Where In The World Is Nellie?

Colors of Loreto – Whoa Nellie! Loreto is full of color. There is a vividness and vitality here that turns the mundane into extraordinary experiences. In the last several weeks, hundreds of strangers have discovered they are neighbors and have become friends. Loreto is about community, and I had the pleasure to be part of the team of volunteers that coordinated 500 homeowners in Loreto Bay Founders Neighborhood to become organized, cohesive, and for the most part, unanimously agreed on what was needed to move forward. The details are unimportant as the end result was that we still love this place, with all its foibles and frustrations. Being totally exhausted and ready to celebrate the last of the 8 Annual General Condo Association Meetings held in the last 30 days, I was ready to blow off some steam. Del Borracho Salon had one of its famous parties complete with rock band and barbeque. Mike Patterson had the mechanical bull going … and what the heck … always a first time for ev...

Feliz Semana Santa – Happy Easter!! For Mexico, Easter is a combination of Semana Santa (Holy Week - Palm Sunday to Easter Saturday) and Pascua (Resurrection Sunday until the following Saturday). Mexico is nearly 90 percent Catholic, so this religious holiday takes on a special meaning that the entire community shares and participates in. This is Mexico’s second most important holiday of the year and there is very little business conducted during this two week period. It is one of the busiest travel periods with many Mexicans taking advantage of the holiday to go on vacation. Churches will be filled with those attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and families will take this opportunity to be together. From Cabo to Loreto this week, we saw people building palapas on beaches, setting up stages and party tents, complete with sound systems, food and drink kiosks, campers and cars all pulled up to spend the week camping together. Entire families come together to party, sociali...

Where in the World is Nellie? How apropros ! I was filled with good intentions when I committed to start writing the blog again; but somehow Living La Vida Loca in Loreto gets in the way. This past month has literally been a blur of activity that I can not begin to recollect. My wonderful new office is almost completed … with the basic exception of electricity! This is because the Town Square is undergoing renovation and they will changing to underground wiring, so when I ask when this will happen ... Quien Sabe (who knows)! Although, I am now Loretano and in no hurry… asi es la vida . When the office is ready, it will be the right time. There are rumors all over town that I have packed up and left for Canada. I have been told that even Baja Nomad is asking if there have been Nellie sightings! I’m still here, pioneering the Wild Wild West. Where else would I be? I have been house sitting a custom home undergoing some repairs, and becoming accustomed to my wake up call at 7...

Nellie’s Blogging Again in Loreto, Mexico It has taken me a while to get re-energized about this place again. The last few years were a whirlwind of hard work with benefits that outweighed the sacrifices. I reached the top of the bluff, when all of sudden the ground beneath collapsed and I was falling fast. At times, I grasped a tree root that would stop the fall but only momentarily until it gave way. There were many spectators watching and chatting amongst themselves, offering opinions that were of little value. What made me stay were the residents here, both local and foreign, that showed empathy, support and kindness. Because of them, I still continue to Pay It Forward . There are big changes coming and thrill seeker that I am, I wish to ride the wave once more. Being on the front line of change, we not only feel but live those precious curve balls of unexpected intrigue, drama, and rollercoaster size dips to ensure life is never dull. So, here I am again ready to start a...

Christmas for Kids in Loreto, Mexico This has been a difficult year for everyone, everywhere, and yet people pulled together and dug a little deeper to give gifts to the children of Loreto. There were many toy drives and groups that volunteered their time and efforts for the general good of all local families. Jim and Liz of FN383 Villages of Loreto Bay stepped up and raised money at the Golf Course among Nopolo residents for the Loreto Municipal Children’s Party . They drove to La Paz to shop for gifts with the money raised. Jim and Liz, (and Jeanny from BajaBOSS) are shown presenting over 100 small gifts to Yolanda, who now works at DEF which assists families in need. Thanks to all the Loreto Bay homeowners who left toys with me during the last several weeks. All gifts went to Yolanda to wrap and distribute as appropriate. She assured me that all gifts were going to families in need, and there is much need in Loreto this year. We attended the celebration on December 24, 2008,...