Luckily while here, wrapping up our stay at Paradise Village, I was able to teach a watercolor class. It was lots of fun. Four women participated, two for three days and as beginners, they experienced lots of techniques and the subjets I love here, palm trees and flowers. It all went very well. Check out the photos of new paintings.

We head for Opecimar yard to have the boat hauled out and painted. She will be lovely, with new white sides, a fresh orange and blue name on each side and a blue stripe along the bottom. It will take about a week, and then we stop back here at Paradise Village for a day for water and to make final preparations. White is definitly cooler than dark blue, so she will look different. Will take a photo shortly and get it posted of Finisterre getting ready for Season # 2 in Mexico and Central America. We'll definitely miss friends here, but are ready to head out into the bright blue yonder!

Mike and I are both busy getting Finisterre ready because shortly after Thanksgiving we'll be heading out of Banderas Bay heading south to some spots we've already seen and to Zihuateneo which is new to us. We will be there for Christmas!

We've also been continuing to enjoy getting together with cruising friends, swimming daily, painting, visiting the Independence Day parade and exploring the city of Puerot Vallarta.

Enjoy the new photos--more to come in the next few days!

This past month has offered me lots of time to paint. Paintings completed include "Palm Tree-detail", "Shore with Palms", "Hybiscus in Purple", "Copa de Oro, Hawaiana" (lovely blue-purple flowers that bloom on vines, with yellow bird), "Garden with Palm & Bananas", "Parrots" and underconstruction: "Reba" - this is a portrait of Steve and Jamie´s boat in which they have sailed all over, including to New Zealand. Had to do a bit of research to make sure the island the boat is approaching would be in the correct position during a sunset on the clouds. Lucky I asked them because the sun doesn`t set behind the island from the direction they were headed. The discoveries I´ve made and new things I´ve learned about watercolor by painting religiously every day have been great. I don´t think there has ever been a period of time during which I painted as many paintings in a series that turned out well! Also, postcard paintings are coming along well now, too.

Went on a gallery tour with friends here in Puerto Vallarta and found I liked the design of the buildings as much as the paintings and sculpture. Everywhere you turn there is a unique wooden door, lovely wrought-iron lamp, ancient tile roofs, and interesting steps leading up the many hills. Many of the galleries have large open air areas with fountains and flowers. We also went to the best vegetarian restaurant I´ve ever eaten at. Buffet with delicious salads and unique main dishes. Yummy and up on the hillside with wonderful banana tree wooden sculptures and mural walls.

Today, Mike is in Cabo San Lucas. Almost here--the crossing of the Sea of Cortez should be relatively easy, lots of motoring because there isn´t much wind in the weather forcast. He will be here Sun or Mon! Decided to go to the movies at a new Cinemark theater in town. Movie theaters are gorgeous down here and very cheap--about $3.00. Looking forward to seeing Zoro with Spanish subtitles! A good way to practice Spanish!

Speaking of Spanish. Estudio mucho! My final exam is due shortly. Thanks to my teacher at Mendocino College, have been able to continue and send in my work and tests. Some opportunities to practice each day, things to read, signs to figure out. Many people who work here are also practicing their English so we often have weird conversations with my beginning Spanish and their English. Last night on the way home from Estudio Cafe with friends, the cab driver used his favorite words he´d looked up in the dictionary including serendipity, mollycoddle and persistent. We were pretty impressed as he did know the appropriate ways to use the words! Our dinner at Estudio Cafe where Frederico does art and food was of the traditional soup: pozole. It was delicious--made of hominy, broth and pork.

Watch for photos coming soon....

Nov. 2 and Mike is at sea delivering a sailing vessel, Whale Song down to Puerto Vallarta. I can email him and things are going well with him and the crew. I am exploring the Puerto Vallarta area with buddies from last year. Last night got to release baby turtles that are newly hatched. They are a delight. Walk down to the surf and swim away. Not bigger than a 50 cent piece!