Kent: How We Roll

Waking up retired is still a new experience.

Most days, there’s nowhere we have to be—but we carry the full responsibility of creating a “good day.” Add in living in a new country, and it becomes an interesting challenge.

Sometimes I still wonder: Why did we do this? Should we have stayed in Shreveport?
Wouldn’t life be easier if we had kept everything the same?

This is an experiment. Not a very scientific one—but so far it’s producing more fun than frustration.

Our method goes something like this:

1. One of us suggests getting out of the house—usually in search of food, fun, or adventure.
2. We walk or take the e-bikes.
3. We head in a general direction that seems right at the time.
4. We stumble into things we didn’t plan.
5. We return home tired and ready for quiet.
6. At the end of the day, we look at each other and say, “We’re retired… living here… and we get to do this together.”

That’s how we roll.

Not every moment is perfect. We can get on each other’s nerves. I find myself irritated by small, unimportant things. I’m at my best when everything is going well—and not so great when it isn’t. I truly believe I married the most patient person in the world.

Yesterday went like this:

Breakfast Mission

KENT: Let’s try that little café we passed on our bike ride.

JUDI: I didn’t see it… but I’m in.

We rode west. It was farther than I remembered—and we arrived 20 minutes before they opened. Judi sat on the curb, petting a couple of street dogs. I watched the staff inside getting ready. After a few minutes, a woman came out, welcomed us in early, and suddenly we were glad we had made the trip.

Mimi’s Café & Deli.

Two sisters who moved from Guadalajara last August. Friendly, welcoming, and involved in a charity supporting at-risk girls. The food was simple, healthy, and good. We’ll be back.

Midday Adjustment

Back home, the neighbors had family visiting. Music, kids, noise bouncing over the walls. Not ideal. So we did what we do. We left.

Exploration Mode

We rode east toward San Antonio Tlayacapan. Our destination: a cat rescue. Volunteers can go into large enclosures and spend time with the cats to help them become more adoptable. We spent about half an hour there.

Some cats were curious. Some… not so much. I enjoyed it. Judi probably enjoyed it more.

From there we found the lakeside boardwalk—quiet, beautiful, and almost empty.We also dabbled in our new hobby—birdwatching—with an app called Merlin Bird ID. We identified a few herons by sound and sight. Not bad for beginners.

Afternoon Reset

Back home. Short naps. Necessary.

Evening Wander

We headed toward central Ajijic with no real plan. Eventually, hunger guided us to a small seafood restaurant. Good food. Good service. Reasonable prices.

On the walk home, we heard live music. We followed the sound to Jorge’s Place and caught the last set of the “Old Souls Band.” We even danced a little. By the time we got home, it was dark—and we were done.

So far, each day has been full in its own way. More good than bad.

We ate out more than usual yesterday, so we’ll need to rein that in a bit—but overall, we’re figuring it out.

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I sometimes wonder why I feel the need to write these posts every week. I hope they don’t come across as bragging about some ideal life. That’s not the intent.

We just want to stay connected with the people we care about. f you read along, we’re grateful. If you don’t, that’s okay too. Just know we’re thinking about you—and hoping to see some of you here someday.

Hugs to all,

— Kent

READ JUDI’S APRIL 12, 2026 POST