I’m back, just in time for Manic  Monday and one day away from Fat Tuesday.  Thank you all who sent well wishes.  It’s much better to have my life than my truck as material things can always be replaced.  At any rate, I feel like I’ve been in a coma for a week, and it looks like I’ve missed a few events.  I’ll get into that a bit later.  Photo of me by Kat.

First, I want to thank Sam Grubb and Carolyn Richardson for their wonderful stories on Saturday and Sunday.  I certainly enjoy them and from the comments, it appears most all do.  The weather here has been sunny and not that cold, which I’m told is very rare for the end of February.  Must be the calm before the storm.  I was surprised about the location of Carnival 2012 this year, but with the construction going on down on the Malécon, they really didn’t have a choice.  It looks like the weather in San Felipe is not really cooperating.  Photo by Kat.

Shirley reported a high of 69F yesterday (that’s like Spring here!)  However, at Val Domer’s house out at the ranch, she reports:  “48 degrees here at my house. BRRRRR!! But look on the bright/warm side–its supposed to be 80 by next Wednesday! Actually, I’m not surprised.  I don’t remember a Carnival where we didn’t have at least one day of wind or rain or both.  I understand it’s starting to drizzle but let’s hope the weather holds out until Carnival is over with on Tuesday.  (As you can tell, I’m starting this on Sunday to make sure I have it posted by Monday morning).  I’m going to wait until it’s midnight in San Felipe before I upload it.  After that short but frightening snow storm last Monday, the weather’s been fairly nice as far as nice goes with regard to temperatures that normally reach the one digits this time of year.  Or, hell, maybe it’s global warming, who knows.  Photo by Katherine.

We only have one week left to register for the Cancer Walk.  Even if you can’t make the walk, you can register and pay your fee and someone will wear the name of the person you are sponsoring.  In other words, if you’ve been affected in any way from breast cancer but you can’t make the walk, you can still help out.  There are 200 people registered so far, but we need more so please find it in your heart to help San Felipe’s community with preventative measures and early detection of cancer.  Greeney, the top contributor to Yahoo Answers says this: “More than one million cases of breast cancer occur worldwide annually, with some 580,000 cases occurring in developed countries (>300/100,000 population per year) and the remainder in developing countries (usually <1500/100,000 population per year), despite their much higher overall population and younger age.  In 2000, the last year for which global data exists, some 400,000 women died from breast cancer, representing 1.6 per cent of all female deaths. The proportion of breast cancer deaths was far higher in the rich countries (2 per cent of all female deaths) than in economically poor regions (0.5per cent).  “The good news is that breast cancer mortality rates have started to decline in North America, Western Europe and Australia, mainly due to improvements in early detection.”  So, there you have part of the story.  Before San Felipe’s Cancer Clinic, there were many poor women who had never had an exam, so it’s a good thing there are wonderful volunteers in San Felipe who work their butts off putting the walk together each year.  We even have people in other Rotary clubs who help out and don’t live nor have  place in San Felipe.

It seems so strange writing about the Cancer walk when I’m not there.  I guess 15 years of living there gives me a bit of an idea of what goes on in our sleepy little village by the sea.  That, and my buddies who write and send me photos.  The new scoop on WiMax is they (Telnor) have scheduled quite a few hook-ups but I’m not sure if they got the telephone problem worked out.  Remember, sign up now so you’re on the list.  From what I hear, the speed is not that good right now, but as soon as all the hook-ups are done, they will deal with that issue. This photo may look like the one above, but notice there is more yellow in this one.  I think it’s pretty.  It just struck me and gave me a little chuckle at the same time, that of course I think it’s pretty.  What am I going to write.  I think this photo is ugly but I’m posting it anyway.  Photo by Kat.

The next Campo Ocotillo Swap Meet is going to be held on Sunday, March 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  If you have things to sell, the cost is $2.00 to set up your booth or 30 Pesos.  Evidently, the first one they had was a great success, so put this on your calendar.  Get in touch with Shirley Thompson at the campo for more information but I’m sure they’ll have signs up.  I am so happy to hear Tony Reyes, Jr. is again offering a Fishing trip for 3 days at $350. He said that the dates of Feb 29, Mar 1, 2, 3 & 4 are open. The boat will leave  between 5-7 p.m. Dinner will be served on the boat the first night. Then two full days at the islands. The Anglers must bring their own tackle and fishing rods.  Contact Tony at 577-1120 for more information.  (By the way, thanks to Shirley and Mel for this scoop).

Dominic Clark, Score Media Director, sent me the official logo for this year’s San Felipe 250 which is right around the corner  March 9 to 11.  This is going to be a great race as they’ve added a couple of new washes and San Felipe will be hopping. Here’s the course map; the one on Score’s page is bigger, but perhaps if you click on it, it will go to it’s original size.

If you haven’t secured housing or accommodations for the races, you may want to do that.  Many of the racers find a place they like and return each year, but we do have a lot of people who come down to watch it. Whatever you do, don’t miss contingency on the Malécon – it’s a blast.  Nice logo score!

I just watched Natasha James’ latest video to “My Country Has The Blues” and it’s really good.  Most of you know that Natasha has a home in San Felipe, so she’s kind of a local celebrity and she’s won a lot of awards for her music.  This is a cool video.  You’ll have to click on this because I still haven’t figured out how to imbed the video.  Natasha is a friend of mine and I love her music.  Chick here please.  Sam Grubb’s new album should be out soon.  Can’t wait to hear that.  Okay, this may seem like a stupid photo but it’s in the parking lot where you’re supposed to park.  Photo by Kat.

It’s good to be back and thanks for stopping by.  I meant to post this scoop up above, but don’t forget about Denny and Sandy’s Annual Snarlin Cholla Cheeseburger in Paradise party at the Flannigan homestead in Playa del Oro.  It’s always a blast and the money they make goes for the race car and entry fees for the Score Tecate 250.  March 5 – put it on your calendar now so you don’t forget.  Enjoy the last two days of Carnival and I’ll be back tomorrow.  Have a great day!