After the flurry of last month, it was great to settle into some kind of routine before my next visitors arrive. The focus of course to include my best friends Seven and Stella whenever possible which was not difficult as we lived in such a beautiful little piece of paradise, I seldom went far. As Seven, Stella and I (now known as the 3 S’s) we continued to make our presence known and the flow of visitors continue much to Seven and Stella’s delight.

The wind in Tepoztlan can at times be wicked and weak old trees can and will cause damage. Luckily this huge branch missed the water tank and the room where the gas is hooked up. No-one was hurt but I am sure the mice, lizards, ants and scorpions were not impressed

My next guest was Julie, a friend of my best friend’s son and wow did we have a blast! One day while at the local artesian market enjoying the atmosphere we indulged in a local drink called pulque – (Pulque, or octli, is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant. It is traditional in central Mexico, where it has been produced for millennia. It has the color of milk, a rather viscous consistency and a sour yeast-like taste). Everything was fine until the next day……we were both laden with a severe case of diarrhea not wanting to move too far from the bathroom which lasted almost a week. Of course all my Mexican friends were in stitches over our predicament. Julie and I were NOT amused! Never will either of us will ever let another drop of pulque pass our lips. Need your digestive system cleaned out, I have the remedy! It was sad to see Julie leave but she had more to see and do in Mexico before heading back to Germany.

While waiting with such excitement for my best friend Christine to arrive with Laura I tried to remain busy. Not only with Seven and Stella but with my new friends baking cakes. Every couple of weeks we would all arrive at Pascal’s house and Jose gave us each a particular job to do while we sipped on beer, wine or whatever was on the table along with those enormous joints like we all used to roll back in the 60’s. We sure did bake cakes to remember. Be careful these cakes we made were quite potent and very tasty! I also took some time to bring out the artist in me by enhancing my zentangles with the dogs forever at my side.

Chris and Laura were here for a week and we packed in as much as possible before they were off to see the incoming migration of the Monarch butterflies. Tepoztlan is a small town but there is much to observe. As I mentioned, it was so much fun to see the town through my visitors eyes. I saw things that were missed in my day to day activity. And they get to see Tepoz so much better than the average tourista. It was wonderful to see them both and very sad to see them leave. We made a promise that this will not be the only time.

When they left, the house felt empty. It is difficult at times but then Seven and Stella always remind me that life is good. Without them life would be empty and the journey much different.