Planning, Trip, and Now...Live in Costa Rica!!!

It has been a while since I wrote anything.

2010-03-18T16:21:00.002-05:00

For those of you reading blogs to find out about Costa Rica...I have written about my experience, coming, living, and now leaving this country. The reason I have not written is so long, is that I thought hard and long about leaving. It was a very difficult decision and one I did not come to quickly or lightly. There were many reasons, after much research and a visit, that assisted in my original decision to come here. With 20/20 hind sight, there are some things I would have done differently, and will try to put some of that into words over the next few entries. I have also waited so I could articulate some of the decision process without the anger I have felt at myself, more then anything, for moving here. We all make decisions, some change our lives more than others, and some turn out better than others. This one, more than perhaps any other decision I have made, short of having my 2 children, has had more of an impact on my life. More about this in the next entry.

Home sweet home!

2009-05-10T17:30:00.004-05:00

Well, I'm back from my 3 week trip to the states. I was very excited about going, and was sad to say my "see you laters" to my kids and friends, but was so happy to see my pups again. There is nothing like a trip to make you happy to get back to your own space/bed again. Seeing everyone was wonderful, had not been back in 2 years, so it was fun renewing old friendships. Even saw a couple of ole bows... I did a crash course in gaining a few pounds also. Eating out as often as I could, and at my favorite places. One of the things I miss the most as I live in Costa Rica! My favorite pizza place, Alfonzo's...still as good as I remember it. It was a delightful time with friends!! Meeting several friends for lunch was great also! St. Louis Bread Company (Panara's elsewere) has the best Forest Mushroom Soup, and sandwiches that are truly delicious! Don't know how long it will be before I get another sandwich, so good! All breads are not created equal. Coffee and bagels at Carabu Cafe's in MN was wonderful also. My daughter has a diner near her house, where the meals are as close to homemade as you can get, and someone else is cooking them. And I must not forget, "all you can eat" fried chicken at Fisher's, and liver and onions at the Happy Cow. Cute name don't you think. Really inexpensive too. Had a couple of Chinese meals, a couple of Italian, and steak at the best steak house on the east side also.

And then there was the shopping... I shopped until I dropped, only thing is, I am droppng a lot sooner now. Can't go for the long hauls anymore, got to rest! I was so surprised at the new WalMarts... I remember when WalMart was the place to go for lower prices, and you had to work your way to what you wanted, past the other carts which were pretty banged up from the whole process. Then there were the super stores, with food, and anything you really needed in them. Now, the stores are even bigger, even more stuff, and much you would not imagine in one place. And Targets are the same...perhaps a little more high end, but the prices are not bad either.

The thing that amazed me the most, was driving! I had forgotten that there was a place where the road rules, and conditions were anything but equivalent to bumper cars. I could get in a car, point it down the road, and step on the gas. And for some miles, not have to pay any attention to the ruts, bumps, or vehicles which were not, in this case, in my lane. But I did have to pump my own gas. Forgot about that too. I could get across town, without blaring horns, black smoke or much time spent doing it. Only had one J-walker give me a piece of her mind (can't imagine she has much left anyway), and one upset driver give me his horn, when I did not know which side of the road the entrance ramp was on. Infrastructure work is in full swing everywhere. The need for more highway lanes for more cars, has everyone squeezed down to the minimum in many places, but the new portions which are finished, are a dream. And to drive for miles without much other traffic...amazing!

I am just going to have to remember to do this more often, so I don't suffer culture shock so bad, and so I can appreciate home when I return. Think I am a better snow bird than an expat. Will see as time goes by. Having a good ole America fix, gave me something to look forward to next time.

Just a quick photo and off to do chores!

2009-03-23T09:22:00.006-05:00

Peaches and Sunni

My two little ones, Peaches and Sunni play during the day, and the two girls play in the evening. I have to separate Ginger and Peaches after an hour of play, or Ginger gets to rough with Peaches, which ever comes first. Ginger stays outside all day, and when she comes in the race is on, through the house, across the sofa, rolling end over end, and then, it starts all over again. They move almost to fast to be captured with my camera. They are either my evening entertainment, or carry it too far and I have to be the bad guy. They know when I have had it, and 2 heads come up for air so fast, I still have to laugh. So hard to be firm, when they look at you with those eyes.

Peaches and Ginger

Basta with this WINTER thing!!!!

2009-03-09T08:04:00.003-05:00

Note: You may want to see the new pictures of my pups...go to the right boarder, in Flickr.

I know you all think this is the tropics, but...let me tell you it has not been tropics since September! I miss the nice sunrises, and warm days. As I write this at 7 a.m. (8 if you are on CDST) it is 62 degrees, and still foggy up to my patio...which is the worst part of it. The wind has been awful, and we are all feeling the ware of it on us. We have had nice days, here and there, and I run out and soak up the rays as I am afraid it will only last a minute or two. I think we have England weather now, and the tropics have moved farther south. We are about 3 or 4 months into the dry season now, and have not seen it yet. The rainy season will start...continue, pardon me, next month, and we will not feel like we got a break. I can only hope that the rainy season brings clear skies, and sunshine for 10 hours or so a day, like it does to start with. Or, we may all loose our minds. Everyone is feeling this...had dinner with friends last night, and I'd have to say, the weather was the main topic. Oh, and we did some "remember when" about it also.

Then, as a topping on the evening, the guests at the B&B broke the key off in the door, and no one was getting in the rest of the night. They had to stay the night in San Ramon...and I will have to get a locksmith today. Drats! Another day in paradise! Just glad my dogs were not there, or I'd have had to do a "breaking and entering" thing...no thanks. And I was so cold trying to get the key out, etc. that I was shivering.

Sure hope nice days come back soon. Now I am really getting excited about my trip back to the USA. I never considered myself a "shopper", more of a hunter...find what I need and drag it home. But, I can honestly say, I am totally going to enjoy WalMart. A friend of mine said "...felt like kissing the floor when they visited WalMart on their last visit to the States. I can totally agree! I even liked the smell of WalMart! And book stores, OMG; all those books in English! Grocery stores….I am totally in awe of all the food products! I actually gasp while travelling through the isles much to the embarrassment of my sisters!"...and I am sure I will have that moment also. (I'm sure she won't mind me quoting her) I belong to an online knitting group, Ravelry, and there is an expat group on it. Gals from all over the world write about their experiences, and most echo the same frane, the things we miss are about the same. Living abroad can have it's advantages, and most would not trade the broadening of experiences they have had, but most miss the good old USA. Modern, well kept, and variety seem to be the biggest themes, no matter whether it is food, clothing, or lifestyle, one is talking about. Some of my biggest reasons for moving here, cost of living, for one, is disappearing in the cost of the global resession/depression we are all feeling. The cost of food and utilities have doubled and tripled just in the two years I have been here. I am now paying the same for electricity, alone as I was for my electricity/air/heat in the states when I left to come down here. I do not leave anything on, nor do I run a lot of elec. items. Dehumidifiers take the bulk of it, to start with. So...one must really consider the cost versus advantages, in more than the money it takes to live where one chooses to live.

BHRT Email I wrote to my CR friends....

2009-02-24T08:48:00.002-06:00

Though I had written some of this before...if you have not seen it, read for info.

I wanted to let you know about my Bioidentical experience, so far, and to let you know that I am doing well. Whether you have heard of BHRT, or not, you may want to know about the great doctors and services I have used during my search. Never know when you may need a good doctor.

I had not heard, or not paid any attention to BHRT until I saw 3 Oprah shows, this past month, and decided to do the research. There are a great many sources on the internet, and several great books available also. When I sent emails to several of you, you let me know about resources here in Costa Rica. The rest of you may want the information also. All doctors, etc. info is listed at the bottom.

I first interviewed the Pharmist in San Jose, Dra. Ana Violeta Ovares. at the compound pharmasy. I spent 2 hours with her, we went through my history, and she did an evaluation. Several days later, I received a copy of her evaluation, and suggestions, via email, $70. Her recommendation for a great antiaging doctor was the Dra. Livia Oruno. I interviewed with her, and set up an appointment to do all the tests. First, blood work, after fasting, $200, then back to Dra. Ortuno's for a pap and examination, which included an ultrasound (never had one during a pap before), $100, and she made appointments for me to go directly to the offices for a mammeogram, and bone density tests. I took cab to the Centro de Mamografia La California, directly from Dra. Ortuno's, and both mammeogram and bone density were in the same complex. When the mameogram was finished, I went into the next room where the Doctor was looking at the test, and dictating to the tecnician, who was typing into the computer as he spoke. I could see the tests on the computer screens. He then had me lay down on a table, and did an ultrasound on my entire upper torso, $80. So now I had been looked at, internally, entirely. The next stop was for my bone density, which was a state of the art (which each office was), equipment for making pictures of my hips, and spine., $40. I received test results, receipts, and faxes of most tests were made directly to my doctor's office. Dra. Ortuno also faxed a script to Dra. Ovares, to make the individualized compound cream, BHRT, $40, after evaluating all my tests. A couple days later, I was able to pick up my script at the bus depot here in San Ramon. It was sent, well protected, and I started using it on Friday.

I have applied the creme, to the insides of my arms for fast delivery right into my blood system, four days now, and I already feel a difference. Most of the literature says you should start getting relief almost immediately, and I am. I can only wait to see what diffence long term use will make in my life. I'll keep each of you posted.

Note: This is not normal hormone treatments, it is not pharmsuticals, they are all natural herbs and plants. Many have had great success with it. I hope to be one of them.

(Both doctors below are USA educated and speak excellent English)

Dra. Ana Violeta Ovares, M.F.I.
Premafarma (Compound Pharmacy)
2225-3774

Dra. Livia Ortuno
OB/GYN Antiaging Specialist
2221-5872

Centro de Mamografia La California
2233-0350

Centro Diagnostico de Osteoporosis
2257-8319

Bioidentical HRT

2009-02-17T15:44:00.002-06:00

Well, doctor appointments, blood work, bone density, mammogram....all out of the way for another year. And now I hope to get my BHRT cream soon. The pharmacist in San Jose will have it delivered to a pharmacy closer to me and then I am smearing that stuff on! Can't wait.

I have to tell you about my tests here in CR though! I was impressed! Never had such a good check up by any doctor, probably since I was born. The GYN is my Aging Doctor too, and I was surprised to get not only a pap, and a quick check, but an extensive breast exam, and an ultrasound checking out my lower GI, basically. It was quite comforting to know immediately, that all my parts are still there, and looking good. She called to make my mammogram and bone density appointments, for the same day, so I could just take a taxi and get it all done in one day in San Jose. And you would not believe the inexpensive price of all of it! I will file with my insurance company to get reimbursed. If I did not have insurance, I would have been elated to realize that it was so little.

I caught a bus from the airport parking, because I had dropped off a couple going back to Canada from the B&B. Between buses, and taxis, I got to my appointments and back to the bus for the airport, in record time. Much better than trying to find places on my own, and drive in that awful traffic! There was a finder binder on one of the streets, tieing up traffic, and my cabby, just drove right around the accident...while no one else was even trying it. These cabbies have nerves of steel, and are not afraid of anything! The only thing somewhat un-nerving is, none of the seatbelts, in the backseat, work. Parts are there, but not a whole belt. So you just say your "hail Mary's" and hold on for dear life. The sun was still shining when I arrived home.

Did I say the sun is shining? Well, finally! We may have 2 months of summer on the hill here, before the rainy season starts. I can't believe it! There has not been much sun until this last week, after the awful storm has finally gone. I thought everyone was going to kill themselves or someone else before it broke. A week of 90 mile/hr winds, roofs gone, sofets gone, and most things nailed down were no longer in place either. Rain/wind/rain/wind/rain/wind!!! How tiring!! But at last, sun! We still have the wind, not 90 mph, but pretty strong, but at least the sun is here. And I thought winter was long in STL! This is the tropics, isn't it? Someone said...on the high side...meaning in the mountains, not really tropics.

I took Fred and Leiann to the beach, Pacific, one day last week. It was so nice to have a sunny day, and it did feel good to walk at the edge of the ocean. I am not a beach person, but the sun felt so good, and I did not even mind the humidity on my skin for one day. The drive was long, and the food at the little soda was awful, though the fruit drinks and coffee were great. If you just drink, CR is a great place to be. Food sucks!! I prefer cooking at home, and even pop corn, to eatting out here. That is one thing I am looking forward to on my trip to the states soon...eatting out! I want some good seafood, and even Red Lobster will do. Also, Farmer's is a great homemade dinner kind of place we alway love going to, will be high on my list. And some good MX food. Not wanting fast food, as we have Mc D's and several others here...okay when you must eat something, and Tico will not do. And Nona's homemade pies and cakes...thinking about them too. After doing so much cooking here, for myself and friends/guests, I wonder if it will taste as good as I remember, but at least someone else is cooking. The one thing here that is really so much fun is, getting together with friends and sharing meals. I have a couple of friends who really are good cooks. We had a neighborhood baking party the end of January, and prepared and baked French style bread. Even made some starter...too much for me...always needing you to make it up. I love baking bread, but I do it the easy way...throw it in the bread maker, when I want to, and wha-la...great bread in a few hours. I usually take it out and let it do the final rise and bake it in the oven.

Another day in paradise!

Peaches has grown so much!

2009-02-15T06:50:00.002-06:00

Peaches is 7 lbs/3.4K now, and is cute as a button. The puppy fur is about to blow away, so I had to take a few of her before then. This picture was taken on a cool day, needs a bath, and I finally gave her one yesterday. Matters not, she is clean now, but the hair still stands on end. She gives Sunni such a hard time, and even chases Ginger/35lbs. around the house. They are both so gentle with her, that I think they take a pretty good beating before they stop her. Life is so much fuller with these little fur balls to make me laugh.

More about BHRT & a STORM

2009-02-06T09:05:00.003-06:00

Some of you may wonder why I am writing about this on my blog, which is mostly about Costa Rica, but this is so much a part of my life here, and I am trying to find some solutions to my ill health, and this, I hope will be a help to you as well as myself.

I had an interview with Ana Violeta Ovares, the pharmacist at the compound pharmacy on Wednesday, and found her very knowledgeable. And the fact that she speaks such good English is very helpful also. Doctor Octuno, came highly recommended by Ana, and I will make an appointment to see her as soon as possible. Almost everyone I speak to, is anxious to hear more, and find out more about BHRT. Dra. Ovares, does a thoughal interview and then makes recommendations to ones regular Doctor as to the composition of the bhrt. She also gave me the book by Suzanne Somers "Ageless", which I am reading now.

The Compound Pharmacy is a members of PCCA (Pharmaceutical Compounding Centers of America) and is the only one south of the Rio Grand. So, I feel fortunate to be this close. It is an hour+ for me, but she does ship, so it will not involve an all day trip via bus/taxis too frequently, once I see the doctor and get the process started.

The STORM...will it ever end!!??? The winds started Tuesday, and have been so violent, I am surprised my roof is still on my house. It is very cool, 50's at night and early morning, and low 60's during the day, and believe me...it is very cold. With no heat, I have several layers of clothing, and hat to hold my body heat. My fingers are so cold. Hot tea, and hot chocolate are my friends. Sleep is hard to catch, as the steel roof, sounds like a semi, each time it belches and pops. The doors and sky lights rattle, constantly, and keeping the items on the porches is a major feat. I have almost given up and decided that if it is gone, I'll buy a new....whatever it is. If it were not for the parchal covering around the front patio, the furniture would be in the next county also. This is the storm that came down from Canada, and gave Kentucky so much ice and took out the electricity for some many people, last week. After 3 days, we are ready for it to stop, anytime now, and the sun to come back out. So much for living in the tropics, never thought they would get such violent storms.

2009 & Bioidentical HRT

2009-01-26T08:08:00.007-06:00

Some of you, like me, may never have heard of bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, until recently. I am doing research on it now, and decided to write an email to many of my female friends, and the following is what I wrote:

I am writing this to all my female friends both pre-, or perimenopausal/menopausal women, to do some networking among those of you who are familiar or have done some research on the subject. You may have seen the airing on Oprah, on Thursday and Friday, with many guest, some famous and some not. I am reading the books by Dr. Northrup, and Robin McGraw (Dr. Phil's wife), and am researching online to find more information about this 'more natural' way of hormone replacement. I would like to hear from any of you who are using this method, and what you are experiencing with the use of it. As I consider the possibility of using this myself, I am curious that no one I know has ever mentioned it to me, why, and other than we just never talk about anything more than the hot flashes we "live" with. There are many more symptoms that we just chalk off to 'getting older', that may possibly be ones we can ease or even eliminate by using or doing something different in our lives.

I have listed a google link, where there are many different sites, pros and cons, about this subject.
http://www.google.com/search?q=bioidentical+hormone+replacement+therapy&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3RNFA_enUS204CR261&aq=t&aq=t

Also, this is Oprah's link to many menopause articles. Her site has a great deal of information on bioidentical HRT and the Feb issue of "O" is about it also.
http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200902_omag_menopause_hormone_therapy

I thought there may be some of you who may be interested in feeling better, and this may be help for you also.

As I receive answers, I will put them at the end of this post also.

It seems that winter is so prolonged here, this year, and that I am feeling the effects of it more than ever. Because I have felt so blah, and not myself, I decided I needed to figure out why, other than the weather, and I suffer from SAD (seasonal affected disorder). When I saw the 2 programs on Oprah, I found a clear description, in many ways of I feel I am going through. No doubt this affects so many women, that at sometime, someone was going to deal with these issues in the media. It is amazing that we can suffer for so long, and all our doctors (men mostly) can write it off to "that age", and prescribe medicines for fourteen different things, and never hit the right cord in our lives. When I came to Costa Rica, I was taking nine medications for all my different aliments. I, a faithful and diligent patient, went regularly every 3 months to my MD, and hardly ever missed my pap or mammogram. Because my mother had had surgery for breast cancer, I knew to make my regular appointments and monthly personal exams. Hoping to change and possibly, eradicate my "normal" body aches and pains, and hoping the sunshine (Vit D) and better weather would help, I came to the tropics. I can say that many of my aliments have disappeared, and I have been able to cut out most of the medications I was on. Some symptoms have returned with the extendeed very cool winter we have had this year. SAD has been just as much of a problem, with the fog, and not so plesant days this winter. Along with that comes depression, and then the Lupus gives me more problems when it is very cool also. I found a wonderful doctor who practises alternative medicine, and does acupuncture. It helps return flexability to my spine, and makes movement much easier. I never thought that at 58 years old, I'd have so many parts that could hurt. I am going to continue my search for relief, and have high hopes that perhaps some relief can be found, like others have, in bioidentical HRT. Aging is too hard to do cold turkey! If you are reading this, perhaps you may have some insights, or comments that you may like to make about your experiences also. Please, write to me, so we can share our experiences.

One friend wrote: "... i have been on bioident. hormones since age 48. ...below is my gyno doctor here in cr. she speaks perfect english. her receptionist does not speak english. she is a beautiful women with a huge ego but i have grown to like her enough and she knows about bioident. hormones. the compound pharmacy, only one is in Los Yoses: Dr. Ana Violeta Ovares speaks English 2-225-3774, she knows about using the bus system to deliver your meds to you. her email is: Ana Violeta Ovares premafarma@ice.co.cr ..." There is a website with more info about the compound pharmacy....click here

Another wrote: "You should look for Suzanne Somers' (the actress from Three's Company, etc.) books - she is very enthusiastic about bio-identical hormones. Check this site you can probably find them inexpensively. ...Oh, another thing - if you're interested in Energy Medicine - check out Donna Eden's book Energy Medicine for Women, she talks alot about PMS, menopause, etc. She uses meridian therapy (tracing or flushing meridians using your hands), energy testing, sedating meridians, etc. Very cool information, I have that book & her earlier Energy Medicine book. She has DVDs too. Look at www.donnaeden.com (will redirect you to her regular site)."

Another wrote: "For those of you who i forwarded this to, please read the email further below sent to me by Mae, then my response ....this is a very important subject that we should familiarize ourselves with in case our doctors do not....we will have the ability to ask the "right" questions....for those of you already familiar you may pick up a few new resourses for info...

Mae:
I am reading a book entitled "HRT: The Answers: A Concise Guide for Solving the Hormone Replacement Therapy Puzzle" by Pamela Wartian Smith, MD, MPH. Not light reading but very "enlightening". It was suggested to me by my OBGYN after she placed me on what is known as "bio-identical hormone therapy" (versus synthetic hormone that is usually given).....I take a "natural" progesterone and what is known as armour thyroid...(the most widely prescribed synthetic thyroid medication is synthroid and levoxyl. ) This thyroid med has been around since before the 1970's but then people made the synthetics in the lab and so thought they were "safer".... Bio identical are more closely matched to the natural hormone structure in the body and have many less side effects than the synthetic forms.....for example, the progesterone cream i use is made from an extract of soy beans or yams. The compounded formulation adds a natural enzyme to convert diosgenin in the yam to progesterone.

I am very lucky to have a doctor who is well-versed in this field of women's hormone replacement and she knew to do appropriate lab tests when I continued to complain about fatigue, severe almost debilitating PMS, irritability, inability to sleep.....the list of symptoms listed in the book stemming from hormonal imbalances is mind-boggling! My doc said that many doctors try and fit women into a "category" ...meaning, they will check the labs and you have to "fall below" a certain level before they think about placing you on any medication...that would have been the case with me b/c my thyroid levels were in the "acceptable" range but still very low......i cannot tell you the improvement i had after just a few weeks! The only side effects from taking my armour thyroid and progesterone has been better sleep and renewed energy!! :)

The unfortunate thing is that the insurance companies have become the "doctors" by means of dictating what will be a covered expense. My Dr told me that legislators are trying to pass laws making it impossible to get natural hormones through "compounding pharmacists" (natural hormone replacement meds are dispensed from what is known as "compounding pharmacies"...there are several in the US and I just order my meds online from Medaus..www.medaus.com). It wouldnt be that way if they were the ones who were taking them and feeling better...i also think that sometimes physicians just dont give the patient the information we need to make the best decision for ourselves ...they get so used to just "writing a prescription" for this or that and we trust the doctors and dont even know there is another alternative....how are we to ask questions ??

Another example my doc was mentioning related to insurance regulating our treatment is that of the Thermogram. Have any of you heard of a Thermogram? I hadnt. We always go for Mammograms, which the insurance pays for. A Thermogram is able to detect breast cancer 5-7 YEARS BEFORE it shows on a mammogram!!! ?????!!!!!! Why are they not routinely done, I asked? Because they cost $150 and insurance will not cover them. BTW, my doctor's office does have this technology and she usually will recommend to anyone with family history of breast cancer...of course, it is out of pocket but I would think well worth $150!!"

It is up to us to educate each other!"

I answered:"Thank you, Julie!!! I can't say enough about how wonderful it is to have others answer my email, with raving reviews on bioidentical HRT. It is amazing to me that so little has been said, until now about this. I feel fortunate that here in CR, there is a compound pharmacy, I found out from one of my friends who I had no idea was using this method. We need to shout it from the roof tops, so others can "wake up" and hear that there is an answer to our pain."

Another friend wrote: "...I am of course a huge fan of bhrt.
I've used it for about 10 years, maybe more, with no ill effects and I wish
I'd been on at least progesterone since my first period!!! PMS allowed me
one week a month of sane behavior. The rest of the time, I was either
becoming a raving lunatic or subsiding from it...

Ana, the compounding pharmacist here, is excellent! And Dra. Ortuno is very
good, too."

Merry Christmas from all of us!

2008-12-23T09:10:00.001-06:00

Bailey and a Christmas Interlude...this is the most decorating I am doing this year.

2008-12-17T15:37:00.003-06:00

This is just too cute...if you love dogs, and what a snowy Christmas interlude! Bailey is just having a time of his life. I saw this on someone's blog, and just had to put it on mine too.

I know it has been 2 months since I have put anything here, but my arm is pretty good now, and I am back clicking on the keys, and knitting, thank God! It was a long dry spell. Enjoy, and I will be back.

Not 30 something....anymore! Darn....

2008-10-23T16:05:00.003-05:00

Saturday...broke my left arm.
Monday...x-ray and cast, funny thing, a friend, Elaine fell the same day, and was in the hospital same day as I was...our pictures are here to prove it. The tech was so much fun...
Tuesday...fell again, nothing broken, but my pride...and an awful goose egg. Decide to go for physical therapy. Acupuncture for the first time also...going back for more. The first fall had whacked my back out pretty good so I am not well balanced, and the second fall was just a matter of when.

Can't type so well...more later on what happened.

Note to self - NO MORE CLIMBING ON CHAIRS TO CLEAN...not even just one last thing.

Angel Valley Farm B&B

2008-09-21T16:51:00.002-05:00

Several people have written emails and asked what B&B I am referring to in my post...so, I am going to link it here, Angel Valley Farm B&B, and this week, I'll take a few pictures and post them here also. I have a link in the sidebar also.

I am helping Andrew with it, for now, and am enjoying it so much. It is located in the hills of Los Angeles Sur, north of San Ramon, and is near my home, so it makes it very convenient. It is an old Tico farm house, which has had some additions to accommodate extra guests. It is an easy drive off the highway, with a good restaurant within walking distance from the house. We have a dozen chickens, and receive that many eggs each day also. We have Tico and gringo neighbors, and though it is rural and quite, it is a great stopping off point with many attractions within a short drive. There are several daily bus runs on the highway, so even without a car, the town of San Ramon can be reached easily from here. Walks and beautiful sunsets are most enjoyable, unless it is the rainy time of the day, or October.

The B&B can easily accommodate large families, and larger gatherings, with ample patio areas, and living space inside. The kitchen is large, and makes it easy to prepare meals as well. I cook the morning breakfasts, and get many complements for the varied, and fresh great tasting, quality food. I also prepare cakes for a local restaurant, and can do them or meals, by request, if you give me some notice. Because my own home is close, and somewhat better stocked, I can whip up most any thing with a couple hours notice. So, if you are coming this way...you can have home cooking, "like Grandma use to make", after your full day of touring. Though it is not a short order kitchen, I'll make sure you are full, happy, and ready for a good nights sleep, and not break the trip budget.

Watch for pictures too. And happy traveling.

Woman...Traveling to Costa Rica

2008-09-18T09:37:00.006-05:00

For those of you who have never seen the "Go Galavanting" website, a travel online magazine for women, I highly recommend checking it out. They have many articles on interesting travels, and businesses in wonderful place around the world, owned by women. Here are the videos from the September Issue, and Webisode, and they have added several other Costa Rica related videos you may select at the end of the video, also. The video would not directly embed on my site...so click on the pink word (Webisode), above.

I had the pleasure of hosting the film/edit team in July, at the B&B, and I think you will enjoy this. You can sign up for the online magazine, free, and keep up to date with the editors travels, and additional travel features written by many different ladies.

This is the beauty of a 'September Morn'...remember Barry?

2008-09-17T11:33:00.004-05:00

Beautiful September Morning in Los Angeles Sur (South)! Every morning has been so nice, one can only stand and breathe it in! This year, rainy season, my plants have come in so well. It is wonderful to walk out on my porch/patio, and see the flowers with all the green to match. No touch-ups have been done to these photos.

South

Southeast

East

My new vines that will grow up to the porch overhang.

A close up of what the flower looks like.

September - Nice Days --ALSO--WARNING to TRAVELERS

2008-09-15T09:44:00.005-05:00

Costa Rica has had such a beautiful September this year. The days have been full of sunshine, and late afternoons have been rainy, some hard rains, and mostly clear nights. So nice to be able to get out and enjoy the mornings, throw open the house, and air everything out. Laundry has even had time to dry on the line.

The B&B has had several guests, and it has been an interesting month. Again we have had a reminder of how important it is for travelers to be alert, and use your normal street smarts when in Costa Rica. A very nice young couple visited the B&B this weekend, and in route, they stopped in San Ramon, in front of the park and church. Their car was a small rental, with no trunk, open to view was all their luggage. While they were walking around, relaxing, thieves made off with their 5 pieces of luggage, cameras, laptop, and all the things they had brought, including clothing, and business items. They were going to do some work, while on vacation, and came prepared. It is not something they would have done back home, and were just not thinking as they walked away from their cars. This is a very common thing that happens to travelers, in a foreign country, and the thieves know it. The park and church, in any town, are prime targets for thieves, and San Ramon is not different. Usually, tourists take off to explore the area, and as they are walking away from the car, the thieves have already made them, and are ready to pop the lock, which takes just a moment, and no one even notices, that it has not been entered with a key. That is how quickly it happens. Apathy takes over among even the most alert person watching. The luggage is quickly wheeled away, yes, wheels have made their job easier also, and put into another vehicle, and away they go with any and all things that you may hold dear to you. You may want to check to see if your travelers insurance, or car rental insurance covers you in a case of 'laps of judgment', because it happens to the best of travelers. It is only too easy to relax, away from all the stresses of home, and forget that even the normal precautions you would take at home, are as important on vacation also. Costa Rica presents another problem too...unless you go to 'Goodwill', or something similar here, or are a small person, male or female, purchasing clothing is not easy here. Ticos are a small people, and though they have many stores, the size you may need may not be available. Think ahead, and know that no matter where you are, there is an element of "wealthy Americans" attached to gringos, here and in many other places around the world. Thievery is easier than working a regular job. More profitable also.

As a footnote, added Jan 2009: In November, we had a nice retired couple visit, and on their way here, they had a mishap also. They were walking to catch a bus and were swindled, in a 2 person scam to rob them. One person stopped them to point out some building structure, and another took one of their small bags while they were distracted, and the first got his wallet from his back pants pocket. They spent days on the internet, canceling cards, applying for a new drivers license, not to mention the beautiful day trips they missed. I say this only to help you as you travel to this country, please, use ALL the street smarts you can. Know where your money, passports, and important papers are all the time! Don't put them in a bag, or in your back pockets. Use concealed money packs, and don't carry a lot of money, or cards with you. It is easier to guard a small money pocket, inside your garment. Make copies of cards and passports, and email them, as well as important phone numbers and email addresses, to yourself before you leave home. And carry a photo copy. That way, if something should happens, you can get to an internet cafe or phone, and start the daunting task of recovering from the theft. Doing it in a foreign country is always harder, but take the excruciating pain out of it, before you leave. If you are careful, you will have a very nice vacation and return home not knowing the suffering a theft can bring.

A Wonderful, New Puppy! Peaches

2008-08-30T12:08:00.006-05:00

PEACHES

Aren't they the cutest balls of fur you have ever seen?

I think Ginger looks like she is laughing her head off, and Peaches does make us laugh!

I have been looking at Bichons and mixes from rescue shelters, online, for weeks now, and Thursday, I asked one of my friends if she would bring back a dog for me when she goes to the states again. She said that she would...but I guess my 'burn' was just more than I could take, and I am ready! I had to go into the Mall, for one of my errands, so I stopped at the pet store while I was there. They had 4 poodles available, and I even held one...oops, I was a goner! They were more than I wanted to pay, so I decided to stop at a couple of Vets also. Sometimes it is better to get one from the Vet, because they probably know the parents, and have taken care of them in the past also. I stopped at my Vet's, David, and was told they were at the "San Ramon Days". And he had a couple of poodles. Bichons are pretty hard to find here, more poodles are available. He did have 2, and they were darling little 6 wk old females. The dad was Apricot color, and mom was white. I got the lighter of the 2, and she may be white, later. I named her Peaches, and she is so tiny and cute! She is so full of energy, and has made me laugh so much. Ginger thinks she is Peaches' mother. She is herding her around, and doesn't let her out of her site. I have to get after her also, but the one who is the meanest to Peaches is Sunni. Peaches would love it if Sunni would let her stick her head in his dish, but he will have nothing to do with that. She will not do it too many more times, as he takes a good bite out of her, and she runs yelping. "Being nice" and "she is a baby", don't cut it with him.

The days have been great, but the nights have been something else! Peaches is the only one getting any sleep. Ginger wants to lay on her, and I separate them as far as I can. Ginger did better last night, but Peaches decided she needed to eat at 3:30 a.m., the night before it was 4:30 a.m. So mom drags out of bed, and pours her some milk. It is enough to let her, and me rest until daylight, except this morning, the squirrels decided to cut up at 5 a.m. I am dead tired from all of this. Sunni and Ginger are well awake if the squirrels make too much noise in the attic. God, I wish I knew how to get rid of squirrels, short of a bb gun! The worst pair now, is that the dogs literally scare the piss out of the squirrels now, and it runs between the wood slats on the ceiling, and wala...I have a stinking puddle to clean up. I may have to hire someone to put clear caulking in each crack.

The best part is that I don't have to meet any schedule, other than what I choose to make right now, so I can adjust, and take a nap or two, to get through this baby stage. She will bring me more joy and laughter, and I'll soon forget the sleepless nights. I start out knitting, and usually end up falling asleep in my chair...life it great!

Ravelympics are over, and these were my events!

2008-08-25T08:01:00.008-05:00

I was right down to the wire with the Cables & Bits for Sunni! (The Lime & Lemon one) I had made Ginger's Cables & Bits (Orange & Lemon), last month. I do not do well in competitions, and on time lines, with Knitting. I am a process Knitter, and do it for the shear 'JOY' of knitting. I like to really relax and will take out any little mistake and even larger ones, numerous times, until I get it right. So having a died line just killed me. But at least I know now, not to over-commit with a challenge in Knitting. I did the Monkey pattern Socks also, and I loved them. The pattern was fun, and I love the effect the color combo had when they were finished too. Merino wool is my favorite yarn to knit socks from, and they feel so nice on too.

Our Knitting S&B is going so well! We usually have 6 to 10 ladies each week now, and some just come to visit while we stitch. Everyone brings whatever they are stitching that week, and we have such fun, oooowwwing and ahhhhhing over each others work. Some gals are 'regulars', and some come when they can, as well as the ones who are not 'officially' living here yet. They come for a few weeks, and then we will see them again when they return for their next visit. And we share tips and information about living in Costa Rica, as well as what we want from the states when the next person visits. What a wonderful group of friends to share our lives with!

August has been absolutely beautiful! We have had such clear, crisp mornings, sunshine all day, and the rain seems to fall later in the evenings now. This was my favorite month last year too. The temperature has been perfect, 70's-80's in the day, and high 60's at night. Perfect sleeping weather too. As we move into September, we know the rain will increase, and so I am enjoying the sun each day. It is great sitting out on the patio, and breathing in the fresh, gorgeous days. My pups soak up the sun, and nap away, while I knit. The B&B is slow now, so I am enjoying the rest, before it starts to pick up again. The hens are laying more and more eggs, 17 yesterday, and I am cooking with with the freshest eggs. NavCafe is carrying my cakes now, and I hope to be able to put them in the souvenir shop near here soon too. It gives me something fun to do, and gets me out with new people also.

Sundays at NavCafe are always great too. Joe's Jazz band is most enjoyable, listening and visiting with friends, and having a great salad lunch, what more could I ask for. If you have not come out for the mid-day Jazz session, do join us. The Jazz band had been in San Ramon for several months now, but will be moving over to Palmares, Sunday, August 31st. Daniel will not longer be servicing the NavCafe in San Ramon, though it will still be open, under a different manager, so Daniel asked Joe's band to move over to the NavCafe in Palmares. I'm sure it will be just as great there, and many have started coming from the Heredia are now too, so this will make it a little closer for them also. Only a couple miles farther east for the regulars from here to go.

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting a film crew at the B&B, and they were such a delight. They shot the B&B, and a coffee farm located in Berlin, near here. They were with the online women's travel magazine, Galavanting! They filmed a group of us, women living in Costa Rica. It was a fun interview, and after checking out the website, I was very impressed with the quality and vast concept of this new venture. The gals are young, vivacious entrepreneurs with a desire to see the world through a 'women's perspicuous'. The website has so much to offer, from tips, to blogs, to a community forum. If you have not checked out the site, you will be pleasantly surprised at the information available.

So much to do...and this is Retirement!!

2008-08-13T12:13:00.004-05:00

So much going on right now, I hardly know where to start. I am working on 3 projects for the Ravelympics (knitting in conjunction with the Olympics), and two are pairs of socks. I must keep up with them, or I will not finish on time.

We have had more guests than were expected during this rainy season, several calling just before traveling, and they have been such a delight. I sure like visiting with the travelers, as well as those looking for a possible place to retire. They all have such an interest in knowing more about Costa Rica, what to see, and are so curious about my experience here. I am so enjoying meeting them and a B and B is the perfect setting for sharing food and great conversation. Angel Valley B and B is comfortable, and not stuffy at all. I found out from guest, last night, that they found us in a NY Review, totally amazed me.

Jazz in the Gardens, on Sunday's at NavCafe, with Joe's band is so fantastic! They get better every week, and it is a great setting. This past Sunday, the weather was perfect, and no rain to chase us inside. The food is very good, and with the addition of Steve's breads, it is even better. I am hoping Daniel will add my cakes to the menu too. The cakes they make here, leave something to be desired, not very good, for sure.

The English education volunteer group has shifted focus from the college level to elementary education. I think this will be a much more rewarding and beneficial placement of our energy. Volunteers will adopt different elementary schools, and foster increased learning in many different forms, whether it be teaching, or by repairing badly warn schools. Many gringos have helped with school supplies, or the funds to purchase supplies. We even received several used computers to be given to school programs. Most schools don't have books, or supplies, and computers are very rare. Intel has a computer program for children in Costa Rica, and I have seen pictures, but I would love to make a connection with that organization to help the children in the central valley area. As more gringos retire in this area, we are getting more volunteers who have a great desire to help educate the children of Costa Rica. One statistic I heard recently, is that each day, over 5000 jobs go unfilled here, because not enough natives speak English well enough to get the jobs. It is not only the tour industry needing bilingual workers, but in all shops and walks of life, as more gringos immigrate. Most gringos try to learn Spanish as quickly as possible, and believe me, the Ticos are most patient with us as we make noises, and use hand signing languages, until we learn to communicate what it is we want. My Spanish is getting better, but I still make plenty of noises when I go to the hardware stores. Everything is behind the counter in most stores, so asking is a must. Even in stores where you can walk around to look, the clerks are most helpful, and what to assist you, so talking is a must. I've done plenty off the "plop, plop, fizz, fizz" imitations trying to get many things. And noises are international, even if it makes the clerk laugh. One has to have no shame here.

Well, back to knitting, and pictures to follow....I am a process knitter, and the challenge of a race against time does not set well with me. I do it for the shier pleasure, so what the heck...will I finish...yes, but maybe not with the clock ticking.

I'm in Trouble now....reading too many other blogs!

2008-08-04T14:45:00.002-05:00

This is another quiz I took...after seeing it on another blog.

You Are Most Like Carrie!

You're quirky, flirty, and every guy's perfect first date.

But can the guy in question live up to your romantic ideal?

It's tough for you to find the right match - you're more than a little picky.

Never fear... You've got a great group of friends and a

great closet of clothes, no matter what!

Romantic prediction: You'll fall for someone this year...

Totally different from any guy you've dated.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

What kind of knitter are you?

2008-08-04T14:23:00.003-05:00

I found this simple test, not rocket science...but just cute. It is in my side bar, if you wish to take it too. My results...not sure they are too scientific either.
You are interchangeable.
Fun, free, and into everything, you've got every eventuality covered and every opportunity just has to be taken. Every fiber is wonderful, and every day is a new beginning. You are good at so many things, it's amazing, but you can easily lose your place and forget to show up. They have row counters for people like you!

Finished Toe-Up Socks! Started Maddy...

2008-07-30T14:22:00.004-05:00

Finished these while working at the B&B... Guests were fabulous and I could visit and knit for most of the time I worked on these socks. Now I am working on Maddy, a beautiful longer length top, with lace panels. It will be darling when I am finished with it. The lace pattern is easy enough, just have to remember where I am in the chart when I pick it up again. It is a neck-down project.

Some days, just too busy to write....

2008-07-29T15:10:00.007-05:00

I have been so busy, that I simply must catch up on some of my posting ....

I shot some pictures of the pups yesterday, while I was taking a minute to do some knitting and relaxed on the patio. This year we are getting more rain than we did last year, so I am trying to enjoy the sun and freshness of the valley when I get the chance to. They love resting with me, and still have not settled who gets to in my lap, when, either. Sunni has had to become more assertive to get his lap time, and is asking to get up more than he ever did before. Ginger just leaps up, and takes me by surprise most of the time. Her hair is growing in on her hind quarters pretty good now, and she is no longer bare, and what a pretty coat she has. I finally decided that she must be a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. If I cut her in the standard way, she would look like a standard. I don't care for the long hair look on the jaw line, so she will not have that. I think she is cuter with it trimmed back, so she does not wear her food. Ginger fits her to a tee!

A friend wanted to go to Poas a couple of weeks ago, so we drove up. Coming back was the hardest I have ever seen it rain when I was in the car. There were 3 accidents on the Auto Pista, I think 2 were the result of the first one. Before we got on the main highway, we saw a neat little shop and stopped to look at what they had. Most things were imports from El Salvador and Peru, and mostly hand knitted items. Well, you know I just had to touch every garment and cloth in the shop. There were felted items also. I purchased 3 beautiful scarves, hand woven, and the fiber has a wonderful, lush feel to it. And colors to die for....

I will go back, and get a gorgeous, wool table clothes they had, which I think would look wonderful on a bed as well. They were so bright in color, and stunning. The sweaters were fabulous, though I would have a hard time wearing one here. I am sure some people could wear them comfortably, but not me.

Sundays, we have been spending at NavCafe in San Ramon in the garden, well part of the time anyway. We run for the cafe when the rain starts. The Jazz concerts are fabulous! You must come out to see them, noon to 2 pm. Joe and his Tico band members are easy on the ear. Jeff sits in with his guitar occasionally too. Steve introduced his variety of breads for sampling this past Sunday. NavCafe is going to put in a baking area, so Steve can make bread, and I was teasing them they just have to let me make some of my delicious cakes too. Mine are so much better then the cakes they bake here. They do not use baking soda like we do, so they are not as light or moist as northerners make. I think a Texas cake would go like gang busters here. When I make them here, they do not last long, no matter where I take them. And visiting with all my friends is always the high light of the afternoon. The comfortable sofas and a good glass of Sangria make it difficult to leave too soon. Having a great northern style hamburger, or a great salad always hits the spot.

I am looking forward to the Olympics starting too. Ravelry, the knitters/crocheters version on "My Space" is having the Ravelympics, and everyone has been signing up for teams like crazy. The moderators have been so busy with that...I can't imagine doing that. But I am team captain for Team Bichon Blitz and Team Costa Rica, and will participate in events, Sock Put, making socks, and Pets Pommel Horse event, making a Cables & Bits cover for Sunni. We have 17 days to complete our projects, and even have a Finish Line to post our projects as we finish them. What fun!! I'll post them here in my blog also, so you can see what I will be working so hard on. The funny thing is that after choosing patterns and yarns to do the projects, I realized I have chosen the same color scheme for both of them, neon colors. It was by accident, not intentional.

On a happier note...

2008-07-22T08:55:00.007-05:00

I am recovering from the loose of Spanky, though it has been very difficult, I did adopt another dog to care for in my home. Ginger is a delight! She is 5 years old, the same as Sunni, and they have not completely bonded yet. I think it was very hard for Sunni also, because he had always been with Spanky, his 'dad', and pal. As you can see from the picture, Ginger is a blond/golden color, and I am sure she is a breed, though I am not sure which. I thought she may be a mix, but I did see a dog on a movie, "Open Range", last night that looked just like her. So I will have to see if I can find out what kind of a dog she is. When I got her, her hind quarters were pretty tangled, so we cut it our, and the front was manageable. The hair is growing out, so it will not be too long before she is back to normal again. Brushing is a must. She is so loving, and gentle, until it comes to teenagers. She does not like them at all. I think she must have been abused by young people, and she knows. The gal that cleans my house is 16, and Ginger wants to snap at her, so I have to keep her separate while Ines is here. I hope to get Ines to calm down around Ginger, so they can bond, because Ines is such a help to me.

I've been doing several things to keep my mind busy also. Went to Poas Volcano one day last week, and did not see much of it. The clouds blew out partially for a few seconds, but there were so many people there, that it was hard to get close enough to see much. And then it fogged over again right away. The kids were out of school last week, and many families were there. I went with a gal who was staying at the B&B for a few days, and it was great getting to know her. We came home in the afternoon, and it rained so hard all the way back. There were 3 accidents on the Auto Pista, and one was very serious. I hate to imagine the outcome of that one. I am sure the other 2 were results of the major accident. I had jokingly said earlier that morning, that we needed to take water, something to eat in the car, and something to do, well we had each other to visit with, but we sure did need the refreshments while we were stuck in traffic. I still do not know my way around well enough, farther away from home to take the back roads either. We had intended to take a back road, but never were able to find the road we needed to take. Lack of signs, and not knowing what bloody town you are in sometimes are the hardest parts of navigation. But we made it home, finally.

Sunday was "Jazz in the Gardens", at NavCafe, and it was GREAT! Joe's band is getting better each time I hear them. The day was beautiful, most of it anyway, and we only had to run for cover for the last 1/2 hour or so. It does pour when it starts here, so one does not wait to see if it is going to stop. No chance. As always, the food was delicious, and there were so many people, from near and far. It is beginning to catch on. If you have not yet caught the Jazz fever, join us every Sunday from 12 noon, until 2 or 2:30, they get on a roll, and don't stop sometimes. It is fantastic!

I have also enjoyed the company of two other single ladies who are preparing to move here. They are building their houses, and are here for short periods of time to oversee the results, and buy what is needed. Shirley and Joanne are cousins, and are going to be my very good friends, I am sure. The community here is cohesive, and it is always great getting together. For the most part, we get along with each other, and it provides diversity for all of us. Of course, many of the retirees are couples, and understandably, most would not come to a foreign country alone. Well, with a few exceptions, present company included. It is always nice to meet other single ladies, to have someone to go places with, and share like experiences. I recently met a couple, who have come here with the lady's sister and her husband also. Most seem to drag someone else, kicking and screaming sometimes, but they come together. I, on the other hand, have come alone, but gathered many friends after getting here. I could not live without making friends and having people to share with. Friendships are really my greatest joys in life. How did I leave my friends behind? Well, I really did not in one way, we talk on the phone all the time. I have a stateside line, and love having connectivity to my friends there too, as well as my children.

Well, back to working...got to go pick up veggies to cook for my pups. The dog food here is not good, and the difference in my pups allergies is proof enough that I will continue to cook for them. My friends often tell me to make a baggy for them too. One should be so lucky as to be my dog. God love them!

Atropine...and it is FREE!!

2008-06-27T17:32:00.000-05:00

When I was in town yesterday, I went looking for a vile of Atropine to
have on hand just in case I ever need it again. I love my dogs and so
wish I would have known this before. First stop was the pharmacy where
I go frequently to buy meds. They only had the liquid oral bottles,
which if one really needed to take it quickly, that would sure be
great, but trying to get it down a dog, would be a waste. They need
the intravenous type. I stopped at two vets, before I found the atropine.

And, what I found out about put me in a state of shock. The Atropine
was FREE! Yes, that is right, I paid for the syringe, but the Atropine
cost nothing! And you know, at this point, I would have paid much,
just to have it on hand. The vet said, unless I did not understand
correctly, but I think I did...that the USA gives it to CR because of
the Sapo/Bufo problem here. Now, if that be the case, why do the vets
not automatically give it to Gringos, or at least warn us of the
dangers when we first bring our precious pets to them for the initial
exam when we arrive here. Emigration advised me to see a vet asap,
after arriving.

I will continue to use caution when taking my dogs out, but I at least
know that I can use the Atropine to keep a dog alive until I can get
to the vets, if the need arose. I'll also make every effort to insure
everyone coming here has the same knowledge. If you or anyone you know
plans on bringing pets, especially small pets, please let them know
about this.

Spanky Part 2 Information

2008-06-21T10:21:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all who have sent me messages with kind words and encouragement during my grieving over my beloved Spanky. I can't say how much it has meant to me to have such good friends and concerns from even people I don't know. There are a few things we pet owners can do to protect our furry little friends, and you may want the information also.

I wanted to add information I have received from friends and pet
concerned persons. It sounds like the best of the advise...

Lilian Schnog at the refugio "So washing the mouth...and giving
atropine and trying to get to a vet as fast as possible. If you can
give you can give an intervenus to the dog, it would be even better,
the fluids will wash the poison out of their system."

I found this on a Costa Rica Yahoo group, and is as Lilian has said also. "One
truth here is, that dogs can get poisoned. One is "self-poisoning", if
they attack a "sapo", usually the species bufo marinus, which release
a poison from glands on their back. The other way is by "well-meaning"
neighbors. Have in any case Atropina and Antihistamínico in the house,
together with some fine syringes, alcohol and rubber gloves. I am
giving you the names in Spanish so that any vet can provide you with them.
The symptom of poisoning – thank God they use just one basic chemical!
– is: very erratic walking, dropping down, foam at the mouth – do not
confuse with rabies, which is very rare! – little or no acoustic
reaction, little or no reaction to touch, violent shaking of body and
legs. In case of poisoning do NOT give milk!
Inject immediately 0.5 ml – 1.0 ml Atropine, depending on the size of
the dog, intramuscularly (usually the haunches), and wait for the
animal to react (eyes will widen immediately, shaking and slobbering
should stop within minutes). This is the moment when you can call the
vet. After ten minutes give the same dose (0.5 ml – 1.0 ml)
Antihistaminic with another (new!) syringe.
These are emergency measures only until the vet arrives, but
definitely they can save your dogs life. We did so about 15 times in
Monteverde."

Atropine is at the top of my shopping list.

Spanky crosses Rainbow Bridge - June 14, 2008

2008-06-16T08:14:00.008-05:00

The Real Costa Rica

In memory of my dear sweet Bichon, Spanky, born September 2001, died June 14, 2008.

The video I made was too large to put here, so I am posting a couple of the pictures. One is the last picture taken of him, on June 6th, and the one with the striped spread was taken in Oct 2007. And know this was much harder to write than it may be for you to read.

As I work through the grief of loosing my dearly loved pet, I find I want to let everyone know of at least one danger they face living here in Costa Rica. First I want to talk some about his live, and then I will relay the details of his untimely death.

Spanky was a feisty, energetic pup of one year old when he came to live with me. His girlfriend, Snuggles was just about to throw a litter of 7 puppies. The owner felt it would be better to find a good home for Spanky to ease the over population that would soon be a reality in their small home. It was perfect timing, because I had just suffered the loss of my first Bichon, Monty, age 2, to and untimely death. Spanky was everything one could want in a pet and he returned my love and affection 100 fold. He brought happiness back into my life, and joy into my heart. 2 weeks later, his pups were born, and the runt of the litter chose me from the very beginning. I visited every weekend, and brought him home near Christmas to be Spanky's co-heart in crime. Spanky would get into enough trouble for both of them, and if you have been reading my blog, you know of incidences when Spanky caused such upheaval in our home. Sunni would wait to see if Spanky was going to 'catch it' before he would participate, and I could hear Sunni saying "Oh-oh, you are in for it now, just wait 'til Mom sees this!" Even that said, he was loved beyond belief! It was as if he knew he had to make his life a great adventure, because he knew he was not long for this world. The years I had with him were the best. He was such an "in your face" dog, always wanting something, and mostly wanting me to sit down so he could rest in my lap and sleep. We , the three of us, spent much of the last year sitting on the patio, enjoying the beautiful days, while I knitted and he and Sunni would play or sleep next to me on their chairs or in my lap. I have a lounge chair, and 2 patio chairs pulled up to it, so they can both be close and they could rest too. I can not count the hours that Spanky spent sitting out in a chair, enjoying the beautiful view of the valley, even when Sunni was not interested in being out doors. I would be on the computer and could see him through the window. I would tease him about 'reading the paper' each day, and meditating. What a joy he was. Happy, demanding, and so self assured that no matter what, it was always time to eat. As many Bichons have such awful food allergies, he wore a cone for most of the time from around turning 2 until almost 4 months ago, when I changed from regular dog food to home cooked meals. Good dog food down here is hard to find, and very expensive when you can get it. Spanky and Sunni responded very quickly to their new diet, and with the readily available fruits and veggies here, cooking stew for them was very easy. He no longer dug at himself, and no longer had 'hot-spots'. He was happier, and no longer required antihistamines to maintain a calm. He was a challenge, faithful companion and would protect me literally to the death. He died doing what was his nature, and not understanding the extreme danger he had just encountered.

Saturday was WWKIP day, World Wide Knit in Public, and I had spent the whole afternoon with friends, knitting and sharing with friends. I arrived home about 5 p.m. and fed the boys. They were most happy to see me return, and hungry as usual. Near 7 p.m., I put them out for their second round of potty duty. I had been watching a TV program, and decided to get a dish of ice cream while they ran on there leads to do their thing. I was tired and never gave 'checking the patio before coming back in the house for that minute' a thought. I heard them bark, and yelled at them to "go potty", and put the ice cream back in the freezer and rushed back outside. No more then a minute of time had passed. To my horror, Spanky had one of the Sapo toads in his mouth, and was giving him the standard 'clamp-down' and 'I'll teach you not to invade our space', lesson. I pulled them back into the house on there leads and it was already way too late for Spanky. Sunni had licked the toad also, and both were showing the effects already. I never dreamed the poison was so deadly. Sapo toads, click on the name to find out more about them, and see a picture, grown, are about the size of a softball, or larger. I immediately took Spanky to the kitchen sink, running water, and forcing his mouth under the water. This was met with much resistance. I did the same to Sunni, and meanwhile, Spanky started going though all the symptoms listed about the toad, and I would add that it had to have burned where it entered through his gums to the blood stream, for he was using his front paws to violently scratch his gums and teeth. I felt so helpless, and the shock I was in rendered me almost motionless. From the scratching his gums, he started to bleed, and the hallucinogenic effect of the poison was evident in his huge eyes, and rapid heart beat. Thus, speeding the venom through his body in seconds. I am told that the Mayans licked the toads in ceremonial rituals for the 'trip'. I grabbed both of them and rushed to the car to drive to a neighbors to call the vet. After frightening the daylights out of them, they called, and the vet was still at the clinic so I drove there. I should not have driven in my condition, but by then was in 'command' mode. All I remember was I screamed and yelled the entire trip to town, about 12 minutes. Begging Spanky not to die, and people to get out of my way. Because the following day was going to be Father's day, many families were already gathering, and Saturday evenings are the night everyone comes out, if there is no rain, and walk down the street, will total disregard for cars in the streets. I really knew already that Spanky was no longer with me, but only hoped that he was unconscious. He had passed as I drove from our road onto the black top. Sunni was on the front floor boards, scared so bad, and I did not know, could not see if he was even alive, in the darkness. My panic was extreme. Upon arriving at the Vet's, I rushed Spanky into David, returning just long enough to pick Sunni up also and take him in. When I saw that David was still trying to find a heartbeat, I knew Spanky was gone. Spanky had been through 2 near death situations after rabies shots, and because it took days for him to show any symptoms, it took two years for us to realize that he was allergic to the rabies shot. The last shot he had, we were able to prep him for it with a shot of Benedril, and he was absolutely fine. Perhaps, because of these experiences, he had a weaker heart already, and he did not have the resources to fight this situation. Not all dogs died from this venom, but many do. Since, several people have told me they have lost a pet to this toad also. Sunni did not get as much, and maybe it was so little that he was able to counter it quickly, and rinsing his mouth under running water possibly helped also. This was by no means, a less difficult loss than when I lost Monty, and both times the hole in my heart was and is the size of TX.

I have found such comfort and peace from my dear friends and neighbors. With only a couple exceptions, we are all dog lovers, and have pets, and I truly felt they really understood my pain and were willing to share the load with me. I count each one as a blessing in my life.

Sometimes, at that particular moment, we do not understand why a seemingly unimportant event will later make such a difference to us, and be the answer to a situation before it even happens. I have been so busy this month, I have not had time to write in my blog, but did manage to get pictures downloaded of the time my daughter spent here with me, and a couple of gals who are doing veterinarian practicals came to stay also. While I was traveling with my daughter, a little street dog came up to our table at an outdoor soda (cafe), and very politely sat and never even begged for food. There are not as many street dogs now, due to the efforts of many who have provided sterilization for many of the small animals who roam the streets. This little dog was so cute, and so gentle, I am sure you know that I want to bring her home with me. My daughter would not give in to holding her, and insisted that I surely did not need another dog. So I did not bring her home. Perhaps someone else came to her rescue. And this is the first time I have been so moved to open my heart to another pet to be added to our family. Now you must understand that I have allergies to most dogs and cats, and most animals. I did walk away, without too much "oooooohhhhh" to boot. Then while the vet students were here, one of them is the daughter of one of my childhood friends, I took them to a friends to ride horses. My Tica friend thought they may enjoy meeting a friend of hers, who lived just down the road about a mile+. This lady, Helene, who I had spoken with a couple of times in San Ramon, in stores, but had never exchanged names, (imagine my surprise) helps poor dogs who are homeless, need medical attention, or need to be fixed. On that day, she had 58 dogs in her compounds. I saw several I would love to have, and one really was so sweet. I told her that I would come back for her later when she was spay. Helene has a heart of gold and can not say no to a dog in crisis. Little did I know that within the week, I would loose my precious Spanky. And my heart was already prepared for an addition of joy and happiness to our small family. Oh my little Spanky, did you have to go to Rainbow Bridge...my heart aches for your warm body, and sweet kisses. I will place the poem here also, I am sure it has ease the pain many have suffered.

One last thing before you read the beautiful poem. Costa Rica does not provide cremation service, in this area anyway. I could not put my little friend in the ground, and wanted him cremated so I could save his ashes as I have Monty's. We learn the level of creativity for which we posses and to what length we willing to go to find what we need, while we live in Costa Rica. I have the dearest Tico neighbors, and after being offered the available options, I could not put him in a pet cemetery and could not bear to have him just disposed of in the waste facility, and really do think cremation was best for Spanky, I asked Geraldo if he could do the cremation for me. Sunday morning, he did this for me. And though some may cringe at this, I'm sorry, he wanted to be sure I knew he was giving me the actual ramains, he showed me a rib, a spinal disc, and part of the jaw bone, with a tooth still remaining in it. They were soft as ash, but still holding together. He wanted to show me before he crushed the ash to condense the bag to fit in the tin. Though this has been very painful for me to write, I know I will get through this also, and again feel the happiness living in Costa Rica has afforded me.

I could only edit parts of this, so if I have made mistakes, they will remain uncorrected.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends, so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes,
when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass,
his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet,
so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

Here Comes the SUN!!! Yippy!

2008-05-30T14:46:00.005-05:00

The storm clouds moving on to the east.

The Blue Mountains farther south.
Photo is a little sharper with the tripod.

The mountains to the south west, with the sun shining on them.
Brightening up the morning after the past 5 days of rain.

Oh my Gosh...finally a break from the rain, well, at least until 1:45 p.m. today. Yes, we are getting another shower, but hopefully it is not the same kind that just moved out. I got up this morning, and after taking care of the boys...the normal routine, I grabbed my camera to shoot the beautiful, clear sky as it got sunny outside. How beautiful it is and the crisp clearness is worth getting up for. I shot to the west, which is where the clearing after the rains came from. It is amazing that the ones I shot to the east, where the sun was coming up behind the clouds, still show signs of the storm moving out. I am still in awe of the distance I can see, and the blue mountains beyond, which are a little east of direct south. Never lived any where from which I could see so far. I grew up in Montana, and one can see for miles in 'big sky' country, but flat (the eastern part) is different than these beautiful mountains I see here. I remember being able to see quite far when we would go into the park, Makoshika, if I remember the correct spelling. Click the name, for more info. It is located on the edge of Glendive, the town I grew up in, but most of the area is very flat, and is mostly farm land. The road into the park is the 'flash back' I get on some of the roads here, when I have time to think about it. I remember swinging out over a steep cliff, from the door of my dads truck, as it swung open as he took a curve in the road, perhaps a little to fast. Yes, I remember screaming and hanging on for dear life! Those old (antiques they call them now) trucks and cars my dad kept running, were slightly more than barely running sometimes, and it is a wonder they had doors on them. After that experience, I was always more careful to slam the door shut, and double check it again when we were out in the park. My dad use to do some work, he was a handy-man, for a small ranch on the other side of the park. Getting there meant having to drive through the park each time we went there. It still is a pretty rustic park in the "badlands", but not as it use to be, that was the true 'back to nature' experience. They have since paved the roads, straightened and widened them a great deal. And I have not seen them since I was in my 20's. Long time ago.

A Friend's Son Gets Married

2008-05-26T12:50:00.003-05:00

A Beautiful Couple!

Mom & Son Dance

Congratulations Jen & Matt!

Rain, and Knitting Days

2008-05-26T08:33:00.010-05:00

I am hearing that this may be an "El Nino" year, with all the storms they are having in the states, and we sure are having a lot more rain, earlier in the year, than what we had last year. The weather seems to have no pattern, any longer, only does what it must with global warming and all. We have definitely had plenty of rain this past week. I hope it stops, even if only temporarily, long enough for my daughter to visit me. We will have to hit the decks early to get ahead of the rain. One of the best things about the rain, is the clear skies we have when it lifts, and even when it rains, it is not the same darkness I use to associate with rainy days.

I shot some photos early in the morning and the blue mountains you see here, I can only see on the very clear days. I took them on telephoto, so they look closer than they really are. They are miles away, even as the crow flies, and to drive there, well, it takes a long time. It sure is beautiful. They are not as clear a focus as I would like, and I guess I will just have to get out the tripod one of these days.

I have even had to put on a sweater to keep the chill from getting me. Maybe I'll get to use my new sweater and socks sooner than I thought this year.

I finished the Honeymoon Cami for Ines, and see for yourself, she is as cute as can be in it.

Rachel just loves the blanket, and will not lay it down, carries it everywhere she goes. And nap time could not be easier. At 3 years old, her little smiles of excitement are so gratifying. I also made a small crocheted blanket for her doll, to match with left over yarn.

The gray Saucy socks are finished, and I just need to take some pictures to add to the files, and will put it here when I do that. Added, and am happy with them! The pattern shows up nicely, but pictures just don't do them justice. They will keep my feet warm this rainy season.

I started another Cami, called the Bias Corset, and it is coming along well, and has been fun to work out the uniqueness of it. I decided to put a second color in the front ribbing and it is interesting the effect it is having on the lay of the top. I am using a different fiber, than suggested, with a bit of stretch to it, so it will finish slightly differently than the merino suggested. I think it will fit me better with the extra elasticity in it. The ribbing in the back will give it a close fit, and ease as well. Turning out beautiful! The decreases in the lower front have given it the slop in the center that I am loving.

I also started another pair of socks...what you think I would not have a pair going on the sock needles again? I guess I am as addicted to making socks as everyone else who makes them continuously. And I like trying different patterns each time too. Because I love the color variations in yarn, I usually have to try each pattern before I cast on for real. Not every pattern shows in the variations of colored yarns. I just love multi-colors, what can I say. This time, I am doing a vintage fluted pattern, and they are looking good. I had started a different pattern, and even after testing it, and then casting on, I didn't like the result and frogged it. My knitting friends gasped, but I am a process knitter, and I don't finish what I don't like, so I am better off to frog the silly thing and start over, different pattern, different result. And may times, I'll frog if it isn't feeling 'right' in my hands. Don't really even have to look at it to know, there is sometimes it just tells you.This is Cafe Delicias, where we knit.

Our knitting group is going great, and this past Thursday was no exception. We get more and more traffic just stopping by to say 'hi' and introduce themselves. We are a 'chatty' bunch, and anyone speaking English, is drawn to our table. We met several ladies this week, one wonderful lady who has lived here for 14 years, and who was 'uuuhhhing' over our beautiful yarns, wondering where we got them. Costa Rica has many crafts and many small shops with items for sale, but yarn is not one of the best items offered. I never considered myself a 'yarn snob' but I guess, I am and may as well defend my tastes. Polyester and I are not on friendly terms since I long ago found knitting with real wools, cottons and silks to be so much more of a pleasant experience. Not only does it make a difference in the construction process, but the finished garment is miles ahead of the look poly affords one. So, the internet is my friend too. Living on a global basis is not a big stretch, if you know it is there. I am amazed at the number of people who are still "computer-phobic" and will never have the pleasure of this wonderful tool. Even here in Costa Rica, where most of the population still do not have personal computers, there are Internet Cafes on every block. They may even last, time wise, longer here as a business than they did in the states. The income level is much lower here, so it is not a high priority of things to buy for ones home. The youth are growing up with more desire to have technology and are learning it quickly. The next generation will be very computer literate.

Knitting: 2 Completions, and 2 new WIP

2008-05-06T11:32:00.008-05:00

As I am learning more about myself, than I ever did when I worked...I am finding I love being retired! I can now finish what I start, and they no longer turn into UFOs (UnFinished Objects). I am finding out that I really do love to cook, and have the time to do that also. My only dilemma, is what do I do when I finish one project, and which of the next 1000+ ideas I have, gets my undivided attention next. Oh, what fun!

I finished my Top-Down Sweater, several weeks ago, just needed to sew in the ends of the yarn, and block it. Now, it is finished, and I will be warm come the October chilly rains. It fits perfectly, and I love the colors.

Then, I also finished, in 2 weeks time (a record for me), a pair of Slipped-Stitched Rib Socks. I started them for myself, and a friend saw them at our Knit-Ins and she fell in love with them. I have another skien of the same yarn,
so I will make another pair for myself. The Fly Dyed
Monarch Merino was so great to work with, like butter in my hands. Not all wools are created equal.

I started the Saucy Socks pattern on Sisu yarn, and it is working up nicely, but not as wonderful a feel in my hands. I like the pattern, and only one row out of 12 rows in the pattern, the cable row, is difficult to maneuver on the magic loop. I am using one dbl point needle to hold the cabling stitches on from the opposite sides, makes it easier. I know, you have to be a knitter to understand the lingo.

On the trip to San Jose, I started a small coverlet for Rachel, the neighbor girl. She is 3 years old, and can hardly wait for me to finish it. I decided to just make rows of different stitch patterns for a variety in each skein of yarn. She loves the bright colors. Will post it when finished too.

A day at the Teatro de la Danza

2008-05-06T10:51:00.006-05:00

The performance was spectacular! Sunday was a Cultural Arts Day in San Jose, and yes, I forgot my camera, but enjoyed the day in spite of my forgetfulness. There were displays of artistic design in the form of cows, placed around town, and the ones I saw were great. The cows are a part of the Cow Parade, and they will be around until sometime in August. Here is a site with photos, and more photos, and the story behind the cows. Photos taken by Perry DeSaint and Erin at "Gringuitica".

Steve and Kathy asked me to go with them to the dance performance, and I am so glad I did. There was such a variety of style and intensity. Traditional Costa Rica dance with the peasant costumes, ballet, tango, flapper, modern, and self expression were just some of the entertainment. My favorites, because I have to say two of them were so fantastic, were the ballet, and the tango. I have always loved the intensity of the tango, and this proved to be just as exciting. It so emphasized the emotion of the dance. The performers included 2 men and 1 women, dancing together, and then the presentation of the challenge between the men, which was a dance also. Complete with the RED back lighting, the emotion of the moment could have been cut with a knife. How fascinating! The ballet was superb also. The strength of the male performer was amazing! It was beauty and grace each step of the way. I must say, the self interpretation performances showed skill and creativity in as much of a professional realm, as I have ever witnessed. One performance reminded me of the live Cirque de Soleil performance I saw in FL. Practice and dedication account for such precision and demiurge. Now I know I can enjoy performances every bit as interesting as ones I visited at the Fox, and for much less money too. The price for admission was $2.00, can you believe it!

Guisel's Birthday Party

2008-04-18T11:42:00.004-05:00

We had such a wonderful party for Guisel. She is 22 years old now, and oh to be that age and know what I know also. Not possible, I know. I made a TX cake for her and of course we all enjoyed it, and there was even some left over for the men when they got home. Guisel cried when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her, both in Spanish and English. Ualsi is one of the neighbors and has 2 little boys who are just darling. Rachel loves to play with them, but gets jealous when they want to play with her ball. They have so little and are so happy a people, that I am so dumb struck from time to time. I wish I would have thought to get some ice cream for the party too. They are always so grateful for anything one does for them. The gifts they give me are so heart felt, and I can only imagine the price they pay from their heart. I truly feel like a member of their family. They worry about me, and watch over me as if I were. It warms my heart.

Knitted Socks

2008-04-18T10:16:00.008-05:00

Mountain Color Barefoot Yarn - Double Seed Stitch w/reinforced heel

I love the colors too! The yarn was a dream to work with.

I finished these a couple of days ago, and wore them yesterday. I was chilly enough, first day since January it has been cooler. These socks were in the making for a while, and I kept laying them aside to work on something else. Being a process knitter, it is not very important for me to finish a project, especially when I get my eye on a pattern I really want to try. I usually get back around to each project, but sometimes it takes me a while to un-earth it again. I must have started these early in 2007, don't remember exactly. I usually knit while I am watching TV or visiting with someone, so I don't have time to think about what I am doing, and socks require so much more. Now that I am down to somewhat of a routine here in my life, I can work on socks most afternoons while I sit out on the patio. I have started another pair of socks in a beautiful 100% Merino and they feel so good in my hands. The yarn is a Fly-Dyed Monarch yarn, in a pink/royal blue/aqua combo.

Birds, A Bonus

2008-04-06T13:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my anniversary, coming to Costa Rica a year ago! And the neighbor came by very early in the morning with my bird cage, and 2 new birds for me. One was blue and one was the traditional green/yellow parakeet. The boys, my pups, went crazy! Being Bichons, they have a thing about being jealous to start with, and after the last squirrel episode, they were not having any of it! It took me most of the day to get them to settle down, and stop with the squealing. Today, it started again, but not as much so. Yesterday, it took me a good portion of the day to clean up the broken flower pot, and the pee from the first episode. Then this morning, the blue parakeet was gone. He had "flown the coop"! I guess he was just small enough that he got between the bars, and got away. I have the cage hung out on the patio, for it is warm enough most of the year for them to be outdoors. So now there is one...sad little parakeet. I am going to have the neighbor modify the cage, by covering it with a smaller weave of wire. The neighbors raise the birds for the local pet stores, and I even hate to go tell him that the bird is gone. But...here I go...wish I had had him make a cage, instead of buying one to start with. Oh, well...such is life.

A Beautiful Shimmering Slip-On Cami

2008-04-01T10:18:00.004-05:00

I finished this cami and wore it last week to the Knit-In. Now, I am sorry it was in my UFOs for so long. I had started a few other things, and put it aside, again, while my friend was here from the states. I am a process knitter, and can be easily diverted by another beautiful stitch or a pattern that is absolutely darling. Finishing is never the goal. I knit for the serenity it gives me and my pups always take a long nap when I pick up my knitting. Now it is finished, I am so pleased with how it worked up and I will wear it many times, for sure. The blue and white slacks I bought while I was in Hawaii several years ago, will go beautifully with it. The Plymouth Royal Bamboo was a perfect choice for this cami! It has a natural sheen, and the name of the cami indicates that also. The fiber is made up of 8 or so strands, so it will separate if you are not careful while knitting with it. It is not for speed knitter projects, but well worth the time when it is completed. This is the first bamboo fiber project I have worked with, and will try some other brands of bamboo fiber also. The cami lays very well again the body, a factor of the fiber.

The pattern I used is free at http://www.craftown.com/knit/pat7.htm They contacted me and asked if they could use it on their website. They loved how it turned out too.

Meeting more Fabulous Friends!!

2008-03-31T18:48:00.003-05:00

Bridget is Dancing alone and with Alisa

What a wonderful country! I have met so many wonderful Ticos since I have been here, and some have become so dear to me. I have always been blessed with the best neighbors, and here is no exception. Yesterday, we went to a kind of 'fair-well' party for a friend of my neighbors. I had never met Bridget, but the neighbors asked me to go alone. Bridget is from Switzerland/Austria, and comes here to rest and relax with her friends here. I was in for such a delightful afternoon. I also met a friend of Bridget's, Alisa, who is Swiss also. A long with other Tico families, I now can say I know many more people here. There were conversations going in 3 languages, most of the time, and sometimes language was not needed. What a lovely day, and the food was the best typico Tico I have had here. Wonderful! They served a wonderful drink, similar to an Eggnog, for us to 'salute' our friends.

Then, today, Bridget had a smaller "Tea Party" for a few of us. You know how sometimes, and few times at that, one really connects with another, well Bridget is that kind of a person for me. Retirement was meant to be like this... A time where one can really relax and connect with those closest to us. Where time almost stands still, and one can be still and hear the birds sing and simply enjoy ones friends, the smiles and the laughter of happy souls. Etilma, my Tica friend, is an artist, and has a creative spirit as well. She paints beautiful nature scenes, and I think she is almost a force of nature herself. She is learning English, and is so open and willing to try her new words out on me. And when she speaks in Spanish, is so understanding of my short comings also. My life has been truly enriched being here with such wonderful people!

Two Opposites! My last blog and this one! Hell Burning...

2008-03-31T18:22:00.007-05:00

This is the cane fields burning in Costa Rica, perhaps the worst environmental thing they do here. Well, one of at least a few others I can think of. They burn it to get rid of the sharp leaves that make it very uncomfortable to cut by hand. When will they get machinery to cut the cane? Great question! If they were not so poor, and believe me, the farmers are the poorest of the poor, they many be able to worry about the environment. It saddens me to see each field burned, for I see countless carbons being used up. I think it makes a reversal of the carbons saved by not having heat in their homes. And for now, there are no other options. Even if they had machinery, it would have to be small because it could never crawl into some of the small fields they have here. The largest equipment used for the cane harvest is the large trucks used to transport the cane to be processed. And they take up the entire road when they are on it. The next month, as well as the last, are some of the most dangerous times on the roads of Costa Rica. One must be constantly cautious, and ready to stop, and drive into the ditch, to avoid the oncoming truck. Each curve requires most of the opposite side of the road to negotiate the turn. Semis on my side of the road, are absolutely the most terrifying monster here. Things nightmares are made of. Sweet Dreams!

60 Minutes of Heaven on Earth 8 p.m. March 29th

2008-03-28T10:03:00.004-05:00

Go to http://www.earthhour.org/sign-up and commit to turning off your lights for 60 minutes. Read more about the global effort and calculate your "footprint".

This video is the account of the 2007 Earth Hour. Please, Do your part to make this years Global Earth Hour.

Humpty Dumpty...and I didn't break!

2008-03-25T15:25:00.003-05:00

I had a real scare today. The back door flew open, I must not have latched it well, and I wasn't able to get to it, at the time. The boys went running out, like bullets. Those two dogs, really run when they get a chance. I quickly tried to get them back in. Sunni came but not Spanky, when I scream "TREAT". They usually do, but Spanky has his times, when he just needs an adventure. I went after him in the car. I headed down the hill, and he came to the car...loves to go bye, bye, so I usually know he will come. I leaned over to get him, and I lost my balance, rolled out of the car, and you guessed it, my car continued down hill without me. I skinned both knees and hands pretty good, and fortunately, the car did not roll very far, before it headed for the ditch and came to rest on the fence. As it rolled, I had visions of it going much farther, and kissing it goodbye. Neither of us got caught in the path, at least. I had to crawl on top the hood to turn the wheel lock on the right side, so my 4X4 would work. The adrenalin had kicked in, and I was moving. Only a few scratches on the fender of the car. Thank God for rubber bumpers! I was more shook up than anything. The car is not worse for the wear. But what came over me when I saw where it had stopped...one more fence post down, and it would have hit a cement light pole. Oh, the lessons I must learn! Boy, do I need a fenced yard.

Fish Cook-Out

2008-03-22T11:31:00.003-05:00

Good Friday, was a good day to have a Fish Cook-Out! Steve organized the day, and arranged for us to be able to actually prepare and cook our own fish. It was marvelous, all 18 of us, working around a wood cook stove in the back room of this fish farm. We each prepared our own fish with fresh herbs, oils, limes/lemons, salt rubs, floor mixes, homemade concoctions, or any combination there of. Then we cooked them in pans over the open fire from the stove. Bless the lady's heart, she never once got angry or pushy with us all there cooking our own fish. Not the same as a Fish Fry, but much better. They do offer it deep fried, but being much more health conscious, we opted to do the organic method. What fun it was! The day was beautiful.

One can catch their own fish from the ponds. It is a beautiful setting, relaxing and large enough to accommodate many at one time.

Desperate, Fearless Knitters

2008-03-22T11:13:00.004-05:00

Thursdays are our regular Knit-Ins...and this week, it is Holy Week and many businesses are closed. We knew our regular place was closed, so we planned on going to NavCafe...beautiful garden setting... Well, as Costa Rican law would have it, (there's Murphy's Law, and then there is Costa Rican Law), even after telephoning to check the hours of operation...we arrived at 10 and they had changed to a noon opening. So, we headed for the Mall to knit. After braving the rain, and finding Johnny, a security guards, we were able to turn on the lights and knit there. We drew a crowd very quickly, sooner than we could get our cappuccinos from the food court. It takes persistence to accomplish yet another thing in Costa Rica. Neither rain, nor closings, nor lights out, will keep a desperate Knitter from the Knit-In!

My Top Down Sweater is coming along nicely too.

Water, Water...everywhere...and now more than just to drink.

2008-03-22T08:47:00.001-05:00

Finding Giacomin Cafe...and a night of Jazz at NavCafe

2008-03-17T08:41:00.004-05:00

If you thought you would miss too much by living in Costa Rica, you perhaps have not been out enough, or yes...there's always the grandkids. I miss them too...but what a wonderful, full life, if lived. A Jazz band, good friends, great food, and even a date... Yes, strange in a place so far away from all the normal ways singles meet.

Knit-Ins are going great...projects being worked on, friendships being made and really a lot of fun too. This is holy week, and with Costa Rica being a Catholic country, everyone seems to have come out to church or will over the next week. The tradition of atonement, for a year of complacency, or just a remembrance of the symbolism. Many places will be closed over the next week, while some rest, others will vacation. This is a busy time at all the spots of leisure.

Thursday will be a little different, the place we normally meet to knit will be closed for the holiday. So, we will figure something else out...one of our homes, the park, or maybe somewhere else. Yesterday, the gals from Heredia met in a nice cafe, Giacomin, near the mall, Paseo de Los Flores to stitch n bitch...well, mostly visit. We had such a nice time and after meeting gals I had corresponded with for a long time, to finally meet them was a rewarding day. Knitters have a connection that goes deeper than just the projects we are knitting on. Making new friends, and sharing our lives, made me want to return and connect again. It is a very comfortable Cafe also, sofas, nice chairs and great atmosphere.

Friday was the date...dinner and conversation. Singles are a rare breed in Costa Rica, well, northerners that is. Another difference from those residing in the states, is that it takes a certain amount of grit to sell everything, or pack up ones belongings and move to a foreign country, especially for a single person. The fact that most people come here as couples, is not by chance. We all require support and a kinship that is not easy to replicate in a different culture. Many men come here in hopes of finding a beautiful, younger, often sub-subservient Tica to share their life with, and many are available. If that is what one's desire is, there are plenty of opportunities. For the single women, moving here, has a totally different draw. So finding a single available man, amongst us is rare. Developing male friendships is more difficult here. There's just are not many unattached men, even including the Tico male population.

Saturday evening several of us went to NavCafe for an evening of Jazz and relaxation. There are some retired Jazz musicians who have gotten together with other Tico musicians, and have practiced enough to produce a great sound. Coffee, food, bottles of wine and a wonderful atmosphere served to make for a great evening. The gardens at NavCafe are beautiful, and serene and with the orchids blooming, it took my breath away.

For all my Knitter/Crocheter Friends

2008-03-08T15:12:00.002-06:00

Just had to add this today...too funny!

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe-box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe-box and took it to his wife’s bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box.

When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000. He asked her about the contents.

‘When we were to be married,’ she said, ’ my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.’

The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

Darling,’ he said, ‘that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?’

‘Oh,’ she said, ‘That’s the money I made from selling the dolls.’

Just a thought...(mine, of course) what if she had bought more fiber, and enjoyed the profits?

Knit-Ins are going Great!

2008-03-08T07:48:00.015-06:00

And now there are 5... crafters meeting regularly. We really do knit/crochet, but we are having a ball getting to know each other also. All have lived here different time periods, some speak more Spanish than others, but we all love to do things with our hands. New learners, and more seasoned knitters, all helping each other. Not only do we realize each others crafting skills, but often are able to assist in other ways also. Problem solving is always easier if someone else has 'been there, done that', and can tell you what worked for them. In a foreign country, friends are a necessity, as well as a blessing. I never dreamed I would be having so much fun in my retirement. Like most, I figured I would have to work at something, (i.e. greeter at WalMart, bell ringer at Christmas) just to make ends meet on a pension. Living here, means I have learned to deal with other aspects of retirement in different ways, but I still have time to really enjoy my retirement also.

Several of my friends are building homes and are working through all the elements that go with that. Seeing the progress, and the delight in their eyes, encourages me as well. I bought a pre-existing home, and am very happy with it, as it is more of a northern style home. Just seeing how happy my friends are when things go right, makes the more difficult battles easier also.

Above: new knitter/a beautiful
scarf
Next: our crocheter/a beautiful
scarf
Below: the teacher's helping hands
a baby blanket

At the Knit-In, one discussion developed about our most difficult 'thing, time, process' here, so far. These were the things we discussed: language barrier, paying bills, getting address changes made for certain accounts, having to arrange for repairs and the time it takes to get the proper assistance, and darned if I remember the rest. Age does that to you, even here. I guess I will have to start taking notes if I want to write them later. The thing that struck me the most was, for each item, one of the others had a solution or at least another avenue to try. One of the gals brought a gas stove, and 3 months later, is still trying to get it in working order here. Most USA stoves are set up for natural gas, and all gas here is propane. The best thing, if you are bringing one here, is to have a repair person convert it before packing it to ship. Same would be true of a gas dryer. Mine was on propane in the states, so no conversion was necessary. Most appliances develop some problem when you go to use them here anyway. The electrical items all seem to have something wrong. My washer, dryer, and refrigerator, all had to be repaired within a week of getting here. The washer had a transmission leak, which we found when we moved it to put it on the truck. To say the power here is the same, is not completely correct. I have an APC power surge protector, which always ran on the backup battery, which has now burnt out. The power is lower, and gets surges and goes out frequently, so maintaining a constant rate for a computer is difficult. The computer works fine on a less high-tech protector, but I dare say, perhaps not as protected either. I will replace the battery in the better one when my daughter comes to visit and brings it. Until then, I pray more.

Even with all the pitfalls, the silver lining is still wonderful. Helping each other get through all these difficulties, makes each of us stronger, and enriches our friendships too. For those who refuse to 'fit in' to this way of life, they don't make it here very long, and find they would rather put up with being a greeter at WalMart, and return home. For the rest of us, we are home.

When did I ever find time to work?

2008-03-05T07:59:00.007-06:00

What a great summer this is turning into. The last two Sundays there has been a George Lundquist tour in for dinner at David and Arden's home. This past was the largest crowd. Arden is a wonderful hostess, and meeting new people who are retiring and considering Costa Rica as a possible place to live...just a delight. Several couples help out on a regular basis, and I, being single, have decided that this is a great outreach for me also. Most of the people I had first contact with here in Costa Rica, were friendships gained through CRL (Costa Rica Living, a Yahoo Group). We became fast friends, and have helped fill the void left after leaving my friends and family in the states. By continuing to meet new friends, I find I am enriched by each ones life and tales. Laurie was a delightful person! She and her husband, Jim are considering moving abroad from New Jersey. Her tales of living all over the world, as a student and child, were fascinating and most enlightening. What an interesting life she has had. Truly our lives are enriched by gaining neighbors and friends who have such wide, diverse backgrounds to bring to the mix. We are a varied bunch of risk takers, entrepreneurs, and some even, thrill seekers. To pick up and move away from all the things we have know for so long, and to a place which is a 'step back in time', takes a 'special' kind of personality. Yes, there are a few my friend likes to call the 'wanted and unwanted' (I'll let you think about that one), but for the most part, we add a new dimension to our lives by living here.

Monday, Annie and I packed up a lunch, sandwiches and Texas chocolate cake, and headed out to Parker's home. She has the ideal spot, in the woods, secluded, view of the ocean, and she has created a work of ART in her home and yard. She has the touch! Think we found a place for Annie to rent also, she needs to be closer to her building site. Parker and I had 'happy hour'...or two at 'The Poet', and caught up on things over a shrimp dish. Great by the way!

Tuesday, I made lunch, a delicious lettuce wrap and fresh fruit/jello salad, for my Tica neighbors. Lunch was terrific and as I am still learning Spanish, they bare with me as I look up words to explain things. I am still amazed at how much I am understanding. Found out that the road construction is underway again, not far from here. The road will take the traffic going to Arenal, away from the road near us, and place it on the far side of the valley. Not only will it be less noise for us, (which is a minimum to start with) it will make our trips to town safer also. No more large trucks taking their side of the road, and mine, on the narrow hairpin curves. Another plus will be that it will be a better, straighter road to the hot springs we love so much! Hurrah! I guess Costa Rica has come up with the funding from China now that they offended Taiwan. Does everything have to be about politics?....yes, pretty much. Money and politics are so closely woven, that you can't have one without the other. It is a two-headed animal.

Today is a birthday party for several of the neighbors, and we will have a feast together to celebrate another year and still kicking!!! Tai food, and great conversation is my bet. Plus, Ines will come over for another English/Spanish lesson. This is my best platform for learning, getting right in there and trying to say things the way she does, and teaching her the English words also. Conversation is my best modem.

Tomorrow is the Knit-In...and I am really looking forward to it! Isn't that what keeps all of us going anyway? Being able to look forward to the events in our lives, and the expectation of the great time we will have. My friends (whom I have not yet met) in Heredia have scheduled a Stitch and Bitch time for Sunday March 16th, so I am going to to test the bus schedule to get there for that. There has got to be an easier way to get to Heredia than through San Jose, but it may take longer, will have to check it out. What else do I have to do anyway? It is great not to have to fit working, baseball, soccer, and college homework into the picture any longer!!! Yes, this is retirement!

New Knit-In, in San Ramon

2008-03-02T11:46:00.003-06:00

For you knitters, crocheters, or whatever you enjoy doing, if you can bring it with you, come join us at Cafe Delicioso on Thursday mornings, 10 a.m. You can't miss us, we are the ones with the sticks in our hands. If you would like to learn, just come and we can teach you. Some of the gals are learning, others are experienced and we will all learn from each other. All levels welcome. Great time to meet other gringo ladies, make friends, share your talent, and socialize. If you are a male knitter, by all means, come join us.

Wow! What a Month! Trips, Chats, and just plain Fun!

2008-02-29T09:57:00.013-06:00

More pictures at the bottom of the screen, scroll down to viewer.

The beach at Tortuga Island was fantastic. At the risk of encouraging an avalanche of tourist, this is a must take trip. The bus picked Dottie and me up at the highway bus stop and believe me "leaving the driving to us" has a whole new meaning here in Costa Rica. The bus is much more relaxing, and we could take some pictures as we went too. The catamaran trip to the island was spectacular! A friend had given me the tip, and it was all she said it was and more.

In between trips, we took some one day, closer to home shopping trips. I couldn't send my guest home without some wares from Costa Rica. Los Musas Waterfall is near, and watching the kids play on a Sunday afternoon, while we laid in the shade of the park, was very relaxing. After making the round of Gracia and Sarchi, with all the beautiful furniture and souvenir shops, we were tired and glad to have a few days to hang around the patio, relax, sip smoothies, and she could catch more sun. I actually got my fair share of sun just being out running around. Not to mention how much my pups were glad to have us at home. They are the perfect tropical companions...sleep while I read or knit...walk when I want to get some much needed exercise...and they thoroughly enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies here also. What more could I ask for. The only time they feel any discomfort is when it is time for them to eat, and who needs a clock with their routine well developed. They enjoy house guests at least as much as I do, and do their part to make them feel like part of the family. Each morning they made a beeline to see if Dottie was up, and were anxious to share her banana as well as mine. And lest a morsel would go to waste, they enthusiastically checked the floor after breakfast. Suitcases mean someone is leaving, and they are never sure exactly who they will be left with, but one thing is for sure, it will involve a "t-r-e-a-t", and that can't be all bad. And, yes, they can spell.

The trip to Monteverde...I'll not not do again. Not that it was not nice, but for those of you who have never been, what they have can be found in "any place" Costa Rica, with only a fraction of the trouble. The road there is the problem, and we took the bus. Don't think I have eaten that much dirt since I was a kid in Montana. It took 3 1/2 hours once we left the highway to get to the town. Hugging the hill on the wrong side of the road, while trucks passed on the drop off side was no problem for me, but the lady in the car behind us as we backed up, down hill, had the whitest knuckles I have ever seen. Driving a rental is not what I would do to get to that 'vacation' spot. If I lived there, wild horses could not drag me down, only to return again. It was beautiful, the town could have been 'Any Where, Arkansas, USA', with just as many souvenir shops, and information booking tour offices. If you go, Sky Walk is great, and our guide was very knowledgeable, and friendly.

Our next trip was to the Hot Springs...to soak, and a day trip to Arenal area. The springs was my most memorable and favorite time. Laying in the mineral water until I was sure I must look like a prune was fabulous. They have several types of massages and facials also. The rooms were great, clean and the grounds were beautiful. The food was excellent, and again great quantities of fruit to enjoy. They are not far from where I live, so I will be taking trips there many times to enjoy this beautiful nature spot. We had a couple hour stop over in Zarcero to take pictures and enjoy the beautifully sculptured trees, and the stopped to see the Loco Coco Art Gallery also. Many talented artist display their creations there, and the grounds were beautiful too.

We went into the Arenal Waterfall park area, but decided after going down 20 or so of the 480 steps to the falls, that perhaps we could see the falls best at a distance. Five or ten years ago, I think I could have done the steps, but after talking to others who were on their way back up, what little they could say (totally winded, and they could have been exaggerating), we opted out. Ice cream and the souvenir shop sounded just fine to us. Next time I go, I would love to stay overnight there to see the fireworks from the volcano at night. I'm sure it is spectacular.

Now in between all this, Dottie and I were able to catch up, starting right where we left off, on all the 'girl talk' we could possibly want to say to each other. Relaxing and just hanging out with the view from my patio, was how we finished up her visit. I was sad to see her go, and know she had a great time, but she had to get back to work and her boyfriend. She gave him such a raving review, that and the T-Shirt she gave him, proved to be the ticket to his upcoming trip here. He wore the T-shirt to his workout at the gym, and found out that a guy there has land in Costa Rica and is coming down in March. So the friend asked if he wanted to come down too. Small world, and to think a T-Shirt changed his plans for his next trip.

Scroll down to see the pictures we took on our trips, and some taken here in the neighborhood too.

Knitting Site...another neat site for me to cruise.

2008-02-07T15:42:00.000-06:00

and I'm amazed that I only found it recently.

www.ravelry.com

For those of you who are knitters, crocheters, spinners, designers...and have never been to Ravelry, check it out! I had to wait about 3 months for an invitation to join and be able to sign on, but it was worth the wait! There are 72,879 members, and I can't imagine how many groups one can sign up for with the site. There are 130 pages of groups...just for starters. I started a page for Costa Rica Knitters, and there are 7 knitters registered on the Ravelry, who have identified living in CR. Who knows how many others there are, unidentified, hiding in the land of cyberspace. There are projects, in process and finished, stashes, yarns for sale, and the list never ends. Ravelry has a place to list all the knitting/crocheting books, well, most of them, in my library, like Librarything.com, some are still being added to their data base. Can you imagine the volume of people online at one time is well over 2000+? Free patterns are a nice sidebar too, millions that there are! I am so excited! It means another neat site for me to cruise...

A Friend is coming to visit, and a neighbor has a birthday.

2008-02-07T14:44:00.001-06:00

So much to write about today! One of my long time friends is coming from the states to visit me for a couple of weeks. She will arrive tomorrow, and I don't know which one of us is the more excited about her visit! One thing about moving this far away from all my friends, other than missing them terribly, is that now they have an excuse to travel. We have a trip on a catamaran scheduled, and will do some of the other fun things too. Got to go to a volcano or two, to a hot springs, a rain forest, and going to try to do a zip line also. I have not seen much of Costa Rica myself, yet, so this will be an adventure for me as well. So many places and things to see, and still we will have time to get caught up on all the girl talk as well. She will have to get some sun, to show off when she goes back to the low temperatures of Illinois again. I'm sure that will be no problem, with the fact that we are in our summer now! It has been right around the high 70*s, and low 80*s, everyday now, and not a drop of rain. That also means very little power outages, and no internet flakiness either. Wonderful!

I have been going through some things, still can't figure out why I even brought all the stuff I did. The clothing I use to wear to work, dress clothes I call them now, are not of much good to me here. Well, at least not in the quantity that I had. I never dress up, say once or twice a year...there will be a June wedding, and I add a jacket now and then for show, it comes off soon after I am where I am going. And everyone of my friends has short term memory loss, so even if I wear the same thing to each "event", no one remembers, and oh the uhhhs and ahhhhs one gets. Even when I put on make up, it is an "event", they call me glamorous...like it was a red carpet event. We do have fun though, seeing how different we look when we "make-up" or play "dress-up". It take so little to entertain us... Anyway, what I started to say was that, I sorted out the things I could really live without, and carried a bunch of things to the neighbors. The Tico's are the most GRATEFULL people I have ever met. They have so little, and are happy with life. The neighbors have 3 daughters, early 20's, and all are such hard workers. They were so glad to get the clothing, and what they can't wear as it is, they will redesign it, and it will have a new life. How glad I am that they will use the things I gave them. Some time back, I cleaned out the 30 some odd pair of shoes that I brought, and gave many pair, and handbags, to them also. Within 10 minutes, 3 pair were being worn.

This week was "the mother's" birthday, so I put together a small bag of bath lotion and spray for her, and took it to her house. She was at a loss for words, and it has been a long time since I saw so many tears of thankfulness. It was an expression of my gratitude for her friendship, and I wondered if her family had been able to give her anything. I'm almost sure they could not afford to buy her a present. We gringos, are so blessed, even on our retirement benefits, we have more than they. And it is amazing that I spent so much on just clothing, while I was working, and now I think how much money I would have, had I not just "had to have" the many things I bought over the years. I, like many others, got caught up in the cycle of spend, spend, spend, and the things that were a "must have". I am truly amazed at the little I need now, and how happy I can be, not having the stress that comes with the "stuff".

Another NavCafe! This one in San Ramon!

2008-02-07T14:32:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is the "training" day for the staff at the new NavCafe in San Ramon. There will be free food and drinks for everyone. On Valentine's Day, the 14th, they will have the grand opening and, hopefully, the staff will be ready for another busy day of free food and drinks. Daniel always puts out a good spread, and many gringos usually show up. There should be live entertainment, and if it is anything like the opening of the Palmares NavCafe, you can count on a good time. I am going to try to remember to take my camera and will post back some pictures of the days and of the coffee shop too. They have great coffee, and many different types of smoothies, shakes, cold/hot drinks. I am not sure what the food will be at this one. The Palmares coffee shop features mostly Italian style dishes. And Daniel Jr. is a pretty good Chef.

Summer is Here!

2008-01-28T13:35:00.000-06:00

The days are so beautiful, warm and breezy now. And I love it. Has helped a bunch to get rid of the holiday blues. I think it being my first year here, and not many friends that I feel are family yet, had a lot to do with the blues. With it so bright from 5:30 a.m. on, it would be hard not to smile and be happy. I hang out my laundry and enjoy not having to run the dryer because the wind has them dry in no time. The humidity is much lower, and the temperature is very comfortable. I guess the only down side would be having to chance the dirt out each day, but a little dirt never hurt anyone.

I have been emailing and re-connecting with friends from the past, many years ago, when we were in school together. I spend several hours each day at the computer, and I have found so many sites I never had time to search before, or never knew existed. It has been fun getting caught up with their lives as well. Retirement can be a time for re-connecting again. When we were younger, seemed there were so many things needing our attention, our children, our careers, our communities, schools, and if we had a minute left over, we could soak in a bubble bath. No, I don't remember having time for that either. Now, I do pretty much what I want to, and other than paying my bills, I don't have many time lines that must be met.

Ines, a neighbor girl, has been teaching me to speak Spanish, and in return I have been helping her with English. Her family are wonderful people, and I have grown to love their friendship. We recently went to the parade in Palmares, and you might say I connected with nature again. I don't even remember seeing so many horses all in one place, even in my childhood, and I grew up in Montana. Something else that I did not know was that horses can dance to music. We were standing near the stage where the music was being blasted from. I say blasted, because I could feel it pounding in my chest. Even when the horses were standing in one place, they were picking up their feet to the beat. It was pretty cool. The part that amazed me was the massive number of people, and I hear that a local paper estimated 800,000 people were there for the parade. I can't even imagine how many horses were there, I can only guess, perhaps 300 to 500... And it is only a guess. I took pictures, and not the normal way either. I had to put the camera over my head as far as I could reach and shoot. People were body to body, and the streets were packed. There were 5 to 8 horses abreast across the street for the entire 2 hours it took for the last horse to pass. The red coats signaled The End. And horse shit, oh my Gosh! Being shoved by the crowd one direction and then back again, the whole time trying to not get my feet stepped on, or kicked by a anxious horse, were only part of the problem. The parking attendant, upon seeing I was a gringa, double charged me $10 to park. It reminded me of some of the October Fests in Missouri, when open containers were not against the law. Bottles were being passed to the riders, some had clearly had enough already. Many, young and old, were drinking heavily. We were standing on the street at a T in the roads by the park, and I think every policeman was standing right at the point also. I think there are perhaps, no rules to this game, and only if something very tragic happened, would there have been any intervention, IF, they could have even reached the place. I know they have these festivals each year, this one lasts 10 days. Most towns have numerous festivals, but I have not seen the number of people as there were at this one. It is a cultural thing, and one that... I went, I saw, and I probably will not go again. I'm sure there were days in which there were less people, and it was less crowded, I will choose to attend on one of those days, next time, instead of the horse parade day. People watching was very interesting, they have all kinds here too. These are just some of the pictures I shot. As you will see, there was not a spot of street, sidewalk, or grass that did not have feet standing on it. And yes, the horses were that close to us, I did not zoom in on any picture.

Guisel and Ines

The white horse was beautiful!

Dancing and yes, drinking

Yes, they were that close to us! And look at how many abreast. They shine because they are Hot!

Men in Black, the police...vest and I bet they were warm too.

Every spot up through this street is a person! I could not believe it.

Mostly cowboys, but look at the man with the ear ring...in his ear, not on it. The skin is around the 2+ inch circle.

Men in Red...signal The End!

Suzanne, Thanks for the comment, but don't know how to reach you.

2008-01-14T15:15:00.000-06:00

I'd love to meet you and have lunch while you are in San Ramon. I am going to post my email here, maezing@yahoo.com, so you can email me when you know what day you will be in San Ramon. Email me and I will email you back with where to meet me. There is an Internet Cafe called Solo Bueno just as you come into downtown San Ramon, on the right side of the street, from the Auto Pista. Friends of mine own it, and you could email me from there. It is the shop, right in front of the bus (in the picture) and is the first bus stop after the stop light/signal you can see hanging in the picture. Most drivers are familiar with Solo Bueno. Pull the bell cord, on the bus when he is at the light. I always have my email on, during the day, so I would get it and get back to you quickly. I can call you back at Solo Bueno too. I'll be at home the days you suggested.

Hope we can connect. I have a car, so I can drive the 4K to town fairly soon after hearing from you. I'll bring the clogs for you to see. I am going to go back in my post on them and add the answers to the questions you asked, I thought later that I should have posted what I had made them from also. I'm working on a pair of socks too.

Yes! I finished the slippers! Knitted and Felted Slippers

2008-01-11T10:51:00.000-06:00

I finished these beautiful clog/slippers a few weeks ago, but had not had time to felt them yet. I used the Fiber Trends Felted Clog pattern. It was fast and easy. The fiber is Plymouth, Outback 100% Wool, and they are made all in one piece. Doesn't look possible, but...there you have it. Today, I decided was the day to felt them. I had to carry hot water from the kitchen sink, and heated 4 tea kettles of water also. I must get a hot water connection to my washer! I love to felt projects I have knitted, and I also make projects from slightly worn wool sweaters found at thrift stores. If you've never tried them before, you don't know what you're missing. I have a couple sweaters waiting to be processed and I have some ideas for them. Are you asking, "Why would anyone knit with wool in the
tropics?"? We do have some very cool weather, having no heat, unless you count space heaters, it is nice to curl up under a throw, with knitted socks, a sweater, and slippers on, and read a good book or watch a movie. It saves on electricity too, green wise, both money and environment. They are drying now, stuffed with a pair of shoes and wash cloths to stretch them even. I will take them to a small shoe repair shop in San Ramon to have soles added. Ceramic tile floors would mean a sure fall, and I can't chance that.

Got Nerves of Steel...you will need them to live here. Part I

2008-01-09T17:25:00.000-06:00

Though life in Costa Rica has many benefits, one must understand it has it's share of problems also. One advantage to reading blogs is, perhaps, to glean a little insight and avoid a few potholes. Part II will follow.

I think we northerners have different requirements than the native Costa Ricans, that life can require much more flexibility than what I ever imagined. I find my most difficult times are the days I need to pay bills. After paying bills automatically for so many years, and I hardly ever wrote a check or carried cash in my purse, this is stepping back, in some respects, perhaps into my parents time of experiences. The catch22 is that the technology is here in Costa Rica also, but the knowledge has not caught up with it yet. They are operating on memorization, just like they do in the schools here. They have memorized how to do things on a computer, but have no understanding of what they are doing, or at least of what consequence it may have. And correcting errors, or undoing the mess, is out of the question.

Without going into the long, believe me, long story of my banking adventure...I will suggest that you embrace alternatives to banking at Banco National, here/after called BN. I knew when I went to the bank to pay three bills, the same ones I pay each month shortly after the first of the month, that, this being so close to a holiday, I may have to wait for a while. And I was "tranquilo" with that. I waited patiently in line for over an hour to get to the cashier, giving her enough forms of ID, my USA bank card, list of bills and their account numbers, and was fully prepared to be asked for everything short of my first born. As usual, she took my card into Neverland, and after a short wait, she returned only to tell me that my card was regetted! Imagine that! Due to my stunned look, I'm sure, she replied that she had ran the card twice and handed me one "declined" notice. I begged, "Please", (in my broken Spanish) "run it one more time, plllleeeease." She went back and moments later, returned, as through a revolving door, and told me "no" again. Now, I am tired, my back aches, and I wonder why I had not gotten in the MUCH shorter "Aged, and Handicap" line. As I turn to leave and try to figure out "What the Hell am I going to do?", I see the line is just as long as it was when I came in an hour and a half ago. I decide to go to the bank about a mile up the road, and get dollars out of the ATM at a bank where I can not use my MasterCard bank card at the teller, they only give you money for Visa cards, but I can get money out of the ATM. Are you starting to see the irony in all of this? I get as much as I can out of the ATM, remember most cards have a daily limit, and drive back to BN, with cash in hand, not enough, but to pay 2 bills, and part of another, thinking I will return on another day hoping the line will be shorter to pay the remainder of the bill, when I can get more money out of the ATM. Does this sound like fun? I go into BN, and yes, the line was just as long, so I stepped into the line with 8 or so people, the "Aged and Handicap" line. I wait for my turn, get to the teller, and he tells me "I am not old enough!", and I am betwixt reaching through the hole in the glass, and kissing him, or something less sensual. And for the record, I am old enough! He points at the LONG line, and says I must go to THAT line. I made it perfectly clear that I was not going into THAT line, and waved my fist full of dollars at him. I remember babbling something about having been here before, and NO, I was not going to that line, and take my money! At this point, the lady teller next to him, who had originally 'declined' my card, got his attention, and said that she would take me next. He was relieved, and I would not have to resort to obscene gestures. After paying my bills, and happily walking to my car, I realized I just spent two and a half hours trying to pay 3 bills, and would still have to come back for another episode. Reruns are hell.

dumpr.net

2008-01-05T08:33:00.001-06:00

Isn't this just adorable?!!! I call the picture "Learning Spanish While You Sleep". This is my little Bichon, Sunni, and he must be in the pile of stuff, no matter what it is. I have a pretty good library of Spanish books, and while I was organizing them, he decided to take a nap. And...now for the Rubik's Cube trick, you must go to dumpr.net and see the absolutely cool things you can do there. Gives new meaning to picture taking. Enjoy!

Fearless Knitters! Well, it started out that way...

2008-01-04T18:14:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am one of "them". I had a store for a couple of years, before I moved to Costa Rica. I sold yarns, beads and all the things one needs to make anything from them. Needless to say, I came here with some of my "stash". I am often asked what I do to keep from going crazy, now that I am retired, and usually two things I usually list are knitting and reading. I also have many books I never had the time to read when I was working full time. I keep adding books to my shelves, and recently I made the comment, that perhaps I like books more than I like reading. When I made that comment, I was remembering the first book I ever had as a child. It was "The Bobbsey Twins at the Seashore", and I loved that book. I read it so many times, and sometimes, I will admit, that I did not even read it cover to cover, because I knew what it said, I would just open it up, and read words from the pages, or read it backwards. One of the reasons I loved that book so much, was because, we were so poor, and it was the only book I ever received as a gift while I was a child. I read many books from the public library, and loved touching the rows of books. I still will run my hands along the book backs in the shelves at the book store. It reminds me of the days, when I was a child, I would do that at the public library, on my way to the section of books I was going to pick one from.

I started this, wanting to talk about knitting, and I took a turn in my mental drive about the second sentence. So I guess, I really didn't want to talk about my knitting today...well, another day perhaps.

Hey, What's Your Handicap?

2007-12-30T09:23:00.001-06:00

Hey, what's your handicap? (click on cartoon to enlarge)
I saw this cartoon by Glen McCoy in the Belleville New Democrat, Belleville, IL, and thought it so appropriate for Costa Rica. Go anywhere, and see if you can find a handicap parking spot, which is empty. Just watching the people get out of cars, usually very young people, it begs the question, "Hey, what's your handicap?" If only I could say that in Spanish now! After having been with several of my handicapped friends, and not being able to find a vacant spot, I know what they go through. Shopping is not easy for those who would be much more comfortable if they could find a closer parking spot, where marked parking is provided, the room by the parking spot to get out/in, say nothing of the gutters and extremely uneven, or broken sidewalks just getting to the store. The person pushing the wheel chair, has the hardest job, getting inside the store. I know the newer stores and shopping centers have made great strides to accommodate the growing older population, not only aging gringos, Ticos as well, but how nice would it be to have even sidewalks, and wider entrance ramps from the street to the sidewalk. Education in the schools, teaching children the respect for others needs, and proper enforcement of the law, would be a big help. Just a thought...

Thanksgiving Week

2007-11-30T16:36:00.000-06:00

Early in the week, I drove to Orosi to visit with a friend. What a drive it was! I was okay with the directions (3 pages of them) going down, except for one wrong turn, taking me 30 minutes to get back where I needed to be. But coming back home was something else! I spent 1 1/2 hours in San Jose, because I missed my first left turn. I drove quite aways north, then quite aways south again...asking questions several times. As my Spanish is still 'not very good', at best, I saw a lot more of the San Jose area than I had ever seen before! Finally, I asked a traffic policeman, and was able to understand that I needed to go north again. And when I finally saw a sign for the airport, I knew I was going to be okay.

While I was in Orosi, we took a drive to my friends new 'finca', farm for those of you who don't understand Spanish either. They recently bought a finca with about 6 acres. There is a family working the land for them, clearing, planting, and it is looking pretty nice. The valley is somewhat tighter than where I live, but so beautiful too. Sometimes, I have a hard time deciding if I like places better, the more I see. I am very happy where I am, but understand why they felt like they were home when they saw this piece of property. In so many ways, it is different, yet similar in ways too. The 'river runs through it' takes on a vivid meaning there. The rock and slopes are huge, and there are nearly 400 fruit trees as well as the natural growth. I took 20 some pictures and am posting a couple here. To see others, click on my Flickr display on the side display.

If you look, deep in the mountain is a waterfall, 3 when it is raining. Photo to the left.

Charlotte and I stopped to eat at a small, typical 'soda' (restaurant) near the river after hiking all over their property. While we were waiting for our meal to come, a truck started across the bridge just outside the soda, and as happens frequently, stalled out right as it got on it. I had to take pictures of this event also. It provided our 'dining entertainment', and more diesel fumes than I ever wanted to inhale. Over the course of an hour, cars came and some went, as they changed their minds and turned around and chose, perhaps, a different route, or not. The traffic that stayed, some came in the soda for lunch or at least a dish of ice cream. Just as I was taking pictures, the truck became mobile again, and the traffic jam moved on. We saw the truck, again having trouble about 1/2 a mile from the bridge, beside the road. Many of the trucks here are held together with chewing gum, honey, and/or a prayer. Reminds me of a few cars we use to have when I was a kid... Dad could fix anything.

The house my friend is renting during the interim, until they build, is very beautiful, and the yard is a wonderful garden, but the STAIRS...Oh, My Gosh...every room is up or down! They get their exercise daily, without leaving home. No wonder she was always 20 steps ahead of me and waiting...when we were walking her property.

Thanksgiving day was wonderful too. I came home in time to go to a friends' for turkey and all the fixin's. It was a great meal, but turkey is hard to come by here, and to the tune of $75.00 for the bird. I am surprised there are not more 'turkey farms' here, instead of all the 'chicken farms'. I would have to say that my ambrosia salad and chocolate cake were the hit of the party, even surpassing the bird. Turkey is way over rated...don't you think.

The days are beautiful again, and rain is an occasional thing again. I have to show you a sunset, and a rainbow I caught, just a few days ago, well, maybe a week or so ago. And I will only mention the days now, yes, days I have been cleaning mold. You know the saying "less is more", well here, "less is less"...work I mean. I am going to do some 'down-sizing', or I guess they call it 'right-sizing' now. Right-sizing for here is getting rid of anything you don't use on a daily basis. Loose it or clean it, during the rainy season! And lest I incur the wrath of someone yelling "dehumidifier", yes, I know...but short of one in every room and closet, well, you get the picture. Next rainy season, the doors are coming off the closets! And they may not go back up. For now, lamps are burning.

Plants, what wonderful plants!

2007-10-26T21:42:00.000-05:00

My history with plants has never been a very good one. Well, most of it anyways. When I was a child, my parents always had a garden each year, and we grew and canned most of the food we would need for the winter. The growing season in Montana is somewhat shorter than here in Costa Rica, but we always had great veggies to can each fall. When I was married, we had several gardens over the years, depending on where we were, and how long we thought we would be there. Most of the gardens were good ones. Even after I was single, I liked growing herbs, flowers, and a few veggies, tomatoes, and I had a good bunch of green peppers one year.

Now that I am here in Costa Rica, veggies are so inexpensive, and readily available, that growing much of a garden would only be for the fun of it. I have collected many plants in the past few months though. I use to call them house plants, but here they grow mostly naturally, and do very well, in the right light. House plants and I never had a lasting relationship. Mostly, I forgot to water them, and then when it was too late, I gave them too much water, trying to save them. Now, I will try my hand at "plants" again, but think I may have a better chance of success here. This week I heard of a local family who will be moving and need to get rid of most of the plants she has collected. I was amazed at the number of plants she has for sale. Big ones, little ones, and everything in between. I don't know the names of most of them, and perhaps never will, but they are so beautiful. Now if I can keep the ones I bought from her alive. My patio looks like a green house and gives me a peaceful feeling, just setting outside. Pictures to follow... Got to get a few baskets, to hang, and a couple larger pots to transfer some of the plants into. One is an orchid, and is blooming now. It is large, and so beautiful.

The rainy season has been so good for the plants I had previously planted. They seem to have taken off the last 2 weeks with the extra sunshine since the heavy rains have slowed some.

I am having the time of my life! What a great life it is!

Wait...no Weight, the kind that "someday" becomes your friend. Dedicated to Saratica (hope you see this)

2007-10-22T09:32:00.000-05:00

After reading Saratica's blog about fighting the extra lbs., 10, 20, 30 or how ever many you have to lose, I am posting this. And who ever started calling it "lose" anyway, it always seems to find us again. You may ask, "What does this have to do with Costa Rica?". Well, even with the wonderful fruits and veggies here, some of us still fight the extra lbs. all the time. One of my dear friends, (tall and slender friend, who only fights a few lbs.)sent this and I am sure you will get as big a laugh from it as I did. Women understand the continuous struggle.

Haven't we all had similar experiences?

...Dear Diary, For my sixtieth birthday this year, my daughter Rachel (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY : Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

TUESDAY : I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the d o or. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air - then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY : The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning; and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair 'monster'. Why the h*** would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other s*** too.

THURSDAY : Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late, it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny b**** to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

FRIDAY : I hate that b**** Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the D*** barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY : Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY : I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter Rachel (the little s***) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

I picked myself up from the floor, after having the best laugh all month!

Surfin' the net!

2007-10-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

Finally, the days are normal again. Mornings are nice, sunny and afternoons or evenings the rain showers come. Those of you, not in Costa Rica, who read Costa Rica blogs have probably gotten tired of hearing about the rain. Well, true it is the rainy season, and most of it is not too bad. We living here learn to do our running around early in the day, and can set back and relax while the rain comes rolling in. It is amazing to see it come. Sometimes, it is like a wall of water one can see in the distance. Usually, those are the extremely hard rains.

I have been spending much of my time, while it rains, either reading or on the computer. So you will probably see the sites I have been visiting or the blogs I find by what I add to my list, from time to time.

This time, I have been subscribing to, and downloading programs on iTunes. I found that I could see the evening news (ABC, CBS, or NBC) each day this way. It is nice to be able to keep up with what is going on, and what the major issues are in the USA. Even though it maybe somewhat later than when it airs there, at least I can see it. The news on satellite TV is limited, the English site for news is pretty much CNN International, and covers much more of the Asian countries, and unless something major is going on in the USA, it does not have coverage there. Those who have cable TV are able to see the major networks, and see most of the current programming. Satellite programming comes out of South America, mostly, and is re-run programs, or movies which frequently, were never shown in theaters anywhere. And understandably so, they can really be bad. I did not realize that one, outside of the USA, can not stream programs on the major networks. While I was surfing sites, I found a forum about that very issue. Because many of the programs are sold through iTunes, I am able to see my favorite shows by purchasing and downloading them. Technology, how far we have come! And I can only imagine what improvements and innovations will take place over the next few years. I would never have imagined, even a couple of years ago, that I could have so much at my finger tips, while living in a 3rd world country. I say that loosely, as I am reminded from time to time, but hardly ever think about it as I go about my daily routines. Much of life here is so comfortable, and tranquil, that alone, is a reminder to me that I am not in my prior life.

I love jazz and bossa nova music, and I found a wonderful, online station, www.sky.fm which is fabulous, and has many, many different genre. They have a link on the “radio” stations on iTunes, so I went to the site, and found they have all this online music. What a wonderful find!! One thing I discovered was that when I stream at 128K, it breaks up, but when I choose on of the lower steams, it plays just fine. So I am groovin’!

And to think that I was always too busy to enjoy the simple things in life…

No End In Sight - 2007 Sundance Film Festival - Winner of Special Jury Prize: Documentary

2007-10-19T00:12:00.000-05:00

The Woodpecker might have to go...

2007-10-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

This came in an email today titled "Religion can be fun!" And with all the rain we have had the past week, I thought it was too cute.

I also found a clip I will put here too...rain, we've got it! "Here, we got (spoken in 'Bubba Gump Shrimp talk' - Forrest Gump movie)blowing rain, pour-down rain, outta no where rain, liquid sunshine rain, refreshing sweetwater rain, all hell breaks loose rain, monsoon rain, gully washer rain, a Real toad strangler rain, endless rain, sprinkle rain, soaking rain, all damn day rain, flooding rain, river running rain, wish it would quit rain, blinding rain, raining rain, raining tadpoles rain, wash out rain, mudslide rain, flood the streets rain, no school today rain, watch the grass grow rain, bored silly rain..."

Thankfully, we had a nice morning today!

It's a Beautiful Morning....sunshine.... (or something like that, the song)

2007-10-15T16:45:00.000-05:00

It is so nice to see the sun shine in the mornings again, after the 6 days of constant rain. I think everyone feels better now. The sun gives me hope, and makes me want to do things that I just don't find the energy for when it is raining. I am sure it is giving the road crews time to get out and do some repairs to the roads which have collapsed during this last rainy spell. I'm glad I do not live to the west of San Ramon where the roads under perfect conditions are not the greatest, and with all the rain, landslides and heavy traffic, some are not even able to go home.

Romie and Rob are able to stay in their home tonight, and how happy they are! It has been nice having them "camp in" here, and we enjoyed many DVD movies during the rain storms. I made notes and posted the DVDs on the side display. Amazon.com had some cool displays for movie rentals, DVDs, music and books for personal web pages now.

Now, when I miss seeing them, I only have to drive over the hill, and I'll be at their house. The cleaning, polishing and putting things away were accomplished today, so they can feel they are home now. Happy Days!

This was written on Oct 10th, so the count now is 6 days of constant rain...

2007-10-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

Three Days of Constant Rain Closes Three Roads, Costa Rica and the Central Valley for the most part, has woken up to the third consecutive day of rain, causing mudslides responsible for the closure of three major roads according to the Minsterio de Obras Pública y Transportes (MO{T).A portion of the road connecting San José to Pérez Zeledón in the southern zone is blocked. The road connecting Tabarca, south of San José, with Rio Conejo permits only restricted movement, allowing only vehicles narrower than 2 metres (6.5) to pass through.And mud and rocks converting the better part of a lane on the Inter-American highway along the Cerro de La Muerte has restricted traffic through the area.The Conesjo Vial (Conevi) says that it has mobilized heavy equipment to clear the roads and restore full transit through the affected areas, though they could not give a definite timetable for when the work will be completed.

October is the worst month of the rainy season for rain falling on most of the country except for the Caribbean coast, which gets theirs in January.The reason for the constant rain is being blamed by a low pressure system stalled over the Central Valley and the northern region.

Typically during the rainy season, the mornings are filled with sunshine, clouding over and heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon. However, during the past three days, there has been little of any sunshine and then only for short periods in the afternoon, as the constant rain has continue to fall during the night and well into the day.The Instituto Meteriologico Nacional (IMN) - national weatherman - is predicting that the rainy season will extend into November. Typically the season ends by the end of October.

Another News Clipping about the Flooding

2007-10-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

10 Dead, 5 Missing in Avalanche
by Rod Hughes
UPDATE: As of 8 p.m. Friday, eight more bodies have been uncovered by rescue workers, bringing the confirmed death toll of the avalanche to 10 with at least five more persons missing.
Atenas–An avalanche of rock and mud buried seven homes in Bajo Cacao in the San Isidro district of this town northwest of the capital during the early morning hours yesterday. As of this writing, two persons are known dead and 13 are missing as rescue crews and neighbors dig frantically through the accumulation of debris that once was part of a hillside.
Heavy rains signalling the end of the rainy season–wetter than normal–also flooded homes throughout the Central Valley this week, as rivers left their beds and flowed into surrounding neighborhoods. But this morning, the attention of the country is focused on the rescue attempt.
Shortly after 1:50 a.m. yesterday, a neighbor gave the alarm that “a tragedy of great proportions” had occurred. Other neighbors heard the thunder of the slide and struggled through a torrential cloudburst to the scene in pitch blackness. One of them, Freddy Artavia, told the newspaper La Nacion, “The rocks and trees didn’t let us pass. It was very dark and we couldn’t see a thing. It was raining a lot.”
By 9:05 yesterday morning, the first victim’s body was found, that of 25-year-old Jeffry Aguero. By 1:10 in the afternoon, Red Cross workers found Arquimides Aviles, 40, an employee of a nearby chicken ranch. Red Cross rescue crewman Randal Viquez of nearby Atenas arrived shortly after 2 a.m. and described utter confusion and screaming.
One of the first things Aguero did was to rescue a child of about seven whose feet were trapped by the slide. He was immediately taken to an improvised medical facility in the Fatima community center.
As often happens during disasters, there were miraculous escapes. Isabel Sandi was carried 100 yards by the slide but managed to extricate herself from the ruins with only a glass cut on her hand. “My husband had more injuries than I. It was dark and we didn’t know where we were,” she said.
The avalanche, 200 yards wide, left a path of devastation 400 yards long down the hillside, reaching the bank of the Cacao River before it stopped with parts of three autos showing through the debris. But the seven missing homes were not the only casualties. The Red Cross felt it prudent to evacuate 22 other homes in stricken Bajo Cacao as well as 40 more in the La Mandarina housing development.
Meanwhile, more than 785 homes have been damaged by flooding on the Pacific slope and 235 persons are in emergency shelters. Especially hard hit was the Puntarenas province town of Parrita.
And, if that were not enough, the national Weather Institute says the torrential downpours may not be nearly over, with a low pressure area in the Caribbean moving in Costa Rica’s direction. The country’s topography is so narrow that a low pressure zone close in on the east inevitably sucks in wet air from the Pacific, bringing rains.

Saturday October 13th, no rain yet today. Hopefully, things will dry out some to prevent more mudslides. A portion of the Auto Pista (major road), between San Ramon and Puntarenas collapsed yesterday also. Don't know if it is open yet. A friend was going to meet us for lunch, yesterday, but was not able to get on the highway.

Headlines - Town not far from here

2007-10-12T08:11:00.000-05:00

Costa Rica Mudslide Leaves 4 dead, 14 Families Missing
Thursday , October 11, 2007

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Torrential rains caused a hillside to give way in central Costa Rica on Thursday, killing at least four people and burying houses, authorities said.
Two days of constant rain triggered the mudslide near the town of La Mandarina de Atenas, where 14 families are missing, said Miguel Carmon, president of Costa Rica's Red Cross.
Rescue workers were using heavy machinery and sniffer dogs to search for the missing, Carmon told reporters.
Authorities declared a state of emergency in four municipalities where rivers are close to jumping their banks and more mudslides are feared.

Wow! And the forecast for the next 14 days is for much more rain. The satellite map shows clouds and rain, and not much else.
http://www.costarica.com/Weather/

And Still....Raining!

2007-10-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

This is Romie and Rob (Romie's son), on a warmer, sunnier day...

Romie, Rob and I are "camping in". Today, we will go to town for a new supply of movies and food. This looks like it may last awhile...the rain and the "camping in". But we can handle it! With plenty of good books and movies, good food and snacks, and great companionship (the boys included), who could ask for more? All is well in our world!

Rain, Rain...It must be October!

2007-10-10T08:06:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is the second full day of rain, with much the day before also. It has been a heavier than usual season of rain, and I wondered if I would know the difference when October came. Everyone said that Oct is the heaviest rain, and it is holding true to form. When I awoke during the night, I could hear it raining.

In spite of the rain, yesterday was moving day for Romie and Rob. Fortunately, the truck was covered, making it much less difficult. Cesar, our Tico friend, and a couple of his amigos were the "man power" behind the operation. The move went without a glitch, but on the other end, was not the same story. The new house was suppose to be finished, but as things seem to have a life of their own, it was not. While furniture was being placed, a friend was sweeping and mopping, just to get the floor clear enough to get things in out of the rain. More about this in a day or two. Romie and Rob tried to stay in the house the first night, and were so sickened by the paint fumes, that they soon realized other arrangements needed to be made. Romie and Rob will be staying at my house for the time being...more to follow. Contractors who will never be recommended to anyone...for more than one reason.

Pictures today

2007-10-06T11:18:00.000-05:00

Spanky got a bath this week, and Sunni will get one in a day or two. I just love the softness of their white fussy fur when they are so clean. High maintainance for sure, but oh what a reward! Bath time is so much easier here in the pila (outdoor sink). It is a combination of 3 sinks, one deep well, and 2 shallow. Makes the job much less difficult because it is just the right heigth. And they don't seem to mind it too much until I wash their faces. Then they are ready to get out! Takes a while to dry them also. Spanky is the first two pictures, and Sunni is the 3rd picture.

Franklin, my gardener, planted my new palm today. It is at least 15 or 18 ft. tall, and you will not believe that I paid $12 for the combination of the tall palm and the shorter under growth palm. One of my Tico neighbors cleans yards for others when the growth is too thick. I asked him to save a few plants for me, and he has. For than less than $50, so far, I have gotten so many plants, I don't remember how many. I will take pictures as the plants grow and put them on my blog. Some of my plants are free cuttings from friends and others I have just stopped along a road and taken a cutting, or gotten it from a farmer's field. So many plants that are used in the states for house plants, grow here in the wild. So now, you know where your house plants came from.

Thoughts on Aging...

2007-10-05T10:25:00.000-05:00

I received this today in an email. It is so true, and it so totally describes where I am at this point in my life. I made just a couple changes to the original, to fit my life.

"The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know. Old Age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. and sleep until noon ? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when your child suffers a lost love, or even when someone's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it) MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER! FRIENDS FOREVER!

Enjoy your day!

Rush Hour Traffic...in the country!

2007-10-05T09:16:00.000-05:00

Late yesterday afternoon, 3:30 ish, I heard several cars drive by my house. After about 10 minutes, I started counting cars. Why would I do that? On a normal day I see 3 or 4 cars on this country road. I am located about 3/4 mile off a main road, on a very rustic, dirt, rockie, washed out road, and even the neighbors don't go out every day. By the time I had counted 30 or so cars, I realized something must have happened on the main road. Traffic is like rushing water here, when one passage becomes impassible, it will find another way or make one quickly. Later, I was told that 2 power line poles had fallen (so much rain had softened the ground) on the road and traffic was blocked both ways. No one waits, you can't, because it takes forever for someone to come and move the obstruction. So if there is a way around the problem, they will find it. They were turning off the main road, onto any available side road, and trying to find another way around the mess. The roads here are mostly private roads which go to houses or farm fields, though one is a round about, and if you make the proper turn, you will get back on the main road again. Because this is a mountainous area, the private roads are only maintained to a "barely passable" status, and any abnormal amount of traffic, in the rainy season, will destroy a road in no time at all. One neighbor had just put over $2000 into fixing his very long drive.

After 2 hours of constant traffic, and people getting stuck everywhere, a neighbor drove his car out and blocked one entrance, and asked another neighbor to close and lock the gate to his drive. The gate is normally closed and locked at 6:30, but last night it needed to be closed sooner. There were several cars stuck in the farmers field, lower in the valley after taking a wrong turn. One car got stuck near my house when he spun out trying to make the hill, and I am sure his paint job was scratched when he backed into my barbed wire fence. No harm done to the fence. Most posts in fences here were once tree limbs, and when placed in the ground, they soon develop roots, and waa-laa, another tree is born. I must say, I like the effect. After a few seasons, the fence develops into a very nice surrounding.

And yes, we were without power for 1 1/2 hours. I think my friend has it right. She is almost ready to move into her newly built home. One feature she had added was a propane gas generator. She will be the one neighbor with power when the rest of us are sitting in the dark. I may look into the same solution. I usually read when the power is out. Most of us have powerful lights, battery type, for power outages. Scheduled outages usually don't last more than 4 or 5 hours, but who knows ICE's schedule. And unscheduled outages...you just hope they find and fix it before your freezer thaws. Oh the challenges of life in paradise! I still would not trade it for anywhere else.

New "Navcafe" in Palmares

2007-10-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

Saturday was the Grand Opening for this new shop in Palmares. Live music, performed by a local dual, presented a pleasant background for friendly neighborhood conversation. The young waiters/waitresses provided food and drinks in a festive atmosphere.

Palmares is a small, very tropical looking town. The streets are lined with palm trees, and greenery that make it one of the most inviting towns I have visited in Costa Rica. People are friendly, and the weather is warm and inviting all year round.

The store front was, in the past, called "One Stop", and offered an internet cafe. Now, after much construction and hours of painting and much work, it has so much more to offer. Murals line the walls of the cafe, providing a tropical forest atmosphere. "Navcafe" is a coffee brand from the local area and is served in many different blends of drinks in the coffee house. You may have tasted other Costa Rican coffees, but Navcafe is going to have you 'hooked'. You will love the delicate aroma and savor the rich bold taste of this coffee. Sweet delicious desserts and smoothies for the "non-coffee" drinkers are offered also. Not only is it an internet cafe, it has a butterfly garden, with many varieties of native butterflies. But the one major new addition is the "Smart Tours", featuring the many wonderful vistas and notable spots in the San Ramon/Palmares area. This is a great town to stop by on your way to the Pacific coast beaches, or if you are heading east to San Jose. It is located with easy exit/access to the auto pista, and will provide a rest during your travels in Costa Rica. The tours range from the coffee plantation, a cloud forest, culinary archaeology and folk roots, and a guided walk to study heliconias and gingers in the Avocado Mountains. These tours will not only explain the effect of "global warming" on cloud forest, and the co-evolutionary patterns of a neo-tropical forest, but the walk with bring you closer to nature than you have ever been before.

They have a web site which is under construction, and will have links to the coffee plantation, the tours, and other places of interest in the area. It should be ready soon. Book mark it for later reference, and call the number below for more information on tours.

http://www.costaricaonestop.com/ 506-452-1700

All this and Pizza too!

2007-09-28T15:17:00.000-05:00

Fridays are Pizza day in our circle of friends. It has become our regular Friday "here comes the weekend" day out. There are just so many chores to run and usually we save them up and do everything when we are in town. Having a scheduled “day out”, makes for a great time with friends, and a good way to make new friends also. Grace's is a good little pizza place in San Ramon, and the owners have grown accustomed to seeing us on Fridays.

The morning was so nice, and now it is raining. I hung a load of laundry outdoors, for the second time, and they did get dry. Some times it starts to rain before the clothing is dry, so I have to put it out the second morning to finish drying. Well, that is while I do not have my dryer. It is out for repairs right now. I did not know it, but with a gas dryer, if you run out of gas, and it continues to run for a long time, it will burn out the ignition. So, dry clothing, no, not even after you have gas again, just one of my new learning experiences. The propane bottles are smaller here, and now, I have not figured out how long they will last yet. I guess a gauge is in order.

I just finished reading "The Poisonwood Bible", and what a fantastic book! It is the first book by Barbara Kingsolver that I have read. I will be reading her other books. It was one of those books which kept me riveted from the very beginning. I am glad I brought my books with me to Costa Rica. I did not have time while I was working, to read all the books I wanted to, and added to my shelves. Now, I spend the time, without the guilt, reading and am enjoying it much more. Just as I always imagined, there is always time to do what I really want to do now that I am retired. I stay so busy that I don't know how I ever worked a full-time job. What am I saying...and the other part-times jobs I always seemed to have also. Too busy making a living to be able to make a life. I think my kids would have benefited the most if I would not have had to work so much.

I had to buy some poison for the giant leave cutter ants in my yard. In one day, less than 8 hours, they carried away an entire schefflera bush with hundreds of leaves. I have two scheffleras, the same size, but now one has no leaves. I am curious if leaves will grow back or whether to cut the bush back and let it start again. Going to a nursery and asking is not an easy thing to do here. My Spanish is not good enough for that yet. Maybe I'll have to get a friend to ask for me. Here, they are the most beautiful plant, more lush and green than a regular house plant. I have them planted in the yard, so I would hate to loose them. There are some plant forums, and I may put a question out there to see if I can get an answer also. I did find out the ants have a fungus in their home, and they carry the leaves in to feed the fungus. Who would have known!

With My Heart - Costa Rica

2007-09-24T12:26:00.000-05:00

I'm posting this video so you all can see why I love Costa Rica so much. I used some stills that were taken near my home. The credits are at the end, and you can stop it on any shot you would like to look at for a longer period of time. Enjoy!! The song is beautiful also. "Con un Mismo Corazon". Translated: "With My Heart".

Click on the arrow above to view.

Moving Information for you researchers out there.

2007-07-16T14:02:00.001-05:00

I am making edits to this post as I think of things, or come across situations where there is information that I think will be very valuable to you. So, you will benefit from time, as well as experience. I will put numbers into the post, and you will find the explanation below this post.

I started this in July, and finished writing it today, so I'm not sure what day will come up on the post. If anyone is following this, I must apologize for not keeping up with my blog. Much has happened since I last wrote here. I made my trip to CR in Nov. 2006, and had a great time. I was fortunate to find a local family to stay with, and canceled my other boarding plans to spend the entire two weeks with them. I did a few one day trips and saw how beautiful the country side is. I loved what I saw and decided to move to Costa Rica as soon as I could get my things packed and finalize things at home. I hired Barry Wilson, www.shipcostarica.com, sold some things, and packed as much as I could get in a container and still have room for a car. I sold my sedan, bought a 4WD Geo Tracker and had it shipped within my container. That gave me 27 feet of space to put my belongings. Mostly, I am happy that I brought the things I shipped, (1) but like everyone I have talked to, there are some things I would have left behind and some things I would have waited to buy here, had I know what I know now. Hind sight...more about that below. Perhaps it has something to do with where one chooses to live in Costa Rica too (2). I have chosen to live in the Central Valley area, just north of San Ramon. It is so lovely here, and I could not be happier that I have chosen to make this my home. Each day is a beautiful day, even though it is the rainy season, it is not all rain like I was accustomed to in STL. There has only been a few days, since I arrived, in which the sun did not shine for a part of the day. Usually the mornings are sunny and very beautiful. After noon, it will rain for a couple of hours, and usually, it has cleared off by sunset so I can see the small town lights for miles up the valley after dusk. There is a place in the mountains that we call "stairway to the stars" which is a street of lights which seem to go straight up into the sky. I can see 6-8 small communities along the hill tops in the distance. On the nights of the full moon, it seems like time stands still as the country side is lit up with green billows. The trees look like green pillows. I’ve never seen it so light at night, and all from the moon and the stars.

For those of you who use this as a resource to find out more about Costa Rica, I am going to cut and paste pieces from emails I have written about some of my “hind-sights” about the “stuff” I brought to CR.

I came from the Midwest, St. Louis area, and it did make a difference in the delivery time for the shipment, but not any more than I expected. I shipped the last week of March 2007, and it arrived on my doorstep the 23th of May. The only damage I had was because I tired of packing late in the game, and should have packed one lamp shade, glass, better. I am going to list some of my observations, and things I would have done differently. Remember cost are what they were in early 2007…may vary depending on place and date.

1. I shipped a 40' container, and my car inside. I'm glad I did ship the Geo Tracker, 4WD; has come in handy here, low gas usage, and size for maneuverability(3). The moving company that loaded the household goods, measured and left enough room to load the car last. I had to hire a different company to load the car properly, on a flat bed, and raised it to back into the crate. They tied it down very well. Cost for loading car, $250.00, included tie downs.

2. The household mover was a separate cost. I packed the boxes myself, labeling each and numbering them for a complete packing document. I used Excel, and typed it from my hen scratching in a notebook. Then I emailed the finished list to Barry. The way you label the boxes can be very important(4). The local moving company came to my house, gave me an estimate, and stayed pretty close to the given price. The cost for local mover, including insurance (which was not much), was $2, 200.00. It took 5 hours, with 5 men, to load my things.

3. Now, about what I brought. There were many boxes, and am glad I brought most of my things, with few exceptions. I would have taken my "work clothes" to a resale place and sold them, if I'd have realized the total uselessness of most of them here. I worked in an office setting and have some very nice clothes, most are packed away now, and I may never use them. If they are not cotton, silk, linen, rayon, or denim, they are useless here. The more casual, the better. Even when we go out, we do not dress up. (5)

4. I shipped most of my furniture also. Now, I know what does not translate very well here. The padding used in furniture in the states is too heavy for here, mold is the problem. My sofa and matching chair are fairing pretty well (6), but my recliner has developed mold. I needed to have it recovered anyway, and will do that, so it was not a total loss. Reupholstering is reasonable, and great fabrics are bountiful here. Comfort is why I shipped the recliner. Having it covered here may change the situation, and I may be very happy I have it. If I had it to do over, I would have sold all the padded furniture and had rod iron made here, with removable foam covers. It would make washing much less difficult. Same goes for my table and chairs. I am going to have new seats made for the chairs, which I can remove and wash. Another thing I have noticed is that any dresser, chests of drawers, etc. are not real practical. I find the shelving units, which were built into the house, having more ventilation are best. My wooden drawer units, are developing mold also. Mold grows on anything that stands still for more than 2 minutes. As this is the rainy season, I am sure I have learned a valuable lesson. I will have upright units made, with shelves to accommodate and replace my chests of drawers. The clothing inside the drawers which are not used and washed weekly, develop mold. If the wood furniture has a high gloss finish, it may fair better. IKEA would be an excellent store here, for northerners. Units, baskets, and that kind of stuff, would sell very well here. They sell a lot of plastic units in the stores here, but most are flimsy, and very expensive. If there are units you especially like, get several and leave the other furniture there, would be my suggestion. Nice rod iron, with removable cushions, units for the yard work great here on patios, and some work well in the house also.

5. Some things will depend on your individual life style. Think in terms of that. Easy cleaning, light weight, easy drying, portable, airy are all good things here. Mold will form on any surface. If it is difficult to clean, you will hate it after a while.

6. Bring anything you love, even if you have to go buy it. Bring anything with an electrical cord. Bring fans! All electronics are very expensive here. Because of the higher price of DVDs here, many people bring a good library with them. I have Direct TV, but they repeat movies and shows, frequently, so a good movie is a break. once in awhile. I brought a large library of books to read. I am so glad I did. I am a knitter, crocheter, and beadier, so I brought a good supply with me, and am glad I did.

7. I shipped all my appliances, frig, elec. stove, washer, dryer, upright freezer. I have had 3 of the 5 repaired since April this year. But repairs are reasonable, verses buying new. Bring computer, laptop, printers, scanners, (lotza paperwork need copies), paper shredder, TV, stereo stuff (if you like to hear music), Linksys Wireless Router, wireless phone to use Vonage (is a reasonable cost alternative for long distance calls to the states). If you get a stateside number on Vonage, you will be able to receive calls here for a fraction of the cost. If you want to get Vonage, please let me know, and I will refer you, we both get a discount for it.

8. If you have certain cosmetics, hair products, or whatever you love, stock up on them and ship them. Just an example.... I love Bath and Body hand soap, sprays, etc. The hand soap in the states is approx. $4.50, here at the malls. the only place you can get it, the same thing is $35.00. I kid you not! Yes, the local brands are okay, lower price than an import, but not the same quality.

My crate 40’ cost about $6000. Plus, factor in an additional $2000-$3000 for taxes on the house hold things, car licensing, taxes, etc., at a minimum, and how you value your goods will make the difference. Again, I shipped much more than some people ship. Other than the specific things I listed above, I am glad I shipped what I did. All costs considered, I came pretty near to paying $10,000 for the move, lock/stock/and barrel. A friend moved two 40' crates, and some with another couples things. So, each person decides what to do, according to their life, and love of stuff, cars, etc.

Any questions, I’ll be happy to answer an email. Make a comment and leave your email address.

(1) As time goes by, I have grown less fond of most of the things I thought meant so much to me as I was sorting and getting rid of things before coming here. Along with a couple dehumidifiers for rooms you will put the things you do not wish to mold at all, i.e. photos, valuable family items...bring a couple digital humidity indicators. You can buy them many places, and The Weather Channel has a very good one for reading time, from a satellite and temperature as well as recording highs and lows.

(2) No, all of Costa Rica has a mold problem, and so any reference to mold applies everywhere, some worse than others.

(3) On Sep 27, 2008 - I continue to be very pleased that I brought the Tracker. It cost me less than buying one here, and I knew the car when I bought it from a neighbor. There are several great mechanics who can service it, and parts are easy to come by for it. As the price of gas continues to climb, it has proven to use far less gas than other cars my friends own. The 4WD has come in very handy many times, not just getting out of my own drive, and on dirt road which are slippery as ice during a rain storm, but as of this date, I have been in the ditch 3 times with it, and twice men were able to lift it out when it could not be driven out. Yes, it happens here, I consider myself a pretty good driver, and I know very few people who have not backed into a ditch that they could not get out of. If you have been reading my blog, you will know what I mean.

(4) Email me for specifics, as I do not want to put it here in my blog.

(5) We had a beautiful wedding here in June 2008, and sun dresses and light cotton/linen shirts for men were the most comfortable. Every thing looked very tropical. THINK TROPICAL!!

(6) Sep 2008 - When I brought my sofa and chair here, they were actually 14 years old, but did not look a day over brand new. Now, after the moisture...I am not happy with them at all. I will have them recovered, perhaps, depending on price, verses totally new wood, etc. The wood may not be a hard enough wood to handle the mold either. More research needed. I wish I had not brought anything padded, and had them made here. The one thing that has done well here, is my outdoor furniture! The padding is different from indoor furniture, and so is the fabric, so the mold has not gotten to it, and the framed furniture cleans up well with soap and water and a brush! Incredible!

Now the trip to Costa Rica seems like it may happen!

2006-09-11T18:38:00.000-05:00

Looks like I will be going this trip alone, but that may be best any way. I can go where I need to go, without having to include someone else's opinion. Since my friend decided this was some place she could not see to go, I have been working extra hard to figure out where I was going to go and where to stay. I have had some very good input from the Yahoo Group, Costa Rica Living (CRL). I am amazed at the helpfulness that so many have been in my search. I am going to stay between San Ramon to the west of San Jose, to the south east, a town call Orosi. I think this will give me a wide enough variety of places to make a choice for my starting point, at least. I will choose a town, and hope to be able to move there shortly after my trip. I will rent and if the town does not meet my needs, I will move to another. It will be much easier early on, before I get too much stuff, making it more difficult to move to a different place. I am looking at several options for my overnight stays. The B&B's seem like my best bet, and the owners are so helpful. There may be a possibility that I will able to house site for a couple while they are on vacation. That would be my best option, and then I have more funds to hire a private driver to see the towns I would like to see. So....for now, I will hold off making reservations until I find a definite invitation to house site, or not. Having 2 weeks to look around, and get a feel of the area will be such a trill for me. I feel my research has given me such a great head start. I remember going to Italy for 3 years in the mid 70's, with no idea what to expect or what we would face for housing, shopping, or day care for my pre-schooler. I felt through each incident, one at a time, enjoyed my stay, and was sad to leave when our tour was over. In some ways, it truly was an adventure, but my trip to CR, will be the high light of this year for me. Well, one of the high lights, along with my new grand daughter born Aug. 21, and the family reunion I had with my siblings in Montana, June 2006. This trip will give me the true adventure I desire in my life at this point. Retiring last year was not suppose to be a huge change in my life, but ended up being that when I decided to open my own business instead of accepting a job with a contractor at my old job. I don't have any regrets, just think it is time to find a new way to live and enjoy my life. Things will go much faster now, as the date is only 2 months away and I will be in CR. Can't wait......

August 15, 2006

2006-08-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it seems as though time flies by, and other times it goes so slowly. I am more anxious to visit Costa Rica as time passes. My brother and his wife have decided not to go, so it will just be my life long friend and I traveling. I want to visit as many places that I can during this trip, so I have a good idea what CR is like. I am enjoying the emails I have received from people living in CR. Everyone has been most helpful, answering my questions and giving me information which will be most useful as we travel. It is frightening, to some degree, stepping out of my comfort zone to try a new adventure. Having lived in Italy, many years ago, I am not as frightened about going to another country. I will miss family and friends, but know that I will make new friends and become close as family with some of them. What a great place for my family and friends to have to go for a vacation to visit me also. I am practicing Spanish, and hope to be able to at least know what to ask for when I need help.

April 10, 2006 Costa Rica again.

2006-04-10T15:31:00.000-05:00

I have been doing more research and reading blogs others have written about Costa Rica. I am somewhat disappointed that there are not more expats with blogs. Mostly I see vacation blogs, which are about the sites they visited and how sick they are after drinking too much. If you are an expat in CR, and read this, please write to me and let me know your take. There is one blog which has many sites and a lot of info about CR, Crazy Jungle, and I have read most of his links and info. I would like to connect with someone who is there so that when I visit in November I will have some expats to look up.
My friends all have been wishing me the best when I do move there, but I can't help but feel like they think I have left my senses. I know I will be fine, and am very capable of making new friends and enjoying myself just the same there. I have 2 small dogs, and will bring them when I make the move. They are my faithful companions, and give me great pleasure playing with them.
I am considering hiring a taxi instead of renting a car when I want to see the towns outside of San Jose' in the Central Valley. Do you have any experience with either the rentals or the taxis when touring? Let me know if you have.

March 2006, The Planning Begins

2006-03-22T17:32:00.000-06:00

This is the planning stage of this journey. On Feb 22, 2006, I heard a broadcast on NPR, Retiring Abroad.
http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2006/02/20060222_b_main.asp

I took an early retirement in April of 2005, and really learned what work is. I opened my own business. It has been 24/7 since. After hearing the broadcast, I could see leaving this all behind one day, hopefully not too far in the future. I may even be able to convince my brother, Darrell, and his wife, Kelly, to do the same thing. Seems I can't get the thought of moving to Costa Rica out of my mind. I have searched the web and read numerous blogs, and have purchased 7 or more books, at this point. Now it is time to start planning a trip. Darrell, Kelly, and I are planning to take a trip to CR in Nov 2006. Oh, did I mention I had 4 semesters of Spanish in college, 20+ years ago, and have a course with CDs on order to give myself a refresher. I think I am getting serious about this, wouldn't you say? I wanted to record the process, so a blog seems a good way to do that.