A New Life In Costa Rica

Dusted

 

Callista's hands after practicing catch and release with a butterfly. Bill and I use pasta strainers. With so many butterflies around it's not uncommon to have them inside the house. And NO, contrary to what some may think I don't leave the doors open on intentionally & coax them in. We capture them with kindness and re-release them in the yard. Last night we chased a beautiful one around the house at 8:30pm. Always something crazy happening with nature around here. As much as I think I've adapted to nature I still don't want something fluttering over my head in the dark.

Adios, see ya!

 

HA! I should've posted about him sooner. As soon as I published the last photo of him, he left. Maybe he had something to hide? Good riddens and oh yeah, DON'T come back again next year.

Butterflies abound

 

Seems we have an extraordinary number of butterflies around this year.

 

Maybe I'm just paying more attention? 

Life happens

 

And then you die. Death is a part of living...

A neighbor died recently. The 95 year old matriarch of the families that surround our home.  An incredible woman. We didn't know her well but we know her children, grand children and some of the many great grand children. They are a testament to the woman, the way she raised them, the values she instilled in them. I'm in awe.

Bill has been watching the news with all the coverage of the deaths of a music icon and television people. It's not news to me. I couldn't care less.

The death of our neighbor, someone we've known for only a couple of years has forever changed my life. I will never be the same. If I die tomorrow, I will die an incredibly happy person for having lived in this community. I feel blessed and honored to be able to raise my daughter among these people.

To the Ticos who read my blog... THANK-YOU! My words could never express the gratitude I feel for the love openly shared in this culture.

 

Prince, I doubt it

 

He's just a big, ugly, dangerous toad. Doesn't look harmful, does he? He may or may not be one of the cane toads known for excreting toxins that can be fatal to dogs who try to bite them. I've no desire to get into frog or toad identification. Around here we teach our dogs to avoid ALL frogs and toads. It's easier. Actually, we teach them not to eat anything in and around the yard. They can investigate all they want but no tasting. I am fascinated with all I see around here. They can't help but be fascinated as well.