I have to change my ways

My drinking days must stop. I told you about the Bailey's in the coffee, and I promise it was only one a day, but I started being light headed and dizzy. So, I decided I have to give it up. Maybe it was the combination with my meds. I am back to plain coffee till I get some hazelnut flavored things.

Yesterday was such a great day - even with my dizziness. I had a list for Gerardo and I finally saw him and asked him if he had 5 minutes for me in my house - yes, in Spanish. I had some of the furniture from my porch way at the end and I told him I didn't like it but I really liked this. I took him over to where one metal piece was. Well, that set things in motion. I will have to get or make cushions but that was my plan anyway. Marta and Ana got moving digging it out and then Ana started finding the other pieces of the set. I now have a couch, 2 chairs and 2 small tables. Some of the pieces Ana was lowering all roped up from the level over the little apt.

I have the old single mattress that I thought I could cut up and use but they brought 3 thick cushions and a big piece of thick foam. Emilio and I are going to Cartago on Saturday to get more foam and maybe look at fabric. I want something waterproof so it won't matter it is on the porch.

I also asked Gerardo about painting the end wall of the porch and he said yes. He offered to cover it with siding and I said no, I love it as it is, it just needs painting. We agreed the same color or terra cotta, which is the other color in the floor tiles.  I took him inside and asked for a board to be placed over the dented area in the sheetrock in the kitchen and for a cover for the attic hole in the kitchen. He said yes to both. We went out back and he gave me two small bamboo rods and I asked if I could have part of the great big bamboo tree that is down in the back. He said yes and I got my saw and clippers and away we went. I ended up with 2 pieces that will make very impressive hangers but will be too big to bring back to the US.

Then Emilio and the crochet ladies came. Ligia Sanchez spent the time teaching him to macrame. I also learned she would be just as happy with the thinner macrame cord and there is more in the roll. Dona Alicia and her grandson came and I could hear everyone chatting away as I finished coffee. I made Cinnamon Roll Cake that needed frosting and egg salad to go with chips. I had banana bread from the freezer. Emilio brought a fruit bread and Dona Alicia brought tayuyos. They are a mini tamale with mashed beans and corn dough. I love having an assortment and when people enjoy what I serve. Dona Alicia's grandson is the quietest little boy I have ever met. He is maybe 6 or 7 and he just sat there and never made a peep. I brought out my container of kids things so that hopefully he would find something to amuse himself. He was all dressed in his school uniform and looked so proper.

With Emilio there it was easier to communicate and we went over details for next Thursday with the ladies from Paraiso. Jose will be here to take them and all our stuff. Kaye and Harvey Richard and I will go on the bus to Paraiso and Jose will pick us up and take us to the finca. On the way back he will take the ladies to the bus and then come get us and we will ride home with him. Emilio is coming back next Tuesday to finish the macrame hanger and we will go over everything again. He will also be at the event in Paraiso to help.

Today I am concentrating on tagging all our items and listing them in my book so I am not rushing at the last minute to do it.

I was all excited because my strawberry plants had little leaves but today we are back to sticks. The Coke didn't do it. Today I sprinkled coffee grounds. Ana even said the dreaded word - chemicals. It's funny how whatever it is has only picked a few things. The strawberries, rose bushes and the white flowered plant. Hydrangeas next to the strawberries are just fine and so is everything around the roses. Ana keeps saying Gerardo so I will have to ask for another 5 minutes.

Tomorrow is massage and craft ladies, Friday the seniors excursion which I learned is to San Rafael   for swimming (the things I agree to), Saturday to Cartago. I am tired already. Then I get busy getting ready for my guests and a busy week while they are here. It could be worse. I could be unable to do all of this. I and my life are indeed blessed.

Katherine and the girls are going to help me do this. Emilio wants to help too - by eating the nuts.

Ana and one of the chairs.

One of the sets Ligia Sanchez made.