A few things to think about.

It is the last day of the year and what a year it has been for me. Those of you who have followed along know the kind of adventure I have had. The people, who are now friends, that I have met and that are very much a part of my life. The kindness I and my friends and family have been shown. The opportunities I have had to share the talents I have. The chances I have had to become more the person I want to be. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this year. I hope I have given as much as I have received. I don't know what 2017 will bring but I do know I am better prepared for it because of my life in 2016. I thank, with all my heart, those who were part of my life in 2016. And if 2017 sees changes in my life, know that I will carry you in my heart where ever I go or whatever I do. I wish you all health and happiness and, yes, adventure in the year to come. I wish you love and friendship and peace and contentment. They are all so important.

I hope for a year with cookies galore, people to teach, people to learn from, people to love and tons of adventures. But no falls!

My house is quiet.

My kids are all gone. It was such a fun week having them here. I am so glad they were able to all come and enjoyed each other so much. We had more cold and rain than I would have liked but so far I can't control that. The hot, dry season is just slow in starting all over the country. We made do and I had enough blankets to keep everyone warm at night.

We had a variety of busy, noisy gatherings and quiet times and excursions. Let me go over the week.

Last Wednesday Ligia Sanchez came to go over the scarf for Kathy and get the yarn. The other crochet ladies didn't come because they were busy with tamales. Johanna and her daughter came and then the whole family came and had dinner with us. I made spagetti and salad and garlic bread. 

Thursday was Otto and massages for me and Adriana and then in the afternoon Heather and Adriana and I went with Jose to deliver the Christmas goodies to his people.

Friday was just around Orosi and Saturday was Christmas Eve and Ziomara's family. They were concerned about a 10:00pm dinner and decided we would have Jose pick us up at 11:30 and bring us home because they didn't think they could handle being up late into the night. I made wild rice with peas, a bean casserole and shredded chicken so that with corn tortillas Kent would always have something to eat as he doesn't do gluten. All night at Ziomara's they kept saying "why didn't you tell us there would be so much food!" I also brought all the makings for Tom and Jerrys and gave one to each person. The kids got them without alcohol. There was tons of food and as at any Tico event it kept coming in courses. Kent spent pretty much the whole time with most of the kids gathered around him playing games and speaking Spanish. He has been teaching himself for 2 years and is very good with languages but he doesn't have any opportunities to speak so he has been wanting to spend time in Spanish speaking countries so he would learn more by speaking. With a Spanish teacher in house and all the opportunities he had this trip for extended conversations, he loved it.

Sunday was Christmas and I made the ham Heather and Kent brought me. She loves Honey Baked Ham and was looking at bringing one but with shipping and everything to Madison it would have been about $80.00 for the ham. I told her to go to the deli at Hy Vee and talk to them. She did and taste tested all their ham and ended up getting a pineapple ham for $28.00. Still not cheap but it was a delicious ham that I did in the crock pot with more pineapple and cloves. With mashed potatoes and green beans with bacon and cranberry sauce we had a great dinner. She also brought me 2 more packages of bacon and tons and tons of coconut and chocolate chips - all kinds. Two big packages of fancy cupcake holders also. I know there is more I will remember later. We had things for Ziomara and Katherine and Emilio in the suitcases besides all the yarn and fabric and clothes for the garage sale. I had forgotten about all the kitchen towels I had ordered so I have things for gifts.

Monday Adriana had another massage and then I took her over to meet Tia. Tia had not been out much and when I had seen her the girls were either still sleeping or out eating and wandering the town. I didn't make any effort to cook every meal because they love the sodas and Gallo pinto and casados. After chatting with Tia, Adriana was off to meet Emilio. They had quite a time and since it wasn't a great day for sightseeing and touring they ended up at the Star Wars movie. Ligia Sanchez came with the finished scarf and I gave her more yarn for another one and I was working on another hat as I had finished the first one. We managed to do 2 hats and 2 long scarves during this week even though it was also Christmas and a busy week.

Yesterday, their last day here, they met Johanna when they were out eating and she took them to her house for a long chat. In the afternoon, Ligia Sanchez and the other crochet ladies came and Johanna so we had lots of talking and laughing. Johanna brought fruit cake and I had made a run to the bakery so I had lots for coffee. They made a run out for food later but not much was open. They made an fun discovery. There is a tiny little soda -1 table- in the corner of Gerardo's hardware store. I have rarely seen it open. They ate there and it turned out to be wonderful food. They also ran into Gerardo and were able to say goodbye. We haven't seen much of him as he has been so busy covering for employees absent during the holidays.

I started on the 22nd giving them one gift a day. One day Heather said "do I get a gift today and what about my birthday gift." Her birthday is in November. I took her out on the porch and showed her the bells wind chime and said I bought that for her, if she wants it. She loved it. Christmas Eve I gave them all more gifts and she said "but where is my throw?" I just shrugged my shoulders. I had it packed to take to Ziomara's and have her open when the kids opened their gifts. We weren't there late enough so I brought it back and gave it to her on Christmas Day. She loved it and now we are thinking of one for Adriana. She has a couple things from her mother that I will work into the throw for her and I will have enough cashmere with what I have and what Heather still has. Heather will felt them and then I can bring them down. Adriana will send what she wants me to use to Heather's.

I did get teased a bit. Monday evening it was raining so Heather was saying maybe we could just stay here and have dinner. We had chicken and wild rice and beans and ham. When she got to the ham I made a frowning face and from then on they teased that I had given them as much ham as I was willing to share and I wanted to keep the rest for me. I had also made ham and scrambled eggs for everyone that morning so there wasn't much left. Every time I would say we have ham they would say no, no, no, the rest is for you. I did end up making ham with tortillas and beans for Kent for coffee yesterday.

And that has been our week. Jose picked us up at 7:00pm and we drove them to the hotel by the airport. Adriana's flight was at 7:30 and Heather and Kent's was at 9:00 this morning. Since there wasn't as much luggage I rode along and Jose and I chatted on the way back. He enjoyed them also and joked a lot with them.

It was definitely a week filled with what the season is all about.

I didn't take many pictures. Adriana did. I will include a few.

Kathy's hat set.

The other set we did.

Merry Christmas to all

I know, I have been very bad this week. We have been having a great time and Adriana and Heather and Kent are having such a good time and getting along so well. Christmas last night at Ziomara's  was so great and we went with Jose on Thursday to deliver the 31 containers I prepared. Next year 50. Almost all the baking I did is gone and we just had ham that Heather and Kent brought me. Kent has had so many opportunities to speak Spanish and has really been enjoying that. He is doing really, really well. 

I don't want to think that the week is already coming to an end. I am so glad we were able to do this.

Heather loved her  throw and now we are planning one for Adriana and Heather also loved her bells wind chime. 

Ligia and I have finished the hat and scarf for Kathy and we have both started a second set.

Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope you have enjoyed following my adventure this year. 

My kids are here!

 Jose called me about 6:30pm to let me know he was leaving for the airport because there was an accident and traffic was terrible. I was watching both flights and everything seemed to be on schedule. We texted a few times up until about 9:40 and then nothing so I hoped everything was going good. It can take quite a long time through immigration and customs. I had sent everyone pictures of everybody but Heater and Adriana had not met and Jose had not met Adriana. 

Finally a little after 11:00 I got a call from Jose saying they are just leaving the airport. I'm thinking they must have had trouble, maybe some of the luggage didn't make it and they had to take time to file for lost baggage. Then I heard all this laughing in the background and I asked Jose if they were having a wild time. He said yes and that they were joking. They were by WalMart between Cartago and Paraiso and would see me in 20 minutes. I went around and turned on every light I could find so Adriana could see a little when she got here.

Now the snag. Remember the school that was here early summer? Well, they were coming tomorrow for a Christmas party. 90 kids. I knew there was no way Heather would be able to sleep late and she really needs her sleep, especially after a long travel day. They drove from Madison to Chicago and spent Monday night. Up early for her and over to the airport for their flight down. They and Adriana were in Houston at the same time but in different airports. So, my first thought was to turn to Katherine to see if she had an empty room. She said yes and I went over and got the key so I had an option to offer them. Her hotel isn't far off the Main Street but would still be quieter than 90 kids and loudspeakers and music blaring. Now Adriana is a different story and is having the time of her life. Johanna has been around and took her over to the party room so she could meet everyone and dance with the kids.

We were up late - 4 suitcases is like party time for me. The last mattress topper is now on my guest bed, the yarn is unpacked and Kathy loves the colors I picked for her hat and scarf. It is like pig heaven with all the chocolate chips and coconut and I now have 24 more jars for jelly. I forget what I pack and then get a surprise when I open the suitcases. Tons of fabric and lots of clothes for the garage sale. Lots of toys and American Girl books for Maria Jose. I ordered a panel of owls for Ziomara and it is the cutest thing. I love it.

Heather is still sleeping, Kent and Adriana have gone off to eat and I guess I best get dressed and clean up my house for company this afternoon. I said I have lots to eat in my house and Adriana said what. I said but I don't want to cook so she laughed and off they went. She brought me 3 cans of baked beans for my bean casserole and today we will unpack everything else she brought. Between her and Heather, Emilio has 4 kinds of Oreos to try. I also have to get busy with crocheting Kathy's hat. Jose said it will be Thursday when we deliver the gift packages.

Thank you to Katherine for taking care of my baby. 

I may have to give Gerardo lots and lots of chocolate to apologize for being rude. Yesterday when I saw him after Johanna told me about the fiesta today I looked at him and said malo, malo, malo. Now one thing I have learned here is everyday people seem to start over so hopefully he isn't too upset with me.

I did add a big batch of coconut macaroons to my baking list and I have a loaf of bread to make the cinnamon roll ups. And, I have 3 more packages of butter so I should be in good shape. The 2 packages of bacon were still frozen and the ham also. I am really blessed.

Kathy's hat and scarf colors.

My guest bedroom.

This will be short

as it is 9:30 and I am just finishing cleaning the powered sugar from everything in my kitchen. Course my evening included a break at the pizza shop. I took them a sample of everything I have made. Emilio got a knife and cut everything in half so his mother could have the other half, then proceeded to eat more than half. Again, the favorite was the peppermint patty. Rosita wanted to know if it is difficult. It is kinda like the Rice Krispie treat commercial where the woman pretends she has been slaving over a hot stove for hours. These are really easy. Emilio liked everything. I told him I only had 45,000 cookies so I could only spare one of each. When I came home I ate my breadsticks and baked the chocolate coconut pinwheels which have taken 3 days to make because you do something then have to chill then do something then have to chill.

I did get everything I have for Heather's apartment hauled upstairs and Ana washed the mattress cover and blanket so tomorrow I will put the bed back together. It has the memory foam mattress topper on it to make it softer for Heather.

Jose stopped to pick up the soccer ball and I opened the door with peppermint patties in one hand and the ball in the other hand. He wanted both. Later on he sent me the picture with the caption the picture says all. Thanks.

Emilio is going to Puerto Viejo next week for a few days as he is on school break. He will be around later in the week to say hello to Heather and Kent and meet Adriana. 

I think tomorrow will be cut out cookies and  cream puffs. I don't know how long they last but I want to try them. I may do another batch of the peppermint patties. A batch only makes 21-22. I also have to make caramel sauce for the thumbprint cookies. I have some with chocolate, some with white chocolate, some with guayaba jelly and some left for caramel. Today I only baked a couple things but I got everything dipped and frosted and almost everything filled.

My friend Kaye and I talked today and we plan to meet in Minneapolis when I go to Heather's in January. Course that is Wisconsin and Minnesota in the middle of winter and it will all depend on the weather. It isn't like Costa Rica winter.

This is Jose. I am using his picture first so I don't put the little boy on Facebook.

It looks like my soccer ball found a good home.

My house smells so good

It is that time and what is Christmas without home baked goods. So far I have made fudge, peppermint patties, spritz, peppermint mocha cookies dipped in white chocolate, peanut butter Nutella swirl cookies, chocolate coconut pinwheel dough is in the refrigerator and thumbprint cookies which will have caramel or guayaba jelly in the center are made. Tomorrow I need to make a batch of caramel as well as sugar cookies, then coconut macaroons, chocolate crinkle, cranberry bars and something with dates. I have cream puffs on my list. We will see. I want to make another batch of peppermint patties and maybe another batch of spritz - Heather requested them. I also want to do cinnamon cream cheese roll ups. I will definitely be securing my name - Orosi Cookie Lady. There are about 80 containers in the packages I bought so I have plenty of containers.

I called Jose today to say I was calling about 2 things. One, I have a soccer ball I am willing to give him. He said you must have read my mind. He went by the field where the kids were playing and they were using a bottle because they didn't have a ball. He will come get it for them. I also wanted a suggestion for someone to take us to Cartago Christmas Eve. We will leave here about 8:00pm. He said no problem he would be happy to do it so we have that covered.

Right in the middle of my first batch of spritz I ran out of gas. Over to the Super I went with my tank but they were out too and wouldn't get more until 4:00pm so I did other things all afternoon including making batches of dough and putting it in the refrigerator. The house is also closer to being ready and Adriana's room is all ready. Tomorrow or Sunday I will start taking things upstairs for Heather and Kent. I want to get everything done so Monday and Tuesday I can concentrate on doing the gift packages for Jose's people.

I can't believe we are down to 4 days and they will be here!

I learned the secret and learned something else not so good.

Today I finally made my trip to Cartago. I really feel like a pack mule when I do these trips. I went over in my head several times trying to decide what to bring along to carry things and what route to take and where to get things. I decided on my trusty red bag and three other nylon bags. When I got off the bus I headed for the ribbon store to get black ribbon for Kathy's hat. They were so busy people were lined up to the door so I decided to skip that and try another place later and go to Mayca for all the things I needed. The containers and lids and even the coconut weren't that heavy but the big slabs of chocolate I got for several of my projects were. I was out of white chocolate and I needed dark chocolate for the peppermint patties. I now have lots of chocolate, lots of coconut, oatmeal, containers for everyone and a bag of really good popcorn with half caramel and half butter. I am snacking as I write. On my way back, and heading for the yarn shop I came across a ribbon and yarn shop. I got my black ribbon and yes, I bought some yarn. It is cotton and so soft and beautiful and yes, it is twice the price I pay in the US. And yes, I know I have 100 skeins coming next week. But it was so soft and beautiful! Not far away is a fabric store I hadn't seen before so I have 2 new places to visit. I stopped at Johanna's mother's beauty shop to see if I could get my hair cut and she said yes. I said I was going next door. Johanna has been ill with Dengue Fever so they have another lady working. I didn't know her but she was very nice. I introduced myself and explained who I was and that the hats and scarves were mine and I had hearts and cards to add to the hats. We went through all my items and I added them and using my translate program I explained to her what they said. While I was having my hair cut Ziomara's mother came in and there were cheek kisses all the way around. When I was finished I asked to leave my bags in the yarn shop and went off shopping. I stopped in a shop near the yarn shop and got hair ties, little girl socks and notepads to go with the colored pencils. I still needed to go to the grocery store and get cocoa. They didn't have it at Mayca. Or if they did I didn't find it. Got home, dumped everything and headed to the Hardware store for more paint chips. It was a little difficult because they are in a side area and there weren't any lights on so I couldn't really tell the colors. I need to go back when the light is bright during the day. On to the Chinese Market because the Super doesn't have a lot of things. Got a half a cart load and took it to the cashier and when I handed my Visa he said no they don't take credit cards. I have never heard of such a thing here except in very small shops. Ticos don't carry cash, they live on their debit cards. I guess I have always paid cash but I was low and planned on using the card and getting cash another day. I ended up leaving everything there and went to the ATM and then stopped at the Super and got what I could. I still have a few things to get tomorrow before I do my baking. Now to the secret. Now you know I love it here and love the people so this is not a criticism, just an explanation. If you have been following my adventure you know that from early on I thought there was a secret to the sidewalk that I didn't know. I have been told! It seems that Ticos on the whole tend to only think about themselves, not others. If they see someone they know they stop and talk no matter where they are. If they want to stop and check their phone they do it, even if 20 people are backed up behind them and they are blocking the only route. If they are waiting for the bus and they sit down on the sidewalk and stretch their legs out so they block most of the sidewalk, it is not to be rude, it is just what they want to do so they do it. If they want to walk down the middle of the sidewalk they do just that. So, it makes life much easier for me knowing this. I don't take it personally anymore. And I must admit I am usually the only one trying to go fast. Everyone else is going at a slow pace. So, one thing solved. I only have 4 rows left on Kathy's practice hat. Can't wait to show it to her and tell her it is her hat since she asked for gray and black and it is green and purple. All the linens are done for Heather and Adriana and Jose has agreed to take all of us on the 21 or 22 to visit the coffee pickers and hand out the gifts. This year there will be a gift on top of the container of goodies for at least the kids. Jose said to plan for 20 kids. The adults will just get goodies. Still have to figure out transportation to Ziomara's on the 24th about 8:00pm and then home again the middle of the night. My house is coming along and I have all my recipes out for Christmas baking. The sewing machine is put away and the table decorated for Christmas. Little by little the whole house is looking festive. This time of year the government gives each employee the equivalent of one month's pay so there are lots of people out spending for Christmas. Cartago and Paraiso were very busy and people on the bus have lots of bags. I also am doing all I can to help the economy of Costa Rica.

I know you can not wait to hear about my week.

The ipad is still out of commission but Emilio says he has a spare cord that he will bring to the pizza shop tomorrow so I may not be out of commission as long as I thought. I have noticed that with my ipad turned off my iphone doesn't ring when I get a call on Messenger. Sorry if I have missed your calls. Before long it should be all back to normal. Let's see, I had a massage on Thursday morning and then when I was planning to bake cupcakes Gerardo came and invited me to go with them for coffee at the bed and breakfast. I had time to make one batch and change clothes and grab the container of cookies. It was a full car - and I think a new one. Gerardo, Tia, Ana, Flors, Me and in the far back sitting sideways was Dora and Martha and her son. We all had things to eat and Ana showed me Empanadas. Plans were to go out and pick oranges and lemons after coffee. Unfortunately it started raining hard and that part didnt happen. Some cousins, 7 people, from 3 generations met us there. I sat and crocheted most of the time. When the yarn gets here Ligia will come get some and make the scarf for Kathy and I will make the hat. I gave Ligia the pattern on Thursday so she could be familiar with it and I am practicing with the last of the yarn so I know what I am doing and can whip along once the yarn gets here. On the 21st the ladies are coming to get yarn and I am going to give them each some as their Christmas gift to use as they want. I got home and made more cupcakes before the crew got here to decorate for the senior's party on Friday. I had cut several kinds of greenery and brought the candles and pointsettias and Christmas balls to let them use as long as I got them back. Cupcakes are cooling to be frosted and they came to get me to do the centerpieces. I did one and picked a couple women to do the other tables. I told them it was OK if they were all different. I think they enjoyed being able to do it. I went out and picked sweet lemons, oranges, mandarinas, cas and guayaba to use on the tables. I also brought a jar of jelly for each table. I know it meant only one person got the jelly but I just didnt have 50 jars. Cupcakes are frosted and I am off to bed because they want me to open the doors at 8:00am. And it was an all day party! And they ate all day! And they danced all day! They started with exercise and prayed and spent the rest of the day having a good time. I spent part of the time there with them and part of it on the porch working on the throw. It was a big hit when I took it to the party with me and sat and worked on it. It is finished and was a good learing experience for the next one. Knowing my daughter, she will love the quirks. There will be more of them! There were a couple mishaps at the party. One lady fell while dancing and I was told later she fractured her shoulder. One of the men fell as he was leaving but I dont think he was hurt. They had lovely gifts for everyone. A basket of all kinds of snack goodies and another container with an apple, pear and grapes. I handed out all the fruit on the tables and the jelly. All the rest of the decorations came back to my house. As far as what they had to eat, I know there were crackers and dip and tamales and chicken and french fries and the cupcakes and I dont know what else but there was lots. Most of the reason I didn't stay there the entire time is I have problems with the loud music bothering my ears. Jose called to ask if I would participate again this year with Christmas gifts for his poor people. I told him I would be happy to do 30 goodie containers. I have also sent him a message asking if we can wait until the afternoon of the 21st so Adriana and Heather can come along. I havent heard back yet. Early next week I will go to Cartago to get the containers. I may have to take all the little things off my Judi tree to decorate the containers. I have been getting projects done. The throw is done, I have lots of Christmas gifts, the navy curtain for my storage area is made, the wall in the second bedroom is painted a lovely mint green. Then I discovered I needed to paint over the multi paned window frame as it is the same blue they used in the bathroom and all over the kitchen. I will finish that tomorrow. I am in the process of making a dresser scarf for my bedroom to match the new color's and to sew straps on one of Heather's great finds. It was too long so that gave me fabric for the straps. I think next week will be lots of baking. We are going to Ziomara's for Christmas Eve, which is the big Christmas celebration here. We will arrive about 9:00pm and have dinner about 10:00pm and prayers at midnight. Gifts for kids. I am bringing sweets and Tom and Jerrys. We will do taxi both ways. It will be so much fun, my first Christmas in Costa Rica. There will be about 23 of us. Douglas and Ziomara and their 4 kids, her parents, her sister and her brother and his wife and I think 3 sons. I am not sure who else. Maybe Douglas's family. There is probably a way to get at my pictures but I am on the laptop and don't know what it is so no pictures.

My cord is broken

So until Heather comes with a new one I won't be using my iPad. No books to read. No checking Facebook unless I sit at my laptop. I may actually get more done. I have translate and a camera on my phone. I have just gotten so used to the bigger screen of the iPad. It is less than 2 weeks. I can do this!

Yesterday was crochet ladies. Since we are down to no yarn, they will wait until the 21st at 2:00pm to come back. They will meet Heather and Adriana and I will have Christmas baking and lots and lots of yarn. They did bring some really cute things they had finished. Poor Ligia Sanchez had a big bandage on her arm. It was an accident with tamales. It is the season here for tamales. 

Janet talked about coming at 6:00pm on Thursday to decorate for the Christmas party on Friday. She mentioned she wants to use the same type of center pieces as I had for Thanksgiving with the greenery. My bush by my porch will be bare. Depending on what else she is planning to use, I may offer all my bright balls that I haven't used yet. As long as I get them back. People are used to taking the decorations. 

This morning Katherine and the girls will be here and this afternoon I have errands to run as well as a run to Paraiso for butter. I won't be going tomorrow to the craft ladies as I will be making cupcakes for the Christmas party. I do have cookies for the girls as yesterday I made chocolate, coconut, pecan cookies for our coffee. I will probably make pancakes as I haven't done that for a while.

We have been having lots of rain and cloudy skies but this morning the sun is shining so it is beautiful out. I may have to consider some laundry since it will dry.

That's about it. I may not be back for a while. I will have lots to catch up on next time.

Two  headbands and a scarf and 4 hats.

I can't believe it has been a week

Since my big dinner. It has been a quieter week but I have lots of projects. Tuesday the crochet ladies and our student were here. I had tortillas and turkey and dressing and a new batch of cranberry sauce as part of coffee. I have used up the turkey but still have some of the other things left.

We have almost no yarn left. I was making an off white hat with a colored area for the scarf. Every time I tried to crochet in the colored area, someone else needed the yarn to finish a project so I would take it out. I switched to the sewing machine instead of crochet because there just wasn't much left till Heather comes on the 20th with a new supply. I have enough to fill up her new house with all the yarn I have ordered lately. With the Black Friday and CyberMonday specials I got some very good deals. I will bring a load back with me in February also. 

On Thursday Janet let me know there is a 65 year old woman here in Orosi who has lost her hair and needs a couple hats. I went back to finishing my off white one and ended up making the whole thing one color. That does not mean it is plain. I used a spray of Ligia Sanchez's flowers and I love it.

I have started a second one that will be an assortment of colors and flowers and will have a wide brim. The ladies will be coming this Tuesday to bring what they have made. If they want I will have them stop in on the 21st. Ligia will come to get the yarn for Kathy's hat and scarf.

Thursday evening was the craft ladies Christmas party and I agreed to bring dessert. I decided on Better Than Sex Cake because I thought they would get a kick out of the name. It starts with a devil's food cake. Usually from a mix but mine was from scratch. I made a salted caramel sauce that you mix with sweetened condensed milk and pour over the cake after you poke holes in it. Then toffee bits. Last you add whipped cream. They liked the name and the taste. The party was lots of fun with a gift exchange. I put an assortment of things in a lovely stocking with one of my big bows on it. My gift was from Anita and it was a glass 8x8 casserole dish with a cover. I have been looking for one so it was perfect.

Tomorrow I am going to Ziomara's and I made chocolate cupcakes with a spoon of the caramel sauce on top instead of frosting. I have all her stuff to take to her and maybe we will have time for a sewing lesson. She took one of my sewing machines home with her on Thanksgiving so I wouldn't have to bring it on the bus. Several members of the family including young Douglas want to learn how to sew.

Monday I will go pick up some paint, Tuesday the crochet ladies, Wednesday Katherine and the girls, Thursday morning Otto, Thursday afternoon craft ladies and somewhere along the way I have to make 55 cupcakes for Friday for the Seniors Christmas party. This year it is going to be in the party room here at LaQuinta which will make it easy for me. A busy week! There is also talk of a shopping trip to San Jose.

And, before I know it Heather and Kent and Adriana will be here. With yarn and chocolate chips and ham. Somehow we are hoping to celebrate with both Ziomara's family and Gerardo's. 

This started with grapes and flowers.. The flowers continued to open and were beautiful all week. I added the sunflowers from what Emilio used on Saturday.

Tia came to visit and brought me Mandarinas. She chats and chats and I smile or frown and shake my head. I do understand a few words now.

I wore my new scarf to the craft ladies party.

Ok, ok, I can finally talk!

I was sworn to secrecy until they told their friends - no, no baby. I did good not mentioning anything. Heather and Kent love to go to open houses and look at houses but they are the absolute worst at deciding on anything, especially deciding fast. They think for a while and come up with reasons it isn't a good choice. Or, 12 other people make offers and it sells before they decide they might be interested. 

Well, a few weeks ago they headed for an open house. It was cancelled but Heather remembered there was another house in the area that she thought was interesting so they headed there.

They fell in love! They spent a good amount of time and then went back later with their realtor for another 2 hours. And my kids, who take forever to make up their minds, made an offer the next day. They were shocked at themselves. They hadn't been planning on buying a house. There were already a bunch of offers so they knew if they wanted it they had to move fast. One of the things they did that I love and I am convinced made the sellers pick them is they wrote a love letter to the house to include with the offer.

The sellers had been in the house for 28 years and felt about the house and yard the same as Heather expressed in the letter. I have seen pictures and looked at them again and again. I love it too and get a really good feeling about it. There is a wonderful sunroom their current house doesn't have. 4 bedrooms instead of 3, 2 1/2 baths instead of 1 1/2. a  wonderful looking lower level where I am trying to convince Heather I can sleep and she won't be able to hear me snore. The main thing about the house is it is full of light with lots of windows. Their current house tends to be a bit dark although they did just have 4 solar tubes installed. Heather is already thinking about the tons of plants she can have. 

I did have a little scare that they wouldn't be coming here for Christmas but they soon decided they would.

They will be closing soon and have scheduled all the wood floors to be refinished. When that is finished they will start moving in slowly. Kent has a teenage son with lots of friends to help. Lots that is in the basement will now be able to be in the main rooms. Books in Kent's office and china in cupboards. There isn't as much basement storage area in this house but the garage is heated and extra big. 

In January I am flying to Madison to help get the current house ready to sell. We are all so excited.

Heather was starting to make a list of the things she would have to buy to furnish the extra rooms. Extra living area, extra bedroom. The sellers left them a list of what they were leaving and it covered almost everything she needs. It is just all working out perfect. They also want to meet Heather and Kent.

That's my secret. It will be a very busy next few months for all of us.

This basket was also full of grapes and the flowers have continued to open.

I can't believe I did it!

Every travel agent's greatest fear is they will book a client to the right city, wrong state. We all talk about it. Portland Oregon instead of Portland Maine. Well today I managed to quote fares and book Adriana and MYSELF to San Jose California instead of San Jose Costa Rica. Now the website I used only allows you to cancel by phone. They do have a four hour window with no penalty. So I contacted my super duper wonder daughter who has been playing travel agent since she was about 5. She was concerned because she wasn't the person who booked them but I told her I use her address and telephone number so don't say you aren't me. I wasn't sure it was still within the four hours but, yes it was. She was able to cancel everything I booked with no penalty and I was able to start over. You can be sure this time I made sure I had the right San Jose. Yes, Adriana is all booked again. I haven't done mine yet for February coming back from Heather's but there are some $150.00 deals from Chicago via San Salvador. Well I have never been there. I may try it. I can't take Southwest without overnighting in Chicago because they only have morning flights that time of year and I have a long bus ride from Madison to get there. What a day! 

Today reminded me how lucky we were yesterday with the weather. It rained off and on all day. Yesterday it was so hot I wore a skirt instead of pants.

I think I will go back to being retired and baking cookies and let Bursch Travel do my tickets. This is too stressful!   

It is official

I didn't want to say anything until it was all confirmed and locked in. Adriana is definitely coming to spend Christmas with us! Her dates are the same as Heather and Kent to keep the transfer cost down. I had been watching Southwest so she could bring 2 suitcases but their prices just kept climbing. This morning I found some great prices on American and schedules that work with Heather's. They will all stay the last night at an airport hotel that Heather has used several times.

We are going to have so much fun. It will be quite a Christmas. I better get busy painting the other bedroom.

So you can see I am not pretending about my flowers.

I keep trying to brace it up but the stick keeps falling over. I should just tie it. So many blossoms.

Happy Thanksgiving Costa Rica!

I am the queen of Thanksgiving dinners!

This year went much better I think. I didn't prepare near as many foods but what I made was in bigger quantity and had to be prepared and reheated. Part of the reason is I have accumulated more things so I didn't need to borrow. Also, I did use plastic plates and bowls and glasses and cups so everyone didn't have to do tons of dishes. I brought all the serving things and silverware to my house and will do it little by little.

Thursday I did cranberry sauce, pickles and 2 pans of bars. Yesterday I did 2 turkeys, a crockpot of dressing and set up the tables. Colors were a combination of red and orange. Napkins were a really large white with a regular size orange on it with a decorative candy on it. Yesterday I took all the meat off the bones of two turkeys and refrigerated it overnight as well as the dressing.

Today I was up at 5:00am to put the third turkey in the oven. I made another crockpot of dressing and when it was cooked down I was able to add most of the first batch to heat it up. I put the turkey in pans and added a little water and covered them and put them in the oven for the last hour. It was really good and no reheated taste. I made a humongous pot of potatoes for mashed potatoes and made the biggest batch of gravy I have ever made.

I knew I was getting 1 container of ice cream and I didn't know if I was getting tortillas - Ticos really like their tortillas, so I made a quick trip to the store for ice cream and tortillas. Well, I didn't need to worry. With mine there were 5 containers of ice cream and someone did bring tortillas. We started preparing mine but they are still sitting on the counter. So, I have tortillas, a little turkey that didn't fit on the tray, the dressing that didn't fit in the crockpot, gravy and ice cream. I did give Dora one and we used 2 so I am down to 2. 

Emilio came mid morning and put together the center pieces. They were made up from my garden and planters and also included flowers, candles, red and green apples, tangerines and sweet peppers. 

And the food! I love potluck and we had quite an assortment. The only rice was in the dressing and arroz con leche for dessert. There were salads. Iliana had the best dressing. Various types of salads, beans, picadillos which are mixtures of tiny chopped up vegetables or potatoes, chips and dips, two cakes, my bars, a basket that was part flowers and part grapes, papaya lemonade, sangria, fruit bread, Bailey's and a mashed potato dish. It was so fun to go around and have each person offer me what they brought. I filled up a plate but I only managed to eat and drink a little. Several of the things I make I have to explain what it is for, like cranberry sauce and gravy. The people who were there last year helped to explain things like dressing. 

I brought the third turkey out whole and placed it at Gerardo's place and said it was for him. He said no, no, no but had lots of fun having his picture taken with it. Marta couldn't get over it was 9 kilo. 2.2 pounds per kilo and I had 3. Remember for most of them it was the first time for turkey. At the end I carved the turkey - ok so I chopped it up and even used my hands to get all the meat off. Then I told people - well Emilio did - that they could have the fruits and vegetables and jars of guayaba jelly I had brought out and turkey. They were all talking about tortillas with turkey later. That is why the only thing left was gravy. And even some of that went. When I was finishing Gerardo and Tia were there. I gave her chips and grapes and Gerardo used a spoon to taste the gravy. I explained what it is used on - yes I did it- and he got a container to take some. I had given him a turkey leg as his to go portion.

I also got some gifts from the craft ladies. A beautiful bracelet and a quilted Christmas potholder. 

Even with everything to do, I think we were closer to schedule this year. I knew I had to be in case people were bringing hot food. I should have started the potatoes earlier. I forget how long it takes for such a large pot.

Once everyone was seated I had them hold hands and I read the blessing in Spanish. I think I did ok. I said next year there would be no iPad. I ended with thanking God for Gerardo and my new stove and the big oven. Everyone laughed at that. I still have to figure out how many were actually there. Otto and Jose and his family weren't there. I think Aura and I miscommunicated and 2 of the craft ladies didn't get invited. Gerardo invited someone, Michael invited someone, Dora brought her family and there was an extra lady with the sewing ladies. We still all managed to fit. 

This is a far cry from Thanksgiving by myself in Hutchinson because I worked the next day. I love it.

At the end the crochet ladies visited with Ziomara and I brought out their latest things to show her. She has invited us to join her for Christmas on the 24th. I will have to see when Gerardo's family celebrates.

I am glad it is over. I am tired. I had a wonderful time and love doing it and sharing something new with these wonderful people who are such an important part of my life.

Mejores Amigas and Ziomara.

Gerardo, Ana Rosa, Dora and her family, Tia. This side is Marta, Flors and Olga.

Aura, Vera and Iliana.

Iliana, Maria Jose, Douglas, Natalie, Janet. This side is Flory, Ana D. 

Natalie, Janet, Efegenia, Ligia, Paty, Arabella, Jimenez. This side Ziomara.

Johana, Mauriceo, Thomas. This side is Ligia, Michael, Katherine, Ziomara, Rosita

I have to write a note

I may have mentioned a while ago about talking with Gerardo about a bigger stove. I showed him that some of my pans didn't fit. I asked him how much it would cost me to trade my little stove for a bigger one. Nothing happened so I was all prepared to use my little oven for the Turkish even though the pan would be out to the door.

I was separating eggs and the oven was preheated when Gerardo greeted me from outside. I wiped my hands and he and one of the guys from the store were carrying a new stove. I said para me and he said yes, for the day of thanks. Now this stove is brand new with 6 burners and a big, big oven. Still only one rack, but even a broiler and a glass cover that stands up or lays on the burners. 

I turned the little stove off and took the temperature gauge out of the oven and they installed the new one. Everything is automatic. No lighter anymore. And even a light in the oven.

They left my little one because it was hot and I needed to clean. Just to make sure I said on Monday only 1 and I pointed to each stove. Gerardo let me know the new one would be staying. They got a big kick out of how excited I was.

Gerardo unhooking my old stove.

The new one being put together.

Is this gorgeous or what!

Till Monday

Here goes again

Yesterday I wrote all about my adventure to Cartago and I got called away and didn't save it and lost it so now I start over. Let's see if I can remember everything. Then I have to go get the rest of the ingredients, make pickles and cook the wild rice (I have it soaking). I already browned the chorizo and it is in the refrigerator. I plan to stuff the turkeys so I will have enough dressing along with the crockpot full. One of the things I am getting today is several loaves of French bread so I can cut it up and let it dry. They have one with seasoning on top. I used that last year and it worked good.

Back to yesterday. I planned on getting the 8:45am bus to Cartago because I wanted to be back in plenty of time for the crochet ladies. And, bad weather is predicted for Wednesday - Thursday because of Huricane Otto. I went to the bus stop and started talking with one of the men from the senior center. The one who wasn't my best student with dream catchers. As we are standing there a car pulls up on the side street and he starts talking to the driver and gets in the back seat. The driver asks if I am going to Paraiso or Cartago and I say yes, Cartago, and he says 500 colones. The bus is 470 colones but no stops would be much faster so I get in the back. There is also a student on the other side. There is a young girl in the front seat. Our only stop was to drop her off at school. The same school where Johanna cooks. Away we go. Now Jose drives slow and the bus goes slow. Not us! Hang on baby we are flying wherever we can. It was quite a trip but we got to Cartago fast. I would do it again and I love it was helping someone a little. 1500 colones for 3 people is only about $3.00 but it was $3.00 he wouldn't have had. 

I headed for the store I go to near the market but didn't find much. Then the bakery where I found lots for coffee later today. Then the yarn shop to give Johana the tags for the hats and scarves but she wasn't working so I decided I would see what I could do to find Mayca.

Mayca is a restaurant supply place so bigger packaging and they have things I haven't found other places. I have been wanting to go back for ages but I couldn't figure out where it is. I know Emilio and I walked there but that doesn't mean anything.  I asked him Monday evening to give me directions. He is one of the Ticos who give great directions. He sent them to me but here is my problem. Go east 300 meters and go north 40 meters. I don't know where east and north are and I don't know what meters are. I barely know where I am. I enlarged the map so I could see the landmarks. I figured out if I took the street alongside the ruins, Avenue 2, up to the library and turned left on Calle 8, I should come to it in 1 1/2 blocks. Don't I sound like a local! Sure enough I was walking along the side and just had to go around the corner to the entrance.

Grabbed a cart and the first thing I found were the frozen cranberries. Did I tell you we are starting dinner with Sangria? Well I got a bag of frozen strawberries and one of frozen blueberries to put in the Sangria. I will also thinly slice Limon Dulce and add that. I did find big bags of coconut but no chocolate chips or peanut butter. I got a third turkey pan and LOTS of other things. I have my red bag and two other nylon bags and they are all full. Everything fits yes, but now I have to try and carry it back to the bus stop. I would say 6-8 blocks. I really felt like a pack mule. Part way I stopped at a bakery for coffee and a little snack and then made it the rest of the way. The buses are all different here and you never know which one you will have. I hate this one because the last step is a really big one and then the standing area on top is really little because the engine or console or whatever it is takes up all the room. Even the driver has to climb over it to get out. I managed to get the front seats so I could just put everything there. Getting off is just as tricky but I managed to juggle everything and not fall.

There are two different places I get off in Orosi. One is near the pizza shop and the other is almost to the Swiss Shop. I got off at the Swiss Shop one because the Super was open and I could walk thru and not have to go around the block. Everything got put away and I had time to rest before crochet time. Gerardo stopped by but he didn't know what turkey is so I took him over to the small apartment refrigerator to show him. I also put the berries in the freezer there. By Saturday I will probably have all the refrigerators full. When I mentioned to him about Sangria and Bailey's he mentioned champagne. I don't know if that means he is bringing it to the dinner or what. This could be quite a day! We won't care about food.

All of the good tables I used last year have been brought to the party room as well as a long table. The ones that are usually there are in pretty bad shape and really need to have their tops replaced. We may not need to use them. Gerardo has talked about replacing the tops but hasn't gotten around to it.

When I was waiting for the crochet ladies, our first student arrived. Her name is Lydia so now we have two Ligias (the g is pronounced like an h) and a Lidia. Ana also said she has someone who wants to learn how to crochet and make hats but we have to figure out how to do this because we only want 1 student at a time. Now I say we but I am not involved in the teaching. LIgia Sanchez is the main teacher. She is so talented. She made a scarf that is for me from some of the California yarn and has expanded to necklaces where she did macrame for the strings.  When she gave me the scarf she said it was made with much love. She can crochet very fast and is prepared to make Kathy's hat and scarf in the week Heather is here so she can take them back with her. 

I cannot imagine any other retirement where I could be having so much fun and so many adventures and yet having so many people who care for me and keep an eye on me. I am truly blessed.

The necklace, my scarf and The other Ligia's scarf and hat.

Ligia and Janet with their scarves. JAnet is now making a hat to match.

I love all these things Ligia Sanchez is making with scraps.

I did it, I made it, and I lived to tell about it.

The time has come and I figured I can do this! After all I moved to a foreign country, not knowing one person and not speaking the language. Now I have 40 - yup 40 - at my Thanksgiving dinner and I am saying the grace in Spanish myself. I can do this. After all I have been in the travel business most of my life. I didn't bring any cookies. I will have to depend on Pura Vida and my smile.

So, no Jose, no Emilio, no Ziomara, just me. 

Orosi to Paraiso is easy. I have done that many times. I walked across the park to the bus station for San Jose and there was a bus just ready to leave so I had no wait. I spent the time practicing the blessing in Spanish and the nice young man sitting next to me helped me when I asked how to pronounce a word or two.

So off we go to San Jose. I was all prepared to take the bus to the end of the line and take a taxi back to PriceSmart but right after we went by the store the bus stopped to let some other people off so I got off too. I have gotten very much like a local. I asked 3 people along the way if I was headed in the right area for Pricesmart. Then, when I got there I even asked the attendant in the parking ramp where the door was. All together it was a few block walk. I was the only person walking. Not many people come here without a car.

I went to the membership desk,  got that taken care of, and off I went shopping. I have been around the store twice, besides going up and down with a clerk helping me try to find coconut and cranberries. No luck on those two but do I have TURKEY! Three of them. I will end up having all of the refrigerators in La Quinta full of turkey. If I have to, I will cook two of them early and cut them up and then cook one on Saturday and bring it out whole. And I got Baileys for after dinner, and some really neat Christmas decorations, and fun Christmas suckers for in the stockings, and walnuts, and pecans, and chocolate chips, and better plates and large napkins, and chai mix, and more. I didn't get anything I could get in Orosi or Cartago 

The security guard went over my receipt and discovered I had been charged twice for the big package of decorations and sent me to the membership desk for a refund. I am now in their eating area having Chicken Bake and of course a Berry Sundae before I figure out my transportation back to Orosi. It is my intention to use Uber. It will be the first time and I will see how it works.

I have found lots of people in Pricesmart that speak English so it has been great. The young lady who processed my membership says I can add Rosita at anytime so we can plan to come together another time.

So far I have not had any luck getting on Pricesmart's wifi so hopefully Uber will work on my phone. I would hate to have to push this full shopping cart to Orosi.

Uber didn't work. Could be my set up in my phone. It showed they would be there in 3-7 minutes. It kept changing but that went on for almost an hour. The security people finally took pity on me and took me back upstairs to have the desk call a regular taxi. I knew it would be more expensive but I just wanted to get home. He came in just a few minutes and was great about loading all my stuff including 3 heavy turkeys. He had a bit of a heavy foot and traffic wasn't bad so we made it here quickly. Again, he unloaded everything. The price wasn't as bad as I had been expecting. 20,000 colones so less than $40.00. I wish I could say the same for the Pricesmart bill.

Once I got everything into the house and the turkeys in the various refrigerators I headed out again. First to the hardware store for staples for my staple gun. Then to the appliance store to see if Gerardo was there so I could tell him about the turkeys. Then the fruit store which also has meat. I have the sausage and apples and onions for the stuffing. I will take a package of the wild rice out of the freezer and cook it the middle of the week. Baking will be Thursday and turkey cooking Friday along with setting up the tables. Tomorrow and Wednesday will be for gathering all the rest of the ingredients and supplies.

Except for the fact I have no idea what food is coming, which makes it interesting, I am pretty calm. I have done big dinners a few times so it doesn't scare me and I will have enough covered that no one will leave hungry. Or sober maybe. I will put the Sangria with fruit for a sip before dinner and Bailey's for after dinner. If anyone needs it I have Patron also. I think Rosita is bringing Papaya Lemonade. I have some very little jars of guayaba jelly and I think I am going to add them to the centerpiece. I will get apples and oranges closer to the day for the centerpiece.

I just went to put the sausage away and realized it wasn't here. I walked back to the shop and the girl greeted me and when I said mi chorizo she laughed and motioned to the man and got my bag out of the cooler. He apologized and I bought cucumbers for refrigerator pickles, cilantro for guacamole tomorrow, carrots and celery. The list of what I have to get is getting shorter. I do need to find the place in Cartago where I got frozen cranberries last year so I can make fresh cranberry sauce. I was with Emilio and have no idea where it is. I can live without pumpkin but not without cranberries for the turkey. 

I have been told the weather is going to be terrible Wednesday but that may be the day I have to hit Cartago. Say a little prayer for light rain. Cold is fine. After all, I am from Minnesota. It isn't that kind of cold.

My Christmas decorating is coming along. I have lights up in two windows and stockings up inside and out. The Judi tree is done and the table with pointsettias is looking good. I must remember to water them. I will hang the new ornaments from the ceiling and the big ones on the front porch. I do still have bows to put up. I am hoping it is contagious and Gerardo decorates around La Quinta.

That's it for my day. A good adventure with kind treatment from many people.

My new ornaments.

For some reason I have 1/2 of one string that blinks. I will have to have Gerardo check them.

Life just keeps getting better

It's Sunday already

And I must have done something since Thursday when I last wrote. See, that's why I write this or I would just forget everything I do. 

First off your prayers worked and the health scare turned out to be nothing. Thank you very much. Now please tell God thank you so he doesn't think we are ungrateful.

I started putting up my decorations. Tons of houses here are fully decorated. I decorate mainly with Christmas stockings and then I use them to give gifts instead of wrapping the gifts. I have my Judi tree finished and I did a small table with Christmas fabric and pointsettias. I do have 3 sets of lights to use and my branch tree from last year and a few other things. And lots of bows. It will look festive.

The lady from Denver is still here. I haven't seen much of her. She doesn't seem to be gone to the pools all day. It has been raining a lot and isn't real hot. This morning it is actually cool. A good day for my big cotton sweater.

All the strips are cut for the binding on the cashmere throw. Heather wanted me to use all the ribbing from the sweaters so I did. I'm not quite sure there is enough so I added pieces of sweaters that have a ribbed design. 

Yesterday I made a pan of the Chocolate Coconut bars as part of my gift to JImenez, Johanna's daughter, for her Quinceanera. It was really quite an event to celebrate her 15th birthday. A coming of age celebration. Ana told me that they would pick me up at 4:00pm because the evening began with Mass at the church in Rio Macho. I got all dressed up in a top and long skirt but no spike heals for me. It was low heeled sandals. I packed up my gift which was a box with a big decorative bow, two plates of bars, the recipe, a nylon backpack type bag from Bursch Travel and 10,000 colones. I also added my crochet because I figured I could get some done while I watched the activities. It isn't like I can sit and chat. I opened the door in the gate and waited in a covered area till I heard a horn right outside. It was Marta and her husband and son and a young girl. 

RIo Macho is an area - maybe a little town- just next to Orosi and the river. A small country church. It is where the ICE plant is and we go by that to get to Gerardo's bed and breakfast. One of his brothers lives there also.

Anyway, nice little church and the same priest as here in Orosi. From there it was only a short drive to the party place which was in a secure, gated area. It is a lovely facility. Kind of a ranchero with partial walls and lots of open area. White tile floor and the tablecloths were white as were the chairs. The waitstaff were dressed very nice and seemed very professional. I think the food was all catered, except for the cupcakes. I think Johanna did those. She works in a primary school, in the kitchen, and is very interested in cooking and baking. Her lesson with me was for cupcakes.  

There was China and glassware and silverware for everything. No paper plates or plastic. The food came in courses throughout the entire evening. There was also different entertainment throughout the evening. A DJ started out. I was sitting right next to his speakers and as soon as the music started I moved to the next table, by Ana, to be a little farther away. There is some instrument, I think a horn, that was very grating to me. It could just have been that the sound system wasn't the greatest. Being a little farther away helped. 

It started with a lovely waltz with Jimenez and her father. Then they picked up the beat.

The music was not what I have been hearing at other events, but very lively. Lots more young people there. As soon as it started, lots of people got up to dance. Now let's talk about the dancing, but first about the people. Ticos and Ticas tend to be full bodied people. They work very hard but I have never seen or heard of any of them exercising. But when they get on the dance floor they are like trained athletes. They never stop. Now I like to dance but I am used to 3 minute dances. These went on forever. My hips got sore just watching. And you would have thought they would be worn out after one but nooooooooo they went back again and again. I told Johanna she was like the energizer bunny. She never stopped. It was fun to watch and wonder how they could possibly keep it up. I'm feeling old.

After the DJ played for a while I heard drums and in came a group of drummers and dancers. Young men and women in orange and gold outfits. Again, the energy and the stamina. They must have danced for an hour to fast, loud drums. 

Next was back to the DJ but now he came out to sing so it was live entertainment. He entertained during dinner then went back to being a DJ for the rest of the evening.

Let's see how much of the food and drink I can remember.

We started with a pink drink to toast the young girl. The longer it sat the thicker it got. Kinda foamy. I am sure someone will tell me what it is. Then plates of dip and crackers and pitchers of tea. Flower pots with big styrofoam balls for flowers with treats stuck on the balls. Very cute. Then dinner, then dishes of nuts, then cupcakes, then cake or flan I am not sure I didn't have any, then candy, then wine. 

At the table next to me was Dora and there was a man sitting next to her. Now I know Marta has a husband and that Flor's husband has died and that Ana has a husband but all this time I didn't think Dora had one. At one point, when they were out dancing, I asked Ana who the man was with Dora. Yes I did it in Spanish! Anyway she said it is her husband. I couldn't believe it. I don't know where he has been hiding all this time. They all had a good laugh when I told Dora.

Late in the party the music changed to English songs I knew. I could at least bounce along in my chair. But, even these were all run together so the dance would have been 10-15 minutes long.

Johanna came over and took me over to meet her parents before we left. It was almost 10:00pm when I got home. I was still with Marta and her husband but their son went with someone else. We had the young girl and her mother.  When Dora and Johanna's and this lady's kids started school the mothers met and have been good friends ever since. Since coffee is at Dora's house, they know all of her extended family. Un bien fiesta!

Tomorrow is Pricesmart and Tuesday Katherine and the girls are coming in the morning and crochet ladies in the afternoon. The rest of the week will be devoted to the Thanksgiving dinner. I am now up to 40 if everyone comes that I have invited. My life is so full.

This is very long but I had so much to share. I hope you enjoyed it.

Today it is raining again and cool enough for a sweater. My laundry has been on the line since Friday because we are getting so much rain. Some areas on both coasts have been experiencing flooding. I won't complain. The dry season will be here soon enough and I will have to water my flowers. Speaking of flowers, the hollyhock and sunflowers are still beautiful and now I have hydrangea.

Ok, I'm done. Happy Sunday

I had trouble including some of the pictures and most of the time the lights were off so pictures and crocheting were difficult. You may just have to imagine the entertainment.

We had guests.

I came across a recipe for a Vanilla Magic Custard Cake and it sounded good and was quite simple so I made it for craft ladies. I don't have any round or small square cake pans so I used a pie plate. It bakes for an hour on a low temperature and creates layers. It is supposed to cool for 3 hours and it wasn't quite that long but it was set and could be handled. The baby sat next to me at coffee and I tried feeding her some but no way. A minute later I saw she had her hand full and was eating it all up. Then she would grin at me. We became great friends.  The cake was a great hit with everyone.

On my way to craft ladies I stopped at the farm store. They only had two butter so I bought them both and a chunk of cheese and some bread I will try tomorrow morning.

At craft ladies the first person I saw was Sonia from the hospital and then Josehnina and her mother who was carrying a one year old. I learned that Josephina, the girl we have been helping, is 17 and the baby is her daughter, Sophia. They came to say thank you and pick up the dress and headpiece for her event on Sunday.

I also gave Anita the hat I made and showed them the card and scarves the ladies here made. In posting pictures of everything on Facebook, my friend, Kathy, wanted to know if she could get any in the US. We will be taking care of getting her a set to keep her warm in North Dakota.

My first stop in Orosi was the pharmacy to pick up insulin. There were several other customers so I waited a bit because I had only 2 pieces of cake left and didn't want to give it to them in front of a bunch of other people. I will have to make another one. I haven't tasted it.

From there I stopped to eat. The place in front of where Rabbit's had been has been closed and is reopened. New menu, maybe new owners. I was disappointed with what I got. Fajitas de pollo with papa's. The fries were soft, not cooked enough - I think they were frozen. Definitely not from scratch. The chicken was breaded and a bit tough. The mora natural was very good. I think I will wait a while before I try again.

Katherine just let me know the tags are ready and I can get them tomorrow. She has a hole punch I can borrow to finish the cards. 

I stopped at the Swiss Shop and explained about crochet  lessons and that it would be 2000 colones per 3 hour session. I also showed her the crochet ladies things. What she sells is what she makes and the prices are half what Ziomara plans to charge. We may need to find another spot.

I still have lots of dishes to do or I will have bugs so Good Night.

Can you believe that when I came back in October the tub was pretty much full.

Sonia and Josephina.

Flory's creation from fabric pieces I brought from California.

Josephina and her mother and baby, Sophia. This is the dress and headpiece the group bought her. The event is Sunday.