Life in Costa Rica: I have been strung up.

It has been a busy day with all the treats I decided to make to take to Ziomara's tomorrow. Let me back up a bit. Emilio checked and it turned out there are only 2 buses from here to Cartago at 8:00 and 10:00 and coming back at 9:30 and 11:30. Things really change here today and tomorrow. I sent a message to Ziomara saying I didn't think I could come. Her reply was take the bus to Cartago and I will drive you home. I really wanted to go and be part of the day so I said if you are sure, I will come and call you when I get to Cartago since I am not positive of the times. She said yes. March 31 is her birthday. I will have to find something special. Rosa, Emilio's mother's birthday is this Saturday. I brought some really pretty fabric back with me so I will give it to her. It is the same as the microwave bowl potholder she chose, so I know she will like it.

So, back to my baking. Last night I made homemade lemon curd and this morning I made a batch of lemon coconut macaroon nests (kinda like thumbprint cookies). When I was putting the second tray into the oven, the door refused to shut. I didn't want to break it worse but I couldn't get it to close. Not good timing. I took the pan out and shut the oven off and went outside to talk to Gerardo. I had noticed him working in my garden. He had tied up or braced up anything big enough to need it. He was now transplanting some lettuce to thin out what was in the pot. He came with me and looked the hinges over and left saying uno momento. He came back with a big jug of oil and greased them and the door now works better than ever. I also explained I had 2 pineapple tops with roots and asked where I could plant them. He showed me a spot along the soccer field by the orange and sweet lemon tree that he thought would work good. It is amazing between English and Spanish and sign language how much we can communicate.

Back to the baking. The second batch was plain coconut macaroon nests with either chocolate or Nutella filling. On top is a chocolate dipped strawberry with a drizzle of white chocolate. Last was the Pumpkin Roll with a pecan and cream cheese filling. Tomorrow morning I will sprinkle it with powdered sugar and slice it.

Although I try and wash dishes as I go, I do have a mess to clean up. I am glad I have the baking done. I think I will make a bunch of ice so I can put a layer under the goodies for the trip to Cartago.