How do you like the summer weather we’re having in May?  I hear it’s in the 90′s in San Felipe which is wonderful if you’re able to go swimming in the Sea of Cortez to cool off.  We left Seattle this morning at 5:00 a.m. as our flight was at 6:00 a.m.  However, we arrived five minutes late for the luggage to make it on the plane, so we had to take the next flight, which was at 7:10.  My daughter lost her gold earring on the plane and it took us an hour to figure out where the shuttle was to take us to the motel.  When we arrived at the motel, our “package” which was prepaid, was not in their computers, thank you very much AAA Travel! However, the manager of the Motel 6 was very helpful and gave us our rooms, so all is well.

We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory which is right down the street and it was very good.  Tomorrow, we go to Disney Land and what a small world it is.  At the San Francisco Airport this morning, I ran into my friend Susan from San Felipe.  She and her partner, Denise have a place at the ranch so that was a nice surprise.  Ed Meders, owner of the San Felipe Title Book Store, is working at the convention center right around the corner, so we are going to pop in and see him tomorrow.  As I said, it’s a small world.  Photos by Anita Net and this first photo is named “Tourists”.  It looks like the bathrooms are finished and newly painted after they remodeled.  A family that wears red together, stays together.  Photo by Anita Net.

I have some scoop to announce and I’ll start with a note from Jim Manning, Sr. Snazzy Jazzy: “Hi Kat.  The Baja Boys and their Snazzy Jazzy Music (Thanks for that Title) are still working. We are at the Jolly Mon every Thursday 6-9pm and at La Vaquita Every Friday 6-9pm…We are still at it and hope all of our friends will stop by from time to time. Should be a great summer…Thanks…Jim.”  I told Jim that Sergio was supposed to write and let me know what’s happening at La Vaquita, but he must be busy with the football teams.  It’s nice to see we have some entertainment in town, so let’s try and stop in (at either place) and show our support.  Personally, I like the Baja Boys – it’s a nice mellow sound and at my age, I’m into mellow.

It’s that time of year again when the El Vergel Fire Department holds their annual fundraiser.  They will be serving a Mexican Buffet Fiesta along with beer, wine and soft drinks.  They request you bring an appetizer plate, salad or dessert to add to the buffet and this fun party is Sunday, May 30 at 1:00 p.m. down south at Campo El Vergel – Km 35.  Music will be provided by Los Vatos Locos.  This is strictly a volunteer fire department, so all funds collected go to purchase equipment and maintain the station.  If you haven’t been to one, try it, you’ll like it! It’s a lot of fun.

I received this today from a reader whose name is Dan Cox.  I think it’s important if we want to help energize our tourism that we ask visitors to log on and tell of their positive experiences in San Felipe because there are a lot of people like Dan who use this site and really, we all want our tourism to improve so what’s the harm? Here’s what Dan had to say: “I finally got back to San Felipe the last week of April and had a great time, and I brought a first time visitor who fell in love with the little town right away and is already planning another trip.  I stayed at George’s for the first time and really enjoyed the hospitality they offered.  I was surprised when I went to www.tripadviser.com to review the hotel and found no listing for George’s.  In fact, the San Felipe hotels have received very few reviews over the years.  Since you are such a great supporter of your town, you may consider having visitors review the hotels around town.  I use Trip Adviser as my sole resource when traveling and found it to be very helpful in identifying good locations.  Anyway, thanks for all the work you do to promote San Felipe.” You’re right Dan – I’ve only seen one hotel and one condo written about and they were both negative. And thanks for bringing down a first time visitor.  Glad he/she liked our little village by the sea.

And from my little buddy Marge Scott and her hubby Tom, who is a very successful non-smoker! “Hi Kat, Mothers’ Day brunch and dinner at Los Arcos Restaurant were wonderful.  The food was excellent and we had a great time providing entertainment.  Next Sunday,  May 16th, there will be a repeat event consisting of brunch from 11:00 to 1:00 and dinner from 5:00 to 7:00, with easy listening music again provided by Tom & Marge Scott.  Come on out and enjoy the meal and entertainment.  Thanks for posting this – Marge & Tom.” As I told Marge, I won’t be back until May 18, so I’ll miss the next performance, but I’ll catch the one after that.

And last but certainly not least, my other little buddy from El Dorado Ranch and everywhere else, Ms. Rice: “Do you know that the boys that were at our Pemex that were serving Chinese food are now next to the food bank in town….AND….the “old” Georges is beautiful inside…and the food is good, too….The service is great….AND…there is a open air produce market on the road to the “Z” market…didn’t stop but looked promising….AND….there is a consignment store on the way out of town on the right …..AND….the Sweet Spot is delicious and they have a great side salad….anyway that’s all I know for now…Oh and I just found out about the Admiral’s wives’ luncheon the 2nd Tuesday (I think) of the month…It is on the Navy base 80 pesos … and the money goes to charity…again, I didn’t go but sounded like a good time…and fun to see the Navy base up close and personal like….This is a WOMEN’S event….only. I wrote Gayle that we should go to the Admiral’s luncheon – what a kick – I know I’m going when I get back.  Thanks for the scoop Gayle.

In closing, I’m going to post this graphic which was sent to me because I think it’s funny and to the point, but please, if you’re a reader from Arizona – don’t get upset with me.  Don’t get me wrong – I think the immigration law that was just passed is disgusting and I really mean that.  However, this poster says in Spanish, “Welcome to Mexico – from Sonora with Love” and you can see the cactus yourself.  Pretty creative in light of a sad situation.

From Anita Net: “I went on a walk the other day and noticed that our little seaside town is really starting to pick itself up!  There are brand-new bars on the shrine (thought the Virgin de Guadalupe now looks like she’s in the penitentiary…) and they were polishing the Vaquita statue!  Guess what!  It’s natural colour is not green!  jaja  No, it’s a very nice bronze now.  Also some of the local stores are getting brand new signs put up…Tecate things on the top, you know the ones.  But yes, bit by bit, we’re looking better!” Now, that’s good news.

May 28, 29 and 30 is the Fiesta del Mar which will be held on the Malécon all three days.  Tavo’s Revolution will play and they’ll have dancers and lots of food.  I’ll let you know the times of the different events when I return.  The poster has everything but the time it starts, however, it’s Mexico or better yet – it’s San Felipe and nothing ever starts when it’s supposed to anyway.  Have a nice Thursday and I’ll be back with photos of me at Disney Land passing out San Felipe bumper stickers!