Archive for the ‘Food’ Category
What a glorious yesterday
Posted on: March 29, 2013
Once or twice a month we get together with two other couples, Mike and Joni and Pat and John for an afternoon of cards, following lunch. Yesterday was that day!!! I’m always impressed how other people “cook” and make delicious things, because my love of that is so “over”!
“I’ll Buy That” card game is always fun and a cause for some good ribbing!!! Yesterday was no different! Retirement is all about friends getting together for good times and a LOT of laughs.
Mark chose to walk into town because he knew I’d be coming along in the car. He made it almost to Kay’s before I happened upon him. He looked beat!!! For those that know where we live, this was a great accomplishment!!! But I will also add, he was very happy I came along when I did.
While we were playing cards, Sebastian called and asked us to come to his house for pizza last evening. He has the cutest little girls. The youngest isn’t a year old yet, very big brown eyes and always has a serious look on her face, till you stick a camera in her face and she just grins! It was so funny! (Picks are on facebook)
Delicious salad with a dressing concoction of his; great pizza and 2 bottles of wine later, we headed home.
I was so looking forward to watching IU play basketball; what a friggin’ disappointment! But I’m sure the team is even more disappointed than I am. Sad to see their season end.
But the best part of the day, I spent no time in the kitchen!!!! Living in Costa Rica is just Pura Vida!
Another fiesta in Costa Rica
Posted on: January 30, 2013
Mark and I keep marveling at how we were told on our “due diligence” trip that we would NEVER be invited to a Tico’s home! Well, that’s not true!!! We’ve been invited to Maricela’s home for various celebrations! (And they have been invited to our home too!)
Last week we went to a fiesta at her Mother’s home – a ceremony for the children and to put away the nativity scene till next year. Music, dancing and most of all, the most tasty food! Whoever says Costa Rica doesn’t have good food, needs to eat at a person’s home!
Maricela served a chicken soup/stew with all kinds of veggies in it and garbanzo beans! She even sent some home with us! Had an eggnog type drink with rum, yum!
Nazareth can get me to do fun stuff! As soon as the music starts, she can’t be still; the hips and feet start moving and don’t stop until the music stops! She drug me out of the chair to dance…..I don’t know if it’s because I’m older, but Costa Rican songs go on, and on, and on, and on! Talk about exhaustion!!!
Saw some of the same people that were at the fiesta last week, along with new people last night.
And, we got invited to another fiesta on Thursday night in Los Angeles! Be still my heart (and feet)! Mark is not sure he’s going, but you can rest assured I’ll be there with bells on!!!
The people in Costa Rica have been so welcoming. Everyone is happy!!! And it’s contagious!!!
Still lovin’ our life here!
Pura Vida!
Maricela asked us to go to her mother’s house last night for ………..never could figure out what she was talking about!
So about 7 p.m. Mark and I trudged up the hill to her mother’s house – smacking my forehead because I can’t remember her name! DUH!
As we were arriving, a car with 4 men in it was arriving; they each had a guitar and one had an accordian. There were lots of people that had already arrived.
Unfortunately, we did not take a camera. Bummer!!!
It was some kind of ceremony signifying that Navidad was over and the nativity scene could be put away for another year. A priest was there to perform this, one of the guitar players. The four men faced the nativity scene and began playing their instruments, singing and the Padre was saying whatever it is he was supposed to say. Mark, Tonya and I were the only clueless people in the room.
After about an hour of this, the ceremony was over. Then the food started…..yum! Homemade bread, tortillas, and the wonder “potato hash”!
Then the musicians began playing and the kids began dancing. Nazareth cannot stand still when there is music!! This child desperately needs to be in a dance class….she has rhythm from the tips of her toes to the top of her head! Her mother convinced her to get me to dance with her…..what an uproar from the crowd; then Maricela convinced Mark to dance, and another uproar erupted.
It was so much fun!!!
Maricela is having a ceremony like this next week at her house! Oh boy!!!
We will have cameras this time.
When we were walking home, Mark said, remember when we did our due diligence tour here and we were told we would never be invited to a Tico’s house…..well, I think it all depends on the person! We’ve been invited to Maricela’s many times and now to her mother’s…..
We had so much fun…..Tico’s know how to have fun!!! We can never thank them enough for including us…
Pura Vida
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It is the New Year; and the next war may soon be in our kitchen!
It is no secret that I don’t like to cook! Perhaps with a larger kitchen it would be slightly acceptable. Yes, I picked out this house and I do love it – but I didn’t bargain on having to do so much cooking!
I’m beginning to think that when I cook/fix a meal, the clean up duty should be Mark’s, which includes going around the house to pick up all the dirty glasses, etc.
And when he grills, I’ll do the clean up duty. However, in the last 6 months, you can count on one hand the number of times we have used the grill. So I’m guessing he doesn’t like to cook either.
This is my retirement too, right?
Wish there was a little soda in Guacimo – I, maybe we, would be their best customers!
Pura Vida!
Attended a 4th of July party today even tho’ it’s the 8th of July – Costa Rica
Posted on: July 8, 2012
- In: Alajuela | Atenas | Costa Rica | Food | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | party time | Retirement | Shopping | Things that make me giggle
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Joni got in touch with us on Saturday and wondered if we wanted to go to the 4th of July Party being held in Grecia, well, actually it was held in San Francisco de San Ysidro de Grecia, Alajuela, Costa Rica! Yep, that’s where it was….
We drove to their place in Ms. Smartie because Old Bessie is still in the shop; meaning, Mike had to drive. Left around 11 a.m. Grecia is about 15 minutes from where they live.
Arrived in Grecia and realized we didn’t have, excuse me, Mike and Joni didn’t bring the paper that had the map on it to find where this place is. Tried using the GPS and that was just one wrong turn after another, with lots of laughter – some people wouldn’t think this was funny…..we did!
Finally, we were able to get a phone signal and attempted to call the number for directions once we found a spot with cell service. Living in Costa Rica is never dull! LOL
After numerous phone calls to the number that was on the website (from the Iphone), and the calls being dropped, etc., the man Joni and Mike were talking to wouldn’t answer the phone any more! However, we did finally realize there were little tiny roadside signs, covered up by red, white and blue balloons! Which caused a lot of laughter. We like Mike and Joni because they are just plain fun and LAUGH a lot!
We didn’t get there till 1:30 p.m. – and when we paid the entrance fee, Joni said “we left at 11 a.m. to get here.” The guy taking our money responded “I hope you are kidding!” Which of course, brought on another fit of laughter!
It was held at a very nice park- type setting with a pool, etc.
Ran into other people we knew from Atenas….sort of like old home week.
And there was shopping, not a lot, but a little. I did pick up a few things which I cannot mention because they are Christmas gifts….no Amy, not for you!
After getting our bellies full, we decided to head back home. That was uneventful!
We laughed a lot today; it was fun; and can’t wait for the next great adventure with Mike and Joni!!!
A 4th of July party on July 8th reminded me of the first year we lived in Bowling Green and the 4th of July fireworks were held on June 30th!
Pura Vida
Bruce called this morning and said that he and Frances were going to Sarchi to the mattress/bedspread factory and wondered if I wanted to go along. I said, “sure, as long as I can stop in Grecia and pick up the coffee bag that was framed”.
Off we went! Altho, I thought I’d never get into town because I was following a truck loaded down with tree trunks; I think going down hill we might have reached 10 mph.
Stopped in Grecia on the way to Sarchi and the place was closed for lunch. I still have a hard time thinking that places actually close for lunch.
Arrived at the factory in Sarchi and they were closed for lunch.
So we went to the Oxcart Factory to eat in the cafeteria above the souvenir shop. Today was a “buffet” menu. Beautiful tables and hand made chairs to sit at….wish Mark was with me.
Anyway, today’s meal for me, consisted of chicken lasagna, beets and plantinos (I’m sure that’s spelled wrong). Was pretty good, but not as tasty as chicken lasagna from Antano’s!
After eating, I wanted to check out the painting classes they offer. Dope slap me! It has to be the best bargain in Costa Rica! You get a small (5″ or so) wagon wheel to paint on, the instructions and the paint, brushes, etc. for a grand total of $5 per person!!! I cannot wait to do this. They said it takes about 45 minutes to do it….I think I’ll be a frequenter painter there!
We’ll be doing this when Terri comes! And if I can convince other people to go, it could be on the “tour” of things to do.
Then off to the mattress factory; Bruce couldn’t find the bedspread he wanted in a queen size, so, voila, they are making it for him! I am fascinated when going into the factory and watching what they do. I did buy some pillows….
Coming home on the old windy road, a huge high truck was coming around a corner and with Frances’ driving skills, we were not hit head on and decapitated! Whew!
Great day….and am excited about the painting class at the Oxcart Factory!!!
Pura Vida….. 
Father’s Day in Costa Rica
Posted on: June 17, 2012
Met up with Pat and John this morning to go to a craft show in San Antonio de Escazu. What a bust! No more than 6 – 7 vendors and nothing out of the ordinary….disappointing to say the least. But it was up HIGH in the mountains. It’s always interesting to drive through different neighborhoods and see “how they live”.
Heading home, Pat thought we should go to this Mexican restaurant; but it wasn’t open yet….as we went past Multi Plaza, John made reference to buying a gun; we all agreed that he should turn around and go gun shopping! I guess you could say this was a “virgin shopping excursion” for me. I have never been in a gun store! It was pretty interesting!!! And the back wall was full of automatic weapons and short shotguns, all different sizes! And before we left the store, someone was looking at one of these! I’m not sure these are legal in the U.S.
John found his “gun of the day” and made a purchase. However, he did not buy the Magnum pellets and I told him that he should always buy anything that has Magnum in the name!!! He assured me he would go to Vargas, the local hardware store, and see if they had them! I certainly hope they do. Not sure what he’s going to shoot, but I know it won’t be Pat! She’s too good of a cook and he likes to eat.
Pat decided the Mexican restaurant would be open now, so that was the next stop. However, I cannot remember the name of it, I hope she’ll post the name. But, I know the way to get to it! It was so neat looking inside!!! Yep, I should have taken some pictures. Baskets wired together with lightbulbs in them for lights! Really clever! We will not be strangers at this restaurant!
Arrived home before the rains this afternoon.
The neighbor girls, Dylana and Nazareth came to see Mark and wish him Feliz Dias del Padre! Maricela had made some Picadilla and chicken for Mark. Picadilla is a potato-type hash that is so darn delish! It’s nice to have Tico neighbors!
Pura Vida!
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Posted on: May 19, 2012
- In: Alajuela | Atenas | Costa Rica | Food | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Retirement | Shopping | Things that make me giggle | Travel | Uncategorized
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Yesterday, Friday, was the “Over 60′s Ladies Day Trip”. We were to take the bus to San Jose, visit the Artisan Market; and do LOTS of shopping! I knew this would be right up my alley!
Six of us met at the bus terminal about 8:40 a.m. We got in line to board the bus to San Jose. The last one of us to board, Rosemary, asked the driver if this was the correct bus to San Jose. Well, error number 1! LOL We were on the bus to Alajuela.
So the “gringo ladies” made their way to the front of the bus and got our refunds and quickly got in line for the correct bus! It was all of 800 colones for the ride to San Jose (about $1.50). Didn’t seem like a long trip at all even with the stops on the way there.
I was quite proud of the fact that when we were in San Jose, I recognized the corner where Mark and I caught the taxi to sign up for CAJA – it’s just a few blocks from ARCR.
Arrived at the bus station and the adventure began. Walked a block or so and then turned left and then we hiked down the pedestrian mall. The Artisan Market is at the “end” of the pedestrian mall. Shopping heaven! I cannot wait to go back!!! Terri, be prepared, we’re heading there when you come.
It reminded me of the old market place in downtown Cancun. Vendors greeting and asking you to come in with the line “for you today, 30% off”. I had a newly charged battery in my camera and was amazed at all the things to see, I didn’t take pictures! Saw lots of different things and some really unusually jewelry.
After we moseyed through the market, we then headed back down the pedestrian mall; stopping in various stores, etc. It was hot shopping in the stores and many times I just walked out to the “mall” area to partake of the wonderful breeze!
Headed to San Jose’s Central Market lunch. Ate at a small place with wonderful food! You know you are going to get great food when you are the only gringos in the place! It was fun!!!
Then back to a couple of other shops and on to the bus station for our return trip home.
Lots of fabric stores – Gayla, are you reading this?
On the trip home Mary and I sat in the front seat of the bus! This is not a seat for the faint of heart! The way those drivers maneuver those huge buses through the narrow city streets is amazing. At one point there were two lanes of traffic….we were passing a semi with the huge lug nuts that stick out of the wheel hub and I swear we were close enough to shear them off!!!
Arrived safe and sound back in Atenas!
No one bought a lot but everyone kept saying “I’m going to come back here”.
Got home around 3:30 p.m. and Pat had called and wanted us to go to Alida’s. We are not fond of their “regular food” but the pizza is pretty good. Arrived at Alida’s and they were closed for “remodeling”. This is the second time we’ve tried to meet people there and they have been unexpectedly closed. You know what they say “3 strikes and you’re out!”
So we drove down the road and ate at Bar Ril – home of the $6 lobster!
Fell into bed when we got home….exhausted, but what a great adventure.
I am beginning to feel more comfortable riding the buses here. In fact, Jonny and I are going to Orotina on Monday on the bus.
Life is good in Costa Rica!
Pura Vida!
TidBits from today
Posted on: May 13, 2012
Today was just a relaxing day – not that it’s different than any other day.
Picked up Jonny and headed to Kay’s for a breakfast buffet; as always, it was very yummy!
Came home and it was so H-O-T! I mean really, really hot! Actually, it was the super high humidity that made it awful. We could look into the valley and you could see the humidity.
Mark grilled some steaks and we had those mid-afternoon.
Then to use up some of the mangoes we have, I made mango bread. Maricela had given me some avocados and I used those in bread too. Smelled really nice baking! However, it really did heat up the house. DUH!
Early evening we could hear Dylana, Nazareth and Maricela at the gate. They have all three had birthdays since last Tuesday! Nazareth was 7 yrs. old today. We had given her some glittery angel wings with a glittery headband, and magic wand and she wanted us to see her. She was just adorable in a maroon colored dress and the pink bling made it!
I gave them a loaf of avacado bread. We said good night and off they went….
A little bit later we heard them at the gate again. OMG! You are not going to believe this! They wanted to give us a little green parrot for a pet! I yelled for Mark to come rescue me….he came out with Sedona and Derby who were immediately intrigued with the baby bird! After convincing them that the parrot wouldn’t last long with the dogs around, they headed home. They were disappointed but understood!
Funny ending to a nice, hot day!
Adios………………..
What a difference a day makes!
Posted on: May 4, 2012
- In: Animals in Costa Rica | Atenas | Costa Rica | dogs | Food | Health stuff | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Retirement | Tips | Travel | Uncategorized
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A friend of ours, Jonny, offered to sit with the dogs while Mark and I took a little trip to Manuel Antonio – we were going to be gone two nights and three days!
Left a little before noon on Tuesday, which was a holiday here. Traffic was light and we were excited to finally get away for a bit.
Arrived in Manuel Antonio and found the Vela-Bar, where we had booked two nights. While the pictures on the internet looked great, it was a little disappointing. Especially, when the a/c didn’t work! It’s unbearably humid on the west coast, miserable, would probably be a better word.
After complaining to the front desk and being told someone would be there in 10 minutes to repair it, we were pleasantly surprised when, in fact, in 10 minutes someone was there. Ahhhh, relief, it worked – at least we would be able to sleep well.
Walked approximately 200 meters to the beach. During this time, sprinkles of rain started and by the time we got there, it was a real gully-washer. So we found a place to get something to drink and waited for the rain to pass.
Wasn’t too long and we were walking on the beach. Man, the sand here sticks to you! Walked a little in the very warm water – which is much warmer than our pool!!! Told Mark I wanted the pool to be this warm.
Had a nice dinner of sea bass next to the hotel. The hotel did have a restaurant but it was pretty expensive. In fact, we found the food in this area to be really expensive compared to our little town of Atenas! But it was very good and we were serenaded by tree frogs during the meal.
Next morning we got up and headed to the park. Holy crap, was it humid and hot! I know, it’s a rain forest and we’ve been in a rain forest before, but I guess we had forgotten about the miserable humidity. Mark was the big complainer of it – I just kept plugging along.
Saw lots and I mean lots of monkeys romping through the trees. Then we happened upon a tour group looking upward and discovered a mother toucan going into and out of a hole in the top of the tree feeding her babies. Too far away to get a decent picture.
After walking a little further, Mark said, I’ve had it. We’ve seen this stuff before so we headed back to the hotel. Went next door again for a breakfast that was super! Slice of fresh pineapple, watermelon, papaya, slices of banana and a pancake were served first; then we had scrambled eggs and bread with gallo pinto – all for $4/each. It was really good – especially the pineapple; you can’t beat fresh pineapple here.
Then back to the room to get on bathing suits and head to the beach. Much, much cooler at the beach because of the breezes; but it was still hot. Saw lots of surfers and really enjoyed watching them. How they keep from hitting each other or others romping in the surf is beyond me! Saw a really cute boy, long dark hair, about 5 years old walking to the water with his boogie board under his arms….the next generation of surfers is already in the works.
Started to drizzle a little and we headed back to the room for showers and to go dinner. Walked back down to the beach and hit a 2 for 1 happy hour (do we plan or what) and then ordered dinner. I had the most wonder huge shrimp and two pieces of mahi mahi and a baked potato with steamed veggies. Had a wonderful white sauce on it; it was very, very good and should have been for the price. Mark had burritos.
Got back to the room and was exhausted; it’s extremely exhausting doing what we did that day. LOL! You know walking, eating, drinking, and beaching it!
Mark watched some TV and I decided to head to bed and read. Fell asleep too quickly; no idea what time it was when I woke up to an really, really upset stomach. Just made it to the bathroom before the vomiting started. Mark heard me and got up – he’s such a good caretaker! He stood with his arms around me as I barfed in the sink, because I couldn’t make it to the toilet. Each time he made a comment: “Oh, my God!”, “you poor thing”, “how much more can there be”……I was up and down the whole night vomiting….it was horrible.
Hadn’t planned on heading for home so early but because of the night, we decided it was best. Going through Quepos, Mark pulled over at Linea Vitale (a clinic) because he wanted me looked at. I have a major history of dehydrating easily! Went in the office and was immediately taken to a cubicle.
As they were taking vitals, Dra. Candy walked in and said to Mark, I know you! And then she looked at me; her famous words to me are “steck out your tongue” (and yes, I meant to spell it that way because that’s how she says it!) You are dehydrated! But we will fix you up. Then she started to tell the Dr. treating me what meds I was on….is she good or what?
Then she wanted to know what I had eaten the night before….told her and she said “you had bad fish”….but it was sooo good! So after getting a bag of fluid, a shot to stop the queasiness on the ride home, off we went.
I slept off and on most of the way! It was a quick ride home for me….
It was so cute when we pulled up to our drive, there was Sofi waiting at the door of the gate, Sedona waiting a little behind Sofi, and Derby waiting behind Sedona. Missed that Kodak moment, because all I could think of was getting into my own bed.
Slept most of the afternoon. Mark fixed me a sandwich for dinner and it stayed down…and I actually felt a little better after eating something. Only residuals were my eyes were burning like they were on fire and a very sore throat.
But I’m pleased to say I was able to stay awake and watch Missing, Grey’s Anatomy, and Scandal.
Slept well, and feel like a new woman!
People that live on the coast can have it….to friggin’ hot, too expensive to run a/c, and the food is over-priced compared to Atenas.
Glad to be home and thanks to Jonny for taking such good care of the dogs!!!
Adios for now….
Pura Vida!
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