Sunday, September 30

Church on Sunday


This church is located in Quepos. Quepos is a little fishing town right before Manuel Antonio. They have slated Quepos for building a marina so it will be growing fast.
(Click onto orange words for links to info to other sites)

Saturday, September 29

ESCAPE to ........

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, Costa Rica
That's what I do when I get the chance.


Check out my photos HERE. On the Flicker photo page, you can click "View Slideshow" on the upper right side but it will not give the description. In order to know what some of the photos are about, you have to click onto "detail" on the upper bar under "Manuel Antonio" title. The frog hanging from the tree is actually being eaten by a Greenback snake, but he's hard to see. I wanted to rescue the frog but too many people were gathered around taking photos. I had to walk away.

I have to go back with the telephoto lens and find those White-faced monkeys! I did see Howler monkeys but they were far, far away. It is a great adventure walking through the park and I will BE BACK!

TURTLE FEET, SURFER'S BEAT

Marina Kuperman has been living in Costa Rica for almost 5 years.
After visiting the Playa Grande’s Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park and seeing this critically endangered animal, she became so moved that she not only wrote the book ‘Turtle Feet, Surfer’s Beat’ but also founded the online community for kids, teens and their parents to take action in a fun way to help marine preservation.

What is ‘Turtle Feet, Surfer’s Beat’ about?

My book revolves around a typical suburban teen girl, Penelope, from the States that is forced to go to Costa Rica with her parents for her father’s job assignment. Involuntarily, her parents sign up Penelope to spend two weeks at the Leatherback turtle biological station (for ‘her own good’). Penelope, obviously isn’t pleased but forgives the horrid accommodations and the never ending bug brigade as she sees the turtle and instantly pledges to do all she can to help it from extinction. But hang ten, dudes! Penelope is about to get help.

One lonely night, as she’s patrolling the beach for turtle poachers she stumbles and falls directly into the arms of the local surf champ. Together they dive into the world of surfing and marine preservation.

You’re website www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com is more directed at a community setting rather than focusing directly on the book, why is that?
I figure, a good read helps to get us all hyped-up to take action and make a difference, especially if it’s for a good cause. And that’s exactly what my book intends to do. Since, we are all in the know about the conditions of our oceans, and really wanna do something to start making a difference. Plus, we also know that everything is so much more fun to do when you’re having a blast at it with friends. So, that’s exactly what www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com is all about.
It’s not your typical site of more information thrown at you, but rather a way to get involved and join forces with your favorite surfers, musicians, artists, conservationists, and other cool people already taking action.

Thank you for having me as a guest and I look forward to everyone visiting our community and joining in the fun!

Marina Kuperman
TURTLE FEET, SURFER´S BEAT
Take the ultimate ride!!!
www.Turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com

This is part of a "Blog Tour" by Marina Kuperman

Thursday, September 27

Cameo Camera


I got caught again with David's camera. David visits my area for the surfshots. I've been walking my dogs pretty regular now trying to ward off being depressed. I've been sick with the flu, been carless (in the shop) and Garmin is killing me (it was over 120 today). I don't even want to pay attention to how far Garmin has risen because I am stuck in put options and they will just expire the third week in October leaving me less $2,500. That makes me very depressed.

I have to remember what a great life I have created for myself and take the good with the bad. I haven't a care in the world when I walk my dogs through the river and next to the never-ending ocean. That's my medicine.

See more of David's photos here. Thanks David.

Wednesday, September 26

Garden Visitor

It's common to see these creatures around my house. They love to eat hibiscus and crawl through the hedge out to the tip of the limbs to get the flowers. My dogs love to catch them so I have rescued more than my fair share. The trick is to grab them behind the head and hold the tail until you can release it. A real feat for me when I have four bouncing dogs around me to get to the iguana. I am teaching the dogs to leave them alone but no success so far. The iguana will play dead for about five minutes which allows me to grab him and get him to safety. Oh, what fun.

Monday, September 24

The Good Life

Every watch that show? I used to and would dream about making a life in another country. That's exactly what I did in Costa Rica.

Sunday, September 23

My Favorite Thing





I love to take my dogs down to the beach and watch them chase crabs on the rocks. On one end of the beach is a huge rock formation and no construction (or people). The other end of the beach is speckled with hotels and houses. It is no where developed now like it will be in the future. There is a river that runs by my house to the ocean and it is always changing direction in a snaky fashion. The dogs and I love this part of our paradise. The river is only a few inches deep so my favorite thing is to take down my beach chair and camp out in the river (without the dogs) and watch the surf/surfers. The dogs are too aggressive to other dogs to let them just run free on the beach. I have to take them to the rocks where there is no one.

In the photos are the two "fighting dogs". They play well together and I've figured out that it is the beastly Max that makes them fight. It's called nervous aggression and when Max gets excited, he attacks one of them and the fight between the two sisters start. I take the girls to the beach together so they will learn to get along and have fun together. No fights for a few weeks now since the last BIG brawl.

Saturday, September 22

BLOG POWER

I realized this week that what I blog really does affect others. It's amazing how a simple format can reach to the ends of the world (if they have Internet). It's a very powerful tool and one I hope I am a good steward of it's power.

I met Peggy briefly before I moved to Costa Rica. I liked her instantly and we talked about our future dreams. She was going through one of those crossroads in life, trying to muster up the courage to go into business for herself. Being an enterpreneur myself, I encouraged her to go for it and not let fear stand in her way. She did and changed her profession from doing videos of weddings to doing still portraits. Her photography business is called Avant Garde. Peggy also attended every seminar and workshop available to get on top of her craft. I can see from her newsletters, she is a big success. Here is her website with samplings of her work. Peggy is an inspiration.


We don't stay in contact much but Peggy recently wrote me that she read about dancing with Matt on my blog and she drove to Miami to dance with him when his tour was there. Matt will be touring the United States and dancing his happy little jig. I can't believe she actually danced with him.

Now that's cool.

Sunday, September 16

Church on Sunday



Same church (Alajuela), different days.

Saturday, September 15

Independence Day


The Education Committee is visiting all the schools and I've been taking the photos. This one was taken in Jaco at the college. Click here for school photos.

Pre-Celebration - Independence Day in Costa Rica

Costa Ricans love to "fiesta". They will drop everything to have a party to celebrate nearly anything. Saturday is Independence Day for Costa Rica and the party started well before then. On Friday, were all the fireworks, parades, etc. I stopped by the school where I volunteer and they were having their own little celebration outside with the big flag, a torch and everyone had a little flag to wave. They sang the National Anthem for Costa Rica with great spirit and delight. It was a pleasure to watch them and of course, take photos.

My good friend Dan and his fiance, Jaseena, had a little celebration party for me at their pool. They went to a lot of trouble preparing some great kabobs, hauling all the stuff like the grill, mixers for drinks, cake, etc. and pulled off a very special birthday "Just for Me". They had a CD with different birthday songs in English and Spanish. I heard "Happy Birthday" about a hundred different ways. It was great. I think I'll turn 52 again next year and have them repeat the same. Good fun and a good dose of how Costa Ricans party. Lots of drinking. Thanks Dan and Jaseena. My long time friend, Trish, took me out to my favorite restaurant for my birthday and it was fun. We rarely go out. On the way to the restaurant, we spotted the most perfect Latino dancing dress in the storefront window. I went in and tried it on, perfect fit and walked out with it. Yeah, it's my birthday, I'm allowed an impulse buy or two. The dress is drop dead gorgeous. I can't wait for an occasion to wear it.
It was great to hear from family and friends. Even my sisters got together and called me. One was on the phone upstairs and the other was on the phone downstairs. They haven't done that in years. My special friend, Oscar (Costa Rican), brought me a beautiful blooming orchid plant and birthday wishes. All in all, it was a great celebration for me.
Happy Birthday to me and to my beloved Costa Rica!

Thursday, September 13

Show Some Blog Love....

I know people check my blog because I check my meter every now and then. I usually don't request comments but I need some encouragement from you out there. Just leave a note letting me know what you think and what you'd like to see here.

Yesterday was "the day after" the 9/11 tragedy six years ago and I spent a lot of time thinking about what has transpired in the last six years. My life has certainly changed since that time. After September 11, 2001, I decided if that could happen, anything could happen. I had only dreamed of living in Costa Rica but the events of 9/11 encouraged me to me make my dream a reality.
"Life is short and then you die." Pura Vida.
THE DREAMS - "Los Sueños"

Tuesday, September 11

Monday, September 10

In a New York Minute September 11, 2001

I randomly picked this from the YouTube list and was satisfied after viewing the still photos that it was what I wanted to post for my blog for tomorrow. I will not be posting tomorrow. It will be a day of silence in respect.
09/11/01 changed everything.


"Never forget"

Sunday, September 9

Sunset Sunday



Photos taken a few years ago near the Esterillos area (my secret beach).

Saturday, September 8

Dog alert - Grapes kill, raisins too!

Just the other day I was pitching grapes to "Max", the beastly one, he caught them and of course, ate them. I had no idea they could kill him. He's not dead but he did'nt catch many.
I didn't know grapes were bad for dogs.
By "coincidence" my friend, Trish, sent this link to me about how RAISINS and GRAPES can kill dogs and I'm passing it on to you. Pass it on.

C.C.R-Lookin' Out My Back Door/1970

A little music to set the mood for the next post.

"Lookin' Out My Back Door"



I don't have to venture very far to get photos of nature in action. The tree next to my house is teaming with life. These shots would not be possible without the help of my friend Beth, she brought me "The Hubble" (and coined it's name). I'm still timid about taking my beloved (read expensive) equipment out of the "compound" for fear it will get snatched by some enterprising thief. Sad but true.
"Lookin' Out My Back Door" - Creedence Clearwater Revival (Yes, I'm THAT old and I still remember)

Friday, September 7

Bohio - A street divided


Bohio is in the heart of Jaco. It's one of the arteries that leads to the beach. The local police station is also down this road to the right on the beach. Bohio has become a street divided with the upcoming Day Star development engulfing practically the entire block. The beach bar, Bohio, is still there and operating but many of the restaurants have been taken out. Suzie Q's was the first to go. They had the best BBQ in town. The Chinese restaurant soon followed by the wayside. Poseidon Hotel and Restaurant is still on Bohio and if you want a good southern breakfast, this is the only place in town. Grits, biscuits and sausage gravy. A rarity in Costa Rica.

Jaco is quickly becoming a town divided. The haves and the have not. The contrast is like night and day.
Is Jaco losing it's charm or are we just now getting up to speed?

Thursday, September 6

Beyond the Neon Lights

It seemed like over night, Jaco strip had neon lights after the advertising company, New Promotions, came to town. Now, we have a bigger, better billboard on top of KFC. I noticed it the other day and it was like a brick hit me in the head. I had seen the over sized Mercedes van (mini-bus) with Blue Sky advertising on it and wondered "who" is this. Obviously, someone with money. It's not poor little Jaco beachtown anymore.
When you see a Hummer in Jaco, you take note. I take photos.

Monday, September 3

Jaco Country


This is located off the main road outside of Jaco town. Still some farmland left.

Sunday, September 2

Church on Sunday


The old church in Quebrada Ganado, the new church sits to it's left (not in photo).

Saturday, September 1

Jaco Town





Just a few years ago, there were only houses and vacant land on this side of the street in Jaco town.