Life goes on in Orosi.

I was told it was gray and overcast and raining the whole time I was gone but it has been sun shiny and beautiful since I got back. On Sunday I took stockings full of goodies to Emilio and his mother and on Monday the Canadians and I made a trip into Cartago. We met Emilio there and had a fun day. The gardens at the ruins were open and the animals around the nativity were live. We then went on to visit Ziomara and take her a stocking of goodies. I had also given them to Ana and Tia. I still have them for Gerardo and Dora and Marta. In Cartago we went to the Feria, had coffee in a wonderful pastry shop and walked to the Basilica. It was very busy all over as school is out and a lot of people are off work this week. We had a great lunch and then headed back to Orosi. 

Tuesday morning Debbie and I went to the pools for a couple hours. Again, they were very, very busy and if you were a kid you were having a great time. Maybe it will have quieted down next week although the kids are out of school until mid February.

In the afternoon I passed out chocolates (fudge) all around town and paid my rent for the next 3 months.

Wednesday is massage day this week and I am done and Debbie is having hers now. 

We have been taking turns cooking. We had chicken from Christmas on Sunday, beef from the cockpot on Monday, smoked pork chops last night and tonight will be Eggplant Parmigiana with ground beef. It has all been great and fun to take turns. I opened the can of whole berry cranberry sauce I bought and cut up Mandarinas and squeezed in some orange juice and it was a big hit. Today I need to buy ingredients for a salad to go with the eggplant. I made biscuits last night but they were definitely not my best. I don't know which ingredient wasn't working. Have to try a different recipe next time.

I have a dreamcatcher class lined up for Monday at 2:00pm. The man who does all the yard work and tree trimming kept trying to talk with me but I had no idea what I was agreeing to. He is the nicest man and I think he is one of Gerardo's brothers. This morning Otto translated for me and it turns out his Senora wants to come to the next class. I said there could be 5 ladies. Now I need to check my supplies. I think I need ribbon and thread but I have plenty of beads and feathers. I will have to come up with a snack and see if Emilio is available to translate.

All of the fallen area along the soccer field has been taken away and the rest of the wall has been trimmed. Trees have been trimmed and I have some great guayaba branches to use to hang the sheer curtains over my doorways. Can't wait to get that done.

I brought my recipe and now have all the ingredients for Tom and Jerry drinks for New Years. I hope the batter turns out. I remember them from when I was little and we only got hot water, no rum and brandy.

New Years Eve is supposed to be a big deal with fireworks and everything so we will see what tomorrow brings. I hate to see this year end it has been so wonderful! I can't imagine how next year could be better!

At the ruins.

The cleared wall.

One of my Bougainvilleas in bloom again.

I am back in Orosi.

What a great trip it was! The only bad thing is Heather wasn't feeling well. Hopefully the trip here in January will help.

Christmas at the Reamses was great and I received lots of great chocolates to bring back with me. Dinner was honey baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, asparagus salad, cranberry sauce, rolls both gluten free and regular and a wild rice casserole. Desserts were Sherry's pumpkin and also pecan pies with gluten free crusts. They are more complicated than regular crusts but taste great. I also brought a tray of what I had baked and the Muddy Buddies. Elizabeth especially likes them. We each took turns saying what we are thankful for. My list went on and on. 

We weren't sure Heather and Kent would be feeling good enough to drive me to Chicago - almost 3 hours so we had a backup plan for me to take the shuttle bus which stops about 20 minutes from their house and would take me right to Midway. I would have had to catch it at 7:15am and it would have been tricky with all my luggage. Heather was feeling good enough to drive so we left at 8:45am and arrived before noon without any major delays. I got in line and made it through checkin without any problems. The bags were 47.5 pounds and 49.5 so I didn't have to juggle anything. It was great to be down to my carry on and my red bag. 

I did have something new happen going thru security. When I got out of the scanner they stopped me and asked me to take out whatever was in my back pocket. There wasn't anything. Then they used a paper tab and swabbed the palms of my hands and put the paper in a machine. They opened my carry on and swabbed the cooler with the butter and insulin and tested that swab. Everything came out fine and away I went.

It was a short walk to the gate. The airport was very busy and long lines at all the restaurants and restrooms. When we arrived in Houston Hobby airport, Calvin was waiting to take me to the other gate. What a nice man! We chatted all the way. He is not a fan of cold weather! He thinks after I get my tamale making lesson I should bring some back to Calvin in Houston. I asked him if he likes chocolate as well as tamales and gave him a couple of my wonderful chocolates.

It looked like we would be leaving right on schedule but once we got on board we learned they needed a few minutes to fix a broken landing light. It only took a few minutes but the paperwork took over a half hour so we were late.

One of the things that was great is with Southwest, if you have transfer assistance, you board first and have a choice of any seat except the exit row. I sat in the 2nd and 3rd row so it was quick getting off.

I was met at the airplane in San Jose by a man with a sign with my name and he was just great. Down in the elevator, to the handicap lane which has no line and out to baggage. The luggage seemed to take forever but finally it came. I showed him the pictures of my bags and he got them with no problem. He hooked them together and pushed me with one hand and pulled them with the other hand. I am sure it was quite a sight.

Jose was right outside and we headed for the car where Gloriana and his son were waiting. I pulled out the chocolates and gave some to everyone. Jose enjoyed them all the way home. 

I have had a good nights sleep. The sun is shining. I may just have to fill one of my new big cups and sit out on the porch. It is good to be back.

Heather wondered if they were as big as my big cup. Pretty close. One says every little thing is gonna be alright and the other one says never apologize for who you are.

The best of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Merry Christmas

To those who read this but don't follow along on Facebook. The baking is done, most of it without mishap. The last oven full of cinnamon bread did run over a bit and smoke up the house. Thank heavens it is mild out cuz we had all the windows open. 

I have done some juggling and I think my suitcases are ready. I won't be bringing my sewing machine. It is in one of the suitcases Heather is bringing the end of Jan.

We leave here at 9:00am to drive to Chicago tomorrow morning for me to catch Southwest. I am scheduled to arrive in San Jose at 10:00pm. Hopefully there won't be any major complications or delays. I have been hearing horror stories about problems and days the last few days. Jose will be there too pick me up fo the drive back to Orosi.

It has been a good, fun trip. Next trip Oregon in March. No snow this trip in either Minnesota or Wisconsin.

I am back in Wisconsin

What a fun weekend. I headed out about 8:30 Saturday morning with Kent taking me to the airport to pick up my car. It ended up being a cute, bright red Ford Focus. Off I went and my first stop was Perkins in Tomah for Potato Pancakes and bacon. Good bacon is one thing I do miss. Traffic wasn't bad and the roads were clear. I got to Hutch about 3:30 and stopped at Shopko to talk to the pharmacy and then headed to the theatre to say hello to Red and Linda and drop off goodies. Next stop was DuWayne and Roz's house where I stayed.

It was great to see them again. Dinner was homemade chicken noodle soup, cinnamon bread and goodies. I had only put a few in their container so I got another container ad emptied it in. Roz really liked the coconut balls and DuWayne seemed to like them all.

Father was very surprised to see me Sunday morning. I keep popping back up. I stopped and talked with Don and Bonny Hartung who said they really want to visit Costa Rica. I told them to come on down, my bedroom is available.

Lunch was crispers at Main Street Bar and Grill and then a trip to WalMart to pick up some things. back to the theatre to spend a couple hours with Linda and then I swung by Tokyo Grill to pick up 2 dinners for the three of us to share. One was shrimp and scallops and the other was salmon and scallops. We don't really like the soup but everything else was great.

Monday morning I left about 9:00am and stopped at both my banks, then Shopko to pick up prescriptions, a little visit at Bursch Travel, Runnings and Menards to look for a hammock kit (no luck) and off I went. When I got to Chanhassan I called my aunt to see if they were available for a half hour visit. They were so I headed for St. Paul. I was down to one small loaf of cinnamon bread. You know me - once I get started talking I can't stop. They served me lunch and I talked away and the next thing you knew it was 2 hours later. It was great though.

Heather was meeting me at the airport and with only a few wrong turns I got there about 7:00pm. Signage isn't great and of course it was dark. The guys at Enterprise are so nice.

Lots to do the next few days. The spritz cookies and English toffee are pretty much gone and I need to make more cinnamon bread and muddy buddies. Some shopping to do, 6 suitcases to fill. Plenty to keep me busy. Looks like I only need to make the mashed potatoes for Christmas dinner so that makes it easy. I do still need to put my gifts together. They are quite simple this year. Some are cinnamon bread and guayaba jelly. No tamales!

We have goodies

I am done for the day and have all the goodies I need to take with me tomorrow. We have fudge, Mounds Balls, English toffee, cinnamon bread, frosted and plain coconut macaroons, spritz cookies sugared and plain. When I get back I will be making more bread and muddy buddies and anything else I run out of this weekend. Now I have to divide some up into containers and I will be set.

Fudge and Mounds Balls and English Toffee.

Peasant bread for Heather, sugared spritz and frosted coconut macaroons, plain macaroons.

Plain spritz and cinnamon bread.

My plans have changed a bit.

I have been invited, along with my goodies, to spend a couple nights with friends in Hutchinson so I have rented a car to leave here Saturday morning and come back Monday evening. The bit about the goodies was a joke but you know me and goodies. Have chocolate will travel. I started the baking/cooking today. I made a pan of fudge, a pan of English Toffee and Mounds Balls. Poor Heather ran all over for melting chocolate. It isn't near as easy to find as in Costa Rica. She got it at the same place I got the candy molds.

Tomorrow I will make coconut macaroons and Amish Cinnamon bread. I also have guayaba jelly to bring along. 

It will be a long drive for a couple days - 6 hours each way but it will be fun to see old friends again. Yes R and L I am coming to see you too - with goodies!

I am here

It took me from 8:00am leaving Orosi until 12:08am arriving in Madison. Long, long day. Out of Chicago we were late because there were 2000 extra pounds of fuel on the aircraft. They had to either take it off or 11 of the passengers. When we got to Heather's it was like Christmas with 3 months worth of mail and packages. It is now 1:00am and everything I touch makes noise. I was scolded and had to wait until morning. 

Yesterday was a pretty quiet day. We picked up Kind bars as requested and went to a couple areas to take pictures for an appraisal Kent was doing. Waunakee is the cutest city. I had not been there before.

Dinner was from the Kopp's Deli. They have such a good assortment. We each had something different, mine was Shephard's Pie. We did buy everything for the crockpot chicken, potatoes and green beans. That may be tonight's dinner. We also decided what baking I will do. Heather wants Spritz Cookies. I will also do English Toffee, Mounds Balls, Coconut Macaroons and Muddy Buddies - the gluten free version of Puppy Chow.

We are still working on who will do what for Christmas. I may be doing dressing and garlic mashed potatoes.

I still have some Christmas shopping to do. I did bring guayaba jelly with me to include with the gifts. I also want to make some of the cinnamon bread. I also have shopping to do for things I want to bring back with me. And 6 suitcases to pack up, and business to take care of. Busy week ahead.

Just a tip for you travelers, I take a picture of my suitcase before I leave. That way if it doesn't show up I can easily show what it looks like. Or, if I have baggage handlers they can easily find it. I make sure it has something on it to easily identify it from all the other bags that look just like it.

Lots to do my last day here

I fly to Madison tomorrow for the Christmas Holiday and will return on the 26th. Today was a busy day. My cholocates were made but I started with 2 loaves of Papaya Raisin bread, 2 loaves of Nutella Banana bread, 3 loaves of Amish Cinnamon bread and a loaf of Peasant bread. 6 loaves were to go with all the containers in the suitcase for the Indian coffee pickers who live way back in the mountains in Southern Costa Rica and come to pick coffee. They do not speak Spanish but some dialect. I emailed Jose to see if I should make one of the wooden trees and he said it was up to me but would be very nice so I got busy and made one. I filled all the containers with one coconut ball and 6 pieces of fudge. I still have enough left for the Christmas party here. I told Jose I would have it all ready at 2:30pm. He is so prompt. When he got here I was prepared to tell him I would love to come along and I would just stay in the car and not take pictures if that worked better. I told him and there was no argument. Sure, come along. Debbie was invited to join us. We were very pleased and interested.

First we stopped at the restaurant/bar by the river operated by a couple from Georgia. They were having a party for about 50 local kids. I met Audrey and said I would love to be involved next year. We continued up the road to coffee fields and the place where the workers stay. Harvest is from November thru January. The kids are on school break so they don't go to school here and since they don't speak Spanish they don't really mix with the locals. Jose works hard every year to gather things for them. We got out and Jose asked Debbie and I to hand out the containers and he gave them the bread. I am not even sure they knew what we were giving them but I hope they enjoy them.

We gave one to each person and Jose kept the rest for another group that wouldn't be home for an hour. It felt good.

Now I have to clean out the perishables and finish packing and get ready to leave at 8:00am tomorrow. My flight doesn't leave until 1:30 tomorrow but traffic is so terrible this time of year we are allowing plenty of time. It will be 11:30pm by the time I get to Madison.

The packed suitcase.

Debbie handing out goodies.

My turn.

One for the man sitting across the road.

Jose helping.

Can you say PARTY!

John and Debbie were supplying chips and dip for the tables at the Christmas Party today and we decided to make the dip from what we could find in my refrigerator so I wouldn't have to throw it away when I leave on Tuesday. I got out the container of black beans and we chopped up onions and cucumbers, added some minced garlic, chopped up chilies and salsa Inglesa. The only thing I didn't have was tomatoes so we sent John off to the store. We cut those up and added them to the bowl. We put it all in the blender in batches, leaving little chunks. We decided to add the juice of a lemon and ended up with lots. We refrigerated it and took part of it with us along with their 10 bags of chips.

I brought crackers to go with the chips and a big container of chocolates. I had 3 kinds of fudge, one with nuts on top, one with marshmallows on top and one with coconut on top and almond extract instead of vanilla. I also had enough Mounds balls for everyone.

When we got there, about 11:30am everyone was outside with a dj and music and dancing away. We took the food in and helped dish up small plates for each person. It didn't take long for John and Debbie to get involved in the dancing and Debbie even won a prize for the dance contest she was in. 

At 12:30 Emilio got there with a car load of pizzas. He had supplied the center with the ingredients for a lovely salad of lettuce, tomatoes and shredded carrots. There were 10 large supreme pizzas and two extra for the staff. Usually they are cut with 12 pieces but he cut them with 8 so each piece was larger. The plates were dished up and everyone moved inside. We had enough that anyone who wanted got a second piece. Pretty much everyone who got one took it home for afternoon snack. When they were done I got out the chocolate container and passed treats out to everyone. Cake and ice cream was served and a little more dancing.

Everyone came back inside and were given Christmas gifts. They consisted of 3 bags. One had fruit, one was chips and candy and treats and I am not sure what was in the 3rd bag as it was a decorated white paper bag that I couldn't see through. Emilio and I helped pass them out.

It was a good fun day and I enjoyed every minute. Thank you to John and Debbie for participating and for splitting the cost of the pizza with me.

Tomorrow morning we are off to the feria on the 9:15am bus and also to check for a toaster oven for them. We will call Emilio when we get on the bus and he will meet us there. We will see where else we end up.

John and Debbie participating in a dance.

Debbie and her prize.

Lunch.

John getting one last dance in.

A wonderful morning at the pools.

After lots of coffee, Debbie and I caught the bus to the pools. We went thru the Super to get to the bus stop and I introduced her to everyone I could. The pools weren't really busy. We were able to get a table for our stuff. We started out in the warm pool, then the hot one then the cold one. Then we headed back to the warm one, then the hot one again. The weather was beautiful  and we stayed until about 1:00pm then took the bus home. John spent his time here at La Quinta.

The afternoon included a trip to the Super so they could get what they needed and then we headed for the pizza shop. We stayed and chatted and figured out what we wanted and John took the groceries home and put them away and then came back to join us. It was great and we spent time talking with Emilio. I had asked him to contact Janet because John and Debbie wanted to do something for the Christmas party. He had called her and she suggested chips and dip for on the tables as an appetizer. I will be bringing fudge and Mounds Balls and Ziomara is bringing something also. With salad and pizza it should be quite a party. 

Saturday morning we are going to the feria in Paraiso for fruit and vegetables to supplement what they have picked off the trees. They also found 3 Mandarinas on their wall from either Ana or Tia. We used the picker and got oranges and picked some Limon dulce from the tree at the end of the soccer field.

Life is good in Orosi.

Tomorrow I will make more cookies and fudge. Thursday was supposed to be massage day but Otto had an accident on a bike and hurt his shoulder. He will come a week from Thursday and give Debbie a massage but I will be at Heather's so I will wait until the 30th for mine.

We are home.

Their flight was on time but there were so many flights coming in at the same time that it took over an hour for them to come out. The day was beautiful and traffic wasn't too bad. We drove by the Basilica in Cartago and stopped at the ATM in Paraiso. Our first stop in Orosi was the Appliance store where Gerardo met us and they worked out the rent and I gave out the rest of the fudge I had with me. It was a big hit even though it was very soft from having been in the car all day. Next stop was La Quinta. We were all hungry and the crock pot of food was smelling very good. I came to my house and heated up the beans to go with it as Gerardo and Jose showed them around. It was so nice to be able to sit down and eat without a lot of work. They had a very long day so we called it quits quite early.

Tomorrow morning we are off to the pools. I am so looking forward to a winter of fun!

We have trees all over town

Friday was class day at the senior center. I think the word was spread because the place was full. Newspaper was put on the tables and  several people helped pass out the glue and the trees and the decorations. Some of the workers and the therapists and Emilio and I helped get them started. I explained there was no right or wrong way. It was what ever they liked. We ended up one tree short so I said I would make one and take it to the pizza shop and the man could pick it up today. 

They really enjoyed themselves and were very proud of their trees. It was good hand exercise. We didn't stay for lunch because Emilio needed to get to the pizza shop. This is a very busy time for them. People are receiving their bonus from the government and are treating themselves to pizza. I had started a meal in the crock pot so about 1:30 I took lunch to him. When I went to deliver the tree later in the afternoon he gave me back the containers and his mother came out and laughed saying they have 10 of my small containers at their house.

Today was a rainy, quiet, at home day. I did laundry and made a double batch of the Mounds Balls and defrosted the freezer. It has needed it for a while. I plan to take cookies to the Christmas party at the senior center on Friday so I will be baking a lot this week. Between the members and the staff and visitors they are planning for about 60. Ziomara happens to be off that day and is coming for the party. They will be happy to see her again. I also am way past due taking cookies around town and it will be my last chance before I leave on the 15th. I haven't even taken them to the new hardware store yet. I have lots and lots of chocolate and chocolate chips so I will figure out something yummy.

The other night I finally caught Gerardo and gave him his after dinner drink from Thanksgiving. He left early and missed it. For the first time since I got here he seemed exhausted. I think he enjoyed sitting quiet on the porch, sipping the liqueur without his phone ringing or anyone wanting anything - for 10 minutes and then he was off running again.

Tomorrow after church I will make some bread after I pick up the supplies I need and the ingredients for the crock pot. 

Monday is an airport day which will take most of the day. It is about 2 hours from here, depending on traffic. Tuesday will be back to the pools and I think I have agreed to a dreamcatcher class for 1 on Wednesday. I need to check with Emilio. It is for one of the ladies from the senior center who missed the other one. Maybe Debbie will join us. Thursday is my massage. My goodness I am busy! I love it!

I have gas!

Well, I know that is being a little blunt. What I mean is I have propane! Gerardo delivered it this morning so I am all set to get back to cooking and baking. I need to melt some chocolate for the coconut cookies. I don't have a one in the house. I have papaya and some drunk raisins so I can make more fruit bread.

I just checked around and the Bougainville are doing so well. Also I have two new hydrangea flowers. I still have to figure out where to plant the red flower from Dora. My white Christmas cactus has buds all over it. The aloe and Christmas cactus that Heather brought me are doing great.

It is so quiet and still and beautiful here this morning. No dogs or cats or roosters making noise. No one on the street. It will soon change and I will like that part also but for now it is wonderful.

I am famous in Orosi!

Yesterday morning was the pools. Two of three were closed so it was just the one that is normally cold. They were piping in the hot water so it was warm, but quite busy. Next week the other ones will be open again. 

We decided to try the Orosi Lodge for lunch but it turned out they don't really serve lunch. They have great dessert options and a couple breakfast options they serve all day. We decided to come back another day for dessert. Instead we headed for a small soda across from the soccer field that advertised hamburgers. Emilio said his was really good and I had fish which was great.

Today I took off about 9:15am for Cartago and picked up a few things and had some lunch and headed back. I spent part of the afternoon getting the apt. ready for John and Debbie. Their bed is all made and before they get here we will move one of my green love seats into the sitting area and the tv into the bedroom. I switched a couple of the chairs in the patio area for something softer. Sunday I will bake bread and put coffee, milk, sugar, butter, jelly and dish soap in there and Monday I will put a crock pot of chicken, potatoes and green beans in there so it is ready when we get here from the airport. Jose will pick me up at 10:45. I am making a sign like I did for Heather and Courtney. Gerardo will need to bring the gas grill from the mountain house as John likes to cook on the grill and I have promised Emilio hamburgers.

So, late this afternoon I headed to the Super. Since the back door was open I took my cart back and started in the misc. area to get the poster board. One of the regulars was working and talking to a man. Seemed to be a vendor, not a customer. When I came up to the register he said to me in English "do you sell your cookies?" I said no, I just give them away. He said the clerk had been telling him how good they are. It was so fun and made me feel so good.

Tomorrow the neighborhood ladies will be back with the finished trees, or to finish what isn't done. They are bringing the snack. I have all the decorating kits done with plenty left over for a tree for Debbie. I gave Emilio the dowels to cut up for me so I can make somemore trees.

We are already thinking of the next craft. Something for Valentine's Day probably. I found a heart of fleece that you tie the layers together around the edges and stuff for a pillow. I want something they can use afterwards. 

Friday is the class at the senior center and the 11th is the Christmas party there. Should be fun.

Another successful class

The party room was all set up with the tables in a square and 3 people at each table with a kit at each place. I had a seperate food table and I had also brought all the kits for Friday. Emilio called at 1:47 to say he was in Cartago and would be here soon. I knew that meant at least 45 minutes and I would need to start without him. Thank heavens it was the neighborhood ladies and they are used to my sign language. It was 2:15 and no one was here and I kept telling myself this is Costa Rica. Time is different here. A few minutes later people started coming and soon we had a full house. I went from person to person showing them how to do the knots and then I would go back and look and say bien, bien, mal and that one would have to come out. We did a lot of laughing.

I turned the oven on about 2:30 for the artichoke dip which had to cook about 20 minutes. I put it in and when I came back to get it out the oven was not on. I had been so afraid I would run out of propane on Thanksgiving but thank heavens it waited until today. It was warm and starting to brown so I popped it in the microwave for a few minutes to make sure it was hot. I had a bowl of bread slices, a bowl of chips and a bowl of crackers to go with the dip. I had a bowl of pickles and a bowl of papaya and a couple cut up apples. One of the ladies brought a plate of I think fried cheese sticks. It was a feast. I also had lemon bars. They loved the pickles and the dip and everyone wanted the recipes. I love that! I also heard Emilio explaining the recipe for the chickens as he really liked it and made it for his family yesterday. There were a couple pieces of papaya left and that was it.

At the end I asked Emilio to explain I had a favor to ask and explained I needed to have 40 trees made by Friday and would they be willing to come back one afternoon this week and help or take some kits home and bring them back made. First they decided Thursday at 1:00pm and they would bring the snack. Then they decided they would stay until 5:00pm. They got 19 made today and took all the rest with them. Now I only have to finish putting together the bags of decoration for them to attach to the trees. 

I made a crock pot of beans today and they are so good. I sautéed carrots, onions, garlic and cut up bacon left from the chickens and added that to the pot of beans along with thyme. I used up the pitcher of vegetable broth I had made and finished off with chicken broth. Left them to cook all day and just had a dish. 

Tomorrow morning is back to the pools which should help my back and legs. Tonight I need to clean up my kitchen.

The finished products.

Lazy day

I did 3 loads of laundry this morning getting all my towels and rags from Thanksgiving and my massage cleaned and hanging on the line to dry. I took a glass of hydrangea to Tia and Ana was there. She told me she had taken some dessert with her and gave some to her son. He loved the pumpkin log. As he was eating he said Mama no, la Senora si. She is an excellent cook but maybe dessert isn't her thing or it was different from what they usually have. I thought it was cute. This afternoon I took the vases and a hydrangea to the pizza shop. Emilio told me he liked the chickens so much he is going to make one this week the same way. And could he please have some cranberry sauce if I had some left. I will take it over tomorrow. He had never tried it before with chicken and loved it. And, could I please give him the lemon bars recipe and how did I make the cranberry sauce. Usually you use oranges but I couldn't find the picker so I used Limon dulce which is a sweet lemon and is usually just eaten like an orange. I guess it was the right choice. I love it when people like my cooking enough to ask for recipes. I have lemon juice left and zest so I may make another pan of lemon bars for the class on Monday. I have to figure out something for snack. I think I will see if there is a recipe for artichoke dip without the spinach as I have 2 cans of artichokes.

I decided today to book a trip to Oregon in March and Heather is talking about coming back in late March or early April besides being here in January. It was a good day. 

Let's see if I can make it to church and back tomorrow without falling. I learned the other day that one of my biggest cookie fans at the Super is one of the owners. How fun! He also speaks quite a bit of English. I have been so fortunate in finding English speaking people to help me. If I didn't mention it before, Emilio did a great job of translating my grace. As a couple people at the table told me, translating is definitely not easy. Hearing one language and changing it in your head to say the other language. He had studied it in advance to make sure he had it right and I did my best not to change the wording, or at least the meaning.

Emilio's father didn't come to the dinner but we prepared a large plate of food for him. I asked Emilio if he liked it and he said oh yes, but he really loved the lemon bars. 

It was cold today, now and then. I know, how can I complain! I live in Paradise. I actually put a sweater on and I loved it. I guess this was my winter!

I had leftover salad ant green beans and some uncooked potatoes so I decided to make a hamburger pie for dinner. I had a package of spaghetti sauce so I didn't need to go buy anything. It was so good and I have enough for a couple more meals.

Now I just have to figure out where I am going to store all the glasses and tin cups and trays and bowls. The couple cupboards I have are already full. I have my priorities - chocolate and coconut you know!

My presents.

I may get grumpy more often if I get roses. Wonder how often that will work?

See, a sweater!

What a beautiful way to open a business!

As you may remember, today was Opening Day for Gerardo's new hardware store. I walked there for the 9:00am Mass as it is only two blocks away. It was 9:30 when it finally started. The building is enormous with two levels and a ramp to get to the second level for freight or handicapped people. The main area was set up for church with family, friends and all the people from the senior center. The music was great and Father was dancing as he was getting set up. After Mass Father blessed everyone and everything he could including the workers out on the street waiting to get busy. We went on a tour of the entire building and then back down to the church area. But, church was over and now the music was dance music. And lots of people did dance! Lunch was served. It was a fruit drink, chicken fried rice, salad and chips. Ana, Gerardo's sister, did all the cooking starting after my party yesterday. She was preparing for about 200. 

Gerardo brought out a framed picture he had made from his father's 90th birthday party. It is a great picture. Papa was there and spent time dancing. 

I sat with Dona Alicia and her friend and later moved to sit by Tia. So many people greeted me. People from the senior center and family. I love that I now know and recognize so many and they recognize me. I think Dona Alicia asked me how I did the sweet potatoes but I could be making that up. When Emilio is around on Dec. 4th we will ask her.

I left just after noon and I believe they opened to the public at 1:00pm. I had my massage scheduled for 1:00. I moved it from 10:00am because I wasn't sure how long the event would last.

Otto wasn't able to come yesterday because he was working. I had cooked up some wild rice in vegetable broth and most of it went in the dressing but I kept some out for him and I gave it to him today. I think the massage really helped and I am feeling much better. I have a couple quiet days ahead before the class on Monday, the pools on Tuesday and the class on Friday. Then the next Monday the Canadians get here and 8 days later I fly back to Wisconsin for Christmas. I hope to get some baking done before that. I will also do a bunch at Heather's. English Toffee and Coconut Macaroons and Chocolate covered Coconut Balls for sure.

It was very obvious Gerardo was in charge in his quiet unassuming way. He was aware of everything going on and the employees all had an eye on him. If he looked at someone and made a motion they responded and did whatever he wanted. It was neat to watch. One of his daughters seems to be very involved, like a right hand, and it was her who cut the ribbon to the ramp. Her name is Sylvia and she is very nice.

Another good day in Paradise. Just a short rain late this afternoon.

The front.

Papa likes to dance.

This is almost life size.

Gerardo telling about the ramp.

I am back with a report.

The last couple days were busy with cooking and shopping and decorating napkins and making place cards. Early this morning Gerardo brought me about 10 beautiful hydrangea from the mountain house and Emilio did the arranging.  Numbers keep changing and I ended up with 19 so I kept adding places at the tables. I must be an official Tica now because dinner was late. Once everything was done I went out to greet everyone and once everyone was seated I explained I would like to say grace and Emilio translated for me. It was easier writing and thinking the grace than saying it out loud. I got choked up.

We left and I dished up the soup in the little tin cups. People commented because the tin cups are such a part of Costa Rican history. Emilio and his mother were so much help. After the soup came the salad, then the other dishes then the chicken, which Emilio cooked at the pizza shop. They were stuffed with garlic, lemon and thyme. Bacon was laid over the entire ch Ickes for the first hour and then taken off for the last half hour. I think 4 were just right. QThe hit of the meal was the dressing. Emilio had turned his nose up when I told him what was in it. They loved it. It is not something they are used to having and I made it with chorizo sausage, Minnesota Wild rice and apples besides celery, carrots, onions, bread, chicken broth and seasonings. I did it in the crock pot and it was nice and moist. The other favorite was the sweet potatoes. Here they usually just steam them and the recipe I used was butter in a frypan, sliced sweet potatoes and a topping of sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. I didn't have any mashed potatoes but I was told they were very good with garlic, butter, half and half and Parmesan cheese. I ended up not making gravy but it wasn't missed. The cranberry sauce was a hit also and the pickles.

Dessert was the world's best lemon bars, pumpkin roll and chocolate coconut balls. With dessert I served shots of Amarula which is a South African liqueur.

It was a lovely dinner and when it was over people pitched right in and did clean up and dishes. The only leftovers I have are salad and green beans. I gave anything else away. I did tell them next year it will be potluck.

I did not know when I invited Gerardo and his family that tomorrow is the grand opening of his new enormous hardware store so I really appreciate all the time they gave me today. For most of the people it was their first Thanksgiving celebration. I was happy to be part of it.

Tomorrow I am invited to the opening at 9:00am and my massage is scheduled for 10:00am so I will see if I can change it to 11:00am. It has been a long week and I ache all over and need it.

I usually cooked Thnksgiving dinner because I loved the smells but since I worked the next day I stayed home and ate alone. Except last year when Heather and Kent came. This year was lots more fun than being alone.

I was short tempered Thursday morning because everything wasn't going exactly as I planned. Emilio brought me roses to help me feel better. I got 3 other presents. Two pair of earrings and a blue bowl and plate, the start of my happy dishes, and a kitchen towel. 

Do we have dishes - and chickens!

On the way home from church, where my very favorite group was singing, I decided to pick up a couple things at the other grocery store. You can't walk anyplace in Costa Rica without looking down as everything is uneven with holes. Well you guessed it, I wasn't looking close enough and there was a tiny step and I tripped on it and there wasn't anything to catch on to so I went flat. I am sure the story went all over Orosi of the gringa that fell flat as entering the store. A nice young man came and helped me up and brought me back my umbrella. Besides my pride, the only thing scraped up is my right knee. In the afternoon I spent some time at the Pizzarea. I bought two lottery tickets, with help. I think the drawing was last night although I haven't been contacted that I won. Rosa, Emilio's mother was there and started pulling out dishes for me to look at. We have plates, salad plates, dessert plates, cups and saucers, big bowl to make salad, vases for the hydrangea that Gerardo will bring me from one of the mountain houses, gravy ladles, pans to cook the chickens. I'm excited. It will look so pretty. The man from the meat market was having pizza so Emilio talked with him and ordered the other meat I need. 2 kilos of thin sliced bacon for on top of the chickens and a kilo of ground chorizo for in the dressing. It will be delivered to the pizza shop today.

Today Emilio and I spent the day shopping. I got an apron and decorations for the trees. I think I have enough now for all the kits. We stopped to say hello to Ziomara and then headed for WalMart where we went a little crazy and silly. We had so much fun and bought almost everything that wasn't nailed down. We were both hungry and it turned out it was after 2:00pm. We ended up having lunch there and then went to the meat area where the whole chickens were on sale. It cost $34.00 for the 4 of them. They are good size so I should be in good shape. I found poultry seasoning and ground ginger, Parmesan cheese, and tons of other things. I wanted to get more small spoons but they are either big or so small you just get a drop so we decided people will drink their soup.

We checked out and then had to figure out how to carry everything. We stuffed the red bag full and the brown bag I had and were down to the bags of chickens. I grabbed the brown bag and one bag of chickens and he took the red bag and a bag of chickens. It is quite a walk to the bus stop and it had been raining. We decided to take a taxi to the bus stop in Cartago so we could get on the bus at the beginning. We were concerned it would be full because of the rain if we caught it later on. We were right. The bus was jam packed with people standing in the aisles. At least it wasn't raining when we arrived in Orosi. He took the chickens to the pizza shop and helped me carry everything here.

Tomorrow I will shop here in Orosi and pick up everything else I need. Then the real cooking starts. I want to get everything I can done tomorrow and Wednesday. 

I have written a grace that I will say and he will translate into Spanish. It is Thank you God for the people around these tables who have given so much help and kindness to me. Thank you for the food we have to share. Thank you for the blessings you have given all of us. Amen. I am keeping it short so the food doesn't get cold.

The feria was so much fun!

Thank heaven for Emilio! Keep in mind I was buying ingredients for a meal for 16. No cans, no frozen, all fresh. This is new to me with new recipes and new ingredients. Besides my red bag I had a nylon bag but what I really needed was a cart with wheels. Do you know what 8 sweet potatoes and 3 bags of carrots and 4 bags of green beans and a loaf of bread and 3 bunches of thyme and a bunch of chives and a bag of palmito and 3 rolls of ribbon and a coconut ball and two filled pastries and 2 packages of bells and 2 Christmas stockings weighs? Well, again, thank heaven for Emilio! He ended up carrying his bag and the red bag and I carried the nylon bag. Oh, and 3 bags of spinach.

The fruit I need I should be able to get here in town. Papaya, lots of lemons, Mandarinas and apples. Monday it will be another trip to Cartago. I have to get 3 chickens, ground sausage and bacon. I haven't seen any bacon since I got here. We are going to cook the chickens in the oven at the pizza shop. Mine is too small and it will leave mine free for other things or keeping things warm. I figure I will spend most of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning cooking and setting up the tables. I want to get some flowers. They had beautiful ones at the feria but I was afraid they wouldn't last.

Back to the feria. It was much larger then I expected and there was prepared food and meat as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Everything looked so good and we had several samples. It was like sample day at the grocery store. I will definitely be going back.

I added two stockings to my assortment. I think I am going to use them to put my Christmas gifts in instead of wrapping paper.

I finished up packaging the tree branches together and tonight I will work on doing more bags of decorations. The item I am having trouble finding more of are stars for the tops of the trees. I may have to use sparkly flowers when I run out.

My two new stockings.

I was saying hurry up, these are heavy.

The radishes were really big.

One of the mysteries I haven't figured out is the green onions. It is only the green part, no white onion part. And the celery is not crispy. It is limp. I will cook the palmito in salt water and use it in the salad with the Mandarinas and red onion. 

This is cajeta that Emilio made yesterday. It is sweetened condensed milk, powdered milk and a little butter. A very good sweet treat. You cut thin slices. They were also selling it at the feria and we got samples.