My favorite events of the season, year after year, are the giving events of which I was blessed to share in many.
We had a gals gathering where everyone brought a hamper full of treats to give to the seniors. Although there were no bands, piñatas or dancing we collected 38 hampers. The smiles that lit up the grateful seniors’ faces as we gave them their gifts will keep me going until next year.
We also participated in an over-the-top event supporting animals. The theme was Frida Khalo and the entertainment included a fabulous drag queen auctioneer, a tenor who serenaded us, fabulous food, wine and music to dance to all overlooking the entire Bay of Banderas.
I’ll share more on happenings of the north bay but if you’d like to volunteer consider supporting one of these fabulous causes.
• Yvonne Kalman of Puppy Paradise and the Yvonneka Foundation are a dog’s best friend and exist to create the best ecosystem and infrastructure for Mexico’s dogs by rescuing them, rehabilitating them, and finding them homes. See yvonnekafoundation.org.
• Clare Leach, president of PEACE Animals, is passionate about getting all animals spayed and neutered around the bay. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• We enjoyed buying toys to help Santa fill bags for the kids of La Cruz and with the help of others we purchased ukulele kits where my hubby and his helpers will put them together and then paint them to hand off to the La Cruz Kids Club, where teacher Lilly will have them jamming in no time! If you’d like to assist with the ukelele project, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Fiona and her team of committed volunteers teach English at the Primaria (La Cruz Elementary) and CriCri preschool and are always looking for more volunteer teachers for the Primaria if anyone is interested. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Jim and Marilyn Moxin impress me with their commitment to seniors and building them homes. If you’d like to support the senior community in the north bay, contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• The first cause we became involved in when we arrived on the bay was Manos de Amor in Bucerias, when Mamacita (little Mama) Veronica or as we call her Vero took on the monumental challenge of creating an orphanage here. The new facility, at the time, was under funded for the 24 children they were looking after. Love was the mission and when we helped, and although we made meals, the order of the day was to play with the kiddos and love them. We were rewarded with giggles and cuddles. If you’d like to volunteer or donate, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Beyond volunteering there’s so much to do in and around the bay in 2023.
• Getting to play pickleball has become difficult to find a spot. Contact Joan Gil who has the scoop on all things tennis and pickleball. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• In La Cruz, Sayulita and for private tasting, consider the Tequila Experience. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• After the season of overindulgence, I’ll be partaking with my good friend Guadalupe Dipp of Los Arroyos Verdes in Bucerias for a series of temazcal ceremonies. Part-sweat lodge/part-sacred ritual, Mexico has understood the benefits of a temazcal for centuries. I’ve felt physically, emotionally and mentally healthier after participating in previous years. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• In addition to serving fabulous meals in my favorite courtyard in the area, multi-talented Sandra of Sandrina’s Restaurant in Bucerias also teaches cooking and art. Consider taking her class on classic Greek recipes and her Arte y Vino class, in which she’ll teach you how to paint the Greek “evil” eye while sipping wine; the eye was used as a sign of feeling protected and faith. Another painting class will be the wine glass and bottle. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Luna Lounge in Bucerias continues to entertain with their fabulous Vegas style shows as they serve creative cocktails and tantalizing meals. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Treehouse Bar and Grill in La Cruz offers tribute bands, rock and roll to dance the night away and various concerts that take your breath away. Sports events on the big screen offer a little of everything anyone could want. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As always, look around, wander, explore the scents of paradise and the best of foodie’s paradise with music to enthrall. Planning ahead is wonderful yet stumbling upon something new excites.
May 2023 bring you huge blessings, magical moments and loads of love.