tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42319764176035948232012-02-13T08:11:11.631-06:00"YO-YO" in Paradise is my acronym for "You're On Your Own". This is not a site for tourist info on Costa Rica. It's just some Tales and Tattles of my experiences, observations, and the ups and downs of every day living by the Pacific Coast in Costa Rica.TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.comBlogger7271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-64300626146748983542012-02-13T07:47:00.010-06:002012-02-13T08:11:11.636-06:00

Guess I've gotten use to it... some say it was a 6.1. Happened 4:00 a.m. this morning. EARTHQUAKE INFO HEREDidn't even phase my dogs...., they use to bark!! I slept through it.Now that I have discovered how to sign back onto my blog... maybe I'll be back blogging again. Maybe it will take another earthquake.On a sad note, Goodbye to Whitney Houston, she died day before yesterday, the day

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-59210644146796951572011-11-03T10:22:00.015-06:002011-11-03T17:06:19.277-06:00

Link to earthquake in Costa Rica yesterday....http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb0006ib9.phpScroll down and you'll find it on the sidebar under "SHAKE, RATTLE, & ROLL". I used to record every earth moving event. It was something I had NEVER experienced before coming from S. W. Florida. The ground literally shifting under your feet, it is an alarming and disorienting

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-28748248640395045102011-11-01T19:36:00.023-06:002011-11-03T08:32:44.884-06:00

I've always wondered what was so exciting about digging up turtle eggs,,, well I found out today. I saw a HUGE turtle on the beach today laying her eggs. I was drawn to the spot because of all the vultures circling overhead. Of course, I didn't have my camera so I went home, got it, called a friend to help and grabbed a few buckets and gloves. I have to admit, I did not want to interfere

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-69829852352828258862011-10-17T11:06:00.010-06:002011-10-17T12:02:52.175-06:00

Remember me? Remember Mia and Armel, well it's been a long road to hold for Miss Mia these last few months. That's partly why I fell out of blogging. I was busy with taking care of Mia for awhile there and taking care of walking my own dogs, too. Mia got real use to seeing my dogs everyday when they were in training with Armel. When we stopped the lessons, Mia continued to come to my house,

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-47000317423463924922011-04-13T10:49:00.019-06:002011-04-14T07:14:15.073-06:00

This photo was taken on Week One. Armel was training Max with his dog, Mia so I had to use a telephoto so Max would not know I was there. At this stage of the training, Max would become aggressive to Mia when I was present. Now, it's all different. We can walk as a pack and they allow Mia on their property.Just wanted to give you an update on my dog situation. Momma Brindy passed away in

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-13621715458411671262011-03-07T07:20:00.021-06:002011-03-07T12:12:11.219-06:00

This is my (not so) new pet, Iggy Guana. Iggy loves to lay out in the sun all day. Special attention is given to the tanning of the legs......The frogs took off during the rainy season and they had served their purpose.... to desensitize my dogs to them. Toad frogs secrete this milky substance on the base of their head that can kill a dog. Word has it that dogs know they can get high by just

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-19244610709008873912011-02-27T07:00:00.006-06:002011-02-27T09:28:42.144-06:00

Ever feel like this?I just love this photo of 'the tree' at Hermosa Beach. Gearing up to take more surf shots (waves willing).This is Jason (from Las Olas) making some small waves look fun with his new (for him) board. Go Jason!Check over to the left and you will see a tide chart I just added. I have grand plans to take more surf shots.....

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-28556224035266144872011-02-14T07:16:00.002-06:002011-02-14T07:16:58.143-06:00

My Dad always made sure I had a good Valentine's Day by sending cards, gifts and MONEY. He was great about making me feel "Special".I was probably in 9th grade when I had my first "real" Valentine. The doorbell rang at the front door (the door no one ever used) and I ran to go run off the Jehovah Witness people. There standing at the door was long, tall Jimmy Long and he handed me a heart-shaped

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-48579661414490469882011-01-16T13:11:00.009-06:002011-01-16T14:10:12.691-06:00

Somewhere, inbetween the sun going down and the moon rising, I found "NOW".I've been catching up on Eckert Tolle, reading his first book, The Power of Now. I can't help but reflect on Cesar Millan's teachings on dog behavior, how dogs live in the moment, the "now". And the Costa Rican way of Pura Vida... You can say it but to know it, you have to live it. Only NOW.Past Posts: Pura Vida What

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-617240991801902492011-01-12T07:08:00.004-06:002011-01-12T07:19:38.770-06:00

Oscar gave me the best advice ever, "Remember #1". You have to take care of yourself to be of any service to others. Yesterday, I took care of numero uno.Yesterday, I became a permanent resident of Costa Rica. Trust me, it was not easy.I won't go into all the details or the expense of the whole ordeal and the time/energy involved, I'll just say that although I look the same, I feel different

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-60880689195926813712011-01-05T07:06:00.004-06:002011-01-05T07:18:13.315-06:00

I just happened to catch the last day of the rodeo on t.v. It is held every year in Costa Rica at this time of year in Zapote. It was hilarous to watch and somewhat alarming. Guys get out there and actually taunt the bull to chase them. No, they are not drunk as in years past. The police check and make sure they are NOT drunk and have no weapons on them. Also, they have to remove their

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-32275947345052753182011-01-01T23:22:00.004-06:002011-01-02T11:23:12.758-06:00

I just love it when the numbers are all the same on the date.HAPPY NEW YEAR YA'LL!!!Two lucky dogs adopted from the McKee Project, on their way to their new home on the beach in Esterillos. They don't know it yet but they have landed in Paradise with their new owners, Larry and Linda.If you would like to adopt a pet or support the spay and neuter program, please contact the McKee Project of

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-13533056635280465322010-12-31T19:34:00.004-06:002011-01-01T07:46:50.445-06:00

Friday Sunset, December 31, 2010'El Zarpe' means the last one and this is the last sunset of the year. Hope you are reflecting on a great year in 2010 and looking forward to an even better year in 2011.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-46867153735832305412010-12-26T14:16:00.000-06:002011-01-03T07:16:13.368-06:00

I saw this video and wanted to share it here with you. What a great thing these guys went out and did on their own AND made a video!! I publish it here to inspire me and others .......what just a couple of guys can do to make a difference!!

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-1566314712879598702010-12-18T12:22:00.014-06:002010-12-18T15:15:08.686-06:00

"Sunrise Sunday" 2008 post linkI have to stop and wonder, why does some news hit me so hard? I came to the conclusion that although it is terrible about the bicycle accident that happened recently in Jaco, it is not uncommon. Many people are killed in this country on bicycles, motocycles, and just walking down the road. For so many people, they have only bicycles for transportation and given

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-83268503903577141202010-12-13T08:35:00.011-06:002010-12-20T08:55:55.420-06:00

Sometimes, there is something so tragic that happens,,, it takes your breath away and the weight on your chest is so heavy from your heart that you have to think to take a breath. That is how I have felt since I opened up an email on Sunday morning and read Tom's letter to me about his friend being struck by a car while he was riding a bicycle in Jaco. It was their last day here and they were

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-2111743829739022132010-11-08T08:42:00.007-06:002010-11-09T08:12:09.816-06:00

My friend, Marco, my "Ticopedia", works down in Parrita and provided me with these photos from his cell phone. The old bridge is now under the new bridge and the water lines running under the old bridge are broken. Parrita is a low area and they suffered severely from the rains. People say it's the worst in 60 years. Marco is o.k. but his place there was flooded with six feet of water. Some

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-48060890437016707042010-11-08T08:28:00.003-06:002010-11-08T08:42:00.701-06:00

That's some lyrics from an old song by the Temptations. I sure miss not having my playlist on here. Yes, the sun finally came out yesterday and everyone flocked to the beach (those that could). Even in the darkest times, the light shines through. The clean-up efforts and collections for those who lost their homes are still in progress. Here are some photos from my beach yesterday.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-26737808079747869462010-11-07T07:20:00.011-06:002010-11-07T13:19:34.445-06:00

Paddle out in Puerto RicoKelly Slater dedicates his historic 10th world title to his friend and rival Andy Irons. A final goodbye at the final event in Hawaii at Pipeline in December.Here's what they said on the news in an interview with Andy's close friend.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-26425158882877104902010-11-06T14:49:00.006-06:002010-11-06T20:38:04.852-06:00

You may think I am talking about the book/movie but no, it's Bob. Bob Marley. His music soothes me, cures me, and helps me to remember it's a better day, every day. Something most don't know about me is... I always make brownies to Bob Marley music. AL-ways. Today I was making a batch and just as I was about to stir in the chocolate and walnuts, "Stir It Up" came on. Don't cha just love

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-9507642113713315292010-11-05T16:01:00.004-06:002010-11-05T16:16:29.314-06:00

Jaco Beach todayPlaya Hermosa todayIt's been days since I've been out so I loaded up the pups and we went for a ride to check things out. I didn't get off the beaten track because I know there are lots of mudslides and wash-outs everywhere! The rivers are widening and taking everything with it. Jaco town looked pretty good. All the recent road blocks for drainage construction work on Pop's

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-74862148561393587152010-11-05T10:13:00.005-06:002010-11-05T10:41:22.531-06:00

(Jaco photo from 2008 rainy season)That is how I am singing that song today, God bless Costa Rica, Central America!We have had so much rain, it has caused deaths and hardship for many people living here. Yesterday, I received this notice from the Chamber of Commerce in Jaco:Dear members and friends, Due the rains that have been affecting Garabito the last days and specially last night, Daystar

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-64917353842129660942010-11-04T10:39:00.008-06:002010-11-04T12:09:09.698-06:00

Yes, that's the lyric that comes to mind on days like these days lately. The rain has not let up a bit to let the sunshine even peek through. It reminds me of why I even started this blog, it was during rainy season... many, many moons ago.I was feeling isolated and the steady sound of pouring rain for days on end was making me a little nuts. I escaped into cyberspace and figured out how to

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-86444230783523006382010-10-04T09:00:00.003-06:002010-11-04T11:21:21.828-06:00

Screw you, if you want to try putting spam on my blog, I can't stop you but I do have a VERY BIG DELETE BUTTON!! You are wasting you time if you spam this blog.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-81123258887885674592010-09-24T11:50:00.003-06:002010-09-24T12:01:18.919-06:00

I spend all my time deleting comments from my blog from those that sell everything you can imagine to directing my readers to sex sites in Japan or WHEREVER.To my readers, I am working my way back. It took me three days to figure out how to sign back on to Blogger. They have done something and now I can't access my account "at will". Somehow, accidentally, I got back on. Miracle of miracles. Also

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-52946117646944780492010-09-07T12:57:00.003-06:002010-09-07T13:06:28.296-06:00

I love this scene of the oxen pulling the cart of palm nuts with the two dogs following behind. It's sooo Costa Rica. Photo taken around Quepos area yesterday.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-18354563973395560292010-08-24T07:30:00.006-06:002010-09-24T12:07:25.373-06:00

This title is from one of my favorite songs of Bob Marley's. I taught the words to my niece when she was about six years old, sooo cute. Every morning when I come down the stairs, I open my curtains to see these same three guys in the same spot, rain or shine. It's a reminder of the more simpler things in life which are both amazing and special. I always called them "Morning Doves" and until

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-90588855001047653552010-08-23T07:21:00.007-06:002010-08-23T07:40:23.959-06:00

The sky is ablaze with color when these beautiful Red Scarlet Macaws pass overhead. We call them Lapas here and now they are feeding on the Alamendra (almond) trees. When they pass over my house, I try to count them but their numbers have increased and now there are more than twenty. They usually flock in pairs but for years, there has been an odd one that flies with the group. You can always

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-74149504302814209372010-08-22T09:15:00.004-06:002010-08-22T09:26:48.269-06:00

It's been awhile since I've posted and I offer my apologies. Life can be busy, trying, and a blessing living in paradise. These guys always make me smile.p.s. I have been targeted by spammers. If you want to leave a comment, please do but you have to wait for me to publish it. I had to block everyone from automatic commenting to weed out a few Aholes.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-58580022548640984942010-07-25T10:18:00.005-06:002010-07-26T04:13:12.749-06:00

Brokin' Board Beach HermosaPhotos from yesterday, to much to retouch. So Happy to see George back out there!!!I got my 20D camera back from Canon and it still has some problems...Click HERE to see more photos.Pura Vida!

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-58571340416689703562010-06-21T11:47:00.005-06:002010-06-21T12:04:31.102-06:00

I am fascinated by the critters that find their way into my home. I had been discussing the power of attraction with a friend and wondered, did I attract this?Remember my last post about cutting down the hummingbird nest from the tree? The same day, after I posted that, one of those hummingbirds flew into my house through the upstairs opened door. Of course, he/she flew straight to a VERY high

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-83473332168033506772010-06-19T09:34:00.015-06:002010-06-19T18:12:29.747-06:00

I've been on a little health kick since I've been watching Dr. Oz every morning. www.doctoroz.com Dr. Oz's site is fabulous with videos from his show, explaining how things in our body work, in everyday terms. I first started watching Dr. Mehmet Oz on Oprah and now he has his own show. He didn't talk about Chan but when I was at the grocery looking for Flax seed, I found Chan seeds. It peaked

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-33883025221524664762010-06-19T08:17:00.008-06:002010-06-19T18:14:39.126-06:00

I noticed two hummingbirds buzzing around my patio the other day. It was right after I chopped off some of the big limbs on the Alemandra tree (almond). One branch I cut had a tiny, perfect empty nest attached by just a thread to a limb. It was already cut down when I discovered it and I gave it to the kid next door. I am thinking now, it was a new nest and these hummingbird parents were

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-15707214652417668942010-06-06T07:32:00.003-06:002010-06-06T07:38:47.455-06:00

"The House of Pain" is an expression from Mad Money, Jim Cramer's show which we no longer get a signal for here. CNBC has been removed from our cable and it has been painful not knowing what is going on. Yes, I still try to follow the stock market. I couldn't help but think of Jim Cramer's "House of Pain" sound button when I saw this clinic in Atenas recently.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-55398021832051272722010-05-30T08:50:00.005-06:002010-05-30T09:13:40.747-06:00

The sun finally came out yesterday after four days of steady rain. I was walking home from the beach with two of my dogs and I heard this loud clacking sound coming from the roof on top of my office on the bottom floor. My house is built weird and part of it is only one-story. Well, back to my story... I hear all this commotion and think maybe an iguana found a way to access that roof on the

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-37623354098547978392010-05-25T13:01:00.011-06:002010-05-27T18:03:26.871-06:00

Conditions are pretty rough and it's raining off and on....If you wondering what kind of waves we have here, let me just say the pros are out whippin' it up. It's a Maytag washer out there but if you can paddle through it and get out, the big reward is there. Gilbert Brown put on a good show today in Hermosa.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-18511212849434030562010-05-23T08:56:00.005-06:002010-05-25T06:50:38.567-06:00

This is a little church located in Tarcoles. It has a tin roof. If you've ever been under a tin roof when it's raining, you know it can get really loud!

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-14989119711547146472010-05-22T09:18:00.009-06:002010-05-22T10:22:58.743-06:00

I've never photographed "under" a spider. The second photo is the "undershot" of this seven-legged spider.This bat moved into my balcony doorjam during a huge rainstorm. He's gone now.Lord knows, the critters I find around my house.FYI - the rains have come and it rains just about everyday. Thunder, lightning, the whole works (no hail). July we will get a "little summer" and it will be dry

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-39441604202560899942010-05-21T08:24:00.012-06:002010-05-22T10:20:54.364-06:00

I always ask myself, "What would Cesar do?"It has been over a year since my dogs have fought. I thought I had walked and exercised their aggression away and using Cesar methods of exercise, discipline, and then affection PLUS, making sure I am always in the LEADER position by remaining calm and assertive and them - calm and submissive,,,, it all backfired day before yesterday when I took Max and

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-37638369493307288262010-05-20T09:31:00.010-06:002010-05-20T09:58:17.940-06:00

As most of you know, I have been fixing up my house with Jose's help and we have moved mountains of rocks among many other extreme projects. Jose arrived in Costa Rica this past November with his family. It was like my family returned when I saw them walking towards my house with their luggage. Jose and his family were able to live in the same house near my house as he did six years ago when

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-53338490994202909082010-04-14T08:15:00.004-06:002010-04-14T08:37:43.487-06:00

It's been a long time coming but thanks to Carol for selling me her a/c cheap, I now have a/c in my converted "guest room" to office/studio!! This is a photo of the guys working to install it last week. I got all excited when I opened the door where they were working and saw FIRE!! The unit works beautifully! When you pass through into my newly air coniditioned room,,, it feels like HOME.I've

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-44780413049528708392010-04-12T15:08:00.003-06:002010-04-12T15:12:51.830-06:00

Even the iguana has his tongue hanging out. REALLY! He stayed like that for a long while! It's been really, really hot here but the afternoon rains have started and now we're going through the "sauna" stage. It should be cooling off really soon now!I've been moving rocks into the trench around the house and can relate to this photo!

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-73869370701914546922010-04-11T10:09:00.006-06:002010-04-11T16:02:22.250-06:00

Maria Isabel - Eighth Birthday The title of this post should trigger Stevie Wonder singing his song in the background - wish I still had 'TeriTunes' music on here but the music was blocked at Playlist so... it had to go. This is Jose's daughter on her 8th birthday yesterday! Isn't she lovely!I love the sepia version. Maria Isabel is a born model. She can strike a pose in a flash. Where do

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-26574574017366908062010-04-03T06:53:00.015-06:002010-04-03T15:10:48.336-06:00

I am almost embarrassed to show my face around here since I've been lacking in posting for such a long time. It was a post made by my virtual blog friend, Jen - A New Life in Costa Rica, that prompted this impromptu post. Read it here. Jen and her family live in a totally different area in Costa Rica and I love to read about their travels and experiences "up on the mountain". Thanks Jen for

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-39367445566505465492010-03-13T07:55:00.014-06:002010-03-14T07:40:32.733-06:00

What a cool concept, "Saving Time". Wouldn't it be great if we could really save time? We can do things quickly and more efficiently, get a jump on things by starting earlier but we just can't SAVE time,,, we can only document time, manipulate how we use it, or spend it.This time of year the hour on the clock is pushed forward and an extra hour is gained. Hawaii doesn't do that, as well as

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-75151312739233525322010-03-07T18:08:00.005-06:002010-03-07T18:12:23.889-06:00

This church is down in Esterillos on the beach.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-14003292525386914092010-02-22T11:03:00.012-06:002010-02-22T15:21:54.516-06:00

Living here, you learn to live with security bars, lock up everything, be particular where you park your car and who you befriend. It's a melting pot of nationalities here and the crime flourishes. One of the biggest dangers is the one you will never see, the parasites. I've blogged about this before (here are a few) when I saw a guy that had "Chagas" on Dr. House and he was asked if he had

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-37152600079913723902010-02-20T17:58:00.011-06:002010-02-22T07:57:07.703-06:00

Everybody that knows Cesar Millan's Daddy, loves Daddy. My favorite eposide was Cowboy Daddy at the ranch. Daddy passed away on Friday. If you'd like to read more, go to Cesar's Way site. Here's the page.Melissa Jo Peltier wrote a beautiful article about Daddy. Melissa Jo is a very Special Lady. Awhile back, I wrote on my blog, asking for help with my red-zone dogs and their fighting. She

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-81357092309946818232010-02-18T12:50:00.015-06:002010-03-02T15:11:01.531-06:00

I sure have become a better driver living here, more defensive, that's for sure. I've learned to down-shift instead of using my brakes when going down a mountain. I've learned to use my safety brake ALL THE TIME when parked (past post - Take It Slow). I put on my seat belt out of habit now. I hated wearing seatbelts before here. Now, NO ONE has to tell me to put that thing on, I'm more than

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-85704386948990076582010-02-17T08:03:00.007-06:002010-02-18T07:40:43.053-06:00

I've been drinking Coke since I was a baby. My mom put it in my baby bottle. I became addicted at a very young age. I've since curbed my addiction, I only have Coca-Cola every now and then. Did you ever put peanuts directly in the Coke bottle and drink it?? Good stuff. They sold the little glass bottles of Coke here but when I looked for one the other day, all I found were the plastic bottles.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-54340641352013518752010-02-15T22:28:00.003-06:002010-02-16T08:23:56.844-06:00

Saw this on the way to get replacement tiles for my house. Love old cars!Haven't a clue what this is ("Zodiac") but it's old in Costa Rica because the tag number is low.(Tags are issued with the car and remains with the car for it's life)

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-86767380005435969222010-02-14T10:00:00.003-06:002010-02-14T11:37:32.512-06:00

It's been many moons since I posted to my series, Church on Sunday. It's always dedicated to my mom and this church is the newly constructed church in Parrita.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-36170620760398960992010-02-14T09:03:00.007-06:002010-02-14T10:12:37.038-06:00

Too hilarious not to post on YO-YO!!I've missed my readers although a few (five) YO-YO blog readers from Canada stopped by my house and caught me washing clay tiles for the roof. Yes, work continues on my house and it was great to chat with them. Sally had contacted me beforehand that they were coming but I had completely forgotten. I have to admit, I felt like "Famosa en Hermosa"!! Thanks

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-17414429933621383902010-02-07T09:34:00.002-06:002010-02-07T09:37:58.645-06:00

JUST IN CASE you missed this one on the Grammy's, here it is... Pink in all her splendor, bumping up the notch for amazing performances. ">

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-14886416861164519622010-02-05T08:06:00.004-06:002010-02-05T08:12:28.390-06:00

Here is a real opportunity. The prominent Chilean artist and longtime Jaco resident Carlos Galli has donated to us this wonderful painting. It’s an original oil, untitled and signed. It truly captures the surfer’s point of view from “inside the tube”. The painting can be seen at the Vet Clinic in Jaco, Centro Commercial Plaza Boulevard, local #20. The dimensions are: 83 x 64 cm (33” x 25”) -

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-65575630024319309382010-01-27T10:45:00.009-06:002010-01-27T11:02:41.921-06:00

Seems I haven't stopped working since Jose showed up Thanksgiving. The ole homestead is taking shape and looking more like it did when I first renovated seven years ago. Things can go to hell in a hand basket pretty quick at the beach if you don't stay on top of it. Corrosion is the biggest problem and with all the bars and gates for security, I've got plenty rust! Sanding, priming and

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-6201505651750390952009-12-31T16:14:00.009-06:002010-01-01T19:03:57.934-06:00

That verse is from one of my favorite songs. I forget now who sings it but Yahoo told me that the reason it is called a blue moon is because it is the second full moon of the month. I didn't know that. I've always heard the expression "once in a blue moon". That's tonight. Read about Blue Moon here.It has been a sad couple of days, very sad. It feels longer but yesterday afternoon, I

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-34982218704219814952009-12-29T12:31:00.005-06:002009-12-29T22:02:41.339-06:00

This is much too heavy a topic to explore on my lunch break but I wanted to stop a moment and regroup, consider that lessons learned are "wisdom" and it is to be treasured and passed on. My gift to you for this new year is..... "attitude is the key to your survival". My favorite is "change or be changed" but that's another blog...Attitude - It has been a trying half day Tuuuuesday, so far. I

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-5863336804783039862009-12-24T10:53:00.003-06:002009-12-24T16:33:41.605-06:00

I'm always thrilled to see my photos published. The Christmas issue of El Chunche for Jaco and surrounding areas has my photos from the No Pro Surf in Esterillos this month for the orphanage in San Jose! Check it out!!Here is a link to some photos I took from a tope (horse parade) that were published:http://www.costarica.com/blog/2009/12/national-horse-parade-the-zapote-parties/The BIG PARADE of

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-16819800762978096332009-12-24T06:33:00.007-06:002009-12-24T09:43:24.763-06:00

I joke this is a "chain (link) gang" of one. Pobricito Jose!!It's not beginning to feel a lot like Christmas because I have been totally focused on getting the fence painted and other odd jobs done around my house since Jose's arrival. I tried putting up my tree and got it half strung with lights. It occurred to me that I do this every year, cloak my house with Christmas decor, and this year,

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-32351689407457796052009-12-20T07:57:00.001-06:002009-12-20T07:58:25.655-06:00

Please take a moment to watch this. It is inspirational and heartwarming.Thanks to Carol for sending to me.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-89548038387148901422009-12-19T07:27:00.005-06:002009-12-20T08:08:35.545-06:00

This is Jose working at a friend's place to get their septic up and running again. He took a two day break from my house to help out. Maybe to most, Jose and his family returning to CR doesn't seem like a "Christmas Miracle" but to me, it is the best present I could ever hope for. Jose worked for me for two years after I purchased my house some seven years ago. We got the rennovations

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-29454415296808715132009-12-16T06:21:00.003-06:002009-12-16T06:30:57.387-06:00

I thought I'd post a photo and say it's all going well. This was a bit tramatic when the tree came down. In the photo, the palm has already been trimmed at the top. I love(d) this tree and it was the nesting place for many birds. It has left a void in my yard that many birds still circle around, looking for their spot.And so it goes....My computer is fixed, I think. I go get it today. Jose

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-34701544254380676492009-12-04T10:39:00.009-06:002009-12-19T07:18:21.602-06:00

Note to readers:After publishing this, I received many helpful tools from the Blogbloke.com to fix my computer problems. It had already gone into the shop and I was not able to try any of these but these computer remedies are posted on the "comments". Thank you Bloke for all your efforts to get me up and running. As I have mentioned, Jose returned and I am busy all day doing projects with him.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-71075219877060550882009-12-02T19:21:00.006-06:002009-12-02T19:43:02.887-06:00

Please pardon me for not blogging. I am so far behind, I don't know where to start. And I don't know where to find the time to begin. It's all good and 'lots is gettin done 'round chere'. Bear with me. I'll be back.In the meantime, please look over to the right side bar (or below or both) and vote for Cesar! He's like family around this house. We (me and the dogs) watch him and learn so

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-44076399482901461582009-11-26T06:48:00.004-06:002009-11-27T16:41:56.016-06:00

I won't' be celebrating in my usual fashion by cooking this year. Costa Rica does not celebrate this day and I have a tree cutter coming to cut down a very old palm that is threatening to fall on my house at any given storm. This pains me a great deal to cut this palm due to all the birds that use it for their nesting tree. I have debated this for years and having seen many other palms near my

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-23721096420804102122009-11-18T08:01:00.006-06:002009-11-18T10:30:13.999-06:00

If you are a reader of Yo-Yo, you know I call my beach Brokin Board Beach. I named it years ago when I first moved here because I saw so many guys walking with their head hung low, carrying their board in two pieces.Shannon was visiting here from Canada during the Billabong World Surf Championship and she caught this shot of exactly what I see often. She emailed it to me with the subject line,

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-69650501238133161242009-11-17T22:05:00.008-06:002009-11-18T07:28:17.453-06:00

Today is the first time in a long time I have had a Lapa (Red Scarlet Macaw) come visit my Almendra tree. It was such a pleasure to watch him. He was alone. They usually are in pairs. I'm not sure which one this one is but around here, there is an odd number in the flock. They usually wake me with their squawking but I don't mind. They make me smile everytime I see them pass overhead. And

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-43784095406193692472009-11-09T08:29:00.005-06:002009-11-11T07:18:53.114-06:00

Lately, I hear the toucans everyday, calling out to each other. It's an eerie call but beautiful. Typically, they are so high in the trees that I can't usually find them. In this shot, taken awhile back, I didn't even see the iguana until I viewed it on my computer screen. It's another life up there, high in the trees!!A reader wrote in and identified this toucan as a Fiery Billed

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-14021859436659303792009-11-06T18:38:00.006-06:002009-11-06T19:04:22.585-06:00

That's Alberto warming up to slam some sunset waves... and then my battery died. Manana Alberto!! This is Harry from this morning. Having F-U-N again!

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-59358059006191293862009-11-05T08:16:00.007-06:002009-11-07T07:30:40.757-06:00

Ya'll know I love iguanas, I love all the creatures that are part of my backyard. It's entertaining just to watch them in their daily routines. Right now, a red bellied squirrel is picking off almonds, scaling the shell, and dropping them to the pile of left over almonds on the ground. As promised, here are two iguanas sizing each other up for a rendezvous. They're so cute. They bobble their

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-82082884180894287952009-11-04T18:52:00.004-06:002009-11-04T20:43:21.632-06:00

This is Harry's board. Harry has been hitting the surf everyday and it makes me wonder, how do these guys do it? Come here on vacation and day after day, get beat up, thrashed around like a rag doll only to go out and surf again the next day. Amazing. They are all warriors to me, the dedicated ones.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-1562128276174985092009-10-31T13:12:00.004-06:002009-10-31T13:26:56.788-06:00

That's right, straight from Brazil and this time, he brought his wife, Christina. Today was my first day surf shooting since I can't remember when. My photos show it. Costa Rica always comes through and the waves picked up about the time they arrived. He brought back with him an identical board to the one the waves snapped two years ago.Ya all (hence ya'll) remember? It was when my telephoto

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-58887055173394873462009-10-21T12:39:00.007-06:002009-10-21T13:06:39.334-06:00

This has been an unusually dry rainy season. Due to El Nino, we've had some incredible high tides, bringing in tons of beach sand. A couple of days ago, with the big rain and high tide combo, people experienced the ocean at their doors again! The weather has been so beautiful lately, I wondered if the rains were ever coming... well they did.... starting about two nights ago and they came with

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-76912321101121513622009-10-17T07:11:00.008-06:002009-10-17T18:15:20.347-06:00

I don't have to look very far to find willing subjects to pose for the camera. This iguana is a regular. Do you know they climb high in the trees? I've watched them come down from the trees head first and tail first, each one having their own style and finesse. Those sharp claws coming in handy on the descent. Sometimes they fall which can stun them into not moving for several minutes.WHICH

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-1057367898362114942009-10-16T12:44:00.004-06:002009-10-16T12:58:48.711-06:00

This is the truck stop between Jaco and Hermosa. No gas station, restaurant, bathroom, nothing. Just flocks of scarlet macaws passing over and the ocean breeze. One day while passing, I saw all the trucks lined up and just had to stop and get a snap shot. I hear them all the time coming off the mountain doing the "jake brake" thing. It's sounds like they're coming through my living room.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-40680344211173210822009-10-14T09:31:00.010-06:002009-10-14T10:23:21.144-06:00

I know I have been severely lax blogging lately. The rains are commencing so I'll probably get back to blogging. If you've ever been to my house, you know the first thing I ask is "can I fix you some tea?" It's a Southern "thang", pushing over-sweetened tea and sweet stuff on people. You can expect to drench your thirst and be fed when you visit a Southerner. A virtual friend of mine,

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-9995552788694875692009-10-08T07:00:00.005-06:002009-10-08T08:57:06.559-06:00

Time sure flies when you're having fun. Well, maybe not all fun but it sure goes by quickly when you stay busy. It's now been seven whole years since I arrived to live in Costa Rica permanently. The first couple of years were spent working on the house I bought. The rest, well, the days pass very slow and the years pass by fast. That's life in the tropics. I am definitely not the same naive

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-36008548762604538072009-09-27T13:13:00.004-06:002009-09-28T09:03:59.261-06:00

that's right.....I've been studing Photoshop. Correcting exposure is fairly simple, it's the watermark that has taken hours to figure out. Now, onto borders............

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-40188415773103161492009-09-26T06:44:00.003-06:002009-09-27T13:12:43.118-06:00

I couldn't resist posting this snapshot of a house I photographed while driving lost in Escazu a couple of weeks back. I took this photo as I was passing in traffic so no time to frame it up. It appears this guy cannot even get in his front door due to all the generous donations of wood.The sign reads "No Mas Madera Gracias", translated "No More Wood Thanks". Funny stuff.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-40531327309663066292009-09-25T06:22:00.005-06:002009-09-25T06:54:02.446-06:00

I now know what kind of duck this is, Black-bellied Whistling Duck with a pink bill and feet (thanks Carol A. for info). I had thought there was only one duckling but when I returned home yesterday, I let out two dogs and Macha found the whole flock of ducklings hovering in the corner of the yard, under the lemon tree and banana trees. It was a yellow and black blur of little fur bodies

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-72792054127664712952009-09-24T10:13:00.008-06:002009-09-25T07:12:27.801-06:00

For all those that have kept up with my blog, you know I love nature and animals, especially all the living things around my house. These are my favorite subjects. This morning I looked out and a duck flew into my yard. I know they use the tall palm in my yard for nesting so I looked around for her ducklings. In the past, I have seen as many as ten little ducklings fall 30 feet (about 10

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-29174049718703218542009-09-20T22:44:00.004-06:002009-09-21T13:01:44.183-06:00

Church in San Mateo, March, 2006September, 2009Recently, I made a trip to San Jose to renew my residency and on the way back I got a great surprise. The church in San Mateo has been under renovation for a long time. It was late so I couldn't stop and go inside but looking through the front doors, it looks beautiful inside as well. I'll have to return and take my time."Church on Sunday" is in

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-32883382025935179582009-09-04T07:22:00.006-06:002009-09-04T08:27:48.202-06:00

Around these parts, I consider the vacant coastline down around the pig farm and out at Tulin ("Four Corners"), the last frontier. They tore down the deserted concrete buildings that have been out there for years. Guess, those people believed that electric/water was coming WAY OUT THERE. Well, from what I hear, it is NOW. Rumor has it, a wealthy guy from Pakistan bought all of that property

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-76253688498104968232009-09-03T10:51:00.005-06:002009-09-03T11:03:14.903-06:00

Check out this past post: http://yo-yoinparadise.blogspot.com/2006/09/pura-vida-i-learn-from-my-dogs.htmlI blogged about this way before Cesar Millan taught me that "dogs live in the moment". His show has been a gift to me and my dogs and I so much appreciate everything I have learned. Thank you Cesar and Melissa Jo (and others) for bringing dog education to humans.This is my most favorite

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-18034845261938542892009-09-01T08:13:00.001-06:002009-09-01T08:15:35.291-06:00

Here's wishing you a happy life and hoping you find your way back to Costa Rica one day. Pura Vida.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-37403902023461265132009-09-01T08:07:00.006-06:002009-09-03T10:35:17.408-06:00

Every night, at dog feeding time, the toads come out for their share. These photos were at dark with a cheap camera. I'll have to feed the dogs earlier to catch the show with a better camera. The frogs fight over the food. They actually bite at each other (I've witnessed this) or in these photos, climb on top to prevent the other from eating. This pinned frog got some food anyway!! It's

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-89182547225619809272009-08-31T08:45:00.009-06:002009-10-17T08:21:26.163-06:00

Check this out: http://www.zazzle.com/surfer_alberto_costa_rica_calendar-158199620614146970I've been working on making a promotional calendar for a local surfer, Alberto. He doesn't know yet!! Surprise, surprise!!Want surf lessons?? Find the good surf spots?Call Alberto Vasquez, Surf Instructor and Guide, 506-8915-5159

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-37181012432352088342009-08-28T07:27:00.010-06:002009-08-28T08:09:52.210-06:00

This is George with a new hair buzz. That guy's got great style on a board. Love this, he (don't know the guy) looks like one of those dolls with bendable arms and legs!Just another day in paradise....

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-52189367106893077462009-08-26T08:15:00.003-06:002009-08-26T08:19:11.418-06:00

Banners are still lining the streets of Jaco and Hermosa mountain road from the ISA Billabong World Surfing Games held a couple of weeks ago. This photo was taken on Calle Ancho in Jaco on Sunday.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-36625891031658891462009-08-25T10:08:00.002-06:002009-08-25T10:11:53.455-06:00

flock together. The Lapas have returned in full force. I counted at least 16 on Sunday. The almonds are ready for the plucking so they are attracted to these trees. What a beautiful sight to see them in flight. Makes me smile every time!

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-28092419998127037562009-08-25T07:56:00.002-06:002009-08-25T08:02:51.952-06:00

I've had more than my share lately. It all started over installing a new wireless router. They should pack a technician in the box with it!! I can't get Playlist to work right either. It has that old message about the artist not authorizing in foreign countries. Works, doesn't work, that's COSTA RICA.For all those that have said you are "so lucky to live in Costa Rica"... yes, it may be some

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-53824256796330402372009-08-16T04:18:00.003-06:002009-08-16T04:23:27.372-06:00

Out of all the photos I shot during the Billabong surf event, this one of a little girl passing in a bicycle basket during the parade, is the one I remember.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-46339403545758086702009-08-15T12:06:00.004-06:002009-08-15T12:10:04.736-06:00

To all the mothers, everywhere.

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-78730692886193088862009-08-13T07:44:00.016-06:002009-08-13T12:16:25.198-06:00

About a week before the BIG EVENT, I turned into a serious nail bitter. Just on one finger, my thumb. I was so nervous anticipating what was coming. Everyone said, "you have to get a guard!" I didn't want someone hanging around my house for a week and that expense! As always, I had faith that it would all be o.k. and kept biting my thumbnail, worrying about the what ifs.The first day,

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-69763175401106415512009-08-12T18:56:00.009-06:002009-08-12T19:33:12.902-06:00

Before and after....That's Hawaiian for all done, finished. I walked down to the beach to see the progress and it's wrapping up. They've torn down most of the structures. This was the site for the concerts. Do you see the sink in the photo? Some things remain, like the four light poles with two lights on each pole going to the beach. I wonder if they will leave the wireless and cell service

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-4310263079638522462009-08-11T07:30:00.009-06:002009-08-15T08:26:49.540-06:00

Master Photographer, Agustin Muñoz from Argentina (www.NitsugaPhotography.com), loaned me this shot he took on the last day of the contest. I was unable to get down to the Hermosa Mirador for this shot and he graciously let me borrow it for my blog to show everyone. It is a wild shot. Almost surreal when you have this image in mind and walk on the beach today,,,, it's vacant,,, not a soul in

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-9610725100565635972009-08-10T07:46:00.005-06:002009-08-10T08:04:57.634-06:00

The party's over. Before the crack of dawn on the day after, the music was turned back on for a 'one song' wake-up call. The vibrating bass pounding through the still night, waking those left over from the party the night before. Here are some shots of the beach and "the zone" around where I live. Peace has returned and I can hear the birds again. Ho'omalamalama Pono"Bring light, love and

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-11238347238041973032009-08-09T20:14:00.003-06:002009-08-09T20:29:32.266-06:00

My friend, Carol, braved the traffic early Saturday to come out to Hermosa and do a little shopping at the Planeta Aventura they have set up at the surf event. She took these shots trying to get back to Jaco a little before noon. It was over an hour drive. My electrician stopped by to get me out of a jam (the wire on my car alarm came out and totally shut down my car) and he called back,

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231976417603594823.post-34768979197955998722009-08-08T14:04:00.009-06:002009-08-09T06:30:43.125-06:00

About 5 a.m. this morning, I could hear the crowds of people coming. It started getting really packed about 7:30 on the beach. Considering the waves of people I have seen headed towards the beach, it must be "full up" by now,,,, and with the tide coming in, the coastline of spectators will have to steady retreat (compacting the crowd). It's a sight to behold and with it comes so many little

TICA MACHAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11150451957212074513noreply@blogger.com7