We just had a half hour rainstorm, so things are nice and fresh after several days of July heat. Now I'm inspired to catch up with my friends. Since my last update (nine months ago!) there have been a few developments and the usual mini-dramas, so where shall I start . . .

After the rainstorm passed I went on a planning walk with my gardening mentor. Quiterio knows this area and the local plants quite well because of his eighty or so years of experience. He lives to propagate beautiful tropical varieties. We are starting to add a few ornamentals and edibles from his nursery to my land each week. His eyes light up with conspiratorial focus as we plan each step.

One new thing is my new place to live. My friend Ted graciously extended my stay in the Guadalupe House - the one I built and sold to him - while I arranged for a new place suitable for the dogs and myself. My friend Cam has a partially completed palapa with attached tower, so we agreed that I will add a few steps toward completion and caretake it for a while. One step is our latest refinement of an artificial wetland for wastewater treatment using charcoal, gravel, and broadleaf plants. And those who have visited me will appreciate that I now have an attached bathroom! I moved about a week ago, with the help of some great friends, and now I plan to take my time unpacking - further lightening the load of extra baggage. Before long it should look less messy, somewhat respectable, and ready for neighborhood parties. So far it has been a pleasant improvement and, when the work crew are done next week, a bit more remote and quiet than it was at the village center.

One reason for all the transition housing is that I have been avoiding commitment to building my own home until I am comfortable enough with the location. In addition to the well known rapid growth of Playa del Carmen, a new bypass highway is planned through a corner of our project near my lot. Our neighbor on the same side is the next phase of Mayakoba, a very well planned resort and golf complex. This changes the zoning of my lot to commercial, so one new option is to develop a plan for a tropical garden restaurant and casitas instead of two larger houses. We'll see how well the plans work out. The general idea is to move my retirement savings from risky dollar investments to sustainable (and edible) revenue on rapidly appreciating land.

Since the last update I've been very busy with my alternative energy business and with helping many friends with their projects and challenges. All time well spent, with related rewards as you can imagine. This week I have also been leading the plan for a repeat of the Day Out Of Time festival in our village amphitheater. If it is anything like last year's event it will be a spectacular performance with a focus on Planetary Peace through Culture.

This year my daughter Christy was here for another enjoyable two week visit, and before that my dear friend Laura stopped by for a few days on her international travels. Its always great to see familiar smiling faces. Next it will be (insert your name here) chillin' in paradise. Please stay in touch, ok?

Hasta la proxima,
Bill Barton