Patt with Two T's

I  was up fairly early once again—didn't sleep well most nights since I think our Temperpedic bed has spoiled us. We were both up and dressed by 7, so I suggested we hike on the grounds and Matthew suggested going down to the waterfall. Not being ones to rush into anything, we started with coffee. Connie and Greg were still sleeping, but woke before we left, so Greg came with us.     Bob offered us some walking sticks, which really helped with the mud and steep climb down—and getting back up. I'm definitely not a hiker by nature—my short legs had a hard time, even though they have steps leading down the hill. I had to take it one at a time and go pretty slow. The area is beautiful, and we stopped periodically to look up into the trees hoping to see a sloth. Bob said we might see a wild pig and some monkeys, but maybe we got started a little too late (around 8) because we didn't see any wild life....unless you count centipedes. The waterfall was worth the trip and I felt ...

 I was actually up and dressed at 6 am yesterday, which is a first. I sat outside and read a little and knitted a little.  By the time Matthew was up, about an hour later,we'd decided to try to get to Manuel Antonio, a popular park and reserve about 45 k from here.  Unfortunately,by the time everyone was up and ready, we called and it was already full to capacity.  We decided to go to the reptile park where they have many venomous snakes and lizards and other lovelies.  We were there on feeding day, so got to watch the little white rats get swallowed up by many snakes in various colors and sizes.  After spending time there, we drove in a new direction for us, but got about halfway over the mountain and decided San Isidro looked too big and maybe too far away to get to, so we stopped midway at a restaurant on the top of the hill with a beautiful view of the valley and river running through it for lunch.  The food was great, and I ordered something--s...

 Yesterday, Wed, we decided to have a light breakfast, then go for a hike on the property here. We walked down to the end of their property to the river, which was partly downhill in the mud, but we all made it without slipping or falling, so we thought it a great success. I'm not sure how far it is in miles...like probably not more than 1or 1.5, but it felt like much more, especially given the hunidity and the uphill walk on the way back. We really didn't see much of interest, other than leaf-cutter ants, which are huge and carry large pieces of plants which they then chew and make into an edible fungus. There are zillions of ants in Costa Rica and we saw many.  We did give them the right-of-way.  Here they're carrying flower pedals...you can't see the ants since what they're carrying is bigger than they are! We've seen more interesting animals just by sitting around the pool or walking up the few steps to where the car is. They have white-faced monkeys who v...

Here we are about to take off on the ATVs with Bea..as she's giving those last minute instructions.  They actually feel really safe and balanced, unlike motorcycles.  and we went on some heavy-duty hills and through mud and streams of mud and water that day.  Our shoes took at least 24 hours to dry, and it helped having the sun make an appearance yesterday so we could put them outside to dry out. This is the meal we were served by the family.  The pork wasn't really to our liking as it was much fat, which we're not used to.  Bea loved it.  you can see the homemade tortillas the oldest daughter made for us, to which we added housemade cheese.        Everyday the horses arrive at the bananas for a treat on their way to the stables.  They roam at night and come back during the   day.  The white one shows up first---he's the largest, but is the least dominant, so has to get up here fast for his treats since...

So I wrote this with high hopes of adding pictures, but this connection is too slow, so nothing is coming on.  I'll do it later in the week before we return home, hopefully... We had an awesome day today, but I'm beginning to think I shouldn't leave home (or the condo, house, apt. hotel we're staying in) without rain gear. Bea invited us to join her on an excursion to some Ticos' homes—native Costa Ricans who are friends of theirs. She was delivering Christmas tamales to two families who live in the mountains up and around from here. We thought it sounded like a great experience, one not to be missed, so we all agreed to go. First, the men had a crash, pardon the expression, course in how to drive an ATV. Connie and I only had to worry about hanging on from behind them, and we were off. Bea led the way, then Matthew and me, then Connie and Greg on theirs. Bea gave last minute instructions—like don't hit the accelerator by mistake when going down the hill.... W...

This is the view tonight just outside the house--in the forefront is the infinity pool and beyond is the fog coming in over the canyon from Dominical.  On a clear day, you can see the ocean...which we could see about 10 min. before the fog rolled in.  Still warm, but not too hot.  The next shot is our visit to Bob and Bea's house tonight just as the sun went down.  Bea rescues animals and one she's had since he was 8 days old (just like our Farwell)....he's a kinkajou who sleeps in their closet during the day and comes out tonight for his buffet, which she prepares and sets out on the counter.  Our cats would be so jealous--they're never allowed on our counters!  He started by drinking some Coke, then went to his mixture of soy protein powder, vanilla, and some other ingredients, two plates of fruits, and some chicken pate.  She said he also likes salami.  He was quite taken with Matthew, but what kinky-Jew isn't?

 I don't ever want to return to flying coach after getting her via first class. Oh, the comfort of it—beginning with not waiting in line to check my bag, getting on board first, being served a drink while the rest of the passengers got on, being offered treats and drinks throughout the flight....and then going into the special lounge on our 3 hour layover in Charlotte where we had free wi-fi, free coffee and juice, muffins, cereal, etc. Oh, and comfortable chairs. And on the second flight, while the other passengers were coughing up credit cards for crappy snacks, we were served a choice of Chinese chicken salad or hot chicken sandwiches....and then later served warm brownies after the lunch had been cleared. Oh gawd....how could I possibly return to coach hell? And should I mention the seats on the second flight? They had buttons that moved a foot rest to the exact spot my short legs needed and buttons that moved everything else on the chair so if you wanted to lie down and read o...

 Two days of shows--lots of talking and showing my work.  It's fun to get the feedback and have people find just the right piece--textile or jewelry--they love or love for someone else.  And I sold out on bookmarks and almost sold out on ornaments.  Whew.....  I have a few pictures of my displays...the second set were in someone's home today.  After getting inspired by Louise's pictures of her open studios yesterday, I ran with it and spread my things throughout the house. Saturday at Farallone View...just a 6' table, a hat rack, and my hanging thing. The family room--my friend Carole checking out the beaded lariats and cocoons on the mantel...and Kathleen Smith's painted pillows were colorful and beautiful on the sofa..... rayon chenille scarves--woven and yummy--so soft cocoons hanging everywhere, but not noticed much.  This is her entryway. my goofy painted ties and recycled wire vase with earrings and bracelets..and I always come up one ha...