February is a busy month for Lake Chapala residents and the flock of snowbirds &mdash this issue reflects all those activities. This month you'll meet two great area forces: Chris Wilshire, of Northern Lights and Anita of the rescued animal fame, take a look at the local economy, visit the only area ophthalmologist, hear a writer's recent health challenge, decide if you really want visitors from back home, identify Mexican breakfast dishes and discover old local traditions: the sayacas and the events of Candlemas. It's a big issue full of attention-grabbing stories.

The first issue of our ninth year features readers' favorite annual article — the updated cost of living profile. Harriet helps save the sea turtles, we visit the "Hummingbird Lady," make tortilla soup, follow the getting here story, explore the writing of a new book of Mexico facts, take an excursion boat on Lake Chapala, see candles being decorated, learn more about going green and experience the delightful surprise of what's around the next corner.

Our December issue celebrated the season in a number of articles: We explored the posadas of San Antonio Tlayacapan, made holiday flans, looked at the "open-stock" method of buying nativity scene or crèche figures, honored the Mother of Mexico—the Virgin of Guadalupe and featured many of the country's traditional wooden toys, still being made today. To keep the issue balanced, we also learned how one woman is continuing to work her internet business from her Mexico home, learned about orchids from a local expert, recorded a long list of emergency numbers, shopped in Lakeside papelerias and met an exotic Latina singer, artist and friend.

Our November issue highlights both federal and local holidays as we take a look at Revolution Day, the Constitution of 1917 that came out of the decade of civil war, celebrating Thanksgiving with a Mexican twist, and the annual Novena honoring Ajijic's Patron, Saint Andrew. In other articles, we explore a the Feria del Arte, visit A collector of Mexican crafts, and a center in Guadalajara that is encouraging women weavers. On the practical side, we investigate the costs and processes of obtaining a Mexican cell phone, visit a neighborhood of Chapala, and walk through the trials and tribulations of a local resident following a car accident.

The Fall months at Lake Chapala are filled with a flurry of fireworks and fiestas and this issue takes a look at some of these treasured traditions. Our team of writers are teasing readers with previews of Mexico's beloved Day of the Dead, the annual Feria Maestros del Arte, and a look at how the fireworks that punctuate these days are made. Then it's off to the season's array of concerts and plays, a look at how foreigners at Lakeside are giving back by teaching English and a visit to an 80-year-old Chapala candy factory. We wrap up this issue while heading out with a friend in a wheelchair, cooking with the prickly pear cactus — the nopal, and discussions of Mexican names.

September is the month of the Fiestas Patrias (Patriotic Holidays) in Mexico and this issue leads with the story of Independence Day. We've also cooked up a pot or two of beans, had a good look at the charro (Mexican cowboy), petate (woven mats) and the words of the Mexican National Anthem. Phyllis Rauch followed up with a bow to the past as she reports on a day trip over the mountain and back to the past. We joined the circle of elders, went along on a tour of Guadalajara's Abastos (wholesale market).

In this issue you'll meet some of Lakeside's interesting residents, spend time with the head of Ajijic's village government, explore an updated list of favorite area B&Bs and small hotels for your next trip, and explore some basic, elementary investment tips. In the Mexican Kitchen we're cooking with Mexico's plentiful delicious bananas, while the Soul of Mexico column goes to Jocotepec in search of the famous hand-woven wool serapes. While all of our articles are valuable for most of our readers, we know that singles at Lakeside will use the information in this month's Health and Safety article to make the plans and decisions to make the time of their deaths easier for their friends and relatives. Wrapping up the issue is a fun piece with tips for solving one of Lakeside's biggest problems—over-involvement and the associated fatigue and another that presents a thumbnail sketch of the ancient history of the area.

Our summer vacation issue brings back our favorite articles from our first year. Leading the pack is a look at tequila making and fun tips for drinking Mexico's favorite spirit. Jalisco is the home of tequila, and the state in which mariachis originated. You'll visit the birthplace of the mariachi in our Out and About piece. Next we revisit a family who moved to Ajijic in the 1950s with their three small children. Those children are now adults with children and grandchildren of their own. Be sure to read about the couple who bought and remodeled a house here. The prices are out of date but the tips will help you work with your own contractor and projects. When Mexican families pull together the results are outstanding. Look at a young village couple who put together a wedding with 750 guests with a little help from their friends. There's more, a lot more in this issue—you'll meet tenor Glenn Yarbrough, get some pointers about the stomach ailments that trouble tourists and discover how Judy King and Karen Blue moved here—by the cards.

We were looking back at some of the early foreign expats who made their home at Lake Chapala in this issue, then looked back at growing up with dad and browsed through a 30 year old book that recorded the thoughts, likes, dislikes and cost of living for folks who had moved to Mexico in the late 1960s and 1970s and then revisited a horrendous tsunami that hit the Pacific coast of Mexico back in the 1930s. Then we took a trip to the even older churches of Santa Cruz de las Flores before moving to the present and a list of things to take to the hospital, maintaining home swimming pools, looking at what's around the next corner and the June patron saint fiestas in San Antonio Tlayacapan and San Juan Cosalá.

We cast the spotlight on women, mothers and some of the ways foreigners interact with the residents of Lake Chapala in this issue which leads off with a story about local sculptor who is converting an old tree stump into a work of art. Next are articles about Mother's Day and how it's celebrated, and the music that is played for mom. Then we make jam from fresh local fruits that are in season, visit a group of men who are teaching area youngsters to use handtools and a group of hikers who tackle the mountain behind our villages. Wrapping up the issue are a medical experience story, Don Adams' story of a chicken, and what it's like for a young Mexican woman to return to live in Mexico after growing up in the US.

It's spring and we celebrated by preparing fresh new issue packed with a variety of articles. From a trip to the pre-event activities at the bullfights to high altitude cooking tips and pitfalls, we've covered the spectrum of life at Lakeside. You'll meet Ajijic artist Victor Romero, get some expert pointers on going green, learn about dressing area men, and hear a writer's personal experience with gall bladder surgery here in Mexico and then attend Ajijic's annual Passion Play. Wrap up this issue by learning about a local tree surgeon, get the views of what it's like to go back to the US for a first visit and enjoy a story about life here at Lakeside.

To celebrate March's St. Patrick's Day, this issue leads off with a piece on the Irish in Mexico. From the Irish Battalion to the new theory that the swashbuckling Zorro was an Irishman, we celebrate Erin's sons. The rest of the issue is just as fresh—from the woodcarver that produced an angel to order, a custom designed marble-topped dining table, and a man who keeps moving looking for a place to die we move on to folks who are collecting Mexican folk art, another view of the problems and solutions of dealing with the CFE, and a getting here story from a woman who is moving back to Mexico after an absence of eight years. As we wrap up the list with an overview of Mexico cheeses and tips on locating your Lakeside dream home, we know you'll find plenty to like in this issue.

Our Valentine's Day issue was filled with hearts and flowers starting with a wonderful story about a Mexican couple, continuing through news from La Villa, the home for 30-some orphaned and abandoned children on Lake Chapala's south shore, with a piece filled with Valentine gift ideas, interviews with romantic couples and suggestions for romantic evenings and weekends-all year round. Rounding out the month's schedule of articles are pieces that highlight the Lakeside Little Theater, a day trip with the ACA organic vegetable group, the rug weavers of Oaxaca, a real success story from Weight Watchers and a look at figuring out the bills from the electric company. We included a Getting Here story and a close look at local artists and the murals they have painted.

Our eighth year of issues led off with our readers' favorite piece-our annual cost of living update. The rest of the lineup held to that strong start: we met a local jewelry artist, heard the getting here story of a couple who continues to work for a California company, keeping in touch via email and VoIP telephone service. Next we learned some pointers about dressing appropriately after 50, researched independent travel, attended a fiesta celebrating the Three Kings of biblical fame, looked at aging fearlessly, and visited the animal shelter. We topped the lineup with two of our favorite things-a visit to a brickyard to see how bricks are made by hand and sampling some good Mexican comfort food, carne en su jugo (meat in it's own juice).

This holiday issue has a bit of everything—from the new fireworks fiesta scheduled at the Chapala waterfront in mid-December to the availability of hotels and other services with disabled access. Since the 1400s, artisans have been making religious figures from cornstalks, a method you'll see in this issue, along with the making of the Christmas delicacies: ponche, buñuelos, and tamales. Then we're off furniture shopping, on a tour of the south shore town of Jiquilpan, shopping for undies and checking in with some of Mexico's special holiday traditions. We know you'll enjoy Christmas at Lake Chapala.

In another of our packed issues, we feature Day of the Dead traditions in Michoacán and how the traditional bread that is associated with the holiday is made. We look at the cost of cooking a Thanksgiving feast, visit a series of day spas, and conclude Alison Solomon's series of enlightening pieces on being politically correct in Mexico before we stop off at the American Legion Post #7 in Chapala. Marilyn Moss shares with us her story of Getting Here, while we take a look at the upcoming writers conference, how decorative paper is made in Mexico from tree bark and sample the goods of local bakeries.

Readers found a treasure chest of good information about living happily at Lake Chapala in articles about Mexican gestures and living within a new culture. We explore rentals, Chapala restaurants and buying upholstered furniture, then go on to a summer trip to Patzcuaro, the poems of a Lakeside Poet, local private schools and dentists. We wrap up this issue with a special look at an area healing center and collecting Mexican Folk art pieces.

It's El Mes de Patria (The Patriotic Month) in Mexico, and some of the articles and photos this month reflect the country's old-time customs and celebrations. Look for a world of information in this issue—learn about San Juan Cosalá's recovery from last year's storm and avalanche, get an overview on bringing pets to Mexico and about the vets who will care for them here, visit a handful of area coffee shops, visit a Chapala B&B, and learn to be politically correct south of the border. Then we have a pair of adventures for you—go along with a stalwart collection of cowgirls on a trail ride and camping excursion. If that sounds way too strenuous for you, consider a trip to the world-famous Rio Caliente Spa.

We're reaching deeply into the culture of the ancient Mexicans—first read about the natural incense of Mexico—copal is a tree resin burned to release it's wonderful smell into the heavens—then learn how the common rabbit has found it's own place in the legends and traditions and even the face of the moon. There's lots more: we've visited the state artisan's store, experienced hosting some of those artists, seen a wonderful concept in assisted living, learned about mail service, visited a farm where women are raising fish, gathered tips for new home buyers and builders, made a dozen delicious slaws, pondered the beauty of old Mexican chairs and listed pointers for women traveling alone.

In this new issue we take a good look at women at Lakeside. We start with a feature article about a Mexican actress, teacher, writer and playwright, learn about a wonderful painting partnership developed by two women artists—a Mexican and an American, stop for tea time with our lady friends and then continue to the traditional 15th birthday party for a pair of beautiful Lakeside girls. Next we're off to the zoo, learning about area blooming vines, buying silver jewelry, dispelling myths and learning about a new lifestyle at a new gym.

From indigenous wildlife to Tlaloc (the rain god) and from a food basket price comparison to a frank article detailing a recent face lift, this issue has a bit of something for everyone. You'll also read about the hand-carved cantera stone pieces that decorate our gardens and homes, the favorite and least-liked aspects of living here, according to 40 full-time residents. Then you'll get to know a local furniture maker, meet some of the area's younger residents and read a review of a recently published book that features Ajijic in the 1940s. Wrapping up this diversified issue are pieces on cactus gardening and the healing properties of familiar local herbs and spices.

Our focus this month is on a variety of local ecological issues. We examine the vastly improved condition of Lake Chapala-both the water level and the water quality—and the new recreation area in Chapala and then move right along to the projects and progress of the grass roots clean up and recycle Ajijic Limpio organization. We save a lot of energy here by not having air conditioning units in our homes-learn how to efficiently use fans to stay cool. Check out the healing properties of the most common herbs and spices, meet a super mom, visit a pair of assisted living options, golf at the country club, shop the biweekly artisan market in Tonalá and read a wonderful anthology of women's stories about Mexico.

Our readers say this is our best issue ever. We started with a look at Mexican funeral customs and continued with Judy's story of moving to Lakeside in 1990. We met Dr. David Truly, a professor of tourism and geography and learned about his study of retirement migration patterns, explored a variety of new iced tea options, visited a local inn, went with Jim Tipton to get a DIF discount card, paid another visit to Mezcala to see the ancient petroglyphs and to learn about the steam huts, stopped off at the Chapala plaza and then learned about the folks pictured on our peso bills. We wrapped up this special issue with an excerpt from a book describing a 1911 trip to Lake Chapala. It is an amazing array of topics and articles.

Here's a good mix of articles about live at Lake Chapala. We've covered a bit of everything from the incredible Danzantes (traditional Aztec dancers) Phyllis saw in a recent procession, and the disposal paper trappings used for many of the year's fiestas, to our new writer Steve's expertise on orchid growing. Then Judy explores cooking with chayotes (locally grown squash), Alison visits with the gay and lesbian communities at Lakeside and Carol explores the village and island of Mezcala. Next, Jim hops a bus headed for Wal-Mart, Judy rolls up her sleeve for immunizations, Harriet meets a charming couple of dress designers, Jim reviews a pair of delightful books about foreigners in Mexico and Marvin tells you what you've already missed by arriving at Lakeside now instead of 15 years ago. All in all, this issue is a bit like living here—there's something for everyone, no matter what your interest.

The articles in this issue reflect the broad spectrum of life here at Lake Chapala. This month's array of stories range from a look at how the area's popular arched brick ceilings are built to Mexico's annual February flag day and Mexicans Abroad, the organization of Democrats here. We're visiting Jocotepec bakers who pull loaves bread from their brick ovens, shop for Valentine gifts for him and flowers for her, and stop off at the local bridge club for a few hands of cards. You'll enjoy meeting Aztec Studios and meeting Janice and Teo—and seeing her paintings and his original weavings and then sign up for one of the great day trips or excursions reviewed in our piece about local travel clubs. Nothing causes more consternation for visitors and those folks thinking of moving here than even the thought of Montezuma's Revenge. You'll see tips for the prevention, causes and cures of traveler's diarrhea in this month's Health column.

The seventh annual Cost of Living update leads off this anniversary issue. Joining the line up are a series of articles about folks who have reinvented themselves: we have stories about a cop turned artist, a realtor now helping folks find a new life through exercise and nutrition, a designer turned innkeeper, retirees turned personal shoppers and a Mexican worker turned TV star. Filling out the issue are recipes for a rainbow of hearty winter soups, a local fused glass artist, an annual calendar of events and a view of Mexico's historic haciendas and ranches.

Mexico's holiday traditions are at the forefront this month. We have articles to  guide you to various Christmas events, allow you to re-create traditional Christmas foods, take you to visit family-sponsored parties, part of a 100 year tradition, learn about Mexico's gift to the world, the poinsettia, shop on the malecon, see a home filled with North of the border-style decorations. It's not all sugar plum fairies in this issue: Jay White tells you about his recent heart attack, you can learn about the life saving work of the Chapala Red Cross, and Diane's great tips for newcomers, meet a Mexican flying ace and hear what it was like at Lakeside 30 years ago when the Eager family arrived to take over the Old Posada.

This issue doesn't stop with taking a good look at the Mexican Revolution and the country's constitution, we're talking about Day of the Dead, the Fiestas of Ajijic, and then we're adjusting to new experiences in Mexico, cooking with papaya and heading out to join up with the karaoke singers. You'll meet Lakeside folks who can make custom-designed stained glass windows and custom-designed clothing. Don't forget to save the list of emergency numbers we've compiled. Then you'll want to be sure to add some of our dichos (proverbs) to your vocabulary. Be sure to read the article outlining the process to legally import US and foreign groceries into local stores.

Fishing takes center stage with articles about the Ajijic men who daily fish Lake Chapala and the Lakeside men who plan fishing trips farther afield, looker for bigger fish to fry. You'll find stories about how foreigners interact with Mexicans, the upcoming concert and theater schedules, shopping for garden furniture, healing herbs. Don't miss the pieces about the recent storms in San Juan Cosalá, Chapala's premier B&B, the November Maestros show and our look at cooking with corn.

September is the Mes de Patria (Patriotic Month) and our writers have joined in the Independence Day Celebration bringing you a walking tour of historic Guadalajara, a view of the local heroes, some of the history and the favorite dish of Independence Day. We've talked to folks who've had wonderful health experiences, and those who tell not-so-wonderful real estate stories, visit an art group, some folks who own horses, and those who rent cars to tourists. If that's not enough, you'll meet the Bad Girls, learn to use your Soriana points to get free groceries and visit a historic south shore town.

In this issue you'll met some of the amazing folks who move to Lakeside. Dan and Ros Stark construct crossword puzzles and edit crossword books, Frances Hawker and Bruce Campbell visited Lake Chapala to write a children's book, there's a whole group of kind people who are helping handicapped children improve their muscles, skills and lives on horseback and another loving couple that have made a home for children in need.

You'll also find recipes for cooking with mint, the new updated list of area B&Bs and inns, attend a surprise-filled weekend to celebrate tequila, read an owner's elaborate plans for a new shopping area, view a Canadian vacation with a Mexican heart and see some of Lakeside's most colorful homes.

Several of the articles this month focus on life on the South side of Lake Chapala. Jim Tipton takes his wife and daughter on a drive around the lake, complete with photos and comments on several south side villages. Judy visits a subscriber who is teaching English over there and then we go shopping in San Luis Soyatlan. One of our writing team members has a health experience to share, Jay White is back with a story about Uncle Rudi, Judy is looking at Mexican nicknames and Blue is visiting children's libraries. Wrapping up the issue are stories about making agua frescas, closing on real estate deals, the costs of laundry products and another segment of Diane and Ellen's trials moving here.

Our June issue is full of Mexican traditions, foods, travel and fun. Learn in this issue about how and where the traditional wood and leather equipal furniture is made, about Lakeside's motorcycle aficionados, Blue's RV trip around the country, Diane and Ellen's trip from California and the current cost of computers. We've visited fish markets, fiestas in San Antonio and San Juan, the ACA organic farming operation, the Ajijic tianguis and identified most of the colorful local blooming trees.

The phrase "the merry month of May" has a ring of truth at Lake Chapala. A different holiday or event takes place every day or so, all month. There's a chart of these celebrations in the From the Editors column. This month we're focusing on quiet, cool topics. We've found a whole list of great books to read just by tagging along on a visit to the Ajijic Writer's Group and then checking out two newly released books about the Mexican Revolution. We take an atypical trip to Mexico and an RVers view of traveling in Mexico. Next meet the movers and shakers at the Lake Chapala Review, gather tips for finding the right real estate agent, shop for men's clothes and meet some of the area's alternative medicine practioners. In our search for cool seasonal foods, we sample pitayas and a delicious range of cold soups. There's more in the May edition of Living at Lake Chapala.

The Easter holidays are a very active time at Lakeside when our villages are filled with foreign and Mexican tourists and residents taking part in amazing holiday events. This issue includes a look at Ajijic's renowned week-long Passion Play. In lieu of a good dose of chocolate bunnies, our Mexican Kitchen is cooking up special treats with Mexican chocolate. We've focused on a full spectrum of other topics this month. Visit a Michoacán village famous for the making of guitars, then meet a special couple in San Antonio Tlayacapan. Judy takes a look at her own methods for learning Spanish in our third age, we visit a beautiful new B&B geared toward exceptional guest service and have some regular maintenance done to our car. Harriet is visiting yoga classes, Jim reviews an excellent book and meets the members of Ajijic's butterfly club. Take a look at the other great information packed into this issue of Living at Lake Chapala.

Our March issue heralds Spring and the rebirth of the growing season (yes, seasons change, even here!) with two stories telling of the new life two couples have chosen for themselves at Lake Chapala. In this new issue you'll find a full range of information. Our team of writers have gone birdwatching with Alan Turner and his crew and hiking the trails into the mountains above Lakeside. We're also searching for real Mexican food, studying the values of Mexican families, learning how water systems work in our Mexican homes, researching custom made furniture, looking at an all new level of defensive driving, and meeting the ladies on Lake Chapala's south shore who make flowers and dolls from corn husks. This filled with important information, great stories and fun things to know.

February is the busiest month of the year at Lakeside with Snowbirds arriving in full force. The community plans a wealth of activities to match. In this issue we cover the Garden Guild's Benefit Garden Tour, visit iron workers shops to order custom pieces, learn all about the Executive Chef of La Nueva Posada, Lorraine Russo, hear the Getting Here story of a newly arrived pair of San Antonio Tlayacapan residents, visit area nurseries, hear stories of area gardeners, hear from Barry Golson, author of the AARP, The Magazine article, visit a beautiful health spa in El Chante, and as always, much much more.

It's the beginning of another year and we've a full range of articles for our readers, beginning with our most popular article of the year, our Cost of Living update. In this New Year's issue, you'll also find pieces itemizing the area restaurants that provide home delivery, the 3rd Annual Writers Conference, an updated look at Lakeside's 12-step programs and meetings, area golf courses and play, a day trip to see ancient pyramids, a look at safety for travelers, the January festival of the three kings and the folks who write the annual restaurant guide.

There are many festivals of love, light and joy involved in the celebration of Christmas in Mexico. Our December issue takes a look at several of these traditions and customs. Learn about Mexico's special processions, the posadas and piñatas with which the children celebrate are the source of some of our information. While we are in the holiday mood, we're traveling Mexico looking for special ornaments for our holiday trees, checking the costs of baking supplies, hearing the story of the help given a miracle mother and baby in trouble on a bus careening its way to the hospital in Guadalajara. We're making holiday recipes with cilantro, enjoying a sip of Mexico's great tequilas, and learning a valuable lesson about changing our lives and moving beyond our self imposed boxes from a pair of recently relocated residents at Lake Chapala. Learn things you didn't know to ask in this month's article about rentals, then meet Sue Devoe, a painter of pet portraits. Finally we revisit the Mother of all Mexico, the Virgin of Guadalupe on her special feast day of December 12.

We've taken a new look at the current condition of Lake Chapala in the November issue. All in all the news is encouraging. In keeping with the fall harvest season, you'll want to read about Thanksgiving the way it was just a few years ago, learn to make sugar skulls for Day of the Dead and take a look at the photo essay Day of the Dead piece. Next up we're meeting some members of the Lakeside community. The Kleffels are very active, mostly in activities that promote the education of local kids. Harriet Hart's trip to London produced a very interesting article for you about Remembrance Day and Veteran's Day. She's delved into the celebration here at Lake Chapala, too. Paying utility bills here is very different than your monthly experience North of the Border. It takes more than just writing a check and tucking it into the return envelope. There's a lot to learn about electricity, telephones and propane gas service. Then Clay Swinburn is back writing a short summary of the Mexican Revolution in this month's Soul of Mexico article. Everyone wants to know what their medications will cost in Mexico, but with the help of a new friend with a price fixation, there's more to pricing at drug stores than meets the eye. Jim Tipton has gathered information about all of the health services available at the Lake Chapala Society and to wrap up the issue Joan Ray has been out visiting the coppler village, Santa Clara del Cobre.

This Back-to-School issue of Living at Lake Chapala pays homage to some of the great kids in our retirement community. Topping the list is the talented sextet of sisters, who with the help of their folks and brother make up a popular group, "2nd Nature". This month we look at the cost of education Lakeside's children, and at some of the groups who are helping to organize those efforts. We also visit with the folks who find funding for surgeries, prosthesis and ongoing medications for sick area children. We're cooking with sangrita this month, digging for opals up in Magdelena, checking in on new residents who've undertaken remodeling tasks, talked with the original map-maker of Lake Chapala, and met some of the outstanding potters who will be a part of the November Feria de los Maestros. All in all this is an issue as vibrant and varied as the area in which we live.

There is something for everyone in September's issue. First up is the story of the editor of another Lakeside publication, El Ojo del Lago Alex Grattan. You'll meet other people you'll like knowing this month. Tom Stephenson is a new Lakeside resident, reporting his first impressions and there's a whole lot of nice people on the tennis courts of Lake Chapala in this month's Out and About column. Wait until you take a look at the Mexican Kitchen article. It's filled with places to eat pizza, right here in Mexico. In other articles we're remodeling bathrooms, checking in on a Lakeside tradition, the annual regatta of tissue paper hot air balloons. Bill learned a serious lesson about drinking and driving on Mexican roads and Judy records the prices of travel with tours, and by taxi. Don't miss the Facts and Figures column, it's your chance to learn Mexico's National Anthem, and then read the lyrics in English.

This month's issue takes a good look at the people of Lakeside, starting with the Feature story about local bicultural business partnerships and winding up with a fun recollection of when 1980s residents brought their mothers to visit for Christmas. In other articles you meet the American owners of a Michoacán weaving company, the miracle cure one of of our writers found in a local physical therapy clinic, and the work of a local artist. Returning to the brass tacks of life here, don't miss the list of real estate tips and the suggestions on how to most easily handle money and banking. Information about bathrooms, septic systems and the delicate paper flushing dilemna is hard to come by, but we've got it all in "Gotta Go...Gotta Go." Wrapping up the month's offerings are a fun tour of the summer salads in local restaurants and a guide to shoe shopping at Lakeside.

What better month to celebrate the wonders of summer than July. Heading up these summertime sizzling pieces is an article about the programs underway to keep the children at Misíon San Pablo happy and healthy all during their school vacation. Then take a look at the trip Phyllis took to a Pacific coast camp to help rescue newly hatched turtles, read about how Harriet Hart found her way to Lakeside—she blames it on the Globe and Mail. Jim is taking a long and admiring look at a Mexican movie star, the most beautiful woman in the world, we're learning about vanilla, various spiritual paths available at Lake Chapala, barber shops and and old time Ajijic weaving tradition. Scott Michael Long comes out of retirement to issue some warnings for homeowners with theft insurance and we learn the labor laws as they relate to our household helpers.

This Father's Day issue starts and ends with special articles about Dad. First Teresa Kendrick relays a lovely story of family and healing. In Facts and Figures Judy writes about the Macho Mexican Male as he appears today. Things are changing. Judy Dykstra-Brown has written another great story of how it was in the old days in Ajijic. The tales, legends and stories of Ajijic's Lopez Vega family are in the Soul column. Don't miss Teresa's just updated mile-by-mile driving directions from Laredo, TX and then check in on Harriet as she does a stint in the Mexican Kitchen, making South of the Border casseroles. We're visiting a wonderful volunteer group, the Golden Strings, comparing grocery prices in four area stores, shopping for hand made huaraches made by a Jocotepec master leather worker and checking into the books shelved in area English libraries. To wrap things up, Karen relates her story of their home improvement and painting project and Sheila visits with Joy, an English speaking counselor.

Every year more north of the border programs and policies start up at Lake Chapala. This month, we feature Lakeside's first real, productive recycling programs. See these new recycling bins and the new truck that was donated to the city government by a local resident. Teresa Kendrick made notes as she drove back from Texas this spring—this month we print her pointers and tips. Be sure to come back next month for her updated, mile by mile guide to driving to Chapala from Laredo, Texas. You'll need a place to stay and something to do when you get into town— don't miss this month's updated look at area B&B hotels, dentists, car washes, and the lakeside walkways, here those boardwalks are called malecones. What would you do if you only had one year in Mexico? Read how one woman chose to spend that time. Next we're celebrating the Mexican holidays of May. There is a lot for us to celebrate, it seems like every other day is a holiday this month. To commemorate Mother's Day, Lorraine has given us the recipe for Mexico's famous Pastel de Tres Leches (three milk cake) and then Harriet is out meeting special mother-daughter families at Lakeside. Blue's back, strolling the downtown Ajijic district and admiring the murals that are popping up on the facades of the storefronts.

Part of the adventure of living in Mexico is participating in local activities—at Lakeside that includes many religious holidays and celebrations. Our April issue starts off with an article about Lakeside's Jewish congregation and their Rabbi Phil Posner. Next we take a look at the cross-studded path that leads up the mountain above Ajijic to the small white hermitage there. The ancient residents of Lakeside celebrated the seasons and gods with offerings—some on the broad back of a great turtle-shaped stone. Learn about the ancient temple and the historic stones it contained in this month's Soul of Mexico. You hear conflicting stories about the cost of rentals at Lake Chapala. This month we're looking at the process and costs of moving into a low-end place. Later we walk through the processes involved in renewing a Mexican Driver's license and IMSS health insurance and the devotion and effort needed to live at Lakeside on the proverbial shoestring. Harriet is furniture shopping, Joan is socializing and Teresa is cooking with jicama. Don't miss our two favorite April articles: Sheila recorded her experiences as she was diagnosed and treated for cancer in Guadalajara and then we have a sneak peek at a brand-new, about-to-be-released book, the story of Jocotepec resident and artist Georg Rauch. Titled The Jew With the Iron Cross, the book is based on Georg's letters to his Jewish mother and relates his experiences in Austria and Russia during World War II.

The range of articles in this issue really hits the mark with Living at Lake Chapala readers. From the Canadian Snowbird who spends his winters at Lakeside helping with the lake's ecological issues and Alison Pickering who has published a beautiful coffee table book about the homes of Ajijic to the article about the third generation of Jocotepec saddle makers, we've written a slate of stories that give you an important glimpse into life here. Fran Murphy is this month's guest writer and her view of things you need to know before you go to a Mexican hospital is invaluable. Others from the writing team have been out shopping for books and newspapers, on a day trip to Talpala to learn about the paper mache work done there, visiting an upscale spa in San Juan Cosalá and taking a look at some of the fine pottery that is being exhibited here at Lakeside. Wrapping up the issue is the upcoming visit by Diana Kennedy, a long hard look at the current real estate market, and an interview with Don Simon, Jocotepec's living legend. There is something for everyone in this issue.

Here's a sweet lineup of articles just in time for Valentine's Day. We're bringing you a review of the best street food of Jocotepec, a look at renewing all-important documents, the tale of a group of lovely Lakeside ladies who took it all off for a good cause, how to find a snowbird rental and where to shop for Valentine's Day gifts for your sweetheart. Our writing team is introducing you to some great Lakeside residents this month. First get to know a gang of Texas friends who've relocated from Dallas to Ajijic. Next there's the great group of folks in San Juan Cosalaacute; who are guiding local folks to a fuller life, then take a look at three great T'ai Chi instructors and finally, don't miss getting to know Alan Turnipseed, a great guy with a great life. We've wrapped up the issue with a piece on Mexico's flag in honor of the country's Flag Day on February 24. There's something for everyone in this issue.

Living at Lake Chapala's 50th issue marks the beginning of the New Year and of a new program designed to bring the readers a wider view of the area through the eyes of more writers. Nine local writers joined forces this month to bring you the highlights of life here in central Mexico. You'll take a boat ride to Lake Chapala's islands, learn the Mexican myths and legends about butterflies, meet a new resident, an international artist with a great way of looking at our beautiful surrounds. Next, we're off to see a new bed and breakfast, shopping for organic and foods to support a healthier lifestyle, shopping in Jocotepec and reviewing the annual budgets of six local families. A recent visitor to Lake Chapala has written her first imprssions, A local resident spends an international Thanksgiving in Michoacán and Dale Palfrey brings us the scoop on January's traditional holiday, the Day of the Kings. Of course you'll find more, much more, in this special 50th issue of Living at Lake Chapala.