Loving Life In Monteverde

"Oh my gosh, larva, larva!" I continued cutting vegetables for the Tico beef soup. We see plenty of larva around here. Michael continued, "I squeezed the fly and out came larva!" Now, he had my attention. Sally chimes in, "Oh gross, what. . . , take that outside .. . wash your hands really really well, oh they're all over the place!" I put the knife down on the counter and hurried to a new biological surprise. Michael and John were playing around with a unique looking fly trapped on the window pane. Apparently, this one was carrying her hatched brood first class in the cabin. Upon some external pressure from the fingers of a 4 year old, this diptera's (scientific classification: Kingdom: animalia; Phylum: arthropoda; class: insect; Order: Diptera) exoskeleton split open to reveal about a dozen minute, wiggly larva (maggots). Upon seeing the light of day, some larva had ventured out immediately onto little fingers and the window pane, while some stayed within the warm confines of their mother's reproductive tract. I was surprised to discover that this type of fly, I don't know the family, produced eggs that hatched inside the mother rather than eggs that hatch externally as in the case of house flies. (note the mating houseflies courtesy of wikipedia) Unlike the bloated grains of rice type maggots found in smelly garbage cans on a hot august day in Chicago, these little larva appeared quite innocent and undeserving of a premature separation from there mother. But so goes life on this Costa Rica Dia de la Madre, their mother had a gaping hole in her side and her future looked quite bleak. Sally was not too happy about the whole thing, so Michael threw the fly outside, we washed our hands really really well, and I went back to cutting vegetables.

"Oh gross, there's ants all over the windowsill, did you guys just leave the larva there?" Yes, we did. I murmured something about mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom in our house, grabbed the camera and joined the boys to watch round two of the larva drama. Within minutes, dozens of our little black ants had located their next meal, hoisted the doomed wigglers into the air and were hauling them into a crack in the wood. I imagined a fateful game of 'your larva feed my larva.'

It was an amazing scene, not gross nor gruesome, but real, natural, a wonderful story of the complexities of life and death, survival and competition, reproduction and predation. Of course the human involvement cannot be overlooked, after all this did take place in our house. Just these few minutes of play and curiosity on our part will lead to rich discussions and vivid memories for some time to come. The great thing about living here, is that these stories happen all the time. This is but one of many vivid displays of the natural world we've experienced today. Pics not in particular order: Star of larva story broken in two w/baby, ants and booty, today's long hike to a stream, red mushroom, more insects, and a spider visiting me right now. Note: it is bigger than Antarctica.

Open Wide..And Please Don't Bite Me!

I must admit, I was a little apprehensive earlier this week as I loaded my family onto the 4 p.m. bus into Santa Elena for the boys first dental appointment. I think I was more nervous then they were…”Would it be a knock down-drag out as to who went first, would they ‘accidently’ bite the dentist, would they run for the hills screaming or would I just rely on knowing my two boys and hoping the talks we’d had about the dentist would be enough to calm their butterflies? Lucky for us, the office had a nice play ground in back which kept the boys busy as Mike completed the paperwork. The dentist, Susana, was so caring and took pleasure in reviewing the Barney book which walked the kids through what the procedure would entail. Both boys were so well behaved, and so enjoyed the pink solution she coated their teeth with to highlight the troublesome plaque covered areas…OH MY! Of course, Mike brought the camera as we wanted to record this memorable moment. Not only is Susana a skilled dentist, but she is also quite the talented balloon artist. Both boys walked out with a sticker and a balloon animal, giraffe for Michael, elephant for John. Unfortunately we need to return for some fillings but nothing too serious. The culprit: Could it be the fact that they enjoy more sweets here than in Chicago….I’m almost sure of it!

The army ants are still hanging around and after a discussion with a friend of ours, I will welcome the next time they come knocking. Perhaps a ‘come hither army ant’ song and dance is on order by yours truly. Mills, our friend, said it beats the Orkin man and usually they are in and out in a couple of hours….okay, I’m convinced. We also have a small ant problem inside the house – Unsuccessful in finding Borax here, Mike concocted his own solution, part honey and part laundry detergent. A few dabbles on the counter and never have I been more fascinated to watch an ant’s demise unfold. Would they approach? YES, however, immediately most of them would shuffle backward (quickly), it was simply amazing, some would actually succumb to the sweet smell and dive in. I delighted in watching the ants fight through their neurological discomfort. Perhaps the army ants would ferret out their colonies and have them for lunch so to speak! Had to include this nasty pile of what looked like "magets" or larva of some sort, curled up in a ball on our porch...very active, perhaps some mating thing - YUCK!

I trudged to Cerro Plano today to see Dr. Johnny as a week on antibiotics from a nasty sinus infection, is hardly providing any relief. Been battling this since Chicago where I saw my doctor and finally filled the antibiotic and started taking it last Sunday. This illness has not only robbed me of my voice but also zapped me of my energy. Dr. Johnny confirmed the antibiotic was working but sent me to the Pharmacy for a decongestant…18,0000 colones to see Doc Johnny, then onto Santa Elena. 13,000 colones, about $23 for 8 tablets of Claritin D – Only having 30,000 with me, I had just enough to get the medicine, but realized I would have to hoof it back home on foot (no money left over for a taxi home). I met Mike and the boys at Megs as she had called and invited us over to celebrate Chako’s 5th birthday. The boys had a great time and you can be sure they are enjoying their goody bags. Choppy, we wrapped up one the airplane model/paint sets you gave us 'for a rainy day' which was the perfect gift. The boys made their own wrapping paper and voila – a perfect little birthday gift emerged! The second airplane will be perfect for Laundry’s upcoming 6th birthday.

What am I reading these days? I am enjoying one of the books I picked up in Chicago – “Raising your Spirited Child” by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka – I guess you have figured it out, I have two very spirited children. This book is so upbeat and focuses on all the positive and endearing qualities of what I use to call my “strong willed” children. I am learning how I can better help my introverted child recharge his energy supply and at the same time support my extroverted child as well. I’ve had some very ‘ah-hah’ moments as I flip from page to page – so $14.99 well spent.

Dinner Theater - Schaefer Style - Mike and I were entertained last night after dinner by the boys, as they sang and performed, continually reminding us that they are ‘actors’ and we are the audience. Everything from who can sing Jingle Bells the fastest to John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt and closing with a rendition of The Bonnie Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond. For those of you that are of my vintage, equate it to the Carol Burnett Show. Quite the variety and so many laughs. I have never seen my John so animated and free – it was a delight. Michael ate it up and made great use of all the ‘props’ in the house. The next performance is sure to be as comical.

I have yet to delve into the New Building Project, heck, I haven’t even made it up to the school yet. Still waiting for my energy to return –here’s hoping it does tomorrow as there is an all-day “Clean the School” activity tomorrow.

Mike and I visited with Heidi (the owner of the Bellbird School) beside Casem this week. I think the boys will benefit from taking a special class or two there; they offer so many (drums, piano, karate) would love to get them into swimming if there is room. Poco a Poco Hotel (which we use when we need our ‘swim fix’) is going to be the venue for the swimming activity – so we’ll wait to hear back from Heidi on the cost. They also have an afternoon 1 to 5 program where the boys could get a taste of lots of things, cooking, drama, music, art – so we are thinking that one of two afternoon’s might work. Certainly we want to reserve time for play-with Gaudy and exploring with mom.

Despite the afternoon rains, the main road that connects the Reserve to the Cerro Plano is being repaired and that means, lots of heavy equipment that makes the earth (and our fragile windows) shake! There is something clearly different this time around opposed to the previous times when they have repaired the road. I guess if I had to use one word to describe it, it would be precision – the material is probably the same, but so much more like powder (ground up) instead of the big stones they used last year. Some seem to think they are preparing the road for pavement; I’m not so sure! What I can tell you is that, from an adult perspective, it is so much more of a pleasurable experience riding in the back seat of a taxi now! The boys, not sure they’d agree with me. Can’t wait to feel well enough to put my runners to the road.

Mike continues to gear up for school, however he’s taken advantage of some opportunities that he’s created for himself – meeting up with a independent researcher to study epiphytes and this morning, meeting a group of students from Bank Street School in NYC. I’m sure my account of his experience would not do it justice, so I’ll leave the writing to Mike.

Mike is super excited about making his own yogurt with a little ‘starter’ help from the Cheese Factory. Not just the Keifer yogurt, but real yogurt (that the entire family enjoys☺). The kids have a real hand in it and I have to laugh when I see the tub of hot milk with some starter yogurt in a plastic tub inserted into another, larger tub, hugged by an old heating pad and wrapped in dish towels.. Who am I to complain, with a little vanilla added at the end, it is quite yummy atop some pineapple or mango!

I think I posted this on Facebook but forgot to mention it on my last entry in the blog. A little over a week ago, one of the bridges on the main road from San Jose to Monteverde and other tourist spots, collapsed due to rain and weather. Choppy, Poppy and Beth, if you’ll recall where we stopped and waited for the boys and Katya on our way to Quepos - I think we could see the Rio Seco from La Cuenca. Apparently when the bridge collapsed it also took with it one of the primary cables that provides internet to the mountain. We were without it for about two days. Not only this, but folks that were travelling by bus, had to get off the bus on one side of the bridge, carry their luggage across the river and then board another bus – I’m sure there were lots of wary travelers who after awaking in the early a.m. to fly all day didn’t bargain on this ‘extra adventure’ but, as my boys say….’that’s life’!

And, yes this is Benito Guindon with a baby porcupine. You never know who or what he'll bring to a Pot Luck!

Peace,
Signed: S

Guess I missed the Army Ant Training?

Two days ago, I completely went 'out of my mind' crazy as I walked out the back kitchen door only to be met with millions of big black ants. "Guys, come quick...check this out". The boys came running as we all marveled in this 'attack'...something right out of the movies. Mike did not know what he was missing as he was enjoying a quiet hour in a 'meditation' session at the local Yoga joint down the road. ..or so he thought. I did the only thing I knew how - grabbed for the broom and swept like mad. Everywhere, climbing up the walls just outside the door...few of them making it into the house, behind the refrig. What do I do next? Make the phone call to Mike or grab the camera? I opted for the phone and Mike was on-foot back to the house. Of course, he was thinking the entire time as he rushed home " Wow, I've waited an entire year to catch an 'army ant' attack and they're literally knocking at my door...how lucky could a guy get". When he arrived he was so excited and said 'well, of course Sally, these are army ants", I replied "Guess I missed the army ant training dear husband". Once I calmed down, Mike reassured me that I did the right thing by sweeping the few out of the house since they were just at the entrance. I now know, (for any of you who may find this useful) that if the ants are already in the house, just vacate your dwelling for a couple of hours and they'll clean out all the living insects, scorpions, etc. and move on. Okay, now you tell me. An hour later, as I was grabbing the last of the clothes off the line, I looked down and saw them crawling up my boot, I proceeded to run and do a bad version of a "Sally Dance." So, a nice 'welcome back' for sure. (From Mike: Sweeping the front line was right for her. For me, I would let them march right in and watch an amazing natural predation event occur in the comfort of my own home.)

I was awoken today by my boys "Mom, come see the baby tarantula that's in the kitchen"! Really, it was just hanging out in our kitchen...great! I think this just about covers the insect invasions of this last week.

We've enjoyed some sunny mornings, at least enough to dry our shoes each day! One of the photos shows an array of items lying under the mold killing sunlight. We have bleach cleaned books, blocks, backpacks and will store unneeded things in plastic tubs or bags to keep the mildew away. We are delighted to have a new shelf over the desk in our bedroom. Melvin (the school's handyman) showed up earlier this week to build it on site. Mike helped and learned some of the tricks of the trade. The best thing about this shelving unit is that a single, naked light bulb now hangs from it (and for those of you that video Skype with us) know that this is a GOOD thing....Let there be light!

People are starting to return to the moutain with school starting in a little over two weeks. Mike is over his stomach crud (thankfully it was the 24-hour type) and has been spending some time at school. I have enjoyed my early morning runs and am feeling some relief from my injured thigh. If I ever doubted this was our home, I have no doubts as I wave to friends and acquaintances as I jog by shouting "pura vida". I am now laid up with a bad sinus infection with hardly a voice - three weeks and I finally popped the antibiotic that my doc gave me back in Chicago yesterday. Heres hoping it is fast working.

We enjoyed playing with Veronica's dogs as we had to bridge a gap between when her dog sitter left and she returned from a month in the states. We were greeted by six dogs who were happy to see us. They frolicked in the pasture and tormented the horses, thankfully no trampling occurred.

The boys have enjoyed constructing an airplane in the front yard and we have spent much time re-enacting our flight back to Costa Rica. I usually play the high-stress role of the air-traffic control tower and simulate the turbulence....I'll leave that one to your imagination.

The boys are enjoying the finger paints (thanks Choppy) and we already have new art-work adourning the living room wall. I had to pull all the old artwork off the walls at it was a haven for spiders....YUCK

As I close this post, the boys are making pancakes (bananas and mango) in the kitchen with dad. It is the first Sunday of the month, so that means "Pot-Luck" after the silent meeting for worship at the meeting room at school. Doubtful I will make this but the boys may go which means rest time for me.

We are looking forward to this coming weeks performance of "Oliver" at Bromelias. The rehearsals are fabulous - we can hear them as we are only a stones throw away from the venue - so we should be prepared to step in as an 'under-study' should the need arise :)

To all that have supported the readings of this blog, THANK YOU for following our journey. I appreciate your comments and advice along the way!

Over and Out.
Peace
Signed: S

Creature Comforts to...Well...Just Creatures!

So, here I sit staring at the blank page before me...gosh has it been more than a month since my last post? Oh ya, I was on vacation. Welcome back Sally! I remember packing up to leave last month and feeling a tad anxious about how we would transition back into the States. "Would the boys want to return to Costa Rica for a second year?", "Who and what would the boys remember about Chicago?", what about Mike and me? Well, as we landed in Chicago, the wheels barely touched down at O'Hare and it felt like we never left. How could Monteverde feel so much like a dream, so removed as I looked around the plane while people bustled around to open the overhead bins, turned on their cell phones and jockeyed for position within the center aisle? Life goes on.

While sipping on wine and chuckling over something funny I'm sure with my sister, we started talking about what I have missed about living in the States, undoubtedly, hot showers rank right up there, here are some others that come to mind.

WHAT WAS HARD WHILE IN THE STATES...?
Running in 90 plus weather
Keeping dibs on the "On Demand" button on Auntie Beth's TV remote control
Spending so much time and energy getting anywhere (car seats, traffic, road construction)
Missing the temperatures in Monteverde and the ability to walk anywhere
Missing the ability to send the kids outside with a 'Go climb trees....please' command
Making selections at the grocery store
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Explaining to friends and family that you really can get use to the bugs and insects

WHAT WAS EASY?
Running on the 'flat lands' of Chicago
Relaxing in a steamy shower with all the shampoos, body lotions, conditioners, foot/calous removers, etc. to choose from
Crawling into a dry bed; with the smell of fresh bounce fabric softener
Waking up in the morning and not having to sweep up mounds of dead land-shrimp from the floor
Having laundry dry in 30 minutes
Tossing your dirty dishes into a dishwasher
Flipping a switch for your morning cup of java (coffee sock, is that something you wear?)
Seeing the clouds/storms roll in - absence of trees/forest
Spending hours in Mom and Dad's, Aunt Jeanine's pool
Riding cousin's bikes on the sidewalk instead of grass and rocks
Riding bikes without a seat that was taped on and no pedals
Travelling 2000 miles in the car to visit relatives in NC and NY without a portable DVD player

So much fun, great times spent with both my family and Mike's family. Two days before we flew back to Costa Rica, my anxiety level went through the roof – I did not want to return for some reason, perhaps I had gotten use to the creature comforts and spoiled myself a little too much...(knew I should have forgone that pedicure)! I’m sure missing family and friends also contributed to my racing heart beat and sweaty palms….so I tried to press on as we packed up for our second year here in Monteverde. Part of me, I’m sure, was nervous as to how the boys would react to leaving Chicago; however they were ready to return and did not cry out ‘to stay’ longer, so no additional pulling on my heart strings.

We arrived home almost a week ago and were greeted at the airport by Kattya and her husband who drove us up the mountain. So green and lush, definitely the rainy season was upon us – this was confirmed when we arrived at the little brown house, opened the door and were overcome with the musty smells of mildew and mold. Mike actually boiled a concoction of spices on the stove that night in an attempt to mask the must and mold....NICE! Needless to say, I have had my head down cleaning for four days….everything is moldy, we’ve had to throw out puzzles, shoes, books due to the rains and mold. I actually broke down and splurged for a bottle of Lysol as well. We are slowly making headway and had a rain-free/sun filled day yesterday which we took full advantage. A couple of days ago we stole away to one of our favorite hiking spots, the Waterfall off the main road and could not reach it due to trail damage complements of the rain. Mudslides and bridges out on the trail left us with having to improvise and that we did. The boys had great fun mucking around in the river bed and making channels/tributaries with sticks and oh how Mike was back in his element. We had so much rain two days ago that the water started to rush in the kitchen and back bedroom doors. We quickly grabbed brooms and started to sweep like crazy. We propped up a board against the roof to deflect the rain in hopes of helping our 'rescue effort'. All is well with this crew!

The ant hills in the pasture seem to have doubled in size and have encroached onto the yard. We are delighting in the new fence gate which will corral the horses in the pasture but are not so elated with the tiny ants we have all over the kitchen and the main bathroom sink. I think there is a colony in the ceiling (at least that is what Mike thinks as he was perched upon the counter top with flashlight held high this morning). The big black spiders are showing themselves in the house and Mike had to tell me to put the flashlight up as I stood on the bed about 10 PM last night shining the light into the high corner ceiling egging him onto climb up on the dresser with the critter cup in hand, 'you really can reach it' Okay already!

We were welcomed back by a call from our friend, Sue Trossle and have seen plenty of familiar faces already. Not much has changed here on the Green Mountain, perhaps that is its draw. The pulperia at the bottom of the hill is still in business so I’m happy that I can still pick up my box wine and bananas (and more) easily. The vacant space adjacent has been rented by a Gringo couple who has opened up a school for toddlers through Prepa (before 1st grade) - Bellbird School. I hear some other teachers from La Creativa School in Cerro Plano have migrated over so I will check it out as they might offer afternoon activities for the boys. I think it is Montessori based and will offer another educational option to families who are on the MFS /La Creativa waiting list. Both Mike and I are interested to follow their journey.

Now that I am here and have a few nights of sleep under me, it does feel like home – the kids are happy and outdoors, pooped and in bed no later than 8 p.m. (a far cry from the almost midnight bedtime hours they kept in Chicago).

There is so much to be thankful for and we are blessed to have spent 5 weeks visiting with you all. Thanks to Beth and Josh for hosting us as well as Aunt Julie and Uncle Craig, thanks to sister in laws who travelled far to visit and for those just around the corner for sharing their pool for a quick dip. We especially enjoyed the time at the farm in NY state and are happy that the boys have gotten a taste of the farm.

We miss everyone and hope that you will stay with us this year through our writings so we can stay connected. And please come to visit!

School starts in three weeks, I'll be ramping up the new building project and life will once again become routine...really?

Pics to follow

Peace
Signed: S

Chicago...Here we Come

It is late and we are still packing up so we can head down the mountain at 6 a.m. tomorrow with Kattya. We'll spend the night in Alajeula near the airport and then fly on Thursday around 7 a.m.

I finished my last commitment with the new Building project this afternoon so I can head north with a clear-head (well, as clear as one's head can be right now).

We have house sitters moving in for a month tomorrow, so we've cleaned this house top to bottom (almost hate to leave).

Well, this is short and sweet - as I type this, I ask myself why do I have butterflies in my stomach and why am I so anxious to head back to the States??? Stay-tuned, I'll let you know when I land.

Wish my IT band would feel better...injured my upper thigh running about 10 days ago and have not ran since. Beth and I will do a 5K on Sunday in the Daisy Dash (Clarendon Hills DAisy Days Festival)....wish me luck, can't say that I'll miss the hills here.

Peace Out,
S

Enough About Weather Already!

So, all you readers out there...are you screaming for something...anything, but weather? So, you may have guessed it (due to my absence here) that I have accepted the Project Management position at the Monteverde Friends School to head up the new building project. It is keeping me extremely busy so Mike has been 'manning' the posting-helm here on our blog. We have had quite a couple of weeks with constant rain and several earthquakes, so we are thankful for his enthusiasm and interest as he writes so passionately about....well, weather!

Tomorrow brings the last day of school for MFS and Mike is ready (like most of the teachers, I imagine) to call it a year and start summer vacation. He closes his year on a good note and will bring all his new learnings forward into next year. Today was an all-day cleaning day at the school and boy did I see lots of busy hands, kids on ladders, spray bottles in hand! Tomorrow the day closes with an assembly which the boys and I will attend. Michael and John's last day of Pre-Kinder was Friday so they are enjoying their 'freedom'...more time for climbing trees and hiking. We had a playmate of theirs (Salimito, Kattya's son) over; they had great fun. Kattya thanked us with loads of bananas from their farm. We passed on several pieces of clothing to little Salimito as well..he thanked us with about 1/2 dozen quail eggs, also from their farm, which the boys boiled for breakfast this past weekend. YUM!

We are planning a campfire at the house on Thursday to bid our friends who will be returning state-side safe travels and to have sort of a 'last hurrah'. We hope the weather will hold and that we can pull it off...plenty of marshmallows and campfire bread on a stick for everyone.

Two weekends ago we participated in a pot-luck lunch with John and Michael's Kinder teachers and class. Parents of one of the kinder kids live across from the school and hosted the event - they have a lovely, expansive place with a great back-yard which was the perfect setting for a pick-up soccer game, chatting, hula-hooping, etc. Mike got some great soccer tips from some of the dads and older boys and by the end of the day, looked like he was getting the hang of it. Marisela and Paco are lovely people and gracious hosts.

Veronica hosted a great celebration - she had everyone over who helped with the Pet Festival, over for a yummy lunch the other Sunday. It was a great time, tons of kids, great food and a beautiful painting that Elizabeth presented as a 'thank you' to Veronica (our fearless leader). Elizabeth is quite a talented artist and just 'whipped' this painting up in no time...you are one talented lady!

We've also had several dinners (of the 'catch as catch can' nature) with Rachel and Maria (they'll be returning to the Phili area this Saturday). Maria is 10? - the boys LOVE her so she will be dearly missed. Here they are all dressed up in their finest masks...Spiderman and Batman.

Most days are spent sharing at least a little time with O'deila (Adrienne and John's little girl). Here they are dancing away in the kitchen.


I broke down and got on antibiotics this past Saturday as 7 weeks is too long to be fighting a sinus infection. Although the garlic helped, whatever I had was still hanging around. 4 days down....3 more to go. Lots of trouble with my allergies this week - toughest time I can remember since I was a young kid. You know when your eyes are so itchy, you can't get your fingers deep enough in to itch...yep, that kind of itch.

We enjoyed a nice Saturday evening with Moira and Ward (family from the states who 7 years ago only intended to visit for a semester...and now have just completed construction on their new home). -They invited several families over to share dinner and to see their new house. Moira and Ward are great people and are so busy volunteering their time at the school. They have a lovely piece of property on the Stuckey farm and have built a warm and inviting home. The boys had a great time running around with the other kids and mom and dad enjoyed some adult time.

The new building project has me busy, busy, busy, worked all day Sunday as Mike took the kids and did not knock off until midnight...trying to assemble the team, draft project documentation before I head state-side on the 17th as I will not be working while back in Chicago. The project will be exciting and will give me an opportunity to connect further with those in the community.

We'll be starting to pack up next week and do some cleaning up at the house before we leave. The assistant director and her family will be living here for a couple of weeks while we're gone as they need to vacate their house for some time this summer...a good solution but suppose I should rid the house of the silk curtains that have 'grown' over several months. By that I mean, thanks to our friends, the spiders...put it this way, I'll need a tall broom.

Finally, last night as I worked on the computer and Mike lay reading in bed, we felt another earthquake, this one made me nauseous - we looked at each other as the straps on our backpack began to sway back and forth from the hook on the wall. 6.1 off the coast of Puntarenas - never dull...this life here in Monteverde!

Can't wait to see friends and family - here we come.

Oh, don't let me forget to give a mention to the little wren that we freed from the boys room -quick hands those boys!
Peace,
Sally