The musical scene in Mazatlan is not a highly varied one. It is dominated by banda, banda, and more banda. I am starting to develop an appreciation, if not an affection, for this music that mixes traditional Mexican sound with an entire brass section and an accordion, giving a very German oom pah pah flavor. The next largest segment of music is cover bands who do American 60's, 70's, and 80's rock. I have heard every possible variation of Hotel California. Sometimes, I think if I hear that song one more time, my ears may start to bleed. I am so hugely grateful for my satellite radio.

When we came home today, our neighbors were standing around outside. We have been waiting and watching for a chance to talk with them. We were hoping that we could make a last ditch appeal with them do something. What, I don't know. Maybe kick him out. I hadn't thought that far ahead. We were just waiting to see them outside because we didn't want to knock on the door and risk having Pepe answer. And they haven't been outside much lately.

The next morning, around 11:00, an old, dirty, beat up, red Tsuru with no license plates pulled up in front of Pepe's house. Our street is very narrow, and the car completely blocked access so no one could come or go. A man got out and started calling to Pepe. I just thought, "What now?"

The police who work our area are very conscientious men and women who are really trying to do their job. When we were robbed, the police reaction was immediate and thorough. They fanned out through the neighborhood, checked all the known fence places, rousted known bad actors, and really tried to recover our stuff and arrest the culprit using good, old-fashioned police work. Unfortunately, they are hindered in their jobs by a number of factors.

One thing about living next to a meth head – life is never dull. For awhile, we tried to tell ourselves that he wasn't really back on the drugs, and he did indeed have sober stretches that lasted a week or more. But, although self delusion can be entertaining, it is not very helpful, and we finally admitted we were going to have to do something or come up with a coping strategy.