Rumors:  There seems to be a group of people starting rumors about the inefficiency of the city of San Felipe to put on an art exhibition at the Shrimp Festival; and people are being encouraged NOT to show their art work at the festival.  I don’t understand this and it’s not even important enough to dignify it with a response.  I will say, however, that this festival is put on by the business people and volunteers of this community.  We receive NO funding and this year, we want it to be the best ever.  We have two famous Mexican artists and I received confirmation from some of our local artists and others for our art show, so it’s not a problem, but to purposefully try and sabotage the event is just too much.  Now, to quash another misunderstanding, there is no charge to enter the Shrimp Festival – none – zero.  The $20 is only if you want to taste all the shrimp and all of the Tequila and Wine.  On Friday, you enter (free of charge) and if you like, you can buy $1 shrimp or $1 beer.  If you want to taste wine and tequila, the cost is 50 pesos.  Everyone will be able to see all of the dancers and music groups, free of charge.  So, please help the community you live in and support us by stopping these rumors and if you are one of the people who are spreading them, shame on you.

It looks like we had a little rain last night.  At least my yard is wet and speaking of wet.  Last night, I noticed water on the floor in front of my kitchen sink and after I started investigating (walking through more water) I realized the handle was broken off of its hinges and naturally, I didn’t have or couldn’t find anything that would turn the water off.  I tried turning off the water at the meter outside my gate, but the water company puts it on so tight, there was no way I was going to turn off the water with a pair of pliers.  So, I did what any good citizen would have done.  First, I took a hose from outside and tried  hooking it to leak or small fountain and then I called the emergency number of 073 for the water company and obviously, they didn’t think it was such an emergency because they never showed up and this morning, I have lots of dirty, wet towels in my sink and water on the floor.  Now that it’s light out, hopefully I can find my wrench and turn it off myself.  I couldn’t find it (my big one) but I was able to turn it off with the smaller one.  Last night, the only light at the meter was my Bic so I couldn’t see too well.  I have temporarily stopped the leak and thank god it wasn’t a major emergency, but I suppose a flooded kitchen and living room isn’t considered one.  Who knows and really, all I want now is a plumber who can fix the stupid pipe.  Not a good way to start the day off but I’ll just make the best of it. Sergio Leon has found a plumber for me and he should be here in twenty minutes or so and then I can take a shower and wash all the towels I used to mop up the water.

Another not so manic Monday in San Felipe.  The photos I posted the other day of the Marines collecting food was a drive for the people affected by flooding in Veracruz.  This was sent to me by Shawnee via the Naval Command: “San Felipe American Community Veracruz needs our help because of the floods in the state of veracruz. the san felipe navy sector ask to the noble population of san felipe to donate basic items such as bottled water, powder milk, canned food, general groceries and no perishables, as well as clothing, diapers, to alleviate the needs veracruz people. leaving open a gathering center in the navy sector of this town. On behalf of the veracruz people, thank you  navy sector phone # 577-247.” If you missed the drive on the Malecon, you may take them to the Navy Base which is on the same street as the nursery.

After a very long day and a few delays at the airport, I made it to Imperial International Airport and there were so many people there to pick me up, I sent them all away and rented a car.  I’m kidding, of course, but I did rent a car and I was going to drive down to San Felipe with dog food, toilet paper and coffee when I received a call from Donna Roberts. The good news is Donna and Sandi Flannigan are coming up in the morning to pick me up so I can take the rental car back and get my $31.00 back because I didn’t go to Mexico!  I did, however, go to Calexico to pick up a package for Mr. Ragtime and I’m telling you, the traffic was lined up all the way to Birch Street and it took me an hour to get from El Centro to Planet Postal, which incidentally, closes at 5:00 p.m., which I find very inconvenient and more so, they are closed on Saturdays.  However, what formerly was 355 W. 2nd Street is now 315 W. Second Street and Carlos is open until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  Seems more convenient to me. The traffic was so intense, I can’t believe the merchants in Calexico haven’t completely freaked out.  It was a little after 4:00 p.m. and most of the side streets were closed and the cars were lined up for miles.  Photo by Kat.