January 31, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. My Body..

The switch does not turn to off.  For the first time in my life, I am forced to take sleeping medication.  When I lie down, I stay on duty.  I seem unable to turn this patch of troubles into a game or a challenge.  I have preached the gospel that stress was always internal.  In other words, the activity is not the problem.  The problem becomes yours if you accept the stress as your own.  In the past, I have been able to deal with my situations without allowing my body. to be tense with anxiety.  After  all, Ken and I have experienced great difficulties.

I function during the day.  I am enjoying Kenny and Anne.  I spend time with Ken.  I enjoy myself.  But when I lie down to rest, I do not relax.  My body surges with energy and my brain works a mile a minute.  So in order to sleep, I take a little white pill.   I have  learned  to keep our goals short term and deal with only items I can control.  That seems to work during the day.  Part of the situation is that I feel irritated with myself that I have gotten into such a snit.  Somehow or other,  I should be able to keep a better  grip.  Now I am wondering when I will be able to find my off switch. I suspect it has something to do with Ken's health.  My normal will return, sometime.  But not tonight.

January 30, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Another Day.

This is a tough hill we are climbing.  But we  are climbing.  Ken's infection's are almost gone and he is eating proper food.   He is having physical therapy twice a day to build up his strength.  The next item to deal with is his plumbing.  Evidently the tubes from the bladder are plugged and his prostate is enlarged.  That is the main issue now.  We will see what happens next.  Kenny and Anne are at the hospital keeping him company and helping with dinner.  Ken is fighting hard.

My immune system has bounced back.  My white cells are at 6.  I have been off Ibrance for 3 weeks. Tonight I begin again.  My blood was drawn this morning and results e mailed to my Oncologist and to me.  That is good news.  When I was admitted to the hospital my white cells were at 2.  So my body has been working non stop despite the  stress.  Last night for the first time in my life I took a sleeping pill.  Ken's doctor wrote me a prescription when he asked if I was sleeping well.  I was honest so he quickly told me to use medication.

This morning Ken and I spent all morning either on the phone or the computer, trying to set up for the future financial items.  I am embarrassed to note that we were negligent to have everything in order for poor David and Christina.  We were foolish.  But bit by bit we are making progress.  I again spent all afternoon at the hospital.  Poor Kenny and Anne spent a short time at the Farmer's Market.   At least this afternoon they were able to sit by the pool.  So another day has passes.  Our goals are short term.  "Inch by inch," reminded Suzanne R. to me.  Not easy when we have so far to go.  But here we go.

January 29, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Coincidence.

The Jungle Tour is an interesting 2 hour slow ride up the canal, looking for crocodiles, birds and Iguanas.  Katey and Brock took the trip last year and suggested that Kenny and Anne would enjoy the short trip.  So this afternoon, they did.  They took a non organized boat but it all worked out.  They actually have a picture of iguanas mating, something you don't see often.  And they had pictures of the big reptiles.  They were happy with the trip.

When they were almost back at the dock, they began looking for Canadian flags on the sailing vessels.  As they were perusing one of the boats, they saw two people they recognized.  After closer inspection, they realized that the people kept their boat in Vancouver three slips over from them, so they hailed them and sure enough, they knew each other.  The driver of the tour boat turned around and had them get off the boat onto the friends boat.  They had a nice visit.  But what  a coincidence.  These folks have had their boat at the slip for 6 weeks.  Three of those weeks the friends had flown to Vancouver for some appointments and they had just returned to PV three days ago.  And they were just about to get off the boat for some exercise.  The timing was perfect.  It was great fun just hearing of the encounter.  Kenny and Anne will connect with those folks this week, perhaps having them come to Playa for a swim and visit.

As expected, Kenny and Anne are being wonderful.  Again this evening they are visiting with Ken, helping to eat his dinner and generally talking.  Their routine has been for Kenny to visit Ken in the morning for a couple of hours or more, then come home and plan for their afternoon.  Then I have been spending the afternoon and early evening with Ken.  Again, Kenny and Anne come to the hospital around seven, when I come home.  They are good company for both Ken and me.  Soon they will return and cook dinner.   We am fortunate with our family.

January 28, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. A Better Day.

The day was better than yesterday.  Ken spent an hour chatting with Kenny this morning, which Ken enjoyed.  Then I went over before noon and stayed with him all afternoon, finally coming back to the condo at 6:30.  Ken had been moved to a regular floor yesterday which makes life easier, as there is a couch and a chair.  And the room overlooks the mountains.  

Kenny and Anne walked the beach, as far as the rock groin, then wound their way back via the hotel and the plaza and the hospital, stopping by Ken's room to say hello.  The visit was brief but Ken enjoyed their company.  Ken was clearly feeling better today.  He sat in the big chair for several hours while we watched the All Star hockey game.  Before that we talked so he was awake the better part of the day.  Last night when he was not sleeping, he did lots of exercises with his arms and legs.  The physical Therapist worked him out this afternoon too.  She forces him to count in Spanish which is cute to hear.  Now Kenny and Anne  have just changed from their bathing suits and have gone over for a visit and to help with his dinner.

For dinner we will eat left over soup, which will be easy for everyone.  Ken and Anne had lunch in a little outside restaurant at the Mall.  They were hoping it was real Mexican which it was.  "The flavors are different and unusual," said Anne.  Not Text Mex.  The sunset also was beautiful tonight.  A big yellow ball dropping over the horizon is always impressive.  Today was a better day.  Now I hope for a good night's sleep, which has been evading  me.  But we are on a roll!!

January 27, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Ken and Anne.

Anne cooked tuna for dinner.  It was delicious.  They arrived from Vancouver just this afternoon and already they have been to the swimming pool, walked on the beach and visited Ken in the hospital.  They are busy people.   I am delighted to have them here.  In addition to exploring the area, they will help with visiting Ken in the hospital, and to keep me company.  

At dinner this evening, we talked about their plans for the future.  They have purchased a bigger, more sturdy sail boat, in order to spend a few years sailing the high seas.  Retirement is coming soon, perhaps in a year or two, and they will sail away,  for their first venture coming to Mexico.  Then maybe heading to the Pacific Islands.  They want to be able to take these ventures while they are still able.   Their plan is to sell their house and buy something smaller, which they would rent when they head away.  It all seems adventuresome and fun, but also fraught with issues.  But as I said to them, if the new life style does not suit, they can always return to Vancouver and go back to work.

Ken has been moved to a regular floor.  I spent the evening with him.   He is so weary.  Not eating properly.  I despair.  But never say that out loud.  Perhaps that is why I am not able to sleep.  I feel so sorry for him.   He said tonight that the only place he can go these days is to go to sleep.     Not an easy time for him, or for me.   Kenny and Anne's presence will help both Ken and me.  So here we go.  

January 26, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. The Weather./

Yesterday was a dull, gloomy day. The sky was overcast the whole time.  People from the north do not enjoy those days.  They grumble.  And expect the sun will shine brightly every day.  After all, they are living in Paradise Village.  We even got rain which is very unusual during the winter.  Two loud claps of thunder and lightning were so bright and loud that  I thought a plane had exploded.  The bright lights and  the loud noise arrived simultaneously.  It wasn't until the second thunder could be heard that I realized that we were having a thunder storm, complete with pouring rain.  But that was all.

Today, everyone was thrilled with the perfect weather.  I went to the pool this  afternoon to catch some vitamin D.   For a few days and nights I was focusing on the problems with my life so I decided to enjoy the weather and the pool and the hot tub.   It was just what the doctor ordered.  I chatted with my Italian  friend  who I bonded with years ago when I helped her with her swimming.  I never was able to increase her swimming prowess, but we became friends.  The conversation of about 30 minutes after my swim was a welcome distraction.  And on my way up to our condo, I recited all the positives in my life, beginning with m,y ability to walk and talk.  From now on, I will try not to dwell on my difficult issues, especially in the middle of the night when I can not sleep.

As an added bonus, Ken was brighter and more alert today.   This afternoon, he was sitting in a chair, although he is still  in ICU.  Tomorrow, all being well, he will  return to the regular floor, which will be a great blessing.  All in all, the weather today was a blessing as was Ken's condition.  And to top it off, Kathy and Ted are bring dinner.   I am a fortunate lady indeed.

January 25, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Surprises.

At 7:45 this morning the phone rang in the condo.  The hospital was calling to tell me that I was required to come to the hospital immediately because Ken was being transported to the main San Javier Hospital in Puerto Vallarta for a test.  I was required to accompany the ambulance and to sign the authorization to transport.  I was still in bed.  I dressed and walked to the hospital, which is just across the road.  No breakfast and no coffee and no shower.  Then I sat beside Ken's bed waiting.  After a 20 minute delay, the young men unloaded Ken and in we went.  The driver was careful and did not use the siren as this was not an emergency.  The Cardiologist wanted an echo cardiogram.  This drive into PV is busy with commercial ventures all along the road.

Once at the main hospital Ken was wheeled to the correct section, with me following along.  I sat in the room with Ken while the Cardiologist administered the test.  He told me that Ken's heart is strong.  Not perfect but strong, which he said is why Ken is able to fight these multiple infections.  So  back we go to the ambulance and drive back to Nuevo Vallarta.  But this time we had sirens blaring.  I asked the driver  why, and he  told me that the use of the siren was to help the traffic.  "We have a heavy work load, and we must make each trip as quickly as possible"said  he.  The cars do pull over as you approach making the drive back quicker than going.

We arrived at 10:30, and as visiting hours are from 11 to 1, I decided to stay beside Ken's bed, even though he was mostly sleeping.  A smart phone is a godsend at a hospital.  When I was leaving just before 1:00, I had my backpack on the counter while I removed the gown and hat.  But my backpack fell into the sink, where there is an automatic spray of water to wash your hands.  I was obviously not at my best because it took me a few seconds to realize that the tap was spraying water all over my stuff.  And that was the funniest thing that happened today.

January 24, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Update.

Tonight I watched the sunset and tried to find my happy place again.   The sunset was unusual with lots and lots of clouds on the horizon.  But it was beautiful.  On Sunday I felt fine and I was coping, even though we took Ken back to the hospital.  He was steady and had been taken to a room, leaving ICU in the afternoon. The next. day,  I left at 7:00 to walk home, trying to get home before the night was too dark to see.  Evidently, at 8:30, Ken had an incident and  was returned to ICU.  I was called at 10:00 pm to come back to the hospital.  Ken had asked for me.  Of course, he did not know what time it was.  So I put my c clothes back on and walked to the hospital in the pitch black, which is not easy.

I visited with Ken and talked to 2 doctors and was home by midnight.  I
went to bed and to sleep and stayed asleep for three hours.  I awoke quickly to find all my confidence and coping had evaporated.  I was tense, lying awake all night.  The same thing happened last night.  I had a few hours sleep, then stayed awake unable to relax.  I felt like my whole body was on alert.  So I rested in bed the rest of the night.  This afternoon was the same.  After visiting Ken for a few hours, I came home for a rest.  But no sleep came.  I do not know what is the matter with me?  But I am determined to get back my coping skills.

Today David and I worked out some systems to handle our accounts, which should make me stop worrying.  And this evening when I visited Ken he seemed somewhat better.  He was able to hold the glass for his afternoon milkshake.  And several times he was resting comfortably.  I must return to my happy confident self.  Of course, I am supposed to have no stress and to stay away from infections.  Now I go to the hospital a couple of times a day which is a hot bed of infections.  So I have things to worry about, in addition to a very ill husband.  Being worried does not help I know.  But it is not so easy.  We certainly are both going through a bit of a difficult patch.   Kathy and Ted are bring dinner tonight.  That should help my confidence I bet.

January 23, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. The Turtles.

I large green turtle came onto the beach late this afternoon.  The purpose was to deposit  her  multiple eggs and bury them in the sand, right at the top part of the beach.  After depositing the eggs and covering all the eggs with sand, the Mother returns to the sea, never to return until the next year, where she will deposit the eggs at the same place.  It is quite a remarkable scene.  Ted and Kathy were having a drink at the sports bar and got to see the whole scene.  A small crowd gathered to enjoy the activity.

A group in town collects the eggs and keeps  the eggs in an incubator, returning them after 45 days, when they monitor the activity.  Volunteers then come and make sure the little newly hatched turtles get to the sea.  They always hatch on a full moon so the babies can follow the light down to the sea.  The problem with our area has to do with the lights.  The babies head to light, which is often toward the road not the sea.  So the volunteers try to be sure all the baby turtles get into the sea.  The whole operation is impressive.

After the eggs were deposited, a group continued to celebrate the arrival of the eggs.  I can still hear them singing and enjoying themselves.  It was the night the turtle eggs came to Playa Royale.

January 22, 2018. Playa Royale. Unto Every Life.

The rains keep coming.  Ken is back to the hospital with another infection, this one of the kidneys which cause heart failure.  All of a sudden, Ken fell apart.  Temperature went up high as did the blood pressure, along with heart and breathing rate.  And he had the shakes.  I thought he was going to die before we got to the hospital.  But this evening he is b better off than last evening, which is a good thing.  He spent the night and most of the day in Intensive Care but now he is in room 209 with a wonderful view of the mountains.  Now he must get rid of the infection which we hope the heavy medications will fix.

I am better able to cope than the first time.  Even Ken noticed that I do not look so worried, which is a good thing.  Once agin, Cathy and Ted have been wonderful, staying with me at the hospital and Kathy taking me for a late lunch while Ken stayed with Ken.  Then after Ken was taken to his new room, they visited a bit both with me and Ken.   Now I have walked back to the condo just  before dark.  Making the trip in the dark is not easy so I left Ken to the nurses to tend.  I hope they do a good job.

The thing about life is that you never know what is around the corner, for good or ill.  But we will do our best.

January 21, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Ken Update..

Ken thought he was dying.  He told me after the fact that every ounce of life had run out of his system, and he though he was going to fade away forever.  Fortunately, when he was unable  to get back to his bed, I asked a young man who was in the hall to help, which he did.  And after I had a shower, I called for an ambulance.  Everyone helped and soon Ken was in the Intensive Care Unit of the new hospital right across the street from Playa Royale. Ken went into the hospital January 4, and came home on the 15th.

All this week he increased in strength.  He was able on Friday to walk down to the pool, which is quite a distance.  But on Saturday he got an infection, probably from the catheter, which was  removed on Friday.  Now he is back on antibiotics and again not able to walk except to the balcony to sit and watch the sea.  He is determined to get better and we hope he is c correct.

My friend Suzanne R. reminded me that rehabilitation is always one step forward and a half step back.  As long as we go forward we will both be happy.  Just a moment ago, when I told him I was going for a walk on the balcony, he assured me that tomorrow will be a better day for him.  So that is the state of his recovery.   The most important part is that he is determined.  And that is a good thing.

January 20, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. A Gift With Love.

Rita and Ian are coming to Puerto Vallarta and they will stay with us.    They will look after us.  And they will travel with us home to Mississippi, flying on our same flight, first to Dallas and then on to  Jackson.  It is truly a gift of love.  Ken is coming along but still is weak.  Over the time here, he will improve but I was not sure how I would manage on the way back.  Now I can cease worrying.

They will arrive February 4, the day Ken and Anne leave and we fly to Jackson on March  24.  It is a long time for them to be away from their family in Ottawa.  They will miss several grandchildren's birthdays while away.  But they are coming to help.  Lord knows we need it.  This is a true gift with love and for that we are grateful.

January 19, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Attitude Adjustment.

Even Sarah, our granddaughter has been admonishing me to take one step at a time.    Somehow or another, I have been focusing on the issues that were causing us destress rather than concentrating on things that bring pleasure.  In other words, I had gotten negative and did not seem to be able to find my happy spot.  I was glum even though our situation has improved dramatically in a week.  So I gave myself a lecture.

This evening, I was sitting by myself watching the sun go down.  Ken and the physical therapist along with the nurse were working with Ken so I was by self, having a pitty party.  I am supposed to stay off Ibrance until I feel better.  But I  do not feel terrific so I did not know what to do.  And although Ken is able to walk with his walker unassisted, I did not seem overly enthusiastic.  My normal sunny disposition had deserted me, but only temporarily.

The sun set tonight was beautiful but un usual.  The big sun was white as it descended and as I watched I listed all the reasons why I could get over my grousing and get happy.  As the sun dropped behind the horizon, I sent all my anxiety away.   I feel much better already.  Now the test will be when I awake in the middle of the night with a start and stay awake worrying about all the troubles needing to be resolved.  From now on, I will laugh.

JANUARY 18, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Kathy and Ted.

Don  and Doreen introduced us to Kathy and Ted in the winter of 2016.  Kathy had a bad back and had spent days in the hospital'.  Doreen noticed Kathy walking gingerly around the pool so Doreen asked.   The same day, Don met Ted at the hot tub, the favorite place to meet and greet.  When Don and Doreen came up from the pool, they told us they had met a couple who spend several summer months in Mings Bite, Newfoundland.   Now that is unusual.  I met them by the pool a few days later and invited them for a glass of wine.  And the rest is history.  They have been fast friends ever since.

Kathy and Ted live in Portage La Prairie in Manitoba, which is mid way between Winnipeg and Brandon.   But in the summer, they live in Mings Bite, a town of 400 souls.   Ted was born and raised there and still has 3 sisters living in Mings Bite.  A few years ago when they retired, they bought a house overlooking the harbor and fixed it up inside and out.   Newfoundlanders tend to return home after their work days are over and Ted is no exception.

Up until 2016, they spent summers in Florida but they decided on a change of scene so rented a place at Playa Royale, where we live.  They liked it and added 2 months to their winter which they have been doing ever since.  During the summer of 2016, they came with 2 grandchildren touring Nova Scotia, on their way to Newfoundland.  And they visited us in Nova Scotia for a few days.  We enjoyed them all enormously.

Kathy and Ted are salt of the earth people.  Once you know them, you are friends forever.  They did everything possible to help us during our time of difficulty.  Ted visited us this morning.  I do not know what we could have done without them.  They have been truly friends when we were in need, and for that we are grateful.  But I bet there is not another person from Mings Bite staying for the winter in Mexico.  That caught our attention, fortunately.  Thanks to Don and Doreen.

January 17, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Ken.

Good folks have asked me about Ken so I will report.  Ken has  just finished having a shower so he is fresh and clean and he is sitting beside me in the wheel chair looking out to sea.  We bought a wheel chair,  Kathy and Ted bought it to day they did a big shopping for us.  Today,  Ken walked to the living room using the walker and two helpers.  He can get up from the bed.  He has no infection.  He must built up his strength and he is making progress.  He has a long way to go.  But he is determined.

January 17, 2018. Playas Royale, Mexico. Surf Kiting.

The skill is enormous.  I watch from the balcony as the person skitters along the top of the water, first going to the right until I can no longer see him.  Then he returns, heading in the opposite direction along the shore.  Next, the kite heads out to sea until I can almost not see them.  Shortly, the kite and driver returned to skitter along the shore once again.  I have no clue how this small kite shaped like a boomerang can allow the person on the board change directions at will.

We first saw this type of kiting in Texas on the Gulf but it was being done on the water between the island and the shore, where the water is calm.  Today is windy and the waves are high.  But there it is, going full steam ahead.  I was impressed with the skill even though I was a long way away.  I do not even know what it is called but I call it surf kiting because the person is in the surf and he is using a big kite.  I enjoyed the spectacle.  Made my day sitting on the warm sunshine, drinking my orange drink.   But I only saw one person.  I suspect it is difficult.  I loved watching the show.

January 16, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Sleeping.

We have 2 nurses each staying 12 hours with Ken.  A young lady, referred to us by Ken's Doctor, referred her to us.  Her name is Adriana and she is wonderful.  She orchestrated getting Ken over to the hospital yesterday and she has organized the nurses and house hold help.  Misa is a large strapping woman who works all day.  She bathed Ken this afternoon and helped him with his medicine boxes.  Fortunately, she is strong and can get Ken out of the chair and bed.

Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be able to sleep in the same room as a young man sitting in the corner close to Ken.  He is named Evan and is a handsome man.  After he settled Ken for the night and I was in my night shirt, I showed him the guest room, which is just across from Ken.  He looked at me aghast and said, pointing to the chair, "Aqui".  He intended to spend his night in the corner beside Ken while I was to sleep on the other side of the bed.  I was weary so I did not insist.  In fact, he was not budging from his chair.  So I did what I needed to do and went to bed.  Much to my surprise, I fell asleep. And I got the best sleep in days.  Ken is napping now, with Lisa sitting in the chair.  The moral of the story is that being watched while you sleep is not a problem, especially when tired.

January 16, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Sara Lou.

Sara Lou came for some fun in the sun, but instead spent her whole time ministering to the ill.  She deserves multiple gold stars.  I had  just come home from the hospital at 12:30 on the same day as she arrived last Monday.  Ken was in the hospital right across the road while I was home but not yet at my best.  I spent most  of my time lying on the coach while she visited Ken 2 or 3 times a day.  She transported object back and forth.  And she did not complain even a bit.

During her whole visit here, she walked on the beach once.  She never did get to sit by the pool.  One day we took the shuttle to the golf club for lunch which was very nice.  And once we had dinner at The Riviera Grill but the rest of the time she just looked after us.  This morning, on the day she was leaving, Sara Lou walked across to the Farmers Market, and was able to purchase a couple of objects. She was a Godsend to us.  I do not know how we could have managed without her.  We are grateful.

Now she has gone back to the cold country.  Unfortunately, she is into another adventure, as her plane was delayed, which meant she was going to miss her connection in Houston.  Traveling by air is always subject to change.  She hopes she is able to catch the later flight.  I hope so.  She deserves good luck.  Her visit was fortunate  for us but not for her.  She is indeed a good friend.

January 15, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. What Happened.

On the first Monday when we arrived, Ken said he had a cold.  Every day he got weaker so by Thursday he was unable to get back to bed.  I asked a young man from the hall to help me.  Then I called the ambulance.  Ken thought he was dying.  He said that all the life energy was leaving him.  Fortunately, the hospital is excellent and the good doctors immediately started him on all kinds of medicine.  He was in the Intensive Carte section for four days.  Now his infection has gone but he is very weak.  So he must build back his strength.

I visited Ken in the hospital on the Friday at noon and then walked home.  On the way back my legs felt like rubber.  When I returned to see him that evening, I had a high temperature and a bad cough, so they admitted me to the hospital.  I had the flu.  After much medicine, I came home from the hospital on Monday afternoon.   Fortunately, Sara Lou arrived in the same afternoon.  She has  been looking after us ever since, making multiple trips to the hospital to check on Ken plus looking after me.

\Everyone has been helpful.  The concierge retrieved all our belongings from the hotel and brought them to Playa.  Kathy and Ted have been wonderful, shopping and bringing us goodies, even bring dinner the other night.  But it has not been easy.  Now we try to get  ahead.  What happened has  been unbelievable.   A true  nightmare in Paradise.

January 15, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. The Miracle.

Ken is sitting beside me at the table.  He has been able to allow me to access my wee blog.  It is pathetic but true, that I can only write my blog when Ken can get through the glitches.  I was not able to make it work.  Now Ken is here beside me.  He must build up his strength.  A physical therapist will come every day.  A household worker is coming every day for four hours.  We have a nurse staying with us.  Progress indeed.

A nightmare in Paradise, that is what we have been living.  At one time we were in adjacent rooms at the hospital.  Ken was in Intensive Care for 4 days.  Very ill.  Now he must gain strength.  A coordinator sent to us by his doctor has been wonderful.  The first thing Ken did when he was wheeled in was to go straight to the computer to fix my difficulties.  Now I am set.  Whew.  My blog will. continue.  What a blessing.  Hats off to Ken.  Wish him well. And me too.  I am not perfect either.

January 3, 2018. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The Hotel/Time Share.

Ken and I are staying for a week at the Hotel/Time Share.  We bought into the Paradise Time Share many years ago and have made good use of it.  Both families have stayed here.   The complex is large with three buildings full of apartments.  There are two big pools, one a quiet area for adults and the larger for children and families.  And there are multiple restaurants which makes life easier for us.  We have enjoyed this place over the years.  A couple of years ago Don and Doreen and Ken and I spent two happy weeks overlooking the marina, keeping track of the boats come and go.

We bought into the Paradise Village time share many years ago.  Bernie K. was running a continuing education trip to Puerto Vallarta, where we stayed in the Marriott in the Marina section of town.  Suzanne R. and Ken and I were walking back from lunch when a young man offered us a wonderful trip, if we would attend a time share discussion.  The trip was expensive so we agreed, as it was free to us  The trip was a wonder.  It took all day, leaving on the bus at 8:00 and arriving home at 9:00 at night.  All meals provided.  And we attended the presentation and bought some points.  We have never been sorry.

Then we bought the 10 weeks at Playa Royale and sold our points.  Both resorts are owned by Paradise Village.  We subsequently bought more points at  at the time share because we use it to stay here, both for ourselves or friends and family.   Now they call the time share The Hotel because ordinary people can rent units if as and well the units are not full.  It is convenient.  For instance, Robbie and Joyce's son Mile is staying in their place in Playa Royale.  But he wanted to leave on Sunday so after he checks out of the condo at Playa, he will stay the night at The Hotel.

Ken and I are staying this week in a one bedroom 2 bath unit in the main building.  Today for lunch we walked to the lovely bar in our building.  The ladies come and make our beds and clean every day, just like a regular hotel.  And we have a large balcony  so the doors are always open.  Our winter holiday has begun.

January 2, 2018. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The Elevator.

Our airplane was late so all the gates were full.  Our plane parked on the tarmac.  We had been asked to pull the shades to keep the plane cool so we could not look out the windows to see where we were sitting.  When I got out the door, I was confronted by a long steep set of stairs.  Ken was right behind me.  I turned to ask Ken about getting down.  We were both carrying backpacks and a rolling bag.  At the same time as we were poised trying to figure out what to do, two young men were on the top p[latdorm saying, "elevator".  The stairs were wide which meant holding on to both rails was impossible.  Not a good situation.

Finally, the young men convinced us to use the elevator.    Now the elevator is a freight elevator, with chains front and back and a railings on the side.  It looked old and rickety but we got on.  One man took Ken's cases down the stairs while I got on the elevator with my case.  One man held my arms.  The railing was about waist high.  Down we went, very slowly.  We made it.  The two young men greeting us at the door were the kind men who had come to push our wheel chairs, which they did, cutting lines everywhere.  They stayed with us until they put us into a taxi.   All's well that ends well but it was a rocky ride.

January 1, 2018. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. What a Difference a Day Makes.

Many years ago, Ken and I and the boys flew to Austria  to ski.  We spent the night on the plane.   We rented a car and drove to another city, where we were spending the night.   Ken and I decided to take a walk before eating and going to bed.  The boys went to bed.  We were all tired.   When it was time to return to the hotel, we realized that we knew neither the name or the address of the hotel.   We were lost with no way to ask directions.  We stopped for a cup of tea and a pastry.  Ken finally figured out our route and got us back to the hotel.  That first day of a flight is not kind to travelers.  But the next day is better.

On Saturday evening everything was wrong.  The internet would not work, my blog was unable to access, my phone would not do anything and my shoe was unglued.    So we went to bed at 9:00.   But by the next afternoon, our world had returned.  In the middle of the night, Ken figured out the Wi Fi system,  and had my phone working.  My e mails were coming and I could respond.  And my shoe was fixed.   You would think that I should expect not to function on the day of travel, but I always get fooled.  In the future, I will remind myself to do nothing except eat and sleep on a travel day.  The next day is always better but what a difference a day makes in the life of a traveller.