and More Sod!

So, I've never been to a barn raising, but I imagine it would feel something like today! I was unable to accompany the boys to MFS yesterday but made sure I would 'get in on the action' today, and that I did!

Mike was up and out of the house by 6:15 a.m. to meet the sod truck and some other truly dedicated parents and community members. The boys and I followed about 8 a.m. As we neared La Colina Lodge, we were greeted by a huge sod truck and several parents hoisting and transferring the sod off this huge flatbed into individual 4X4's offered up by parents and others. Wow, what an effort just to get the sod up onto the school property. Whew...I'm tired just thinking about it!

Michael and John fetched shovels and rakes from the storage room and helped Mike with drainage. Good little helpers..sigh...they are growing up :)


Michael surely is the QC guy in this pic, critiquing with a watchful eye as John works with the water ('don't even think about it bro!)

The day was perfect, a mix of sun and clouds - thinking to myself how great it would be to have the rain hold off until the last square of sod was neatly tucked into place. Oh, "square" does not really paint an accurate picture - we were lucky to get an actual square of grass - certainly not like the sod you receive at the local nursery back in the states...more like a complicated puzzle; twisting and turning the sod to fill wholes and bare spots left complements of oddly shaped grass. As I write this, it is 8:30 tonight and still no rain, not even a hint of a thunder boomer off in the distance. So, prayers for rain would be great appreciated at this point.

I marveled in the demographics of the event - people from all over pitching in; youngsters no older than 3 up to men and women in their 60's and 70's! Sharing time and company with others, no matter your age, race, religion or political preference. I had great conversation with several folks; a community member who has been here for 20 years, a fellow parent who shared his running stories with me, a long-time Quaker family member and my best friend! All having a very unique story about how they came to call this place home, yet so united in their love and commitment to the school.

We worked until the sod ran out...indeed it did with about 3/4 of the job complete. So, now we wait for the next delivery to complete the job.

Students putting the finishing touches on the day's work.




How it all started!






Let us remember and be truly thankful for the life of Andy Walker as we celebrate her life and passions as we work hand-in-hand, side by side long after the last root finds its new home!

I will fall asleep tonight tired, a little sunburned and greatly satisfied...how about you?

Peace,

Signed:S

Christmas In Monteverde

A long time resident of Monteverde once told me that Christmas here is special and there are plenty of holiday activities. For many reasons it has been a very different Christmas season this year – the lack of snow, television commercials and especially gathering with the larger family. We have enjoyed a variety of music, gift giving, santa, plenty of creatures stirring, the manger scene and a beautiful tiny Christmas tree.

Stage events included saturday’s Christmas program at the meeting house, tuesday night’s family violin concert at the Monteverde Institute and last night’s performance by Seattle rock band Massy Ferguson at Bromilias. The boys appreciate the live performances and learning about the instruments and musicians.

Food events included cookie sharing feast after Saturdays program, a pig roast and BBQ Wednesday night, a pot luck at our house Christmas eve, and a community pot luck at the meeting house on Christmas day. Gatherings are attended by all ages, Ticos and gringos, long time residents and new comers, and families and individuals.

At the BBQ, Michael and I roasted hotdogs, steak and marshmallows while sipping on hot chocolate shared by Mary N. Our potluck Christmas eve expanded from a few people to about twenty five people. People brought a variety of dishes, the children played on the tree swings and hide and go seek in the dark while the adults shared conversation by candlelight on our patio. The highlight of the evening occurred when about forty carolers marched up the pasture to our house and sang a few songs. The crowd certainly brought glad tidings and cheer to all. We invited the group inside for food and hellos and smiles filled up the place. The group then continued on their eight hour journey from farm through forest to field. The boys concluded the evening by decorating a tree (branch) that Elizabeth, Johnny and Andy gave us and setting out cookies and a carrot for santa and his crew.

Christmas morning arrived and the boys were as excited as ever to find gifts under the tree. Unwrapping pads of construction paper, colored pencils, glue stick, legos and stuffed animals made their day. We ventured on to the Christmas feast and all ages grab bag gift exchange. The criteria for the gift – must be hand made. Talents abound in Monteverde and crafting with hands is a skill that many have. Gifts passed out by a Ms Santa and her helper, Wolf, included paintings, wood carvings, ceramics, stained glass, knitted vests, pillows, music, stilts, book shelves, treasure boxes, and a wooden wheelbarrow. Our boys passed on tie died shirts and in exchange received knight masks made from cereal boxes and paper.

The weather has been absolutely cooperative – 70s and clear and we are all now enjoying a little quiet time. Signed M.