InChapala1

Chapala Haciendas, Brisas, Vista del Lago (golf course in San Nicolas) are also quiet, but you do need a car.

The salitre fix was done about 2 weeks ago and we haven't had rain since around Oct 22nd, so unsure how the walls might have been impacted by moisture?

On 7/26/2021 at 5:22 PM, CactusMike said:

I'd like to second Bokko's comment about Chuy.  He and his sons did a thoroughly professional job painting the house.  They were neat, efficient, and easy to talk to and made sure everything looked as good as new (or better) when they were done.  They fixed roof leaks as needed too.

I realize I'm replying to an old post, but want to ask if Chuy Lopez's "secret formula for stopping the salitre from returning" worked for you? The muriatic acid approach applied by my handyman didn't last long, so hoping other approaches might work better. Thanks.

A month ago, Moody’s predicted the peso would deprecate 20% (to $1 = 24 MXN). Today, the peso hit 19.44, I believe the strongest it’s been in 1-yr. against the USD. I recall in 2007-2008, Moody’s gave AAA ratings to subprime mortgages. I think I’ll pass on Moody’s ratings!

I’m seeking references for David Muñoz. Has anyone used him for home repairs and renovations? How’s the quality of his work, starting and finishing on time, daily clean-up and after the job is done, etc., etc.? All feedback appreciated, thanks.

Sometimes, lines at Walmart can be 20 deep with just 2-3 cashiers and checkout would take 45-60 minutes.. They are now giving us options w self-checkout. I like having options. If I want bags, baggers, etc. there's always Super Lake, Soriana or the local stores. Again, options.

7 hours ago, Jreboll said:

Doesn’t seem that way.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/mexico-refinancing-debt-help-next-government-official-says-2022-10-20/

Your article might prove the OP’s point. If Mexico is re-financing its debt at approx. 9% interest and U.S. Treasuries are offering approx. 4% interest, there’s going to be decent demand for Mexico’s debt vs. U.S. Treasuries, thereby keeping the MX peso strong over the next several months.

thanks for the info. Neither of the two new guys were Juan’s regular helper I’ve met before, but perhaps he has more than one helper. And thanks for Carlos’ #. Good to have a backup from the company I’ve trusted for 3-yrs.

I've been using Juan at Los Altos gas for past 3 yrs. Yesterday, I called the number I have for him, 333-971-0630, but instead of Juan, its 2 young guys that showed up. Truck said Vela Gas (instead of Los Altos), so I ask the 2 young guys why Juan didn't come. They showed me a receipt book that says Los Altos and said its the same company. Since I needed gas I decided to buy from the 2 new guys, but want to check if this has happened to anyone?? Always trusted Juan in the past and disappointed he didn't show up. Has his cell # changed? Or is he handing off gas deliveries to others now?

Mexico’s central bank started raising interest rates in early 2021 before most other countries, pulling in investors. That too helped strengthen the MXN.

14 minutes ago, ibarra said:

We aren't using a cellphone number.  We use our landline number.  This is with Chase. 

do you mean Chase will call your Mexican landline with the 2-factor code? I don't see how a text can be received on a landline.

On 9/10/2022 at 10:16 AM, artsnob said:

I opened an account at Bancomer a month ago, and they did not ask me fo SS # , just my passport, and permanente card, minimum balance 5000 pesos...An surprise I got credit ATM card too....

Which branch?

I tried to open an account at BBVA and they asked for my U.S. social security number. With all these ID theft issues out there, didn't feel comfortable giving out that info and they declined to open an acct for me. Not sure if all banks here ask for SSN.

If leases can't be enforced, it cuts both ways, i.e., tenants could never pay rent. Does that happen here often? What recourse do landlords have?

Thanks for the responses. They seem to attack my crown of thorns plants only and have a voracious appetite. I'll research environmentally friendly ways to get rid of them.

Here's a link to the protocols, in Spanish, but you could copy-paste to an online translator: http://www.hgo.sep.gob.mx/content/convocatorias/estrategiaHEH/ANEXO_12_PROTOCOLO_INCINERACION_Y_ABANDERAMIENTO.pdf 

The Legion no doubt follows protocols for the U.S. flag. I'd assume the Chapala gov't offices (the Mayor's office) follows protocols for the Mexican flag, so perhaps drop it off at the Mayor's office.

they are well camouflaged in the photo with the plant.

No, 2.5g of fat is 1% milk. See https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/what-do-milk-fat-percentages-mean

2 hours ago, ajijicbound said:

These are mealybugs killers. You want them in your yard. They can eat scale and mealybugs in a night. The are the larva of the lady bird, not lady bug.

Are you saying the critters I have eat mealybugs? So they are larvae of Coccinellidae and not mealybugs?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccinellidae: Coccinellidae (/ˌkɒksɪˈnɛlɪˌdiː/)[3] is a widespread family of small beetles ranging in size from 0.8 to 18 mm (1⁄32–23⁄32 in).[4] The family is commonly known as ladybugs in North America and ladybirds in Great Britain and other parts of the English-speaking world. Entomologists prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles as these insects are not classified as true bugs.[5]

Thank you! Next on my to do list: how to get rid of mealybugs. Do these critters go away after the rainy season?

Don't know. Started about 2 weeks ago. My gardener said salitre, but I've seen salitre and it looks nothing like it.

my understanding was scorpions live under rocks/logs during the day.

from https://www.orkin.com/pests/stinging-pests/scorpions/scorpion-habitat : Most scorpions hide under logs, rocks, boards and clutter. ...

The thought of saving water by replacing grass w river stones/lava rock is appealing. a couple of questions:
1. Replacing grass with river stones could potentially cause an increase in surface temperatures. I'm assuming you haven't noticed any difference or the increase has been bearable, even in the hotter months?
2. Does lava rock create a habitat for scorpions?

Is he generally available? I have a very good handyman, but lately he's become so popular, its hard to get his time. I guess that's bound to happen with good workers.