Morning Thoughts--Another Rainy Day in Portland

Another rainy day. I have to keep reminding myself that the rain is what makes it so beautiful up here. But I miss the sunshine. We have had some glorious sunny days and then rain again. This is summer. Maybe their summer doesn't really start until July. Maybe July fourth is the beginning of summer.

My son and daughter-in-law went from England to Prague. They will be back Sunday night. I am looking forward to their return. This big house gets lonely, especially when it is gloomy outside. Like this morning. Very gloomy out there and cold in the house. I also don't know how to turn on their heater.  I am such a country mouse.

I have had a few conversations with one of the housemates. Yesterday he brought in some delicious looking chocolate cake which I managed to not sample. I love chocolate but this diet is starting to work. I wouldn't want to ruin it just for a few brief moments of chocolate melting in my mouth.

The other housemate, well I haven't seen him since my family left and we share a bathroom. I know he is here because sometimes the toilet seat is up.

The dogs have been a lot of company for me. They follow me from room to room. I am not flattering myself by saying they care that much for me. They are both on strict diets (more strict than mine). They are hoping that I will drop crumbs for them.

A couple I met through my blog came and took me out to dinner last night. I have seen them in Portland and in Ajijic and back in Portland again. We talked about all the ins and outs of living in Mexico . Biggest concern for newcomers seems to be healthcare. Will they get good healthcare there and can they afford it?

That is a hard question to answer. I keep the IMSS, the government health insurance. It costs me a little less than four hundred dollars a year and I haven't used it yet. I tried to use it when I broke my ankle but it was so overwhelming that I left the hospital and paid out of pocket at a private hospital. Two thousand dollars but it was worth every penny to not have to stay in a crowded hospital room with a catherer and heavily drugged for a week before I could get the operation at the IMSS hospital.

Another friend is coming to take me out to lunch. I knew her from twelve years ago when we were both living in Red Bluff, CA and taking care of our mothers. I haven't seen her for several years. I am really looking forward to seeing her again.