Preparing to Return to Mexico

These are the Webbers. Curt and Judy have graciously opened their home to us for what has turned out to be three months, much longer than our original plans. We are staying upstairs in their Auburn home and feel welcome and loved. When our plans to return to Mexico became derailed in August because of my medical problem, they immediately made it clear we could stay until it was appropriate to travel back to Mexico. We have enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with them, meeting their family, chatting over Red Sox games, upgrading Judy's computer, and most of all, being in a supportive and welcoming environment while we gathered our wits after our abrupt change in plans and the painful loss our our little companion, Maggie.

Judy and I had known each other for many years while we both worked for Literacy Volunteers, first as tutors and later as trainers. When we joined the Auburn Unitarian Universalist church in 2003, they were both long-time members. They have been to visit us twice in Mexico and plan to return again this year. Pixie and I value their ongoing friendship and will miss them when we finally do leave for Mexico!

Our son, Eric, and his wife, Crystal, and Isabelle will be flying into Portland on Saturday. We will all be visiting my Dad and Step-mom, Joy, in Waldoboro for Saturday and Sunday, joined by our daughters Wendy and Cassie. Dad and Joy will be able to meet their great grandaughter Isabelle for the first time. Then, on Tuesday, I will take Crystal and Isabelle to the airport to return to Indiana, and Pixie and Eric will set out in our car, for Muncie. Pixie will visit for a few days in Indiana, then head out for Memphis where she will meet up with our good friend Trudy, from Ajijic, who will drive with her back to Mexico. They should arrive home around October 11 or 12, and I will be flying down on October 13.

I am doing well, as all of my treatment for my blood clot has been successful and stable. I am taking Coumadin, probably for good, since I have a genetic factor for clotting and a vena cava filter to stop any pesky clots that might try to cause trouble by finding their way into my lungs. So, that's all good news, and I am "good to go. " I have been cleared to fly, which should not be a problem because I am on anticoagulants. Many friends have come forward to welcome me to their exclusive "Coumadin Club!"

Pixie has had a rough year, and is looking forward to getting the long drive home over with. We are grateful to Eric and Trudy for helping her with the drive. We are looking forward to being home, in our own house, finally. Our next-door neighbors, Ron and Pat have been just wonderful, checking on our house and even arranging for a new satellite provider for our TV since our last one suddenly went out of business. What wonderful neighbors. Our friend Antonio, who has done all the work on our house, has also been watching the house and fixed a gas leak and water leak while we were gone. Our friend Fred, gave him money for parts to do the repairs. Trudy and Lew have been paying our bills. Maria Elena and Horacio, our maid and gardener have been working without pay until we return. And many of our friends have been sending us encouraging emails while we have been gone to let us know that we are not forgotten just because we are not there. Our friends here in Maine have also been wonderful, inviting us to dinner, letting us use their cars, and giving us such emotional support. We are bathed in ABUNDANCE! We feel such gratitude for all the love that surrounds us.

I have a few remaining Maine photos to share:

Here's a photo of me with my dad on a recent visit to Waldoboro.

Now a couple of photos to clarify some facts about Maine cuisine. We really do have bright red hotdogs and, this year, very inexpensive lobster!

And, so, I will next be posting on this blog sometime after October 13, from Mexico. Pixie will be taking the camera to take photos on way back to Mexico. I will be here, cameraless, Pixieless, but with good friends until I can return. So, for now, I'll sign off from Maine.