I did it and then I went a little overboard.

At the crochet ladies yesterday I found that no one would be available to go to the hospital with me today. It is getting really close to Easter and everyone is busy. I would have gone on another day but we had promised one of the ladies we would bring some plainer hats today. So I said " no problem, I can go alone." I told myself you can do this. You can find the hospital. I looked it up in google maps and knew I had to remember 4 and 2. In Cartago they do have some street signs and the 4 and 2 are avenues and streets. I am not afraid to ask directions and I had money if I needed a taxi but I didn't need either. I only went a block off track and after correcting that I ended up right at the hospital door.  I again showed my permission slip to the guard and he asked me if I needed someone to show me the way. I said no and off I went. I took my time going into chemo because there were ladies with prayers and communion and when they finished I went in. There was also a volunteer there and a couple people who knew some English. I have found when I am alone and stumble along with my Spanish, they come forward and help with their English.

The lady who wanted a plainer hat was there and chose the second one I made. I went around to all the other ladies and we were able to find one for everyone who wanted one. Some of them agreed to pictures, some no. I did learn that they are not open Saturday or Sunday and if I want to see different people in the afternoon, 2:00pm is a good time. If I understood right, they close at 4:00pm. I know there were things I didn't understand, but I managed.

After the hospital I started heading for the park -  I look for the trees. I was almost there when I saw a strip mall and headed in. Turned out I knew exactly where I was - next to ABC Bazaar. There is a nice deli/cafeteria and I had lunch. AND I ordered everything in Spanish. I also pointed but I said the words too. Pescado con limón, mini papas, ensalada de pepinos y tomates y fresco de mango. Now I know that isn't very complicated but I was quite proud. Little by little my vocabulary is increasing.

Of course I had to make a stop at ABC Bazaar and came away with 6 happy plates and 4 jelly jars. I didn't move my dishes here and I haven't bought hardly anything because I want happy dishes. I love these plates - salad plate size and I can use plain white dinner plates or other solid colors. I think I have seen that at another store I go to often in Cartago. That is where I got my happy cups.

It is just a short walk to the bus and I have already decided to stop at the nursery. After all, I have 100 new spots to plant so I definitely need plants. I knew I would probably be taking a taxi home from there, but I have done it several times before and they are great about calling for me.  It is a sea of colors there and then I saw the 2 for 1 and 3 for 1 signs. Well, how can a girl resist!!!! I couldn't, I didn't. Since the concrete block spaces aren't that big, I will divide the plants up and they will cover a very big area. I also got a new hanging plant because I love the little petunia like flowers but they didn't have any little pots.

My driver came and we headed home. As he was unloading the flowers, a car pulled up alongside and spoke to him and then pulled ahead and parked. I came out the gate and at first I thought that he thought my driver was selling flowers. We explained they were mine. He stayed and talked, although I didn't understand most of what he was saying, but it didn't matter. I know I am old but this was my bit of eye candy for the day. He was a middle aged tico, good looking, and a good body. Now I know this because he didn't have a shirt on. I still have no idea who he is and I don't think I have met him before.  After a few minutes I said goodbye and came in and closed the gate.

Tomorrow is craft ladies and I have to stop at the opticians and have my glasses fixed that I got there. The lens fell out. I also want to check on new lens as I have several scratches on these. A bug got under my glasses and as I was brushing it away I knocked my glasses to the sidewalk.

All in all a good day in my part of the world. I hope it is in yours also.

4 new little cactus

New hanging plant