Archive for the ‘party time’ Category
Happy May Day!
Posted on: May 1, 2013
- In: Alajuela | Atenas | Costa Rica | Holidays | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Politics | Retirement | Uncategorized
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Back in the old country when I was but a wee lass……May Day, May 1st, was a great holiday. We spent the week before May 1st making May Day baskets. Then we would fill them with candy, spring flowers, etc. – on May 1st, you would deliver your May Day baskets, hang them on the front door or your friend’s homes, ring the door bell, and run like hell so they wouldn’t see who was delivering May Day baskets to you! Sort of signified the coming of spring in Michigan (for us, anyway).
I kept up the tradition with our girls for awhile too….of course, by then, people had no clue what was going on…hmmm, perhaps that’s the beginning of dumbing down America! LOL
Here in Costa Rica it’s ”labor day” and most things are closed.
With President Obama coming here on Friday, traffic will be a worse mess than normal; except for the closed roads. We live on the side of a mountain where planes coming in to land at Juan Santa Maria airport, make their wide turn in their approach. We are hoping to see Air Force One make that approach!
I had wanted to go and see the “parade” but decided to heed the warnings of traffic delays, etc. , so we’ll just stay home and watch it on TV.
Welcome to Costa Rica on Friday, President Obama…..too bad you can’t come to Atenas and meet lots of ex-pats!
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
New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica
Posted on: December 31, 2012
Our second New Year’s Eve in Costa Rica! Can hardly believe we’ve been living here for over a year and a half! And lots and lots of things have happened in that year and a half.
We really do enjoy it here; what’s not too like – while my friends in FL, yes, FL, and KY are freezing, we have the windows and doors open with a balmy breeze blowing through the house; yesterday was a “bad” day with the December winds – we’ve got more dirt, leaves, etc. than ever – IN THE HOUSE! LOL Sure hope Maricela shows up today to clean.
In early December, I saw the dermatologist. He “froze” 26 spots on my face and upper chest. I’m telling myself that for a week or so I looked like I was covered with beauty marks, ie: Marilyn Monroe style. Hey! It’s my mind and I can tell myself whatever I want.
Back in the old country when something was removed by a medical professional, we had the understanding that things would be removed by pounds; 1 lb. minimum; preferably by 2 lbs. at a time. I’m sad to report that these 26 beauty marks only removed .1 pounds. I see him again in February and we’ll be having a discussion regarding this.
Lots of resolutions for the upcoming New Year.
1. I am truly giving up Pepsi! This will be difficult but I know I can do it….the past couple of months I could go without it for a week or so; and then I’d cave in a buy Pepsi. It’s a big acid reflux cause for me! Altho’ I’m happy to admit that my 1820 coffee doesn’t cause any reflux problems; am afraid to try any other coffee because I’m happy with 1820.
2. I will definitely get a least one Christmas present made or purchased a month for Christmas 2013! None of this stress and panic like I felt this year. And I still haven’t completed my shipping or purchasing for Christmas 2012! Hmmm, maybe I could just ship stuff now and say “Merry Early Christmas 2013″ – keep this till December and put it under your tree. Just a thought…
3. Get my sewing room organized! Maricela is a good organizer so I think when the girls go back to school, she and I will get in there and tackle this.
4. I’m going to keep count of the people that I give rides to into town; that’s just part of my “Pay it forward”.
5. We will go visit some sites in Costa Rica – need to find someone to come to the house and stay with the dogs; it will be easier on them and us! LOL
6. Work on my Spanish…I know the words, I just can’t get them into sentences! Anyone that has young kids in their lives, have them learn Spanish! It’s so much easier when you’re younger than at our age!
That’s enough for now….but I might add some other resolutions later.
Took a break and fixed Maricela and the girls some breakfast. Dylana, Nazareth and I are headed into town in a few minutes. They are so good when I take them to town! Don’t beg or whine for a thing!
Adios for now and Feliz Anos Nuevo!
- In: Atenas | Christmas | Costa Rica | Holidays | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | party time | Retirement | Shopping | Uncategorized
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We stopped at Coope and they saw a “stuffed” Santa so I snapped a picture of them!
Mark made a quick trip to the old country a week ago on Saturday and returned on Wednesday. Daughter’s father-in-law was in the hospital; I had the Costa Rican crud and there was no way I could fly with a stuffed up head and chest – (in fact, I’m still coughing!) Happy to report he’s doing well!!!
Mark returned on Weds. around noonish; we were at Dumas’ school graduation at 3 p.m.; I had a dermatology appt. at 4:45 p.m. and then we were at Maricela’s for chichirrones to celebrate the graduation! Yep, one friggin’ busy day!
Then on Thursday, was our second annual 12 Days Before Christmas Party. Lesson learned, make more Sangria, lots more Sangria! LOL Lots of good snacks but as with any party, it’s the friends that make it.
Spanish class on Friday morning….can you say, Spanish wasn’t really on my mind. Georgia wasn’t either! LOL
Sunday, Lee and I ventured to Cemaco – all I’m looking for is a pastry blender; I’ve seen one down here but I can’t remember where! Nothing irritates me more than to need something and not be able to find it! Sheesh!!! And I’m still looking….
Today Maricela came to clean and it had already been set up that Dylana and Nazareth and I would go Christmas shopping in town. Because the girls are girls (LOL) and we’ve raised 2 girls, it’s evident that they know exactly what they want; so off we went in search of a Christmas gift for them.
I have NEVER EVER shopped with such patient girls in my life! Nazareth thought she wanted a toy – we went to three or four stores and she looked and looked; Dylana knew she wanted shoes; all of a sudden Nazareth decide she wanted shoes too. Of course, she wanted heels (she’s 7, and there’s no way I was going to buy her heels because I know she’d break a leg, ankle, etc.) She picked out some cute flats; Dylana picked out a pair of tennis shoes….and the whole time I’m reminding them – they cannot tell their mother! LOL They even picked out a pair for Maricela!
Heading back to the car I asked them if they wanted to buy their mother a gift; their eyes got real big and then grinned and nodded yes! They were so excited!!!
We went to Antanos for lunch; such well behaved girls!!!
All the way home they kept saying how they had to come to my house to wrap their mother’s gift!
It’s funny because I think they visit our house daily to see if there are more gifts under the tree!
Pura Vida for now…..it’s such a fun time of the year with kids!!!
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
- In: Atenas | Costa Rica | Food | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | party time | Retirement | Uncategorized
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We had been told that the Chili Cook-0ff is so much fun! It’s a fundraiser for the Orphanage here. It’s the event to go to and be seen! LOL
We arrived around 1:30 p.m. It’s held at Roma Vista and if you ever have a chance to see this gorgeous place, do not hesitate to accept the invitation. A pavilion, a swimming pool – two areas, one for little kiddo’s and larger ones. Gorgeous grounds, beautiful view; well, you get the picture.
You pay 1,500 colones to get in and that gets you samples of the contest chili. Tickets are sold for drinks and other food. We stayed with the chili and drinks. Some very different tasting chili….from blow your socks off hot, to a nice mild flavored one. I stayed with mild ones, when there was a choice and Mark chose the blow your socks off hot! One he tried was extremely hot and he immediately said, we’ve got to get drink tickets, NOW! LOL So he got some beer and I got water…and he continued with the hot stuff. Some entrants even had sour cream, shredded cheese, onions and a little more hot stuff!
Then we wandered down to where the entertainment was held. Frances, from Lighthouse Animal Shelter, was belting out some oldies but goodies! I wish we could have seen her when she was an entertainer……love the genre of music she sings.
Ran into Bruce, her husband, and said “go tell Frances to sing some Whitney songs”…..he said “I’m not doing that and I can guarantee if you do, she’ll kill you! She can’t hit those high notes anymore!” And we laughed…..she’s still got it in my book!
Then there was time for drawings, etc. Ran into Pat and John….they were getting ready to leave and she gave me her tickets for the drawings. Wouldn’t you know it, the first number drawn was one of her tickets! Stopped by their house and John came out and I told him I had helped him with his Valentine’s Day gift for her! LOL
Headed to MegaSuper to pick up a few things. When I came out, Mark was sitting in front of the grocery with 3 strange small kids sitting in Ms. Smartie! A woman was with her three kids and her son was so excited about seeing the car….she just opened the door and plopped her toddler daughter in the seat; then another girl probably 6-7 years old; and her son – maybe 5. Mark put the top down and they were thrilled with that….their mother was taking pictures like crazy and they were standing up in the car and having a ball. It was funny!!! She introduced herself and her children to us and thanked us for letting her kids do that.
Came home and had lasagna and oh boy, not a good way to start the week! Broke a tooth….so first thing in the morning I’ll be making phone calls to find someone that can fix it….I guess it’s bridge time!
Another fun day; lots of Gringo’s at the festivities and even Tico’s…..nice mix of everyone; young, old, etc.
Pura Vida.
Super Bowl – one week late!
Posted on: February 12, 2012
Went to Connie and Roy’s for a Super Bowl get-together! Walked in and I felt I should be living there. The casa they have rented in Vista Atenas is decorated in African animals! And the first thing I spotted was this gorgeous giraffe! I want a giraffe just like it – altho’ I would prefer it be a real live, breathing giraffe, I would settle for this beautiful one! Reminds me of my Lola at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado!
There was also a huge zebra in another corner of the living room – but I was just too fascinated with this lovely giraffe! LOL
Lots of food, way too much food! Lots of drink, way too much drink! LOL
They also have a pool and I love that they are complaining that the water is too cold too! I hope to get Mark to start making some calls on getting our pool a little heat! Roy and Connie said that some new people that moved into their area have already had solar heating installed…we’re looking into that!
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Fun evening last night! Roy and Connie, Frank and Deloris, Tom and Lee and Mark and I were planning on going to Alida’s for dinner. Got there and the table was set by the road with a cloth on it and bottles of wine, which indicates they are open! I kid you not….I should have taken a picture! However, their gate was closed. We were parked in front of the gate and then some other people (not with our group) pulled up behind us. So I called the phone number on the sign.
A woman answered and immediately started babbling in Spanish…I handed the phone to Mark and she spoke in English. Why she couldn’t speak to me in English is beyond my understanding. She indicated to him that they had been without water and wouldn’t open for another hour and a half.
So we sat by the side of the road till the rest of the people arrived! Then off we went to “the lobster shop”! Was funny because when we pulled in to park, there sat Bruce and Frances with another couple! So we put together a LOT of tables and had a party of 12!!! All the women ordered lobster! Tom order a small order of wings – which turned out to be 2 wings, I kid you not! Mark had chicken fajitas; Roy had BBQ pork, and Frank had steak!
Lee ordered a gin and tonic and received a bottle of ginger ale and a shot glass of gin! I tried to order a vodka tonic to no avail and finally said “just Pepsi”. So Mark decided he would go to the bar and tell them how to mix these drinks. At one point, I looked over at the bar and he was actually making the drinks! LOL I couldn’t get there quick enough to get a picture but it was quite funny! All things can be had in Costa Rica, you just have to improvise! LOL
Today we’ll be going to the Atenas Chili Cook-off. Will get some pics and bring you up to date on how it was!
Another gorgeous day here, it just doesn’t get any better than this!
Pure Vida….Hasta Luego!
Unbelievable, I know! I’ve just finished the last 2011 Christmas gift! But hey, it’s before the end of January….Christmas happened upon me too darn quick with everything going on here with the move, construction, etc. It won’t be a surprise when she sees it here, but maybe, just maybe, when I give it to her, she’ll act surprised! LOL So, if you know anyone named Pat that built a cathedral, it’s yours!!!!!
Another gorgeous day in the Central Valley! Nice breeze blowing and it’s 85 degrees. Doesn’t get better than this folks.
We love living here and meeting new friends every day it seems.
Pura Vida….Adios for now!
- In: Christmas | Food | Holidays | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff
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Wow! Can hardly believe we actually live here – and Christmas is almost over.
Since I still don’t have window treatments yet in the bedroom, and the window wall that faces the valley; let’s just say it was way cool to lay in bed and watch the fireworks from the other mountain range we face! Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 is just another day to them.
We were invited to Bruce and Frances’ for Christmas dinner; it was unbelievably delish! Turkey!!!! Dressing, homemade green bean casserole that was way better than the mushroom soup version! And a host of other food….I don’t think we’ll eat again till….well, maybe sometime late tomorrow.
After dinner we wandered out onto the rancho and as if on cue, there were toucans in the trees. They are so colorful! And really interesting to watch as they flew from tree to tree.
As I’m writing this, it’s about 7:15 p.m. and 73 degrees. Christmas was wonderful – being able to have windows open, priceless!!! $$$$$ saved…..
We had a very nice Christmas with friends and hope everyone else had wonderful Christmases too!!!
For the last time this year….Feliz Navidad!
Pura Vida.
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