You may be familiar with El patio for the great line up of musicians that play there regularly or the equally Happy Hour food and drink specials. But do you ever think of El Patio for those special celebrations while on Isla? We did.

I was husbandless on Valentine’s Day because my Valentine through forty years of marriage was still working back home. In addition, my usual cohort in crime-Sister #3 aka Sister Sue was busy with another commitment. But undaunted, I invited my Sister-in-Law Lorraine and her husband Kelly to join me for a sweetheart dinner. At the last minute a friend and neighbour with no plans for the evening, also joined us.

Happy Hour had just ended and the place was hopping! We asked for a table away from the crowd and were wonderfully accommodated by a corner table at the rear of the second floor. New friends were made over pre-dinner drinks. Lorraine and I both imbibed in frozen mojitos. I had to curb my enthusiasm as I would have slurped it down in one long gulp.

We asked our server Oscar for some popular items on their full dinner menu and he successfully guided us to the Grilled Black Grouper and Grilled Octopus. We had fun choosing 2 sides from an extensive list and Lorraine was happy with the baked potatoes and fresh veggies that accompanied the grouper whereas I was equally delighted by my rice and Greek salad.

Both seafood selections are tricky to manage on the grill. Grouper is delicate and requires equally delicate attention. It came off the open flame at just the right time and was still moist and full of flavour. The garlic and butter moistened it even more and it was a luxurious choice.

Octopus too can be tricky because if cooked to much, it can result in what feels like chewing rubber erasers. This delicacy maintained a lovely char while still being tender and flavourful. I didn’t taste the garlic that I requested but that was for the best as the lovely briny seafood taste came shining through.

I have indulged in octopus all through the Mediterranean countries and it was never served with the body attached. So I was a little sheepish when two bulbous sacks were attached to the legs. I must confess: I talked my self into being full after I feasted on the legs. I left the bulbous remains staring at me from the plate. I think I am a pretty brave eater but maybe you might decide that I am squeamish.

During the course of the evening we enjoyed the strains of live music from afar. At one point Kelly stated: “I hear Javie singing!” Sure enough, our friend of many years made a cameo appearance for one song.

We finished our wonderful Valentine evening with a stroll along Hidalgo. In my humble opinion, Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration for sweethearts but for everyone that we are blessed to love in our lives.

Kath’s quote: “The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable“. –Henry Ward Beecher

Love never fails.

What are the words people would use to describe Jax Bar & Grill in Isla Mujeres? Welcoming, familiar, consistent, and quality are what come to mind. 

Conveniently  located at the north corner of Medina at the roundabout, Jax has been a gathering place for visitors and expats for 23 years. 

This particular night I had just welcomed my sister and a friend at the UltaMar ferry. Having been up since 4:00 that morning, they unloaded their suitcases and we were off to Jax. 

We arrived just in time for sunset!

We started by sharing a bowl of New England Clam Chowder. The soup was rich and tasty, with an abundance of clams. Great comfort food for the tired and hungry traveller.

Next we turned to the features menu which listed nine additional items not on the regular menu. “Our menu wasn’t large enough” jokes owner Jackie Walker, a pint sized Texan gal with the gift of hospitality. Believe me when I tell you there was already plenty available on Jax six page menu, but Jackie likes to offer a wide variety of options. “I add things I’d like to eat” she shared. The features menu has ceviche, seafood cocktails, a variety of salads and a few other items. From it we selected the Mexican Style Seafood cocktail. A dish I would highly recommend sharing as an appetizer. Served with tortillas chips and soda crackers, this soda fountain glass was filled to the brim with plump shrimp, octopus and conch in a mix of clamato, tomato, and orange juices, chopped tomato, onion and cilantro and topped with sliced avocado. So fresh and delicious. 

Next we tried the spinach salad, opting to top ours with some grilled chicken. The spinach was fresh and the crunch of apple, red onion and toasted pecans played perfectly off the creamy bits of Gorgonzola cheese. Tossed in a honey mustard dressing this salad makes a great option for those looking for something on the lighter side. 

Lastly we had to try the spaghetti bolognese, Jax first ever pasta feature. It’s something that manager Henry has always wanted to see on the menu. It was meaty and saucy and served with little buns that were topped with garlic butter. Again, comfort food at its finest. (Editors note: the leftovers were just as delicious for lunch the next day!)

Regular visitors to the Island are seeing prices increasing every year, however we noticed that Jax has not increased their prices. They also offer some incredible deals. These were listed on the flip side of the features menu. Did you know you can enjoy a cold domestic beer for only 40 pesos Monday through Friday afternoons from 1 -5?  You’ll find a great sale item every day of the week. From half price martinis on Mondays and margaritas on Thursdays. Or enjoy a half price Mimosa or Bloody Mary on Sunday morning. Jax is famous for their Hump Day Happy Hour every Wednesday 3:30 – 5:30. Drink and bar snack specials, and live music. Who could ask for more? The place is packed with dancing and celebration. What are we celebrating you ask…it’s Wednesday and we’re on Isla. Don’t forget to stop by for Taco Tuesday or Fajita Friday. 

See you at our home away from home-Jax! 

Kath’s quote: “Home is not a thing. It is a feeling.”-Authour unknown

Love never fails.

I almost don’t want to share about this little corner of paradise, because while I want it to be a great success, I hope it will continue to be a place of serenity and tranquility.

Located on the grounds of Marina Makax, Casa MKX is a multifaceted retreat. There are five guest rooms available for rent, a beautiful pool on lush manicured grounds. Under the giant palapa you’ll find daily classes of yoga, tai chi, pilates, and even salsa dancing. The day we visited there was a boxing class taking place. 

It’s the brain child of Omar Alejandro Hernandez and Ramiro Nahuel Martinez. the two set out to create a get away from the hustle bustle and offer patrons a place to chill and enjoy incredible food. They are currently only open for bunch with an eye to launching dinner in the near future. There are tables in the air conditioned dining room and also on the expansive wrap around veranda. 

My friends and I started with a coconut milk latte and a couple of matcha lattes as we pursued the menu. There are currently six items on offer. The goal is to ensure that each dish is stellar and worthy of its place in this highly curated selection. 

We tried three dishes. Starting with the Toastada Valladolid, an egg scramble with potatoes and sausage made in Valladolid that gives the dish its red colour. Served on housemade sourdough with a side of pico de gallo, which gives it that kiss of freshness. 

Next up was the delectable Corn & Sweet Potato Gorditas. A gordita, the Spanish word for chubby, is a stuffed tortilla that is literally chubby. This one was made of a dough of mashed sweet potatoes and corn mesa. It’s stuffed with requeson, a ricotta like Mexican cheese and the herb epazote. It’s topped with shredded lettuce, cortija cheese, and creama. It’s served with a side of green salsa which is the perfect way to cut through the richness of the melting cheese and crispy gordita. 

The third item we ordered was the avo toast. To be honest, I’m kind of over avocado toast, that was until I tried the Casa MKX version. Served on housemade sourdough bread covered in slices of perfect avocado then topped with a leek and carrot puree and crunchy strips of sweet potato. In my opinion, what mades this the perfect dish was the pieces of escabeche pickled cauliflower scattered throughout. 

My two brunch companions and I enjoyed tastes of each other’s plates, and while we loved it all, we each chose a different dish as our favourite. The sign of a well rounded menu. Something for everyone. There are options for vegetarians, two dishes are gluten free, and the vegan option of roasted cauliflower with lentil salad and poblano dressing looks incredible. 

The other item I look forward to trying is the French toast. Made with housemade brioche and served with a spiced whip cream and jam made of whatever fruit is at its peek of perfection. 

Brunch prices range from 220 – 280 pesos. On Sunday you can take a class, enjoy a mimosa or juice of hot beverage and your choice of entree for 400 pesos. And of course feel free to use the pool and shower facilities whenever you come to dine. Casa MKX is pet friendly. 

Besides the dynamic duo of Omar and Ramiro, the team includes Chef Guillermo Mora. While you may not recognize his name, he has likely cooked for you if you’ve visited Madera Food and Art or Aurora Cocina & Bar. His creativity and ability to perfectly pair flavours is more than evident. I can’t wait to see what this team comes up with for their dinner menu. 

So if you are seeking  some peaceful pool time, enjoying brunch in the casa or lunch from the food truck, or if you want to move your body and enjoy nature, then this place is a piece of heaven. Oh, and about the food truck, it’s the Chile y Maiz truck, offering ribs, wings and burgers. Perfect for a pool side lunch. 

Kath’s quote: “Do not let a day go by without taking some time for yourself – some time you spend in pure pleasure, as you see it”-Napoleon Hill

Love never fails.

Here’s our look at the year that was.

Right after New Year’s in January we headed out to the Gimli area and one of our “homes away from home”-Aaron’s on the Lake, Bed and Breakfast, where we occasionally help out as Guest Innkeepers.

Since D works remotely and can work anywhere in Canada, he is able to work after we feed the guests breakfast. I assist him in the kitchen and serve the guests. We have met so many amazing people. But there actually weren’t many guests booked and some days felt like a winter vacation.

Bekah and her “littles” came out to stay with us a couple of nights because when we are innkeepers we get the whole house to ourselves. I think Bekah enjoyed the break as husband Seb works shifts at his job with the Winnipeg Police.

As the house sits right on Lake Winnipeg (right across the lake from where our place is at Lester), we watch amazing sunrises.

The rest of January and the beginning of February we celebrated Doug’s, Josie’s and Seb’s birthdays (the latter in advance).

For J’s birthday D often takes the grandkids for a night in a hotel that has water slides. They look forward to the weekend all year.

Maybe this year, this Wee One will be able to join them.

The grandkids love to do activities together. L and F took the same creative movement class last year.

Beautiful J is taking after her Mom with her long, lean body just made for dancing.

Speaking of beautiful, this was J & J’s youngest at Seb’s birthday party.

By mid February, I was off to meet friends and family in Isla Mujeres.

D joined us in March as well as his sister Deb and her fiancée Joe. Together we had an amazing and restful time.

Before and after Isla Mujeres our city house was occupied by a family moving to Winnipeg from Vancouver Island. We stayed at K and B’s homes

and spent some time at the lake while this occurred.

We wanted to be in the city in May this year. I planned to redo a couple of my city gardens and besides Mother’s Day, there were six family birthdays in May

including the first birthday of the newest family member which was combined with her brothers’. B celebrated hers as well, along with starting a new job with an all female owned brewery.

K and T don’t get out to the lake very often but they did come for May long when we celebrated J’s bday.

Then we were back home and in our lovely yard in time for my birthday.

We also tried to beautify LIG (Life is Good) -our beach house. D put in grass seed so we could try to keep the sand out of the house (it may be a losing battle). We purchased a new barbeque/grill/pizza oven and do most of our cooking outside. D hopes to add a sink and canopy this year.

Beautiful B takes after me, and her Auntie K and always has her nose in a book, often under an umbrella in the shade on our deck.

J and J sold their lake house and moved their hot tub onto our deck.

We also spend time at Sister #2’s pool as she and her husband M have a permanent home at Lester Beach.

Sister #3 often comes and joins us at the lake. She too is fond of K & M’s pool (and us of course).

Poppa is always dreaming up things that the grandkids would get a kick out of like letting them sit in the box of the truck

or making donuts.

We love everything about our inland sea

but especially that the “littles” get to experience lake life with their cousins.

In mid summer, we were once again obtained to be guest innkeepers at Aaron’s on the Lake. We invited Torontonians Richard and Melinda to stay with us. Doug’s brother David (another Torontonian), sister Lori and his Mom also paid us a visit.

Shortly thereafter, we joined Laura and Derek (pictured here) at Richard & Melinda’s Willard Lake house for our annual visit.

D and I love the chaos of everyone at the beach house at the same time, but we love our alone time and watching sunsets too. This evening was on the occasion of our 40th wedding anniversary. That’s a lot of sunsets!

Once back in the city we host Sunday suppers now that we have an expandable table that seats 14! As you can see, a lot of our family time is spent breaking bread together.

In late September, D and I spent 24 days in BC staying with friends and at various Home Exchanges. We had a wonderful time enjoying the area when D completed his remote work days. I wrote a lengthy trip report on the blog that you may want to check out.

And now we have come full circle and it is Christmas again. Here are J and I recently at her first Jets game.

We had our first of many Christmas get togethers last week. It reminds me of all the wonderful people in our life whom we love dearly. If you are reading this, you are one of them too.

Kath’s quote: “And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’” —Luke 2:10

Love never fails.

We had to start winding our way back home, so we left Victoria with the assistance of our dear Brett who drove us to Swartz Bay to catch the ferry. When we arrived in Tsawwassen, we grabbed an uber for a one night stay at a cozy little spot nearby.

When you are a member of Home Exchange you can either swap homes as we did for this sojourn or “pay” with points that you accumulate by inviting people to stay in your home. This stay was the latter arrangement. In fact, this person operates her home as an Air BnB and it was the very first time “exchanging”.

The BC lower mainland was hit by an atmospheric rain “bomb” in time for our arrival in Tsawwassen. We were in time for tea so we fixed a pot and sat here while we listened to the rain on the acrylic sunroom roof.

We had found ourselves in so many beds over the trip, that we truly didn’t mind sleeping in these singles. The bedding was luxurious and that is the most important thing in a home exchange anyway.

The bathroom was enormous with a multi person soaker tub under a moon roof. Just outside the bathroom door, this hallway had been converted to a cozy library and TV room. Since it was a Sunday, D had to get caught up on the NFL. We ordered pizza and continued listening to the pouring rain.

The next morning while we waited for our cab to the airport, there was a brief break in the rain. We were able to imagine what a longer stay would be like in Tsawwassen in the comfortable garden and outdoor space.

The cab took a bit of time so I wanted to see what was at the end of a short path, across the street. Much to my surprise, it was an expansive beach and the ocean! Who knew?

Thank you so much to our wonderful Home Exchangers and to Nancy Milner and Brett Cane for being amazing tour guides and in Nancy’s case, opening her home to us. And to Rebecca Ifland and the entire Ifland family who were our hosts in every way in Seattle. We love you all so much! We live in an amazing part of the world! We are already planning next fall’s trip to the Okanagan and our first Home Exchangers arrive in 2 weeks!

If you have been reading since the first day, you will see that our experiment worked!

Kath’s quote: “If you go anywhere, even paradise, you will miss your home.“-Malala Yousafzal

Love never fails.