Archive for the ‘Sewing’ Category
A Tica friend asked me to embroidery the days of the week bibs for a baby that will soon be born in the family. They are nothing fancy, just plain and simple! Can’t wait till she sees them…..
Another humid day, altho’ the weather forecast said another cool front was moving in with rain….the word cool, here, is so different than cool in the old country! LOL
Took a field trip yesterday to San Jose; we had been told the Christmas lights were a sight to see; nada, saw very few; and we were told there were lots of street vendors, very few of those too. Altho’, I think you could buy any kind of cell phone on the street you wanted!
However, we did find a WONDERFUL department store called Universal on the pedestrian mall. Wish men had not been with us, because I could have wandered in there for hours; and they had lots and lots of Christmas things on sale!!! Makes me long for a larger house to decorate! LOL
Then we headed to an upscale Mexican restaurant – good food and fun! It was pretty “dark” to get a good picture; however, you get to guess who ordered this as their dinner! LOL
A friend from the states requested a witch pillow case – here it is minus the pillow! Turned out quite cute, even if it is a witch!
A cousin had a baby boy mid-August and requested a sweater, black, with red or blue…..chose to do black with red. Knitting with black is quite intimidating with old eyes! I thought it turned out cute – decided it needed a matching hat. Then found these crocheted booties that look like high top tennies! Hope Nicholas likes them! I’m one second cousin behind in gifts and he turned 1 already…hang in there Austin, your turn is next.
Quick shot of just one bootie….
This Saturday is Costa Rica’s Independence Day. Friday night there is a children’s parade, with lit lanterns that they make signifying how people got around in the dark before electricity. We went last year and it was so cute! Some really creative ones and then there were some purchased ones. Reminded me of Halloween in the old country – where they are some creative homemade costumes and some purchased ones!
Pura Vida…
It’s only 77 degrees out – I’m sure within the next half hour, Mark will come in and put on socks and long pants! LOL The Wuss!
Now that we’ve been living in Costa Rica for almost a year, unbelievable that it’s been almost a year, I can say there are some things I miss from the old country. We’ve decided to refer to the U.S. as the old country.
I miss my magazines! Yep, can buy magazines in Costa Rica that are in Spanish….wonder if the day will ever come that I feel comfortable enough to do this?
I miss being able to shop in a real fabric store with all the necessary items you need to complete a project. There are many fabric stores in Costa Rica, however, they don’t carry thread (except for one in Grecia), and sewing notions. I have yet to find a pattern in Costa Rica and I definitely need a pattern for guidance! It is not fun running from store to store to find these items.
I miss my garbage disposal! Immensely!
I miss being able to go to a clothing store and having a wide variety to choose from. Can’t wait till October when I return to the old country. I’ll be a shopping fool! I’ll be first in the stores when they open, and last to leave when they close.
I miss my knitting group at Panera on Friday! Perhaps the week I’m in the old country, they’ll feel the need to meet more than just on Friday.
I miss that I still have to go on a search mission to find things that I KNOW were packed to be moved here. By the time I find what I’m searching for, the mood has left me to do whatever it is I wanted it for. But then again, somethings never change….I’m constantly searching for where I’ve put my coffee cup down. And this house isn’t that big to have spend time searching for it! LOL
I miss Barnes and Noble! A lot of times when I felt bored (meaning I don’t want to clean the house). I would go to B & N and just wander around amidst the books and magazines. Spent a lot of time doing that back in the old country! LOL
What don’t I miss?
I love that all gas stations in this country charge the same price for gas!
I love the happy, friendly people in this country.
I love the weather, the freakin’ great weather! I don’t ever want to be cold again! Hear that KY, no cold weather the week I’m back there!
I love the fact I wear flip flops EVERY DAY!!! I’ve dubbed the flip flops as the shoe of Costa Rica!
I love hearing the birds singing in the a.m. – however, the parrots could start their chattering a little later in the day. I love hearing the geckos chirp that are now living in the house. They eat bugs, they are our friends.
I love all the new friends we’ve met from all over…it truly is a small world! Met people that now live here from Nashville….how ironic is that?
I love that I have friends that are coming to visit us! I love sharing our new lifestyle with old friends. It’s not for everyone, but it really is a relaxing place.
I love the fresh fruit and veggies available year around. Coffee is pretty darn good here too!
I love the healthcare here! Drs. are willing to work with you and before sending you on to specialists, they make phone calls in your behalf and talk with specialists to how best treat your problem. (ie: thyroid, is now at a “normal” level and I only worked with 1 Dr.m but she called endocrinologists to inquire how best to treat it).
You know, I really feel we made the best move EVER! We have no A/C bills, no heating bills, economical healthcare, lots of friends, (you don’t have to look very hard to find someone to go out to eat with you), no one is in a hurry; everyone smiles. Have many friends that have visited the old country and they all say they couldn’t wait to get back to Costa Rica! They feel the old country is a “rat-race”, everyone is in a hurry.
If you are looking for a place to visit with happy people, check out Costa Rica. No, it’s not perfect, but it beats living in a “rat-race”.
Miguel, my pet Iguana, is sunning himself on the rock outside the bedroom doors. Guess the dogs are getting used to him because they don’t bark at him anymore.
Time to change colors of thread in the embroidery machine…so Adios and Pura Vida from the Happiest Country in the World! (Thanks, Beth, for reminding me of this!)
What a Wednesday! Great adventure…
Posted on: May 10, 2012
- In: Atenas | Costa Rica | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Retirement | Sewing | Shopping | Things that make me giggle | Tips | Travel | Uncategorized
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Frances called and wanted me to go to Grecia to some fabric shops on Wednesday. Key words: go, fabric!
Little did I/we know that we would be without water sometime during Monday night; and this “water outtage” lasted 36 freakin’ hours.
I waited till Wednesday morning to call her; I asked if we could wait and go Thursday because we’ve been without water and I was quite aromatic! She said, “well, just come here and take a shower”. I knew I would feel better after taking a shower, so I took her up on it!
I didn’t want to put on clean clothes to go over there so I threw on a light zip-up sweatshirt over my nightgown, baseball cap on my head, and away I went. As I drove off Mark yells, “I hope you don’t have car trouble”. (I guess he didn’t approve of my get-up!)
Blasted the a/c on high and while driving into town, I realized I needed gas. There was a line-up at the gas station and while waiting, I remembered, they can never figure out how to open the “gas door” and I always hop out of the car (Oh, I was driving Ms. Smartie) and just push it up, and the guys at the gas station get all embarrassed. They stand around and wait for someone that’s not pumped gas for me to get a “newbie”, I think! Then they all laugh at him – yep, in Costa Rica, your gas is pumped for you!
So I backed out of line, thank heavens for the small car, and drove on. Frances was taking her car to get a muffler fixed and originally planned to ride to her house with me. However, they fixed it immediately! Try getting that done in the states like that!
Then she wanted to know if I wanted to go to Kay’s and get a cup of coffee…I politely declined and said, “I’m going no where till I get a shower.”
Drove out to her house, and when I got out of the car, she laughed! “Oh, I’ve got to get a picture of you!”
Her husband was in the garage and when he turned around he had put a clothespin on his nose. LOL
I immediately headed to the shower! It felt so good! Till I got ready to get dressed and realized I forgot to bring a bra! So as I’m gathering up my things, to head home, Frances says, “Let’s go to Grecia” – and I said I can’t go to Grecia, I forgot my bra, which was your fault because as I was going to get it to put in my bag, she called me and I laid it down and promptly forgot about it!
She convinced me it would be alright, so off we went!
Hit a couple of fabric shops and stopped to get something to drink. As we were finishing up, she says, “Let’s find the bedspread factory”. So we went next door to the fabric shop and inquired if they knew where it was. They just sent us to a “bed store”.
Then she says “Let’s go to Sarchi and find it.” Off we went…
I love Costa Rican adventures!!!
As we were heading into town, a guy was standing in front of his furniture store and she whipped the car in to see if he knew where it was….luck was with us, not only did he know where it was, he spoke English!
After making a wrong turn, we were on the right track again. This factory is located on some really gorgeous property along a rushing river.
A woman met us at the door and said she had received a phone call that we were coming. It truly is a small world! She took us in to see all the bedspreads they make and then took us back into the factory. WOW! All I could think of was “Gayla should see this!” They were making sheets, mattresses, etc. It was really quite interesting…..
Then Frances says “have you seen the huge oxcart in front of the church”, which I had. Then she said, have you been to the oxcart factory? So off we went to see that. Another WOW factor! They are using machinery from the early 1900′s to make these! And the machine is moved by a huge water wheel!!! There were signs above the pieces of machinery with what they were used for and the year – some of these machines were from the early 1900′s and are still in use! Then we traveled upstairs where they make smaller items. It was so cool!!! This will definitely be on my tour of things to take visitors to see. And a “to die” souvenir place and a restaurant. What more could you want….a little bit of education, shopping and eating. Can’t wait to go back!
Headed home after that.
Mark said the water came back on around 11:00 a.m. – this is the first time we’ve had this happen for the water to be out for so long….but you know what, we live here, we’ll deal with it!
Pura Vida……
Just looked out the window and Miguel, my new pet Iguana, is sunning himself on the rock again.
Check out Villa Rita’s Quilt Shop
Posted on: April 25, 2012
- In: Costa Rica | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Quilting | Retirement | Sewing | Shopping
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Gave Deloris a call and said “road trip” – her response, how much time do I have time to get ready? LOL
When we first were thinking about visiting Costa Rica, Mark found this place; we almost stayed there till we found Animal Lighthouse Rescue.
Check out http://www.costaricaquilts.com/villa.html; she has people come from all over to take classes – and I don’t just mean from Costa Rica! There are places to stay right on the grounds and it’s close to everything; restaurants, ZooAve, a winery, etc.
Since arriving here, I’ve noticed shopping for fabric in Costa Rica is frankly “a pain in the ass”. No patterns (except for some quilt patterns at Villa Rita’s); thread in different stores (altho’ there’s one fabric store in Grecia that does carry some notions); in other words, it’s not like saying “Hmmmm, I think I’ll sew today and you head to Joann’s, Hancocks, Hobby Lobby, etc.; you will head to many stores to collect everything you need to complete a project.
Villa Rita’s is not far at all from our house! If you get my drift, it could be a problem?! Gorgeous fabrics to choose from, gorgeous quilts already made up, etc. Rita even has her 6 year old granddaughter designing and making quilts!!!
Need to think about taking a class.
She had the neatest wall hanging in her home of a Costa Rican lady in a colorful costume; she made up the design from a wall hanging out of wood and silver! How cool is that!!! There are so many clever people in the world…..this was also entered in a quilt show that was in the U.S.
The creative juices are beginning to flow…..life is good!
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As we were paying at a restaurant that we ate at earlier this week, La Trocha, the chef insisted we come back on Thursday a.m. at 9:30 for breakfast. When you are retired, you NEVER, EVER, turn down food! LOL
So we met Thursday morning for a most delicious breakfast! Tortillas, made in a Nicaragua style, had more flavor and were very good. I’m don’t care much for Costa Rican tortillas because they are way too thick for me! Then of course the ever delish Gallo Pinto, and then an omelet, not folded over, with everything you can imagine on it. I had mine on top of the tortilla – so good!!!
Then the women had an excursion planned. I wanted to go back to the quilt shop between Grecia and Sarchi and watch them put in grommets, it’s not the way I want them put in, but I guess that’s what I’ll have to do!
Then Delores says “would you be interested in going to a place that “makes souvenirs and is off the beaten path”. Well, duh, Yes I want to go there! And will return there too. Saw LOTS of wooden things I’ve seen in souvenir shops and this were just too good to pass up price-wise. Keep in mind it’s a woodworking shop and get this; the dust is free!
Heading back into Grecia I had found a fabric store that I hadn’t been in yet. So we stopped…..fabric stores here are just so different!!! Takes me forever to make up my mind, etc.; however, I did buy Gayla some fabric for a quilt back – and if she doesn’t like it, I’ll keep it!!!
There is a quilt retreat place not too far from our house and I finally contacted the woman and she said she’d love to have me come visit. That will be on next week’s agenda!!!
Friday was the first day that the “over 60 group of ladies” took an adventure. There were 7 of us. We took the bus from Atenas to Orotina. It was great! Can’t wait to take the bus again!!! However, I can assure you that the bus driver drove a lot faster than I would on that road! LOL
I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant we ate lunch at….but the important thing, is I can get to it. Told Mark that some day we should take the bus there for lunch. And just think, after my birthday this year, I can ride the bus FREE – altho’ it’s super cheap to ride it!
I think when Terri comes to visit, we just might take a day and do that.
Anxious to see the Central Market in San Jose too; altho’, we’ve been warned that we cannot stop and “window shop” on the way to the market; because we’ll do that on the way back! LOL
Lots of new experiences this week; love this country!
Adios for now!
Ramblings of the past few days
Posted on: April 7, 2012
Things were shut down in Costa Rica for Semana Santa; what to do?
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week, we had brief showers. On Facebook there was a post that Antano’s would be open on Thursday and Friday….the brain was churning….so late Wednesday afternoon I sent out an email that because of the rain on the three previous days, I had the “rain crabbies”. Since Antano’s was going to be open, I suggested we all meet there Thursday morning for brunch.
WOW! We had 14 people show up!!! I’m sure the wait staff was overwhelmed, LOL. It was a fun time for all and even if a few orders got mixed up, so what…that’s life in Costa Rica…and where Pura Vida comes in.
Thank you Antano’s for being open and accommodating us!
Frances had asked me to go to an over-60′s group meeting of women. They are trying to set up day trips once a month to go, do and see various things. We’ll be taking public transportation on most journeys. When women get together they eat; if it were men getting together, it would be beer! LOL
The first one is to go to Orotina to shop, and of course eat!
I’m really excited about the trip in May to the British Embassy. We’ll be going on May 24th and take part in the birthday celebration for Queen Victoria (yes, I know now it’s Elizabeth); anyone in blog land ever done anything like this?
Yesterday, while cleaning (attempting) the pool, I noticed two dragonflies; let’s just say they were having a good time and probably should have gotten a room! LOL
Sofi will be visiting the vet this week – breaking out on her stomach; I kind of think it’s from heat/sweating? At least I hope it’s nothing major. She spends her days lying under the car and guarding our property. Seriously! She let’s us know if someone is around and since they are putting in the road that runs behind our house, there are always “strangers” around! This gets Derby barking and then Sedona….I wish they were all in tune and could harmonize!
This morning I finally sat down at the sewing machine and have completed another Christmas present. No, Amy, it’s not for you! LOL I was trying to do a gift a month, I’m up to February! LOL
I become easily frustrated in the “sewing/craft” department here in Costa Rica. It’s difficult to find notions and patterns, well, they don’t use patterns here. Yes, I can order stuff on line but sometimes the shipping is just too outrageous. Big sigh, so I’ll keep on trudging around looking for stuff.
Happy Easter to all and Pura Vida!
Adios, for now.
- In: Atenas | Costa Rica | dogs | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Quilting | Sewing | Uncategorized
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Yesterday our guests, Abby and Gayla, left for their home in Tennessee. I love going to the airport to get visitors but I sure don’t like going to the airport to say good-by! That’s how the morning started.
But it ended on an up note because we went back to the airport and picked up Jonny and Warren from Phoenix. They are renting a place here, actually not too far from our house, for 6 weeks.
We played “tour picker upper” and even took them to the grocery before depositing them at their lovely abode! Old Bessie was loaded down with their luggage and groceries. They are staying in a development called Hacienda Atenas. Can’t wait for Mark to see it in the daylight – it’s gorgeous!
I hope Jonny remembers I told her it was very hilly! LOL
Anyway, she spent a lot of time in Ghana at the end of last year to get a library open. And, this is the best part, well, actually the selfish part….she brought me some of the greatest fabric from there!
Aren’t these colors gorgeous! Oops, got one in there twice; click on the thumb nails to make them larger!
Wondering about attempting to use the last one to make a coverlet for our bed. What do you think? I’m open to any and all suggestions for ideas on how to best use this fabric. It’s so much prettier in person without a shaky camera blurring the colors! LOL
Hope Jonny and Warren are getting settled in their new digs. Will check on them tomorrow.
Tomorrow we’re going to some friend’s for breakfast! We met them the day we received our Cedula’s and found out they live about a mile down the road from us. Breakfast is my favorite meal…when someone else cooks. However, I need to watch what I’m eating because Gayla insisted on buying oodles and oodles of things from the bakery! She knew the layout of their products and didn’t hesitate to update me on it! LOL
Update on the road behind us: We had been told it was going to be asphalt, then concrete, then pavers, then concrete. Today concrete pavers (all one color) were delivered. We don’t care what’s put down, but we sure would like it to be pronto! A word not in Costa Rica’s vocabulary. The dirt blowing, etc. is just plain out of control with all the heavy equipment that is being used. Actually, it’s just a backhoe driving back and forth….The curb and gutters are installed and cement was mixed by hand for this. The “bedding” for the pavers has been delivered….come on guys, please, at least get to our driveway before you take the week off for Easter….pretty, pretty, please!!!
ZooAve was today’s first stop…..
Posted on: March 21, 2012
- In: Atenas | Costa Rica | Food | Living in Costa Rica | misc. stuff | Quilting | Sewing | Shopping | Tips | Travel
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Abby, Gayla and I left the house about 8:45 a.m. and didn’t return until 7:00 p.m.! WHEW! What a fun day we had.
Started out the day with going to ZooAve. As soon as we entered two beautiful peacocks spread their tail feathers! What a site! Abby, 8 years old, was impressed. Saw lots of animals….she was most impressed with fawn that was in an enclosure with a huge turtle and an iguana! LOL, you know the animal she can see in Tennessee!
Saw lots of monkeys, emus, various sizes and kinds of turtles, crocodiles, you know lots of Central American animals.
Left the zoo about 11:30 a.m. and coming home we decided to take a detour to Grecia and Sarchi.
Had lunch in Grecia and then Gayla wanted to hit some fabric shops! And hit them, she did! As we would leave a shop, her words were, “we can come back, right?” Went to 2 fabric shops and then back to the car and we were on our way to Sarchi.
Let’s just say, Abby made out like a bandit today! She got some cute things, including a leather purse with a brightly colored parrot painted on it. She’s so proud of it!
On the drive back to Grecia, we stopped at a little quilt shop! Gayla got more fabric! And wanted to know if we could go back there too, because she couldn’t make up her mind about a bag!
Started to rain a little, which actually felt good!
We drove “on the good road from La Garita to Grecia” so of course, coming home we came the narrow, twisty road over the horrible bridge because I thought they should experience it. LOL
Abby kept insisting we were lost! Finally, I said “Abby, you might be lost, but I’m not!”
We went to a few shops in Atenas, again, Abby made out like a bandit….but I will say the shoes she got were so cute! If they had had them a little bigger, I would have gotten some too!!! Tomorrow, I’ll get a picture of them and put it on Facebook!
Hit Atenas and I knew there was no way I was cooking dinner tonight after the day we had had; called Mark and asked him if he wanted to come in to town and eat with us. Gayla felt like having some “good rice” so we went to La Troilla and had some “muy bueno” rice!
Adios for now……really tired!
Yep, going to bed and yes, it’s 7:35 p.m.
I’ve been too domestic today
Posted on: February 10, 2012
Two loads of clothes, washed, on the line, now down and folded.
Three sinks full of dishes washed; two of those sink fulls put away.
Spent hours, yes, hours on that damned kitchen window curtain! I can sure make myself get involved in LONG projects! Still not done….have 2 more appliques to put on it. Still waiting for the coffee bean fabric to arrive to back it with; on the 4th bobbin fill; and the 3rd needle; that’s a lot of embroidering stitching and appliqueing!
Communicated with the gardener on a few things to do around the yard. He found LOTS of cutter ant houses (casas, as he called them) and they are now hopefully gone to the great beyond. Found 4 hibiscus bushes stripped of leaves this morning. They are vicious with plants! So far the plants they’ve destroyed, have not come back; however, I keep watering them.
Another batch of bananas going bad so I made banana bread again. This time with the correct ingredients. Are you all aware that if you use the correct ingredients, things taste really yummy?
I’m thinking it might be time for a little vodka/tonic and lime. I’m beat!!! LOL
Pura Vida…
Hasta Luega for now!
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