We moved.
Left the Old Folks Home.
What a saga.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Last Leg
Bobbi picked us up at 2PM to arrive at 2:15 for our 2:55 flight. Ah, pura vida. No pressure.
Tom made a party out of our department. Drove down from Mt. Tom with a cooler full of beer. So sweet!
Fortuneately, all the weighing of baggage and us took place before he got there or they may not have been able to on the plane. I only had one berr, but it tasted wonderful as we watched the dust storms at the far end of the runway. It was just passing cars, but it did look a little like the Old West.
Many of the tales of Nosara sound like the Old West: armed robberies, armed drivers hoping to make it unmolested from Nosara to paved roads, midnight encounters with burglars reaching over a girl's head to get her purse; guard dogs let loose at night and riding shotgun on trips to the supermarket, etc.
We do enjoy a certain amount of protection, being related to Bobbi Johnson. Anmd risk some potential threats by being related to her. She is such an activist that she has made some enemies, hopefully none crazy enough to hurt her.
But there weren't any volcanos in the Old West. I am looking at Irazu Volcano as I write this. WE are in San Jose. I chose the Hotel Milvia owned by Florencia Urbina, an artist of some world reknown. Read about her in Nature Air's on-board magazine and have been looking forward to our stay here for some months. Hopefully, someone with a camera I might borrow will wander by. A pieture is worth a thousand words and I would love to post what I will describe. She is currently hosting a show by more than a dozen glass artists. A few pieces are very wonderful.But the highlight of the hotel is her work. The octopus from the plane's magazine is here. I love him. Every room is decorated in different funky styles, with walls bedecked by her work and the work of other artists. There are charming courtyards and fountains, unusual plants and sculptures. My favorites may be the giant metal bugs marching around a 3 tiered fountain, sunken in an enclosed courtyard, surrounded by guestrooms. As is everything in San Jose, the hotel is completely enclosed and behind gatess, What is unusual is that it entirely walled off tfrom the street. A tiny metal gate is the only entrance and the entrance is manned 24/7. Ring a charming bell and the attendant buzzes you in. The gardens are lush and charming, filled with sitting areas and exotic plants.
We went out to find a local restaurant and were disappointed that the delicious, cheap sushi place was closed. The local TIco joint was too far Andy to walk, as his hip is bothering him. We circled the block and got to a mall, with Argentinian, Jamaican and Mexican choices. We chose the Argentinian as I felt like having beef. That and Andy's chicken were very good. The profitarole (av very unusual treat) was the best ever. I loved wanting to wear jeans and burrowing under heavy covers iin the cool mountain air. Quite a relief from the dry, dusty Nosara air, where we didn't even use a top sheet.
We will have breakfast here and Louis, our cab driver from yesterdaqy, is supposed to pick us up at 10 for our 12:50 flight. Home around midnight tonight.
Tom made a party out of our department. Drove down from Mt. Tom with a cooler full of beer. So sweet!
Fortuneately, all the weighing of baggage and us took place before he got there or they may not have been able to on the plane. I only had one berr, but it tasted wonderful as we watched the dust storms at the far end of the runway. It was just passing cars, but it did look a little like the Old West.
Many of the tales of Nosara sound like the Old West: armed robberies, armed drivers hoping to make it unmolested from Nosara to paved roads, midnight encounters with burglars reaching over a girl's head to get her purse; guard dogs let loose at night and riding shotgun on trips to the supermarket, etc.
We do enjoy a certain amount of protection, being related to Bobbi Johnson. Anmd risk some potential threats by being related to her. She is such an activist that she has made some enemies, hopefully none crazy enough to hurt her.
But there weren't any volcanos in the Old West. I am looking at Irazu Volcano as I write this. WE are in San Jose. I chose the Hotel Milvia owned by Florencia Urbina, an artist of some world reknown. Read about her in Nature Air's on-board magazine and have been looking forward to our stay here for some months. Hopefully, someone with a camera I might borrow will wander by. A pieture is worth a thousand words and I would love to post what I will describe. She is currently hosting a show by more than a dozen glass artists. A few pieces are very wonderful.But the highlight of the hotel is her work. The octopus from the plane's magazine is here. I love him. Every room is decorated in different funky styles, with walls bedecked by her work and the work of other artists. There are charming courtyards and fountains, unusual plants and sculptures. My favorites may be the giant metal bugs marching around a 3 tiered fountain, sunken in an enclosed courtyard, surrounded by guestrooms. As is everything in San Jose, the hotel is completely enclosed and behind gatess, What is unusual is that it entirely walled off tfrom the street. A tiny metal gate is the only entrance and the entrance is manned 24/7. Ring a charming bell and the attendant buzzes you in. The gardens are lush and charming, filled with sitting areas and exotic plants.
We went out to find a local restaurant and were disappointed that the delicious, cheap sushi place was closed. The local TIco joint was too far Andy to walk, as his hip is bothering him. We circled the block and got to a mall, with Argentinian, Jamaican and Mexican choices. We chose the Argentinian as I felt like having beef. That and Andy's chicken were very good. The profitarole (av very unusual treat) was the best ever. I loved wanting to wear jeans and burrowing under heavy covers iin the cool mountain air. Quite a relief from the dry, dusty Nosara air, where we didn't even use a top sheet.
We will have breakfast here and Louis, our cab driver from yesterdaqy, is supposed to pick us up at 10 for our 12:50 flight. Home around midnight tonight.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Down for the Count
Last6 meal with Sandra and Rourke. They are closing Jungle Java tomorrow. Guess they will miss Andy too much to stand another day in the trenches. More tears as we said another good-bye. But they want us to go sailing for a week on their new boat!
We also said good-bye to Byron this morning. Sarah Foster piled all his worldly goods onto her quad, then threw him across her lap for the long journey back to where he was saved. She is going to try to nurse him back to health.
Of course, my camera did not work so I went back for a quick photo this morning. Yanked Lesley off the surrogate, so I could hang her upside down. More tears.
We also said good-bye to Byron this morning. Sarah Foster piled all his worldly goods onto her quad, then threw him across her lap for the long journey back to where he was saved. She is going to try to nurse him back to health.
Of course, my camera did not work so I went back for a quick photo this morning. Yanked Lesley off the surrogate, so I could hang her upside down. More tears.
Maybe it just feels that way.
Wednesday, I played bridge at Marlin Bill's. An hour or so after lunch, I felt sweaty and woosey. A few minutes later, I heaved my lunch over the railing, fearing the enclosure of the bathroom. I was able to stand the bathroom for the next expulsion. Finally Andy arrived in the Olson's car. He had Howie with him. The poor guys were met by a desparate me, who puked again in the lot as I tried to get into the car.
They were able to get me to the couch, where I lost it again. Andy consulted with Dr. Katia, who felt it was not a relapse, but a new ailment. He went to get the prescribed Pepto Bismol and electrolytes. I begged him not to force me to take the pink junk. But he and Howie coaxed me into a full dose, which I immediately rejected. Another trip to get chamomille tea and a dose of that before trying the pink junk again. Another call to the Dr. and a few more of this and thats and I finally fell asleep for the night.
During the evening, Andy read to me an e-mail from Sarah Foster with devastating news about Byron. He does have the dreaded disease, which he must have gotten by eating a calf or fetus or placenta. The Costa Rican vet recommends putting him down. Sarah is still hoping that the American vet who has a place here can think of something to save this wonderful soul. Byron seems very thrilled to be alive and has even regained some appetite, though he looks like a starving mongrol. Bobbi asked Tom if they could keep him, but he felt 3 dogs and 7 cats was enough. Pam and Ray are not sure they could handle the responsibility of trying to keep him alive. Sarah will take him. I asked to be present when he gets put down, but we are still in limbo.
We had a last supper with Pam, Ray and Kaya and another one with Rork and Sandra.
Tomorrow is my last day with the baby monkeys. I hope to get a few photos of them playing on my arms and climbing on my glasses. My damn camera is very tempermental, so I am praying. Also, we are taking Howie to a last lunch. What a sweet friend he has become.
Hard to say good-bye to so many new friends, some of whom won't be here next year.
We are excited to be going home to family and friends. We are sorry we are missing George's first rugby game tomorrow, but look forward to many more this spring. Grayson's 3rd birthday is coming up, as are George and Blake's graduations. I am graduating, too, from my obligations at the MFA. My trip coincides with Blake's celebration in DC.
Wednesday, I played bridge at Marlin Bill's. An hour or so after lunch, I felt sweaty and woosey. A few minutes later, I heaved my lunch over the railing, fearing the enclosure of the bathroom. I was able to stand the bathroom for the next expulsion. Finally Andy arrived in the Olson's car. He had Howie with him. The poor guys were met by a desparate me, who puked again in the lot as I tried to get into the car.
They were able to get me to the couch, where I lost it again. Andy consulted with Dr. Katia, who felt it was not a relapse, but a new ailment. He went to get the prescribed Pepto Bismol and electrolytes. I begged him not to force me to take the pink junk. But he and Howie coaxed me into a full dose, which I immediately rejected. Another trip to get chamomille tea and a dose of that before trying the pink junk again. Another call to the Dr. and a few more of this and thats and I finally fell asleep for the night.
During the evening, Andy read to me an e-mail from Sarah Foster with devastating news about Byron. He does have the dreaded disease, which he must have gotten by eating a calf or fetus or placenta. The Costa Rican vet recommends putting him down. Sarah is still hoping that the American vet who has a place here can think of something to save this wonderful soul. Byron seems very thrilled to be alive and has even regained some appetite, though he looks like a starving mongrol. Bobbi asked Tom if they could keep him, but he felt 3 dogs and 7 cats was enough. Pam and Ray are not sure they could handle the responsibility of trying to keep him alive. Sarah will take him. I asked to be present when he gets put down, but we are still in limbo.
We had a last supper with Pam, Ray and Kaya and another one with Rork and Sandra.
Tomorrow is my last day with the baby monkeys. I hope to get a few photos of them playing on my arms and climbing on my glasses. My damn camera is very tempermental, so I am praying. Also, we are taking Howie to a last lunch. What a sweet friend he has become.
Hard to say good-bye to so many new friends, some of whom won't be here next year.
We are excited to be going home to family and friends. We are sorry we are missing George's first rugby game tomorrow, but look forward to many more this spring. Grayson's 3rd birthday is coming up, as are George and Blake's graduations. I am graduating, too, from my obligations at the MFA. My trip coincides with Blake's celebration in DC.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Gone to the Dogs, and Other Animals
Lots of animal news.
Byron got fixed on Friday. Plus he had a little cosmetic surgery. The vet, un-asked, cut off his 2 front nipples! What an improvement! I almost asked if they could do it, but thought it was a little shallow of me. But they did look like half deflated ticks. Rather unattractive.
The reason we even noticed though was the drops of blood on his bed when we got home. Bobbi couldn't believe it and reconfirmed with the vet that that was what happened.
We were quite worried by the blood at first because the overall prognosis for Byron may be rather grim. The vet found an extra blob in his scrotum and thinks it may be some hideous, sexually transmitted disease, that humans can contract through blood. He hopes to have it tested, but Costa Ricans don't do the test for dogs, just cows and horses. So he talked about sending it to the US or getting a black market analysis here. If he does have this crud, it would explain his continued lack of appetite. If so, either he needs to get antibiotics for months and months or be put down.
On the hopeful front, he did eat a half can of dog food last night and another protion today. Even more exciting, Missy brought him stew made from all her leftovers from the past couple of months. She and Jim are leaving tomorrow and she wanted to coax Byron to eat. He did, I think. I plopped the gallon sized zip lock bag down for him and he dug in. When we returned from brunch at Bobbi and Tom's, half the bag was gone and Byron looks quite stuffed. We enjoyed a romp or two to the beach today and he even chased a stick.
While caring for Byron, I noticed a girl in the back yard trying to get my attention. She said she could hear a kitty crying in the bushes. I ran to get vichyssoise to coax it out, but she had grabbed it by the time I returned. She is thrilled, having wished for a cat for a long time. She's not sure how her boyfriend is going to deal with the addition. We introduced ourselves and I learned she is staying next door until June. Her mother owns a dress shop her and is helping for 6 months. I guessed it had to be the one at the Harmony Hotel. She was impressed that I could tell, but just looking at her elegant shift and lovely jewelry made it pretty apparent. It also explains the wonderful, flowing white walls recently installed on their porch, which we can see from our place.
Finally back on a pretty regular schedule with Elvira and Lesley, who are always happy to see me. They are getting more and more playful, hanging up side down from their tails, from my raised arm while playing with each other. Two more injured monkeys came in last week. The one I have seen was just a lump last Saturday. By Friday, he had been stiched up from tip to toes. Only the gaping wound around his neck and jaw line remain open. Big holes and lots of yucky puss. But he is very alert and eating and drinking voraciously. He was nearly killed by another young male, but was interrupted by some people. His eyes are so trusting and sweet.
I haven't seen the other monkey who is at the release station, far from the babies' safe house.
Bobbi shared some animal tales with me that I have to pass on.
One night, her dogs woke her with loud barking. She threw on some nightie and ran out to see what was happening. They had cornered something, so she beat them off the poor critter, to find a little porcupine. Hoping to save its life, she wanted to bring into a safe place. So she ripped off her nightie and carried him to safety. One of her friends thought she was trapesing through the jungle, naked, so she wouldn't get her clothes dirty. But no, she didn't want to be stuck full of needles. Unfortunately the poor little thing did not make it through the night.
Bobbi doesn't mind the smell of skunks, so didn't actively resist a trio moving into her house. But when they started chewing the seal around the oven, she decided it was time to throw them out. They had been living in the oven apparently and were using the broiler as a litter tray, which didn't even smell at all. She turned on the oven, hoping to get them to leave, to no avail. She then grabbed a broom and was sweeping them out. Of course, this was all in the middle of the night. And, of course, she was naked. And, the skunks were not interested in being swept away. So Bobbi had to wait for them to peek their noses out their entryway so she could get them. That took a while, so she lit up and waited. I love that image.
Bobbi and Missy were talking about what pisotes like to eat. They are the local raccoon type mammel that hunts nocturnally. They eat anything, it seems, except capers and lime jello. Bobbi found a mess in one of her clients house's. The pasotes had broken into their refrigerator.
Everything was gone but for the capers and jello, which was on the floor. Huge claw marks raked through the jello, directing the eye to the walls where they had flung the replulsive jiggly stuff.
Byron got fixed on Friday. Plus he had a little cosmetic surgery. The vet, un-asked, cut off his 2 front nipples! What an improvement! I almost asked if they could do it, but thought it was a little shallow of me. But they did look like half deflated ticks. Rather unattractive.
The reason we even noticed though was the drops of blood on his bed when we got home. Bobbi couldn't believe it and reconfirmed with the vet that that was what happened.
We were quite worried by the blood at first because the overall prognosis for Byron may be rather grim. The vet found an extra blob in his scrotum and thinks it may be some hideous, sexually transmitted disease, that humans can contract through blood. He hopes to have it tested, but Costa Ricans don't do the test for dogs, just cows and horses. So he talked about sending it to the US or getting a black market analysis here. If he does have this crud, it would explain his continued lack of appetite. If so, either he needs to get antibiotics for months and months or be put down.
On the hopeful front, he did eat a half can of dog food last night and another protion today. Even more exciting, Missy brought him stew made from all her leftovers from the past couple of months. She and Jim are leaving tomorrow and she wanted to coax Byron to eat. He did, I think. I plopped the gallon sized zip lock bag down for him and he dug in. When we returned from brunch at Bobbi and Tom's, half the bag was gone and Byron looks quite stuffed. We enjoyed a romp or two to the beach today and he even chased a stick.
While caring for Byron, I noticed a girl in the back yard trying to get my attention. She said she could hear a kitty crying in the bushes. I ran to get vichyssoise to coax it out, but she had grabbed it by the time I returned. She is thrilled, having wished for a cat for a long time. She's not sure how her boyfriend is going to deal with the addition. We introduced ourselves and I learned she is staying next door until June. Her mother owns a dress shop her and is helping for 6 months. I guessed it had to be the one at the Harmony Hotel. She was impressed that I could tell, but just looking at her elegant shift and lovely jewelry made it pretty apparent. It also explains the wonderful, flowing white walls recently installed on their porch, which we can see from our place.
Finally back on a pretty regular schedule with Elvira and Lesley, who are always happy to see me. They are getting more and more playful, hanging up side down from their tails, from my raised arm while playing with each other. Two more injured monkeys came in last week. The one I have seen was just a lump last Saturday. By Friday, he had been stiched up from tip to toes. Only the gaping wound around his neck and jaw line remain open. Big holes and lots of yucky puss. But he is very alert and eating and drinking voraciously. He was nearly killed by another young male, but was interrupted by some people. His eyes are so trusting and sweet.
I haven't seen the other monkey who is at the release station, far from the babies' safe house.
Bobbi shared some animal tales with me that I have to pass on.
One night, her dogs woke her with loud barking. She threw on some nightie and ran out to see what was happening. They had cornered something, so she beat them off the poor critter, to find a little porcupine. Hoping to save its life, she wanted to bring into a safe place. So she ripped off her nightie and carried him to safety. One of her friends thought she was trapesing through the jungle, naked, so she wouldn't get her clothes dirty. But no, she didn't want to be stuck full of needles. Unfortunately the poor little thing did not make it through the night.
Bobbi doesn't mind the smell of skunks, so didn't actively resist a trio moving into her house. But when they started chewing the seal around the oven, she decided it was time to throw them out. They had been living in the oven apparently and were using the broiler as a litter tray, which didn't even smell at all. She turned on the oven, hoping to get them to leave, to no avail. She then grabbed a broom and was sweeping them out. Of course, this was all in the middle of the night. And, of course, she was naked. And, the skunks were not interested in being swept away. So Bobbi had to wait for them to peek their noses out their entryway so she could get them. That took a while, so she lit up and waited. I love that image.
Bobbi and Missy were talking about what pisotes like to eat. They are the local raccoon type mammel that hunts nocturnally. They eat anything, it seems, except capers and lime jello. Bobbi found a mess in one of her clients house's. The pasotes had broken into their refrigerator.
Everything was gone but for the capers and jello, which was on the floor. Huge claw marks raked through the jello, directing the eye to the walls where they had flung the replulsive jiggly stuff.
Monday, March 15, 2010
I'm Back
Fought a tough battle with jungle fever, but I won. Helped by Bobbi, a doctor and some drugs, dear friends who plied me with soup and sauce (apple) and, of course, dear Andy.
When I told my bridge partner that I had recoverd enough to dig the hole with an ax and adz and shovel, he replied that he never felt motivated enough to do such a thing. Credit where it is due: Andy did help me get the palm out of its huge pot and positioned in the hole, risking injuring his back.
While I was working back in the oasis I found a cement statue in the brush. He is the typical boy peeing. I dragged him closer to the lanai and stuck him amidst a vine, which will eventually cover all his missing parts. 
Finally getting back to gaming, gardening and even eating.
The biggest addtiion to the garden is a new palm, the one with giant blue leaves. In a couple of years, it will be the facal point and unifying feature in the oasis on the other side of the pool from the lanai. I think it get at least as high as the brush behind it. Can hardly wait.
When I told my bridge partner that I had recoverd enough to dig the hole with an ax and adz and shovel, he replied that he never felt motivated enough to do such a thing. Credit where it is due: Andy did help me get the palm out of its huge pot and positioned in the hole, risking injuring his back.While I was working back in the oasis I found a cement statue in the brush. He is the typical boy peeing. I dragged him closer to the lanai and stuck him amidst a vine, which will eventually cover all his missing parts. 
The young man is to the left of the path to the pool.
This is how that garden looked on FEb. 14.
On the right of the path is the ruined urns feature. The next photo is how it looked on Valentine's day.
One of the treasures of that garden is the beginning of my bromiliad collection.Our dear friend Howie brought me a couple of treasures from his 
mountain retreat. I actually can't believe they are doing so well.
mountain retreat. I actually can't believe they are doing so well.There are even a number of flourishing babies on the greener of the two typ
es.
es. Saturday, February 27, 2010
Surf's Up
Update: we lived, saw no tsunami. Details of exciting day later.
Andy took the 5:45 AM call from Jay of Section D to warn Bobbi about the tsunami that might be coming from the 8.8 earthuqake in Chile. Stunned, we groggily considered our options. First I called Bobbi and asked her how she would react to anything Jay from Section D might have to say. She answered that she was trying to reach Meno in San Jose to find out more about the tsunami.
(I love my babies the most in the world. Please never forget that you were the last thoughts I ever had. Didn't really consider calling you at this hour, but did think about calling Dad and Becky. Bambi would be the best shot though).
Hanging up, I asked Andy if we should do it one last time or get out the computer and follow the tsunami. We tossed back and forth many other very important, funny, funny options. Where to meet? Should we wake up Libby or let her die in peace? Would this interfer with the departure of the Olsons? Should I water the plants this morning? Should I go to my 6:30 AM meeting? How far up should we go to avoid the wave? SHould we bring our "documents" with us? Am rumaging through the important stuff bag to get mine before I leave for my meeting.
More later, God willing.
Andy took the 5:45 AM call from Jay of Section D to warn Bobbi about the tsunami that might be coming from the 8.8 earthuqake in Chile. Stunned, we groggily considered our options. First I called Bobbi and asked her how she would react to anything Jay from Section D might have to say. She answered that she was trying to reach Meno in San Jose to find out more about the tsunami.
(I love my babies the most in the world. Please never forget that you were the last thoughts I ever had. Didn't really consider calling you at this hour, but did think about calling Dad and Becky. Bambi would be the best shot though).
Hanging up, I asked Andy if we should do it one last time or get out the computer and follow the tsunami. We tossed back and forth many other very important, funny, funny options. Where to meet? Should we wake up Libby or let her die in peace? Would this interfer with the departure of the Olsons? Should I water the plants this morning? Should I go to my 6:30 AM meeting? How far up should we go to avoid the wave? SHould we bring our "documents" with us? Am rumaging through the important stuff bag to get mine before I leave for my meeting.
More later, God willing.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Libby
Hard to get a good shot of our friend, who loves the sand, water, air and sunsets. And great food.
Too bad we can't provide the other vital ingredients, TV, culture, news, etc.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I Thinkt Costa Rica May Becoming Green, Again
And maybe it really is returning to being green. ICE, the national electric company, seems to care about the plight of the monkeys. It has committed to insulating the wires and boxes throughout the American project in Nosara.
That is miles of rewiring. The first day I saw the ICE trucks and crews, I was amazed. Dozens of workers, 6 or 8 trucks and many, many ladders lined the main avenue. There is hope for the wildlife.
That is miles of rewiring. The first day I saw the ICE trucks and crews, I was amazed. Dozens of workers, 6 or 8 trucks and many, many ladders lined the main avenue. There is hope for the wildlife.
13 out of 15 monkeys died this week crossing to the other side of the road, so to speak.
ICE says it will insulate all of its electric cables. Please let that be true.
Though I love the orphans I don't want to see any more.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Craig, former Jefferson Starship Guitarist
Stupid camera failed again. No shot of the star, who was wonderful. Nothing we recognized, but lovely acoustic guitar. Brenda and Vicki are the monkey ladies. Brenda owns the Harbor Reef where this benefit took place.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Week
Libby took me to a delicious and fun lunch and swim. We got to hear the sound check for that night's concert featuring a former Jefferson Starship guy. Very elegant guitar player. 
Libby learned the use a computer without a mouse. And to drive on these wicked roads, at least 50 meters to her house.
My college friend Denny came for a night. Took a swim in Libby's pool.
Went to dinner before seeing the Olive Ridley turtles lay their eggs.
We will get a good photo of Libby.
Bobbi and I 
went up into the hills to see an amazing new house built by Ron and Becca, all green, but very poorly designed for use. Living area is tiny and open on two sides with a hole in the roof for a palm tree (no where to sit in the rainy season). The pool is on a separate level with no bathroom or kitchen.
went up into the hills to see an amazing new house built by Ron and Becca, all green, but very poorly designed for use. Living area is tiny and open on two sides with a hole in the roof for a palm tree (no where to sit in the rainy season). The pool is on a separate level with no bathroom or kitchen.
The couple had heard about Bobbi and wanted to pump her for the history and politics of the area. They are reporters and want to help. Bobbi was surprised that I could toot her horn so much as she told them about the positive situations regarding garbage, recycling and water. None of what is good here could have happened without her. I learned a lot more also.
Andy and I helped Bobbi and her friends sort the garbage at the public beach entrances, putting the recyclables into the biodegradable bags. The trash was strewn all over because the garbage cans were dumped out for the returnable bottles.
Today is my mom's birthday. Libby's husband died about 3 years ago. Ricky died 13 years ago. I don't even remember how long ago Mom died. But I still get a jolt when I think of calling her to tell her something and realize I can't reach her. Our sweet friend David died at 63 last month. I visited Ricky's grave on the beach the other day.
Last Saturday the blood tests for Byron showed that his organs were shutting down.
But it is 8 days later and he seems to be doing well. He left for 2 nights and I feared the worst.
Elvira looked very pale yesterday, but seemed to perk up before I left.
Fred, Carol and Matthew didn't make it down to visit us because of blizzards..
Heartbreaking for them and especially for them. Fred survived leukemia several years ago.
Guess I am trying to say I am grateful for every precious minute. And there have been many more this week.
Last Saturday the blood tests for Byron showed that his organs were shutting down.
But it is 8 days later and he seems to be doing well. He left for 2 nights and I feared the worst.
Elvira looked very pale yesterday, but seemed to perk up before I left.
Fred, Carol and Matthew didn't make it down to visit us because of blizzards..
Heartbreaking for them and especially for them. Fred survived leukemia several years ago.
Guess I am trying to say I am grateful for every precious minute. And there have been many more this week.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
North to Eden
Tom and Bobbi invited us up to their finca for Pablo's 3rd birthday party.
The finca is amazing, not quite the spread that Bambi and Tracy own, but a close second, with 350 acres of mountainous jungle. The views extend to the ocean in a couple of directions. They have replanted the mountains and have a slight disagreement about where to build if the world doesn't end in 2012.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Animal Rescue
I am very honored to have been allowed by Brenda to visit the baby monkeys again. Met her at her beautiful
hotel/real estate office. Then she took me to the babies' safe house, where this lady and her husband take care of them all day. The house has an open wing, caged in, that is full of fun monkey play things, including lots of stuffed animals. The trick to keeping the babies alive is to give them the nourishment they need without causing intentinal problems.
Another thing the babies need is affection, hence my role. While I had them for several hours, Melina could take care of other necessities.
I held the tangle of babies Elvira and Leslie and their stuffed surrogate monkey on my towel covered lap. The babies played and explored, all the while keeping contact with the surrogate. Elvira, though the smaller of the two, was far more confident than Leslie. She was very curious about me and eventually snuggled up to my chin and purred! Leslie seemed a little cross with me and even chewed on my finger a little. But she eventually relaxed and demonstrated her confidence by lying on her back and streching up to touch my face. 
I gave him his first couple of pills and didn't think I was successful at getting him to swallow them. So I followed him through chasing an iguana and finally lying down inside. Having been satisfied that I was successful, I found a damp, hairy pill on the floor next to him. Pretty wiley guy. This evening was better. Got the pills down his throat and plied him with roasted chicken parts. He couldn't have tricked me this time.
hotel/real estate office. Then she took me to the babies' safe house, where this lady and her husband take care of them all day. The house has an open wing, caged in, that is full of fun monkey play things, including lots of stuffed animals. The trick to keeping the babies alive is to give them the nourishment they need without causing intentinal problems.Another thing the babies need is affection, hence my role. While I had them for several hours, Melina could take care of other necessities.
I held the tangle of babies Elvira and Leslie and their stuffed surrogate monkey on my towel covered lap. The babies played and explored, all the while keeping contact with the surrogate. Elvira, though the smaller of the two, was far more confident than Leslie. She was very curious about me and eventually snuggled up to my chin and purred! Leslie seemed a little cross with me and even chewed on my finger a little. But she eventually relaxed and demonstrated her confidence by lying on her back and streching up to touch my face.
We all dozed off for a while, with Leslie totally giving up the surrogate to wrap herself and tail around my arm.
I was in heaven and plan to go back tomorrow.
Byron still is not eating right, so Sarah had the vet Carl meet her at our house. They agreed that he is looking a little pale, his gums that is.
They took multiple blood samples, 2 from his jugular, which I've never seen before. They talked about spinning one of the samples to test for something. In the meantime, they left us with antibiotics for treating tick disease.
I gave him his first couple of pills and didn't think I was successful at getting him to swallow them. So I followed him through chasing an iguana and finally lying down inside. Having been satisfied that I was successful, I found a damp, hairy pill on the floor next to him. Pretty wiley guy. This evening was better. Got the pills down his throat and plied him with roasted chicken parts. He couldn't have tricked me this time.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Emotional Intelligence
Author of Emotional Intelligence gave a great talk about saving the environment.
Byron enjoyed the eveningir
Flat Stanley Goes to Nicoya
Bobbi took me and Flat Stanley to Nicoya.
Flat Stanley belongs to Bayron, not to be confused by Byron, who lives in the gatekeeper's house at Bobbi's gated community. He had a school assignment to get photographs of Stanley in Nicoya. Many of the following are not what he is most interested in. He wants shots with Stanley in front of government buildings, churches, banks, utilities and other distinguishable sites of Nicoya.
Not unusual traffic situation on the way to Nicoya.
Stanley and I had our teeth cleaned by Dr.Ortega, who had super
modern technology. Rather than scraping with a pick, he used a pick shaped device with sonic water shooting out to dissolve the plaque. Cost $60 which didn't seem like the bargain I was expecting.
Stanley and I enjoyed the air conditioning for an hour or so while Bobbi conducted some business in the courthouse.
Bobbi is protecting herself from the sizzling platter of Happy Shrimp, leaving Stanley out to fend for himself.
Bobbi making copies of the 2 million tax bill receipts.
Notice the whitewash on the trunks of the trees.
Nicoya is surrounded by some pretty high hills.
Ran into Pam and Bill Lancaster, of Marlin Bills, in Nicoya.
Stanley visits the wonderful Cleveland shop where I got curtains and bedding for Byron.
Stanley and I had our teeth cleaned by Dr.Ortega, who had super
modern technology. Rather than scraping with a pick, he used a pick shaped device with sonic water shooting out to dissolve the plaque. Cost $60 which didn't seem like the bargain I was expecting.
Stanley and I enjoyed the air conditioning for an hour or so while Bobbi conducted some business in the courthouse.Bobbi is protecting herself from the sizzling platter of Happy Shrimp, leaving Stanley out to fend for himself.
Bobbi paying her clients' taxes.
There were about 2 dozen people waiting, but the guard ushered Bobbi directly to the teller, cutting in front of everyone else.
There were about 2 dozen people waiting, but the guard ushered Bobbi directly to the teller, cutting in front of everyone else.See that little black camera. I now own it, having negotiated a pretty good deal with the pawnbroker
Bobbi making copies of the 2 million tax bill receipts.
Notice the whitewash on the trunks of the trees.
Nicoya is surrounded by some pretty high hills.
Ran into Pam and Bill Lancaster, of Marlin Bills, in Nicoya.
Stanley visits the wonderful Cleveland shop where I got curtains and bedding for Byron.
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