I must tell you about my birthday!

If you are on Facebook and saw the picture I posted, you know it wasn't the normal, standard, grown up, adult party. I knew they planned to have it at Iliana's farm, in the Ranchero. I was told first by Emilio to wear bright colors, which I usually do, and then last Thursday I was told to dress like a hippie. I said for a woman it is a flower child and I asked if there was going to be marijuana and they all laughed and said well if you want. I admitted I had never tried it. I was asked to be at Aura's house at 2:30 and told I could wait and change clothes there. I said oh no, I will wear them on the bus.

I started thinking about what I needed for my outfit and the scary thing was I didn't need to buy anything except some silk flowers for my headpiece. I found a skirt in my drawer and a wild top from the suitcase of clothes from the Dig and Save. I have the cutest flat shoes with flowers and owls on them. I used a couple wooden rings that I tied together and decorated with ribbons and flowers for my headpiece. I added some fresh flowers at the last minute and put on lots of jewelry.

Thursday morning Emilio called to tell me I was not to take the bus but I would be picked up after 12:30 and I should have my headpiece on my head. About 2:30 he called again to say they were running late but not to worry. Everything I asked he would say "I can't say anymore." He had been sworn to secrecy. I did get a glimpse of Rosita's outfit and I knew this was going to be wild.

I finally got the message they would be here in 15 minutes so I put my headpiece on, tied my shawl around my hips, added the scarves I was going to wave and the brownies and bag of weeds. I had lavender, oregano, mint and a couple other herbs - but no marijuana. It smelt pretty good. I opened the door and a few minutes later the cutest VW bug pulled up, all decorated with flowers and peace signs. Out steps Iliana and Anna D. and a very guapo driver. This was Iliana's gift to me. As we drove along we got lots of stares and smiles.

The finca is a lovely place on the edge of Paraiso and they raise or graze cows and horses. No crops at this time. They only use it for family and friends for parties. It was well decorated as you will see in the pictures. We had a great time with lots of food and drinks. And lots and lots of laughing. There were 18 of us and we danced and enjoyed ourselves. When it got dark and a little chilly they lit the fireplace. I blew out the candles on the cake - thank heavens not 70 - and then they started bringing me gifts. I couldn't believe it. 2 big scarves, a cowl, 4 bracelets, earrings, wine, lotion, a beautiful plate Johanna made and a table top that was hand done with tons of stitching, a leather bag and of course my ride in the Bug. Then I looked on Facebook and Heather had deposited money in my account for an adventure with Emilio.

They were slow to try the brownies. I think because when Rosita asked me if there was marijuana I said yes. I admitted there wasn't and when they tasted them, they loved them and asked for a cooking lesson. I added peppermint extract and they were really good. I gave what was left to Rosita for Emilio along with the bag of weeds.

I said I was fine to take the bus home but they said no. Iliana's son and girlfriend came and they drove me home. They both speak quite good English so we chatted all the way. He and his father are both veterinarians and he has spent time in the states including Minnesota and Madison.

It could not have been better. I don't even mind being 70. I had considered saying I was younger but I decided not to. I earned every wrinkle.

Yesterday Emilio came over to make me empanadas but after coffee we decided instead to go to Cartago. We had lunch at Rosti Pollo - I love that place. Then he walked me all over Cartago. I wanted to check the cooking school for peppermint extract because people here love the peppermint taste and I wanted to find a place that has it. Then he wanted school supplies which was in another direction and I needed ink for my printer which was another direction. He said he was walking off the food from my party. We finally got everything done. I bought the cutest mouse for my laptop and then spent tons of time with my son in law on FaceTime trying to figure out how to disable my touch pad. He was on a computer and talking to me and I had my laptop on and my iPad was turned so he could see my screen and my keypad. I had done some research and one place said do fn and F5 at the same time. That didn't work. Another said fn and F7. That didn't work. Finally he found something that said fn and F9 and that did it. Had I been able to tell the symbol on the F9 button was a mouse with a line drawn thru it, it would have saved us lots of time.

When I finish this I will head to the fiesta at church for day 3 of my birthday celebration. If Kaye can celebrate her 70th for a year, so can I. Speaking of Kaye, she and a family friend are coming to visit in early May. They will be here for 3 nights and then we will have Jose take us to Puerto Viejo for 2 nights. On the way back we will drop them by the airport in San Jose for their flight home. It will be so fun. I have already asked Gerardo to take us to his finca while they are here. Kaye was there last year and wants to show her friend. I will also be able to take them to the craft ladies and arrange massages. A busy time.
Now for some pictures!