Life in Costa Rica: Just because I haven’t been writing

Doesn’t mean nothing is happening. We had our meeting with the priest - I brought chocolate cookies to sweeten the deal. We showed him pictures of the cancer ladies and their hats and explained what we do. Well, I didn’t but Jeanette and Ligia did. He agreed to us participating at the feria at the church, without any charges. It turns out it will be Sept. 30.

We have also been invited to be the only vendor on 9/18 and 9/19 at San Francisco de dos Rios, San Jose at the Oficinas del Gobierno Servicio Civil. I do not include any crochet items but I will have microwave bowl potholders, jelly, pickles and some kind of cookie or bar. Today I made brownies with a filling of a coconut mixture and they loved them. Jeanette thinks I should do them. It will be inside an office building so we won’t need the tent or table and chairs. Easier for traveling but it will be an early start with tubs of merchandise. We will be able to leave it there the 18th so a little less carting. I don’t know yet if the bus will work for coming home the 18th and going on the 19th. Probable José for the other two trips. This should be a really interesting experience and the ladies are excited.

I love seeing how they have progressed since we started. At first they would only do what I told them. I had to pick out the colors and decide what they should make. Now, I give them yarn to choose from and they bring back the finished item. They are getting so creative. Jeanette has even bought some yarn and made things on her own and put her label on it. I love it. I have told them if they want to bring their own things to the feria, that is fine. The whole idea was to help them make some money. I hope we sell everything. I would have some very happy ladies.

I am working on a crochet project. I am very interested in mandalas and have several patterns I like. I offered to make one for Otto. He chose the colors to follow the colors of the chakras and when I am finished I will attach it to a bamboo frame.

Douglas, (Ziomara’s husband) turns 50 on 9/15 and I have been invited to his birthday party. September will be a busy month. Late September or early October Heather is coming for a week so lots going on.

Heather and Kent were going to come for Christmas but they have a puppy going thru the terrible twos and are concerned about leaving him so I am flying up for a few weeks. I will have to arrange for someone to take care of the cats. I am hoping for someone to spend some time here so the cats can get out and not be locked in the house for 3 weeks.

That’s about it. Lots of rain, little cold - I know, 60 isn’t cold. Next to the basket man - Gerardo - is another basket man - I think Hector. Yes, I bought another basket. These men are so talented. Hector does furniture also.