ajijicbound

Last week Ruben (of Ruben's restaurant in San Juan Cosala by the hot springs), took a busload of us to Ocotlan, the lovely town across the lake where they were having a furniture expo. Ocotlan is the largest furniture manufacturer in the state of Jalisco.
Ocotlan is a delightful city and we were treated royally! We went into the large Expo building and were served lunch. We toured the Expo and we were all amazed by the beautiful pieces on display and the wonderful bargains to be had. I was told they do the Expo twice a year and dozens of manufacturers had displays there.
About a year ago my husband and I took a ride to Ocotlan to see if we could see some of the factories but no knowing the town, we had no luck and came back home, so it was quite a treat to have Ruben escort us. All of us were very impressed with what we saw.
It is my understanding that Ruben is considering taking groups by bus to tour the factories. If you are in the market for nicely made, quality furniture, you should check this out. The selection, prices as well as the quality were outstanding. It sure beats wandering around Guadalajara or paying Liverpool prices.
If you need more information, you can pm me.

We bought our bedroom suite and some end tables at Toro Furniture in Ocotlan in 2006 and are very pleased with the quality. They had a large assortment and were prompt on delivery.

You need to request a password to access their catalog, but they will email it to you. http://www.torofurni...lish/comany.htm

When I lived in San Diego, I thought you could just plant anything all year and it would grow, but there is an actual growing season for things. I'd plant certain flowers or vegetables the wrong time of year and they would not do well.

I find that Ajijic/Lake Chapala is similar to the plant zones of San Diego, which vary widely due to the coastal and mountain areas.

Here's something I found on the net that may help.


What Grows in San Diego County?

San Diego is blessed with a long growing season, abundant sunshine and many micro climates, giving us a huge range of seasonal choices for locally grown food. Unlike many parts of the country, food can be grown here year-round.
From the coastal areas to the deserts, the mountains and the inland valleys, we grow a full range of fruits, vegetables and other farm products.

All Year Plants, flowers, mushrooms, eggs, fruit, nuts, lettuce, greens, honey

January Navel oranges, lemons, avocados, kumquats, strawberries, cauliflower, asparagus, artichokes, rhubarb, tangerines, tangelos, carrots, celery, cabbage, peas, beets, cherimoyas, guavas

February Navel oranges, lemons, avocados, kumquats, strawberries, cauliflower, asparagus, artichokes, rhubarb, tangerines, tangelos, carrots, celery, cabbage, peas, beets, cherimoyas, guavas

March Navel oranges, lemons, strawberries, squash, rhubarb, asparagus, carrots, peas, artichokes, tangelos, grapefruit, avocados, cherimoyas, guavas

April Navel and Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons, avocados, strawberries, squash, snap peas, beans, carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, cherimoyas

May Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons, strawberries, avocados, sweet corn, peas, beans, squash, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, sweet onions, cucumbers, cherimoyas

June Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons, peaches, plums apricots, avocados, eggplant, corn, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, raspberries, boysenberries, blackberries, sweet onions, cherimoyas

July Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, avocados, tomatoes, beans, raspberries, potatoes, onions, peppers, figs

August Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, peaches, plums, apricots, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, squash raspberries, potatoes, boysenberries, blackberries, apples, figs

September Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, peaches, plums, avocados, tomatoes, grapes, squash, cucumbers, beans, carrots, raspberries, potatoes, apples, onions, peppers, figs

October Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit peaches, avocados, tomatoes, grapes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, potatoes, apples, onions, peppers, figs, Asian pears, pears

November Melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, raspberries, potatoes, apples, onions, peppers, Asian pears, pears, pumpkins, persimmons, macadamia nuts, kiwis, cherimoyas, guavas

December Tangerines, grapefruit, macadamia nuts, avocados, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, apples, kiwis, carrots, beets, lemons, cherimoyas, guavas

Source: San Diego County Farm BureauLink to: Natural Resources Defense Council's What's Fresh Website