Although intellectually we knew that the pandemic times would be intensifying come winter, we’re still disappointed that they are. With the amount of tourist travel from the US, even though we haven’t heard of a massive outbreak yet, we’ve heard about several confirmed cases close to us, so we’re settling in for another shelter-in-place session. Through the summer, we relaxed a tiny bit and did a few safe outdoor activities and hangouts, but as cases rise around the world, we know we aren’t sheltered. Data is still spotty and untrustworthy in México, so we’ll preemptively do our part to keep our community and selves safe by limiting time outside our property for the next coming months.

And honestly, that’s ok, because I have over a 1/4 acre of yard to deal with. I’ve tried to keep up with it, but it was just too damn hot over the summer for the big projects. Now, I can get back to building the rock paths, trying my best to get rid of weeds, and lay down sand for a blank canvas. Here’s a picture of some recent work. Now I just have to start planting. The fun part!

We have three lots in construction very near us including the two lots to our east (two new neighbors!), so the days are filled with the noise of power tools, lots of yelling and the house is again full of construction dust. I’m just excited that both lots are being completed at the same time. Luckily, property values are going way up; confirming that we made a good investment and is a good trade for a more crowded neighborhood. We’ve also decided to add to the noise by building a garage – probably starting in January. Might as well get it all done at once so we can all have a peaceful neighborhood again in later spring.

In addition to the few social things, I started venturing out to do some secondary errands which I’d been avoiding. Last week, I finally took a few pieces of art to be framed. Jaime’s framing shop on Calle del Huerto in Todos Santos is a quaint little workshop that – by the looks of it – also doubles as his abode. While I was waiting, I noticed an intriguing mezcal collection sitting in the window. We chatted about mezcal and he told me of his adventures to the mainland – visiting micro batch distillers that only produce a handful of bottles per year. I tried not to look too jealous, while I sipped a tasty little mezcal he offered and mooned over the beautiful hand blown glass bottles. Damn I miss travel…

We are close to a vaccine, so suck it up! Mask, SIP and stay safe while waiting for that light at the end of the tunnel to get brighter. I’ll do the same and look forward to when we can hang together again – alive and healthy!