A few years ago Christmas went like the following. Only one lie in it.                                 

                                    Remembering Navidad en Mexico!

   With the spouse in the States for Christmas visiting the grandkids I plan my solo Christmas day from Jocotepec Mexico.

   “I saddle Ned in the starlight before dawn and pull the rein from the loop. Mount and ride in a low lope toward San Juan Cosala.

  Coffee in the early light with the Mexicans gathered around a street fire on the carretera just north of the hot baths. Burning and smoldering fires are all along the way. Don't know their meaning jus' know it happens every year.

  Back aboard headin' for Ajijic, I find smoldering fires on Zaragoza and down Colon as I head for the pier. The plaza is empty, but I see the cleanin' crew through the open Music Box door. I'll help um’ open the bar bout ten, after I check the lake level as is my custom every trip here.

  Park ole Ned by the tree in front of the Old Posada and walk in the bright sundown the pier toward the calm water. Seems the lake level is similar to last year but the lirio is not here. Beautiful mountains and the lake before me makin’ the day more than worthwhile. I step up close to the end of the pier and below on the ledge four feet down lovers on a bed of clothes are ignoring the morning cold. Unobserved I depart with envy knowing someone is getting a nice Christmas gift.

  Back up at the bar before I finish my second beer, the usual crowd appears. We have a few rounds, beer, flavored tequila, and a Feliz Navidad or two.  Long about a quarter of twelve I bid a farewell and mount Ned. Head east to Chapala, the old rail head, and beyond to a place they call the Eagle on the east side of town. 

  The turkey is stuffed and friends all around. Red wine and fine women with nice scents make the round. Makes me miss my lady but remember what she is about. Merry Christmas, I pray all remember what it is all about.

   Cool evening, I pull the jacket from the saddle, climb aboard and head for the west end of the lake. Half Moon and Christmas fires light my way. Ned has big eyes and sees, before long I spot my white casa a quarter mile away.

  I talk to the dog and milk the cat. Sometime round the middle of the night I bed down and think on the day. Most folks were mild and calm though some had a little too much drink. I think about the meaning of today, my dad, my daughters, and sons, I spect' it all boils up as one. I’ve always said the Mexicans are God protected but I think I may be too."

  M. Mercer

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