Just a quick photo and off to do chores!

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!!!!

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....

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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....

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

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

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?

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

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

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!

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!!

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!

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?

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...

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.