Jan 27th Trudy arrived the next day we were off to the Osuna Distillery and La Martina Restaurant

Jan. 26th and our good friend Trudy arrived for a two week stay.  Does she look happy...you bet!  Cold and snow at home, warmth and sunshine in Mazatlan.

On Mondays our housekeeper comes for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours so we usually get out of the house.  Today it was a road trip to the La Osuna Distillery on the way to La Noria and lunch at the La Martina restaurant. That's Trudy under one of the huge trees at the distillery.

We wandered the area looking at all the equipment but there was no tour happening so ....we toured ourselves.  Two good friends enjoying each other's company.

Out the gate of the distillery and a right turn to the La Martina Hacienda restaurant.  Two old friends together.  We've known each other for 40 years.  A year ago December Trudy lost her husband Eugene to melanoma and the world is a poorer place for his passing. One of our very favorite people.

Isn't it gorgeous.

Time to head in and eat.

We ate out on the back porch and here Eric is looking out over the grounds.  Every year they make more and more improvements.  Not too busy this day but I understand it's packed on the weekends.

Lots of work to keep everything ship shape.  We all had chicken mole enchiladas and I don't think any of us were that impressed.  It is a rather small menu and Trudy and I should have shared the enchiladas and a salad as there was nothing but enchiladas on the plate.  The last time we were here Linda and I had the salad and both agreed it was the best salad we'd ever eaten.

Three little pigs.

Trudy thought this was a nice place for a relax.  All in all a good day.  Lovely weather and a beautiful setting.

What a place to sit and rock in the shade.  Just plain lovely.

Jan 20th off to San Ignacio with Ian/Linda and Frank/Sandi

We hadn't been out on a road trip with Frank and Sandi this season so ...today was the day.  Now we have a little white Jeep behind us.  In previous years we've been on the motorcycle and Frank and Sandi were in their little blue Jeep.  A different year!

San Ignacio is one of our favorite destinations and since Ian and Linda had never been here it was a good place to take them.  On the way in we usually stop and buy great big radishes but today nothing and the field had gone to weeds.  No more radishes for Eric.

Heading down to the square.  I just love all the colorful buses.

Okay...do you think the restaurant is open?

Why yes it is and just look at all the cerveza!  Linda and I trotted over to the store and loaded up because the restaurant didn't have any.  On a hot day...you need beer!

The appetizer or tapa was a lovely guacamole with fresh cheese and salsa.  Very good.

Lunch is up.  Camarones rancheros for Ian.

Camarones empanizado or breaded shrimp for Linda.

and...Sandi too.

Frank, Eric and I all have the pan fried fish.  Good too!

Lunch is over and the bill is paid now we just to have finish up and go for a walk.

Schools out for the day and the young girls are sitting in the shade chatting.  Just like girls anywhere in North America.

This little girl was cute as a button and her mother was from the USA and spoke perfect english but Dad did not.

Isn't she sweet. 

Time for an after lunch walk up the street.  San Ignacio is a clean, well kept town with lots of interesting shops.

Little side streets that invite you to take a walk.  We've been here many, many times but always enjoy a visit. Interesting museum, hardware stores and many other types of merchandise. 

Ian and Linda in front of one of the ornate street lights. 

Sitting in the shade back down in the main square.

Angel wings to have your picture taken in front of seem to be the new rage so...what could we do but join in.  First up Sandi.

Then me.

Now Ian is definitely not an angel!

Linda...yes!

At this point we headed back towards Mazatlan with Frank and Sandi following.  The plan was to go into San Javiar on the way back to Highway 15 and home.

Frank and Sandi kept going but Ian, Linda, Eric and I went in for a quick tour.  We have eaten in San Javiar in the past but the restaurant is now condemned and there is no where nice to replace it.  Too bad because the owner also sang for us the last time we ate here.  Times change.  Ian and Eric are looking over the town from the look out.  We drove up but the last time we were here we had to walk up as we were on the motorcycle and at that time it wasn't paved. 

Lovely view.  All in all a really nice day and time to head home. 

When we wandered up the street in San Ignacio there was a road side vendor selling vegetables.  I picked up three avocados for 20 pesos or about $1.40.  They were huge and the same ones we'd bought another time at the gas station just before leaving highway 15 going to San Ignacio.  They are very creamy but don't really have much flavor.  Okay for guacamole but not that great on a sandwich. 

Jan 19th Angela Peralta concert ...Mozart and his Woman

It is now the 24th of February and the blog has been missing in action as have I.  I spent the day uploading pictures and now I will attempt to get the blog back in order.  I have been over busy, had company for two weeks and then finished up by being really sick for two weeks.  Finally back on my feet. 

A very pleased Gordon Campbell welcomed us to the afternoon performance.

A quick explanation of the day's performance and a short bio of the actress who did the reading.  

The soloist and the violinist. Zlatina Valkova on piano was with out a doubt the star of the show.  Absolutely outstanding and the crowd let her know it. 

The stage was set and ready to go.

Senora Aragon commences to read.

Camerata Campbell.

Gordon joined in here and was roasted by Mozart.  The script was letters written by Mozart to his sister and in this one he is making huge fun of his friend's musical talents.  A rare opportunity to hear Gordon play.

At the end of the concert the crowd was on it's feet and the applause for the pianist was deafening!

The very lovely and talented Perla.

Amazing talent and a truly wonderful performance.

The carnival statues were starting to appear.

It was time to find lunch and as Ian and Linda with us it was their turn to choose a place for lunch.

We wandered down the street to one of their favorite spots for lunch...La Fabula.

It was a lovely warm day and we sat outside on the street.  Surrounded by beautiful old buildings.

Linda and Ian chose the pulled pork sandwich.

Ian was hungry.  By this time it's about 2:30 pm and we were all starving.

Looks tasty don't you think.

The fish tacos were delish!

So... a really nice concert and a delicious lunch with family, what more could you ask for.