I have been known to state firmly, in Spanish, to tourists who litter: "Don't put your garbage on MY street! Put it where it belongs". Every time they pick up their litter! I think because they are so surprised a Gringa is reprimanding them. I also always smile and thank them.

Please be careful reprimanding. I prefer my wife's method of scolding with love in her voice, her eyes, her words and her heart. An amazing thing to witness. I've even seen her get a guy who said some stupid macho sexist comment apologize sincerely and profusely afterward.

Meanwhile here in the Costa Grande the people of Petatlán may be relieved to know the comunitarios are handing over control of Petatlán to federal security officials and the military. The folks hoping the comunitarios would go after the criminals the way the autodefensas did in Michoacán several years ago are of course disappointed.

Buses and vehicles full of tourists are arriving and lots of students are excited to begin their vacations. Our municipal government and our neighbors have done a wonderful job getting Zihuatanejo spiffed up and ready. Of course with so many outsiders here there are always some that bring their bad habits and their carelessness with them, and it's up to local residents to be vigilant that they don't break things, steal things or leave refuse all over the place. Hopefully our police and public officials will do their part to maintain law and order. But unfortunately no one should expect to get a good night's sleep until the holiday vacation period is over. That has been a constant in every tourist destination where I've lived over the past 5 decades. Even in remote luxury resort destinations this is the time of year when broken glass is most likely to appear on the beach, so heads up.

A heartfelt gracias to the generous people who make smiles like this possible.

Helluva way to start the day!