PA-LEEZE, no jokes or FWD:

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. He only speaks Spanish so I have to think and talk in Spanish all day. Yes, I should know it by now but I don't and it wears my brain out, plus the exhaustion from working. I can hardly put a sentence together in both English and Spanish at the end of the day.

It is amazing how quickly my emails pile-up with jokes and stuff that gets passed around. Most don't understand about our firewall protection here is not adequate. I have an antivirus program I use regularly but for some reason, after opening up such emails, my computer freezes up. This is a HUGE pain because at present, no one is in Jaco, that I know of, to fix this. So please, don't send me jokes, cutsey stuff, or forward anything someone has forwarded to you. Maybe this seems extreme but you would understand it if you lived my life here.

I am knocked off my computer with the photos and all my stuff so I am limping along right now and getting further behind on my blogging.

One more thing, I have to now monitor any comments you may make because the spammers are targeting me. If you leave a message, please wait for me to approve it and it will be posted. I do enjoy getting feedback, it fuels this blog.

OH WELL, Vote for Cesar - The Dog Whisperer every time you think of it!!

Thanksgiving

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 home that were planted in the same time period fall to the ground, I fear this one could be next. This tree has provided me with many photos and sprung forth many baby birds. A geese has her nest up there now and was very upset when the tree cutter shot his line over the tree to pull the ropes.

Trust me, I'd much rather be cooking up a storm today than what is planned. As far as giving thanks, I ritually do that every day. I feel so fortunate that I did break away from the known and ventured here. It has been a blessing with the many lessons I have learned and the beauty I see every day.

To my friends: Check my comment

Stand By Me

This link to an amazing video was sent to me by my friend Carol. It's so great, I had to share. Please pause TeriTunes before you click onto it:

http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
"The song itself is that classic standard "Stand By Me" originally released
in 1955 by The Staple Singers and released again in 1961 by the Drifters.."

Our "authentic self" knows we are all connected,,, somehow.

All day rain here today. A great chance to catch up on stuff in my home.
I have my computer back but it is bare of all my programs. I am limiting the time I spend on it as not to become too frustrated.

The "real" reason for paused blogging was when I realized I was starting to think in a "blog" dialog over stuff of no interest to others. I knew then, it was time to back away from blogging until I am fresh and have something to blog about. Maybe new photos, too. I'm still learning Photoshop and Cesar's Way. It takes a lot of time. "Back in the day", I was a b & w darkroom wizard. Now with digital, it's to learn all over again and the diversity is mind boggling and constantly expanding.


I took these photos last October of Evan, local surfer. Just the other day, I happened to run into him again and was able to give him his cd of that session. I've really fallen behind on stuff. I would like all the locals to have photos of themselves. I'm posting a couple of "solarize" photos for Bree Wee, cause I know she comes here for the surf photos.

Wonder Wall Wednesday

Above - the "before" photo of the wall project for the preschool.
Below - The wall sealed and dedicated to the kids.
This was a group project of the Central Pacific Women's Group.
Kudos ladies!!

It's DONE.
Now, onward... to other ways of helping our adopted school.
Detailed photos of artwork are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ticamachatourscostarica/sets/72157618556169996/

There's a little boy out there that loved my post on the painted cows. His mother left a comment on YO-YO telling me how much she appreciated it. The boy has autism and connected with the cow photos. I loaded MORE cow photos from all the places the cows travel after I got her comment. (Comments motivate me)
I hope that little boy sees this link. 'Slideshow' is down right now or I'd put a slideshow instead... later

Hang On Monday

PERSPECTIVE - Which are you,,, on the outside looking in or the inside looking out?
It's all about perspective.
This photo reminded me of the "Hang in There" poster. This is the green iguana that hangs around outside my house lately. I just love his colors!
This is for all those (like my sister, Leah) that has an office job from Monday through Friday, hang on,,, it will be happy hour Friday real sooooon!

To my readers: I've run out of stuff to say so I will be hanging photos on YO-YO this week, hopefully.

Ode to A Tree

This photo was taken in December of 2003. I've known these trees since I first visited this beach back in the year 2000. I had come to Costa Rica for my first time to reunite with my ex-husband. We hadn't seen each other in 20 years. No, I didn't fall in love with the man, I fell in love with the country and moved to Costa Rica two years later.

This photo was taken Sept. 2007. I have many photos of this tree because it has always been special to me. I was upset to see it was dying.


I was walking the beach with my dogs this weekend and was saddened to see it had finally fallen. How many years has it's presence graced this beach? Probably for hundreds of years.


While contemplating it's demise, I thought of the first poem I learned in grade school and wanted to share it with you. I will miss this tree.


Trees

I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918

Me and Macha

Animal Planet at My House

Yes, I live in a natural wonder. There are animals all around and I do appreciate how very special my piece of the pie in Costa Rica really is. I watched a documentary last night about extinctions (plants and animals) on our planet Earth and the delicate balance in which we live with nature. It got me to thinking about the natural harmony that occurs daily just outside my house. My dogs are still learning to co-exist with my "other" pets. I'll throw up a view pics and explain.
The toads are beginning to pile up around here. I guess the words out, free dinner every night. I initially let a toad hang out on the patio to desensitize the dogs from chasing them. It works but what a mess they make. They are not litter box trained...yet. Actually, they prefer to poop in water. Yes, I was surprised, too. I even play games with their food and lay it out so they follow the trail, and they do. Well, "Froggie" does. His new guest is still learning.

Check out the size on this big boy! You can tell he rarely misses a meal! And no, this is not the same pan as I use to make my brownies. I put a penny in there next to him so you could get an idea of his true size. This is actually his frog pond. He likes camping out in the water on a hot day...


It's pretty much first come, first served around here. I threw out some bananas and the iguana ran over to get his share. The Zanates aren't too happy 'bout that! I can recognize most of the iguanas here because we've had encounters at sometime or another over the course of living here. I've rescued MANY from the dogs. Lots are named 'Chinga' because their tail is missing,,, for now. It grows back. Others have scars around their necks where they've tried escaping the link fence. When they're aggravated, they blow up and get really big and can't fit through the wire. I blogged about it before with a photo...
http://yo-yoinparadise.blogspot.com/2008/06/bigger-is-badder.html

This iguana is below the spot where a male Zanate (like a crow) hangs out everyday. I've noticed where individual animals have their favorite "spots".

This is really this black bird's tree lately. He's there everyday, watching. I had to cut the branches off one side of the tree awhile back. One day, my paper thin key broke off in my gate lock and I had to climb that tree, go out on a branch and drop onto my property. Piece of cake. I know my fence doesn't keep out robbers and is basically for my dogs/boundaries but I decided to cut off that "door" anyway. Now I can see the interior of the tree.
Today, I discovered WHY that bird watches all day long from that tree. I was trimming another alamendro tree next to this tree and discovered a nest hidden in the center. I never noticed the female zanate (grayish color) until today but she's never far away. I thought I saw an iguana nest up there, too and wondered how that is working out. I guess they have learned to live peacefully, side by side. The male and the female started squawking and freaking out, flying around me so I stopped trimming the tree. That calmed them and they went back on-watch. The nest is still sheltered by the big leaves of the tree.
I HAVE to cut down a big palm tree before it falls on my house during a bad storm. It's not in very good shape and several others exactly like it have fallen recently just outside my property. They were planted in a typical "boundary line" years and years ago. It's home to many birds and I am dreading cutting it down. I call it "The Nesting Palm". I've blogged about it before,,, http://yo-yoinparadise.blogspot.com/search?q=nesting+palm

Here is another momma bird gathering twigs from my foot long grass/weeds. She also has a baby nearby on the ground learning how to fly. He was attracted to my sprinkler and played in the water for over 20 minutes. I noticed him because he was panic peeping LOUDLY right outside my kitchen. I put on the water sprinker to quieten him. It amused him for awhile. It's the first time I think he has ever seen water or a sprinkler head close-up. Kinda looks like a bird, huh? We are now coming out of a very, very dry season.


FINALLY, the mother bird quit concentrating on gathering twigs and came over to check out the situation. I turned off the water to let him dry out and then coaxed him into practicing flying. He got the hang real fast to stay up in the bushes when I let the dogs out much later in the afternoon.

I'll wrap up this animal adventure at my place with a photo of my five-legged Esperanza. They say when you see one of these, something you have been hoping for is coming. Grasshoppers are called esperanza and esperanza means hope. I've blogged about five-legged grasshoppers before because I see them often. What could this mean? I only get 5/6th of my hopes and dreams? Con toda la pata!
I hope you enjoyed my version of Animal Planet and stay tuned for more adventures at Casa de la Macha's!!
This is Pura Vida.

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.

"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.

Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

Sometimes I feel like I live in a country that is 50 years behind the times. Especially when I get a newsletter from a friend back home and she is featuring her new V-Bot that is a little robot which vacuums. That is The Jetsons type stuff and a little gadget I could really use with four dogs. She bought it at Amazon for $70! I did bring my Rainbow vacuum cleaner with me and even though it needs me to push it around, I feel very grateful to have it here with me. If you've never owned a Rainbow, you don't know what I am talking about. I love my Rainbow (link-http://yo-yoinparadise.blogspot.com/2006/08/pushing-daisies-in-costa-rica.html).

I remember coming back from a visit to Costa Rica back in the year 2000 and looking in my over-packed garage (no room for a car with all the stuff) and thinking, how on earth could I be grateful for what I have since I haven't a clue what all I have stuffed in my house. I used to shop out of boredom. Just pull out the credit cards and go to town. Buying on a whim. Returning clothes that I would buy off the rack, try them on at home, didn't fit, take them back, buy more, try on, wouldn't fit, take them back, buy more. It was a vicious cycle. The shopping, the rotating credit card balances, the whole consumption thing. No More! I don't have one credit card balance and probably have lost all my "credit" by now. (good)

Eight years later, I can hardly recognize my shopping habits. I shop for clothes at the grocery store or anywhere I can get them (most clothes here are skin tight and made of Lycra). A couple of ladies (Angela and Sandy) made a few tops for me out of men's Hawaiian print shirts I picked up at the Ropas Americana in Parrita. For those of you that don't know, these are clothes that come in HUGE bags from the Goodwill in the States. $1.50 for a BEAUTIFUL shirt made in Hawaii (I bought them all). I have great plans to cut them up for beach bags, more tops, little skirts or whatever. I'm a crafter.

Back to the point of the post, I have never been so grateful for the things I have in my life. Here, it is all about survival. Those that don't know how to get by on "not much to nothing" don't last here. I have everything I have ever wanted. Well, all the important stuff (sin mate). I absolutely love my house and it's close proximity to the beach. I never thought I would ever live so near the beach. It's rough on appliances, electronics and computers with corrosion killing everything but It's Worth IT! The beach is my lifeline.

Costa Rica has a rich bounty of nature, fruits and vegetables. I have never eaten so wisely in my life. I actually cook great meals for myself, very healthy. I'm stockpiling recipes right now for local dishes and trying to identify the items I see at the market for sale. Like, I just learned how to prepare Chayote.

I could go on for pages about how much my life has improved living here where things are not as accessible and learning how to get by and improvise. I am so grateful I had the courage to move here when I did.
It has been the life for me.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Here's a recipe for those that want to make turkey dressing:
Southern Cornbread Stuffing:
Serves/Makes: 8 | Ready In: 30-60 minutes

1 baked pan (8 or 9 inch) of cornbread, cooled and broken into chunks
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
6 green onions-white and green, chopped
2 red or green peppers, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped - chop some celery leaves
3 tablespoons butter
6 pieces toasted white bread, tear into pieces and/or seasoned croutons
1 teaspoon dried or fresh sage
4 boiled eggs, chopped
16 ounces of either canned chicken broth or homemade, to moisten OR
broth from boiling turkey parts and turkey drippings OR
chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in water, poultry seasoning to season
chopped turkey parts (or chicken)
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika

Directions:
Boil the onions, peppers and celery in the broth until tender.
In a large bowl, crumble the cornbread and toast/croutons,
add the onion mixture and sage/poultry seasoning broth, a
little at a time, mixing until moist but not soupy.
Add the eggs and mix well. Turn into a baking dish and smooth top with a
spoon. Top with Paprika or pimentos for color.
Bake at 350 F until golden brown (about 20 minutes).

This can be made the night before and kept in the refrigerator
until ready to bake.
Wanna make it Costarrican? Just add cilantro (culantro)
and cooked chayote squares. And maybe that "Achiote" red stuff that comes in a tub or ground (molida) in a bag. Instant Pura Vida.

The REAL TRICK here is the cornbread. I finally figured out how to make it here
using "their" cornmeal. Let me know if you want the recipe for that!
I was so tickled my sister called me for Mom's dressing recipe. It reminded me of when I lived in Hawaii (1980-82) and I called home for Momma to explain how to make Hush Puppies.
You can take the Southerner out of the South,
but you can never take the South out of a Southerner.
Actually, I'm more south here being 9 degrees from the Equator.

Photo: My frig - Thanksgiving in Costa Rica 2007