Pura Vida

I looked out the window to the coastline at Puntarena, Costa Rica.  It was a bit of a hazy day - but I was so excited about our Eco Tour that I didn't even care!  We hurried thru breakfast and were all ready with hats, water, and great spirits.  I have read so much about how beautiful Costa Rica is!  As it was a somewhat organized chaos as everyone wanted to be the very 1st to get where they wanted to go.

The first thing our excellent guide told us was "Pura Vida".  He said it was the Costa Rican equivalent of  "don't worry, be happy".  It literally means pure life but don't worry, be happy works for me!

He was a great guide too.  Nice, charming, sweet, and smile - oh boy did he smile!-  I'll bet he smiles when he is sleeping.  We were very pleasantly entertained with many, many, many details of Costa Rican life, economy, education, the rivers, forests, industries, and all about all sorts of things.  He (and I can't remember his name!! so I'll call him Eco) was very well trained in bio-diversity.  I don't know that there is any detail of anything eco related that he wouldn't know the answer too.

The beaches were awesome!  I can't even begin to spout all the information he came up with like - Very often Costa Rica gets confused with Puerto Rico by the tourists.  Computer chips is the main export. The national currency is the colon but any vender, restaurant, hotel, etc will gladly accept the American dollar instead - it holds it's value better (haha)! Crocodiles like brackish water the best.  There are rainforests almost from the seashore of the Atlantic clear to the seashore of the Carribean Sea. 

Can you see the crocodiles in these photos?

We spent the entire morning on the Tarcoles River.  Eco and the boat driver showed us birds, fish, cattle, crocodiles, and everything else that could possibly be shown.  And narrated every detail a person could ever want.  At one point they pulled up close to shore while an adult crocodile came right up to us!  A baby wasn't to terribly far behind - and soon there were several birds hanging around!  Eco explained that while this behavior was not instinctive - it was caused by human intervention.  Many times people would feed the animals so they look for the signs of the boats.  Of course, when the big croc is indulging - smaller pieces float and baby crock gets food too - and the birds pick off anything that floats beyond that.  So I happily recorded the entire event (along with Eco's real name) on the camcorder and just had a great time!  We got back on shore to be served a snack of local fruits - banana, guava, mango, pineapple, and lots of water.  We were definately being well treated by Costa Rica!

After leaving the river, we headed to Carara Biological Reserve for our lunch of gallo pinto chicken, beans, rice, and fruit.  Costa Rican style!  I think maybe they Americanized it a wee bit - but it was an excellent lunch.  After finishing up and resting a bit we headed for the gondolas

We had a different, not quite so entertaining, guide for this portion of our expedetion.  We rode up thru the 'middle' layer of the rainforest as the trees, birds, plants, waterlife, and impacts were outlined.  It was a great experience but, in all honesty, I think our Northwester forests have this rain forest beat hands down in beauty!

After reaching the top of the mountain we rode around the turnstyle and headed back down.  But we didn't really go down very quickly.  The return trip concentrated on the canopy of the rainforest.  We saw a huge bright red Macaw heading somewhere very quickly and many more beautiful sights - complete with live explanations! It was a quite exhilarating day - it was hot, it was humid, but I wouldn't have forgone this experience.  If you get to Costa Rica - it is definately a must do - especially the river portion!  This fellow appeared to say goodbye to the huge group of intruders!

And then it was back to the ship for a 1830 all aboard!  Food, (after all we haven't eaten for an hour!), a short nap, and Monday night football!  And then we find out that it doesn't even start until 2030!  That time change stuff can really mess a person's tv schedule up! Hahaa!!

If it's Sunday, it must be football!

This first Sunday of the cruise was a 'Sea Day'. I woke very early and watched the sunrise from the buffet area up on Deck 14. There are tables up at the very front of the ship and it is a very nice place to sit and have coffee and watch the water. There was a very well attended Interdenominational Church Service held at mid-morning. One of the Philipino crew members officiated the very nice service. We were given handouts with the songs and communal prayers that were part of it. It was genuinely nice. I was really suprised at the number of people that were there. Most every seat in the Wheelhouse Lounge was filled.

It doesn't matter where a person is... it seems that Sunday is football day.

Our games started with the Packers/Bears game at noon ~ out by the pool/jacuzzi and on the 'big screen'.  There were many that just napped and soaked up the sun while others of us actually hid in the shade and rooted for the best plays.  Then we grabbed up the Charger/Cowboy game and there was some very, very spirited rooting going on there!!  Keith came up on deck during the Charger game and watched much of it in his favorite place ~ the jacuzzi~ The Grill, the Pizza stand, and of course the Ice Cream Spot were open for munchies all during the games.  During the Charger game there was also a very, very lively game of water volleyball played that was a lot of fun to watch!  I very much was enjoying my afternoon!

Then we went on to the Eagle/Giant game that lasted way into our night!  I made a trip into the Horizon Court Buffet and came out with plates filled with the Mexican Food Specialities of the day.  What a day!

We watched football until late into the night and then went to bed in preparation for my much looked-forward to day in Costa Rico!

Saturday it's Huatulco

Early on Saturday morning we woke to the sound of the gangways being rigged in Huatulco.  We didn't get off of the ship here as we woke late.  This is the one of the security boats that continously patroled around our ship.  I was standing out on deck when I actually saw them running another boat out of the perimeter area they had marked.  Thankful for the security!

The waters were deep deep blue and the little part of the city that was visable appeared to be a small, sleepy type of town.  This area is known for its many small baylets.  Some of the beaches were only accessible by boat and others were not accessable at all.  We were provided with paper history of the area the night before we docked so I laid on the deck and read the particulars of the area very comfortably.We were only in port for a few hours as all aboard time was set for 12:30

so Keith spent the leisure timeworking.... and thenwatching the big screen tv and having pizza

I couldn't resist taking this photo- our happy cruisiers!  And altho' I saw them many times - the expressions never changed.......

and then we weighed anchor and headed towards our next stop, Puntarenas

Friday it's Acapulco

 This is the Promonade at the Atrium.  It is a great ship! We spent Thursday at Sea also.  It was a relaxing time - although Keith got his internet connections hooked up and spent most of the day working.  I wandered, went and checked out the Lotus Spa, the Workout areas, and the pools again.  When he finished his working, Keith came up and we did more exploring... mostly of the buffet and the dessert carts (boy do they have the desserts!!) but also found the Grill and the Pizza spots.  We also found one of our favorite spots in the entire place... the Ice Cream Bar!! Whoopee!!  Now I know where to find him any time he is AWOL!!   We were eating breakfast by the pool as we sailed past Puerto Vallarta

On Friday morning we landed in Acapulco.  What a beautiful view!  We had the City Tour booked so we headed out to the busses and were totally ready for our scenic drive.  We had a really good tour guide and I really enjoyed watching the scenery while learning lots and lots of facts and history aobut the area.  Our tour took us beyond the single bay on south to the smaller bay and to see the homes of the 'rich and famous' that reside there.  We saw the stark contrasts between the have and the have not's - as in any country it is sad that some have SO much and others have almost nothing. 

The Federales were very much in evidence all thru the tour.  We were told of the war that the government is seriously fighting with the gangs and the cartels.  It is sad that so many innocent people are being affected by the greed and terrorism of these people .  After making our circle on little narrow roads (thanks to a great bus driver!) we headed back through the center of the old city of Acapulco towards the Cliff Divers. 

This shot was right after 3 at a time dove from a dizzying height.  We were watching from quite far above the dive sight so this was as close as I could get for pictures.  It was a great show and these talented dare devils deserve all the applause they get!

Then it was back thru the busy city and back to the ship to.....and this is the view of the city from the front buffet dining area.

and again, we were to full to go to the dining room - so we opted out of that and went on to the Comedy Act and then off to bed...

Another very full day!

If it's Wednesday we are in Cabo San Lucas

We did the Panama Canal Cruise on board the Coral Princess.  It was absolutely wonderful.  15 days of someone else to clean my room, cook my meals, do my dishes... and all sorts of wonderful new sights to see!  Can't beat a deal like that!

First I looked out the window of the Crowne Plaza (and that is a hopefully never again experience) Hotel in San Pedro.. and what did I see!!!  Of course it was a total illusion - but it startled me anyhow!

So anyhow, we checked out of the Hotel, paid the ridiculous charges for the jab-you-to-death trifles - like over $7 to print the boarding passes (by the minute of course) with no paper in the printer in the 'complementary business center'... what a joke!!!  The airlines are setting a bad example... pretty soon the hotels will be charging extra for a sheet on the bed... like the airlines - no liquids in the cabin - that'll be $15 for the bag in the cargo please... but another day....

So, anyhow, the Princess Cruise line is doing the same thing.... even down to charging for soda pop in the buffet.  All sorts of new fees since our last cruise.  Makes it strange.

but again,

another time.

The weather was overcast and dreary as we left Long Beach.  The seas were a little rougher than I ever remembered them being while I was on such a big ship - so I only made it part way through dinner before I was headed out to find some sea bands.  Sharen swears by them - so I got some too.  They seemed to help - but I wasn't convinced that I needed to be far from our stateroom - so I stayed there while Keith wandered on into the evening.

Our first day was a 'sea day' and we spent it exploring the ship.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Grand would be more the word for it.  The lounges and casual seatting scattered thru the ship were comfortable and I took advantage of them while I people watched and worked on the baby afgan I started.  It is great cover (hehee).  The weather cleared up so we tried the pools and we ate to much all day.  Our dinner seating was 5:15 so we didn't get all dressed up and attend the 1st formal night - but we did go to the musical production 'Motor City'.  It was great as are most of the productions I've seen on board.  I thouroughly enjoyed it!

Our first stop was Cabo San Lucas.  We went ashore and shopped a bit.  We watched the huge yachts in the harbor and enjoyed the sunshine.  Wandered the streets and checked out all the sights.  Last time we were there, we really never left the dock so it was all new to see the shopping area.  As we were leaving, we asked another set of tourists to take our picture and this guy decided to 'join' us with his little friend.  Keith thought it was pretty well funny - but as you see - I didn't care for it much.  I never was fond of reptiles - and it hasn't gotten much better!  Then we were both ready to climb back into the tender had head back to the air conditioned ship. 

At 19:30 (according to the ship's log) we headed to the sea passage and on to Acapulco!

San Pedro

S'te dropped us at the Silverdale Beach Hotel on Wednesday night so that we'd be all ready and there for the Kitsap Airporter shuttle to SeaTac on Thursday.  Makk had specialist appointments (he's getting measured for his 'mickey' and had to stop at the nutritionist) really early, clear down at Madigan, so the Airporter was to be our transportation. 

We had a leisurly breakfast overlooking the river, watched the waterfowl, did our early morning call from Florida, discussed Christmas decor and later plans, caught the shuttle, made the plane, and headed South!

We caught a shuttle from LAX to our hotel - and it was definately a long ride.  We were the last (of course being tourists they knew we were probably not return customers - so who cares! - I understand that>>>>) drop of 3.  It was over 2 hours from pick up to drop off.  Our driver took the scenic route and gave us a lot of interesting facts about the area - of course, it was dark so we really couldn't see much,  I am sure it is a gorgeous ride during daylight hours.  The driver kindly offered to return and take us any where we'd like to go - and show us anything we'd like to see. 

We are now ensconced in a Junior Suite at the Crown Plaza in San Pedro.  It has a little (and I mean little) living room area that gives Keith and I both a place to sit while typing away on our own persuits.  His work, my pleasure! hehee!  The non-smoking room smelled heavily of smoke - we were a bit disappointed in that - but definately don't want to be the ones blamed - Keith had to sign a statement saying he agreed that there would be no smoking - so one of our first steps was to make sure the desk was aware that 'it wasn't us' LOL

They have been wonderful here as far as service and assistance.  Jennifer - the concierge - set us up with events that would be taking place over the weekend - We did our own walking tour during the afternoon and happened upon Porky's BBQ.  It is a little bitty place right on a corner on 6th Street.  It has some inside seating and a few tables out on the street side.  It was GREAT!!  The brisket sandwich that Keith ordered was SOOOO big that he had some then and the rest later for dinner.  and it was SOOOO gooooooddddd!  I got the catfish - and made a pig out of myself too!  If you are ever here - visit them.  You will definately not be disappointed!

Last night we wandered down to the Holiday Caroling event down by the bridge.  We walked down, watched the 'dancing waters'

We watched and listened to 2 great caroling choirs and even sang along on a few of the Christmas carols before taking the 'red car' (San Pedro's name for the little 1 car trolley that transverses the waterfront) back towards the Hotel.  Back here again we met some more (of many!) cruisers that told us of the Christmas Regatta that will be at the Ports of Call Village tonight.  So I'm thinking we may head in that direction today.

Crafty Lady

S'te's first craft show was somewhat a bust!  I think she sold 4 items.  A hat that I crocheted, 2 bottle cap necklaces (that I misquoted prices for so ended up with me making up the difference hehe), and ,,,, actually, I don't know what else. It was a good experience, I wandered and met a lot of crafters and got a lot of great ideas for my crocheting.  I think I might also learn to knit.... not sure yet - but I'm thinking about it.  They let me have my crochet hook on the planes now - but I don't know if I want to push it - with knitting needles LOL!!

Although the sales weren't great ~ it was a great learning experience.  She figured out what she needed for set ups and moved ideas back and forth for display as well as organizing her dismantle so that things would be all ready for the next one.  She signed up for another show that is supposed to be better established for this weekend - so I'm hoping that she does much better this time around!

I think she did a great job in getting everything ready for this one, learned a lot, and wish her lots of luck today at her 2nd craft show of 2009!

Thanksgiving in Washington

We had a great weekend - the whole week we spent in Bremerton was full of activities!!  We got there on Tuesday, did pre-Turkey 'stuff' on Wednesday.  I took the bigger girls to Wally's for boots.  Boy have they got BIG feet!  At 12 and 13 both of them have surpassed my size - and my feet are way bigger than my Mom's were!  They are both tall and slender - and certainly - their foundations are excellent! LOL

We spent most of the day on Turkey day cooking, after the Macy's Parade of course!  I've been watching that for almost all of my life!  I really don't remember when we didn't have it~~  Being the big help that thy always are~~ the girls assisted with all of the chopping, grating, and stuffing of the eggs and fruits for the salads. Peeling potatos fell to Brayana while I assembled the stuffing mixture and we got that all ready to go!  The relish trays also ended up being one of Brayana's fortes ~~ even if we did forget the celery and carrots... LOL

 We made 2 sets of each so that we'd have a non-dairy sample of everything.  Even the gravy had two types!  Mak helped out with his 'neviled' eggs and did an excellent job.  Jaleel helped get wood in for the stove and showed up in time to help clean the dishes... 

Rod has an 'infra-red' or oil-less turkey fryer that he used to do the Turkey this year. As always, we didn't get our timing quite right and the bird was done a bit before the rest.  It was quite a bit smaller than the birds he has done in the past so it looks really puny in comparison - but guess what!!  There was plenty and lots of leftover too!  Enough for turkey sandwiches and even some turkey ramen noodles!

We gathered around a very full table and gave our Thanks to the Lord, our fighting Men and Women, and the first settlers that made all of this possible.  Then we DUG IN!!   It was all good and we all ate until we couldn't eat-no-more! 

After dinner was over, we relaxed and watched some Christmas shows... thats when it starts - right??? LOL

Friday was spent getting ready for S'te's first craft show.  She spent much time getting all of her bows and tutu's ready.  What a crafty woman she is!!  I helped a little and got a few hats done.  Then the boys and I braved the 'Black Friday' crowd and went to Wally's for boots.  I was amazed!  Totally and completely amazed!!  We still got 'door opener' prices on their boots and there was still stacks of 'while supplies last' items in several areas of the store.  There were only 2 checkers open and we only went thru the line 3 times!!  We had just gotten thru the first time when  something else was 'remembered', got into line again, and got another call, but the 3rd time - we made it thru and out the door!!  We had to to get some leftovers onto the table so that Rod and S'te could go start setting up for the show.  They worked into the night doing set up and finishing touches on all of the 'stuff', while we (me and the kids) had our own "Smarter than a 5th Grader" contest.  The older 4 came out quite closely while Tetee guessed a lot! Hehee!!

We have some really smart kids around!!

On our way.... again....

We are now arrived at Seaside, Oregon.  We arrived a bit ago after driving up the coast.  Yes, we did get out of the house.  Yes, we were late leaving... I was closer to the etl (estimated time of leaving) than Keith tho'.  He said noon, I said lucky if we got gone by 1... We pulled out of Fred Meyers parking lot at 1:45.  We had to stop and get dry ice for the 2 coolers and 1 box of frozen stuff going up to the kids' house.  We still left stuff for CLint and Sallie to find a place for!!!  Tim is set up with his wireless and cable, and all is good to go!

We had a lovely drive up.. at least before it got to dark to do anything but drive.  I was hoping that we would stay in Netwport (since I was figuring in a later etl I thought that it would be about dark when arriving there) but Keith decided on Seaside.  In all we did have a beautiful drive.  So many miles by the ocean!  It is just breathtaking, awe inspiring, and great to ponder the depths and breadths of it all.  The water was acting a little angry with huge waves breaking and some mist rising in spots.  Keith was going to take some pictures - but we found that, among other things, I forgot to charge the camera battery.

So, on thru all the little coastal towns, Yachats, Depoe Bay, the Western Coast part of the Lewis and Clark Trail (so now we have been at both ends and most of the middle of it),  Tillamook (where they make S'te's favorite cheese!) and lots of others, we went.  I commented on everything as I drove, Keith either commented back or snored (LOL). 

So along about Lincoln City, I asked Keith if he got the box of applesauce and the soup pot off of the side of the BBQ when he got the box of apples out of the deck shed.  Guess what!!  We drove off and left the the whole dozen jars of applesauce that I made!!  What a total bummer!  and I think (I'm not sure yet) that I also didn't pick up my bag of make up off of the dresser....  It doesn't seem to matter how early I start , or how hard I try..  I cannot seem to get it together when it comes time to leave - I ALWAYS find something that I've forgotten... HOWEVER... I did bring the chargers for both the camcorder and camera!!!

So all is well, we are a little over 1/2 way to the Elmores, the batteries are charging, and House is starting.. so enough for now!

Oh, the pictures are all compliments of Wikipedia.  It is a very interesting site.  It has all sorts of good things in it.

Climate hopping

Well, we made it back to Coos County with no incidents, issues, or extraordinary stories.  We stayed at Olde Towne for the rest of the week while finishing up the dental work and soaking up the sunshine.  I was a little saddened by not getting to catch up with Daria and Ty while we were there - buy I understand that they are very busy being busy... LOL :->

So.. we got back and were blessed with many, many apples.  I have been peeling, slicing, coring and making applesauce for days and days LOL.  It turned out to be very good applesauce too.  Tim had picked some apples as well as the ones I got from Clint and Sallie, so I gave him several jars of the non-sugar stuff.  Keith likes applesauce with no cinnimon and I like it with lots of it.  So I made some of each.  I also put up about a dozen jars to take up north with me.

We are heading out on our journey in just a few days.  It is so, so difficult to pack for.... a week in Bremerton, where it is most definately winter (I've been watching S'te's FB since she doesn't post on her blog anymore {hint hint}) and we need winter clothes.  But from there we start on our trip East via the Panama Canal, where we definately won't need winter clothes!  So I have to pack the limited supply of summer clothes (not many here at all!) and take them with me - which means I won't have any here at all when we get back - unless I pay for shipping stuff back to us (I'm for sure not paying $50 per suitcase to fly it back)!!! LOL  But then again - we are thinking of driving out this next trip (maybe) unless we fly into Seattle and get a vehicle and then go to the wedding - which means I'd have the same issue when we get back...

Or do I just dump the whole works and just buy new... LOL... I know Keith would just absolutely love that idea!  We did bonus on a little shopping spree that I did go on last weekend!  I got Oregon (OSU and UofO) sweatshirts for about 1/3 of thier normal price!!!  I got 2 whole bags of things for about the price of 1 item... I am really estatic about it too!!  I got the UofO things (of coarse) and Keith got a mixture - Ducky sweatpants with a Beaver sweatshirt.  So he is a Dukver!!! LOL or a Beaky...  So we have what we are taking and we are taking what we have.  And we are totally blessed to have it to take... :->

I am so excited to be headed back up to see my babies too!  It will be a very long stretch between visits after this one.  Clear 'til summer!!  Doesn't hardly seem right!  They will be all grown up by then :-< 

So, now that I've typed it all out - I know now what to pack - and I only have 2 suitcases - and Keith has convinced me that shipping some of the jams and jellies isn't a good idea - So, we'll just have to save it all until we come back to the Great Northwest!!  :-)

Taxi Rides :-)

I guess I need to start out explaining that the Mexican government seems to be very serious on the subject of the safety issues that have been in the US newspapers over the last however long.  We caught the Red Bus ~ as usual ~ to come from the parking lot across the border.  It has never taken over a few minutes to get from the parking lot to Revelolution bus station.  On Friday it was over an hour between travel.  The driver said the Mexican Border Patrol ~ very much in evidence~ was looking for firearms (etc) being smuggled in from the US so they were doing spot checks.  One of the busses ahead of us had to completely un pack and all the luggage was searched.  So, meanwhile, we sat in line to cross.  They are really serious.... and I can't say it's a bad thing either.  These gang wars have decimated much of the livelihoods of many, many hard working Mexican people.  Even Dra. Ruth has noticed a large decline of her American patients. 

So, on with my story..... On Friday after our visit with Dra. Ruth Rubio, our Dentista, neither of us felt up to negotiating the bus route to get to Rosarito Beach ~ So Dra. Ruth was kind enough to go downstairs with us ~ and negotiate a ride in a Taxi for us.  Our drivers name was Leon and he very graciously took us from 3rd Avineda in Tijuana to the Rosarito Beach Hotel.  He didn't speak much English but we did have a few funnies even with the language barrier.

The road between the two cities is all torn up.  Lots of construction going on - and detours like you'd never believe.  Little gravel driveway, through a small parking lot, and a LOT of rough road.  And very little in the way of shocks... LOL  Through all of this we saw many Policia - they are very much in full view and very obvious.  Only once did I see a Policia with a machine gun in the middle of the street glancing at cars as they went on both sides of him.  He nodded our way - and we went on by.

So we got there - all in 1 piece ~ safe and sound ~ even if my mouth was starting to throb a bit from my 3 extractions ~ it was a good trip.  So we asked Leon if he would come back to Rosarito Beach Hotel and pick us up on Monday (today) at 9 am so we could come back to Tijuana to see Dra. Ruth and she could complete this portion of our dental work.

We went out front of the Hotel to wait for Leon ~ having already discussed what we would do if he didn't return on the off chance that we would still be waiting for  him.   Another driver came and offered to bring us to Dra. Ruth's but I didn't want to leave before 9 am agreed time - so the other driver waited....

Imagine my surprise when another driver (same company as the waiting one) showed up with a note (in English) telling us that he was sent by Leon to take us to the Dentista for the same negotiated price that was agreed on Friday!  Our new driver didn't speak a word of English and we had only a small stunted conversation that probably didn't make any more sense to him than it did to me (after all my spanish is over 40 years old!).  He stopped and asked directions only once - and I could see the 'school bus' that I have used for a landmark for the last 10 years!  So I'm saying '2 more blocks' and he isn't understanding.  But we made it there. 

Dra. Ruth has finished my temporary crown on my partial and Keith is having a temporary crown to cover the broken tooth that Dra. Ruth did a root canal and repair on Friday.

So I guess the point of my story is that ~ even tho' Leon probably will never see or hear from us again ~ he stood by his word ~ and didn't leave us stranded.  Thank you Leon~~

November 1

In the lobby is an alter for Michael Jackson.  When we arrived - I was really curious about the alter and found this out.....

El Día de los Muertos is being 'celebrated' (for lack of a better word) today and this is what it was for.

This morning it looks as though the wind (it has really been windy!) has decided to lay down so I think we are going to try out the jacuzzi again - and do a walk on the beach...  It is such a beautiful beach!