Greetings Friends!

The last two months have been a little frustrating here. There has been a problem with reliable power at my house because the batteries where I store the solar energy have died. I have ordered new ones, but until they are replaced, I only have power when the sun is shining. With every passing dark cloud, off goes the computer. May and June have been very wet, cloudy and warm, so I have had a lot of free time for gardening and book reading, and very little time for answering email. July has started out sunny, and I hope the trend continues.

The first round of property titles for Pueblo SacBe are in the final process. So for me it is simply a matter of finding the funds for the closing costs. I bought my lot here during the early stages of development so now, with clear title, the value has increased nicely. Playa del Carmen has also continued a trend of well managed growth.

My older dog Solo Vino was doing ok for an older guy of 12 years or so. I recently took him to the vet for an infected ear, but the next morning I found that he had died. He had a pretty happy and easy life here, and will be missed. Solo

There hasn't been much change with the pizza plans. I still have the occasional pizza workshop/potluck with friends. There continues to be a threshold to be crossed before I can apply for permits and put up a sign. I am optimistic that it will work well when I put the necessary pieces in place. One good paying project could put me in that position, so I continue to aim for that. I had a friend bring down a great book, "Tartine Bread" which gives me a model to emulate in my little place. I have so many awesome food ideas here, all practical and realistic, and hope I can make some of them happen.

I have completed a trail in front of my house that continues down a common area path to a beautiful park. It is a great place to go for a refreshing swim on hot days. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11

A friend gave me a dozen quail to make a home for. They are very cute and give me a few little eggs every day. They don't make much noise like chickens. At some point though, I plan to build a chicken coop and add a few hens too. 12 13 14 15

That is the status of things in my little Mexican village. How about you? Please keep in touch, and don't forget that the Caribbean beaches are here waiting for you.

Hasta la proxima,
Bill Barton