The Aftermath in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

We usually wait until Three King’s Day (Jan.6) to take down our tree and decorations but I decided to take it down yesterday as today was garbage pick up. We have had our tree since November and I knew if I left it for one more day it would be a naked trunk with a pile of pine needles at the bottom.

Taking down the tree is not as joyous putting it up. Putting all the brightly colored ornaments back in their boxes, only breaking two or three, and making sure our treasured Elvis ornament is carefully back in its place is not a happy chore. Taking down the tinsel, candy canes, strings of lights and our revered snowman which has adored the top of our tree for over 30 years is sobering indeed. Putting away all the candles and assorted other Christmas knick knacks is not our favorite thing to do. Sweeping out all the afore-mentioned pine needles is not fun and, of course, you never get them all.

However, after all of this is completed and the last box is stored away until Christmas 2009 you look around and see how bright and airy your house is once again and you remember how thankful you are for all of your blessings.

The situation between Israel and Gaza is horrible and innocent people are dying every day. No one is ever right when innocent children are dying.

President Elect Obama has a monumental job ahead of him with the economy, two wars, health care, foreign relations, homeland security and a myriad of other immediate priorities that would daunt a lesser man.

The weather is still awful in most of the US and Canada. Here we are in paradise with the sun shining and the flowers blooming. We are so lucky to have found Ajijic, Lake Chapala and we wish all of you a happy and prosperous 2009.

New Years Eve in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

Well Navidad is over and we are all thinking about New Year’s Eve.

There are many excellent New Year’s Eve celebrations in Ajijic, Lake Chapala at many good restaurants. Check the advertisements in The Colony Reporter for options. The evening runs between $900.00 to $1,500.00 pesos per person and reservations are required.

Our favorite has always been La Nueva Posada. The hotel is beautifully decorated with bright lights and colorful streamers and decorations and party favors are on every table. There are corsages for the ladies. There is a wonderful set gourmet dinner of several courses with a bottle of champagne for every two people. Some years there is a splendid firework display after midnight. They have Mariachis and music for dancing and it is truly a wonderful evening. When my dear father was alive we would always go to La Nueva Posada in Ajijic and he would comment it was the best party he had ever attended.

Normally, we go with our children to enjoy the dinner and then at the stroke of midnight, like Cinderella, they would disappear into the night to meet up with their friends. Many of who come home to Ajijic, Lake. Chapala for the holidays to be with their friends and family.

The favorite haunt for the younger crowd is El Bar Co. on the carretera near the Pemex gas station in Ajijic.

Here you will find a warm Mexican atmosphere in charming surroundings with good drinks and live music. The owner Carlos Pantoja is very welcoming and looks after his guests beautifully and keeps an eye out for any unruly behavior.

Whatever you choose to do I am sure you will have a wonderful time. The warmth of the Mexican people is never so evident than at this magical time of year.