Thanksgiving Eve

We seem to enjoy about every day down here. But, you know, some days are real red letter days as far as accomplishing things and discovering what’s happening to folks here. Today, if not a red letter day, was certainly a pink one!
It started off as pretty normal. A brief cold front had moved in last night and the temperature was in the low 70’s and cloudy. And, as it threatened to rain, Peggy hiked off to the fruit store, La Milpa, for fresh juice. Sure enough, it rained on her, while Ed made coffee. On her way to the store, she saw Kevin who, for some years, has managed his friend’s house on the island. Last year, right before we left in April, he was told that there was a problem with the title to the house and that the sale to his friend could be negated. We’re not sure of the exact circumstances but we only knew that he could be evicted at any minute. Seems that yesterday was the day. The Federales came and gave him and his paying guests 2 hours to get their stuff out and vacate the premises! Evidently the cops came back brandishing machine guns (we take that to mean they’re serious!) and did indeed evict them. This AM when Peggy saw Kevin, he was nursing a pretty good hangover (“crudo” as it’s known down here). Evidently, all his stuff was out in street and later that AM he was hoping for friends to wake up/show up and help move. In the meantime, he was walking in the rain to breathe some oxygen. We’ve come to learn not to question statements like this down here. Anyway, Peggy asked if Ed and she could help. Kevin declined, feeling confident that this situation was under control.
Ed had an early Christmas today. In order to fix our outside faucet, he needed to get up on the roof. Now, in the past, we have prevailed upon Burak and Rita to use their ladder. But really, we need to have our very own to be real residents here. It’s either own a ladder or be part monkey and climb up like the man who set up our internet. Ed, not being the monkey sort, took his bike and went scouting around for the best deal. He found a gem, came home to get some pesos and took off on foot to bring the new addition home. What a treasure – the ladder can either be used as a 6 foot step ladder or as an extension ladder. The possibilities are limitless. One great use could be a clothesline holder upper. Another could be for removing the coconuts from the tree in the backyard so they don’t fall on our heads. Or, cutting down the several stalks of bananas when they’re ready to harvest. This is exciting! Feliz Navidad!
Burak and Rita had a sunset cruise this afternoon so they asked us to feed their three dogs and take them for a walk. We just love their dogs but they are a little nutso on their leashes. Greta, the blonde dog has no concept that she is attached to anyone or anything. She waltzes around with abandon. Rex, as you may recall from last year, is a pussy cat dressed in a huge Doberman’s body. All Rex wants to do is find something nasty to roll in. Bonnie is normally the ringleader but on a leash she is transformed into the meekest, mildest mannered animal in Cozumel. Peggy is especially fond of Bonnie’s alternative persona.
On our way home, we saw Kevin and his friend Mike sitting on a curb across the street from Kevin’s couch and other household items. They were still patiently waiting for their friends while partaking of a little “moving helper”. They had a makeshift pitcher (a “sawed off” plastic liter bottle with a clear liquid and ice in it). They were not at all fazed that it had been several hours since the help with the truck was due to arrive.
So, big events today. A banner day. Tranquillo vida por los todos! Feliz Dia de Gracias manana.