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Winter Sabbatical 2025: Week 2

It has been an uneventful week here in Mexico, which is just the way I like it. My farmers tan is coming back nicely due to my daily beach walks. I’ve read lots, watched more than a few murder shows (and comedies to balance things out), and made many journal entries. I have drawn out the maps for this year’s crops but haven’t filled in what goes where. I’m still taking stock of 2024. There were so many things I intended to turn into habits which fell by the wayside almost immediately once the season kicked into high gear. But, I’m quite proud of myself for keeping a daily journal. You think you’ll remember at the end of the year all of the things that worked well and things that were a big ol’ flop, but I’m 50 now and the brain isn’t as spry as it once was. I’m glad I kept such detailed records so I can revise this year’s plan/goals accordingly. I posted in a Facebook group for Chelem locals that I’m a florist from the states who buys flowers in Progreso every week while I’m here. I asked if anyone wants a bouquet, I’d love to put one together for them. So far, I’ve had one purchase; a man currently in the states asked me to make a bouquet for his sweetheart here in Chelem. I’m going to offer Valentine’s Day arrangements but ONLY as a preorder. I am not interested in doing the farmers market thing here where I spend time and money making bouquets that may or may not sell.

It’s been sad to see that Chelem didn’t escape unharmed from Hurricane Milton last summer. Our building held up just fine, but the big I Love Chelem sign close to the condo was knocked over and partially washed away. Also destroyed was the new pier that I got to see every morning on last year’s beach walks. It is still in tatters and I don’t know when/if it will be repaired. Thankfully the damage was minor compared to the horrific devastation from Hurricane Helene in the southeastern US. But it’s a reminder that living here comes with significant risks. 

It’s been a minute since I gave a family update. Tim is Tim, still busy with his firm, Bootstrap Architecture and Construction. Reagan has moved into an apartment in Antioch with 2 roommates. She’s mostly doing freelance work on video crews or equipment set up and tear down crews for concerts around Nashville. She’s also doing photography on the side, so if you need headshots, grad pics, etc., look her up! In fact, one of her photos has been purchased by MTSU to be on permanent display in their media arts building. We are so excited for her! Pierce is still at TJ Maxx one day a week and attending the Best Class Ever at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ every Sunday. We’ve just recently gotten him signed up for Full Circle classes at our local YMCA. Full Circle is a program for kids and adults with special needs. He’s there on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tim has been taking him in the mornings and we have friends helping with afternoon pickup until I get back to the states. If you know Pierce, you know he’s a man of few words (unless he’s singing VeggieTales songs which is pretty much nonstop at home), so we aren’t sure exactly what he does there or how much he likes it. But he is interested in going, so that’s a positive in our books. There’s also occasional social activities. Pierce is still on a waitlist for housing through Our Place Nashville. For now, he continues to live with us full time. Tim takes him grocery shopping every week so that he knows how to do this once he moves out.

That’s all I’ve got this week. The snow in Nashville over the weekend sure looked beautiful…even more so when viewed from afar. Hope my friends back home are staying safe and warm. Here are some beach sunsets and flowers for you to enjoy from afar.

Chelem pier January 2024 vs. January 2025

Bouquet delivered to someone special here in Chelem

This week’s flowers, which are kinda boring and uninspired, but still cheery

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