++++++++++ Poco A Poco....One Step At A Time +++++++++++

New Tools Arrive at Vivero La Esperanza

Thanks to a grant from The Lake Chapala Garden Club we were able to purchase

tools for our garden.  Up until now, we were reliant on donated tools, which were

fine but not inclusive of some tools very needed to work effectively...now we have them!

New Tools Labeled and Ready To Use

Our teachers are phenomenal....Barbara Reinhart always has an idea for teaching the community,

from gardening videos to reading books while we work.

Maestro Brad Mowers teaches the community about proper heirloom 

plant propagation and seed germination.

 Priscilla Taylor brought A Garden Of Words for the kids to review

and practice their garden English.

Our Amaranth was ready to harvest.

Emily Ruth and Francisco noticed that the bromeliads needed

seperating, so they set to work.

And our concrete pots/plate maceta work continued to evolve.

As a special treat Barb brought Caprese Salad for the community to try...some took to it immediately.

The balsamic vinegar was a new ingredient for the kids.

 Newly arrived snowbird, Lulu enjoyed being in the garden again.

Priscilla gifted the garden with several Foldscope Instruments to be used in our garden study.

 Our Brigadista Garden Coordinator, Juliana arranged for the fence breach to be 

fixed, hopefully not allowing the roaming local horse to get into our garden.

Today we tried making concrete stepping stones with leaf prints.

Tune in next week to see the results.

A big Gracias to all our amazing volunteers and supporters.

+++++++++++++ Vivero La Esperanza Grows +++++++++++++

Today was Michicihualli Day at Vivero La Esperanza.

I read to the children the book of the legend of Michicihaulli, the goddess of

Lake Chapala.  The children had not heard the legend, but they had heard part of

the story...the part where only the first born of the family is able to cut the whirlwind storm funnel serpent and dissipate the storm in honor of Michicihualli.  In return Michicihualli agreed to protect our people from natural disasters, as long as we take care of and respect her

 "medio ambiente" or environment.

Michicihualli by Antonio Lopez Vega

After the reading the children drew their visions and thoughts.

Andrea Belen's Drawing 

 Karlas' Drawing

Then it was time to germinate some seeds, preparing for winter harvest.

 Emily wanted to re-brand our Vivero.

We germinated/planted seeds of Swiss Chard, Red Lettuce, Radishes, Spinach, Broccoli, 

and a surprise mix of seeds we call "Potpourri".

Mino added to her Keyhole Garden from our germination table.

Harvest

 Jayden's harvest was a bit suspect?

We've been experimenting with paper made from our Lirio, or water hyacinth.  My partner Brad asked if we had any Okra, and I remember that my friend Mary Wolf had donated Okra seed.  We found these 3 plants that were growing and will be used in the Lirio paper making process. 

The Vivero is home to many creatures.  This moma hen brings her chicks to graze frequently.

Our latest addition is Rosi, Juliana's mother and Jayden's grandmother.  She has asked for a parcel to grow food, so our community garden grows.

Stay tuned.

++++++++++ San Pedro Itzican Continues To Grow +++++++++++

It has been a while since our last post on this blog....we've been busy!

Green Environs

Our Vivero project is undergoing some growth and changes, just like out plants.

Vivero Beautification is underway.

Winter is offering some new opportunities and we're prepping to start a model container garden, garden classes, plant our winter crops and put more of a focus on community home gardens.

The garden in our San Pedro Itzican offices has been providing harvests throughout the rainy season, and continues to feed our community.

Today our Reforestation Project was in full swing....with 3000 new Rosa Morada trees to be planted.

So far this year we've planted 3000 Guayabos and 2000 Pomegranate trees as well.

Rosa Moradas

Comida

Our office/community kitchen is feeding 40 meals every day to those in need.

Our new, home made, wood burning oven is cooking up a storm.

Our oven recently made Dia De Los Muertos bread.

Our food despensas continue to assist those most in need.

Renal Transplant Support

Our friends Jim Novak and Robert came out today to visit.  Jim and his wife Kate are sponsors

of our very much needed Emergency Medical Fund.  Jim and Kate's donations will go to provide

transplant candidate medical compatibility reports to our community transplant candidates.

Tradicional Dance Troupe

 Queen Anita models one of our headdresses

We are prepping for an honorable festival on the Island of Mezcala in November, hosted by the Secretary of Tourism of the State of Jalisco.  Our Traditional Dance Troupe will be performing and rehearsals are in progress.

English Classes

English classes are held weekly in San Pedro Itzican.

As well as Information Technology/Computer classes.

Sewing Classes

Or sewing teacher Sofia of Fiaga Clothing in Ajijic has been giving our women

sewing classes.  The women of San Pedro Itzican are now sewing and selling 

reusable, recycled material shopping bags.

Just a few of the activities that Poco A Poco and the Brigadistas of San Pedro Itzican 

are working on.

Stay Tuned....there is lots more to come!