Life in Costa Rica: It's looking like a real garden.

I have finished pulling up whatever was coming up in most areas as I wasn't convinced any of it was vegetables. I think Gerardo was right. I will bring back more seeds with me from Oregon. Just no peas or big seeds as those raised questions at security in San Jose for Heather. What is growing is lettuce, carrots, peas, cucumbers and squash, parsley, tomatoes and the mystery plant. The flowers are coming along also. I know what Cosmos looks like and I think the biggest ones might be the morning glory. So far I have not had any luck with Sunflowers. Next time I am going to try soaking the seeds before I plant them.

I had a great time yesterday at the craft group and I sold 3 of the microwave bowl potholders. It was a kick. These ladies insist on paying for things and already want whatever thread and batting I bring back. They can get it in San Jose but it is very expensive. Donna got the batting at Joann's at 50 or 40% off so it makes it quite reasonable. Also, the quality of what I can get is much higher than what they have here. Rosa's cousin knows quite a bit of English and she was a great help. She explained her husband was taught English but needs someone to practice with so when I get back we are going to arrange that. Also, one of the ladies is an expert on cooking typical foods and I have been invited today and tomorrow to a cooking session. We had some yesterday, it is made special for Holy Week, it has figs in it and it takes 2 days to make it. I will let you know the name and what else is in it when I figure it out. Speaking of names, I am so terrible with them. Hopefully little by little I will learn them. It isn't like they are Mary or Sue or Jane. Names I have been used to all my life. They are all new and different. A lot of them I can't even pronounce. I think I am going to get name tags and ask the ladies to wear them until I learn the names. One of the things they are very interested in is patterns for quilting and embroidery and appliqué. Knitting and crochet also but those are tricky if they are in English. I know I have a bunch at Heather's and I will see if I can pick up a couple in Oregon. They take them apart and put them in binders so everyone can use them.

The papaya raisin bread was a big hit yesterday and I need to decide what to take today and go make it. I can't believe it is Friday already and I leave real early Tuesday morning.