Life in Costa Rica: I was going to wait

until more was done but so much has been going on I thought I should get it written before I forget it all. Let’s see. The road work has moved on but before they left I acquired lots of dirt and more rocks. And a light pole next to my fence. I have been told that when ICE wants to put up something the residents negotiate for what they want. Adrien agreed to let them put the dirt and rocks here and they created a dirt bridge and moved rocks. I still need to have some put between the ones I have in front and the new fence to finish the crescent shape of rocks. Jose and his crew ( Victor and Ishmael) came for the morning and then Ishmael went to school and Jose’s daughter, Denise, came in the afternoon. She is a lovely girl (20) and loves dream catchers so I pulled out all my supplies and taught her how to make them. Jose came back and got her when we were finished. She sent me a message asking if she and her 11 year old cousin could come and make another one. Saturday works best for them and it works good for me too. She goes to university, studying English and also wants to be a writer and have an animal office or store. She loves animals and has a German Shepherd puppy named - Agatha.
For those who don’t know that was my mother’s name. She and Ishmael had a great time with Dally.

I did feed everyone before they left. I have to make another trip to PriceSmart as I am now out of the pork and beans ( I put mild salsa in with them) and spam. We also had mixed vegetables and chocolate dipped strawberries. Definitely not a casado but they liked it. I also gave Jose a jar of the second batch of jelly with the Colombian guava (Arrayan) and strawberries. I have made 25 jars altogether so far.

Jose and crew couldn’t work in the front because ICE wasnt done so they did other things. There was a guayaba tree covered with fungus so they cut it down to the trunk. It is very hard wood and all they used were machetes. I did have them plant a mango and 2 pineapple by the tree that is only the trunk. I ended up with 2 big branches that I am using in the front garden. I will plant ayote (pumpkin) under them and they can grow on the branches. I also now have red, purple, pink, lavender and orange bougainvillea for that area. Jose will bring me white. I have a bunch of other flowers and trees also. I am really anxious to get it going. Jose will put a thick layer of rich soil before we plant.

While Jose was changing kids, Victor worked on my creek area. I love it. It is close to the house, has big rocks for me to sit on, and a little path to go right down to the water. He cut some bamboo to make access easier. I think it is great.

We are getting a little less rain and fewer cold days or nights. I haven’t slept in my jogging suit lately. Dally is growing and doing more everyday. So far she is very good about not going far if she goes out the door. She is doing great with the litter box and later this week she will have her first shot. She has her wild times and then she heads for me with her claws out and her teeth ready. Other times she is very cuddly and usually sleeps with me at night. I am so afraid I will roll over and squish her.

Ziomara’s father has been having a terrible time with his health, in and out of the hospital. She messaged me early this morning that he died. I will go to the funeral on Wednesday morning at the Basicila in Cartago. Usually here the funeral is the next day but her brother is outside the country so I am assuming they are allowing extra time for him to get here.

Crochet Ladies starts this week and I will go to Craft ladies for the first time. Otto is coming Thursday morning. The funeral Wednesday and Dally to town for her shot. Busy week.