I had the oddest thing happen the other day. I am in a grocery store and see Christmas Trees and decorations. I think, “what are those things doing out, it is summer?” Then it dawns on me that it really is October, it's me that is confused as to the time of the year. For 10 months, every day is another summer day to us, so we get confused as to what time of the year it really is. Glad the rest of the world is keeping track because we have lost track of time around here. We keep track of the days of the week by “Milk Pick-up Days” and “Thursday Farmer's Market Day”. If not for those three days to keep us on track, I have a feeling we would be totally confused!
For those who think “But I like the
changing seasons, maybe I wouldn't like a perpetual summer.” Let
me offer an observation: we both enjoy nature and take time to
observe trees, plants, animals, rivers, mountains and more. It has
been very interesting how each month has subtle changes. It might be
leaves falling off certain trees only to grow back new leaves right
away. Or different birds and insects have arrived. Having had an
organic vegetable farm ourselves, it is interesting what the farmers
are planting or tasks they are performing on their land and what
produce we find in the market. Obviously there is a difference
between the rainy (some Ticos call it winter) and dry (summer)
seasons but although it seems like summer to us all the time, we can
pick out changes from month to month and find it extremely
interesting.
Cattle Drive--Some cattle came across the river last week and needed to be escorted back to the farm. Local Ticos used motorcylces in front of our house to direct them back home.
While having breakfast this little hummingbird hit our window and was a bit dazed for awhile.
We set it upright and after posing for pics, flew off.
Would We Do It Again?
This was a question many family and
friends asked on recent our trip back to Michigan. The short answer
is YES! We are so enjoying our new lives in Costa Rica. Life here
is full of beauty, new experiences, adventures and new things to
learn. Our days can be laid back quiet days or hectic. Some days
bring surprises and we don't get done what we thought we were going
to tackle. But what is nice, if you don't get it done today, there
is always tomorrow. John doesn't have an employer and we don't have
the farm to run so what does it matter if it gets done today or not?
Simply put, life is very enjoyable and we can relax for a change here
in Costa Rica.
We are getting settled in our lovely
home and each day a little more gets done; things like towel bars,
hooks for hanging things, unpacking, computer and phones set up, etc.
Living here is truly wonderful, we are so blessed. Still don't have
a TV set up and really don't miss it much as we are so busy with
other things.
Breakfast on the Veranda, our favorite place to have breakfast.
Newer Improved Internet
The new internet in Serenity is now up
and running and we are so grateful to have better internet. We can also use Magic Jack. Finally we have a house phone!
We have a Michigan phone number so for any of you who live in the 248
area code, calling me won't even cost you anything!! 248-747-4941.
We are 2 hours behind Michigan until
the time change, then only one hour behind.
A Sloth in the Road!!
John is finally off the hook, we came
across another sloth crossing the road and we got pictures!! (If you
don't know about “we are in too much of a hurry and can't stop
for pictures of a sloth in the road” story, then go back to
January 2014 blog.)
We now know how to help a sloth safely
cross a road. You offer the sloth a sturdy stick which he will
readily grab unto. They really don't walk on the ground very well so
an offered stick is a welcome sight to a sloth. Once he is holding
on take the “sloth on a stick” to the side of the road in the
direction he was going. Hold the sloth near a tree or branch and it
will quickly transfer to the tree. Pronto! He is across the road in
record speed!
Heirlooms!! Really!
I finally found some tasty tomatoes!
When I saw these tomatoes in a little store in San Isidro, I was
excited. All we have been able to find for 10 months of living in
Costa Rica are the typical round basic red tomatoes, as shown in
forefront of picture. Compare them to the oddly lobed tomatoes in
the background, which are heirlooms. Heirlooms taste so much better
than typical hybrid red tomatoes. Although the typical store tomato
doesn't have the superior taste of an heirloom, they handle and ship
well. So many growers don't want to bother with heirlooms, which I
admit are harder to grow, harvest and handle. But, OH! the flavor is
sooooo worth it!! We have favorite stores and markets, now I have my
favorite “tomato” store, right next to the bread and meat stores
in a little strip of stores.
Ticos and Ticas
Someone asked me if it was, “OK to
call Costa Ricans Ticos?” (Ticos are men, Ticas are women and a
mixed group is Ticos.) Costa Ricans are very proud of their country
and heritage, which they should be, they have a beautiful country and
they are truly wonderful people. Costa Ricans themselves use the
names Tico and Tica, I am not sure but think they named themselves
those names from what I understand. So yes, it is just fine to use
those names.
