Paradise Lost...Briefly

 

Toucans!

The front porch is where we eat all our meals and drink coffee so we get to see wildlife as it goes by. After having monkeys checked off my “must see at Serenity” list, next was toucans. I never knew what to listen for (to signal me they were near) until I got to see one while sitting on the porch. The best I can describe is they sound like a big squeaky rusty hinge or a child's squeaky swing although not irritating, actually a pleasant sound. We have seen them twice now from the porch and both times in pairs, calling to each other. I really like their sound, very tropical and different, it always reminds me of the first time we stayed in OSA. They are huge, colorful and very exciting to see. Check!!

Now Bring On The Sloths!

Paradise Lost

Briefly...

For family and friends left behind in the brutal winter North America has been experiencing, especially all of you in Michigan, (our home state) you might get smug on this one and go “ha-ha!” I understand the human spirit and many of you have endured one of the worst winters on record while I keep posting pictures of our perpetual summer vacation.  So here is your opportunity to be smug.

Two weeks ago I found a tick on my leg. At the time I figured I found it in time, not swollen with my blood or its head not too far into my skin, it was rather easy to remove with a bit of a tug. The area just showed a red spot similar to a mosquito bite and didn't itch or bother me for 2 weeks. But on Wednesday last week I noticed the little red bite was showing signs of infection, angry red swollen and traveling. I also wasn't feeling good and spent most of the day in bed. One eye the previous day started to show signs of a reaction to something, red and swollen. I managed to sit up long enough to research the internet (have minimal service at the rental house now, very minimal) and discovered many of my symptoms on tick bite sites; horrible body aches, fever, swollen red eye, loss of appetite and a very angry looking bite.

By the next morning it became obvious I needed medical help, I had to lay down and couldn't keep my head up. I haven't hurt that much with body aches since my 20s! Aldemar to the rescue, as always! What a blessing he is to have here! He escorted us to town to find a Farmacia to take care of me. We needed him to translate and find the best Farmacia for us. Step back into time, further back than the 60s, and you will get an idea of the place. (I could have gone to the hospital but really hated the idea and was grateful Aldemar said the Farmacia would take care of me.) Lots of wooden display cabinets with glass fronts and a back room examination room. I was seen by Dr. Victor and given a very powerful injection of antibiotic and pills to take home, all for $42.00. By that evening I was sitting up a bit on the couch, took a quick shower, asked for something to eat and slept peacefully that night. The next morning I was pretty good and by afternoon feeling excellent, no signs remaining except the leg wound; which is clearing up. Wow! Amazing care one can get at a Farmacia!

Hey, I know a new Spanish word: garrapata (tick!)

Basement

Our basement is coming along pretty good. Especially when you consider everything is done by hand. No cement trucks here, all mixing of concrete is done on site! They will be mixing and pouring that whole floor by hand and both main floor and top floor get concrete also.

John just called me out to the deck to try out my back machine.  I have compressed discs and keep my back healthy by exercising my lower back and neck.  Years ago he made me a machine based on the one I used in physical therapy to strengthen by muscles to keep the discs separated.  I have been without it since just before we loaded the container, just a little less than 3 months ago.  He finally got it back in operation on the front porch as it took some special engineering to set it up without the support we had in our basement in Davisburg.  Yea, my back is back exercising!