We agreed that we would make a trip to Cartago the next day and we would meet at the bus stop for the 10:15am bus. Only Ligia Sanchez was there so off we went. Our first stop was Ziomara's yarn shop so I could show her where it was. Johanna was working which was great because she speaks English also and could translate what I didn't understand. They have a great selection of pattern books and Ligia really enjoyed looking at them. She settled on 2 she really liked and I bought them to have at my house. They are in Spanish so much easier to work with. She also mentioned she wanted to try a few things with a finer yarn so we bought some of their cotton yarn from Guatemala which was a really good price at 100 grams for 700 colones.
Next stop was the other yarn shop and they smile and greet me. I didn't even need to take a number they just took me right over to the cotton yarn. This is when my warrior guardian went into action. They do have the discount when you buy 5 in a package, but with Ligia's help I learned I could get an even bigger discount if I paid in cash. They figured out the amount and off we went to the bank a block away to get more cash. Back to pay and now Ligia is loaded down with packages because she won't let me take any. I usually feel like a pack mule but this time I felt silly because all I ended up carrying was my purse and a bag of strawberries. We went to the Féria for lunch and strawberries and then headed for the bus and home.
I do have to tell you though that I drove her crazy crossing the streets. I even got called malo chica. Now a Tico or Tica is very cautious crossing the street, especially in a city the size of Cartago. I am sure it comes from experience. They will wait until there isn't a car anywhere around. I have noticed it with Emilio also. Not so much me. I guess I figure if I lived through living in New York City I can survive here. If there is a tiny break, off I go. Several times I was on one side of the street and she was still on the other. Now this was before she was loaded down with packages. When we got here she picked up yarn for a hat for a man with cancer. I also just heard from Ziomara and the husband of the woman we gave a hat to last year says she is doing good but they know several other people who need hats so I asked her how many he needs. Even though my ladies are making other things, they will continue to make hats and so will I. And, to my big news today!
At the craft ladies I was given a little birthday balloon along with my permission slip for the hospital. With Ileana's help I understand I show it to security at the hospital and it will allow me in as many times as I want, anytime of day. I can also bring one other person with me. It is dated on my birthday. How great is that!
One of the things the craft ladies do is fancy stitching on checked gingham. I have said I will bring an assortment of the fabric back with me in June and one of them will please teach me how to do it. I have bought 2 and received one for my birthday. They will make great gifts. So few people take the time anymore to do needlework. Or I should say so few people in the US.
I have been remiss about sending pictures of things my ladies have made lately so I will see if I can include some here.
Three tops, a hat and scarf and 2 hats.
2 hat and scarf sets, a top, a hat, 2 black purses and a cellphone case
The stitching I mentioned
My cake
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