My first invitation, but not quite a party.

This morning Gerardo and two of his sisters came over and he used my translate program but nothing made much sense. I was being invited to the youngest sister's house for coffee at 3:00pm. The lady upstairs explained it was a going away coffee for her and I could go with her. Gerardo started drawing me a map on the porch floor but once we got past 2 blocks behind his store, the details kinda got lost so I was glad to have someone to go with because I had no idea where I was going. He is very talented but maps and directions don't rank high among those talents.

So, at 3:00pm here I sit, all dressed up, ready to go. It is quiet as can be, an indication everyone else was already gone so I figured I had been forgotten. About 3:10 Ana came thru the front gate to get me. It is lucky I didn't try and find it myself, I would still be wondering around. I did however, I think, find the entrance to the nursery I have been looking for so one day soon I will head back that way.

It turned out it was not a going away party for the lady upstairs but a prayer service.

Gerardo's mother died 10 months ago today. For the first year, on the anniversary of the death, each month they get together and say the rosary and other prayers. There was a large picture of her and Johana sat facing the picture and lead the prayers. Some of the people were in the house, some outside on the covered porch. On the one year anniversary it is all more elaborate and goes on for most of the day.

Coffee turned out to be plates of potato chips and chicken rice, rolls, a sweet bread and rice pudding for dessert. There were probably 25 - 30 people altogether and I asked how much rice it took to make the chicken rice for that many. Apparently Ana made it and I was told 3 pounds. Everything was really good and I was given a to go bag for the bread. Pretty soon everyone was given to go bags. 

Now the exciting news. New Years Eve is a big deal here. Tamales are made and fireworks, along with other festivities. I have been invited to spend it with them. 

I think this sister's name is Dorita - I will get them all memorized sooner or later. She was showing me around her property and explained she has chickens so I start asking about plumas and show her the dream catchers. Well, she hands me a beautiful feather. Turns out Grandpa - Gerardo's father - has a bird that he brings in. Big bird in a big cage and they will save feathers from the bird and the chickens.

It just keeps getting better and better.

I met one of Gerardo's ex wives and a daughter or two and more sisters and his father. A lovely family.

If it is decent tomorrow I will check out the pools here in town. I am not sure yet if they are inside or out so I may have to wear a tee shirt over my suit. The sunburn is getting better but now I have started peeling so I am real cute.

I don't know what this is but I want some.

This is the picture of Gerardo's mother.

I did ask Dorita - thru someone else of course - what color dream catcher she wants. Without a second hesitation she said red. When I go to Cartago on Wednesday I will pick up what I need. I do have red feathers.