Rainbows and Dog Hair

As I was going through my morning routine of coffee, writing and reading on the porch, I looked out and saw a beautiful rainbow.  What a way to start the day.

The bulk of the rest of the day was spent in flying dog hair, as Frances and I bathed 7 of the 10 dogs, including paw-icures.  These long-haired dogs take up to an hour to blow-dry, not for vanity but to get all the dead hair out.  It's not so much getting rid of the hair, but transferring it from them to me.

They look so funny all wet!

Returning to full-size

In addition to this, it was the simple things like fresh pineapple with breakfast, and a fresh avocado with bleu cheese dressing for lunch.  I could get used to that.

Another rainy day...

I heard from two people today in town that they only remember one rainy December in their lifetimes.  they can now make it two.  I'm not complaining at all.  It was a good day to get a massage, and spend the afternoon quietly reading and writing.

Here are some photos of the Alto del Monte neighborhood (Atenas photos either tomorrow or the next day).  This is a mountain ridge area 5 miles up from the town of Atenas.  The hillsides have lots of coffee.  Other than Bruce and France's place, and one other, it's a "Tico" neighborhood (meaning Costa Ricans, as opposed to Gringos, which are people from the US, Europe or Australia.  It's a quiet and friendly neighborhood.

Coffee bean weighing station

Clouds moving in, again

Beautiful clouds

Lighthouse above the clouds

Nica houses: where the Nicaraguan coffee-pickers live in season

Hens on a Tico porch

Looking down road toward Lighthouse

Entrance to Lighthouse

December Rains

December in CR is not supposed to be the rain season but, so far, it's rained at least a part of every day since I got here.  It hasn't interfered with things and, of course, complaining about the rain while on vacation in a place like this should fall on deaf ears.  This first week is all about doing nothing anyway.  Today was a trip into town, a workout at the gym, casados for lunch (it's a CR staple lunch of rice, beans, salad, sometimes a plantain, and either chicken, fish or beef - all for about $4 including some kind of fruit drink), reading in the park, a beer at the sports bar, then back to the Lighthouse for a nap.  One of the many things I love about staying with Frances, Bruce and the dogs is the invitation to feel at home which includes a favorite pastime - cooking.

Some photos from today:

Andre on duty

Clouds moving 

More clouds.  Lighthouse is the red roof on the point

Morning flower

Morning flower

Welcoming Committee.  

Arriving in Atenas

Newt

Flights from DC to Miami and Miami to San Jose were uneventful and hassle-free.  Saw a familiar face at the airport on his way to Iowa with his impeccable and richly-adorned wife.  The second leg I was fortunate to get an exit-row seat with plenty of leg room - that's always a nice perk.  As I was waiting for luggage (and waiting and waiting) I started to get nervous that perhaps my bag was being held because of all the dog meds/supplements for Frances and catheters for Walter's mom, but the bag finally emerged and I was able to get through customs without even being stopped.  Then it was off to Atenas with Frances, stopping for dinner on the way.

Arriving at the Lighthouse, we were greeted by the usual chorus of barking.  It's a bit different this trip: only 10 dogs, all small except gentle, quiet Laika whose top priority is a belly rub.

Here's a few photos of the first evening/morning:

Christmas Photo Shoot: getting each dog to sit pretty for the camera.

Laika would rather lie down

 

 

Morning Sunrise 12/11/11