I had everything except the canopy piled just inside the door. The canopy was in it’s box on the deck. I had warned Jose he might have to make two trips. I don’t know how he does it or where he puts it but he got everything in the car with a clear front seat for him and me. We drove to the church and asked the committee where we should set up. We were given a spot across the road in front of the church. José had worked with the canopy but it was a while ago and I had never seen it out of the box. We got some excellent help and it really is easy and slick. Works best if you have 4 people but can be managed by fewer. Ligia and Jeannette showed up soon after we did and we started getting everything set out. Then they decided to move us to the road. There were four of us and we each grabbed a leg of the canopy and away we went. Before we could get much set up we were moved again and this time we were on the far side of the road, right in front of the church. They also added a smaller canopy, another table and 2 chairs so we would have more room. I brought 3 chairs and a small table. We had Ligia’s rack, which she built, the two tubs with baskets on them and even things hanging from the edge of the canopy. One table, under my canopy, was just the food and the other canopy was all the crochet and macrame things.
I had jelly on crackers, cut up cookies and pickles on a fork. Anyone who came around got something to eat. I sold 6 jars of pickles, 12 packages of cookies and 4 jars of jelly. I had the most fun with the Red Cross booth right across from us. I kept taking them samples and finally gave them a bag of cookies. They were making balloon animals in exchange for a donation. I gave them a donation and they gave me a dog. Ligia talked them into making me a flower and when they brought it I gave them the dog back.
We sold 7 or 8 crocheted items and put two on hold. Ligia also took an order to make a hat. Did we get rich? No, but we did get our name and story out to more people. We had our sign and the flyers with the history of Chicas Buenas out in both areas and the story was told or read many times. We even received a donation to buy yarn.
An assortment of food was served and we had rice with chicken or potatoes with chicken. Emilio came to visit and spent most of the afternoon with us. He was a great help so I could communicate more with the ladies. We each have our interests but Jeanette decided that ferias aren’t for her and she doesn’t want to do anymore. She went home mid-afternoon and Ligia and I stayed.
By the time I called Jose to tell him we were packing up, it was raining cats and dogs. No rain coat, no umbrella handy and now we have to take the canopy down. I was just soaked. I asked him to take Ligia and her stand home (she lives just a few blocks away from the church) and come back and get me. Instead he managed to get everything in the car including her and her stand and me. When she got out I realized she was sitting on the folded down seat back. I am sure glad it wasn’t far. We unloaded everything here and today I hung the canopy in the sun for it to dry and not get moldy.
Today was a very lazy, restful day. I did get things put away and made an appointment with an optometrist in Cartago for tomorrow. I am tired of not being able to see. I do have an appointment thru CAJA at the hospital in Cartago but it isn’t for 2 years and I just can’t wait. José will take me and be available for translating. They did have a person who speaks some English which made it easier to make the appointment. I may have to wait a couple months for the actual surgery but that is better than a couple years.
So, our day at the feria is over and I am happy we did it. A few more people know who to ask for hats for cancer victims and who to ask for crocheted items. Baby steps, baby steps.
My area and my canopy.
The second area
Ligia and Jeannette.
Look how many red leaves on my poinsettia
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