With all the bad press that we have been receiving because of an isolated incident over 2500 miles away from our beachfront city, it is nice to see something positive come out. Those of us who have lived here for years know that the "Mexico is bad" stories always come out at the beginning of tourist season, likely to try and keep people spending their money up there. But, we also know that folks who have been here don't pay much attention to those stories anyway. So, turn off your TV and come enjoy Rocky Point!

Here's a link to the full story: LINK

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers are finding it difficult to contain their excitement for their annual Circus Mexicus music festival (and party) taking place June 8-11, 2023 in Puerto Penasco.  Discounted advance purchase tickets went on sale Tuesday, March 14 at Noon at www.circusmexicus.net. Band line ups have also been announced on the website with daily performance schedules to follow shortly.

Sitting on his patio in Cholla Bay, Roger Clyne reminices, "I still can't believe we're doing this 23 years later. The crazy thing is it keeps getting better and more fun. We can't say enough about the people who have supported us and the festival over the years and we can't wait to introduce peacemaking to the next generation this June in Mexico."

Clyne added, "We also want to say thanks to the citizens and city of Puerto Penasco for their fine hospitality over the years."

Joining RCPM for the first time will be Red Dirt music icons Reckless Kelly from Austin, TX. Back for their second visit to Penasco will be the high flying country punk rockers The Vandoliers from Dallas. Dever's Mike Clark & The Sugar Sounds bring their soulful rock n roll on Thursday and Friday nights. All of these bands will play at least two sets throughout the weekend.

Dalton Domino, Parker Ryan, Dead Hot Workshop, Jim Dalton, Jim Bachmann, Amber Watson, The Jons, Shane Britt, Johnny Zapp and The Cole Trains will fill music venues throughout town as well as Banditos.

Rounding out the event will be JD Graham, the long anticipated reunion of Azz Izz Band, Drew Cooper, Agua de Coco, Purple Onions, Camping with Beavers, Jay Allan & The Uncommon Good, The Summer, Zara, Ricardo Rivera, Shawn Johnson, Natalie Merrill and The Lewinkskis.

New this year will be an exclusive VIP Only ticket holder Hangover Bash taking place Sunday morning with RCPM performing. Also new is an optional e-donation for fans when they buy tickets online. All donations go directly to support charities in Penasco. Discounted tickets for Students (16-24 years old) and Mexican Nationals are available as well. People 15 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult.

Discounted advance purchase tickets will be on sale through June 7, 2023. Tickets will also be available at the door, but RCPM encourages all fans to grab theirs in advance and save money. Condos are still available at Las Palomas by going to www.laspalomasresort.net as well as other options throughout Penasco.

Potpourri!

Short Shorts of All Sorts!

Sometimes so much is going on in our little slice of paradise by the sea that we can't address the many short subjects with proper attention. To handle the hodgepodge of dangling subject matter, we invented the Potpourri Page. Here are a few "short shorts" to keep you up to date.



The lifeguard team along with rescue and emergency services division of the Red Cross is prepared and ready to respond to any emergencies during Semana Santa week 2023, running from April 2^nd through 8^th. Relief Coordinator Ruben Barajas Jaime pointed out that groups have been formed to organize actions in order to be prepared to attend the thousands of visitors who come to Rocky Point to enjoy the beaches and enjoy their vacations.

An inspection was carried out on all local beaches with the purpose of identifying access points and determining what equipment will be needed in order to attend an emergency situation. They also added signs, portable restrooms, and garbage containers, as well.

Barajas Jaime stated that they have enough resources, both in terms of personnel and quipment to provide coverage within the city and on the beaches. “We have the best logistics and will only have to wait for the mayor to announce the start of the operation”, he said.

They currently have six ambulances and a 4x4 vehicle, giving them ample resources to attend all calls and contingencies in which tourists are ordinarily involved. He stressed that 100% of the relief corps, fifty people strong, is ready and on call as needed. It is expected that most will be called to work on the weekend, when the most people are in town.

The head lifeguard urged the general public to respect notices and instructions given by federal, state, and municipal authorities, allowing them to safely enjoy a beautiful family vacation without any setbacks or emergencies.

Finally, he announced that even when not in a vacation period, there will be permanent lifeguards in the delegation to offer attention to citizens who require it.

Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts embark on their first ever Sonoran Desert Tour May 12 - 21, 2023 in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Kelly Steward will open each show and play a special Duo show with Miles on Mother's Day, May 14.  Tickets go on sale at 2pm on March 31st at www.milesnielsen.com .

The Sonoran Desert is becoming a second home for the Midwest-based 5 piece. After playing Arizona and Mexico several times with Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, their audience has grown both locally as well as reconnecting with many who have relocated to the Southwest. Many were introduced to Miles Neilsen via is father Rick, co-founder of Hall of Fame inductees Cheap Trick.

MNRH's original music has diverse musical influences from bands such as The Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac and Cheap Trick to name a few. Each show builds its own connection to the audience via relatable lyrics, blistering guitar solos, storytelling and Miles' improvisational freestyle.

Tickets are limited as most venues are small but will provide an intimate experience for all. All ages. For more information or questions, visit www.milesnielsen.com . Spread the word!

5/12 Puerto Penasco, MX  @ Banditos

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/602657523877

5/13 Puerto Penasco, MX  @ Banditos

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/603136466407

5/14 Puerto Penasco, MX  @ Al Capone's (Miles & Kelly Duo Mother's Day Brunch Show)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/603146215567

A message from Espranza para Los Niños:

Dear Friends,

At Esperanza para Los Niños IAP we currently provide protection to 33 homeless children who are in a situation of need and vulnerability. On May 27 of this year we will have a party full of fun, games, music, dance and lots of joy for everyone to enjoy.

 There will be sweets, snacks and many more surprises for the children of our home. We will also embark on a beautiful boat adventure through the waters of the Sea of ​​Cortez to share a moment of laughter and brotherhood!

It will be a unique opportunity for children to make new friends and enjoy an afternoon full of happiness and fun. So don't miss it! Come join us in celebrating the little ones in the house.

BECAUSE TOURISM HAS A HIGH SEASON IN THE CITY DURING THE EVENT, YOU ARE RECOMMENDED TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE OF STAY IN ADVANCE AT https://casago.com/rocky-point/

The children's needs never stop, but you can make a difference by donating any of the supplies listed below.

VEGETABLES

CHICKEN

TOILET PAPER

BODY LOTION

FRUITS, CANNED OR FRESH

BEANS

LARGE TRASH BAGS

CONDITIONER

EGGS

MILK

SUAVITEL

SHAMPOO

WHITE CHEESE

HOT-CAKES FLOUR

DISHES SOAP

PLASTIC RAKE

BUTTER

SUN PINE

DISPOSABLE PLATES

CLEAN KIT

TUNA

CHLORINE

FORKS

CHOCOMILK

SPRAYS-DEODORANTS

NAPKINS

BEEF

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

SOFAS

You can leave your donations at the address: Simon Morua and Tecla Viuda de Bustamante. Or at Km. 73 Peñasco Highway-Sonoyta Ejido Lopez Aceves, the following link will take you to the exact location:

1)https://goo.gl/maps/dzjgUgNoW8AY8Fcw9  

2) https://goo.gl/maps/ehroNU5DrUv13cuP8

See donation data below ↓

We await you with open arms at our event to celebrate Children's Day.  See you soon! God bless you always

                                            SINCERELY, Esperanza

EMAIL: esperanza631@hotmail.com

Facebook: casa hogar esperanza para los niños

https://esperanzaparalosninos.org

Phone: 638 107 7385

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

Lakes Community Church

6703 N. Idaho Rd

Newman Lake WA 99025

WIRE TRANSFER PROCEDURE

BANK: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

ACCOUNT No. 8901137952

ABA: 021000018

BANK´S ADDRESS: ONE WALL ST,NEW YORK NY 10286

BENEFICIARY NAME: INTERCAM BANCO

REFERENCE: ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS IAP

# 048984550025 THIS IS THE GENERAL ACCOUNT OF ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS

important notice: this account only accepts wire transfers information you need to provide intercam casa de bolsa in order to track your transfer: date sent, exact amount sent, name of the person sends the transfer.

note: if transfer is received past 14:00hours, it will be paid on the next business day.

it is very important that your banker knows that this is a domestic wire…

Here's a message from Barb's Dog Rescue:

Matching Gift Alert!

Our hungry dogs need your help. We have about 400 dogs in our care, including 124 puppies. There is no reprieve in sight, as more dogs are waiting to come in when space allows.

Donate toward the match: https://secure.lglforms.com/form.../s/dPRyjXGomcLKX7Wno_a4LQ

We're doing everything we can - spaying and neutering every dog in our care, and working with rescue partners in America to transfer out some of the dogs, knowing they'll find homes more quickly.

But as fast as we move dogs out, more show up. It's hard to turn needy dogs away when they show up at our doors, desperate for help. We know how hard it is to live on the streets, and we know we are their only hope.

Because the shelter is so full, we have a critical need for funds to help us replenish our food supply. A generous supporter has offered to match all donations, up to $15,000! Every dollar you donate will be doubled, feeding twice as many dogs.

Please help us raise $15,000 to meet the matching gift. Every dollar you give will make a dog's life better.

Donate toward the match: LINK

Easter time and Lent mean going without red meat for many, but being in Rocky Point can make that very easy. The huge variety of fresh seafood available here offer countless ways to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the rules. One delicious option is Caldo de Camaron.

There are many ways shrimp soup is made in Mexico, and each region can have its own recipes. In the Huasteca region, for example, there is a version where corn dough is diluted in water and added to the soup to form a slightly thick soup called Huatape

Another version that is popular in the coastal area of Veracruz is prepared with a broth seasoned with dried peppers that have dried or fresh shrimp but no vegetables.

The most common version throughout the country is the one that uses fresh shrimp (shells on or removed), carrots, potatoes, and a tomato-flavored broth. Nothing is written in stone, and each cook adapts the recipe to their own taste or the products they have on hand in their region. This recipe is one example. Feel free to get creative. There aren’t many ways to go wrong. 

PREP TIME: 15 mins

COOK TIME: 25 mins

CALORIES: 258 kcal

INGREDIENTS:

For the shrimp broth:

¼ of a medium size white onion

2 garlic cloves

1 bay leaf

5 cups of water

For the soup:

1 Lb. of plum tomatoes about 4

¼ of a medium size white onion

2 garlic cloves

2 Tablespoons of olive oil

1¼ cup of peeled & diced carrots

1¼ cup of peeled & diced potatoes

1 chipotle pepper in adobo optional

4 large Fresh Epazote leaves*

1 Lb. of raw shrimp peels removed (use peels to make the broth)

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime wedges to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook the Shrimp:

Place shrimp peels, onion, garlic, and bay leaf in a saucepan with the 5 cups of water. Turn on the heat to medium-high. Once it starts boiling, reduce heat to simmer for about 6-8 minutes, then set aside.

Roast the Tomatoes:

While the broth is simmering, place the tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a hot griddle to roast. Turn from time to time to have an even roasting. This step will take about 8 minutes. Remove the garlic promptly since it takes less time to roast; if you leave it too long, it will burn and have a bitter taste.

Once the tomatoes, onion, and garlic are ready, place them into a blender along with the chipotle peppers (if using). Process until you have a fine pure. If needed, chop the tomatoes to avoid having big chunks in the salsa before placing them in the blender.

Saute and mix the rest of the ingredients:

In a medium-sized pot, heat the oil at medium temperature, add the carrots and cook for a couple of minutes. Then, stir in the potatoes and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring often to keep them from sticking to the pan.

Pour the tomato sauce using a strainer, bring it to a boil, and then lower the heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Then, using a strainer add the shrimp broth, stir in the shrimp and gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. The shrimp will be a light orange color but still look firm; do not overcook, or the shrimp will have a rubbery texture. Add the epazote and cook for 2 more minutes, then season with fresh ground pepper and salt. Serve immediately.

Serve with warm corn tortillas and some lime wedges to add some drops of the juice to the soup.

Have you ever heard someone using the word mande in Spanish? It’s usually a way to reply to a question not understood or to ask what’s needed.

Well, this simple and apparently harmless word has an incredible backstory that strongly resonates in the Mexican past.

Mande is the second-person conjugation of the verb mandar which means “to order” or “to command.” However, it uses the formal second person (you) which is usted, instead of the informal one, tú. Remember this part, as we’ll see that it’s important to understand this interesting piece of Mexican slang. 

In any case, if you want to translate the term mande in Spanish, its literal meaning is something like “command me” or “give me an order.” Weird, right? Wait, it gets better.

Although this strange way to answer a question in Spanish has its roots in Mexico, its use has extended to some other countries in the Americas. That said, you have to understand that when someone replies with a mande in Spanish, they’re not asking you to actually give them an order. As with most Mexican slang, the word has a completely different meaning than its traditional usage.

Remember that slang is informal language. It is usually spoken rather than written and is unique to particular groups of people. A definition that perfectly fits the term mande in Spanish, except perhaps for the informal part. When someone replies to you with a simple mande in Spanish, they are actually asking “What?” As in, “Can you repeat that?” or “What do you mean?”

So, why the mande?

Another characteristic of Mexican slang is that most of the time you can trace its roots to Mexico’s conflicted past. In this case, the word in question seems to go back all the way to the colonial era in Mexico, when the country was part of the Spanish empire.

During those times, the indigenous people in la Nueva España or “New Spain,” were basically slaves. Although they were supposed to be free men, indigenous people were forced to work for the Spanish Señor or “Lord,” who after the Spanish conquest became the landowners of most of the territory that had belonged to the indigenous.

This situation created a society of castes, with the Spanish on top of a complex pyramid based on the purity of blood and mixing of races. Anyway, when the Spanish Señor called one person in any of the inferior levels of the pyramid, the expected reaction was one of submission and expediency. Hence the famous (or infamous) mande in Spanish. The indigenous person was expected to receive an order, so the right way for that person to answer was by asking for that order to be given. The meaning was more like “What can I do for you, my lord?” or even “Please give me an order so I can serve you.”

What About ‘Qué’?

¿Qué? or “What?” is technically the right way to answer in Spanish when you don’t understand a question or you’re not sure about what somebody is asking you, and is still used to show respect, not to show submission.

All that background about the origins of mande in Spanish is just an interesting reminder of how languages are living creatures that evolve in amazing ways.

In the not-so-distant past, Mexican mothers would educate their children to answer with a mande whenever they were called. Nobody stopped to think about the origin of the word or what it actually meant. It was just a custom that everybody would follow, and still does, and nobody really knew why or when it had started.

If you ever hear someone replying with a mande in Spanish, understand that this is not a sign of submission, but just a person following an old tradition. 

March 2023

February 2023

January 2023

December 2022

November 2022

October 2022

September 2022

August 2022

July 2022

June 2022

May 2022

April 2022

March 2022

Let me know if you would like links to any of the earlier ones. (Over 12 years worth)