Izamal, known as The Yellow City, is well off the beaten track and is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the America’s. The Yucatec Maya language is heard as much as Spanish and is the first language in many homes. If you are looking for official ‘sites’ (I wasn’t) it doesn’t have much to offer but there are random ruins everywhere. The obscure jungle paths I walk on often show remnants of an ancient road. Whether it’s the countryside or the backstreets of town, I frequently come across ruins. It’s one thing to visit a recognized and popular site, it’s another to stumble upon a Mayan pyramid temple as if it were nothing special and with no one around. It feels more adventurous and magical somehow.
I’m doing well here and so is my head. After two months it’s a huge relief to feel like I am getting better. I’m not there yet, but it’s coming. I had an irrational fear that maybe this time, I wouldn’t get better, that I’d be foggy-brained and dizzy indefinitely. My casita is proving to be as relaxing and healing as I hoped. I work on Spanish, write, walk and read, in that order. When I fret that I’m not being productive or active enough, I remind myself that resting is necessary for healing and has infinite value.
It’s been a less relaxing time for my son Max, who lives in a tiny house on my property in Balderson. My propane provider (Levac Propane), for no logical reason and without notice, turned off my propane tank during a delivery. I am on automatic refill and my driveway was plowed; there was no cause. To turn off someone’s heat source in the middle of winter seems not just absurd, but negligent. When Max checked the house a couple of days later to find the heat off, my pipes had already frozen. When he got it turned back on and the pipes thawed, there was flooding on two floors. Two service calls later by the plumber, with more needed, there will be lots to fix when I get home, not the least of which will be to get a different propane provider. Multiple times since this started I have have been on the brink of coming home, but thanks to many people who have helped, between calm advice, supplying Max with water when needed, to trips to town and plowing the driveway, I am still able to be here. It has taken a village! With deep gratitude, thank you! If the Gods allow, I will continue healing here in historical Izamal.
The Flip Side of Fifty 
It is so amazing where you are and I’m so glad you are feeling better.
Oh my though, poor Max. It was so cold here. I hope you get Levac to pay the costs. It is definitely their fault. It is something I’ll be aware of as we use Levac too and while I have people checking the House, it’s not everyday we are away. I monitor the thermostat from away, but again not regularly. We do have an electric heater set for 16c in basement but I don’t think it would stop thing from freezing.
as they say though, this too shall pass. Enjoy the rest of your vacation. If max needs anything let us know.
Thanks Sherry! Ya I’m not a fan of Levac. Never have been. I switched from Levac to Bangs years ago and loved them. But Bangs recently stopped delivering, passed their customers to Levac and only do service now. And within 2 months this happens. I would definately be on the lookout with them. I will be trying to get them to pay at least the plumbers bills but done hold out much hope. Anyway, in the meantime, I’m super grateful to be here! 🥰
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I am so happy you’re on the mend! My head is much better as well. I opted out of paragliding this trip although my mind was saying otherwise. Better safe than sorry. It looks like a beautiful,quaint place you found and I agree to find Mayan ruins in the middle of nowhere is much more exciting than standing in a crowd with several tourists. Beautiful pictures. Stay safe and enjoy your stay. Love you Kim
Thanks Kim! Very happy we are both on the mend and have had good experiences this winter. Hugs and love cous’. 💕
Make sure you have all the paperwork and pictures of the damage Arlene. You likely have a case to recover cost of damages and insurance.
I’m glad you are starting to heal. Please be safe travelling alone away from help.
Love ya!💕
Shelley
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Thank Shelley! Max has pictures and I’ll be for sure be trying to get at least the costs. It might be a case of small claims court. We’ll see.
It’s super safe here and I’m doing good. Love and hugs! 🥰
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Glad to hear that you are on the mend and are no longer in quite the pain you first were. Wise to stick to your recovery program: relaxation, a bit of walking, sleep, good healthy food, more rest , reading, more rest. Very sorry for the water damage that has ensued and hopefully you will have a case such that insurance will pay for Max’s time and the damages. Do not come home early if you can help it. The world here is under many feet of snow, many days with very low light. Keep on keeping on .
Kxx
Thanks Karen! I don’t have tons of hope for reimbursement but I’ll be trying anyway.
And thanks for the advice to stay. I appreciate it. I’ve been back and forth but it’s nice to get the reminder that the weather is grim at home these days. I’ll try to stay! 🙏🥰
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That is horrible news about the propane and frozen pipes. You must feel almost helpless being away. What possible excuse could they have? I hope your lawyer bleeds them dry for the damages. I would. Margie and I had a great visit with Di yesterday and she was almost her old self sitting in her room and reading the newsletter to us, slowly, but what an improvement. I did have to read the riot act to them yesterday as I found her caregivers sit her in the wheelchair and leave her there. She can walk, I said to one of them with as much gusto as I could manage. If they are to continue as her caregivers I had better not see that again. As if things for Di are not bad enough. Enjoy the warmth of the sun and your chowder.
Gary
Thanks Gary! I will certainly be doing what I can to have them at least pay the plumbers bills. Expect I’ll need to take them to small claims court.
That’s great news about Di. I am so looking forward to seeing you guys again. Hope all continues to improve for her and you both.
Hugs,
Arlene 🤗
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I’m catching up on your blog. So glad you are resting and feeling better. We’ll reach out to Max to see if he needs anything. 🥰
Thanks so much my friends! 🥰