Lakesiders found plenty of subjects to complain about during 2017.

We groused about traffic jams, trash in the streets, half-baked government projects, dirty cops, Telmex and CFE services, the high cost of imported goods, and the incessant blasting of sky rockets, to name a few.

Now that a new year has dawned, it’s a good time to look on the bright side and keep in mind all the special things that make life here so enjoyable. Here’s my Top Five hit parade.

Sunshine:  So what if that National Geographic “world’s second best climate” title is a myth? There’s no denying that our weather is mighty fine as a rule. Few other places are endowed with the latitude, altitude and a giant lake to keep the average thermometer reading at 24 degrees Celsius (75° F.) and humidity pleasantly low. Mood-enhancing sunshine prevails around 350 days of the year. Aren’t we lucky to live comfortably in homes without central heat or air conditioning, and keep windows open to let in fresh air?

Mother Nature:  Aside from climate, the area is blessed with a beautiful natural setting. We feast our eyes on stunning lake views and majestic mountain ranges that change appearance through the hours and seasons. The landscape is continually adorned with flowering trees.  Garden plantings flourish with minimal care. We share the idyllic habitat with hundreds of wild bird species.  And every day brings spectacular sunrise and sunset scenes.

Great Eats:  Local markets abound with fresh fruits and vegetables bursting with flavor. Gourmet cooks find grocery store shelves stocked with a wide array of imported goods to whip up their favorite recipes. We can dine out without breaking the bank and our choices are legion. There are taco stands, neighborhood diners, pizza joints, carry-out places, as well as midscale or high-end restaurants to feast on seafood, red meat, vegetarian and ethnic cuisine to please every palate and pocketbook.

Culture Galore:  You name it, we’ve got cultural diversion for everyone here. Music buffs never lack for entertainment, whether it’s classical, jazz, mariachi, rock and roll, or any other genre that turns them on.  Theater and dance shows, art exhibits, craft fairs, traditional celebrations and indigenous festivals also fill the local calendar week by week. Sign up for conferences, classes and courses to fulfill yearnings to expand the mind or pick up skills in artistic expressions.

Human Kindness: People in the Chapala area excel in providing charitable and humanitarian services to community, with numerous well-established organizations supporting education opportunities, health care, and other kinds of aid to the poor, the elderly and animals. Clubs and non-profit groups allow folks to easily connect in social activities. Expats marvel at the warm and friendly nature of the native people who welcome them with open arms and amazing tolerance of their foreign quirks and often murderous management of the Spanish language.

Consider all this as food for thought whenever you are facing troubling situations that sour your outlook. And feel free to gloat as you tune in to weather reports about the deep freeze that is gripping Canada and United States this week.