A Golden Day in Lake Chapala Mexico

by Kristina Morgan

Thursday, the day we spend with Lloyd Ajijic Real Estate, has become one of my favorite days on the Focus program. And our September program was no exception….but this time the experience exceeded even my expectations. What fun!

When we arrive at Omar O'Rourke's beautiful estate, everyone noticed what a gorgeous place it is and I'm sure we all thought we could tough it out and live there! Mela always decorates the tables so creatively and this time was no exception. This time, however, her napkins brought an unexpected element of fun to the day. Mela chose colorful bandanas and had then tucked in place with a clothespin.

After a margarita or two (who's counting?!) everyone was wearing Mela's napkins on their heads in a roguish fashion! Even Omar joined in the fun and we all looked a little like hippies, gypsies and pirates.

When Vivienne started to play the guitar and sing Proud Mary with the Mariachis group backing her up, many of us were on our feet and dancing and singing along. Vivienne, you did a great job on the guitar! If you hadn't told me it's been a while since you played, I would have never known. That was GREAT. This was such a fun group and that was the best time I've ever had at Omar's house.

Later that night, we went to dinner at La Tasca on the lake. They have a reputation for some of the best live music available in Lakeside and I am not just saying that because my husband, Joel, is in the TallBoys and plays there---well, maybe just a little bit but who could blame me? Anyway, that Thursday night was magical with Roberto Cerda and Jimmy Barto on vocals and trumpet. When Jimmy sings he does an excellent Jimmy Durante impression. Everyone was marveling that there was such world-class music right here in Ajijic. It sounded like we were enjoying famous musicians on Bourbon Street in New Orleans way back when. If you have the chance to hear Jimmy and Roberto play---don't miss it! (Kathy, we did get video of this so you can prove to your friends in Texas that we really do have it going on down here in "Podunk Town, Mexico!" J)

Those of you who were there that night saw Neill on the bongo drums and were duly impressed. Neill looked completely happy and in his element as a part of the band and a number of times when Neill stood up to stop playing Jimmy and the Roberto told him to sit back down and continue! Neill is an excellent drummer and fit right in. Neill, I think you have yourself a job! Ray even got up and sang the Sheik of Ajijic with Roberto and joined in on the fun with Neill on bongos. What a great night! *sigh* This is what makes my job so much fun---meeting people like all of you and sharing my Mexico! Thanks for dancing with me, Irene and Karen! All of you made it a very special day. Thank you!

The cherry on my "golden memory day" was Gustavo doing his gaucho-style bolas. Great balls of fire!---he even caught his chaps on fire. I will refrain from being too corny and saying anything about him "chapping his hide." ;) It was an excellent show, and an excellent day.

Come back and let's do this again!

I call that a Golden Memory Day.

Click here to see the memories and pictures of the September 13 thru 20, 2008 Program group..