And the rains came!  Last year, apparently ther were only six days of rain in total - we saw two of them after our arrival in March.  This year it has already been raining on and off for three weeks, with more promised.  This is great for the garden and the general environment, but has resulted in a lake outside the gate so that the street is closed to pedestrian traffic.   It is a dirt road of course and I have no idea how long the lake will last after the rains actually stop,  - meanwhile we are safe at least from Jehovah's Witnesses and assorted salesmen.  I am glad we invested in a 4x4.,