MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR
Jack and Amy Smith moved from Pete's Camp to their beautiful Campo Ocotillo water view lot on Calle del Mar in 1996. Amy, originally from Ohio and Jack from Nebraska, the two were married 25 years ago on Valentines Day. Though living in Lewiston, Idaho they were married across the river in Clarkston, WA. Amy explains Jack didn't like needles and blood tests were not required in Clarkston. Between them, they have a total of 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. When they first moved to their Campo Ocotillo lot they lived in their 5th wheel. Jack began his building spree with a small workshop adding the ramada over the 5th wheel after Hurricane Nora came through in 1998. Two years later a bathroom and kitchen were added. It was while doing brick work on their new casa that Amy fell and fractured her hip. Their lovely home was completed in 2001. When not wintering here, the Smith¹s are at the Coach Stop RV Park in Welton, AZ. in which they have a partnership interest. During summer months they travel extensively. This summer they hope to travel to the Northwest Territories. Jack was a general contractor before retiring and uses his many talents helping others here in the campo. Amy haunts garage sales, wields a mean hammer, sews, refinishes furniture and plays keyboard. She laughingly says her biggest talent is looking for Jack. Almost any morning these two can be seen taking their 2 mile walk to the highway and back.

CAMPO OCOTILLOS HAS SPIRIT
Kudos to all who decorated their residences, trailers and yards, from Gloria's icicle encircled rooftop welcoming family and friends as you entered the campo, to the homes along the waterfront. It all started with Salvadore's beautiful blinking tree. Imagine what it will be like next year!

FOR PENNIES PLUS
We have watched with interest as prices at Ocotillos climb. Actually, they appear quite moderate compared to what is happening in Loreto. On those sandy, southern shores a group of Canadian and American business people are designing a community of 5,000 abodes. Loreto claims 12,000 residents and boasts an operating airport. The new community of Loreto Bay is 5 miles outside Loreto proper, 300 miles north of Cabo. Plans call for an 8,000-acre development resulting in tidy little homes with starting prices of $650,000 and culminating with beachfront homes asking two million.

TURNING ON THE COYOTES
Sleeping in Campo Ocotillos is one of the joys of living here for me, but it is an acquired pleasure. With only the wind and surf making occasional sound, I at first found the surroundings absent of car motors, car doors, dogs barking, and city noise I was used to, something strange. Though not unpleasant, that silence meant I didn't always sleep as hard as normal. One night I woke to the coyotes howling and barking. At first I thought it was the camp dogs, and looked out the windows to see what was making them howl and bark. I held a flashlight up to the window and looked for intruders. Something happened that I could feel, but couldn't put my finger on. I just felt different. I turned off the flashlight and suddenly realized that the sounds I was hearing were not dogs but coyotes. I turned on the light. The second I did so that different feeling returned. I put my finger on that strangeness when I realized I was experiencing noiselessness! My awareness of the dark and quiet became extremely acute. I returned to bed. I turned off the light. The coyotes started howling and barking. Mmmmm. I turned on the light. Silence. Turned off the light, coyote music. Hey! This was fun! I spent about half an hour turning the coyotes off and on before I dozed off enjoying the coyote music. Today Ocotillos nature sounds and noiselessness have become a peaceful lullaby. By Twiggy Thompson

THE ONE-DAY FIREPLACE
From the Editor It seems like we're always saying thank you here at Ocotillos.That says we are an empathetic group concerned for our neighbor's happiness and welfare so take a bow everyone. This month we'd like to say thank you to Gloria for a Merry Christmas evening. Did you ever see such a pretty fireplace built in a day? And thanks to Shirley and Hank for New Year's Eve. We had plenty of company and didn't have to drive seven miles to find it. A hug and a handshake also to Rita and Ellis for the giant heaters, which did their part in providing warmth and cheer. One thing lacking.I don't recall our singing Auld Lang Syne. Could it be we seniors were in bed long before January 1? Turning our attention to the power of the pen, it does amaze. Our last newsletter ran a 9-word ad wanting a boarding kennel for pets. This month you'll find it is underway and soon to be! Let's have a round for those ocotillaonous who know how to make things happen! Well I guess maybe its birth has nothing to do with us, but heck, have a round anyway. Let's keep in mind the more shovels that show up Jan 29-Feb 2 the faster the shelter will grow.

STRAW VOTE RESULT
It was a search for answers, which led us to our first newsletter in November. Seems only fair we report back to you. Do you want Hoaco meetings? 4 yes, 1 no, 1 maybe. Do you want monthly potlucks? 1 yes, 1 no, 4 maybe. Do you want to buy a water truck? 5 no, 1 maybe. Do you like the newsletter? 6 yes Appreciate your participation folks.

HELP FOR LITTLE FRIENDS
Set your watch and mark your calendar. On the weekend of January 29-Feb 2 approximately 30 generous, caring members will gather to begin phase one for San Felipe's very own Animal Rescue Shelter. They can use your help. They can use your shovel. Expecting to dig a trench, lay a foundation and string a cyclone fence, if you can give physical assistance on that busy weekend call Steven Forman for directions to the site. Steven is at the brand new Baja Bistro on Mar Caribe, his phone number 577-2708. Supplies have already been gathered but to be successful Animal Rescue really, really needs your help and contributions. Upon completion of phase 1, kennels will be built and board and care for local pets will be offered as an income earning proposition to support further help for the homeless and helpless animals we see all about. Founded by Ronda Walpole, an Arizona resident with a home here in Las Palmas, the shelter will be built on 10 acres of land purchased by Rhonda at Las Minitas over toward the airport. Supplies or donations will always be greatly appreciated and several collection jars have been placed about town. The group has already held one spay/neuter clinic. Two more are planned with a veterinarian coming down from the states Feb 15 to 20 and again in March. The immediate goal of Animal Rescue is to limit reproduction for this roving population of animals and give instant medical care to any in dire need. The animals are tended, and then released. Long term dreams are evenly split between control and rescue for all of San Felipe's neglected animal population, both dog and cat. The ultimate solution will be finding homes stateside for animals we hope will one day be healthy, well behaved and adored.

EL DESIERTO LONCHERIA
Tammy came to San Felipe from Sacrament, CA, met Jesus and fell in love. Three children followed their marriage as did study for both Tammy and Jesus at the Bible Seminary in Tecate. Jesus received his degree in Biblical Theology and is today co-pastor for The Las Manitas Church. Bilingual, Jesus and Tammy have been leasing the loncheria Ejido since mid-December. A family operation, Jesus is the main cook and Tammy waits on tables and keeps the restaurant running smoothly. Jesus' mother makes flour tortillas and tamales. Other family members help with the dishes and watch the children. On a lucky day 7-year-old Kimberly will bring you your chips and homemade salsa. Desierto offers American coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, hamburguesas and papas deep-fried to perfection. A dinnertime winner is Garlic Shrimp, and Jesus is not stingy with the garlic. In addition to great food, (the rice has great flavor and texture, beans are super), and the Loncheria offers indoor and outdoor dining, good parking with easy access, and a restroom. Many customers make the Desierto a regular stop, testimony to a fine restaurant. Hours are 7-7 Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 7-2. Their phone number for take out and call ahead service (not a bad idea for large groups) is 044 686 573 2812. They can't always answer, but it is worth a try. One last plus. If you are a menudo fan you'll find it here every weekend. You will have to try it on your own however. This reporter hasn't made menudo a part of her diet.

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE
This is our second newsletter. We hope to do one more in March and then we will ask YOU to decide if you would like us to take it on again next year. In the meantime, we need YOUR words. Anyone having an opinion, compliment or concern, please submit for "Your Opinion". Also needed are items for sale or barter and we are considering a new spot, recommending (or perhaps not recommending) workers YOU have used and giving contact information.

SAN FELIPE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS (SFARP)
The San Felipe Association of Retired Persons is a local group having no ties to the familiar AARP of the States. They meet twice a month at Ocotillo Lodge, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 10 am. Most two hour meetings include a guest speaker with topics ranging from medical to tourism, evacuation options, insurance, FM3s, town business reps etc. The group offers guided desert tours two days per month and hosts many, many activities here at the Lodge, as well as a few in town. Examples are Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, spring and fall festivals, as well as one breakfast per month. On January 11 they organized the Parade of Homes which included two Ocotillo homes. On February 15th Senior Sunday brings a catered meal, live music and dancing and hopefully a craft show. We are all welcome to attend but if food is involved, early sign-ups during regular meetings are required. Purpose is to be certain they have enough food on hand for all. Meeting fees are $2, desert tours cost $1 per person, more if food will be served. Those desert feasts which may be barbecued steak, spare ribs or chicken are a major hit with many members.

HUH?
On a recent one day trip to Yuma, AZ Shirley and Allan Mills stopped at the Brownies Restaurant on 4th street for breakfast. Needing to use their facilities, Shirley proceeded to the ladies room but found it occupied. While waiting in line, who should come down the hallway to join her but Nada, also from our camp. Now I ask you, what are the chances that while in the US you would run into your neighbor from Mexico, in the same restaurant...at the same time of day.with the same dire need? The world grows smaller and smaller.

HOACO LOVES TO PARTY
Hoaco's January meeting was brightened by plans for a Valentine's Party, 7pm Feb 14. A brief meeting at 6:30 will open to accept nomination of officers with positions for Vice-President and Secretary both open. Volunteers to fill these spots would surely be welcomed. Still concerned for the well being of area animals, a suggestion that Ocotillos contribute to funds for the new Animal Rescue Shelter was well received. We will place a donation jar on our Valentine Party Table. If anyone has a veterinary friend who might be interested in coming down to help the center for a few days round-up, Hoaco members agreed to provide living quarters free of charge for that time period and maybe host a bonfire. If you can help, let us know.

OCOTILLO NEWS STAFF VOLUNTEERS
Lorraine Trathen, Twiggy Thompson, Beverly Stilwell, Loralie Cecotti

Ever notice how gossip gallops through a campo? And how gossipers relish the bad news and rarely honor the good? Like it or not folks, we have our share. That fact explains in part, the name chosen for this newsletter. Cronista can translate to mean family news. Cronista can translate to mean light gossip. Ocotillo, we hope, is forming family ties. However you view it, let's hope Ocotillo gossip will be harmless and kind. In this newsletter also, let us hope we can concentrate on the good.