Pic-of-the-Month for April 2026

Hola Amigos,

Well...April zoomed right by!  It was a warmer than normal month, and we are wondering how hot May and early June will be.  Thank goodness we have some decent AC units for sleeping, and in our kitchen/family room, when we need them.  We do use the one in our bedroom at least part of most nights, but haven't turned on the family room one yet.  

We saw this guy the other day sitting on his beautiful nest...in Hotel Pescadores, about 10' from the bar (just in case he got thirsty!)  Unfortunately, our friends say the eggs were compromised the other day.  Hopefully, the birds will try again. He was very calm while lots of people took his photo!  

 Easter was in early April, and as usual, the beaches were very crowded with campers.  The photo below is from the Flag Monument looking south.  Campers were right next to each other for several miles up and down the beach!  (With my curious pups, I chose the route less crowded, and hiked with them up to the Flag Monument.  OK... we drove to the base, but we still got in our mileage!)  

  

The campers all pretty much disappeared early the next week, so we were back enjoying our "private" beach.  The pups especially enjoyed finding left over treasures. (Ugh!)  Anyhow, this is what it normally looks like.  I can walk several miles some days and not see another person.  Crowded days, there will maybe be a couple ATVs and fishermen, and some folks hiking.  I love it!  And, there have been some nice low tides, like in this photo, so walking is easier.  

 

 

The city water for Buena Vista had a serious pump outage in April.  We were without water coming into our storage tank, or available for outdoor watering for several weeks.  We have a large storage tank under our garage floor which holds over 5000 liters, so it lasts a long time when we're careful.  However, this time, with much of the garden still growing, Ben had to hand water from the only outdoor faucet that is attached  to that tank.  We had hoses strung everywhere!  Fortunately, the shade cloth he just installed helped, and they were able to repair the pump after several weeks.  Of course, we never got the straight story.  The water company folks said "it's almost ready to deliver water to your pipes", and the water truck guys said "No, they don't have the new pump yet, it's still broken"!  Sigh.  

Anyhow, when the water was getting low in our tank, Ben decided it was time to clean it (first time in 24 years!) as it had a little dirt in the bottom.  He hooked up a little pump and PVC pipes to get the last foot or so of water out, then vacuumed up the rest.  He also added a bit of Purex and mopped that around.  Then, we waited for a water truck to show up!!!  Fortunately, they got our message and delivered some water within a couple hours, so we didn't have too long to worry.  Ben tipped them nicely, and they came back and gave us the rest of their truck load after filling some neighbor's tanks.  (The water from the city was free, by the way).  Then, the fellow we tipped came back the next day and filled our tank all the way!  Woohoo!  And the water came back on the next morning from the city pump!  

In this picture, he'd already unhooked the line that ran down into the tank to suck the water out and was mopping on the Purex.  (He said he's never doing this job again!!  And no, you can't hire him to clean yours!)   

The garden is starting to wind down.  Ben still picks a basket of tomatoes every day, and we have the best lettuce of the year now, although we have to water it several times a day or it will wilt.  We've also had a couple bunches of bananas get ripe, and we've been enjoying them.  They are so sweet! 

Ben is starting to get some things done for our summer schedule, including moving our little camp trailer over next to the carport, and tying it down!   We actually got it moved without too much trouble yesterday, and both commented later on that that was the easiest move ever.  I think we're finally getting it figured out how to wiggle it into that particular spot (without killing each other!) 

The good news is that we've found a reliable house sitter for this summer.  He's excited about it, and we hope we don't overwhelm him with too many things to do!!  We are planning to leave here June 10.  

Our latest album is here:  April 2026  Most photos have captions.

Blossoms from our new orange tree

We are headed to La Paz for a few days this weekend to celebrate a birthday, and life without dogs!  (We have a dog sitter at home, don't worry!)  I personally am looking forward to some quiet days and some shopping and nice restaurants, and maybe a couple nice long walks on the Malecon.  Speaking of walking, I'm reaching my walking goals, but they're just a bit less than last year.  I'll blame the dogs.  They do tend to wimp out on me fairly regularly!  I will not carry them, so I let them rest for a bit, then get them up on their feet to hike on home.  (They do just fine off leash on the beach...zoom, zoom, zoom!)  

Hasta la proxima vez,

Tus amigos en Baja,

Harriet, Ben, Gus and Pancho

 

 

 

Pic-of-the-Month for March 2026

Hola Amigos!

It is the end of March already, and the weather has been warming up like it's May or something!  Humidity is up, temps are up, winds are down.  It should be an interesting spring!  (I'm glad we have AC in our family room/kitchen!  We'll be using it soon, most likely).  And the fishing is still good, and the water is warming up, so bigger fish will be around soon.

 

We had company in March, and we had fun!  My sister Shelley came to visit for 10 days the first of the month, and we managed to visit lots of our favorite restaurants and places.  We also got to take her to a Lack Family Concert, which was a ton of fun, even though it was a bit cool and windy that evening.  (See a video of the Lacks performing in my March 2026 album.)

She did some fun shopping, and had her suitcase stuffed with nice things to take home with her.  I'm sure glad she finally decided to get her passport a few years ago and start visiting us in beautiful Baja!  Come back anytime, Shelley!

We were going to pick up friends John and Marilyn from the airport the day we took Shelley back, but not naming names, someone didn't bring their passport booklets to the departing airport, only their passport cards.  Doesn't work for flying out of country... so they delayed a couple days.  When they did arrive, we again got to take them to our favorite places.  They have been here before, but it's been probably 20 years, so things have changed a LOT!  They, too, got to go to a Lack Family concert (I stayed home sick that night. 😞)  

They also found a bunch of goodies to take home with them, and we took them to a trip to La Paz for overnight in the big city.  We stopped in El Triunfo, a little old mining town in the mountains, and toured the new Cowboy Museum there.  They've done a great job with this museum, and it is very informative and cleverly laid out.  

They have a bunch of mannequins dressed up, including this one in typical cowboy leathers, as well as some historic figures.  It was very enjoyable.  See more photos of the museum in my March album.

 Marilyn walking Gus.

Marilyn said her favorite place to be was on our front veranda, watching the birds and enjoying the view of the Sea of Cortez, and the warmth, of course!  I took them walking several times, and although they walk paths at their winter home in Cathedral City, she said it was much more difficult to walk on the beach!  She was a great help with the dogs, but darn it, I couldn't get her to take one home with her!!  Next time, maybe!   

John, being extra tall, was able to help Ben get on his new 50% shade cloths over his two garden areas (this short person thanks you very much!)  Ben is hoping that the shade will extend the life of his numerous tomatoes, and his new crop of lettuce seedlings are coming up like gang-busters! We have been enjoying the garden very much this year, and have given away almost as much as we've eaten.  Maybe more!  He brings in a colander full of tomatoes every day, as well as cucumbers.  The second squash crop is done, and the beans are winding down a bit, because we have two little dogs who like to get in at the base and look for beans to eat, but pull off leaves instead.  Stinkers!  I have canned my year's supply, and had some left over from last year, so we're not suffering.   

 By the way, we ordered the shade cloth on line, and watched and waited for it to be delivered here.  One day, I got a message that it had been delivered to the hotel up on the highway.  Cool.  I could go up and get it there.  I got there, the office was locked.  I tried the two numbers posted on the door.  The first one the people said it wasn't the hotel, they had taken over that number and the hotel number was different  (all in Spanish).  I said OK, and dialed the next number.  It went straight to the message that said "number not available".  Sigh.  So I went exploring, and found a lady and asked about my package.  "No esta aqui, senora.  Es en la otra lada de la carretera.  Cerca la tope."  OK... gracias (I guess!)  I wandered over to the other side of the street, and there in a covered breezeway between two casas were a couple ladies with a ton of packages, including ours.  She was the one who sent the message that the package was at the hotel.  I guess I was just supposed to figure out that's not what she meant, and of course it was at her house.  At least I'll know for the next time if the delivery guy doesn't show up here, and at least she sent me a message!  (She also showed me that she can see my house from her back yard!  Small world!)  

Tomorrow is the start of April, and our season is starting to wind down.  We don't have a house sitter yet, and may just have to find someone reliable to check on things and water a few plants regularly.  We will be here until mid-June, when we'll need to head north for the start of our summer schedule.  Seems like the older we get, the more doctor appointments we need to do.  Also, I broke my glasses, so need to get those repaired (not an easy fix on the frame, I'm afraid).  

BUT, if you're hankering for a Baja vacation, we're here until then, so come on down!  We can guarantee some good eating and great weather.  

These guys came to visit just last night, but I wouldn't let them (or their Mamas) in the gate.  You...I would!

Don't forget to check out the pictures at March 2026 

Hasta la proxima vez!

Tus amigos en Baja,

Harriet, Ben, Gus and Pancho.
 

  

  

Pic-of-the-Month for February 2026

 Hola Amigos,

Let me start out by saying that those who know the news heard about a major take down of a Cartel leader last week in mainland Mexico. In that area of Mexico, there was a lot of Cartel kick-back, and a lot of cars, buses, trucks and some businesses burned to make a statement.  Nothing took place here in Baja Sur, although there were a few instances in Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada near the US border.  We were 1000 miles from that action, and were never in any trouble.  Things seem to be pretty much back to normal in mainland Mexico.  Viva Mexico!  We still love it here.

Thank you to all of you who answered my question last month about a short or long monthly letter / post.  Most of you responded with "yes, I read it, and make it as long or short as you want.  I live vicariously through you and your adventures!"  (Our daughter admitted she skims for the pictures!)  

So, this month's letter will be "normal" length, whatever that is!

 Gus and Pancho are showing you the section of road on our morning walk that finally got repaired.  There has been a wide and deep ditch on the left side since last summers' rain storms.  It was just barely wide enough on the right for one car at a time to go through.  We are always cautious walking back up it because the sight distance is bad... we always hope cars or ATVs coming that way stop to look before they roar down the hill!  

Pretty sunrise on my morning walk.

Speaking of morning walks, I'm close to my goal two months into the year, and I should reach my month goal tomorrow.  Once we get down to the beach, I let the dogs off leash (depending if anyone or any dogs are within sight). They really appreciate the ability to run like crazy to the next enticing smell.  I occasionally have to go after them and hook them up if they're getting into camping leftovers, or dead fish, but they're getting slightly better.  Now I know when they stop and sit down, it's time for me to detach the leash!  At least that's what they hope I'll do!  (I'm a slow learner!)

Today, I had enough beans picked that I could can 7 one and 1/2 pint jars.  Yummy eating for next season!  I have 17 jars left from last year... not sure how that happened, but I'm not complaining.  It seems our dogs have become bean eaters/pickers, and when they can't find a bean, they'll pull off a leaf or two.  There are sections of the bean row that are looking pretty sad!  I'm not sure if I'll have another canner full or not.  We'll see!

 

Those lower stalks should be nice and leafy still.  Who knew we'd have dogs who were vegetable lovers?  At least they're not eating our cucumber crop that is outside of the fenced areas.  

We are really enjoying the fruits of Ben's gardening efforts.  Tomatoes of all sizes and shapes every day, cucumbers, squash (2nd crop of both cukes and squash), corn (not much of it, but pretty tasty), and lettuce and radishes.  I can easily put together salad with things completely from our garden.  We have also been giving a lot of it away to friends and neighbors, who also appreciate it!  

We had our first guest this month, our niece Chrys from the Bend area.  She came without her boys this time, and she got in her miles of walking.  She'd go with me and the pups every morning, then after breakfast she'd head out for her serious walk.  She walked MILES!  She enjoyed herself very much, and loves it here, so she'll be back!  

Cousins Tom and Karan also visited us from their place near La Paz.  We gave them the whole tourist deal... meals at our favorite restaurants, a Lack Family concert, visits to local plant nurseries where they found some really nice things, a visit to pick up 3 bags of composted cow kaka at our rancher friend Arturo's place (plus farm cheese, fresh eggs, home made BUTTER and cottage cheese.)  We really scored on that trip.  Then we took them to the little town of Santa Cruz, where a local farmer has a fruit and vegetable stand set up.  That's where Ben bought our new little Avocado tree a few months ago, and Tom and Karan wanted one, too.  While we were there, we found a nice little orange tree, too, so bought that.  And of course, we had to figure out where to plant it, and decided to put it near our old Neem tree stump, and also decided that the stump had to go!  We hired the local backhoe operator, and it took him about 10 minutes to dig it out, and he even hauled it off for us!  And dug a hole for the orange tree!  Tada! 

Next week, my sister Shelley will be coming for 10 days.  It took forever to convince her to visit us, but she's glad she finally did it and is willing to come back whenever!  She's looking forward to good eating, more Lack Family music, a horse back ride and lots of relaxing!  The day she leaves, our friends John & Marilyn arrive (thankfully, the same airport!!)  So, we will be busy for the first several weeks of the month, but are looking forward to sharing some good times with them...and another Lack Family Concert on St. Patrick's Day!  The Lacks are really quite good, by the way.  I have a few videos of them in our February 2026 picture album for your enjoyment.  

Lack Family concert at La Playa.  

 Ben and I both did a 4 week Efudex face treatment recommended by our dermatologists (in Oregon and La Paz).  Ben did 1/2 of his face, and needs to do the other 1/2 after our guests leave.  I did my whole face.  We were pretty ugly for those 4 weeks; red and scaly and scary looking!  Our faces are looking a lot better now...skin like a baby's (almost!)   I took pictures, but you don't get to see them!  (Lucky you!)   With our red-headed complexions and all the sunshine here, this isn't the ideal place for us to live, but we'll deal with it!  

We deal with puppy love all the time!  They love to snuggle.  

 Hope you enjoyed this month's read.  We'd love to hear from you any time, and if you want to visit, that could be done, too!

Pictures for the month are here :  February 2026 

Hasta la proxima vez,

Tus amigos en Baja Sur,

Harriet, Ben, Gus and Pancho

 

 

 

 

 

Pic-of-the-Month for January 2026

Happy New Year Amigos,

Yes, 2026 is already almost 1 month done.  And I decided my new goal this year is to keep this short.  I'm thinking a lot of you don't bother reading it, and I can't blame you...I do tend to blather on and on!  So OK, lets see how I do...

Weather:  Has continued to be warm, but winter winds are starting, and we get enough to keep the kite boarders happy, and the rest of us grumbling on those days!  We did have some serious rains last weekend, enough so no watering was needed in the garden that day, or the next.  Nice to have as it freshened things up.

 

Special days:  Ben and I celebrated our 58th anniversary on January 27th with dinner at Hotel Pescadores on Music Night.  The Duo sings songs from our era, and they are good.  We are both doing Efudix treatment on our faces.  It's a cream that we rub on nightly for 4 weeks, and it kills per-cancerous cells.  Needless to say, we both look pretty awful!  Ben is doing one side of his face the first 4 weeks, then will do the other side.  I elected to do my whole face in the 4 weeks.  It started slow, but is pretty itchy and scaly now.  Here's a pic from our anniversary dinner that wasn't too close!

We spent a lot of time cheering on the Oregon Ducks this season.  They won the Orange Bowl, and they did great until that final game with Indiana University.  Next year! 
 

Projects:  Ben spends a lot of time tending his garden, and we are being rewarded, as are lots of friends and neighbors.  Lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, squash, tomatoes!  Bring it on!  We should be enjoying fresh produce for several more months.

I am walking the dogs daily, and we should meet the monthly mileage goal in a few days.  (I do it early in the day to stay out of the strong sun, especially since I'm doing the skin treatment). 

Friends and Family, Guests:  We had nice times visiting with Katie and Mel while they were here for 2 months (they were mostly cleaning things up at their camp in Los Frailes, but came to our place weekly).  Mel helped Ben plant a cute little Avocado tree in our yard, that the rancher says should produce in a couple years.  We'll see!  They hope to come back in April & May, so we're looking forward to that.  First guest of 2026, our niece Chrys, is coming this Friday for a short visit.  It will be nice for her to get out of the frigid weather for a bit.

 

 

Picture album for the month is 2026-01-January.  Most pictures are captioned.

Hasta la proxima mes,

Tus amigos de Baja,

Harriet, Ben, Gus and Pancho. 

PS.  Let me know if you made it through this shorter letter, and if you prefer the shorter version.  Or would you like me to just carry on and on.... (hahaha)