Friday, June 25, 2010

Still Catching Up

Back from Michigan and so much going on and so much to do. I'm no longer used to this much activity in my life!

We have decided to replace the broken into window in the back bedroom with a sliding glass one. It will let in more light and, when open, hopefully more air. We are also having a custom made aluminum gate installed over it. This will be lockable and recessed so that we can open it to clean the windows. (read: so the cleaning lady can open it!) That will also allow us to cover it with 3/4 inch plywood, should another hurricane or two head our way.

Our best friend these last 6 years on the island is getting married July 3 in the Yucatan. His wife to be is a sweetheart and we are pleased as punch that they are getting hitched. Of course we were going anyway, but they have also asked us to be their witnesses at the civil ceremony. I feel quite honored. For their wedding present, we are allowing them to live rent free in our cabana until we have guests arriving in November. This gives them a slightly nicer place to live for now and the ability to save some money and, hopefully, get a nicer apartment later on for the three of them. Yes, you read that right!

The computer front has me really busy and bogged down. Not only did the thief steal my computer, sans power cord so I don't know what he is going to do when the battery dies after 2 hours, but he also stole my backup CD with all my pictures and stuff on it! Ridiculous. At any rate, I do have a new computer (as does Bob now too) and I am having to recreate all of my blog list. So be patient if you have not had a comment from me lately. I am slowly getting all of you added and read!

I had just begun to repost on my other blog about my car trip all over Mexico in 2007. The pictures from that trip that I use to illustrate the story were also on my old computer. I was really pissed about loosing them. Then I had a revelation while lying in bed awake a few nights ago. (listening to every strange sound that came along and jumping up to look out the windows!) My original CD with all of the pictures from that trip is safely locked away in the safe! I was glad to remember that and to now have all of the pictures again. Now to find time to write!

I'm not feeling quite as bitter and down in the mouth about the island now as I was just after hearing about the 14th break-in. Still not totally happy with it, but adjusting. Wish me luck on that front!

Have a great week!

19 comments:

Croft said...

I am glad you feel better about Isla. It is one of the most beautiful places in Mexico!

Think about an external hard drive for storage space, maybe even two of them. One could be in the safe, taken out for regular updates and the other at the end of a long usb cable somewhere out of sight. It is unlikely anyone would follow the cable to find it. You would then have at least two copies of all your photos.

of course the best scenario would be to have no more break-ins...

drgeo said...

Here's an article titled Put a Private Detective in Your Laptop-- in NY Times about software that tracks machines and reports thief's location.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/technology/personaltech/17basics.html?scp=3&sq=lojack&st=Search
If can't get article,
it mentions following software to google:
GadgetTrak
Laptop Cop
LoJack for Laptops
Undercover
Orbicule’s iPad and iPhone software ($4.99) tracks the device’s location. GadgetTrak’s BlackBerry and Windows Mobile apps ($24.95) remotely lock and delete personal data, as well as track the phone’s location.

Frankly Ronda said...

It is good to read about your positive spirits!

jeanie said...

I'm wishing you all the luck in the world my friend. I know you were opposed to bars and fences but I think it's just a way of life in Mexico. Many old established Isla families have had the bars for as long as I can remember.

I feel your pain. I had my previous home broken into 4 times in broad daylight in the morning. I can't even describe the how VIOLATED I felt.

threecollie said...

How awful that he stole your photos too..that is really nasty.

lisa said...

What a pain in the ass! I would hate to have to worry about someone coming into my home! The sunset in the last post is just beautiful! I sure hope your brother is going to be ok. You take care.

Anonymous said...

Wayne, my only concern is the durability of aluminum as a gate material .....why not go for iron or stainless?

And, is this the ONLY window these guys could get in...?

As a cancer survivor myself, I say "Good On" to your bro ... he can beat this sucker.

O Robert

Kim Wood 408 said...

We are on Isla now and would love to have you come here to visit the owners that are here for meeting. I believe Donna emailed and left a number to contact her (us) on the island. Hope to see you again soon. Glad you're back safe.

Kim

Brenda Maas said...

Glad you are back and are feeling better about things there.
Take care.

Jonna said...

Glad you are home and better but, what a friggin drag! Your MN friends and I were talking about you two the other night and we decided you should move to Merida! Don't you love that we've figured out your life for you? With a pool (that has no sharks) and a place to tan, you'd be happy and safe.

Rick said...

"Cloud" backup solves all these problems.
$50 a year and everything on your computer is saved offsite and immediately available to download when you buy a new computer. Check it out and good luck with the security enhancements.

Babs said...

Hi Wayne - Glad you're back. I thought that I would mention that I have very, very attractive bars on my windows that look architectural. All my doors have a lock with a button that you twist and no key can unlock the doors.
If you want me to photograph either of these things for you to see for possible usage in your home let me know.
I care.

couzin frank said...

Glad your back.Even though I don't post much check you every day. And glad you had backup on travel site. I have always enjoyed.

KfromMichigan said...

You are such a kind person .. the newly to be married couple are probably overjoyed. Glad you are staying on beautiful Isla. Window bars are needed almost everywhere today! Stay happy Amigo!

Anonymous said...

hi wayne! I was just in a vacation rental the other day on the island and they had GREAT locks on their closet doors (from Home Depot). They were the combination type (keypad, stainless steel). They are expensive, but may be worth the $ in your case. Home Depot in Cancun has them...
Much luv,
Meg

Anonymous said...

Hi Wayne, Glad you have recovered your pics and your spirits. On the grand scheme of things, Bob being ok and unharmed in the ordeal is all that truly matters - the rest is frustrating but not insurmountable. Thanks to your pics and descriptive blogs - my husband and I will be visiting Valladolid and Merida for the first time this summer (8 days in total) before our usual week on Isla... while I have not booked Hotel Reforma (even though it looks beautiful) I have found what appears to be a unique little (and economical) place to stay in Hotel Julamis - thanks again for peaking our interest in these places - we are looking forward to it! Keep writing and have a wonderful week!

Anonymous said...

Hi Wayne, Glad you have recovered your pics and your spirits. On the grand scheme of things, Bob being ok and unharmed in the ordeal is all that truly matters - the rest is frustrating but not insurmountable. Thanks to your pics and blogs - my husband and I will be visiting Valladolid and Merida this summer (8 days in total) before our usual week on Isla... while I have not booked Hotel Reforma (even though it looks beautiful) I have found what appears to be a unique little (and economical) place to stay in Hotel Julamis - thanks again for peaking our interest in these places - we are looking forward to it! Keep writing and have a wonderful week!

Unknown said...

Your friends are lucky to you in their lives. I started reading your blog in the months before my hubby and I visited Isla for the first and only time in January of 2009 and have not missed a blog since. Just remember that in order to feel true joy and love, you must open yourself up to the flip side that happens every now and then.

Barbara said...

Have you thought of going to the local paper in your area and having them do a story on the thefts? Perhaps put an ad in the paper in spanish offer a reward? I would think a story would bring out in the open what a terrible job your local police department is doing. I don't think Mexico wants bad press at this time when tourism is dropping, due to the border violence.