We've been watching this mother hummingbird sit on her nest outside Country's patio for a couple weeks. Mimi finally got this pic of mom and baby in the nest.

Lots of bird activity, spring is sprung. We're really loving the new (last fall) camera with the 12x zoom, she couldn't have gotten any of these pics with the old camera.

The day after that first pic, the baby finally flew the nest. He landed on the ground and mom buzzed him angrily until he got it together and flew up into the tree. Once up there, she fed him.

When we arrived here from LA, we stopped down by the highway to get propane before coming up the hill. Mimi said she heard a noise from the engine. I just don't hear the stuff she hears, this happens all the time with us. She'll say "can't you hear that ping?" No, I can never hear the ping. Anyway, on the way up the hill by herself - I was driving the jeep - it got worse and she said she thought it was something with the transmission. I guess I just didn't want to hear about it so I didn't ask anymore. Well, a few days ago she mentions that we are going to have to move out of the RV, into Country's guest room (which BTW is being renovated and isn't yet habitable), get a tow truck for the RV...WTF!!!!?? I had a small fit. I just did not get that we were looking at a new transmission or a very expensive repair and having to have it towed to get this done.

I do have a bad habit of shooting the messenger, in the end I had to take myself off to Linen's and Things and go sheet shopping. Retail therapy. Then I had a couple rum and cokes. Then I got used to the idea and decided that while it is a big drag, it is not all that serious in the grand scheme of life.

So, we're looking forward to moving out of Tortuga for an unknown number of days (NOT) and possibly many thousands of dollars. I was thinking the other night that if I have to pack my stuff I'd really rather be getting on a plane. I tried to convince Mimi that this would be a perfect time to go to Buenas Aires for a week. She was not buying it. At least I got new sheets out of all this, probably that will be the best part of the whole experience.

Here'a a picture of a Kestrel that has been hunting around the yard. He has the Mockingbird in a complete dither and the Mockingbird chases the Kestrel constantly, must be a nest nearby.

We're now looking at buying a small enclosed cargo trailer and towing it south in August, leaving the Jeep up at our duplex here. That opens up a lot of ideas about what to take now and what should wait. I'm going to look for a storage unit in Mérida when we get there so I can keep some stuff until it is needed. We also have to stop on the way south to pick up the light fixtures I bought in Guadalajara and the copper sink in Michoacán. Who knows, if I had a trailer to fill, I could really do some shopping. Nah! I think I'll buy a transmission instead.

The weather has been wonderful, hot days and warm nights. I love sitting by the pond at night with the underwater lights, especially since it is in the 80's. Not a lot else to report, we've had lots of dinners with friends, lots of laying around in the pool or in the shade, a little work on the pond and garden... lazy days.