4th Advent 2025

The 4th Sunday of Advent, which falls on December 21st in 2025, marks the final week of preparation for Christmas, focusing on God's immense Love, symbolized by lighting the fourth candle, often purple or rose, representing the Angel's message of peace and the nearness of Jesus' birth, culminating in the central white Christ Candle being lit on Christmas Eve. This Sunday emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises, reflecting on themes from the Annunciation and Mary's Magnificat, as believers await Emmanuel, "God with us".
Visit the YouTube Channel, set the video on full-screen and enjoy for more as 1 hour an Advent wreath with 4 burning candles and get ready for christmas!
https://youtu.be/FHHYGt1gFR8

El cuarto domingo de Adviento, que se celebra el 21 de diciembre de 2025, marca la última semana de preparación para la Navidad. Se centra en el inmenso amor de Dios, simbolizado por el encendido de la cuarta vela, generalmente morada o rosa, que representa el mensaje de paz del ángel y la proximidad del nacimiento de Jesús, y que culmina con el encendido de la vela blanca central de Cristo en Nochebuena.

Decaying Plastic Trash Turns Into Microplastics

Plastic Trash Problem at Rancho La Media Luna

Unfortunately, Rancho La Media Luna faces a severe plastic littering problem. Watch the video below to see the real impact of waste in our area. La Media Luna is a subdivision of Rancho El Ojo de Agua, covering about 13.6 hectares - roughly one-seventh of the original ranch - one part of a heritage shared among seven siblings (six brothers and one sister).

How Decaying Plastic Turns Into Microplastics and Harms the Environment

1. Breakdown of Plastic into Microplastics

   Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. They form through:

   • Physical Weathering: Sunlight’s UV rays weaken plastic molecules (photodegradation), making them brittle. Wind, abrasion, and water cause them to crack into smaller pieces.
   • Chemical Degradation: Oxygen, ozone, and other chemicals oxidize plastic, causing further fragmentation.
   • Biological Factors: Microorganisms colonize surfaces, weakening the structure even if they don’t fully digest it.

Mushrooms Matter

Why Mushrooms Matter in the Forest Ecosystem

Mushrooms, often overlooked as simple forest floor organisms, are in fact powerful biological engineers. They play an essential role in forest health, biodiversity, and sustainability. From nutrient cycling to carbon sequestration, mushrooms are at the heart of forest ecosystems.

Mushrooms Are Master Decomposers

One of the most crucial ecological functions of mushrooms is decomposition. Forest mushrooms break down dead wood, fallen leaves, and other organic debris. This process returns vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil, enriching it for future plant growth.

Mycorrhizal Fungi Boost Tree Growth

Many mushrooms are part of a hidden underground network called mycorrhizae. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with tree roots, improving water and nutrient uptake in exchange for sugars. This silent partnership supports the growth of towering trees and helps forests thrive even in poor soil conditions.

Mushrooms Support Forest Biodiversity

Forests are home to countless species, and mushrooms are a key food source and shelter provider. Insects, mammals, birds, and even other fungi rely on mushrooms for survival. Some endangered species are closely tied to specific fungal habitats.

Rise of the Half Moon

Google's Doodle’s are always fun to check out. The story behind Doodles - the first Doodle was a simple out-of-office message, but in the past 25 years Doodles have grown into a global phenomenon celebrating heroes, events, culture, places and so much more.
The folks at Google have created more than 5,000 Doodles over the decades!
What better doodle to choose for us to show as the Rise of the Half Moon March doodle, after all La Media Luna = Half Moon! :)
This interactive Doodle celebrates March’s final Half Moon! This monthly recurring card game invites you to play against the moon to test your knowledge of the lunar cycle.

You’ll be over the (half) moon about this Doodle game series! Join the celestial card game where players must connect the phases of the lunar cycle to earn points and against the March Half Moon.

Remove recreational trespassers from private property

Unfortunately confronted by recreational trespassers - various property violators for various reasons as trash littering, theft of firewood, vandalism (destruction of fences and gates), consumption of illicit drugs (an assumption based on collection of various drug paraphernalia as well common local knowledge of a drug-problem in particular with the youth population) we like to share some pointers to avoid escalation as the manager of La Media Luna experienced in form of a heinous physical attack!

Remember, your property is your sanctuary - take the necessary steps to keep it secure! 

Dealing with recreational trespassers on your private property in Mexico requires a combination of clear communication, legal knowledge, and proactive measures. By marking your boundaries, engaging with authorities, and taking preventative steps, you can protect your property and enjoy peace of mind. Always consult with a local attorney to ensure you’re following the correct legal procedures and safeguarding your rights as a property owner.

Owning private property in Mexico comes with its own set of challenges, one of which is dealing with recreational trespassers. Whether it’s tourists, adventurers, or locals who mistakenly or intentionally wander onto your land, trespassing can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue. Fortunately, there are legal and practical steps you can take to protect your property and deter unwanted visitors. Here’s a guide on how to handle recreational trespassers in Mexico.

1. Understand Mexican Property Laws
Before taking any action, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Mexican property laws. In Mexico, property rights are protected under the Constitution and the Federal Civil Code. As a property owner, you have the right to exclude others from your land. However, the enforcement of these rights can vary depending on the region and local regulations.

Key points to know:
- Private Property Rights: You have the legal right to control access to your property.

Mazahua People

The Mazahua people, an Indigenous group native to Mexico, primarily reside in the northwestern regions of the State of Mexico, with some presence in Michoacán and Querétaro. San Felipe del Progreso and San José del Rincón have the largest Mazahua populations, and migration has also led to Mazahua communities in Mexico City, Toluca, and Guadalajara. Approximately 116,240 Mazahua language speakers live in the State of Mexico, representing about 53% of the Indigenous language speakers in the state, according to the 2010 census.

Culture and Traditions

The Mazahua maintain distinct cultural practices, particularly seen in women's traditional dress, which includes a layered skirt known as the *chincuete*, as well as embroidered sashes and crescent earrings made from silver. Each clothing element holds symbolic significance, with intricate designs that express values, stories, and spiritual beliefs.

Mazahua rituals blend Catholicism with Indigenous beliefs, with key celebrations like the Day of the Dead, the Feast of the Cross, and the spring New Fire ceremony. Another unique ceremony, the *Xita Corpus*, honors ancient travelers and calls for abundant rains.

Language

Mazahua people refer to themselves as *Tetjo ñaa jñatjo*, meaning "those who speak their own language." Part of the Oto-Pamean language family, Mazahua is related to Otomi and other regional languages. Despite preservation efforts, fewer Mazahua children speak it as their first language, partly due to migration and integration into broader Spanish-speaking society.

Cerro de Jocotitlan

The Majestic Jocotitlán Volcano as we see it from Rancho El Oja de Aqua: A sacred peak in Mexico. Jocotitlán, or Xocotépetl, is a magnificent volcano located in the Jocotitlán and Atlacomulco municipalities in the State of Mexico. Its name, derived from the Nahuatl language, means "mountain of the sweet and sour fruits," reflecting the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. Standing at an impressive 3,910 meters (12,828 feet) above sea level, it is the 12th highest peak in Mexico, offering breathtaking views and a rich history.
 

Geological and Natural Significance
The Jocotitlán volcano is part of the northern Toluca Valley and lies within the Eje Neovolcánico, a volcanic belt that stretches across south-central Mexico. It is a classic stratovolcano, formed by layers of tephra and solidified lava flows. This geological formation is not only a stunning natural landmark but also a crucial component of the local ecosystem. The volcano is located within the Isidro Fabela state park, a protected area established in 1975 that spans 3,701 hectares.

The park is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
Jocotitlán has been a sacred site for the Mazahua and Otomi peoples for centuries. The Mazahua referred to it as Nguemore, meaning "sacred mountain," while the Otomi called it Gumidi, or "he who sits facing straight forward."