I could tell you my life has been very quiet and boring.

But, I would not be telling the truth. I have so much fun and have so much going on for an old lady. I have to write about it or I will forget everything.

Since my trip to PriceSmart I have made two big trips to WalMart. I go on the bus and have just a half block walk. The first trip was the non perishables and today was everything else on my list. My refrigerator is full with 2 turkeys and the table is covered with all the fruits and vegetables. When you come down the ramp there is a lineup of taxis. I met a new driver, Edwin. He is working hard to learn English because it will be good for his business. We chatted all the way here and he complimented me on my Spanish. He added his telephone number to my phone for future trips. As soon as I finished checking out today I called him and explained who I was and he said he would be at WalMart in 2 minutes. I went down to the taxi area and an older man came over to me. I said I am waiting for Edwin and he said that is my son and you must be the beautiful lady from Rio Macho. Talk about making me feel good! Edwin came and loaded everything up and again we chatted all the way home. I had given him a jar of jelly last time and he told me how much he enjoyed it. So, tomorrow the cooking starts and Monday Emilio is coming to help.

Jose and Victor were here Thursday to get the yard in order for the party Friday and he and Victor also put up my mosquito netting so now bugs have to fight to get in. I also now have an address and a utility bill. Well, kinda. It seems I don't have one so we are using Grandpa's. I am 500 meters south of the church but it is really more then that. As soon as all my parties are over I will take care of getting a bank account and going to immigration for my ID card.

The first party, with the senior citizens, was yesterday and it went so well. Everyone had a great time. I think there were 38 here but it wasn't a problem. They spent most of the time on the deck and that gave us the house to do all the food prep. The music was great and I have hired him to come back for my dinners. All the food and drinks were wonderful too.They planned to leave about 1:00 but it was 2:15. As they left, Adrien was here with a backhoe and dug out all the deadish trees and brush between the driveway and the creek. I am not sure what they plan to do but I think something with rocks. I also learned the roof panel is ordered but hasn't come yet. That is why the work hasn't been done on the house.

I did have a little trouble with an animal in the house. I know it was bigger than a mouse because of the holes it was making in food and wrappers but I never saw it. That was the reason they put the mosquito netting up and there have been no signs for the last 3 nights so I think it is working. They are going to put up more permanent screening but for now this works. Either that or the fact I have been leaving the kitchen light on at night.

I think that is about it. I will see if I can add a few pictures. I forgot to tell you my salad greens story.

The greens

How the front looks now

The backhoe 

Jeanette and lunch

Jose and Victor 

I asked them to cut a bamboo tree for Ziomara 

How it looks now

Courtney drew me a picture of my dog.

Jose  has told me the greens growing in the water in the concrete area by the house are good and extremely healthy. When the group was here yesterday, Ligia and Janette noticed them and Ligia took her shoes off and climbed down and picked lots. Jeanette said she buys them in the market in Cartago and they were very happy to get them so fresh. It is a form of culantro I think. It is also used in various cooked dishes. I also got the ladder out and picked Jeanette grapefruit to take for drinks. They made a wonderful drink with the guayaba I had and brought a mora drink with them. Mora is like blackberry.

When Jose was here we talked about more chairs and of course there is a cousin who rents. This time it wasn't Jose's cousin but I think Adrien's and he is also Victor's nephew and maybe Glorian's cousin. So I rented a long table and 10 chairs which really helps. I will have them thru the 26th.