Sunday, March 29

Girl Dog Fight


Here is a photo of my sweet sister girls that fight. They look like bookends against the bamboo chair they destroyed when they were pups. Yes, one morning I looked down into my living room and it looked like a foam factory explosion. They (seven puppies) had torn up all the cushions and pulled off the decorative roping on the sofa and chairs. I've since replaced the cushions but what a shock that they could do so much damage in one night. I now put pieces of chain link fencing on my furniture so they don't hang out on it when I'm away from home.

Now, the three pups I kept, try to destroy each other. I am learning from Cesar Millan how to control their aggressive behaviour but I have problems with the two sisters in the photos. They are best buddies until something scares them, like when aggressive Max (their brother) sees another dog, and then they turn on each other.

I wanted to let you know that the treatment for ehrichia I posted on "Dog Debacle" is NOT ENOUGH. Please read what a friend sent to me in the comments section under that post. So, it's back to work to get my dogs cured. Thanks Katja from the McKee Project for your suggestions.

Macha, Max, and Mela - Brindy's puppies

Mama Brindy, not looking all too happy. She came with me to CR from Florida. Poor ole girl, she's been around a long while.

Saturday, March 28

Earth Hour


That's right, one hour of lights off to support our planet earth.
Tonight at 8:30. It's an easy message to send, Vote Earth.
http://www.earthhour.org/home/




One more word about the shark finning and Cocos Island ......
It's an outrage what is happening but as humans, most of us eat meat everyday.
Not giving a second thought as to how that meat got to our plates. We are supporting the abuse of animals by our passivity not to protect them. Before moving to Costa Rica, I didn't give it much thought. However, I never saw chickens crammed in boxes and transported on the back of a truck in the heat of the day. I never saw cows packed on the back of a truck on their way to slaughter. Now that I have seen a little of how cruel the treatment is, it is turning me towards "no eat meat"!
Check this out: http://www.meat.org/
It may change your mind, too.
Killing sharks solely for their fins has to be the ultimate of disrespect.

Friday, March 27

Cocos Island - The NEW Seventh Wonder?

Who knew they had "blog monitors" out there but thankfully, there are and this is the response I got from the post on Cocos Island from Sonia at the Costa Rica Tourist Board in Miami: "You may not know, but the island serves as a natural laboratory for the observation of marine evolution and it is also ground zero for sharks as they are facing extinction. Cocos has become one of the last few places on Earth where they are safe. Presently, they are facing danger there due to illegal fishing and shark finning taking place due to the demand in the Asian market for shark fin soup. Approximately 100 million sharks are killed every year for this senseless act and the Earths rapid depletion of fish is forcing the Taiwanese, in particular, into the waters of Cocos in order to meet their demand. So far, they have managed to wipe out shark populations in the Galapagos and now they are targeting Cocos."

The following is Sonia's attachment sent to me that should be worth your interest:
Virtual site on Second Life kicks off series of projects in 2009 by the Costa Rica Tourist Board to raise awareness of the current threats to the island’s ecosystem and position it to be recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature.
See http://www.microsites.visitcostarica.com/

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – February 5, 2009 – Cocos Island, an unmatched, uninhabited rain forest oasis in the Pacific Ocean and New Natural 7 Wonders of Nature nominee for Costa Rica, will premiere in the virtual world of Second Life® (SL) as the first replicated island built on the site. The launch, taking place February 7, 2009, will be the first in a series of initiatives sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT) designed to raise awareness about the island and the ecological significance to the island’s marine conservation.

The Cocos Island replica on SL was built with the support of the Friends of Cocos Island Foundation (FAICO) www.cocosisland.org with never before seen SL technology, allowing users to experience the island’s elements and learn more about its ecological significance. The site will introduce users to the wonders of Cocos Island through the most extensive marine world ever built on the site, which includes schools of sharks, an array of fish, spotted eagle rays and coral reefs, among others.

“As we live in a more globalized era, we continue to look for ways to use these digital tools as a way of raising awareness of the issues that affect us all at an international level,” says Maria Amalia Revelo, Marketing Director for the ICT. “Over the past 30 years Costa Rica has dedicated itself to preserving its land and we are now looking beyond our borders and into the ocean. Through our virtual creation of Cocos Island we hope to be able to bring its beauty to the rest of the world and create a consciousness of the threats which the ocean and the rest of the world faces,” she says.

Designed to be a reality meets fantasy adventure, users can visit a replica of the island’s park ranger station and can get information about the Foundation and the environmental issues they as well as cast a vote for Cocos Island to be one of the New Natural 7 Wonders of the World at www.new7wonders.com. As the user explores the island they will be surrounded by the nearly unscathed environment of Cocos, filled with flora and endemic wildlife such as the Espiritu Santo birds and the Cocos Island cuckoo. Specially designed paths will guide visitors through the island’s main attractions including the island’s replicated coconut bridge, breathtaking waterfalls, and a secret cave.

Other adventures on the island include scuba gear and submarine rentals, which allow the user to explore its rich marine life, alone or with friends. The site will also include weekly parties with live music from special SL artists who will provide information about the island and the Seven Wonders of Nature. Additionally, the island will continually be expanded to represent unique marine species that will call this haven their home.

Cocos Island as a global sanctuary for marine life and the threats the island faces from issues such as illegal fishing and shark fining. Due to Costa Rica’s aggressive environmental program over the past 30 years, Cocos is one of the most bio diverse places on Earth for marine life. The end result of these conservation efforts have also brought on a significant increase in the presence of poachers around the island and risking the lives and existence of its inhabitants.

One of the most spectacular features of Cocos is the presence of hundreds of sharks around the island and its reefs. Today, it is considered to be ground zero for the Earth’s shark population. Unfortunately, the growing demand for shark fin soup in the East has forced these apex predators towards extinction, which would symbolize the collapse of an already frail ecosystem. It is estimated that a staggering 100 million sharks are killed each year by shark finners and fisherman in order to meet this social demand. This makes humans the number one threat to sharks and the ocean at large.

Referred to as "the most beautiful island in the world" by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, this small uninhabited piece of land of volcanic origin and home to more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna, is the dream destination of any marine biologist, scuba diver or human being that appreciates nature’s magnificence. Other unique features of the island include lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, colonies of migratory birds and astonishing scenery. Due to its diverse ecosystems and micro climates, the island provides numerous ecological niches, which allows for a high level of endemism and plays an important role in the evolution of species. More than one thousand species have been identified on the island, including plants, insects, reptiles, spiders, birds, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes and corals.

The island’s role in scientific research on evolution and ecosystems is, and should continue to be, of great value to humanity, making its conservation is crucial, There are protection programs created by the government and implemented by the island’s park rangers as well as the support of the non-profit and independent organization FAICO, which was created to oversee the island’s management and to procure its preservation.

Cocos Island, aside from being a complete paradise and an ecological laboratory, has received global recognition for its ability to sustain its ecological environment intact for the rest of the world to enjoy. Last year, Cocos Island celebrated its 10th Anniversary as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, in 1999, it was included in the list of Ramsar’s Wetlands of International Importance. Signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, the list is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America, nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, and bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. This small country represents only .01 % of the planet’s surface and it shelters almost 4% of the existing world’s biodiversity. It has given priority to the conservation of its natural resources, protecting 26% of its national territory through the creation of National Parks and other natural areas. The country also offers world-class eco-tourism and adventure travel. The options are unlimited for any discriminating traveler: horseback riding on a secluded beach; hiking through the lush whispering greenery of a rain forest; having an exhilarating experience on a white-water rafting trip, observing the tropical forests from a canopy tour; surfing the blue waves of either coast; experiencing a quite, close encounter with different species of birds and wildlife; and enjoying the diverse culture and hospitality of the Ticos.

About the Costa Rica Tourist Board

The Costa Rica Tourist Board, created in 1955, is an autonomous institution of the State, responsible for regulating the tourism activity in Costa Rica and promoting Costa Rica’s tourism attractions and destinations both at a national and international level. The Costa Rica Tourist Board creates tourism norms, regulations, incentives and grants the tourist declaratory for Costa Rica’s hotels, travel agencies, rental cars and other tourism organization and service provider. For general travel or tourism information about Costa Rica, contact the Costa Rica Tourist Board directly at 1-866-267-8274 or visit their web site at www.visitcostarica.com.



Thank you Sonia, for providing us with the above information.
TO CHECK OUT THE NEW 7 WONDERS LIST: http://www.new7wonders.com/

That is all very lovely but what concerns me most about Cocos Island is the shark finning that continues. With Costa Rica being so chummy with China and accepting ALL THAT MONEY from them AND Costa Rica permitting the Chinese workers to build their stadium (when Ticos need the work), will Costa Rica turn it's head when it comes to the killing of our sharks for their valuable fins? What about the off-shore drilling China wants for the future of Costa Rica?...
I plan to do a post on "The New Face of Costa Rica" soon. It's changing.

I hope Cocos Island gets the attention it needs to protect it but once it is truly discovered by all, it will never be the same. I hope we can protect our little known sanctuary.

Wednesday, March 25

Jolt in the Night


O.K., was I dreaming or did we have a big tremor last night?
I couldn't find any info on it at the "SHAKE, RATTLE and ROLL" link on my sidebar.
I'm interested to see if anyone else in CR felt it or were my dogs barking about nothing. It woke me up but I promptly fell back to sleep. I must be used to it by now.

Above image depicts earthquakes around the world the last 30 days. Wow.

Tuesday, March 24

Cocos Island - Province of Puntarenas

This is one of those places I have wanted to visit but haven't yet. It's a long way from home to still be in Costa Rica, like 340 miles from home! Lately on Animal Planet, there's a lot of programs about Hammerhead sharks. They are uniquely amazing having magnetic sensors under their wide hammerhead 'nose' for scouting food, PLUS, they can turn on a dime due to the 'fin' shape of their snout. These sharks have been able to detect an electrical signal of half a billionth of a volt! That's absolutely amazing. Cocos Island has been mentioned several times as having the most variety of sharks and it sparked my curiosity about our island so close, yet so far away.
Go to this link to check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocos_Island

Cocos Island is the 11th district of Puntarenas Canton, a province of Puntarenas. In the same province as Jaco/Hermosa, yet we don't hear much about it.
It is also one of the purest National Parks remaining in Costa Rica.

Looking for an adventure? This is surely the place to find it!! Google for tours.

This photo was swiped off of this shark site:
http://www.sharkinformation.org/photo/hammerhead-shark-cocos-island-costa-rica

I couldn't resist putting the song to Gilligan's Island for this post on TeriTunes.
If you are reading this after the song has changed, just click onto Gilligan song to set the mood. I thought it a better choice than the "Jaws" song for those that want to surf/swim.
This one is for you "Lagarto" surf board fishing out there with the fins. Check out Brett's blog at Soda Mary's Surf Team in Esterillos. (NTS-I gotta get some a photos of surfboard fishing!!)

"Costa Rica's Cocos Island boasts more sharks per cubic yard of water than perhaps any other place on the planet, including whitetip reef sharks, 40-foot whale sharks, and hammerheads that school by the hundreds" says NOVA (click link http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sharks/)

NTS - Note to self

Sunday, March 22

Church on Sunday


I started 'Church on Sunday' a long time ago in honor of my mother.

TeriTunes: Tim McGraw's 'Don't Take the Girl' playing.
I'd forgotten my cousin, Tiger, can sing that song straight through without missing a word, without the music. 'I seen him do it', while hanging window film...years ago when I had a tint business. The customers were impressed as well.

I GOT COUNTRY, thanks to Carol's gift of a ton of country CDs. Bless you girl.
Gettin' ready for the upcomin' televised CMA show in Costa Rica!! YEEEE - HAA!

Doggie Wheel

Doggie Hamster Wheel

I was set on finding a treadmill for exercising my dogs until I saw this...

Friday, March 20

Wipe Out

"Brokin' Board Beach"


When I first bought my home back in March of 2003, I couldn't help but notice all the surfer guys, with heads hung low, walking around with a broken board under their arm. I promptly named my beach Brokin' Board Beach (actually it was Brokin' da Board Beach). I learned very quickly that the surf behind my house was nothing to play with. Even Tom, then owner of Jungle Surf, knew the heartache of breaking your board and offered a free breakfast to anyone that came in with a broken board. Sweet. He's since sold out and moved way down south but I did see him at the beach the other day, checking out the waves with his old buddies (Surf Sandpiper slideshow).

When I passed this sign on my way to Jaco, I thought it photo-worthy and turned around my car to go back and take this snapshot. Later, when I returned home, the board was gone. For anyone reading this that knows me, I WANT THE BROKEN BOARDS. I want to make something really cool. One day, I will officially put up a sign indicating "Brokin' Board Beach" that-a-way...
For now, it's a local secret.

Tuesday, March 17

Surf at Sandpiper in Hermosa


http://www.flickr.com/photos/ticamachatourscostarica/sets/72157615440019677/
Back on the beach this morning,,, first time in a long time, to get some photos of a friend of a friend before he left Costa Rica today. Those guys were really struggling to get some good rides out of those waves today.
I enjoyed watching their efforts.

The link above will take you to the album where I put today's photos. Hit 'Slideshow' if you want to go along for the ride.
See you again real soon Andres.

Saturday, March 14

To Fly


Oct. 2007 - Surfer George

I fixed the link on Christian the Lion (next post).

Friday, March 13

Christian the Lion

For those that missed this the first time I posted the YouTube clip about Christian the Lion last July, here it is again. I first heard about it on Oprah.

http://yo-yoinparadise.blogspot.com/2008/07/pets-love-is-forever.html
I FIXED THE LINK. It works now or see below.

Forty years have passed since that moment in the clip and the former owners were on today's Oprah Friday Live in Chicago. Their book, A Lion Called Christian, is on sell now.
See the site here: http://www.alioncalledchristian.co.uk/

Turn off TeriTunes before you click on link.

Earthquake Alarm

I am positive I have a group of readers that is highly evolved, educated, and intelligent. What I present to you is an idea for an earthquake alarm. Earthquakes are new to me coming from hurricane country. With hurricanes, you have a warning, earthquakes no. Why couldn't someone invent a device that has a pendulum over a contact point and when there is rocking, shaking, the pendulum would disconnect from the contact point and an alarm would sound. Yes, it would be during the first tremors of an earthquake but at least if you were asleep, it would alert you to the start of the earthquake. Something simple and inexpensive like the fire alarms.

I've had many inventions in my life but never moved on them. Disposable feminine wipes, disposable glass wipes, musical greeting cards, donut baby bottles, sugarless PopTarts, etc. I even wrote to Kellogg to ask them to make sugarless PopTarts (my stepson had diabetes and would sneak PopTarts) and they wrote back that they have a whole team of researchers and for me not to send in any more ideas. Most of my ideas have come out of needing something that didn't exist. Of course, I was stunned when I saw my ideas on the market but was happy to have them.

So, put your thinking caps on and see if you can invent an earthquake alarm. You might save lives. Maybe the pendulum would have a weak magnetic connection and when the base moved with the earthquake motion, the point would disconnect from the contact and an alert would sound. If you do succeed with the prototype, patents, distribution, and marketing, please send me one. Thanks. Teri

BTW - We had two earthquakes this past Wednesday which sparked this post for action.

Wednesday, March 11

Computer Problems??????

This was sent to me by my friend Beth, I had to pass it on:

I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Richard, the 11 year old next door whose bedroom looks like Mission Control, and asked him to come over.

Richard clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.

As he was walking away, I called after him, 'So, what was wrong?

He replied, 'It was an ID ten T error.'

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, 'An, ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again.'

Richard grinned. 'Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?''

No,' I replied..

'Write it down,' he said, 'and I think you'll figure it
out..'

So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T

I used to like the little shit........

Daily Miracle


I hear a swell is coming. Can't wait to get out there and take some more surf shots.
11:25 a.m. - little earthquake shimmer in Hermosa. I could feel my house swaying on the second floor.

Tuesday, March 10

Dog Debacle


Lots of things have been going on with my dogs that I have not mentioned on my blog. The first was a HUGE dog fight about three weeks ago. It was all triggered over a pit bull tied up right next to my fence on the outside. The dog was sick and waiting for it's owner to take him to the vet. I didn't know the dog was sick or I would have taken him to the vet for the guy. After a few hours, my dogs snapped and when I let them out, they locked up on each other. The other dog died later that day at the vet. He had Ehrlichia.

I'd never heard of Ehrlichia before coming to Costa Rica. It's pretty common here with the ticks transmitting the disease. It's a sad state for a dog if left untreated. Usually, it goes undetected without blood test.

I got through that dog fight with major stitches on my sister dogs. It's all about nervous aggression and my boy, Max, always starts the fights by being aggressive to the nearest dog barking. The usual anti-inflammatory and antibiotics were administered to the sisters, Mela and Macha (as always, see dog fights). Yes, I watch Cesar Millan and he has really helped me with this problem and gaining control as THE PACK LEADER (me).

Two weeks later, again, another fight. I take the sisters in AGAIN for stitches and all is healing great when I notice one of the sisters, Mela, is leaking urine. Yesterday, I take her to the vet to remove the stitches and check the healing on both sisters and both dogs have a fever. The vet gets a blood sample, has it analyzed and it comes back EHRLICHIOSIS!! I was shocked. Yes, I had a tick infestation in my house about three months ago but resolved it almost immediately. I've been through THAT before and knew what to do to delouse my house. (previous posts) I did not consider checking their blood. What you don't know, CAN KILL your dog...
I only takes one infected tick.

I am telling you this so you know that if you have a dog, in Costa Rica, be sure to check once a year (during the hot months) by doing a blood test on your dog. Check out this site if you'd like more info. It is horrible in the final stages and I was very lucky to have caught it in time. Just one more reason I love my vet, Dr. Jose Manuel at Jaco Vet. Dr. Jose prescribed Imidofin 60mg, 2 tablets each for the girls and three pills for big Max. Repeat dosage in 15 days.

Photo is of baby ticks picked off my dogs at one sitting. I know, GROSS!!
Check your dog's blood. After reading some of the comments, I'd better get my blood checked TOO.
Little earthquake here in Hermosa - Wed. 11:25 a.m. my house was swaying.

UPDATE March 29th: This above treatment IS NOT ENOUGH!! Read the comments for the recommended treatment.

Monday, March 9

So Much Cooler On-Line


Thanks Carol for sending this. You'll have to turn off TeriTunes to enjoy this.

Monday, March 2

Below 7000

Those that read my blog, know I follow the stock market. Today, the Dow opened above 7000 and then quickly dropped below that 7000 level, first time since Oct. 28, 1997.
It's like a dream watching the ticker tape stream past with all the record lows.

When I lived in Hawaii (early 80's), I learned about getting back to basics and living like the locals. It's expensive for a tourist so you have to catch on quick. Moving to Costa Rica in 2002, it was the same all over again except CR is a very poor country. I stopped going back to the U.S. because it depressed me. So much consumption, so much waste. CR may be considered "behind the times" but in some ways, we live everyday (pura vida) what others are just beginning to learn.
"Having the best things is not a substitute for having the Best Life" - quote from Oprah. Pura Vida.

Sunday, March 1

Sunset Sunday


The tree, Playa Hermosa.

"Never On Sunday"


"You pull weeds on Sunday, they grow back double on Monday" as my granny used to say. Granny must have taught that same message to my mom because come Sunday, it was church, rest, and then church again. My young departed mom adhered to that way of worship stringently. So do I now (sort of). It's so peaceful and quiet in my home on Sunday, no big semi-trucks jake braking down the hill, horns beeping (I don't know why they beep when they pass by La Macha's). Apart from the Sunday motorcycle drivers (Harleys, too), dirt bikes, quads - screaming up the hill (or down it)... it's pretty peaceful around here today. Especially early in the morning.

In Costa Rica, Sunday is the day for family. You can see many folks flocking to the beaches here to enjoy the abundance of life. My favorite thing to do on Sunday, besides the beach, is to hit the road and just explore roads I've never traveled, listening to my music, with a couple of my dogs (and camera).
Or just stay home and enjoy PLH (Peace, Love, Harmony/Happiness) and play.

Sunrise Sunday


Good Lord, I need to get back out there with my camera and take some "Shots for the Soul". Sometimes, I get so preoccupied juggling my time and efforts, dogs/house/car, whatnot, I forget about my true love just waiting for me... photography.

"Shots for the Soul" is a little project I am scheming, as of late.
TeriTunes is playing "Over the Rainbow" right now, Hawaiian style.
This is dedicated to Abroadincostarica and all those who are still following their dream.
Welcome to the Land of Oz.
Pura Vida.

Song by Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997)
(pronounced [kaˌmakaˌvivoˈʔole]) was a Hawaiʻi musician. Ya know, Hawaiians have their own language consisting of 10 vowels + 8 consonants = 18 letters total. NOW That's keeping it simple.
Shout out to BreeWee in Hawaii who sent me a cd with this song on it. Costa Rica waits for you.