pup

Here is one of those little ones.  There are two brown ones and a lighter coloured one.  It is fun to watch them romp about during the day.  They set up quite a howl when darkness comes and sometimes wake me up from a deep sleep.  I seldom see mama, but did on Sunday when two adult coyotes were in the field across the road.  I guess she was being protective. 

Today it was lightening and thundering and I went into the house.  The thunder was shaking the windows in my motorhome and I felt like I was surrounded by lightening.  They tell us to stay away from your windows in such a storm.....fairly hard to do in a motorhome. 

Alas, we are to have rain for the remainder of the week.  Nothing one can do but grin and bear it!

Torrington Gopher Museum

Today my daughter, Gabrielle and I went to Olds, Alberta to do some shopping.  She drove.  She is practicing for her driver's license.

On the way home we decided to stop at the Torrington Gopher Museum.  I had often passed by and seen the signs, but never went in before today.  This museum was in the news a couple of years ago as the animal rights activists thought it was terrible to stuff gophers and exhibit them in a museum.  Those people obviously did not see the damage these animals cause.

Moonlit Night

Making a Snowman

At the Library

Fisherman

 

 

They had a couple of rare gophers such as the albino gopher at the library and a rare black gopher.  We found the display rather amusing. 

They also had some beautiful handwork to sell.  There were hand knit sweaters and petit point book marks. 

It was an enjoyable sunny day!